MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
February 20, 2024
23 recorded votes, 6 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Cal Finocchiaro, Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Robb Stewart, Kimberly Vandiver, Ryan Williams, Leila Migliorelli
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Cal Finocchiaro took part remotely.
Every vote, in order
Reading of the Minutes
Accept the minutes of the regular meeting of February 5, 2024
RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.”
Public Comment
Close Public Comment
Motion: Close Public Comment By: Councilor Stewart, Second: Councilor Karamcheti - motion carried.
The minutes say “motion carried” with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Motion: Close Public Comment By: Councilor Stewart, Second: Councilor Karamcheti - motion carried..” (Motion: Stewart, second: Karamcheti)
Open Public Comment
Motion: Open Public Comment By: Councilor Williams, Second: Councilor Karamcheti - motion carried. No one comes forward.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ryan Williams, At-Large SECONDER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Williams, second: Karamcheti)
Suspend the Rules
Motion: Suspend the Rules By: Councilor Stewart Second: Councilor Karamcheti - motion carried.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 SECONDER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Karamcheti)
Public Hearing
Close Public Hearing
Motion: Close Public Hearing By: Councilor Stewart, Second: Councilor Garipay - motion carried.
The minutes say “motion carried” with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Motion: Close Public Hearing By: Councilor Stewart, Second: Councilor Garipay - motion carried..” (Motion: Stewart, second: Garipay)
Open the Public Hearing
Motion: Open the Public Hearing By: Councilor Garipay, Second: Councilor Romanul - motion carried. The Public Hearing commences at 8 p.m.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Garipay, Ward 4 SECONDER: Devin Romanul, Ward 7 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Romanul)
Close Public Comment
Motion: Close Public Comment By: Councilor Karamcheti, Second: Councilor Garipay- motion carried.
The minutes say “motion carried” with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Motion: Close Public Comment By: Councilor Karamcheti, Second: Councilor Garipay- motion carried..” (Motion: Karamcheti, second: Garipay)
Open Public Comment
Motion: Open Public Comment By: Councilor Stewart, Second: Councilor Karamcheti - motion carried. No one comes forward.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 SECONDER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Karamcheti)
Unfinished Business
Appointment of Jay Stapp, 21 Berwick Street, to the Melrose Human Rights Commission, for a three-year term to expire on the last day of February 2025
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Karamcheti, second: Finocchiaro)
Appointment of Maura Sullivan, 393 East Foster Street, to the Melrose Council on Aging for a three-year term set to expire on the last day of February 2027
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Karamcheti, second: Finocchiaro)
Reappointment of Assistant City Clerk for a one year term; said term ending on March 1, 2025
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kimberly Vandiver, Ward 5 SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kimberly Vandiver, Ward 5 SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Stewart)
Refer to committee — An Appropriation from Capital Stabilization (#8405) in the amount of $30,000 (Thirty Thousand Dollars) to Inspectional Services (#241) for an emergency replacement of a...
RESULT: RECOMMITTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Garipay, Ward 4 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: RECOMMITTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Garipay, Ward 4 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Garipay)
An Appropriation from Capital Stabilization (#8405) in the amount of $70,000 (Seventy Thousand Dollars) to DPW Operations (#401) for an emergency replacement of a fleet vehicle. The balance as of...
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Stewart)
Acceptance of The Recycling Partnership Residential Curbside Cart Grant in the amount of One Hundred Forty Two Thousand and Four Hundred Dollars ($142,400)
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Stewart)
Requesting that the City Council designate the Council on Aging position of Transportation Driver, as a Special Municipal Employee as that term is defined in M.G.L. Chapter 268A
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ryan Williams, At-Large SECONDER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ryan Williams, At-Large SECONDER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Williams, second: Karamcheti)
Requesting that the City Council designate election poll workers as Special Municipal Employees as that term is defined in M.G.L. Chapter 268A
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ryan Williams, At-Large SECONDER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ryan Williams, At-Large SECONDER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Williams, second: Karamcheti)
Requesting that the City Council designate the Melrose Public School positions of cafeteria worker, education stations site coordinator, education stations assistant site coordinator, educations...
RESULT: PASSED AS AMENDED [6 TO 5] MOVER: Mark Garipay, Ward 4 SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Stewart NAYS: Jamaleddine, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, StewartNo: Jamaleddine, Migliorelli, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED AS AMENDED [6 TO 5] MOVER: Mark Garipay, Ward 4 SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Stewart NAYS: Jamaleddine, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Amend — Requesting that the City Council designate the Melrose Public School positions of cafeteria worker, education stations site coordinator, education stations assistant site coordinator,...
Motion: Amend By: Councilor Garipay, Second: Councilor Stewart - motion carried. Councilor Garipay offers the following amendment language to Order 2024-22: "These designations shall be rescinded effective June 30, 2025 absent an additional vote by City Council authorizing the further extension of the special municipal employee designation to these positions."
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, StewartNo: Jamaleddine, Migliorelli, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [6 TO 5] MOVER: Mark Garipay, Ward 4 SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Stewart NAYS: Jamaleddine, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Pass Order 2024-22 as written (without the amendment)
Motion: pass order 2024-22 as written (without amendment)
The minutes list six yes and five no votes for this motion but record it as “defeated”; they add that the clerk first heard Councilor Finocchiaro’s remote vote as yes and then confirmed it was no, “thus altering the results to 6-5 defeated.” Manjula Karamcheti is listed as voting yes both here and on the amended order. Because the names do not match the recorded outcome, only the result is shown.
From the minutes
“RESULT: DEFEATED [6 TO 5] MOVER: Ryan Williams, At-Large SECONDER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 AYES: Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli NAYS: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Obremski, Stewart.” (Motion: Williams, second: Karamcheti)
Transfer in the amount of $3,200. from salary and wages (011621-512000) to equipment maintenance (011622-525102)
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kimberly Vandiver, Ward 5 SECONDER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kimberly Vandiver, Ward 5 SECONDER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Jamaleddine)
Common Victualler - Shah Pizza dba Petrone's Pizza (transfer of ownership)
RESULT: GRANTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Garipay, Ward 4 SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: GRANTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Garipay, Ward 4 SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Finocchiaro)
Petition of National Grid for grant of location to construct line of underground electrical conduits on School Street. Plan #30859177
RESULT: GRANTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kimberly Vandiver, Ward 5 SECONDER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: GRANTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kimberly Vandiver, Ward 5 SECONDER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Motion: Adjourn By: Councilor Stewart, Second: Councilor Jamaleddine - motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 SECONDER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Jamaleddine)
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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