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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 2023 and sworn in January 2024 (organizational meeting January 8, 2024). Council President: Leila Migliorelli (2024; elected January 8, 2024, nine votes, two members absent; and 2025; elected January 6, 2025, nine votes, two members absent). Kimberly Vandiver (Ward 5), Cal Finocchiaro (Ward 6), Devin Romanul (Ward 7) and Ward Hamilton (at large) joined the council, succeeding Shawn M. MacMaster, Jen Grigoraitis and Christopher Cinella and Jack Eccles; Ryan Williams moved from Ward 7 to an at-large seat. The city’s meeting system changed in October 2025: from October 20, 2025 the minutes list every councilor’s vote on each roll call. Covers 48 meetings, January 8 to December 15, 2025.
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
MassVoter can’t read Melrose’s meeting calendar automatically yet. See upcoming meetings on the official site →
Councilors
Cal FinocchiaroMember · Ward 6 · at 37 of 48 meetingsMark GaripayMember · Ward 4 · at 47 of 48 meetingsWard HamiltonMember · At-large · at 43 of 48 meetings
Maya JamaleddineMember · At-large · at 39 of 48 meetings
Manjula KaramchetiMember · Ward 1 · at 37 of 48 meetings
John ObremskiMember · Ward 2 · at 23 of 48 meetings
Devin RomanulMember · Ward 7 · at 48 of 48 meetingsRobb StewartMember · Ward 3 · at 38 of 48 meetings
Kimberly VandiverMember · Ward 5 · at 47 of 48 meetings
Ryan WilliamsMember · At-large · at 43 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.
Dec 1Adopt a Shift of 1.73 and Residential Factor of…Motion: Motion to adopt a Shift of 1.73 and Residential Factor of…Passed 8–1 · No: Vandiver
December 1, 2025: Adopt a Shift of 1.73 and Residential Factor of .9617 — FY2026 Property Tax Classification Public Hearing
Motion to adopt a Shift of 1.73 and Residential Factor of .9617 made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart Most were in favor and motion passed
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, Stewart, WilliamsNo: VandiverThe roll call does not list Maya Jamaleddine (who left the meeting at 8:08 PM), so that member is not shown on this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED AYES: Cal Finocchiaro, Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Manjula Karamcheti, Devin Romanul, Robb Stewart, Leila Migliorelli, Ryan Williams NAYS: Kim Vandiver ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Dec 1Passage — Acceptance of vote language for Appropriation of…Motion: Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart…Passed 9–0 · see note
December 1, 2025: Passage — Acceptance of vote language for Appropriation of Feasibility Study for MSBA Accelerated Repair projects
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All were in favor and motion passed
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, WilliamsThe roll call does not list Maya Jamaleddine (who left the meeting at 8:08 PM), so that member is not shown on this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Cal Finocchiaro, Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Manjula Karamcheti, Devin Romanul, Robb Stewart, Kim Vandiver, Leila Migliorelli, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Dec 1Amend Section 10D for first sentence to read:"This section…Motion: Motion to Amend Section 10D for first sentence to read:"This section…Passed 9–0 · see note
December 1, 2025: Amend Section 10D for first sentence to read:"This section shall take effect upon final vote of council approving a new regulatory authority of a... — That the City Council adopt…
Motion to Amend Section 10D for first sentence to read:"This section shall take effect upon final vote of council approving a new regulatory authority of a Historical Commission as submitted" made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Hamilton All were in favor and motion passed as amended Comments during the meeting:
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, WilliamsMaya Jamaleddine left the meeting at 8:08 PM; the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion to Amend Section 10D for first sentence to read:"This section shall take effect upon final vote of council approving a new regulatory authority of a Historical Commission as submitted" made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Hamilton All were in favor and motion passed as amended Comments during the meeting:.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Hamilton)
Dec 1Passage as Amended and final vote was called —…Motion: Motion for Passage as Amended and final vote was called by…Passed 9–0 · see note
December 1, 2025: Passage as Amended and final vote was called — That the City Council adopt a Demolition Review Ordinance as set forth herein, to preserve and protect buildings of historical significance…
Motion for Passage as Amended and final vote was called by President Migliorelli All were in favor and motion passed as amended.
