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Melrose City Council
How the Melrose City Council voted, from the City Clerk's official minutes. 11 councilors: one from each of the city’s 7 wards and 4 elected at large. Elected November 2017 and sworn in January 8, 2018, as the Board of Aldermen (members were called Aldermen). Board President for 2018: Gail M. Infurna (elected January 8, 2018 on the fifth ballot, unanimously, after four split ballots); when Mayor Robert J. Dolan resigned on February 5, 2018, she became Mayor under the city charter, and on February 5, 2018 the board elected Michael P. Zwirko President (nine votes to one for Monica C. Medeiros). On March 12, 2018 the board elected Shawn M. MacMaster to finish Gail M. Infurna’s Ward 5 term (seven of ten votes). President for 2019: Jennifer L. Lemmerman (elected January 7, 2019, unanimously). She resigned in September 2019 when her family moved out of Melrose, and on October 7, 2019 the council elected Scott M. Forbes President for the rest of 2019. A charter change signed by the Governor on October 1, 2019 renamed the Board of Aldermen the City Council; the minutes use “City Council” and “Councilor” from October 7, 2019. Jeff McNaught, elected unopposed in Ward 2 in November 2019, took the vacant seat on November 18, 2019. Seats: John N. Tramontozzi (Ward 1), Jennifer L. Lemmerman (Ward 2), Francis X. Wright Jr. (Ward 3), Robert A. Boisselle (Ward 4), Gail M. Infurna then Shawn M. MacMaster (Ward 5), Peter D. Mortimer (Ward 6), Scott M. Forbes (Ward 7); Manisha Bewtra, Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Monica C. Medeiros and Michael P. Zwirko (at large). The council has no Vice President; a President pro tempore presides when the President is away. Covers 48 meetings, January 8 to December 16, 2019.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the City Council do? It is the city’s lawmaking body. It passes local laws (ordinances), votes on the yearly budget, and approves borrowing and zoning changes.
The mayor runs the city day to day and proposes the budget.
Sources: Mass. General Laws c. 44 § 32 (city budgets)Council sessions
Coming up
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Councilors
Manisha BewtraMember · At-large · at 48 of 48 meetingsRobert A. BoisselleMember · Ward 4 · at 44 of 48 meetingsGail M. InfurnaPresident · Ward 5 · at 3 of 3 meetings · until Jan 2018Jennifer L. LemmermanPresident · Ward 2 · at 40 of 42 meetings · until Sep 2019Kate Lipper-GarabedianMember · At-large · at 46 of 48 meetingsShawn M. MacMasterMember · Ward 5 · at 40 of 41 meetings · from Mar 2018Jeff McNaughtMember · Ward 2 · at 3 of 3 meetings · from Nov 2019Monica C. MedeirosMember · At-large · at 46 of 48 meetingsPeter D. MortimerMember · Ward 6 · at 48 of 48 meetingsJohn N. TramontozziMember · Ward 1 · at 46 of 48 meetingsFrancis X. WrightMember · Ward 3 · at 41 of 48 meetingsMichael P. ZwirkoPresident · At-large · at 46 of 48 meetings"At X of Y meetings" counts the roll call at the start of each meeting in this record. Councilors who step out are listed on each meeting page.
Meetings
About missing minutes
Loaded: every full Melrose City Council meeting with posted minutes from January 8, 2018 through September 28, 2026: 223 meetings (regular, special and organizational meetings, and six joint meetings with the School Committee at which the council took a roll-call vote) and 3,082 votes. Council committee meetings and the council’s December nominating caucuses are not loaded. The city’s portal has council minutes back to 2001; MassVoter has loaded 2018 on. Until October 2019 the council was the Board of Aldermen; a charter change signed on October 1, 2019 renamed it the City Council. Minutes from 2018 to September 2025 were moved into the city’s current portal in December 2025; for each of those meetings the portal holds a one-page “bulletin” listing each item’s outcome and, under “Other,” the full minutes followed by the meeting packet. MassVoter used the full minutes. For four meetings only the bulletin is posted (April 27, 2020; July 17, September 5 and October 2, 2023), so those votes show the result only. Not here: the October 6, 2025 meeting (its minutes were approved on October 20, 2025 but are not posted) and the September 15, 2025 meeting (agenda posted, no minutes); MassVoter is asking the City Clerk. The minutes of October 5, 2026 and later meetings are not posted yet. Melrose’s minutes record most votes in a vote box: “RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] MOVER: … SECONDER: … AYES: … NAYS: … ABSENT: …”, naming each councilor. We show each councilor’s vote as listed; councilors listed as absent or recused for a vote are left out of it, and those who voted “present” or abstained are shown as abstaining. When the box says “[UNANIMOUS]” without names, or the text says “All were in favor,” every councilor present is shown voting yes, leaving out anyone the minutes show arriving late or leaving early at that point. Motions the minutes describe only as “motion carried,” “so voted” or “no objection” show the result only, never assumed unanimous; before 2025 these were mostly procedural motions (opening and closing public comment, immediate consideration, suspending the rules, adjourning), and since 2025 most are motions referring items to committee. Items the President sent to a committee with no motion or vote recorded are not listed as votes. When a vote box lists a councilor the attendance table marks absent (or a person not then on the council), we show the count only, with a note (37 votes); 751 votes show the result only. Votes choosing between people (the 2018 Board President ballots and the 2018 Ward 5 vacancy) show the result only, with a note listing who voted for whom. We will ask the City Clerk to confirm any noted vote.
