MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
April 6, 2026
23 recorded votes, 5 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 John Obremski absent.
Present: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kimberly Vandiver, Ryan Williams, Bradley Freeman
Absent: John Obremski
Every vote, in order
Minutes Approval
Unanimously approve the minutes without reading — City Council Regular Meeting March 16, 2026 7:45 PM
Motion to unanimously approve the minutes without reading made by President Freeman
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Freeman)
New Business
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — That the City Council authorize the Mayor to enter into an Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) for establishing a regional Animal Control Officer...
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 a FY26 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant in the amount of $12,375.87
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 a Climate Leaders Technical Assistance Grant in the amount of $139,000
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 — Informational order - Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board Update
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)
Public Hearing-national Grid Petitions
Recommend — NO# 31257578 National Grid to install a JO Pole on 357 Porter Street close to Orchard Lane and Porter St
Motion to Recommend made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Jamaleddine)
Recess to return to Appropriations & Oversight meeting — NO# 31257578 National Grid to install a JO Pole on 357 Porter Street close to Orchard Lane and Porter St
Motion to Recess to return to Appropriations & Oversight meeting made by Councilor Williams at 8:04 PM Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and meeting was recessed
From the minutes
“Motion to Recess to return to Appropriations & Oversight meeting made by Councilor Williams at 8:04 PM Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and meeting was recessed.” (Motion: Williams, second: Finocchiaro)
Unfinished Business
Conjoin 7 Reappointment orders (#2026-308, #2026-448, #2026-380, #2026-355, #2026- 356, #2026-454, #2026-354)
Motion to Conjoin 7 Reappointment orders (#2026-308, #2026-448, #2026-380, #2026-355, #2026- 356, #2026-454, #2026-354) made by Councilor Williams. Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Williams, second: Romanul)
Approve as conjoined the 7 Reappoinment orders — Appointments/Reappointments
Motion to Approve as conjoined the 7 Reappoinment orders made by Councilor Williams Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Williams, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — 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 for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — 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 funding for arts and cultural events and...
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti Motion passed
Yes: Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Kowal, Park, Romanul, Vandiver, WilliamsNo: Chen
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED AYES: Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: Jason Chen ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — 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 for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Karamcheti)
Place on File — Annual renewal of Gasoline and Fuel Storage for 2026
Motion to Place on File made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Romanul)
Place on File — Annual Renewal of Junk Dealer and Second Hand Dealer
Motion to Place on File made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Romanul)
Place on File with conditions as specified — 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 Place on File with conditions as specified made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — 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 program, eligibility requirements and...
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — Acceptance of donations totaling $500,000 from the Friends of the Melrose Public Library and the Trustees of the Melrose Public Library
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — Amending Melrose Revised Ordinance 93-6 Leashing Requirements to Provide Exceptions for K-9 dogs and Service Animals
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Jamaleddine Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Kowal)
Passage — That the Melrose City Council vote to dissolve the Melrose Redevelopment Authority
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Jamaleddine Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Kowal)
Passage — 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 malt beverages may, upon written...
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Jamaleddine Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Kowal)
Passage — 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 Chapter 59, Section 5K of the...
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Jamaleddine Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Kowal)
Passage — 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 license issuance
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Jamaleddine Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski.” (Motion: Jamaleddine, second: Kowal)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Motion to Adjourn made by Councilor Williams at 8:57 PM Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and meeting was adjourned
From the minutes
“Motion to Adjourn made by Councilor Williams at 8:57 PM Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and meeting was adjourned.” (Motion: Williams, second: Romanul)
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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