MassVoter.com← Medford City CouncilMedford City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
February 6, 2024
29 recorded votes, 28 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Anna Callahan, Kit Collins, Emily Lazzaro, Matt Leming, George A. Scarpelli, Justin Tseng, Zac Bears
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Records
Approval — Paper 24-027: Resolution: the Medford City Council acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month
Vice President Collins moved for approval (Councillor Lazzaro second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved for approval (Councillor Lazzaro second)-approved..” (Motion: Collins, second: Lazzaro)
Approval — Paper 24-029: Resolution: the Medford City Council send our deepest condolences to the family of Bruno "Brunie" Bonaccorsi
Councillor Scarpelli moved for approval (Councillor Tseng second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved for approval (Councillor Tseng second)-approved..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Tseng)
Approval — Paper 24-030: Resolution: the Medford City Council congratulate Patrick O'Brien, life-long resident of our great city and committed volunteer, on his recent retirement at UPS
Councillor Scarpelli moved for approval (Vice President Collins second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved for approval (Vice President Collins second)-approved..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Collins)
Approval — Paper 24-032: Resolution: we send our deep and sincere condolences to the family of Elisabeth "Betsy" Schreuer, a long-time Medford Public Schools librarian and beloved member of the...
President Bears moved for approval (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“President Bears moved for approval (Councillor Scarpelli second)-approved..” (Motion: Bears, second: Scarpelli)
Approval — Records of the meeting of January 23rd, 2024
Councillor Callahan moved for approval (Councillor Tseng second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Callahan moved for approval (Councillor Tseng second)-approved..” (Motion: Callahan, second: Tseng)
Reports of Committees
Approval — Paper 24-006: Offered by Isaac Bears, Council President Committee of The Whole Report, January 24th, 2024. 24-006
President Bears moved for approval (Vice President Collins second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“President Bears moved for approval (Vice President Collins second)-approved..” (Motion: Bears, second: Collins)
Join the three remaining reports — Paper 24-006: Offered by Isaac Bears, Council President Committee of The Whole Report, January 24th, 2024. 24-006
Councillor Tseng moved to join the three remaining reports (Councillor Callahan second)-approved and joined.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved to join the three remaining reports (Councillor Callahan second)-approved and joined..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Callahan)
Approval of the joined reports — Paper 24-006: Offered by Anna Callahan, City Councilor Public Works and Facilities Committee Report, January 31st, 2024. 24-006
Councillor Tseng moved for approval of the joined reports (Vice President Collins second)-joined reports approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved for approval of the joined reports (Vice President Collins second)-joined reports approved..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Collins)
Public Participation
Approve the Call for Election — Paper 24-037: Resolution: PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE DISTRICT MEMBERS OF STATE COMMITTEE for each Political Party for the Second Middlesex Senatorial District
Councillor Tseng moved to approve the Call for Election (Vice President Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved to approve the Call for Election (Vice President Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Collins)
Receive and place on file — Paper 24-038: City of Medford Election Commission 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Room 102 Medford, Massachusetts 02155 781-393-2491 2024
Councillor Scarpelli moved to receive and place on file (Councillor Callahan second)-received and placed on file.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved to receive and place on file (Councillor Callahan second)-received and placed on file..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Callahan)
Motions, Orders, and Resolutions
Refer the paper, as amended, to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee for a meeting with representatives of the Police Department — Paper 24-021: Whereas: The so-called War on Drugs has...
Councillor Scarpelli moved to refer the paper, as amended, to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee for a meeting with representatives of the Police Department ( Councillor Lazzaro second)-referred, as amended, to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee on a roll call vote of five in favor and Councillor Leming and President Bears opposed.
Yes: Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, Scarpelli, TsengNo: Bears, Leming
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved to refer the paper, as amended, to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee for a meeting with representatives of the Police Department ( Councillor Lazzaro second)-referred, as amended, to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee on a roll call vote of five in favor and Councillor Leming and President Bears opposed..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Lazzaro)
Adopt the amended language of the resolution, and moved for approval of the resolution using the amended language — Paper 24-035: Whereas, the Medford City Council recognizes and affirms the...
