MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
April 28, 2025
63 recorded votes, 29 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 absent.
Present: Cal Finocchiaro, Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Devin Romanul, Robb Stewart, Kimberly Vandiver, Ryan Williams, Leila Migliorelli
Absent: John Obremski
Every vote, in order
Public Comment
Close Public Comment
Motion to close Public Comment made by President Migliorelli at 8:05 PM Public Comment - Anne Marie from Sanford CT Before we start the 5 minutes, I want to say first, for anyone watching at home, that I will be talking about a sensitive topic in case you have children within earshot and want to turn down the volume or watch this later. I want to also give a trigger warning as I will be talking about the subject of sexual violence, although not graphically. Good Evening City Council Members. My name is Anne Marie. I grew up in Melrose and I currently reside in Stamford, CT. I graduated from Melrose High School in 1990. I am here tonight to speak in support of the resolution put forth and affirmed by this city council on April 7th supporting the goals and ideals of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As a survivor myself and someone who is committed to survivor advocacy and who actively seeks out further education on this subject, I am here to clearly outline the actions this council and everyone must take to support survivors and to combat the pervasive societal problem of sexual violence. Some of you here know my story and some people watching this at home know my story. Due to time constraints I will not be getting into all of that here tonight, but I encourage anyone to reach out to me if they would like to have a conversation. Since being forced to confront and process this traumatic event that happened to me as a teenager and start my healing journey 2 years ago, I am now ab
The minutes say “passed” with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Motion to close Public Comment made by President Migliorelli at 8:05 PM Public Comment - Anne Marie from Sanford CT Before we start the 5 minutes, I want to say first, for anyone watching at home, that I will be talking about a sensitive topic in case you have children within earshot and want to turn down the volume or watch this later. I want to also give a trigger warning as I will be talking about the subject of sexual violence, although not graphically. Good Evening City Council Members. My name is Anne Marie. I grew up in Melrose and I currently reside in Stamford, CT. I graduated from Melrose High School in 1990. I am here tonight to speak in support of the resolution put forth and affirmed by this city council on April 7th supporting the goals and ideals of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As a survivor myself and someone who is committed to survivor advocacy and who actively seeks out further education on this subject, I am here to clearly outline the actions this council and everyone must take to support survivors and to combat the pervasive societal problem of sexual violence. Some of you here know my story and some people watching this at home know my story. Due to time constraints I will not be getting into all of that here tonight, but I encourage anyone to reach out to me if they would like to have a conversation. Since being forced to confront and process this traumatic event that happened to me as a teenager and start my healing journey 2 years ago, I am now able to talk about it without getting extremely emotional and upset which has been a silver lining in all of this for me. I had, for the most part, been burying this for 33 years, only talking about it with very few people. I literally could not get the words to come out of my mouth. In the last 8-9 months I have become very involved in a volunteer capacity in survivor support, advocacy, education, and sexual assault prevention. I am helping others and I have learned so much from people who work in this realm and who have devoted their whole careers to supporting survivors and ending sexual violence. I would like to share some of what I have learned and talk about how everyone, and especially those in leadership positions, can support survivors in their communities and their personal lives. Supporting survivors is not passive. It requires action. It requires commitment. It requires courage. For those in leadership roles, leadership is about responsibility. It's about setting the standard and creating a culture of accountability even for your friends and colleagues. It is about putting the well-being of society as a whole and the community in which you serve over personal alliances. Supporting the goals and ideals of Sexual Assault Awareness Month requires more than just saying the right words. It is not enough to say we support survivors. Actions must reflect that. The following are some ways in how people can make a real difference: -Believe survivors when they come forward. Believing survivors helps break the cycle of sexual violence. Doubt, blame, ostracizing survivors, and verbal and written attacks retraumatize and discourage others from coming forward. Know that false accusations of sexual assault are very rare, as proven by multiple statistics. Not reporting, police not prosecuting, or even a not guilty verdict in a trial does not make an accusation a lie. People are not lying about these things. I am not lying about what happened to me nor would there be any reason for me to lie. There was no consent. There was no "misunderstanding." There is more I could share, but I will keep that for individual conversations. This has all been very difficult and I did not want any of this. I assure you, nobody wants this. -Listen with empathy and without judgment. Everyone's experience is different and everyone deserves to be heard regardless of whether or not they reported their assault at the time that it happened. Do not preach to survivors about what you would or wouldn't do if you were in their situation. I have had people say to me "I have trauma and I wouldn't do what you are doing." You can't say what you would do in a situation until you are actually in it. I didn't even know what to do when I found myself facing this overwhelmingly triggering situation in 2023. I ultimately decided that I couldn't be afraid and that speaking out was the right thing to do. -Challenge and correct victim-blaming. When you hear it, call it out. No survivor is ever at fault for what happened to them. The only ones at fault for sexual assault are the perpetrators. Perpetrators know how terribly survivors are treated which is why sexual violence continues and with little accountability or justice and is why some people, sadly, don't survive this. Do not be someone who perpetuates this culture of victim blaming, shaming, and ostracizing survivors who speak out. -Educate yourself about sexual violence. The people who sexually assault typically are not strangers who jump out in a dark alley. 