Unofficial Council Meeting Recap (Feb 22, 2021):

Provided by Commissioner Malkus – shared via FB

– The Mayor and Council gave a special citation to U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman in honor of her distinguished service to our nation. Pittman was born and raised on Pine Street and graduated CSD in 1991 with Commissioner Roche. Her words of thanks and her love for our City inspired all of the Council.

– We approved the consent calendar which included a letter of support for Avenues Recovery, appointed Commission President Cephas to the County Heritage Board, appointed Ms. Bronte Lake as an alternate to the HPC, and a letter of support for an honorary dedication of a section of Washington Street for the late Janelle Henry Buck.

– We approved Resolution 21-05 which authorizes a recruitment bonus to our police officers. If a member of the CPD finds a new recruit and that recruit successfully completes training, then that CPD officer will receive a $750 one time bonus. If they recruit an already trained officer from another jurisdiction, they receive a $1000 bonus. Recruitment and retention are a huge concern for our city police dept. and it is our hope that this may incentivize our officers to find excellent new recruits.

– We approved the purchase of a property on Washington Street by the city as part of our grant funded revitalization project. This property will be demolished and it will possibly be used as a pocket park/green space due to its proximity to other city owned properties and Cornish Park.

– We denied the purchase of 4 vacant lot properties on Pine Street as the pricing was not acceptable. We provided guidance to the City Planner on priorities for property purchase through this grant program and their subsequent redevelopment. This includes the purchase of blighted properties for demolition. Commission President Cephas, with the support of the entire council, asked the City attorney to explore the creation of a Land Banking System.

– We approved Resolution 21-06 establishing the last week of February as the “Cambridge Movement Remembrance Week”

– We approved a letter of support to Senator Eckardt regarding a bond bill, for Alpha Genesis’ efforts to improve the parking lot and area around the “Take My Hand” Harriet Tubman mural. If awarded, Alpha Genesis will work with the City and community partners on the design and all potential improvements.

All votes were unanimous.

Unified Council = Strong Town