MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
June 15, 2026
48 recorded votes, 17 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kimberly Vandiver, Ryan Williams, Bradley Freeman
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Manjula Karamcheti took part remotely.
- Manjula Karamcheti arrived after the meeting began (8:47).
- Kimberly Vandiver arrived after the meeting began (7:47).
Every vote, in order
Minutes Approval
Approve the minutes — City Council Regular Meeting June 1, 2026 7:45 PM
Motion to Approve the minutes made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and minutes were approved Councilors Karamcheti and Vandiver were not present for this vote
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Kowal, Obremski, Park, Romanul, WilliamsThe roll call does not list Manjula Karamcheti (who arrived late (8:47)) and Kimberly Vandiver (who arrived late (7:47)), so they are not shown on this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Public Comment
Open public comment
Motion to Open public comment made by Councilor Romanul at 7:47 PM Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Kowal, Obremski, Park, Romanul, WilliamsManjula Karamcheti arrived late (8:47) and Kimberly Vandiver arrived late (7:47); the minutes do not show them taking part at this point, so they are not shown on this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion to Open public comment made by Councilor Romanul at 7:47 PM Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Close public comment
Motion to Close public comment made by Councilor Finocchiaro at 8:05 PM Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and public comment was closed
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Kowal, Obremski, Park, Romanul, WilliamsManjula Karamcheti arrived late (8:47) and Kimberly Vandiver arrived late (7:47); the minutes do not show them taking part at this point, so they are not shown on this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion to Close public comment made by Councilor Finocchiaro at 8:05 PM Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and public comment was closed.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Romanul)
Executive Session
Enter into Executive Session
Motion to Enter into Executive Session made by Councilor Vandiver at 8:05 PM Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed 9-1 Councilor Chen asked to postpone Executive Session until the end of the meeting and the request was denied by President Freeman. Councilor Karamcheti was not present for this vote.
Yes: Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Kowal, Obremski, Park, Romanul, Vandiver, WilliamsNo: ChenThe roll call lists Manjula Karamcheti as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED AYES: Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: Jason Chen ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)
Place on File — To consider the continued lease of 53 parking spaces near St. Mary's Church located at 41 Myrtle Street in Melrose, from the Archdiocese of Boston, and to discuss ongoing...
Motion to Place on File made by Councilor Williams Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Kowal, Obremski, Park, Romanul, Vandiver, WilliamsThe roll call lists Manjula Karamcheti as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti.” (Motion: Williams, second: Romanul)
Return from Executive Session
End Executive Session
Motion to End Executive Session made by Councilor Williams at 8:43 PM Seconded by Councilor Vandiver All were in favor and motion passed
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Kowal, Obremski, Park, Romanul, Vandiver, WilliamsThe roll call lists Manjula Karamcheti as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Manjula Karamcheti.” (Motion: Williams, second: Vandiver)
New Business
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — Appropriation from Peg Access Fund #2922 in the amount of $167,277.80 to MMTV and $55,759.27 to Melrose Public Schools (#1803)
Motion to Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee made by President Freeman All were in favor and motion passed
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Kowal, Obremski, Park, Romanul, Vandiver, WilliamsManjula Karamcheti arrived late (8:47); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Manjula Karamcheti as absent for this vote. The minutes label the vote “unanimous” without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] TO: Appropriations & Oversight.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — Report on results of the Municipal Surplus Buildings Study for the Police Station and Ripley School Sites
Motion to Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee made by President Freeman All were in favor and motion passed
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Kowal, Obremski, Park, Romanul, Vandiver, WilliamsManjula Karamcheti arrived late (8:47); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Manjula Karamcheti as absent for this vote. The minutes label the vote “unanimous” without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] TO: Appropriations & Oversight.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — Authorization to Amend Solid Waste Facility Operating Agreement by and between the City of Melrose and Waste Management of Massachusetts
Motion to Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee made by President Freeman All were in favor and motion passed
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Kowal, Obremski, Park, Romanul, Vandiver, WilliamsManjula Karamcheti arrived late (8:47); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote. The minutes list Manjula Karamcheti as absent for this vote. The minutes label the vote “unanimous” without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] TO: Appropriations & Oversight.” (Motion: Freeman)
Immediate Consideration — Resolution Affirming Accountability, Transparency and Respect for the Will of the Voters
Motion for Immediate Consideration made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Chen All were in favor and motion passed
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Kowal, Obremski, Park, Romanul, Vandiver, WilliamsManjula Karamcheti arrived late (8:47); the minutes do not show that member taking part at this point, so that member is not shown on this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion for Immediate Consideration made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Chen All were in favor and motion passed.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Chen)
Place on File — Resolution Affirming Accountability, Transparency and Respect for the Will of the Voters
Motion to Place on File made by Councilor Williams Seconded by Councilor Romanul Motion passed 10-1
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Freeman, Karamcheti, Kowal, Obremski, Park, Romanul, Vandiver, WilliamsNo: Jamaleddine
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: Maya Jamaleddine.” (Motion: Williams, second: Romanul)
Refer to Protection & License Committee — New Common Victualler License for Shawbak Lebanese Eatery and Bakery
Motion to Refer to Protection & License Committee made by President Freeman All were in favor and motion passed
The minutes label the vote “unanimous” without listing names; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] TO: Protection & License.” (Motion: Freeman)
Unfinished Business
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) to the Assessing Department (#141) in the amount of $9,000 to cover the cost of mailing tax impact notices to all taxpayers in Melrose
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) to the Planning Department (#175) in the amount of $75,000 to hire a consultant for technical assistance to update the City's Housing...
