MassVoter.com← Medford City CouncilMedford City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
June 25, 2024
34 recorded votes, 20 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
During the meeting:
- George A. Scarpelli left the meeting or the Chamber for part of the meeting.
Every vote, in order
Announcements, Accolades, Remembrances, Reports, and Records
Approval — Paper 24-429: Resolution: we congratulate Tom Lincoln on his storied
Councillor Tseng moved for approval (Vice President Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved for approval (Vice President Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Collins)
Approval — Paper 24-430: Resolution: we congratulate Sylvia DiPlacido on her retirement as Assistant City Clerk and thank her for her decades of public service to the City of Medford
Vice President Collins moved for approval (Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved for approval (Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Collins, second: Tseng)
Approval — Paper 24-431: Resolution: we congratulate Janice DePace on her retirement as Principal Clerk and thank her for her decades of public service to the City of Medford
Councillor Tseng moved for approval (Councillor Lazzaro second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved for approval (Councillor Lazzaro second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Lazzaro)
Approval — Paper 24-419: Resolution: the Medford City Council congratulate Donna Laskey on her retirement from her long and storied career as a teacher in the Medford Public Schools and thank Mrs
Councillor Tseng moved for approval (Vice President Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved for approval (Vice President Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Collins)
Approval — Paper 24-435: Resolution: the City Council send our deepest condolences to the family of former Medford Police Detective Lauren Kane on her recent passing
Councillor Scarpelli moved for approval (Vice President Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved for approval (Vice President Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Collins)
Records
Approval — Records of the meeting of June 11, 2024
Councillor Scarpelli moved for approval (Vice President Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved for approval (Vice President Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Collins)
Reports of Committees
Approval — Paper 24-033: Planning and Permitting Committee, June 12, 2024, Report 24-033
Vice President Collins moved for approval (Councillor Leming second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved for approval (Councillor Leming second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Collins, second: Leming)
Refer the paper to the Public Works and Facilities Committee — Paper 24-422: Resolution: a representative from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation familiar with the plan shall meet with...
Councillor Lazzaro moved to refer the paper to the Public Works and Facilities Committee (Vice President Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Lazzaro moved to refer the paper to the Public Works and Facilities Committee (Vice President Collins second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Lazzaro, second: Collins)
Suspend the rules to take Papers 24-426, 24-418, 24-423, 24-424, and 24-436 out of order
At 7:51 p.m., Vice President Collins moved to suspend the rules to take Papers 24-426, 24-418, 24-423, 24-424, and 24-436 out of order (Councillor Leming second) -approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“At 7:51 p.m., Vice President Collins moved to suspend the rules to take Papers 24-426, 24-418, 24-423, 24-424, and 24-436 out of order (Councillor Leming second) -approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Collins, second: Leming)
Motions, Orders, and Resolutions
Refer the paper to the Planning and Permitting Committee to draw up the legal and proper terminology to move this forward — Paper 24-426: Resolution: this moratorium remain in effect until a...
Councillor Scarpelli moved to refer the paper to the Planning and Permitting Committee to draw up the legal and proper terminology to move this forward (Vice President Collins second)-referred to the Planning and Permitting Committee on a roll call vote of six in favor and Councillor Lazzaro opposed.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Leming, Scarpelli, TsengNo: Lazzaro
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved to refer the paper to the Planning and Permitting Committee to draw up the legal and proper terminology to move this forward (Vice President Collins second)-referred to the Planning and Permitting Committee on a roll call vote of six in favor and Councillor Lazzaro opposed..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Collins)
Communications from the Mayor
A brief recess — Paper 24-418: Recommendation for the Medford Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees
At 8:21 p.m., Councillor Leming moved for a brief recess (Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli briefly absent from the Chamber, and President Bears declared a brief recess.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengThe records list George A. Scarpelli as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“At 8:21 p.m., Councillor Leming moved for a brief recess (Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli briefly absent from the Chamber, and President Bears declared a brief recess..” (Motion: Leming, second: Tseng)
Approve the appointments — Paper 24-418: Recommendation for the Medford Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees
Vice President Collins moved to approve the appointments (Councillor Tseng second)-appointments approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Lazzaro briefly absent from the Chamber.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Leming, Scarpelli, TsengThe records list Emily Lazzaro as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to approve the appointments (Councillor Tseng second)-appointments approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Lazzaro briefly absent from the Chamber..” (Motion: Collins, second: Tseng)
Approve the appointment — Paper 24-423: Recommendation for the Community Preservation Committee - appointment request
Vice President Collins moved to approve the appointment (Councillor Tseng second)-appointment approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Lazzaro briefly absent from the Chamber.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Leming, Scarpelli, TsengThe records list Emily Lazzaro as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to approve the appointment (Councillor Tseng second)-appointment approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Lazzaro briefly absent from the Chamber..” (Motion: Collins, second: Tseng)
Public Participation
Approve the appointments — Paper 24-424: Recommendation for the License Commission - re-appointment requests
Vice President Collins moved to approve the appointments (Councillor Leming second)-appointments approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to approve the appointments (Councillor Leming second)-appointments approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Collins, second: Leming)
Approve the appointment — Paper 24-436: Medford Housing Authority Appointment
Vice President Collins moved to approve the appointment (Councillor Leming second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor and Councillor Scarpelli opposed.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengNo: Scarpelli
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to approve the appointment (Councillor Leming second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor and Councillor Scarpelli opposed..” (Motion: Collins, second: Leming)
Petitions, Presentations, and Similar Papers
Approve the special permit with a 30-, 60-, and 90-day review upon opening — Paper 24-358: Petition For a Special Permit For Hours - The Great American Beer Hall, LLC LEGAL NOTICE MEDFORD CITY...
