CAMBRIDGE — As summer draws to a close, a number of streets in Cambridge will also see closings for street celebrations. Summer Send-Off: Blues, Brews and Barbecue will take place on Sept. 12, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. At the council meeting, Brandon Hesson of Cambridge Main Street presented the proposal for street closures of Race and Poplar streets up to Muir Street and including a portion of Gay Street. Anticipating the crowds, commissioners also approved a noise variance.

The council also approved noise variances and street closings on Race and High Street for the following week, on Sept. 19, when the Dorchester German Partnership Committee will hold a Crabtoberfest from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. The funds raised by the group pays for exchange student programs.

The Veterans Appreciation Committee did not request street closings for their program at Sailwinds Sept. 5, but they certainly need a noise variance. As part of their tradition, they set off a cannon! Variance granted.

The council approved several ordinances which tighten up specifications for fences at pools and day care homes. Ordinance 1050 requires fencing four feet tall for all pools with the exception of above-ground pools that have a secure ladder. Ordinance 1051 requirements deal with home day care. Fencing must be four feet tall and not shared with a neighbor. The enclosed yard must provide 200 square feet per child. An additional ordinance (1052) corrects an oversight in zoning at 1052 Glasgow Street. The property regains the commercial zoning it lost in annexation, an error now righted.

In other matters, Chief Dan Dvorak asked for new job descriptions at the Police Department. He is making a change with a position called “First Sergeant” to improve flow and function at the Police Department. He also wants to institute a category of “cadet” which will allow new recruits to experience police work and test themselves before making a commitment to Police Academy training. The position will be salaried at a lower level. The council approved the changes. Also in Police matters, the Rev. Cesar Gonzalez has been named to the vacancy on the Police Advisory Board in Ward Three.

Commissioner Gage Thomas introduced the question of the medical marijuana industry possibly coming to Dorchester County. He suggested that Cambridge be prepared with zoning answers and respond by being active, not re-active. The council is referring exploration of the zoning questions to the Zoning and Planning Commission.