MassVoter.com← Medford City CouncilMedford City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
January 4, 2022
34 recorded votes, 7 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Zac Bears, Richard F. Caraviello, Kit Collins, Adam Knight, Nicole Morell, George A. Scarpelli, Justin Tseng
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Motions, Orders and Resolutions
Close nominations
Councillor Caraviello moved to close nominations (Councillor Bears second)-nominations closed on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Caraviello moved to close nominations (Councillor Bears second)-nominations closed on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Bears)
Elect Nicole Morell Council President for 2022
Following closure of nominations, Councillor Morell was elected President for 2022 on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Morell voting present/abstaining.
Yes: Bears, Caraviello, Collins, Knight, Scarpelli, TsengAbstained: MorellCouncillor Bears nominated Councillor Morell (Councillor Tseng second); she voted present.
From the minutes
“Following closure of nominations, Councillor Morell was elected President for 2022 on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Morell voting present/abstaining..” (Motion: Bears, second: Tseng)
Close nominations
Councillor Knight moved to close nominations (Councillor Scarpelli second)-nominations closed on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved to close nominations (Councillor Scarpelli second)-nominations closed on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Knight, second: Scarpelli)
Elect Zac Bears Council Vice President for 2022
Following closure of nominations, Councillor Bears was elected Vice President for 2022 on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Bears voting present/abstaining.
Yes: Caraviello, Collins, Knight, Morell, Scarpelli, TsengAbstained: BearsPresident Morell nominated Councillor Bears (Councillor Caraviello second); he voted present.
From the minutes
“Following closure of nominations, Councillor Bears was elected Vice President for 2022 on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Bears voting present/abstaining..” (Motion: Morell, second: Caraviello)
Approval — Paper 22-003: Resolution: the Standing Committee Rules be adopted as the Standing Rules of the City Council insofar as they are applicable
Vice President Bears moved for approval (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Vice President Bears moved for approval (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Bears, second: Scarpelli)
Approval — Paper 22-004: Resolution: the City Council transfer all Papers in Committees or on the Table from the 2021 Council to the 2022 Council
Vice President Bears moved for approval (Councillor Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Vice President Bears moved for approval (Councillor Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Bears, second: Collins)
Suspend the rules to take Papers 22-010, 22- 011, 22-012, and 22-013
At 7:13 p.m., Councillor Knight moved to suspend the rules to take Papers 22-010, 22- 011, 22-012, and 22-013 (Vice President Bears second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“At 7:13 p.m., Councillor Knight moved to suspend the rules to take Papers 22-010, 22- 011, 22-012, and 22-013 (Vice President Bears second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Knight, second: Bears)
Refer the paper to the Subcommittee on Rules — Paper 22-010: Resolution: the Rules of the Medford City Council be updated to strike the following: "MEETINGS Rule 2
Vice President Bears moved to refer the paper to the Subcommittee on Rules (President Morell second)-referred to the Subcommittee on Rules on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Vice President Bears moved to refer the paper to the Subcommittee on Rules (President Morell second)-referred to the Subcommittee on Rules on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Bears, second: Morell)
Refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion — Paper 22-011: Resolution: the Rules of the Medford City Council be updated to strike the following: "COMMITTEES Rule 34
Councillor Scarpelli moved to refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion (Councillor Knight second)-failed on a roll call vote of three in favor (Councillor Caraviello, Councillor Knight, Councillor Scarpelli) and four opposed (Vice President Bears, Councillor Collins, Councillor Tseng, President Morell).
Yes: Caraviello, Knight, ScarpelliNo: Bears, Collins, Morell, Tseng
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved to refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion (Councillor Knight second)-failed on a roll call vote of three in favor (Councillor Caraviello, Councillor Knight, Councillor Scarpelli) and four opposed (Vice President Bears, Councillor Collins, Councillor Tseng, President Morell)..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Knight)
Approval — Paper 22-011: Resolution: the Rules of the Medford City Council be updated to strike the following: "COMMITTEES Rule 34
Vice President Bears moved for approval (Councillor Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor and Councillor Scarpelli opposed.
Yes: Bears, Caraviello, Collins, Knight, Morell, TsengNo: Scarpelli
From the minutes
“Vice President Bears moved for approval (Councillor Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor and Councillor Scarpelli opposed..” (Motion: Bears, second: Collins)
Refer the paper to the Subcommittee on Rules — Paper 22-012: Resolution: the Rules of the Medford City Council be reviewed, updated, and modernized
Vice President Bears moved to refer the paper to the Subcommittee on Rules (Councillor Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Vice President Bears moved to refer the paper to the Subcommittee on Rules (Councillor Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Bears, second: Knight)
Refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole, for a meeting with the City Solicitor, the City Clerk, and the appropriate team members from the Office of the Registrars of Voters — Paper 22-013:...
