MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
55 recorded votes, 43 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Note on these minutes: The attendance table marks John Obremski and Cal Finocchiaro absent.
Present: Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Devin Romanul, Robb Stewart, Kimberly Vandiver, Ryan Williams, Leila Migliorelli
Absent: John Obremski, Cal Finocchiaro
Accept the minutes — Minutes of the regular meeting of March 17, 2025
Motion to accept the minutes made by President Migliorelli
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commissions — Reappointment of David W. Roache, 8 Prescott Street, to the Board of Appeals for a five-year term; said term to expire on the last day of February 2030
Motion to refer to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commissions — Reappointment of Daniel Gelormini, 20 Pilgrim Road, to the Board of Appeals as an Associate Member for a two year term set to expire on the last day of February 2027
Motion to refer to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commission — Appointment of Steve Barron, 647 Lynn Fells Parkway, to the Planning Board for a five year term, said term to expire on the last day of February 2030
Motion to refer to Boards and Commission made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commissions — Appointment of Lindsey S. Chisholm, 132 East Foster Street, to the Beebe Estate Board of Trustees for a three year term, said term to expire the last day of...
Motion to refer to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commissions — Appointment Cathy Giliberto, 17 Burnett Street, Melrose to the Melrose Historical Commission, for a term of three years, said term to expire last day of February,...
Motion to refer to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commissions — Appointment of Geoffrey Andrews, 15 Orient Place, Melrose, to the Melrose Historical Commission, for a term of three years, said term to expire last day of...
Motion to refer to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commission — Appointment of Elizabeth Kowal, 301 West Foster Street, Melrose to the Human Rights Commission 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
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commissions — Appointment of Laura Bergsten, 61 Orchard Lane, Melrose to the Human Rights Commission for the term of three years, said term to expire the last day of February 2028
Motion to refer to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commissions — Appointment of Ryan Murphy, 195 Florence Street, Melrose to the Historic District Commission, for a term of three years, said term to expire last day of February 2028
Motion to refer to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commissions — Appointment of Taylor Makson Murphy, 195 Florence Street, Melrose to the Commission on Women for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of...
Motion to refer to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Mt. Hood Retained Earnings, account 620000-319000, in the amount of $330,000 (Three Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars) to Mt. Hood...
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $235,000 to the Parks Department #475 for playground equipment at the Hoover and Lincoln Schools
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $455,000 to the IT Department #155 for replacement of teacher chromebooks, MVMMS projector replacements and PA...
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $34,847 to Essex Agricultural and Minuteman Technical High School for one additional student and a special...
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $250,000 to fund the Snow and Ice Deficit (department #423)
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation in the amount of $269,865 to the school department for FY24 Medicaid reimbursement (account number #16204- 490000)
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $48,000 to the schools (account 1350-490000) to fund the matching component of a federal grant
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $32,000 to the school department (#1905) for the iReady diagnostic
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $980,000 to the Fire Department (#221) for overtime costs ($905,000) and for equipment ($75,000)
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $250,000 to DPW facilities (#402) for a feasibility study for projects at the Franklin School and Melrose High...
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $120,000 to DPW (#401) to fund the summer work program
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation from Contract Stabilization (Fund # 8404) in the amount of $125,000 to the Police Department, salary and wages (#211)
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $250,000 to the Special Education Reserve Fund (Fund #8408)
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $750,000 to Capital Stabilization (Fund #8405)
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — An Appropriation from Free Cash in the amount of $100,000 to the Council on Aging (#541) for replacement of a van
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — Authorize the Mayor enter into an Intermunicipal Agreement with the Cities of Chelsea and Everett to utilize MVP grant funding for the construction of tree filters in the Mystic...
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — Acceptance of the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Planning 2.0 Grant in the amount of $100,000
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — Acceptance of a MassDOT Community Transit Grant for the Council on Aging
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Legal and Legislative — Update on Cannabis Control Commission regulations related to marijuana business operations in the City of Melrose
Motion to refer to Legal and Legislative made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Legal & Legislative Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — Requesting the City of Melrose withdraw from its current Veterans' Services District, comprised of Saugus, Wakefield, and Melrose, at the end of Fiscal Year 25
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — Zoning Amendment Floodplain Overlay District
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A & O — Zoning Amendment regarding Marijuana Buffer Zone Measurements
Motion to refer to A & O made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Finance — Update on the Clerk of Committees Search
Motion to refer to Finance made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Finance Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Seek immediate consideration — A Resolution recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
Motion to seek immediate consideration made by Councilor Vandiver with no objections the motion was passed
The minutes say “no objections” with no count or names.