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Reject the $70,000 Free Cash appropriation for a consultant to update the Downtown Parking Study
Motion to Reject made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed 9-2, Appropriation not approved
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Kowal, Park, Romanul, Vandiver, WilliamsNo: Freeman, ObremskiThe motion to reject carried 9-2 (“Motion passed 9-2, Appropriation not approved”), so the appropriation was not approved.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROPRIATION REJECTED/NOT APPROVED AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: Bradley Freeman, John Obremski.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $150,000 to the Affordable Housing Trust (#8270)
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Williams Motion passed 10-1
Yes: Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Kowal, Obremski, Park, Romanul, Vandiver, WilliamsNo: Chen
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED AYES: Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: Jason Chen.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Williams)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) to Memorial Building (#693) in the amount of $50,000 for boiler replacement and HVAC controls
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed Councilor Obremski had stepped out of the room during this vote
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Kowal, Park, Romanul, Vandiver, WilliamsThe roll call lists John Obremski as absent for this vote.
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) to the School Department (#300) in the amount of $12,193.20 to purchase vape detectors for MVMMS
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed Councilor Obremski had stepped out of the room during this vote
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Kowal, Park, Romanul, Vandiver, WilliamsThe roll call lists John Obremski as absent for this vote.
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: Jamaleddine)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) to the School Department (#300) in the amount of $72,180 to purchase MHS Band uniforms
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) to the School Department (#300) in the amount of $44,296.32 for the purchase of athletic equipment
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) to DPW- Admin/Engineering Department (#401) in the amount of $710,000 for design and permitting of Ell Pond Park
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Motion passed 9-2
Yes: Chen, Finocchiaro, Freeman, Jamaleddine, Karamcheti, Kowal, Obremski, Park, RomanulNo: Vandiver, Williams
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul NAYS: Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) to DPW- Highway Department (#422) in the amount of $400,000 for Lebanon Street TIP project design
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) to DPW - School Facilities Department (#402) in the amount of $20,000 to update school signage
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Williams 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Williams)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $37,000 to the Planning Department (#175) for treating the Towners, Swains, and Ell Ponds
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Williams 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Williams)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $17,000 to the Parks Department for the Purchase of AEDs for playing fields
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $400,000 to the Fire Department (#221) for projected overtime costs through the end of the Fiscal Year
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Williams 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Williams)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $30,000 to the Fire Department(#221) for projected motor vehicle repair through the end of the Fiscal Year
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Williams 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Williams)
Passage — An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $560,000 to the City Stabilization fund (#8401)
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — An Appropriation from Mt. Hood Retained Earnings (account 620000- 319000) in the amount of $200,000 to Mt. Hood Reserve Fund (8417- 490000)
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Williams 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Williams)
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — An Appropriation from Sewer Retained Earnings (account 6000- 319000) to Sewer Equipment (account 604413-551002) for the down payment on a Vactor Truck
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — An Appropriation in the amount of $2,236,997 to fund the Fiscal Year 2027 Mt. Hood Enterprise Fund budget
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — An Appropriation in the amount of $8,461,623 to fund the Fiscal 2027 Sewer Enterprise Fund budget
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Kowal)
Passage — An Appropriation in the amount of $6,702,788 to fund the Fiscal Year 2027 Water Enterprise fund budget
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Kowal)
Passage — An Appropriation in the amount of $3,639,322 to fund the Fiscal Year 2027 Solid Waste Enterprise fund budget
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Kowal)
Passage — Fiscal Year 2027 Water Rates
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Kowal)
Passage — Fiscal Year 2027 Sewer Rates
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Kowal)
Passage — An Appropriation in the amount of $348,948.80 for Other Funding Sources (OFS) for Fiscal Year 2027
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Kowal)
Passage — Reauthorization of the revolving fund table for Fiscal Year 2027
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Park 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Park)
Passage — An Appropriation in the amount of $126,652,797 to fund the Fiscal Year 2027 General Fund Operating Budget
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Vandiver 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Vandiver)
Passage — An order to increase the Recreation Revolving Fund (#2652) spending limit for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026 from $500,000 to $575,000
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — Acceptance of a donation to the Parks Department for the purchase and maintenance of AED units at parks throughout the City
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Vandiver All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Vandiver)
Passage — Vote to establish the Benjamin Lynde House Local Historic District
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Vandiver 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Vandiver)
Passage — A transfer in the amount of $69,000 from Health Insurance (#914) to Workers Compensation (#912) to fund estimated costs through the end of the fiscal year
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — Requesting a transfer of $7,000 from the Memorial Building Salaries account 016931-511000 to the Memorial Building Professional Services account 016932-529000 to cover the FY26 HVAC repairs
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — Transfer to DPW-Facilities (#402) in the amount of $130,000 from various DPW accounts for June utilities
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Finocchiaro)
Passage — Requesting an interdepartmental transfer of funds from the Elections Salaries PT Line item (011621-512000) in the amount of $24,437 to the Printing line item 011622-521000
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Williams 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Williams)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Motion to Adjourn made by Councilor Romanul at 10:12 PM Seconded by Councilor Vandiver 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Vandiver)
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 →