MassVoter.com← Medford City CouncilMedford City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
May 9, 2023
29 recorded votes, 19 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, George A. Scarpelli, Justin Tseng, Nicole Morell
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Kit Collins left the meeting or the Chamber for part of the meeting.
Every vote, in order
Announcements, Accolades, Remembrances, Reports, and Records
Approval — Paper 23-288: Resolution: the Medford City Council hold a moment of silence in his honor; and Be it further Resolved that this evening's Medford City Council Meeting be dedicated to his...
Councillor Knight moved for approval (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved for approval (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Knight, second: Caraviello)
Records
Approval — Records of the meeting of April 25, 2023
Councillor Scarpelli moved for approval (Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved for approval (Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Tseng)
Reports of Committees
Join and approve the committee reports — Paper 22-605 & 23-086: Subcommittee on ordinances and rules meeting report wednesday, may
Vice President Bears moved to join and approve the committee reports (Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Knight briefly absent from the Chamber.
Yes: Bears, Caraviello, Collins, Morell, Scarpelli, TsengThe records list Adam Knight as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Vice President Bears moved to join and approve the committee reports (Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Knight briefly absent from the Chamber..” (Motion: Bears, second: Tseng)
Hearings
Approve the special permit, subject to a 90-day review, and further moved to waive the 6-day public comment period — Paper 23-092: Hearing on a petition from Bank of America
Councillor Scarpelli moved to approve the special permit, subject to a 90-day review, and further moved to waive the 6-day public comment period (Councillor Caraviello second)-special permit approved, subject to a 90-day review, and 6-day public comment period waived, on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Knight briefly absent from the Chamber.
Yes: Bears, Caraviello, Collins, Morell, Scarpelli, TsengThe records list Adam Knight as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved to approve the special permit, subject to a 90-day review, and further moved to waive the 6-day public comment period (Councillor Caraviello second)-special permit approved, subject to a 90-day review, and 6-day public comment period waived, on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Knight briefly absent from the Chamber..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Caraviello)
Suspend the rules to take Papers 23-303, 23-290, 23-291, and 21-301
At 7:18 p.m., Vice President Bears moved to suspend the rules to take Papers 23-303, 23-290, 23-291, and 21-301 (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Knight briefly absent from the Chamber.
Yes: Bears, Caraviello, Collins, Morell, Scarpelli, TsengThe records list Adam Knight as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“At 7:18 p.m., Vice President Bears moved to suspend the rules to take Papers 23-303, 23-290, 23-291, and 21-301 (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Knight briefly absent from the Chamber..” (Motion: Bears, second: Scarpelli)
Communications from the Mayor
Approval — Paper 23-303: Food Truck Permitting
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)
Petitions, Presentations, and Similar Papers
Grant the license — Paper 23-290: Petition for Common Victualler License by Charline V Bonne Anne, 265 Market Street, Brockton, MA 02301, for Kwench Juice Café, at 430 Salem St., Medford, MA 02155
Councillor Scarpelli 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 Scarpelli moved to grant the license (Councillor Knight second)-license granted on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Knight)
Grant the license — Paper 23-291: Petition for Common Victualler License by Jeff Wetzel, 11 Butler St., Medford, MA 02155, and Ian McGregor, 2A Fuller St
Councillor Scarpelli moved to grant the license (Vice President Bears second)-granted on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved to grant the license (Vice President Bears second)-granted on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Bears)
Motions, Orders, and Resolutions
Enter executive session
Councillor Caraviello moved to enter executive session (Councillor Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of five in favor, zero opposed, and Vice President Bears and Councillor Scarpelli briefly absent from the Chamber.
Yes: Caraviello, Collins, Knight, Morell, TsengThe records list Zac Bears as absent for this vote. The records list George A. Scarpelli as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Councillor Caraviello moved to enter executive session (Councillor Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of five in favor, zero opposed, and Vice President Bears and Councillor Scarpelli briefly absent from the Chamber..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Knight)
Reconvene in open session
At 8:01 p.m., Vice President Bears moved to reconvene in open session (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“At 8:01 p.m., Vice President Bears moved to reconvene in open session (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Bears, second: Caraviello)
Revert to the regular order of business
At 8:01 p.m., Vice President Bears moved to revert to the regular order of business (Councillor Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“At 8:01 p.m., Vice President Bears moved to revert to the regular order of business (Councillor Knight second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Bears, second: Knight)
Approval, pending the 6-day public comment period — Paper 23-289: Legal notice city of medford community development block grant program program year
Councillor Knight moved for approval, pending the 6-day public comment period (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved, pending the 6-day public comment period, on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved for approval, pending the 6-day public comment period (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved, pending the 6-day public comment period, on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Knight, second: Caraviello)
Waive reading of the document in lieu of a synopsis from the sponsor
Councillor Knight moved to waive reading of the document in lieu of a synopsis from the sponsor (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved to waive reading of the document in lieu of a synopsis from the sponsor (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Knight, second: Caraviello)
Approve the paper for first reading — Paper 14-493: Reserved
Councillor Knight moved to approve the paper for first reading (Vice President Bears second)-approved for first reading on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved to approve the paper for first reading (Vice President Bears second)-approved for first reading on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Knight, second: Bears)
