MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
May 5, 2025
2 meetings this evening, 38 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Melrose City Council · Regular meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
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
37 recorded votes, 13 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
New Business
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight committee — Fiscal 2026 Mt. Hood Enterprise Budget in the amount of $2,219,559
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee — Fiscal 2026 Solid Waste Enterprise Fund Budget in the amount of $3,529,118
Motion to refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee — Fiscal 2026 Sewer Enterprise Budget in the amount of $8,280,121
Motion to refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee — Fiscal 2026 Water Enterprise Fund Budget in the amount of $6,441,569
Motion to refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee — Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget in the amount of $107,575,802
Motion to refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee — Appropriations in the amount of $370,948.80 from Perpetual Care ($12,000), Sale of Lots and Graves ($50,000), Parking Receipts ($75,000), Bond...
Motion to refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee — An Appropriation from Sewer Retained Earnings account 6000- 319000 in the amount of $200,000 to Sewer professional Services account 604412-529000
Motion to refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee — Revoke the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44, § 53F½ ceasing the operation of the Ambulance Enterprise Fund, effective Fiscal Year 2026, beginning...
Motion to refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee — Fiscal Year 2026 Sewer Rates
Motion to refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Motion to refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee — Reauthorization of the City of Melrose Revolving Fund Table for Fiscal 2026
Motion to refer to Appropriations & Oversight committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Unfinished Business
Approve ID#s 12596, 12632, 12634, 12635, 12636 and12654 — Appointment of Timothy Jasionowski, 143 Upham Street, to the Cable Television Commission, for a term of three years, said term to expire...
Motion to approve ID#s 12596, 12632, 12634, 12635, 12636 and12654 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Boards & Commission AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Approve ID#s 12596, 12632, 12634, 12635, 12636 and12654 — Appointment of Lisa Matey Bergeron, 63 Howard Street, to the Melrose Elderly & Disabled Taxation Fund Committee
Motion to approve ID#s 12596, 12632, 12634, 12635, 12636 and12654 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Boards & Commission AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Approve ID#s 12596, 12632, 12634, 12635, 12636 and12654 — Appointment of Mike Festa, 127 Boston Rock Road, to the Melrose Elderly & Disabled Taxation Fund Committee
Motion to approve ID#s 12596, 12632, 12634, 12635, 12636 and12654 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Boards & Commission AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Approve ID#s 12596, 12632, 12634, 12635, 12636 and12654 — Appointment of Gail Infurna, 12 Mt. Vernon Street, to the Melrose Elderly & Disabled Taxation Fund Committee
Motion to approve ID#s 12596, 12632, 12634, 12635, 12636 and12654 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Boards & Commission AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Approve ID#s 12596, 12632, 12634, 12635, 12636 and12654 — Appointment of Anne Ahern, 98 West Emerson Street, to the Park Commission
Motion to approve ID#s 12596, 12632, 12634, 12635, 12636 and12654 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Boards & Commission AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Approve ID#s 12596, 12632, 12634, 12635, 12636 and12654 — Appointment of Linda J. Thompson of 198 Melrose Street, to the Melrose Human Rights Commission, for a term of three years, said term to...
Motion to approve ID#s 12596, 12632, 12634, 12635, 12636 and12654 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Boards & Commission AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — 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 for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Romanul All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee 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 $150,000 to DPW Facilities (#402) for repairs to the Franklin School all purpose room
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee 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 $100,000 to DPW Facilities (#402) for asbestos remediation projects
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Karamcheti)
Amend the appropriation from $68,000 to $34,000 — 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 amend the appropriation from $68,000 to $34,000 made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Hamilton All in favor Motion passed Discussion was had amongst councilors
From the minutes
“Motion to amend the appropriation from $68,000 to $34,000 made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Hamilton All in favor Motion passed Discussion was had amongst councilors.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Hamilton)
Passage of amended order from $68,000 to $34,000 for tree plantings — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $68,000 to DPW- Parks and Forestry (#475) for tree plantings
Motion for passage of amended order from $68,000 to $34,000 for tree plantings made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED AS AMENDED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee 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 $50,000 to DPW Highway (#422) for sidewalk repairs
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee 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 $25,000 to DPW-Admin (#401) to fund a Stormwater Enterprise Study
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — 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 for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $75,000 to DPW Highway (#422) for traffic improvements
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Williams All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Williams)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $8,000 to DPW - Parks (#475) for flowers at Veterans memorials
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee 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 $189,000 to DPW Facilities (#402) for repairs to the Franklin School
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee 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 $48,000 to DPW-Parks (#475) for improvements to the Dog Park
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee 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 $20,000 to HR (#152) to fund costs associated with physicals and advertising
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart The Ayes have it Motion passes
Yes: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Migliorelli, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, WilliamsNo: Jamaleddine, Karamcheti
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 2] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli NAYS: Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash(account 01-324001) in the amount of $20,000 to the Melrose Cultural Council (#2543)
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee 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 $16,000 to the Police Department (#211) for evidence software
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Karamcheti)
Send back to Appropriations & Oversight committee — 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. Original...
Motion to send back to Appropriations & Oversight committee was made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Williams All were in favor Motion passed and meeting will be determined once we hear back from Chief Faller on his availability
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Williams)
Passage — 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 for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart Discussion had amongst councilors All agreed to waive the inauguration ceremony All voted "No" Motion fails
No: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams
From the minutes
“RESULT: DEFEATED [0 TO 10] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee NAYS: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — Acceptance of the FY25 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant awarded to the Melrose Fire Department by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Fire Services, in the amount of $4,282.02
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Place on file — Gasoline Storage Renewals for 2025 Round 2
Motion to place on file made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Finnochiaro All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [10 TO 0] TO: Protection and License Committee AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — 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 Commonwealth's Public...
Motion for passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All in favor Motion passes
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Melrose City Council · Joint meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
Attendance
Note on these minutes: Joint meeting of the City Council and the School Committee; only the council’s own votes are shown. 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
During the meeting:
- Maya Jamaleddine arrived after the meeting began (7:18 PM).
1 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
New Business
Place on file — Joint Meeting of the City Council and the School Committee to be held at 7:15 p.m. on Monday, May 05, 2025 on the financial condition of the City, revenue and expenditure...
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [10 TO 0] AYES: Finocchiaro, Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: John Obremski.”
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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