MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
February 18, 2025
33 recorded votes, 20 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 and Ryan Williams absent.
Present: Cal Finocchiaro, Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Devin Romanul, Robb Stewart, Kimberly Vandiver, Leila Migliorelli
Absent: John Obremski, Ryan Williams
During the meeting:
- Cal Finocchiaro took part remotely.
- Ward Hamilton took part remotely.
- Maya Jamaleddine took part remotely.
- Robb Stewart arrived after the meeting began (8:02 PM).
Every vote, in order
Public Comment
Open Public Comment
Motion to open Public Comment made by Councilor Romanul at 7:53 PM Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 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 open Public Comment made by Councilor Romanul at 7:53 PM Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in Favor.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Garipay)
Close Public Comment
Motion to close Public Comment made by Councilor Garipay at 7:54 pm Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 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 close Public Comment made by Councilor Garipay at 7:54 pm Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in Favor.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Romanul)
Reading of the Minutes
Approve minutes from Feb 3 City Council meeting as is
Motion to approve minutes from Feb 3 City Council meeting as is made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 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 approve minutes from Feb 3 City Council meeting as is made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in Favor.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Garipay)
Accept the minutes of the regular meeting of February 3, 2025
RESULT: ACCEPTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Robb Stewart, Ryan Williams
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverThe roll call lists Robb Stewart as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Robb Stewart, Ryan Williams.”
New Business
Refer to Boards and Commission — Appointment of Edward J. O'Connell, 20 Cleveland Street, to the Melrose Education Fund Committee for a three year term, said term to expire the last day of...
Motion to refer to Boards and Commission made by President Migliorelli All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 PM); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Robb Stewart as absent for this vote. The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commission — Appointment of Kate Hartke, 52 Mooreland Road, Melrose to the Melrose Education Fund Committee for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of...
Motion to refer to Boards and Commission made by President Migliorelli All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 PM); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Robb Stewart as absent for this vote. The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commission — Appointment of Brian Kochanowski, 780 Main Street, to the Melrose Human Rights Commission for a three year term, said term set to expire last day of February, 2028
Motion to refer to Boards and Commission made by President Migliorelli All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 PM); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Robb Stewart as absent for this vote. The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commission — Appointment of Daniel Muller, 66 Sargent Street, Melrose, to the Melrose Education Fund Committee, for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of...
Motion to refer to Boards and Commission made by President Migliorelli All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 PM); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Robb Stewart as absent for this vote. The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commission — Appointment of Tracey Cruickshank, 22 Martin Street, Melrose to the Melrose Education Fund Committee for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of...
Motion to refer to Boards and Commission made by President Migliorelli All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 PM); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Robb Stewart as absent for this vote. The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commission — Appointment of Maria Grigoriadis, 112 Upham Street, to the Commission on Women
Motion to refer to Boards and Commission made by President Migliorelli All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 PM); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Robb Stewart as absent for this vote. The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commission — Appointment of Greg Pagnini, 79 Burrell Street, to the Board of Registrar of Voters
Motion to refer to Boards and Commission made by President Migliorelli All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 PM); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Robb Stewart as absent for this vote. The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commission — Reappointment of Mark S. Robinson, 116 Country Club Road, to the Library Board of Trustees
Motion to refer to Boards and Commission made by President Migliorelli All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 PM); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Robb Stewart as absent for this vote. The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commission — Reappointment of Jason Webb of 92 Morgan Street to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building Trustees
Motion to refer to Boards and Commission made by President Migliorelli All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 PM); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Robb Stewart as absent for this vote. The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commission — Reappointment of Christopher Bernard of 71 Cranmore Lane to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building Trustees
Motion to refer to Boards and Commission made by President Migliorelli All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 PM); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Robb Stewart as absent for this vote. The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commission — Reappointment of Mary Sexton to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building Trustees
Motion to refer to Boards and Commission made by President Migliorelli All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 PM); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Robb Stewart as absent for this vote. The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation from Capital Stabilization in the amount of $52,000 to DPW Facilities to upgrade switchgear components at Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School for the purposes...
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 PM); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Robb Stewart as absent for this vote. The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — Requesting Grant Acceptance of a Complete Streets Grant from MassDOT in the amount of $450,803.50 for the construction of sidewalks on Swains Pond Avenue
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli All were in Favor
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (8:02 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 refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli All were in Favor.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Unfinished Business
For passage for ID#'s 12094, 12344, 12354, 12380, 12413 and 12419 for reappointment
Motion to for passage for ID#'s 12094, 12344, 12354, 12380, 12413 and 12419 for reappointment made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In Favor with a Roll call Vote
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Motion to for passage for ID#'s 12094, 12344, 12354, 12380, 12413 and 12419 for reappointment made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In Favor with a Roll call Vote
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Place on File — 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 place on File made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in Favor
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACE ON FILE [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
For passage for ID#'s 12094, 12344, 12354, 12380, 12413 and 12419 for reappointment
Motion to for passage for ID#'s 12094, 12344, 12354, 12380, 12413 and 12419 for reappointment made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In Favor with a Roll call Vote
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Motion to for passage for ID#'s 12094, 12344, 12354, 12380, 12413 and 12419 for reappointment made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In Favor with a Roll call Vote
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Motion to for passage for ID#'s 12094, 12344, 12354, 12380, 12413 and 12419 for reappointment made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In Favor with a Roll call Vote
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Motion to for passage for ID#'s 12094, 12344, 12354, 12380, 12413 and 12419 for reappointment made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were In Favor with a Roll call Vote
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, VandiverThe roll call lists Leila Migliorelli as recused for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams RECUSED: Leila Migliorelli.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Appoint — 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 last...
Motion to Appoint made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in Favor via Role Call Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPOINTED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
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 620000-529006 to do tree...
RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams RECUSED: Robb Stewart
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverThe roll call lists Robb Stewart as recused for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams RECUSED: Robb Stewart.”
Acceptance of the Fiscal 2025 Local Cultural Council Grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council in the amount of $16,800
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams.”
Acceptance of a State Earmark for Various LED Lighting Projects
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams.”
Authorization to Submit a Statement of Interest to Massachusetts School Building Authority for Franklin School Roof Replacement
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams.”
Authorization to Submit a Statement of Interest to Massachusetts School Building Authority for Melrose High School Roof Replacement
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams.”
Place on File — Change in Ownership at 401 Upham Street Toms Full Service Gas Station
Motion to place on File made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in Favor via Role Call Vote 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: Stewart, second: Garipay)
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 100% of the Circuit...
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski, Ryan Williams.”
Adjournment
Adjourn made Councilor Garipay
Motion to adjourn made Councilor Garipay at 8:16 pm Seconded by Councilor Karmacheti All were in Favor via Roll Call Vote Motion passed
From the minutes
“Motion to adjourn made Councilor Garipay at 8:16 pm Seconded by Councilor Karmacheti All were in Favor via Roll Call Vote Motion passed.” (Motion: Karamcheti)
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.
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →