MassVoter.com← Medford City CouncilMedford City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
September 21, 2021
41 recorded votes, 35 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Note on these minutes: The roll call marks George A. Scarpelli absent.
Present: Zac Bears, John C. Falco, Adam Knight, Michael J. Marks, Nicole Morell, Richard F. Caraviello
Absent: George A. Scarpelli
Every vote, in order
Records
Suspend the rules
At 7:04 p.m., Vice President Knight moved to suspend the rules (Councillor Falco second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“At 7:04 p.m., Vice President Knight moved to suspend the rules (Councillor Falco second)-approved..” (Motion: Knight, second: Falco)
Hearings
Grant the petition for a special permit — Paper 21-460: Hearing on a petition from Greater Boston Donuts
Vice President Knight moved to grant the petition for a special permit (Councillor Bears second)-granted on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved to grant the petition for a special permit (Councillor Bears second)-granted on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Knight, second: Bears)
Grant the license — Paper 21-461: petition from Mark Cefalo of 435 Riverside Ave
Councillor Falco moved to grant the license (Councillor Bears second)-granted on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
From the minutes
“Councillor Falco moved to grant the license (Councillor Bears second)-granted on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Falco, second: Bears)
Petitions, Presentations and Similar Papers
Approval — Paper 21-544: Petition by Michael Maurello for Clear Channel Outdoor, 89 Maple Street Stoneham, MA 02180 to replace the existing digital billboard faces at 162 Mystic Avenue
Vice President Knight moved for approval (Councillor Bears second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved for approval (Councillor Bears second)-approved..” (Motion: Knight, second: Bears)
Table the petition for one week — Paper 21-545: Petition for Common Victualler License by Serina Nazzaro, 14 Putney Circle Billerica, MA 01821 for Assetta Enterprises, Inc
Vice President Knight moved to table the petition for one week (Councillor Bears second)-tabled for one week.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved to table the petition for one week (Councillor Bears second)-tabled for one week..” (Motion: Knight, second: Bears)
Communications from the Mayor
Grant the permit — Paper 21-546: Food Truck Permitting
Vice President Knight moved to grant the permit (Councillor Falco second)-granted.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved to grant the permit (Councillor Falco second)-granted..” (Motion: Knight, second: Falco)
Refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole — Paper 21-547: Budget Amendment
Vice President Knight moved to refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole (Councillor Marks second)-referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved to refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole (Councillor Marks second)-referred to the Committee of the Whole..” (Motion: Knight, second: Marks)
Table — Paper 21-548: Personnel Ordinance
Vice President Knight moved to table (Councillor Bears second)-tabled.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved to table (Councillor Bears second)-tabled..” (Motion: Knight, second: Bears)
Approval — Paper 21-549: Community Preservation Committee Request for Housing Reserve Appropriation
Vice President Knight moved for approval (Councillor Marks second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved for approval (Councillor Marks second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Knight, second: Marks)
Approval — Paper 21-525: Resolution: the City Council advance discussions on resolution 20-078, the proposed polystyrene ban first brought before the Council in February 2020
Councillor Morell moved for approval (Councillor Falco second-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Morell moved for approval (Councillor Falco second-approved..” (Motion: Morell, second: Falco)
Public Participation
Councillor Marks offered an amendment requesting an update on what's going on with the original allegations, further requested that Mr. Durham be reinstated, and further called for a special...
Councillor Marks offered an amendment requesting an update on what's going on with the original allegations, further requested that Mr. Durham be reinstated, and further called for a special meeting of the City Council for the purpose of reviewing staffing in the Office of Veterans' Services, with the City Solicitor, a representative of the Administration, and Ms. Darlene White from the Office of Veterans' Services invited to attend. (Councillor second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
From the minutes
“Councillor Marks offered an amendment requesting an update on what's going on with the original allegations, further requested that Mr. Durham be reinstated, and further called for a special meeting of the City Council for the purpose of reviewing staffing in the Office of Veterans' Services, with the City Solicitor, a representative of the Administration, and Ms. Darlene White from the Office of Veterans' Services invited to attend. (Councillor second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Marks)
Approve the paper for first reading — Paper 21-548: Personnel Ordinance
Councillor Bears moved to approve the paper for first reading (Councillor Morell second)-approved for first reading on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
From the minutes
“Councillor Bears moved to approve the paper for first reading (Councillor Morell second)-approved for first reading on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Bears, second: Morell)
Motions, Orders and Resolutions
Approval, and further moved to refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole for an on-site meeting — Paper 21-543: Resolution: the Traffic Engineer recommend safety improvements to the...