80% of sexual assaults are non-stranger assaults. Out of every 1,000 incidents of sexual violence, only 31Oare reported to the police, and even fewer are prosecuted. There are so many reasons why a victim may not report and every one of those reasons is valid. -Hold people accountable for their harmful behavior. Just because you have only seen someone's nice side does not mean that someone else hasn't been subjected to their cruel side. If you hear your friend calling the victim crazy (which, by the way, is a page straight out of the sexual assault perpetrator playbook) or saying things like "she has a long, sad, history of mental health issues" to try and discredit her, tell your friend that that is the morally wrong thing to do and certainly do not participate in attacks like this. If you participate in attacks like this, this makes you as bad as the person who caused the initial harm. -Do not try to silence or shame survivors for reporting and/or speaking out. No one should be punished, blamed, or shamed for sharing their truth. Survivors do not owe perpetrators their silence or anything at all. Survivors are NOT ruining the accused's life by reporting and/or speaking out about the harm done to them. The ones who ruin lives, both the lives of their victims and their own, are the perpetrators. I have had some really terrible things written to me and about me by people who lack empathy and understanding. I was very naive in thinking that it was safer to speak out in a post #metoo world, but it is not. There is still so much work to be done. -Do not throw around words like defamation. People love to throw this word around even when they have no knowledge or understanding of what exactly defamation entails and no evidence in which to call something defamation. Threats of defamation are just a tool that perpetrators and their enablers use to try to scare and silence survivors. A couple months ago, a person in a high profile leadership position in Melrose wrote in a town Facebook group about what happened to me: "It is defamation if nothing has been done about it by law enforcement or legally." This is completely false. Reporting to the police is not the sole determinant of truth. Other survivors, people currently being abused, and future victims may have (probably did) read that and thought this person knew what they were talking about and may now fear coming forward. I asked this person to apologize publicly for writing this inaccurate information about defamation, but this person has yet to do so. Survivors who bravely come forward must have their right to speak protected. Defamation laws must be reformed to stop those who harm in this way from using threats of defamation lawsuits as a weapon of retaliation. This leads me to my next topic .... There is a bill called the "Speak Your Truth Act" that is currently in consideration in 16 states, Massachusetts and Connecticut being two of those states. This bill would protect survivors of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination from retaliatory lawsuits used to silence them. This would ensure that if abusers file defamation lawsuits and lose, survivors can require them to cover their legal fees and pay for other resulting harm. I am calling on lawmakers in my home state of Massachusetts, my current state of Connecticut, and all states considering this to adopt it into law. City council members, to show your commitment and resolve to the resolution you all (those who were here) voted yes to a couple weeks ago, you can reach out to state legislators to advocate for the passing of this bill. I also am prepared to do anything in my power to help get this passed..” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Reading of the Minutes
Accept — Minutes of the regular meeting of April 7, 2025
Motion to accept made by President Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Accept — Minutes of the regular meeting of October 7, 2024
Motion to accept made by President Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
New Business
Refer to Boards and Commissions — Appointment of Timothy Jasionowski, 143 Upham Street, to the Cable Television 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.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commissions — Appointment of Mike Festa, 127 Boston Rock Road, to the Melrose Elderly & Disabled Taxation Fund Committee
Motion to refer to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commissions — Appointment of Lisa Matey Bergeron, 63 Howard Street, to the Melrose Elderly & Disabled Taxation Fund Committee
Motion to refer to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commissions — Appointment of Gail Infurna, 12 Mt. Vernon Street, to the Melrose Elderly & Disabled Taxation Fund Committee
Motion to refer to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commissions — Appointment of Anne Ahern, 98 West Emerson Street, to the Park Commission
Motion to refer to Boards and Commissions made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Boards and Commissions — Appointment of Linda J. Thompson of 198 Melrose Street, to the Melrose Human Rights 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.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Protection and License — Gasoline Storage Renewals for 2025 Round 2
Motion to refer to Protection and License made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Protection and License — That the City Council authorize the Mayor to enter into an Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with Malden, Medford, Wakefield, Winchester, and Stoneham as part of the...
