MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
June 16, 2025
39 recorded votes, 11 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 Ryan Williams and Cal Finocchiaro absent.
Present: Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Robb Stewart, Kimberly Vandiver, Leila Migliorelli
Absent: Ryan Williams, Cal Finocchiaro
Every vote, in order
New Business
Refer to Protection & License committee — Appointment of Chief John White, 40 Youle Street, Melrose, MA as Emergency Management Director
Motion to Refer to Protection & License 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: Protection and License Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Immediate consideration — A Resolution in Celebration of Pride Month in Melrose
Motion for immediate consideration was made by Councilor Karamcheti Seconded by Councilor Stewart All were in favor
From the minutes
“Motion for immediate consideration was made by Councilor Karamcheti Seconded by Councilor Stewart All were in favor.” (Motion: Karamcheti, second: Stewart)
Place on File — A Resolution in Celebration of Pride Month in Melrose
Motion to Place on File was made by Councilor Karamcheti Seconded by Councilor Stewart All were in favor and the resolution was signed and placed on file
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACE ON FILE [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Karamcheti, second: Stewart)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight Committee — Public Safety Buildings Project Update
Motion to refer to Appropriations and 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 Legal & Legislative committee — Acceptance of M.G.L. chapter 200A, Section 9A, relating to the disposition of unclaimed property by a city or town
Motion to Refer to Legal & Legislative 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: Legal & Legislative Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Legal & Legislative committee — Amending Chapter 164-2(C)(6) of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Melrose to specify permitted hours and days for construction activities
Motion to Refer to Legal & Legislative 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: Legal & Legislative Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Immediate consideration to set a public hearing for 7/21 — Petition to install 1 JO Pole on Emerson Pl Order #31108543
Motion for immediate consideration to set a public hearing for 7/21 at 8:00 PM was made by Councilor Hamilton Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“Motion for immediate consideration to set a public hearing for 7/21 at 8:00 PM was made by Councilor Hamilton Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed.” (Motion: Hamilton, second: Karamcheti)
Petition to install 1 JO Pole on Emerson Pl Order #31108543
RESULT: OUGHT TO PASS [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams RECUSED: Kimberly Vandiver
Yes: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Obremski, Romanul, StewartThe roll call lists Kimberly Vandiver as recused for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: OUGHT TO PASS [8 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams RECUSED: Kimberly Vandiver.”
Immediate consideration to set a public hearing for 7/21 — Utility Petition for National Grid to install 1 JO pole N Cedar Park No 31067326
Motion for immediate consideration to set a public hearing for 7/21 at 8:00 PM was made by Councilor Hamilton Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“Motion for immediate consideration to set a public hearing for 7/21 at 8:00 PM was made by Councilor Hamilton Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed.” (Motion: Hamilton, second: Karamcheti)
Utility Petition for National Grid to install 1 JO pole N Cedar Park No 31067326
RESULT: OUGHT TO PASS [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams
From the minutes
“RESULT: OUGHT TO PASS [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.”
Refer to Finance Committee — Proposed Local Fee increase for Vital Record Production and Licensing to begin in FY26
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)
Unfinished Business
Passage — Revoke the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44, § 53F½ ceasing the operation of the Ambulance Enterprise Fund, effective Fiscal Year 2026, beginning July 1, 2025
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage — Fiscal Year 2026 Sewer Rates
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage — Fiscal Year 2026 Water Rates
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage — Reauthorization of the City of Melrose Revolving Fund Table for Fiscal 2026
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Romanul)
Place on file — Reauthorization of the COA revolving fund #2811 limit to be increased from $35,000 to $65,000 for Fiscal Year 2025
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed
The minutes call the motion a motion for passage but record the result as “place on file”.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACE ON FILE [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Romanul)
Place on file — Reauthorization of the Recreation Revolving Fund #2652 limit to be increased to $550,000 from $475,000
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed
The minutes call the motion a motion for passage but record the result as “place on file”.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACE ON FILE [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Romanul)
Passage — Zoning Amendment Floodplain Overlay District
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Romanul)
Passage — Zoning Amendment regarding Marijuana Buffer Zone Measurements
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Romanul)
Conjoin ID# 12735, #12738, #12739, #12745, #12746 and #12751 — A transfer in the amount of $85,000 from Health Insurance (#914) to Medicare (#916) to cover the employer portion of payroll tax...