Councillor Falco moved for approval, and further moved to refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole for an on-site meeting (Councillor Morell second)-approved and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Falco moved for approval, and further moved to refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole for an on-site meeting (Councillor Morell second)-approved and referred to the Committee of the Whole..” (Motion: Falco, second: Morell)
Approval — Paper 21-497: Resolution: the Medford City Council congratulate Jeanie and Len Glionna on the momentous celebration of their of 50th Wedding Anniversary
Vice President Knight moved for approval (Councillor Morell second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved for approval (Councillor Morell second)-approved..” (Motion: Knight, second: Morell)
Approval — Paper 21-500: Resolution: the Medford City Council extend a happy 85th birthday to Jack McDevitt
Vice President Knight moved for approval (Councillor Falco second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved for approval (Councillor Falco second)-approved..” (Motion: Knight, second: Falco)
Approval on the papers — Paper 21-524: Resolution: the Medford City Council extend its deep and sincere condolences to the family of John "Jackie" Moulton Jr on his recent passing
Vice President Knight moved for approval on the papers (Councillor Falco second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved for approval on the papers (Councillor Falco second)-approved..” (Motion: Knight, second: Falco)
Approval as amended — Paper 21-502: Resolution: an installation of a blinking stop light be implemented at the intersection of Central Avenue and Park Street
Vice President Knight moved for approval as amended (Councillor Falco second)-approved as amended.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved for approval as amended (Councillor Falco second)-approved as amended..” (Motion: Knight, second: Falco)
Approval and further requested a Council commendation — Paper 21-516: Resolution: the Medford City Council commend and congratulate Amici's Pizza on their 30th anniversary of business in Medford
Vice President Knight moved for approval and further requested a Council commendation (Councillor Marks second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved for approval and further requested a Council commendation (Councillor Marks second)-approved..” (Motion: Knight, second: Marks)
Approval from the Podium, and further requested a Council Commendation — Paper 21-517: Resolution: the Medford City Council commend and congratulate Captain John Conway and Lt
President Caraviello moved for approval from the Podium, and further requested a Council Commendation (Councillor Marks second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“President Caraviello moved for approval from the Podium, and further requested a Council Commendation (Councillor Marks second)-approved..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Marks)
Approval from the Podium — Paper 21-520: Resolution: the Medford City Council have the Recreation and Park Department have the company that built the Bocce Courts at 121 Riverside Ave
President Caraviello moved for approval from the Podium (Councillor Falco second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“President Caraviello moved for approval from the Podium (Councillor Falco second)-approved..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Falco)
Approval — Paper 21-537: Resolution: the MBTA and State Representative Sean Garballey provide an update to the Medford City Council as to when the West Medford Commuter Rail station be upgraded...
Councillor Morell moved for approval (Councillor Falco second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Morell moved for approval (Councillor Falco second)-approved..” (Motion: Morell, second: Falco)
Approval — Paper 21-523: Resolution: the Medford City Council wish John and Linda Pittorino a very happy 50th wedding anniversary
Vice President Knight moved for approval (Councillor Marks second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved for approval (Councillor Marks second)-approved..” (Motion: Knight, second: Marks)
Approval as amended — Paper 21-526: Resolution: the City Council request that DCR move forward with much needed safety improvements, including crosswalks and improved signage, on Mystic Valley...
Councillor Morell moved for approval as amended (Vice President Knight second)-approved as amended.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Morell moved for approval as amended (Vice President Knight second)-approved as amended..” (Motion: Morell, second: Knight)
Approval as amended — Paper 21-530: Resolution: we request that the City Administration urgently prioritize the placement of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) for pedestrian safety at the...
Councillor Bears moved for approval as amended (Councillor Falco second)-approved as amended.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Bears moved for approval as amended (Councillor Falco second)-approved as amended..” (Motion: Bears, second: Falco)
A brief recess — Paper 21-530: Resolution: we request that the City Administration urgently prioritize the placement of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) for pedestrian safety at the...
At 9:54 p.m., Councillor Marks moved for a brief recess (Councillor Bears second)-passed.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“At 9:54 p.m., Councillor Marks moved for a brief recess (Councillor Bears second)-passed..” (Motion: Marks, second: Bears)
Approval as amended — Paper 21-531: Resolution: the Transportation Director work with MassDOT to address serious issues with speeding on Highland Avenue in the interest of resident safety
Councillor Bears moved for approval as amended (Vice President Knight second)-approved as amended.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Bears moved for approval as amended (Vice President Knight second)-approved as amended..” (Motion: Bears, second: Knight)
Approval — Paper 21-532: Resolution: the City Administration report back to the Council on the city's advocacy efforts to ensure that the Silver Line Extension proposed for North of Boston...
