MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
February 3, 2025
34 recorded votes, 17 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 John Obremski, Ryan Williams and Cal Finocchiaro absent.
Present: Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Devin Romanul, Robb Stewart, Kimberly Vandiver, Leila Migliorelli
Absent: John Obremski, Ryan Williams, Cal Finocchiaro
Every vote, in order
Minutes Approval
Accept the minutes — Minutes of the regular meeting of January 21, 2025
Motion to accept the minutes made by President Migliorelli and with no objections Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
New Business
Refer to B & C — Reappointment of Susan Lawson Cann, 123 East Foster Street, Melrose MA, to the Cemetery Commission, for a three year term, said term to expire 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 Rebecca Blumenthal, 50 Stillman Road, to the Historical Commission for a term of three years, 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 to B & C — Reappointment of Thomas J. Champoux, 87 Crescent Avenue, Melrose MA, to the Historical Commission for a term of three years, 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 to B & C — Reappointment of Eileen Hamblin, 150 Youle Street, Melrose MA to the Cemetery Commission for a three year term, 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 Francisco Brincheiro, MD, 14 Geneva Road, Melrose MA to the Board of Health for a three year term, 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 Carol Hoffman, 97 Cochrane Street, to the Library Board of Trustees 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 to B & C — Reappointment of Emily Anderson, 106 East Foster Street, to the City of Melrose Conservation Commission for a three-year term, 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 Shane Egan, 21 Boston Rock Road, to the Melrose Historical 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 to B & C — Reappointment of Margaret Ivins, 177 Ashland Street, to the Melrose Council on Aging (COA) for a 2-year term set 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 Kristin Thorp, 77 Wentworth Road, to the Melrose Council on Aging (COA) for a three year term, 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 — Appointment of Chris Cinella, 69 Cranmore Road, to the Melrose Public Library Board of Trustees, to fill the remainder of Paul Fahey's three- year term, said term to expire on the...
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 A & O — An Appropriation from Mt. Hood Reserve Fund, account 8417- 590000, in the amount of $100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Dollars) to Mt. Hood Capital Improvement, account...
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 — Acceptance of a State Earmark for Various LED Lighting Projects
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 — Authorization to Submit a Statement of Interest to Massachusetts School Building Authority for Franklin School Roof Replacement
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 — Authorization to Submit a Statement of Interest to Massachusetts School Building Authority for Melrose High School Roof Replacement
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 — Acceptance of the Fiscal 2025 Local Cultural Council Grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council in the amount of $16,800
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)
Immediate consideration for the purposes of sending to committee to further deliberation — The Mayor produce before City Council any City Officer, member of a city agency or city employee who...
Motion for immediate consideration for the purposes of sending to committee to further deliberation made by Councilor Karamcheti And all were in Favor
From the minutes
“Motion for immediate consideration for the purposes of sending to committee to further deliberation made by Councilor Karamcheti And all were in Favor.” (Motion: Karamcheti)
Set a joint public hearing between A & O and Planning Board on Monday Feb 10th 2025at 7:30 pm — Order to set the public hearing date and time for Monday, Feb 10th 2025 at 7:30 pm in the City...
Motion to set a joint public hearing between A & O and Planning Board on Monday Feb 10th 2025at 7:30 pm made by Councilor Garipay All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: SET JOINT PUBLIC HEARING [8 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay)
Refer to P & L — Change in Ownership at 401 Upham Street Toms Full Service Gas Station
Motion to refer to P & L 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: Protection and License Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Unfinished Business
Conjoin ID#s 12346, 12347, 12348, 12349, 12350, 12351, 12352, 12353 and 12355 into one motion of passage
Motion to conjoin ID#s 12346, 12347, 12348, 12349, 12350, 12351, 12352, 12353 and 12355 into one motion of passage made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor
From the minutes
“Motion to conjoin ID#s 12346, 12347, 12348, 12349, 12350, 12351, 12352, 12353 and 12355 into one motion of passage made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Romanul)
Appoint all 9 appointees — 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 appoint all 9 appointees made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In favor
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Appoint all 9 appointees — 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...
Motion to appoint all 9 appointees made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In favor
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Appoint all 9 appointees — 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 appoint all 9 appointees made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In favor
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Appoint all 9 appointees — 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...
Motion to appoint all 9 appointees made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In favor
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Appoint all 9 appointees — 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...
Motion to appoint all 9 appointees made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In favor
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Appoint all 9 appointees — 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 appoint all 9 appointees made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In favor
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Appoint all 9 appointees — 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 appoint all 9 appointees made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In favor
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Appoint all 9 appointees — 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...
Motion to appoint all 9 appointees made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In favor
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Appoint all 9 appointees — Reappointment of Alaine Breen, of 18 Woodcrest Avenue, Melrose MA to the Melrose Commission on Disability, for a three year term
Motion to appoint all 9 appointees made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In favor
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Orders
Place on File — Local Options for Veterans Tax Relief under the HERO Act
Motion to place on File made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [8 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
Pass as amended — 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 confirmation of...
Motion to pass as amended made by Councilor Jamaleddine Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in Favor The amended wording for Rule 38A of the Rules of Order for City of Council will be: All appointments (new appointments and reappointments) made by the Mayor and subject to the confirmation of the Council shall include a written statement of the interest for appointments and written statement of accomplishments for reappointments while on the board or commission.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED AS AMENDED [8 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Karamcheti)
Revisions to Rule 38B as amended — Proposed Rules of Order Amendment for Rule38B RE: Appointments and Reappointments All appointees (new and re-appointed) of the Mayor subject to the confirmation...
Motion to Revisions to Rule 38B as amended made by Councilor Jamaleddine Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in Favor The added Rule 38B will read: All new appointees of the Mayor subject to the confirmation of the Council, shall appear before the proper standing committee to inform the committees recommendation. All reappointees of the Mayor subject to the confirmation of the Council, shall appear before the proper standing committee at the request of any of the Committee members and with the approval of the Chair, to inform the committees recommendations.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Romanul)
Passage — Appointment of Assistant City Clerk for a One Year Term City Clerk would like to select Linda Reed
Motion for passage made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in Favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Stewart, 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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