MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
January 21, 2025
29 recorded votes, 18 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Note on these minutes: The attendance table marks Robb Stewart absent.
Present: Cal Finocchiaro, Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kimberly Vandiver, Ryan Williams, Leila Migliorelli
Absent: Robb Stewart
Every vote, in order
Reading of the Minutes
Approve — Minutes of the regular meeting of January 6, 2025
Motion to approve made by President Migliorelli With a majority consent Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Robb Stewart.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
New Business
Refer to B & C — Reappointment of Randall Carter, 50 Mystic Avenue, to the Melrose Human Rights Commission for a three-year term, said term to expire on the last day of February, 2028
Motion to refer to B & C made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer out to B & C — Reappointment of Sean Heneghan, 31 Reading Hill Avenue, Melrose MA, to the Beebe Estate Board of Trustees for a term of three years, said term to expire on the last day of...
Motion to refer out to B & C made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to B & C — Reappointment 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 2028
Motion to refer to B & C made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to B &C — Reappointment of David Thimble, 94 Crescent Avenue, Melrose MA, to the Beebe Estate Board of Trustees for a two-year term, said term to expire on the last day of February 2027
Motion to refer to B &C made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to B & C — Reappointment of Sarah Besegai, 62 Stratford Park, Melrose MA, to the Beebe Estate Board of Trustees for a two-year term, said term to expire on the last day of February 2027
Motion to refer to B & C made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to B & C — Reappointment of Allison Goldberg, 24 Cottage Street, Melrose MA, to the Commission on Women (MCW) for a two-year term, said term to expire on the last day of February 2027
Motion to refer to B & C made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to B & C — Reappointment of Michael Paiewonsky, 71 Warwick Road, Melrose MA, to the Conservation Commission for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of February 2028
Motion to refer to B & C made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to B & C — Reappointment of Andrea Dorian Rose, 51 Albion Street, Apt. 9, Melrose MA, to the Melrose Conservation Commission as an Associate Member for a three year term, said term to expire...
Motion to refer to B & C made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer o B & C — Reappointment of Alaine Breen, of 18 Woodcrest Avenue, Melrose MA to the Melrose Commission on Disability, for a three year term
Motion to refer o B & C made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — Local Options for Veterans Tax Relief under the HERO Act
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — Request for the Approval of Petition to Enact Legislation Authorizing the City of Melrose to Establish a Means Tested Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption in the New Amount of...
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — Amending the Melrose Zoning Ordinance to allow for Accessory Dwelling Units
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — Zoning Amendment to change reference point in determining height of basement under City Zoning Ordinance
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Legal and Legislative — Proposed Revision of Rule 38A of the Rules of Order for City Council All appointments ( new appointments and reappointments) made by the Mayor and subject to the...
Motion to refer to Legal and Legislative made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Legal & Legislative Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Legal and Legislative — Proposed Rules of Order Amendment for Rule38B RE: Appointments and Reappointments All appointees (new and re-appointed) of the Mayor subject to the confirmation of...
Motion to refer to Legal and Legislative made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Legal & Legislative Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer out to Finance — Appointment of Assistant City Clerk for a One Year Term City Clerk would like to select Linda Reed
Motion to refer out to Finance made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Finance Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Unfinished Business
Approve — Renewal of the Inter-Municipal Veterans Service Agreement Among The City of Melrose, The Town of Wakefield and The Town Of Saugus
Motion to approve made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in Favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Robb Stewart.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
Approve — Transfer of the land and building previously used for the Beebe School, located at 263 West Foster Street in Melrose, MA, to the care, custody and control of the Mayor to be used for...
Motion to approve made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in Favor except Councilor Vandiver and Councilor Williams they voted to Abstain/Present Motion passed
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Obremski, RomanulAbstained: Vandiver, Williams
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Migliorelli ABSTAIN/PRESENT: Kimberly Vandiver, Ryan Williams ABSENT: Robb Stewart.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
Appoint — Appointment of John Tozza to the Beebe Estate Board of Trustees
Motion to appoint made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In Favor motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Robb Stewart.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Appoint — Reappointment of Lee Phalen, 102 Clifford Street, to the Board of Assessors for a three-year term; said term to expire on the last day of February, 2028
Motion to appoint made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Robb Stewart.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Appoint — Appointment of Regina Gibbons, 358 Lebanon Street, to the Commission on Women
Motion to appoint made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor Motion Passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Robb Stewart.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Pursuant to M.G.L. chapter 41, section 19I, authorize the City Clerk to receive additional compensation for performing the services of Clerk of Committees
RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Robb Stewart
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Robb Stewart.”
Pass — Acceptance of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Dividend Program Grant in the amount of $14,300
Motion to pass made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Robb Stewart.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Finocchiaro)
Pass — An appropriation in the amount of $244,658.24 from Peg Access to MMTV, Melrose Public Schools and for Legal Services and expenses related to cable-license renewal
Motion to pass made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Robb Stewart.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Romanul)
Place on file — Renewal of Additional Victualler Licenses for 2025
Motion to place on file made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Vandiver All were in favor Motion passed
The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: FILE.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Vandiver)
Place on File — Common Victualler Renewals for 2025
Motion to place on File made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in Favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACE ON FILE [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Robb Stewart.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Place on file — Second Hand Class 2 Auto License Renewal for 2024
Motion to place on file made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Williams All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACE ON FILE [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Robb Stewart.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Williams)
Place on file — Gasoline and Storage renewal licenses for 2024
Motion to place on file made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in Favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Robb Stewart.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Garipay)
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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