CAN Community Meeting with Glenn Steckman 05/28/26

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CAMBRIDGE ASSOCIATION OF NEIGHBORHOODS

 

PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES

 

May 28, 2026 6:00 PM

 

Board Members Present: Chuck McFadden, Sharon Smith, Judd Vickers, Mary Ellen Jesien, Sheila Jones, Chuck Fadely, Amy Craig, Alison Kennedy

Board Members Absent: Andre Duerinckx, Roman Jesien, Lashon Foster

Attendance: 32 people were in attendance. No press was at this meeting.

Introduction

The meeting began with introductions by everyone in the room.

Chuck McFadden, President of CAN, spoke about reviewing the city budget this year with City Finance Director, Perry Peregoy. He commented that it was the most sophisticated budget he had seen executed by the city over the last 20 years. The finance staff is composed of six people and they do a great job.

Presentation

Glenn Steckman started the conversation talking about the new budget for FY2027.

  • The city budget requires input from many finance commissioners.
  • Cambridge has a lot of needs.
  • Maintenance Fund (MF), that was established last year, has $550,000 in it.
    • The MF is for the city to handle things that breakdown unexpectedly. Also, to provide monies set aside for city salaries.
  • City has limited ability to float bonds as a means to pay for large city expenditures.
  • The city is still paying for the Public Safety Building that has affected other city projects.
  • There will be no property tax increase this year. There may be a decrease.
  • The city has hired a company to do a study on salaries for city staff.
    • Cambridge city staff members were being paid at a lower rate than surrounding municipalities.
  • The city has a sidewalk program that is budgeted for $700,000.
    • The city is responsible for 4 miles of sidewalks. The city does not want anyone to fall.

Projects

Trenton Street Pumping Station

  • Handles most of the city’s wastewater.
  • Can handle 6 million gallons of wastewater. Right now it handles 1.5 – 2 million gallons on a regular basis.
  • Is 98 years old and past its useful life.
  • Trenton St Pump Station is being replaced
    • Breaking ground in mid June 2026
    • It will take 15 months to complete
    • Will handle 8 million gallons of wastewater

Interceptor

  • A grant application has been submitted to help offset costs for this $3.2M project estimate.

New City Positions

  • Economic Development Director
  • Will coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street
  • Property Registration and Inspections
    • Will hire 2 people
    • Salaries will be paid by the fees taken in for this program

City Budget Facts

  • The police department makes up 46% of the budget
  • Property tax makes up 49% of the budget
  • Revenue sources
    • Grants
    • Bank Sweep Accounts on interest
  • The city is working closely with the County to share resources
    • County buys gas wholesale to run vehicles – city looking to share that resource
  • $40,000 – $55,000 goes to non-profits
  • Runs internship program for youth – city partners with others
  • Skate Park is coming to Cannery Park
  • Dog Park at Cannery Park is open
  • City is going out to bid on a 5 year contract for trash pick-up (instead of a 3 year contract)
    • The local management of Chesapeake Waste is not reliable and there are many continuing complaints and high employee turnover.

 

The program ended with a Question and Answer session.