Councillor Scarpelli moved to approve the special permit with a 30-, 60-, and 90-day review upon opening (Councillor Leming second)-approved, with 30-, 60-, and 90-day reviews upon opening, on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved to approve the special permit with a 30-, 60-, and 90-day review upon opening (Councillor Leming second)-approved, with 30-, 60-, and 90-day reviews upon opening, on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Leming)
Grant the conditional common victualler license pending the comment period and conditioned on final approvals — Paper 24-420: Petition For a Conditional Common Victualler License - Raising Cane...
Vice President Collins moved to grant the conditional common victualler license pending the comment period and conditioned on final approvals (Councillor Lazzaro second)-conditional common victualler license approved, with condtions as noted above, on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to grant the conditional common victualler license pending the comment period and conditioned on final approvals (Councillor Lazzaro second)-conditional common victualler license approved, with condtions as noted above, on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Collins, second: Lazzaro)
Suspend the rules to take Communications from the Mayor and to suspend Rule 21
At 10:08 p.m., Vice President Collins moved to suspend the rules to take Communications from the Mayor and to suspend Rule 21 (Councillor Leming second) -approved on a roll call vote of six in favor and Councillor Scarpelli opposed.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengNo: Scarpelli
From the minutes
“At 10:08 p.m., Vice President Collins moved to suspend the rules to take Communications from the Mayor and to suspend Rule 21 (Councillor Leming second) -approved on a roll call vote of six in favor and Councillor Scarpelli opposed..” (Motion: Collins, second: Leming)
Communications from the Mayor
Approval — Paper 24-417: Community Preservation Committee Annual Budget Request - FY25
Vice President Collins moved for approval (Councillor Lazzaro second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved for approval (Councillor Lazzaro second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Collins, second: Lazzaro)
Refer the paper to the Planning and Permitting Committee for further discussion — Paper 24-421: Ordinance Creating a South Street Historic District
Vice President Collins moved to refer the paper to the Planning and Permitting Committee for further discussion (Councillor Scarpelli second)-motion failed on a roll call vote of three in favor (Vice President Collins, Councillor Leming and Councillor Scarpelli) and four opposed (Councillor Callahan, Councillor Lazzaro, Councillor Tseng and President Bears).
Yes: Collins, Leming, ScarpelliNo: Bears, Callahan, Lazzaro, Tseng
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to refer the paper to the Planning and Permitting Committee for further discussion (Councillor Scarpelli second)-motion failed on a roll call vote of three in favor (Vice President Collins, Councillor Leming and Councillor Scarpelli) and four opposed (Councillor Callahan, Councillor Lazzaro, Councillor Tseng and President Bears)..” (Motion: Collins, second: Scarpelli)
Approve the paper for first reading — Paper 24-421: Ordinance Creating a South Street Historic District
Councillor Lazzaro moved to approve the paper for first reading (Councillor Callahan second)-approved for first reading on a roll call vote of five in favor and Vice President Collins and Councillor Scarpelli opposed.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengNo: Collins, Scarpelli
From the minutes
“Councillor Lazzaro moved to approve the paper for first reading (Councillor Callahan second)-approved for first reading on a roll call vote of five in favor and Vice President Collins and Councillor Scarpelli opposed..” (Motion: Lazzaro, second: Callahan)
Approval on the funding requests — Paper 24-425: Community Preservation Committee Appropriation Request
Councillor Scarpelli moved for approval on the funding requests (Councillor Leming second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed.
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved for approval on the funding requests (Councillor Leming second)-approved on a roll call vote of seven in favor and zero opposed..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Leming)
Question the ruling of the Chair at 11:18 p.m
Councillor Scarpelli moved to question the ruling of the Chair at 11:18 p.m. (Councillor Leming second)-failed on a roll call vote of one in favor (Counillor Scarpelli), five opposed, and Councillor Callahan temporarily absent.