Approval — Paper 23-292: Resolution: the Medford City Council that we hold a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss Council priorities and recommendations for the FY24 City Budget
Councillor Knight moved for approval (Vice President Bears second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved for approval (Vice President Bears second)-approved..” (Motion: Knight, second: Bears)
Approval — Paper 23-293: WHEREAS, the motorcycle is a popular means of transportation for commuting, as well as for touring and recreation; and
Councillor Knight moved for approval (Councillor Tseng second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved for approval (Councillor Tseng second)-approved..” (Motion: Knight, second: Tseng)
Approval as amended — Paper 23-294: Resolution: the City Council ask the City Administration and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation about plans for Middlesex Ave
Councillor Tseng moved for approval as amended (Vice President Bears second)-approved as amended.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved for approval as amended (Vice President Bears second)-approved as amended..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Bears)
Suspend the rules to take public participation
At 8:40 p.m., Councillor Caraviello moved to suspend the rules to take public participation (Councillor Knight second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“At 8:40 p.m., Councillor Caraviello moved to suspend the rules to take public participation (Councillor Knight second)-approved..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Knight)
Public Participation
Revert to the regular order of business
At 9:22 p.m., Vice President Bears moved to revert to the regular order of business (Councillor Tseng second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“At 9:22 p.m., Vice President Bears moved to revert to the regular order of business (Councillor Tseng second)-approved..” (Motion: Bears, second: Tseng)
Approval — Paper 23-295: Resolution: the City Council ask the City Administration for updates on fixing the potholes by George Street and Main Street
Councillor Tseng moved for approval (Vice President Bears second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved for approval (Vice President Bears second)-approved..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Bears)
Approval — Paper 23-296: Resolution: the City Council ask the City Administration for updates on fixing the potholes on Boston Ave
Councillor Tseng moved for approval (Vice President Bears second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved for approval (Vice President Bears second)-approved..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Bears)
Approval — Paper 23-297: Resolution: the City Council ask the City Administration, Elections Department, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department to identify, analyze, and address the...
Councillor Tseng moved for approval (Vice President Bears second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved for approval (Vice President Bears second)-approved..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Bears)
Approval — Paper 23-298: Resolution: the City Council ask the City Administration to consider upgrading to professional community feedback and civic engagement software that is specifically...
Councillor Tseng moved for approval (Vice President Bears second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved for approval (Vice President Bears second)-approved..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Bears)
Place this paper under "Reports Due/Deadlines, and further moved to invite the Facilities Director to a future meeting
Vice President Bears moved to place this paper under "Reports Due/Deadlines, and further moved to invite the Facilities Director to a future meeting (Councillor Scarpelli second)-placed under Reports Due/Deadlines, with the Facilities Director to be invited to a future meeting.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Bears moved to place this paper under "Reports Due/Deadlines, and further moved to invite the Facilities Director to a future meeting (Councillor Scarpelli second)-placed under Reports Due/Deadlines, with the Facilities Director to be invited to a future meeting..” (Motion: Bears, second: Scarpelli)
Approval — Paper 23-300: Resolution: the Medford City Council have the Administration look into complaints about residents and businesses putting mail for various departments in the mailboxes...
Councillor Caraviello moved for approval (Vice President Bears second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Caraviello moved for approval (Vice President Bears second)-approved..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Bears)
Approval as amended — Paper 23-301: Resolution: the Medford City Council be provided with an update by the Building Commissioner on the progress or lack thereof at 551 Winthrop Street
Councillor Caraviello moved for approval as amended (Vice President Bears second)-approved as amended.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Caraviello moved for approval as amended (Vice President Bears second)-approved as amended..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Bears)
Refer the paper, as amended to the Subcommittee on Business, Cultural Arts, and Economic Development — Paper 23-302: Resolution: the Medford City Council review and discuss a moratorium for zoning...
Councillor Caraviello moved to refer the paper, as amended to the Subcommittee on Business, Cultural Arts, and Economic Development (Councillor Tseng second)-referred, as amended, to the Subcommittee on Business, Cultural Arts, and Economic Development.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Caraviello moved to refer the paper, as amended to the Subcommittee on Business, Cultural Arts, and Economic Development (Councillor Tseng second)-referred, as amended, to the Subcommittee on Business, Cultural Arts, and Economic Development..” (Motion: Caraviello, second: Tseng)
Communications from the Mayor
Approval — Paper 23-091: Resubmitted City of Medford LAW DEPARTMENT City Hall - Room 206 85 George P. Hassett Drive Medford, Massachusetts 02155 Telephone (781) 393-2470 FAX: (781) 393
Councillor Knight moved for approval (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Collins absent because of technological difficulties.
Yes: Bears, Caraviello, Knight, Morell, Scarpelli, TsengThe records list Kit Collins as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved for approval (Councillor Caraviello second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Collins absent because of technological difficulties..” (Motion: Knight, second: Caraviello)
Adjournment
Adjourn at 10:02 p.m
Councillor Knight moved to adjourn at 10:02 p.m. (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Knight moved to adjourn at 10:02 p.m. (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved..” (Motion: Knight, 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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