Vice President Collins moved to adopt the amended language of the resolution, and moved for approval of the resolution using the amended language (Councillor Lazzaro second)-approved on a roll call vote of five in favor, Councillor Scarpelli opposed, and Councillor Leming voting present.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, TsengNo: ScarpelliAbstained: Leming
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to adopt the amended language of the resolution, and moved for approval of the resolution using the amended language (Councillor Lazzaro second)-approved on a roll call vote of five in favor, Councillor Scarpelli opposed, and Councillor Leming voting present..” (Motion: Collins, second: Lazzaro)
A brief recess — Paper 24-035: Whereas, the Medford City Council recognizes and affirms the sanctity, preciousness, and equality of all human life
At 10:12 p.m., Vice President Collins moved for a brief recess (Councillor Tseng second)-approved, and the Council entered a recess.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“At 10:12 p.m., Vice President Collins moved for a brief recess (Councillor Tseng second)-approved, and the Council entered a recess..” (Motion: Collins, second: Tseng)
Revert to the regular order of business
At 10:30 p.m., Councillor Lazzaro moved to revert to the regular order of business (Councillor Callahan second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“At 10:30 p.m., Councillor Lazzaro moved to revert to the regular order of business (Councillor Callahan second)-approved..” (Motion: Lazzaro, second: Callahan)
Refer the paper, as amended, to the Resident Services and Public Engagement Committee — Paper 24-022: Resolution: the Medford City Council will hold bi-annual trainings/refreshers with Medford...
Councillor Lazzaro moved to refer the paper, as amended, to the Resident Services and Public Engagement Committee (Councillor Tseng second)-referred, as amended, to the Resident Services and Public Engagement Committee.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Lazzaro moved to refer the paper, as amended, to the Resident Services and Public Engagement Committee (Councillor Tseng second)-referred, as amended, to the Resident Services and Public Engagement Committee..” (Motion: Lazzaro, second: Tseng)
Refer the paper to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee — Paper 24-023: Resolution: the City of Medford explore the options, cost, and requirements to open a warming and cooling center...
Councillor Lazzaro moved to refer the paper to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee (Vice President Collins second)-referred to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Lazzaro moved to refer the paper to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee (Vice President Collins second)-referred to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee..” (Motion: Lazzaro, second: Collins)
Suspend the rules to take Paper 24-028
At 10:43 p.m., Vice President Collins moved to suspend the rules to take Paper 24-028 ( Councillor Tseng second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“At 10:43 p.m., Vice President Collins moved to suspend the rules to take Paper 24-028 ( Councillor Tseng second)-approved..” (Motion: Collins, second: Tseng)
Approval — Paper 24-028: Resolution: we urge the Biden administration and our co
President Bears moved for approval (Councillor Tseng second)-approved, with
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“President Bears moved for approval (Councillor Tseng second)-approved, with.” (Motion: Bears, second: Tseng)
Revert to the regular order of business
At 10:59 p.m., Vice President Collins moved to revert to the regular order of business ( Councillor Callahan second)-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“At 10:59 p.m., Vice President Collins moved to revert to the regular order of business ( Councillor Callahan second)-approved..” (Motion: Collins, second: Callahan)
Refer the Paper to the Administration and Finance Committee — Paper 24-025: Resolution: the Medford City Council discuss the adoption of a commercial vacancy tax, which can be applied to...
Councillor Leming moved to refer the Paper to the Administration and Finance Committee ( Councillor Callahan second)-referred to the Administration and Finance Committee.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Leming moved to refer the Paper to the Administration and Finance Committee ( Councillor Callahan second)-referred to the Administration and Finance Committee..” (Motion: Leming, second: Callahan)
Refer the paper to the Planning and Permitting Committee — Paper 24-026: Whereas the City of Medford should address high levels of traffic
Councillor Leming moved to refer the paper to the Planning and Permitting Committee ( Councillor Scarpelli second)-referred to the Planning and Permitting Committee.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Leming moved to refer the paper to the Planning and Permitting Committee ( Councillor Scarpelli second)-referred to the Planning and Permitting Committee..” (Motion: Leming, second: Scarpelli)
Councillor Scarpelli offered an amendment to refer this to the Building Department immediately, to contact the Building Department to ask the Building Department to contact the representative from...