Councillor Bears moved for approval (Councillor Falco second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Bears moved for approval (Councillor Falco second)-approved..” (Motion: Bears, second: Falco)
Approval — Paper 21-533: Resolution: the City Administration send out a message requesting input from residents on the citywide Comprehensive Plan process through water and sewer, excise tax,...
Councillor Bears moved for approval (Councillor Falco second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Bears moved for approval (Councillor Falco second)-approved..” (Motion: Bears, second: Falco)
Approval — Paper 21-536: Resolution: the City Solicitor report back to the Council as to the number of claims that have been made against the City of Medford or any of its employees in any court...
Councillor Falco moved for approval (Councillor Marks second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Falco moved for approval (Councillor Marks second)-approved..” (Motion: Falco, second: Marks)
Approval as amended — Paper 21-538: Resolution: the MBTA provide an update with regard to the 325, 326, and 710 bus routes
Councillor Falco moved for approval as amended (Councillor Bears second)-approved as amended.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Falco moved for approval as amended (Councillor Bears second)-approved as amended..” (Motion: Falco, second: Bears)
Approval as amended — Paper 21-539: Resolution: the Medford Police Department increase patrols at Riverside Plaza on Riverside Ave in the interest of public safety
Councillor Falco moved for approval as amended (Vice President Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
From the minutes
“Councillor Falco moved for approval as amended (Vice President Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Falco, second: Knight)
Approval — Paper 21-540: Resolution: Republic Parking provide the Medford City Council with monthly revenue metrics from January - August 2021
Councillor Falco moved for approval (Councillor Marks second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Falco moved for approval (Councillor Marks second)-approved..” (Motion: Falco, second: Marks)
Approval as amended — Paper 21-541: Resolution: the City Engineer investigate the flooding issues in front of 1 Usher Road and report the findings to the Medford City Council
Councillor Falco moved for approval as amended (Councillor Bears second)-approved as amended.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Falco moved for approval as amended (Councillor Bears second)-approved as amended..” (Motion: Falco, second: Bears)
Approval, and further moved that the issues at this address be included during the same Committee of the Whole meeting that will be called to address Paper 21-541 — Paper 21-542: Resolution: the...
Councillor Falco moved for approval, and further moved that the issues at this address be included during the same Committee of the Whole meeting that will be called to address Paper 21-541 (Vice President Knight second)-approved and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Falco moved for approval, and further moved that the issues at this address be included during the same Committee of the Whole meeting that will be called to address Paper 21-541 (Vice President Knight second)-approved and referred to the Committee of the Whole..” (Motion: Falco, second: Knight)
Take papers under suspension and in the hands of the Clerk
At 10:50 p.m., while under suspension, Councillor Falco moved to take papers under suspension and in the hands of the Clerk (Councillor Morell second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“At 10:50 p.m., while under suspension, Councillor Falco moved to take papers under suspension and in the hands of the Clerk (Councillor Morell second)-approved..” (Motion: Falco, second: Morell)
Approval and further requested Council commendations — Paper 21-550: Resolution: Medford Police Officer Guy Leone & Sergeant David Bono be recognized on their 36 years of dedicated service to the...
Councillor Marks moved for approval and further requested Council commendations (Vice President Knight second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Marks moved for approval and further requested Council commendations (Vice President Knight second)-approved..” (Motion: Marks, second: Knight)
Reports of Committees
Approval — Paper 21-450: August 17, 2021 Committee of the Whole Report. 21-450
Councillor Marks moved for approval (Councillor Bears second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Marks moved for approval (Councillor Bears second)-approved..” (Motion: Marks, second: Bears)
Records
Approval — Records of the meeting of July 13, 2021
Vice President Knight moved for approval (Councillor Bears second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved for approval (Councillor Bears second)-approved..” (Motion: Knight, second: Bears)
Table until the next meeting — Records of the meeting of July 13, 2021
Councillor Marks moved to table until the next meeting (Councillor Bears second)-tabled until the next meeting.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Marks moved to table until the next meeting (Councillor Bears second)-tabled until the next meeting..” (Motion: Marks, second: Bears)
Approval — Records of the meeting of August 17, 2021
Councillor Morell moved for approval (Councillor Bears second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Morell moved for approval (Councillor Bears second)-approved..” (Motion: Morell, second: Bears)
Adjournment
Adjourn at 10:56 p.m
Vice President Knight moved to adjourn at 10:56 p.m. (Councillor Bears second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Knight moved to adjourn at 10:56 p.m. (Councillor Bears second)-approved..” (Motion: Knight, second: Bears)
From the Medford City Council’s official records (its minutes), posted in the city’s Municode document library (Council Records) and on its CivicClerk meeting portal. We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Councilor photos: City of Medford (medfordma.org), cropped from the captioned 2026 City Council photo on the official City Council page (Gotta Know Media). Justin Tseng: Harvard Law School. Former councilors show initials.
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