MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
June 2, 2025
32 recorded votes, 17 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 Cal Finocchiaro absent.
Present: Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Robb Stewart, Kimberly Vandiver, Ryan Williams, Leila Migliorelli
Absent: Cal Finocchiaro
Every vote, in order
Minutes Approval
Approve minutes without reading — Minutes of the regular meeting of May 19, 2025
Motion to Approve minutes without reading made by President Migliorelli
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [10 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
New Business
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — An Appropriation from Free Cash(01-324001) in the amount of $60,000 to Office of Planning and Community Development (#175)
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 Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $32,816 to Pine Banks (#652)
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 in the amount of $150,000 from Free Cash to the Affordable Housing Trust (#8270)
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 — Appropriation in the amount of $27,000 from free cash (01- 324001) to retirement (#911) to reimburse for pension costs
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 — Appropriation in the amount of $150,000 from Ambulance retained earnings (6500-319000) to Salary and Wages, overtime
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 in the amount of $189,659.08 from Peg Access Cable Fund, to MMTV in the amount of $151,727.27 and Melrose Public Schools in the...
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 — Appropriation in the amount of $25,320 from Free Cash (01- 324001) to Fire (#221) for motor vehicle repairs to Ladder 2
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 Finance Committee — A transfer in the amount of $85,000 from Health Insurance (#914) to Medicare (#916) to cover the employer portion of payroll tax through 6/30/2025
Motion to Refer to Finance Committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Finance Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Finance Committee — A transfer in the amount of $7,530 from Auditor Salary and Wages(011351-511000) to Audit services (011352-528600)
Motion to Refer to Finance Committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Finance Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Finance Committee — Transfer in the amount of $50,000 from Health Insurance (#914) to Workers Compensation (#912)
Motion to Refer to Finance Committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Finance Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Finance Committee — Transfer in the amount of $120,000 from Health Insurance (#914) to the Police Department (#211) for salary and wages
Motion to Refer to Finance Committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Finance Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Finance Committee — Transfer in the amount of $200,000 from Health Insurance (#914) to Fire (#221) for salary and wages
Motion to Refer to Finance Committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Finance Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Finance Committee — Transfer in the amount of $7,000 from Auditor, salary and wages (#135)to Inspection Services, salary and wages (#241)
Motion to Refer to Finance Committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Finance Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — Reauthorization of the COA revolving fund #2811 limit to be increased from $35,000 to $65,000 for Fiscal Year 2025
Motion to Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — Reauthorization of the Recreation Revolving Fund #2652 limit to be increased to $550,000 from $475,000
Motion to Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee made by President Migliorelli
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — Amending Chapter 228 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Melrose Water, Sewers, and Drains
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: City Council.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Public Hearing-national Grid Petitions
Enter into Public Hearing
Motion to Enter into Public Hearing made by Councilor Stewart at 8:04 PM Seconded by Councilor Vandiver All were in favor and Public Hearing started
From the minutes
“Motion to Enter into Public Hearing made by Councilor Stewart at 8:04 PM Seconded by Councilor Vandiver All were in favor and Public Hearing started.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Vandiver)
Approve — Petition of National Grid to install 1 JO on Tremont St
Motion to Approve made by Councilor Williams Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in favor and motion passed Comments from the council members: -Councilor Stewart asked what ward this is in. They think 4-1. -Councilor Williams commented that the information packet was not very helpful, was poor print quality and he would like more data with end user benefits in the future. -Chair Garipay stated that the paperwork does not show a good diagram of the pole placements. -Councilor Vandiver asked if there is consideration to do additional work to the same area? This cannot be combined with future work at this time.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro.” (Motion: Williams, second: Garipay)
Recommend contingent on approval by Conservation Commission — Petition for Joint or Identical Pole Location on East Rock Park
Motion to Recommend contingent on approval by Conservation Commission made by Councilor Jamaleddine Seconded by Councilor Williams All were in favor and motion passed Comments from the council members: -Chair Garipay asked what is the process if a tree must come down. Sometimes NG will trim the tree and use special wiring to minimize the impact to the existing tree. NG has an environmental department that attempts to keep trees intact when possible. Melrose has a specific process to follow for tree removals. -Councilor Jamaleddine asked if a tree needs to be removed, will NG replace it. Elena from DPW stated that Melrose has specific guidelines on the website for replacement of public trees. They post hearings, have hearings on site, approve, remove and replace appropriately. -Councilor Stewart asked who pays for this. The resident requesting the work on the petition is responsible for payment. -President Migliorelli asked if this can be approved contingent on approval from the Conservation Commission. -Councilor Williams asked what level of service is being requested. This is for a tennis court in the woods.
