MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
March 16, 2026
33 recorded votes, 12 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 absent.
Present: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kimberly Vandiver, Bradley Freeman
Absent: Ryan Williams
During the meeting:
- Maya Jamaleddine took part remotely.
- Devin Romanul took part remotely.
Every vote, in order
Minutes Approval
Approve the minutes without reading — City Council Regular Meeting March 2, 2026 7:45 PM
Motion to Approve the minutes without reading made by Councilor Karamcheti Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Karamcheti, second: Finocchiaro)
Public Comment
Open public comment
Motion to Open public comment made by Councilor Finocchiaro at 7:49 PM Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Karamcheti)
Close public comment
Motion to Close public comment made by Councilor Finocchiaro at 7:50 PM Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Karamcheti)
New Business
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $20,020 to the Elections Department (#162) for upgrades to Poll Pads and Printer
Motion to Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee made by President Freeman
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $50,000 to the Melrose Cultural Council (#2543) for the purposes of grant...
Motion to Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee made by President Freeman
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $25,000 to the Mayor's Office (#121) to support Chamber and City events
Motion to Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee made by President Freeman
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — Acceptance of donations totaling $500,000 from the Friends of the Melrose Public Library and the Trustees of the Melrose Public Library
Motion to Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee made by President Freeman
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — An order to define the Veteran Volunteer Tax Work Off Program established by the Melrose Board of Alderman in 2012, including a description of the...
Motion to Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee made by President Freeman
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Appropriations & Oversight.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Legal & Legislative Committee — That the City of Melrose accept the paragraph of Section 12 of M.G.L. chapter 138 that any common victualler, who also holds a license to sell wine and...
Motion to Refer to Legal & Legislative Committee made by President Freeman
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Legal & Legislative.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Legal & Legislative Committee — Requesting an increase to the exemption amount of the Veterans Tax Work Off Program abatement from $1,000 per year to $1,500 per year, as authorized by...
Motion to Refer to Legal & Legislative Committee made by President Freeman
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Legal & Legislative.” (Motion: Freeman)
Immediate Consideration — NO# 31257578 National Grid to install a JO Pole on 357 Porter Street close to Orchard Lane and Porter St
Motion for Immediate Consideration made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“Motion for Immediate Consideration made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
NO# 31257578 National Grid to install a JO Pole on 357 Porter Street close to Orchard Lane and Porter St
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.”
Set Public Hearing on Monday, April 6 — NO# 31257578 National Grid to install a JO Pole on 357 Porter Street close to Orchard Lane and Porter St
Motion to Set Public Hearing on Monday, April 6, at 8:00 PM made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Refer to Protection & License Committee — Annual renewal of Gasoline and Fuel Storage for 2026
Motion to Refer to Protection & License Committee made by President Freeman
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Protection & License.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Protection & License Committee — Annual Renewal of Junk Dealer and Second Hand Dealer
Motion to Refer to Protection & License Committee made by President Freeman
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Protection & License.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Legal & Legislative Committee — Amend the language of the Mobile Food Vendor Article III of Chapter 127 of City of Melrose Ordinance remove the requirement of public hearing prior to...
Motion to Refer to Legal & Legislative Committee made by President Freeman
The minutes record the result (“assign to committee”) but no count or names.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Legal & Legislative.” (Motion: Freeman)
Public Hearing-ordinance
Open public hearing — Amending Chapter A, Article II, Section 210 of the Administrative Code of the City of Melrose to expand the authority of the Historical Commission to include regulatory...
Motion to Open public hearing made by Councilor Finocchiaro at 8:02 PM Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Karamcheti)
Close public hearing — Amending Chapter A, Article II, Section 210 of the Administrative Code of the City of Melrose to expand the authority of the Historical Commission to include regulatory...
Motion to Close public hearing made by Councilor Karamcheti at 8:06 PM Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Karamcheti, second: Finocchiaro)
Recommend — Amending Chapter A, Article II, Section 210 of the Administrative Code of the City of Melrose to expand the authority of the Historical Commission to include regulatory authority as...
Motion to Recommend made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Karamcheti)
Recess until 8:15 PM — Amending Chapter A, Article II, Section 210 of the Administrative Code of the City of Melrose to expand the authority of the Historical Commission to include regulatory...
Motion for recess until 8:15 PM made by Councilor Karmcheti Seconded by Councilor Vandiver All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (second: Vandiver)
Public Hearing-protection & License
Open public hearing — Set a Public Hearing to discuss the Motor Vehicle Class I and II license for Cesar Cars Auto Sales Corp d/b/a Melrose Auto Gallery
Motion to Open public hearing made by Councilor Finocchiaro at 8:15 PM Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Karamcheti)
Close public hearing — Set a Public Hearing to discuss the Motor Vehicle Class I and II license for Cesar Cars Auto Sales Corp d/b/a Melrose Auto Gallery
Motion to Close public hearing made by Councilor Karamcheti at 9:14 PM Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Karamcheti, second: Kowal)
Postpone vote until April 6 — Set a Public Hearing to discuss the Motor Vehicle Class I and II license for Cesar Cars Auto Sales Corp d/b/a Melrose Auto Gallery
Motion to Postpone vote until April 6 made by Councilor Jamaleddine Seconded by Councilor Kowal -Councilor Karmacheti wants it made clear about the expectations of all parties involved before the next vote. -Councilor Vandiver suggested installing a noise monitor at the property. -Councilor Finocchiaro asked if noise ordinance compliance can be added to the site plan. Motion passed
Yes: Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Kowal, Park, VandiverNo: Chen, RomanulThe roll call lists John Obremski as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED AYES: Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Kim Vandiver NAYS: Jason Chen, Devin Romanul ABSENT: Ryan Williams, John Obremski.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Kowal)
Unfinished Business
Conjoin ID's 2026-397, 2026-309, 2026-379, 2026-444, 2026-310, 2026-311, 2026-396
Motion to Conjoin ID's 2026-397, 2026-309, 2026-379, 2026-444, 2026-310, 2026-311, 2026-396 made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Approve the 7 Conjoined Reappointees — Appointments/Reappointments
Motion to Approve the 7 Conjoined Reappointees made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Approve — Reappointment of Robert Tullis, 8 Thurston Road, to the Historic District Commission (HDC), for a three-year term, said term to expire on the last day of February 2029
Motion to Approve made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Approve — Reappointment of George Bibilos, 264 Grove Street, Melrose to the Melrose Historical Commission, for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of February 2029
Motion to Approve made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Approve — Reappointment of Darren Brown, 43 School Street, Melrose to the Historical Commission for a term of three years, said term to expire on the last February 2029
Motion to Approve made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Approve — Reappointment of Joseph Hunt, 132 Mount Vernon Avenue, to the Melrose Historical Commission for a three-year term set to expire on the last day of February 2029
Motion to Approve made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Approve — Reappointment of William Butler, 102 Crescent Road, to the Beebe Estate Board of Trustees for a three-year term, said term set to expire on the last day of February 2029
Motion to Approve made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Approve — Reappointment of Jessica Rowcroft McKenna, 5 Marmion Road, Melrose to the Beebe Estate Board of Trustees for a three-year term, said term to expire on the last day of February 2029
Motion to Approve made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Approve — Reappointment of Bryan Thorp, 77 Wentworth Road, to a five-year term as a Regular Member on the Zoning Board of Appeals; said term to expire the last day of February 2031
Motion to Approve made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Motion to Adjourn made by Councilor Finocchiaro at 9:37 PM Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and meeting was adjourned
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Kowal, Park, Romanul, VandiverThe roll call lists John Obremski as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams, John Obremski.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Kowal)
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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