MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
April 1, 2024
28 recorded votes, 2 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:
- Maya Jamaleddine took part remotely.
Every vote, in order
Reading of the Minutes
Accept the minutes of the regular meeting of March 11, 2024
RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ryan Williams, At-Large SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ryan Williams, At-Large SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Williams, second: Stewart)
Accept the minutes of the regular meeting of March 18, 2024
RESULT: ACCEPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ryan Williams, At-Large SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ryan Williams, At-Large SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Williams, second: Stewart)
Public Comment
Open Public Comment
Motion: Open Public Comment By: Councilor Sewart, Second: Councilor Finocchiaro - motion carried.
The minutes say “motion carried” with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Motion: Open Public Comment By: Councilor Sewart, Second: Councilor Finocchiaro - motion carried..” (Motion: Stewart, second: Finocchiaro)
Close Public Comment
Motion: Close Public Comment By: Councilor Stewart, Second: Councilor Romanul - motion carried.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Finocchiaro)
New Business
Enter into Executive Session Made
Motion: enter into Executive Session Made at 7:52pm
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)
Suspend the Rules
Motion: Suspend the Rules By: Councilor Williams, Second: Councilor Stewart - motion carried.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ryan Williams, At-Large SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Williams, second: Stewart)
Adjourn from executive session Made
Motion: adjourn from executive session Made at 9:03 pm
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, WilliamsThe roll call lists Maya Jamaleddine as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] MOVER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 SECONDER: Mark Garipay, Ward 4 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli AWAY: Maya Jamaleddine.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Garipay)
Place on file — Requesting the City Council convene in executive session to receive information relative to ongoing negotiations with Garden Remedies, as discussion in open session may have a...
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [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: PLACED ON FILE [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)
Place on file — Requesting that the City Council convene in executive session to receive an update on the status of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with various municipal bargaining...
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 SECONDER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [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 David Roache, 8 Prescott Street, to the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill the unexpired term of Rita Mercado; said term to expire on the last day of February 2025
RESULT: APPOINTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Finocchiaro)
Re-Appointment of Louis Izzi, 45 Damon Avenue, Road, to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building Trustees; said term to expire the last day of February 2027
RESULT: APPOINTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John Obremski, Ward 2 SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John Obremski, Ward 2 SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Obremski, second: Finocchiaro)
Concurrent Action — Re-Appointment of Louis Izzi, 45 Damon Avenue, Road, to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building Trustees; said term to expire the last day of February 2027
Motion: Concurrent Action By: Councilor Karamcheti, Second: Councilor Stewart - motion carried.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 SECONDER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Karamcheti, second: Stewart)
Appointment of Philip Hermann to the Council on Aging, 83 East Foster Street, for a three year term, said term to expire the last day of February 2027
RESULT: APPOINTED [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: APPOINTED [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 David Kourtz, 68 Mooreland Road, to the Melrose Council on Aging for a three-year term, set to expire on the last day of February 2027
RESULT: APPOINTED [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: APPOINTED [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 Nancy Messina, 132 Country Club Road, to the Council on Aging for a three-year term; said term to expire on the last day of February 2027
RESULT: APPOINTED [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: APPOINTED [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)
An Appropriation from Mt. Hood Retained Earnings, account 620000-319000, in the amount of $400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Dollars) to Mt. Hood Professional Services, account 620000-529000 to...
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)
An Appropriation of Free Cash in the amount of $2,350,000 to the School Department Operating budget, transfer in account 0111-491003
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Finocchiaro)
An Appropriation from Free Cash in the amount of $223,372 for Medicaid Costs
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Finocchiaro)
Public Safety Earmark
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] TO: City Council MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] TO: City Council MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Finocchiaro)
Acceptance of the Fiscal 2024 Local Cultural Council Grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council in the amount of $16,200
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] TO: City Council MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Mark Garipay, Ward 4 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] TO: City Council MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Mark Garipay, Ward 4 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Garipay)
Requesting the acceptance of the Foundation of Alcohol Education Grant in the amount of $4,000
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 the acceptance of the Emergency Management Performance Grant in the amount of $6,500
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)
Place on file — An Update on the Finances of the City of Melrose
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Karamcheti)
Requesting authorization to borrow funds in the amount of $686,500 from MWRA as part of the Local Water System Assistance Program to fund costs for local water system improvement projects
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Finocchiaro)
Requesting the Appropriation of $971,400 for the purchase of Solid Waste and Recycling Carts
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Maya Jamaleddine, At-Large SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Finocchiaro)
Intra Departmental Transfer in the amount of two thousand two hundred thirty dollars and fifty-five cents ($2,230.55) from Recodification Account Number 011612-529301 to Equipment Account Number...
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 SECONDER: Ryan Williams, At-Large AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 SECONDER: Ryan Williams, At-Large AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Williams)
Requesting a transfer of funds from the Group Health budget, account number 019142-549201, in the amount of One Hundred and Two Thousand Dollars ($102,000) to various accounts within the HR Department
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Robb Stewart, Ward 3 SECONDER: Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Finocchiaro)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Motion: Adjourn By: Councilor Romanul, Second: Councilor Hamilton - motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Devin Romanul, Ward 7 SECONDER: Ward Hamilton, At-Large AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Hamilton)
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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