Councillor Scarpelli offered an amendment to refer this to the Building Department immediately, to contact the Building Department to ask the Building Department to contact the representative from BJ's, to request a meeting with the City Council, and also to request immediate notification of the surrounding neighborhood (Vice President Collins second)-amendment approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli offered an amendment to refer this to the Building Department immediately, to contact the Building Department to ask the Building Department to contact the representative from BJ's, to request a meeting with the City Council, and also to request immediate notification of the surrounding neighborhood (Vice President Collins second)-amendment approved..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Collins)
Table the paper, as amended, until a such time as a representative from BJ's can attend a Council meeting to address residents' concerns — Paper 24-031: Resolution: the Medford City Council ask...
Councillor Tseng moved to table the paper, as amended, until a such time as a representative from BJ's can attend a Council meeting to address residents' concerns (Vice President Collins second)-tabled.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved to table the paper, as amended, until a such time as a representative from BJ's can attend a Council meeting to address residents' concerns (Vice President Collins second)-tabled..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Collins)
Refer the paper to the Planning and Permitting Committee — Paper 24-033: Resolution: the Planning and Permitting Committee invite staff from the Office of Planning, Development, and Sustainability...
Vice President Collins moved to refer the paper to the Planning and Permitting Committee ( Councillor Scarpelli second)-referred to the Planning and Permitting Committee.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to refer the paper to the Planning and Permitting Committee ( Councillor Scarpelli second)-referred to the Planning and Permitting Committee..” (Motion: Collins, second: Scarpelli)
Refer the paper to the Public Works and Facilities Committee — Paper 24-034: Resolution: the Public Works and Facilities Committee request a report from the Facilities Manager containing the...
Councillor Callahan moved to refer the paper to the Public Works and Facilities Committee ( Councillor Scarpelli second)-referred to the Public Works and Facilities Committee.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Callahan moved to refer the paper to the Public Works and Facilities Committee ( Councillor Scarpelli second)-referred to the Public Works and Facilities Committee..” (Motion: Callahan, second: Scarpelli)
Table the paper until the next meeting — Paper 24-036: Resolution: the Public Health and Community Safety Committee discuss an Overgrowth Ordinance
Vice President Collins moved to table the paper until the next meeting (Councillor Callahan second)-tabled until the next meeting.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to table the paper until the next meeting (Councillor Callahan second)-tabled until the next meeting..” (Motion: Collins, second: Callahan)
Refer the paper, as amended, to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee for a meeting with representatives of the Police Department — Paper 24-021: Whereas: The so-called War on Drugs has...
Councillor Scarpelli moved to refer the paper, as amended, to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee for a meeting with representatives of the Police Department (Councillor Lazzaro second)-referred, as amended, to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee on a roll call vote of five in favor and Councillor Leming and President Bears opposed.
Yes: Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, Scarpelli, TsengNo: Bears, Leming
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved to refer the paper, as amended, to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee for a meeting with representatives of the Police Department (Councillor Lazzaro second)-referred, as amended, to the Public Health and Community Safety Committee on a roll call vote of five in favor and Councillor Leming and President Bears opposed..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Lazzaro)
Approval as amended — Paper 24-021: Whereas: The so-called War on Drugs has led to the unnecessary penalization, arrest, and incarceration of vulnerable people, particularly people of color and pe
Councillor Leming moved for approval as amended (Vice President Collins second)-approved as amended, with
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Leming moved for approval as amended (Vice President Collins second)-approved as amended, with.” (Motion: Leming, second: Collins)
Unfinished Business
Adjourn at 11:45 p.m
Councillor Callahan moved to adjourn at 11:45 p.m. (Vice President Collins second )-approved.
The records give the result only, with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Councillor Callahan moved to adjourn at 11:45 p.m. (Vice President Collins second )-approved..” (Motion: Callahan, second: Collins)
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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