“Motion to seek immediate consideration made by Councilor Vandiver with no objections the motion was passed.” (Motion: Vandiver)
Place on file — A Resolution recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
Motion to place on file was made by Councilor Karamcheti Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in Favor Motion passed
The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
“RESULT: FILE.” (Motion: Karamcheti, second: Romanul)
Seek immediate consideration — City of Melrose Resolution for Condemning Inhumane and Damaging Actions by U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement against Immigrants
Motion to seek immediate consideration made by Councilor Jamaleddine With no objections the motion passed
The minutes say “no objections” with no count or names.
“Motion to seek immediate consideration made by Councilor Jamaleddine With no objections the motion passed.” (Motion: Jamaleddine)
Place on File — City of Melrose Resolution for Condemning Inhumane and Damaging Actions by U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement against Immigrants
Motion to place on File made by Councilor Karamcheti Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine Motion passed with 6 votes
The minutes record the result (“file”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: FILE.” (Motion: Karamcheti, second: Jamaleddine)
Refer to Protection and License — 2025 Gasoline Storage License Renewals
Motion to refer to Protection and License made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Protection and License Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Protection and License — Second Hand Dealers License Renewals for 2025
Motion to refer to Protection and License made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Protection and License Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Protection and License from President Migliorelli — Livery License Renewal for 2025
Motion to refer to Protection and License from President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Protection and License Committee.”
Refer to Protection and License — New Livery License for JBM Transportation
Motion to refer to Protection and License made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Protection and License Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Set a public hearing — Petition of National Grid to install 1 JO on Tremont St
RESULT: SET PUBLIC HEARING [9 TO 0] TO: Public Works Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski
“RESULT: SET PUBLIC HEARING [9 TO 0] TO: Public Works Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski.”
Set a public hearing — Petition for Joint or Identical Pole Location on East Rock Park
RESULT: SET PUBLIC HEARING [9 TO 0] TO: Public Works Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski
“RESULT: SET PUBLIC HEARING [9 TO 0] TO: Public Works Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski.”
Set a public hearing — Petition for Electric Conduit Location on NW Sidewalk of Angela Circle
RESULT: SET PUBLIC HEARING [9 TO 0] TO: Public Works Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski
“RESULT: SET PUBLIC HEARING [9 TO 0] TO: Public Works Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski.”
Recommend as amended — Replace current City Ordinance Section 177-12 Snow and Ice Removal with revised ordinance language to address property owner responsibilities for snow and ice removal
Motion to recommend as amended made by Councilor Jameleddine Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti 8 were in favor Motion passed
Yes: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, WilliamsNo: Migliorelli
“RESULT: RECOMMEND AS AMENDED [8 TO 1] TO: Legal & Legislative Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams NAYS: Leila Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski.” (second: Karamcheti)
Pass as amended — Amending the Melrose Zoning Ordinance to allow for Accessory Dwelling Units
Motion to pass as amended made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in Favor Motion passed
“RESULT: PASSED AS AMENDED [9 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Karamcheti)
Zoning Amendment to change reference point in determining height of basement under City Zoning Ordinance
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski.”
Reappointment of Brian Gregory, 146 W. Wyoming Avenue, to the Melrose Planning Board for a five-year term; said term to expire on the last day of February 2030
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski.”
Appointment of Christopher J. Gregg, 28 Cumner Ave., Melrose to the Melrose Scholarship Fund Committee for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of March, 2028
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski.”
Appointment of Alison Boone, 171 Trenton Street, to the Board of Registrars of Voters
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski.”
Requesting the acceptance of State Earmark for the Melrose Council on Aging in the amount of $50,000
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski.”
Place on file — The Mayor produce before City Council any City Officer, member of a city agency or city employee who shall provide information and answer questions relative to efforts to reduce...
Motion to place on file made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All were in favor Motion passed
The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
“RESULT: FILE.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
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
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, John Obremski.”
Adjourn
Motion to adjourn made by President Migliorelli at 8:29 PM All were in favor
“Motion to adjourn made by President Migliorelli at 8:29 PM All were in favor.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
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 →