MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
August 18, 2025
28 recorded votes, 14 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 Maya Jamaleddine and Cal Finocchiaro absent.
Present: Mark Garipay, Ward Hamilton, Manjula Karamcheti, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Robb Stewart, Kimberly Vandiver, Ryan Williams, Leila Migliorelli
Absent: Maya Jamaleddine, Cal Finocchiaro
Every vote, in order
Reading of the Minutes
Accept the minutes from June 16 2025 — Minutes of the regular meeting of June 16, 2025
Motion to accept the minutes from June 16 2025 made by President Migliorelli With no objections The motion was passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Accept the minutes from July 21, 2025 — Minutes of the regular meeting of July 21, 2025
Motion to accept the minutes from July 21, 2025 made by President Migliorelli With no objections The motion was passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Public Comment
Open Public comment at 8 pm
Motion to open Public comment at 8 pm by President Migliorelli There were no public comments via zoom or present in the room Motion close Public Comment at 8:00 pm by President Migliorelli With no objections the motion was passed
The minutes say “no objections” with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Motion to open Public comment at 8 pm by President Migliorelli There were no public comments via zoom or present in the room Motion close Public Comment at 8:00 pm by President Migliorelli With no objections the motion was passed.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Recess
Motion to recess by Councilor Williams at 8:01 pm Seconded by Councilor Stewart With no objections Motion was passed
The minutes say “no objections” with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Motion to recess by Councilor Williams at 8:01 pm Seconded by Councilor Stewart With no objections Motion was passed.” (Motion: Williams, second: Stewart)
Re-open the meeting
Motion to re-open the meeting at 8:05 pm by President Migliorelli With no objections
The minutes say “no objections” with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Motion to re-open the meeting at 8:05 pm by President Migliorelli With no objections.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
New Business
Recommend to Boards and Commission — Appointment of Cole Lepler, 34 Frances Street, to the Conservation Commission
Motion to recommend to Boards and Commission by President Migliorelli All were in favor
The minutes say all were in favor without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to A&O — Appointment of Tamara Shovelton as Veterans' Services Agent
Motion to Refer to A&O 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 B&C — Reappointment of Charles Harak, 14 Country Club Road, to the Melrose Housing Authority for a three-year term; said term to end on the first Monday of March 2028
Motion to Refer to B&C 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: Boards & Commission.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — Requesting acceptance of a Massachusetts Gaming Commission Community Mitigation Fund Grant in the amount of $166,800 to address the impacts of gambling...
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli With No objections Motion passed
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)
Immediate Consideration — National Grid install 1 JO Pole on Mt Zion Road NO 31114550
Motion for Immediate Consideration made by Councilor Williams Councilor Williams requested that the petition be heard in public hearing forum at the September 2, 2025 City Council Meeting at 8pm. With no objections from the Council
The minutes say “no objections” with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Motion for Immediate Consideration made by Councilor Williams Councilor Williams requested that the petition be heard in public hearing forum at the September 2, 2025 City Council Meeting at 8pm. With no objections from the Council.” (Motion: Williams)
National Grid install 1 JO Pole on Mt Zion Road NO 31114550
RESULT: MOVE WITHOUT RECOMMENDATION [9 TO 0] Next: 9/2/2025
The minutes give the count as 9 to 0 without names; it matches the nine members present, so each is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: MOVE WITHOUT RECOMMENDATION [9 TO 0] Next: 9/2/2025.”
Refer to Appropriations and Oversight — Requesting Transfer of Funds from Department of Public Works' Parks and Forestry Salary Accounts to Parks and Forestry Expense Accounts For Contracted Tree...
Motion to refer to Appropriations and Oversight made by President Migliorelli With no objections Motion passed
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 Legal and Legislative — Amending City Ordinance to Implement a new schedule of fees for Zoning and Conservation Permits
Motion to refer to Legal and Legislative made by President Migliorelli with no objections Motion passed
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 and Legislative — That the City Council accept local option statute M. G. L c. 39, Section 23D for the Melrose Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, and...
Motion to refer to Legal and Legislative made by President Migliorelli With no objection Motion passed
The minutes record the result (“assigned to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE TO: Legal & Legislative Committee.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
Unfinished Business
Reappointment of Gail Infurna, 12 Mt. Vernon St., #41, to the Traffic Commission, for a five year term; said term to expire on the last day of May 2030
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.”
Reappointment of Jeffrey Parenti, 29 Trenton Street, to the Traffic Commission, said term to expire on the last day of May 2030
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: Boards & Commission AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: Boards & Commission AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.”
Appointment of Gentry Andrews, 15 Orient Place, to the Melrose Commission on Women
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.”
Appointment of Gentry Andrews, 15 Orient Place, to the Melrose Historical Commission
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.”
Grant the common victualler license to Bangkok Bar Shi — Bangkok Bar Shi new Common Victualler License
Motion to grant the common victualler license to Bangkok Bar Shi made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Stewart All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: GRANTED [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Stewart)
Calling the Local Election for Tuesday, November 4th 2025 from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School gymnasium complex
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: Finance Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: Finance Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.”
Requesting City Council approval of the Board of Registrars of Voters Recommendations relative to In Person Early Voting and Mail In Voting for the November 4, 2025 Local Election
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: Finance Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: Finance Committee AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.”
Passage — Amending Chapter 4 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Melrose, to Insert a New Section 4-15, Payment of Taxes as Condition of City Facility Rental
Motion for passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Garipay)
Passage as amended — Amending Chapter 198 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Melrose Solid Waste and Recycling to update language to reflect current programs
Motion for passage as amended made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED AS AMENDED [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Karamcheti)
Pass as amended — Amending Chapter 202 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Melrose Streets and Sidewalks
Motion to pass as amended made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Garipay All were in favor Motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED AS AMENDED [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Garipay)
Amending Chapter 228 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Melrose Water, Sewers, and Drains
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.”
Amending Chapter 164-2(C)(6) of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Melrose to specify permitted hours and days for construction activities
RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [9 TO 0] AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.”
Place on file — Proposed Local Fee increase for Vital Record Production and Licensing to begin in FY26
Motion for passage made by Councilor Stewart Seconded by Councilor Williams All were in favor 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] TO: City Council AYES: Garipay, Hamilton, Karamcheti, Obremski, Romanul, Stewart, Vandiver, Williams, Migliorelli ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine.” (Motion: Stewart, second: Williams)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Motion to adjourn made by President Migliorelli at 8:20 pm With no objections
The minutes say “no objections” with no count or names.
From the minutes
“Motion to adjourn made by President Migliorelli at 8:20 pm With no objections.” (Motion: Migliorelli)
From the Melrose City Council’s official minutes (the Board of Aldermen’s until October 2019), posted on the city’s Agendas & Minutes page (its CivicClerk portal, City Council). We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Councilor photos: City of Melrose (cityofmelrose.org), from the official City Council page. Cal Finocchiaro: Melrose Weekly News. Former councilors show initials.
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