Vice President Bears moved to refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole, for a meeting with the City Solicitor, the City Clerk, and the appropriate team members from the Office of the Registrars of Voters (Councillor Knight second)-referred to the Committee of the Whole on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Vice President Bears moved to refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole, for a meeting with the City Solicitor, the City Clerk, and the appropriate team members from the Office of the Registrars of Voters (Councillor Knight second)-referred to the Committee of the Whole on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Bears, second: Knight)
Refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole for a meeting with the City Solicitor, the Chief of Staff and Human Resources staff — Paper 22-014: Resolution: the City explore joining the state's...
President Morell moved to refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole for a meeting with the City Solicitor, the Chief of Staff and Human Resources staff (Councillor Knight second)-referred to the Committee of the Whole on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“President Morell moved to refer the paper to the Committee of the Whole for a meeting with the City Solicitor, the Chief of Staff and Human Resources staff (Councillor Knight second)-referred to the Committee of the Whole on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Morell, second: Knight)
Petitions, Presentations and Similar Papers
Grant the license — Paper 22-021: Petition for Common Victualler License by Michael LaChapelle, 18 Glenwood Ave Winchester, MA 01890 for GNP Pizza, 51 High Street, Medford, MA 02155
Councillor Caraviello moved to grant the license (Councillor Knight second)-license granted on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Caraviello moved to grant the license (Councillor Knight second)-license granted on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Knight)
Revert to the regular order of business
At 7:49 p.m., Councillor Knight moved to revert to the regular order of business (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“At 7:49 p.m., Councillor Knight moved to revert to the regular order of business (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Knight, second: Caraviello)
Refer the paper to the Subcommittee on Rules — Paper 22-005: Whereas, Medford City Hall closes on Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m., and on Friday afternoon at 12:30 p.m., and
Councillor Knight moved to refer the paper to the Subcommittee on Rules (President Morell second)-referred to the Subcommittee on Rules on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved to refer the paper to the Subcommittee on Rules (President Morell second)-referred to the Subcommittee on Rules on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Knight, second: Morell)
Approval — Paper 22-006: Resolution: the Medford City Council hold a moment of silence in memory of Governor's Councilor Michael J
Councillor Knight moved for approval (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved for approval (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Knight, second: Scarpelli)
Approval as amended — Paper 22-007: Resolution: the Medford City Council request the City Administration prepare and present a 5-year plan to address gas leaks in our community and report back to...
Councillor Knight moved for approval as amended (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved as amended on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved for approval as amended (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved as amended on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Knight, second: Scarpelli)
Approval, with a further request that this resolution be answered in writing — Paper 22-008: Resolution: the City Administration provide the Council with a listing of vacant positions funded in...
Councillor Knight moved for approval, with a further request that this resolution be answered in writing (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved for approval, with a further request that this resolution be answered in writing (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Knight, second: Scarpelli)
Approval as amended — Paper 22-009: Resolution: the School Administration identify and explore opportunities to connect classroom learning to career applications by offering h
Councillor Knight moved for approval as amended (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved as amended on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved for approval as amended (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved as amended on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Knight, second: Caraviello)
Approval — Paper 22-015: Resolution: the Medford City Council request that the Mayor provide the Council with an update as to the status of the three Cannabis Licenses that have yet to be awarded
Councillor Caraviello moved for approval (Councillor Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Caraviello moved for approval (Councillor Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Knight)
Approval — Paper 22-016: Resolution: the Administration share with the Council its plan to oppose the new 1,800 seat arena proposed by the Encore Casino
Councillor Caraviello moved for approval (Councillor Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Caraviello moved for approval (Councillor Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Collins)
Approval — Paper 22-017: Resolution: the Medford City Council send its deepest and sincere condolences to the family of former Mayor Stephanie Muccini Burke on the passing of her mother, Lena Muccini
Councillor Caraviello moved for approval (Councillor Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Caraviello moved for approval (Councillor Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Knight)
Approval — Paper 22-018: Resolution: the Medford City send its deepest and sincere condolences to the Sloane family on the passing of their mother, Barbara Sloane
Councillor Caraviello moved for approval (Councillor Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Caraviello moved for approval (Councillor Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Knight)
Approval — Paper 22-020: Resolution: the Medford City Council extend its deep and sincere condolences to the family of Eugene Markini on his recent passing
Councillor Knight moved for approval (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved for approval (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Knight, second: Scarpelli)
Approval — Paper 22-019: Resolution: the Medford City Council provide Covid home tests to the residents of Medford
Councillor Caraviello moved for approval (Councillor Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Caraviello moved for approval (Councillor Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Collins)
Communications from the Mayor
Approve the paper for first reading — Paper 22-023: Personnel Ordinance
President Morell moved to approve the paper for first reading (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved for first reading on a roll call vote of four in favor (Vice President Bears, Councillor Collins, Councillor Tseng, and President Morell) and three opposed (Councillor Caraviello, Councillor Knight, and Councillor Scarpelli).