Motion to refer to Protection and License made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — Acceptance of the FY25 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant awarded to the Melrose Fire Department by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Fire...
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash(account 01-324001) in the amount of $175,000 to DPW Admin (#401) for Lebanon and Sylvan Street Stormwater Project
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $150,000 to DPW Facilities (#402) for repairs to the Franklin School all purpose room
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $100,000 to DPW Facilities (#402) for asbestos remediation projects
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $68,000 to DPW- Parks and Forestry (#475) for tree plantings
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $50,000 to DPW Highway (#422) for sidewalk repairs
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $25,000 to DPW-Admin (#401) to fund a Stormwater Enterprise Study
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $75,000 to DPW Highway (#422) for traffic improvements
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $8,000 to DPW - Parks (#475) for flowers at Veterans memorials
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash(account 01-324001) in the amount of $189,000 to DPW Facilities (#402) for repairs to the Franklin School
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $48,000 to DPW-Parks (#475) for improvements to the Dog Park
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $20,000 to HR (#152) to fund costs associated with physicals and advertising
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash(account 01-324001) in the amount of $20,000 to the Melrose Cultural Council (#2543)
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $80,000 to DPW Admin (#401) for Stormwater improvements at Ell Pond Park
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $16,000 to the Police Department (#211) for evidence software
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $90,000 to the Police Department (#211) for the purchase of a new cruiser
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $2,000 to the Mayor's Office (#121) for costs associated with the inauguration
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Recommend — 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 recommend made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: RECOMMEND [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Recommend — 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 recommend made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: RECOMMEND [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Recommend — 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 recommend made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: RECOMMEND [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Recommend — 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 February, 2028
Motion to recommend made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: RECOMMEND [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Recommend — 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, 2028
Motion to recommend made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: RECOMMEND [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Recommend — 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 February 2028
Motion to recommend made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: RECOMMEND [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Recommend — 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 February 2028
Motion to recommend made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: RECOMMEND [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Recommend — 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 recommend made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: RECOMMEND [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Recommend — 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 recommend made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: RECOMMEND [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Recommend — 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 February 2028
Motion to recommend made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: RECOMMEND [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — An Appropriation from Mt. Hood Retained Earnings, account 620000-319000, in the amount of $330,000 (Three Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars) to Mt. Hood Professional Services, account...
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — 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 for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Romanul All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Romanul)
Passage — 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 system...
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — 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 education...
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $250,000 to fund the Snow and Ice Deficit (department #423)
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — An Appropriation in the amount of $269,865 to the school department for FY24 Medicaid reimbursement (account number #16204- 490000)
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — 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 for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $32,000 to the school department (#1905) for the iReady diagnostic
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — 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 for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — 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 School
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $120,000 to DPW (#401) to fund the summer work program
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — An Appropriation from Contract Stabilization (Fund # 8404) in the amount of $125,000 to the Police Department, salary and wages (#211)
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $250,000 to the Special Education Reserve Fund (Fund #8408)
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $750,000 to Capital Stabilization (Fund #8405)
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash in the amount of $100,000 to the Council on Aging (#541) for replacement of a van
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — Acceptance of the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Planning 2.0 Grant in the amount of $100,000
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — Acceptance of a MassDOT Community Transit Grant for the Council on Aging
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Karamcheti)
Place on file — 2025 Gasoline Storage License Renewals
Motion for passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passed
The minutes call the motion a motion for passage but record the result as “placed on file”.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [10 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Karamcheti)
Place on file — Second Hand Dealers License Renewals for 2025
Motion for passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Finnochiaro All in favor Motion passed
The minutes call the motion a motion for passage but record the result as “placed on file”.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Place on file — Livery License Renewal for 2025
Motion for passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Finnochiaro All in favor Motion passed
The minutes call the motion a motion for passage but record the result as “placed on file”.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Place on file — New Livery License for JBM Transportation
Motion for passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Finnochiaro All in favor Motion passed
The minutes call the motion a motion for passage but record the result as “placed on file”.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — Requesting the acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22J for Veteran Tax Relief Available Under the HERO Act
Motion for passage made by Councilor Jamaleddine Seconded by Councilor Romanul All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Romanul)
Recommend — Update on the Clerk of Committees Search
Motion to recommend made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: RECOMMEND AS VOTED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — 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 River...
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Vandiver All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Vandiver)
Passage — 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 for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
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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