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, WilliamsThe roll call does not list Maya Jamaleddine (who left the meeting at 8:08 PM), so that member is not shown on this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Cal Finocchiaro, Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Manjula Karamcheti, Devin Romanul, Robb Stewart, Kim Vandiver, Leila Migliorelli, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Aug 18Re-open the meetingMotion: Motion to re-open the meeting at 8:05 pm by President Migliorelli…Passed · see note
August 18, 2025: Re-open the meeting
Motion to re-open the meeting at 8:05 pm by President Migliorelli With no objections
The minutes say “no objections” with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Motion to re-open the meeting at 8:05 pm by President Migliorelli With no objections.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Aug 18National Grid install 1 JO Pole on Mt Zion…Motion: RESULT: MOVE WITHOUT RECOMMENDATION [9 TO 0] Next: 9/2/2025Passed Unanimous, 9 present · see note
August 18, 2025: National Grid install 1 JO Pole on Mt Zion Road NO 31114550
RESULT: MOVE WITHOUT RECOMMENDATION [9 TO 0] Next: 9/2/2025
The minutes give the count as 9 to 0 without names; it matches the nine members present, so each is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: MOVE WITHOUT RECOMMENDATION [9 TO 0] Next: 9/2/2025.”
Jun 16Petition to install 1 JO Pole on Emerson Pl…Motion: RESULT: OUGHT TO PASS [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES:…Passed 8–0 · see note
June 16, 2025: Petition to install 1 JO Pole on Emerson Pl Order #31108543
RESULT: OUGHT TO PASS [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams RECUSED: Kimberly Vandiver
Yes: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Obremski, Romanul, StewartThe roll call lists Kimberly Vandiver as recused for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: OUGHT TO PASS [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams RECUSED: Kimberly Vandiver.”
Jun 16Amend: cut the Affordable Housing Trust appropriation from $150,000…Motion: Motion to Amend the amount to $75,000 instead of $150,000 made…Failed 2–7 · No: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Obremski, Romanul
June 16, 2025: Amend: cut the Affordable Housing Trust appropriation from $150,000 to $75,000
Motion to Amend the amount to $75,000 instead of $150,000 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Stewart Comments from the council members: -Councilor Jamaleddine stated that now that the budget hearings are done and the free cash requests are complete, she wants to keep the appropriation at the original amount of $150,000. -A vote was taken on the amended order and it failed. Councilors Stewart and Vandiver voted Yes on the amended order and the other councilors voted No, so the No's had it.
Yes: Stewart, VandiverNo: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Obremski, RomanulThe minutes say Councilors Stewart and Vandiver voted yes on the amended order “and the other councilors voted No”; the other councilors present are shown voting no.
From the minutes
“Motion to Amend the amount to $75,000 instead of $150,000 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Stewart Comments from the council members: -Councilor Jamaleddine stated that now that the budget hearings are done and the free cash requests are complete, she wants to keep the appropriation at the original amount of $150,000. -A vote was taken on the amended order and it failed. Councilors Stewart and Vandiver voted Yes on the amended order and the other councilors voted No, so the No's had it..” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Stewart)
Jun 16Pass the $150,000 Free Cash appropriation to the Affordable…Motion: RESULT: DEFEATED [6 TO 3] AYES: Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver,…Failed 6–3 · No: Garipay, Hamilton, Stewart
June 16, 2025: Pass the $150,000 Free Cash appropriation to the Affordable Housing Trust (as filed)
RESULT: DEFEATED [6 TO 3] AYES: Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Migliorelli NAYS: Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Robb Stewart ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams
Yes: Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Obremski, Romanul, VandiverNo: Garipay, Hamilton, StewartThe minutes say President Migliorelli “went back to the original motion for a vote and the vote failed since there was not a majority Yes vote” (six yes, three no, two councilors absent); shown as failed, as recorded. Some council votes need more than a simple majority (for example, two-thirds).
From the minutes
“RESULT: DEFEATED [6 TO 3] AYES: Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Migliorelli NAYS: Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Robb Stewart ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Jun 16Passage — Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget in the…Motion: Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine…Passed 8–1 · No: Hamilton
June 16, 2025: Passage — Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget in the amount of $107,575,802
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine Ayes have it and motion passed, with Councilor Hamilton voting No
Yes: Garipay, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, VandiverNo: Hamilton
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 1] AYES: Garipay, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli NAYS: Ward Hamilton ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, 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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