Votes where councilors disagreed
Most council votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one councilor voted no or abstained, newest first.
Nov 18Emergency Management Services - vehicle acquisition requestMotion: RESULT: LEAVE TO WITHDRAW [8 TO 2] TO: City Council MOVER:…Passed 8–2 · No: Boisselle, Mortimer
November 18, 2019: Emergency Management Services - vehicle acquisition request
RESULT: LEAVE TO WITHDRAW [8 TO 2] TO: City Council MOVER: John N. Tramontozzi, Ward 1 SECONDER: Kate Lipper-Garabedian, At-Large AYES: Bewtra, Forbes, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Tramontozzi, Zwirko, McNaught NAYS: Robert A. Boisselle, Peter D. Mortimer ABSENT: Francis X. Wright Jr.
Yes: Bewtra, Forbes, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, McNaught, Medeiros, Tramontozzi, ZwirkoNo: Boisselle, Mortimer
From the minutes
“RESULT: LEAVE TO WITHDRAW [8 TO 2] TO: City Council MOVER: John N. Tramontozzi, Ward 1 SECONDER: Kate Lipper-Garabedian, At-Large AYES: Bewtra, Forbes, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Tramontozzi, Zwirko, McNaught NAYS: Robert A. Boisselle, Peter D. Mortimer ABSENT: Francis X. Wright Jr..” (Motion: Tramontozzi, second: Lipper-Garabedian)
Oct 7Elect Scott M. Forbes President of the City Council…Motion: Motion to Close Nominations by Zwirko; second by Boisselle The election…Passed Unanimous, 10 present · see note
October 7, 2019: Elect Scott M. Forbes President of the City Council for the rest of 2019 (viva voce vote)
Motion to Close Nominations by Zwirko; second by Boisselle The election proceeded by viva voce vote. Forbes was unanimously elected.
The minutes say the nominations were closed and “The election proceeded by viva voce vote. Forbes was unanimously elected”; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion to Close Nominations by Zwirko; second by Boisselle The election proceeded by viva voce vote. Forbes was unanimously elected..” (Motion: Zwirko, second: Boisselle)
Oct 7Appointment of Julianna Hanlon, 7 Short Street, as an…Motion: RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] MOVER: Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Councilor at Large…Passed 9–0 · Abstained: Lipper-Garabedian
October 7, 2019: Appointment of Julianna Hanlon, 7 Short Street, as an Associate Member of the Board of Appeals for a two-year term; said term to expire on the last day of February…
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] MOVER: Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Councilor at Large SECONDER: John N. Tramontozzi, Ward 1 Councilor AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko ABSTAIN: Kate Lipper-Garabedian
Yes: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright, ZwirkoAbstained: Lipper-Garabedian
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] MOVER: Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Councilor at Large SECONDER: John N. Tramontozzi, Ward 1 Councilor AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko ABSTAIN: Kate Lipper-Garabedian.” (Motion: Lipper-Garabedian, second: Tramontozzi)
Sep 3Add all of the related citizen correspondence to the…Motion: A motion was made to add all of the related citizen…Passed 8–3 · No: Forbes, MacMaster, Medeiros
September 3, 2019: Add all of the related citizen correspondence to the record — Amend Melrose Revised Ordinances by adding Article VI, Section 198-12: Reduction in Single Use Plastic Beverage Straws and Beverage...
A motion was made to add all of the related citizen correspondence to the record by Alderman Wright; second by Mortimer; motion carried. Alderman MacMaster states that he is against the straw ordinance because he believes it will be counter intuitive to its purpose because legislating without education and actually foster resistance among the public. Alderman Wright reiterates that straws can be requested at any time, that this ordinance is just and opportunity to resist plastic, but he understands that people still want and need straws. It is not a ban. Alderman Forbes restates that he feels that the same thing can be accomplished without an ordinance.