From the minutes
“RESULT: HOLD [10 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Williams)
Recommend — Petition for Electric Conduit Location on NW Sidewalk of Angela Circle
Motion to Recommend made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Williams All were in favor and motion passed Comments from council members: -Councilor Vandiver stated that underground service is more expensive than above ground wires. The customer is requesting this. -Councilor Williams commented on the existing pole and the power cable being connected to the conduit.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Williams)
Approve — Petition for National Grid to install underground facilities at the intersection of Franklin Street and Greenwood Street as well as install 2 JO Poles and remove 1 JO Pole on Greenwood...
Motion to Approve made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in favor and motion passed Comments from council members: -Councilor Karamcheti stated this work is in Ward 1 and thought the property was caught up in litigation. She asked about the timing of the request. It sounds like intense work in a busy area. NG said installing the poles takes one day. It will involve trenching from the sidewalk to the property and the tearing up work will be done by the customer. NG's total work will take 2 days. They expect to trim the trees, not remove them. -Councilor Williams stressed the need to protect sidewalks for all projects. -Councilor Hamilton commented on the location of the project being near Tahpas 529. -Councilor Vandiver commented on tree replacement, and they go in the vicinity of the original tree when possible.
From the minutes
“RESULT: GRANTED [10 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Garipay)
Ought not to pass — National Grid petition to install a pole on East Emerson Street (petition denied)
Motion for Ought Not to Pass Seconded by Councilor Hamilton All were in favor except for Councilor Stewart who voted Nay Motion passed -Councilor Stewart supports the original petition contingent on project approval. He wants to encourage development of the area. -Councilor Williams agrees with encouraging development in the area. If this is voted down now by the council, can NG resurrect this for approval quickly. Yes they can redesign this easily. -Chair Garipay asked why this is being discussed now. NG put forth the petition.
Yes: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, WilliamsNo: StewartThe motion that the petition “ought not to pass” carried 9-1 (“All were in favor except for Councilor Stewart who voted Nay”); the minutes record the petition itself as “defeated”.
From the minutes
“RESULT: DEFEATED [9 TO 1] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli NAYS: Robb Stewart ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro.” (Motion: Hamilton)
Approve — Petition for National Grid to install 1 JO Pole on Sylvan Street
Motion to Approve made by Councilor Williams Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed Comments from council members: -Councilor Romanul asked how close is this pole to the sidewalk. It would be placed next to the existing one. NG will try to minimize the disruption and it will be for 4 units, all electric service due to the new code. NG's pole work will take half a day. -Councilor Williams commented on poles and NG said they try to keep them less busy in their design. -Councilor Vandiver commented on overhead versus underground service.
From the minutes
“RESULT: GRANTED [10 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro.” (Motion: Williams, second: Romanul)
Unfinished Business
Recess meeting to return to A&O meeting
Motion to Recess meeting to return to A&O meeting was made by Councilor Williams at 8:53PM Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in favor and meeting was recessed
From the minutes
“Motion to Recess meeting to return to A&O meeting was made by Councilor Williams at 8:53PM Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in favor and meeting was recessed.” (Motion: Williams, second: Garipay)
Passage — Fiscal 2026 Solid Waste Enterprise Fund Budget in the amount of $3,529,118
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — Fiscal 2026 Sewer Enterprise Budget in the amount of $8,280,121
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — Fiscal 2026 Water Enterprise Fund Budget in the amount of $6,441,569
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — An Appropriation from Sewer Retained Earnings account 6000-319000 in the amount of $200,000 to Sewer professional Services account 604412-529000
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage — An Appropriation from free cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $180,000 to DPW Highway (#422) for roadway paving
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $60,000 to DPW-Facilities (#402)
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — Order to Place Override Questions on the November 4, 2025 Local Election Ballot
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Williams All were in favor and motion passed Comments from council members: -Councilor Stewart reiterated the importance of clarity on the tiered approach of the override vote question to prevent confusion. -President Migliorelli clarified how this tiered vote will work, especially since the earlier public comments from a resident were not completely accurate about it.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Williams)
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 →