Yes: ScarpelliNo: Bears, Collins, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengThe records list Anna Callahan as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Councillor Scarpelli moved to question the ruling of the Chair at 11:18 p.m. (Councillor Leming second)-failed on a roll call vote of one in favor (Counillor Scarpelli), five opposed, and Councillor Callahan temporarily absent..” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Leming)
Approve the appropriation, with an amendment to change the word "Business" in the Mayor's Letter to "Building" — Paper 24-427: June 20, 2024
Vice President Collins moved to approve the appropriation, with an amendment to change the word "Business" in the Mayor's Letter to "Building" (Councillor Leming second)-approved as amended on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengThe records list George A. Scarpelli as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to approve the appropriation, with an amendment to change the word "Business" in the Mayor's Letter to "Building" (Councillor Leming second)-approved as amended on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Collins, second: Leming)
Approval on the B-paper — Paper 24-428: Fund General Stabilization & Establish and Fund Capital Stabilization Funds
Vice President Collins moved for approval on the B-paper (Councillor Tseng second)-B-Paper approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengThe records list George A. Scarpelli as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved for approval on the B-paper (Councillor Tseng second)-B-Paper approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Collins, second: Tseng)
Appropriate $6,000,000.00 in free cash to the general stabilization fund
Vice President Collins moved to appropriate $6,000,000.00 in free cash to the general stabilization fund (Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengThe records list George A. Scarpelli as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to appropriate $6,000,000.00 in free cash to the general stabilization fund (Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Collins, second: Tseng)
Establish a capital stabilization fund and to appropriate $5,000,000.00 in free cash to this fund
Vice President Collins moved to establish a capital stabilization fund and to appropriate $5,000,000.00 in free cash to this fund (Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengThe records list George A. Scarpelli as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to establish a capital stabilization fund and to appropriate $5,000,000.00 in free cash to this fund (Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Collins, second: Tseng)
Approve the establishment of a water and sewer capital stabilization fund and to appropriate $2,000,000.00 of retained earnings to this fund — Paper 24-428: Fund General Stabilization & Establish...
Vice President Collins moved to approve the establishment of a water and sewer capital stabilization fund and to appropriate $2,000,000.00 of retained earnings to this fund ( Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengThe records list George A. Scarpelli as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to approve the establishment of a water and sewer capital stabilization fund and to appropriate $2,000,000.00 of retained earnings to this fund ( Councillor Tseng second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Collins, second: Tseng)
Accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, Section 37M — Paper 24-432: Acceptance of Shared Service Statute
Vice President Collins moved to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, Section 37M (Councillor Lazzaro second)-approved on a roll call vote of five in favor, zero opposed, Councillor Callahan temporarily absent, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
Yes: Bears, Collins, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengThe records list Anna Callahan as absent for this vote. The records list George A. Scarpelli as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, Section 37M (Councillor Lazzaro second)-approved on a roll call vote of five in favor, zero opposed, Councillor Callahan temporarily absent, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Collins, second: Lazzaro)
Approve the transfers — Paper 24-433: Fiscal Year 2024 Year End Transfers
Vice President Collins moved to approve the transfers (Councillor Leming second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengThe records list George A. Scarpelli as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to approve the transfers (Councillor Leming second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Collins, second: Leming)
Approve Amendment A of the paper for first reading, with no exclusion from CAF-22 in Amendment A — Paper 24-434: Proposed Wage Adjustment for Non-Union Personnel
Vice President Collins moved to approve Amendment A of the paper for first reading, with no exclusion from CAF-22 in Amendment A (Councillor Lazzaro second) -approved for first reading with no exclusion from CAF-22 in Amendment A, on a roll call vote of four in favor (Vice President Collins, Councillor Lazzaro, Councillor Tseng and President Bears), two opposed (Councillor Callahan and Councillor Leming) and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
Yes: Bears, Collins, Lazzaro, TsengNo: Callahan, LemingThe records list George A. Scarpelli as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Vice President Collins moved to approve Amendment A of the paper for first reading, with no exclusion from CAF-22 in Amendment A (Councillor Lazzaro second) -approved for first reading with no exclusion from CAF-22 in Amendment A, on a roll call vote of four in favor (Vice President Collins, Councillor Lazzaro, Councillor Tseng and President Bears), two opposed (Councillor Callahan and Councillor Leming) and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Collins, second: Lazzaro)
Approve Amendment B for first reading — Paper 24-434: Proposed Wage Adjustment for Non-Union Personnel
Councillor Tseng moved to approve Amendment B for first reading (Vice President Collins second)-approved for first reading on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengThe records list George A. Scarpelli as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved to approve Amendment B for first reading (Vice President Collins second)-approved for first reading on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Collins)
Approve Amendment C for first reading — Paper 24-434: Proposed Wage Adjustment for Non-Union Personnel
Councillor Tseng moved to approve Amendment C for first reading (Councillor Lazzaro second)-approved for first reading on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengThe records list George A. Scarpelli as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved to approve Amendment C for first reading (Councillor Lazzaro second)-approved for first reading on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Lazzaro)
Unfinished Business
Adjourn at 12:36 a.m
Councillor Tseng moved to adjourn at 12:36 a.m. (Councillor Lazzaro second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent.
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Collins, Lazzaro, Leming, TsengThe records list George A. Scarpelli as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Councillor Tseng moved to adjourn at 12:36 a.m. (Councillor Lazzaro second)-approved on a roll call vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and Councillor Scarpelli absent..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Lazzaro)
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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