Motion to Conjoin ID# 12735, #12738, #12739, #12745, #12746 and #12751 made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“Motion to Conjoin ID# 12735, #12738, #12739, #12745, #12746 and #12751 made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Romanul)
Passage as conjoined of ID# 12735, #12738, #12739, #12745, #12746 and #12751
Motion for Passage as conjoined of ID# 12735, #12738, #12739, #12745, #12746 and #12751 made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Jamaleddine)
Motion for Passage as conjoined of ID# 12735, #12738, #12739, #12745, #12746 and #12751 made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Jamaleddine)
Motion for Passage as conjoined of ID# 12735, #12738, #12739, #12745, #12746 and #12751 made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Jamaleddine)
Motion for Passage as conjoined of ID# 12735, #12738, #12739, #12745, #12746 and #12751 made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Jamaleddine)
Motion for Passage as conjoined of ID# 12735, #12738, #12739, #12745, #12746 and #12751 made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Jamaleddine)
Motion for Passage as conjoined of ID# 12735, #12738, #12739, #12745, #12746 and #12751 made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage — 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 for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: Appropriations & Oversight Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage as Amended to the amount of $358,948.80 (instead of $370,948.80) removing the $12,000 that was requested in the original order for... — Appropriations in the amount of $370,948.80 from...
Motion for Passage as Amended to the amount of $358,948.80 (instead of $370,948.80) removing the $12,000 that was requested in the original order for Perpetual Care made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED AS AMENDED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $60,000 to Human Resources (#152) to fund the employee separation incentive
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash(01-324001) in the amount of $60,000 to Office of Planning and Community Development (#175)
Motion for Passage made by Chair Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage as Amended to $17,296 (instead of $32,16) — An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $32,816 to Pine Banks (#652)
Motion for Passage as Amended to $17,296 (instead of $32,16) made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All were in favor and motion passed as amended
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED AS AMENDED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Amend: cut the Affordable Housing Trust appropriation from $150,000 to $75,000
Motion to Amend the amount to $75,000 instead of $150,000 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Stewart Comments from the council members: -Councilor Jamaleddine stated that now that the budget hearings are done and the free cash requests are complete, she wants to keep the appropriation at the original amount of $150,000. -A vote was taken on the amended order and it failed. Councilors Stewart and Vandiver voted Yes on the amended order and the other councilors voted No, so the No's had it.
Yes: Stewart, VandiverNo: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Obremski, RomanulThe minutes say Councilors Stewart and Vandiver voted yes on the amended order “and the other councilors voted No”; the other councilors present are shown voting no.
From the minutes
“Motion to Amend the amount to $75,000 instead of $150,000 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Stewart Comments from the council members: -Councilor Jamaleddine stated that now that the budget hearings are done and the free cash requests are complete, she wants to keep the appropriation at the original amount of $150,000. -A vote was taken on the amended order and it failed. Councilors Stewart and Vandiver voted Yes on the amended order and the other councilors voted No, so the No's had it..” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Stewart)
Pass the $150,000 Free Cash appropriation to the Affordable Housing Trust (as filed)
RESULT: DEFEATED [6 TO 3] AYES: Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Migliorelli NAYS: Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Robb Stewart ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams
Yes: Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Obremski, Romanul, VandiverNo: Garipay, Hamilton, StewartThe minutes say President Migliorelli “went back to the original motion for a vote and the vote failed since there was not a majority Yes vote” (six yes, three no, two councilors absent); shown as failed, as recorded. Some council votes need more than a simple majority (for example, two-thirds).
From the minutes
“RESULT: DEFEATED [6 TO 3] AYES: Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Vandiver, Migliorelli NAYS: Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Robb Stewart ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — Appropriation in the amount of $27,000 from free cash (01- 324001) to retirement (#911) to reimburse for pension costs
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Stewart All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Stewart)
Passage — Appropriation in the amount of $150,000 from Ambulance retained earnings (6500-319000) to Salary and Wages, overtime
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage — 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 amount of $37,931.81
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage — Appropriation in the amount of $25,320 from Free Cash (01- 324001) to Fire (#221) for motor vehicle repairs to Ladder 2
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage — Fiscal 2026 Mt. Hood Enterprise Budget in the amount of $2,219,559
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage — Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget in the amount of $107,575,802
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Garipay Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine Ayes have it and motion passed, with Councilor Hamilton voting No
Yes: Garipay, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Migliorelli, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, VandiverNo: Hamilton
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 1] AYES: Garipay, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Migliorelli NAYS: Ward Hamilton ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Garipay, second: Jamaleddine)
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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