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Melrose City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Special meeting

March 6, 2025

27 recorded votes, 10 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page

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Attendance

Note on these minutes: The attendance table marks Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski and Ryan Williams absent.

Present: Cal Finocchiaro, Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Maya Jamaleddine, Devin Romanul, Robb Stewart, Kimberly Vandiver, Leila Migliorelli

Absent: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams

During the meeting:

  • Maya Jamaleddine took part remotely.
  • Robb Stewart arrived after the meeting began (7:45 PM).

Every vote, in order

Public Comment

Open the floor to Public Comment

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · 7–0

Motion to open the floor to Public Comment at 7:37 pm made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor

Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (7:45 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 the floor to Public Comment at 7:37 pm made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Romanul)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Close Public Comment

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · 7–0

Motion to close Public Comment at 7:38 pm made by Councilor Hamilton Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in Favor

Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (7:45 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 at 7:38 pm made by Councilor Hamilton Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in Favor.” (Motion: Hamilton, second: Garipay)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

New Business

Refer out to Boards and Commission — Appointment of John Orlandella, 72 Hawes Avenue, to the Melrose Scholarship Fund Committee for a term of three years, said term set to expire last day of...

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · 7–0

Motion to refer out to Boards and Commission made by President Migliorelli All were In favor

Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (7:45 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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Refer out to Boards and Commissions — Appointment of Peter T. Bowman, 24 Arlington Road, to the Cable Television Commission

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · 7–0

Motion to refer out to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli All were in favor via roll call

Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (7:45 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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Refer out to Boards and Commissions — Appointment of Jackie Hoover, 80 Sheffield Road, to the Melrose Scholarship Fund Committee for a term of three years, said term set to expire last day of...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · 7–0

Motion to refer out to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli All were in favor via roll call

Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (7:45 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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Refer out to Boards and Commissions — Appointment of Daniel R. Kowalczyk, 51 1st Street, Apt 4, to the Cable Television Commission

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · 7–0

Motion to refer out to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli All were in favor via roll call vote

Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (7:45 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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Refer out to Appropriations and Oversight — Loan Order - LWSAP CY2025 Water Main Improvements

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · 7–0

Motion to refer out to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli All were in favor via Roll Call

Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Migliorelli, Romanul, VandiverRobb Stewart arrived late (7:45 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: City Council.” (Motion: Migliorelli)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Refer out to Legal and Legislative — Order: Amend Section 48-6 Regular Meetings to change the full council meeting dates in February and April to the first and fourth Monday of each month

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer out to Legal and Legislative made by President Migliorelli Motion passed via roll call

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Recommend to suspend rule 62 at the next L & L subcommittee meeting — Request to suspend Rule 62 and hold the next Legal and Legislative Subcommittee Meeting fully remote

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to Recommend to suspend rule 62 at the next L & L subcommittee meeting made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Vandiver Motion passed via ROLL CALL vote

The minutes say “Motion passed” with no count or names.

From the minutes

“Motion to Recommend to suspend rule 62 at the next L & L subcommittee meeting made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Vandiver Motion passed via ROLL CALL vote.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Vandiver)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Request to suspend Rule 62 and hold the next Legal and Legislative Subcommittee Meeting fully remote

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

RESULT: RECOMMEND AS VOTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams

From the minutes

“RESULT: RECOMMEND AS VOTED [8 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Unfinished Business

Conjoin ID #s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to conjoin ID #s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote

The minutes say “Motion passed” with no count or names.

From the minutes

“Motion to conjoin ID #s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Recommend ID#s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

Motion to recommend ID#s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

Motion to recommend ID#s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

Motion to recommend ID#s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

Motion to recommend ID#s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

Motion to recommend ID#s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

Motion to recommend ID#s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

Motion to recommend ID#s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

Motion to recommend ID#s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

Motion to recommend ID#s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

Motion to recommend ID#s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

Motion to recommend ID#s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

Motion to recommend ID#s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

Motion to recommend ID#s 12422, 12427, 12430, 12445, 12446, 12454, 12455, 12356, 12412, 12448, 12449, 12450 and 12452 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed via Roll Call Vote

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

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 of safety and...

Minutes, page 12

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

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

Minutes, page 12

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present

RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Ryan Williams.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Adjournment

Adjourn

Minutes, page 12

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present

Motion to adjourn made by Councilor Stewart at 8:15 PM Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in Favor via Roll Call

From the minutes

“Motion to adjourn made by Councilor Stewart at 8:15 PM Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in Favor via Roll Call.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Romanul)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

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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