Yes: Bewtra, Boisselle, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright, ZwirkoNo: Forbes, MacMaster, Medeiros
From the minutes
“RESULT: ADOPTED [8 TO 3] MOVER: Francis X. Wright Jr., Ward 3 Alderman SECONDER: Peter D. Mortimer, Ward 6 Alderman AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Scott M. Forbes, Shawn M. MacMaster, Monica C. Medeiros.” (Motion: Wright, second: Mortimer)
Sep 3Appointment of Stacy Minchello as Director of the Council…Motion: RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 1] MOVER: Monica C. Medeiros, Alderman at…Passed 10–1 · No: MacMaster
September 3, 2019: Appointment of Stacy Minchello as Director of the Council Aging, effective September 16, 2019
RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 1] MOVER: Monica C. Medeiros, Alderman at Large SECONDER: Peter D. Mortimer, Ward 6 Alderman AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Shawn M. MacMaster
Yes: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright, ZwirkoNo: MacMaster
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 1] MOVER: Monica C. Medeiros, Alderman at Large SECONDER: Peter D. Mortimer, Ward 6 Alderman AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Shawn M. MacMaster.” (Motion: Medeiros, second: Mortimer)
Aug 19Passage — AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE…Motion: Motion for passage by Mortimer; second by Bewtra With the order…Passed 8–2 · No: MacMaster, Medeiros
August 19, 2019: Passage — AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE OF VACANT COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES IN THE CITY OF MELROSE
Motion for passage by Mortimer; second by Bewtra With the order before him, Alderman MacMaster stated that he supported the proposal in spirit, but was leery of regulating small businesses and would rather see an incentive-based approach than a $400 fine; and therefore would not vote in support. Lipper-Garabedian noted that the term of "fee" rather than "fine" was intentional in the proposal in order to recognize the costs that vacant properties incur on the city. Lipper-Garabedian also explained that the ordinance would impact the commericial property owners, not the small business who leased from them. In fact, the intention is to support these small businesses by encouraging property owners to keep their properties fully occupied.
Yes: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, Mortimer, Wright, ZwirkoNo: MacMaster, Medeiros
From the minutes
“RESULT: ADOPTED [8 TO 2] MOVER: Peter D. Mortimer, Ward 6 Alderman SECONDER: Manisha Bewtra, Alderman at Large AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, Mortimer, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Shawn M. MacMaster, Monica C. Medeiros ABSENT: John N. Tramontozzi.” (Motion: Mortimer, second: Bewtra)
Aug 1Add all correspondence related to this order to the…Motion: motion to add all correspondence related to this order to the…Passed · see note
August 1, 2019 (Special meeting): Add all correspondence related to this order to the record (passed) and noted that he supported the resolution
Motion to add all correspondence related to this order to the record (passed) and noted that he supported the resolution.
The minutes say “passed” with no count or names.
From the minutes
“motion to add all correspondence related to this order to the record (passed) and noted that he supported the resolution..” (Motion: Zwirko)
Aug 1A Resolution Calling Upon the Administration to Retain an…Motion: RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 1] MOVER: Shawn M. MacMaster, Ward 5…Passed 8–1 · No: Tramontozzi
August 1, 2019 (Special meeting): A Resolution Calling Upon the Administration to Retain an Environmental Specialist to Conduct an Independent Inspection of the Homes Affected by the Brazil Street Sewer Backup
RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 1] MOVER: Shawn M. MacMaster, Ward 5 Alderman SECONDER: Scott M. Forbes, Ward 7 Alderman AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, Zwirko NAYS: John N. Tramontozzi ABSENT: Jennifer L. Lemmerman, Francis X. Wright Jr.
Yes: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, ZwirkoNo: Tramontozzi
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 1] MOVER: Shawn M. MacMaster, Ward 5 Alderman SECONDER: Scott M. Forbes, Ward 7 Alderman AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, Zwirko NAYS: John N. Tramontozzi ABSENT: Jennifer L. Lemmerman, Francis X. Wright Jr..” (Motion: MacMaster, second: Forbes)
Jun 17Pass as Amended — An Order Creating an Education,…Motion: Motion to Pass as Amended - K.Lipper-Garabedian, 2nd Motion M.Zwirko Discussion…Passed 8–3 · No: Boisselle, Tramontozzi, Wright
June 17, 2019: Pass as Amended — An Order Creating an Education, Public Safety & Substance Abuse Prevention Stabilization Fund
Motion to Pass as Amended - K.Lipper-Garabedian, 2nd Motion M.Zwirko Discussion - K. Lipper-Garabedian - will red line provisions be included in the next version (yes) F.Wright opens discussion - doesn't oppose the fund, thinks the % is too high M.Zwirko thanks his colleagues for working on this over the last 2 months J. Tramontozzi doesn't believe the tax money is appropriate for this stabilization fund
Yes: Bewtra, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, ZwirkoNo: Boisselle, Tramontozzi, Wright
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED AS AMENDED [8 TO 3] TO: Board of Aldermen MOVER: Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Alderman at Large SECONDER: Michael P. Zwirko, Alderman at Large AYES: Bewtra, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, Zwirko NAYS: Robert A. Boisselle, John N. Tramontozzi, Francis X. Wright Jr..” (Motion: Lipper-Garabedian, second: Zwirko)
May 20Take order out of order — A Resolution Recognizing…Motion: Motion was made to take order out of order by Alderman…Passed · see note
May 20, 2019: Take order out of order — A Resolution Recognizing National Police Week 2019
Motion was made to take order out of order by Alderman MacMaster; second by Alderman Mortimer -- motion carried
The minutes say “motion carried” with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Motion was made to take order out of order by Alderman MacMaster; second by Alderman Mortimer -- motion carried.” (Motion: MacMaster, second: Mortimer)
From the Melrose City Council’s official minutes (the Board of Aldermen’s until October 2019), posted on the city’s Agendas & Minutes page (its CivicClerk portal, City Council). We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Councilor photos: City of Melrose (cityofmelrose.org), from the official City Council page. Cal Finocchiaro: Melrose Weekly News. Former councilors show initials.
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