Yes: Bears, Collins, Morell, TsengNo: Caraviello, Knight, Scarpelli
From the minutes
“President Morell moved to approve the paper for first reading (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved for first reading on a roll call vote of four in favor (Vice President Bears, Councillor Collins, Councillor Tseng, and President Morell) and three opposed (Councillor Caraviello, Councillor Knight, and Councillor Scarpelli)..” (Motion: Morell, second: Caraviello)
Take Paper 21-631, Amendments A, B, C, D, E, G & H from the table to consider those Amendments for Third Reading
At 10:01 p.m., President Morell moved to take Paper 21-631, Amendments A, B, C, D, E, G & H from the table to consider those Amendments for Third Reading (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“At 10:01 p.m., President Morell moved to take Paper 21-631, Amendments A, B, C, D, E, G & H from the table to consider those Amendments for Third Reading (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Morell, second: Caraviello)
Approve Amendments A, B, C, D, E, G & H for third reading to be ordained — Paper 21-631: Personnel Ordinance
Councillor Caraviello moved to approve Amendments A, B, C, D, E, G & H for third reading to be ordained (Councillor Tseng second)-approved for third reading to be ordained on a roll call vote of six in favor and Councillor Scarpelli opposed.
Yes: Bears, Caraviello, Collins, Knight, Morell, TsengNo: Scarpelli
From the minutes
“Councillor Caraviello moved to approve Amendments A, B, C, D, E, G & H for third reading to be ordained (Councillor Tseng second)-approved for third reading to be ordained on a roll call vote of six in favor and Councillor Scarpelli opposed..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Tseng)
Take Paper 21-631, Amendments F, I, J, and portions of Amendments L and M off the table
President Morell moved to take Paper 21-631, Amendments F, I, J, and portions of Amendments L and M off the table (Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“President Morell moved to take Paper 21-631, Amendments F, I, J, and portions of Amendments L and M off the table (Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Morell, second: Tseng)
Approve Amendments F, I, J, and portions of Amendments L and M for first reading — Paper 21-631: Personnel Ordinance
President Morell moved to approve Amendments F, I, J, and portions of Amendments L and M for first reading (Councillor Tseng second)-Amendments, F, I, J, and portions of Amendments L and M approved for first reading on a roll call vote of five in favor and Councillors Knight and Scarpelli opposed.
Yes: Bears, Caraviello, Collins, Morell, TsengNo: Knight, Scarpelli
From the minutes
“President Morell moved to approve Amendments F, I, J, and portions of Amendments L and M for first reading (Councillor Tseng second)-Amendments, F, I, J, and portions of Amendments L and M approved for first reading on a roll call vote of five in favor and Councillors Knight and Scarpelli opposed..” (Motion: Morell, second: Tseng)
Public Participation
Rule the petition out of order because the petitioner is not a resident of the community
Councillor Knight moved to rule the petition out of order because the petitioner is not a resident of the community (Councillor Caraviello second; Councillor Caraviello in seconding added that the petition is not germane to the City Council)-petition ruled out of order on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved to rule the petition out of order because the petitioner is not a resident of the community (Councillor Caraviello second; Councillor Caraviello in seconding added that the petition is not germane to the City Council)-petition ruled out of order on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Knight, second: Caraviello)
Records
Approval — Records of the meeting of December 21, 2021
Councillor Caraviello moved for approval (Councillor Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Caraviello moved for approval (Councillor Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Knight)
Adjournment
Adjourn at 10:17 p.m
Councillor Caraviello moved to adjourn at 10:17 p.m. (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Caraviello moved to adjourn at 10:17 p.m. (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Scarpelli)
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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