MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
August 17, 2026
24 recorded votes, 8 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 Manjula Karamcheti, Cal Finocchiaro and Christopher Park absent.
Present: Jason Chen, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kimberly Vandiver, Ryan Williams, Bradley Freeman
Absent: Manjula Karamcheti, Cal Finocchiaro, Christopher Park
Every vote, in order
Minutes Approval
Approve the minutes by unanimous consent without reading — City Council Regular Meeting July 20, 2026 7:45 PM
Motion to Approve the minutes by unanimous consent without reading made by President Freeman All were in favor and minutes were approved
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park.” (Motion: Freeman)
New Business
Refer to Boards & Commissions Committee — Appointment of Daniel Gelormini, 20 Pilgrim Road, as a Full Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) for a five-year term set to expire on the last day...
Motion to Refer to Boards & Commissions 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: Boards & Commissions Committee.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Boards & Commissions Committee — Appointment of Megan Britt, 79 Burrell Street, to the Liquor Licensing Commission for a six-year term, said term to expire the first Monday of June 2032
Motion to Refer to Boards & Commissions 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: Boards & Commissions Committee.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — Acceptance of 2026 Green Communities Grant in the amount of $122,081
Motion to Refer to Appropriations & Oversight 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: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — Acceptance of a Massachusetts Gaming Commission Community Mitigation Fund Grant in the amount of $51,300
Motion to Refer to Appropriations & Oversight 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: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Appropriations & Oversight Committee — Acceptance of Donated Parcel for Conservation Purposes
Motion to Refer to Appropriations & Oversight 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: Appropriations & Oversight Committee.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Legal & Legislative Committee — Renewal of the Intermunicipal Agreement for Shared Health Department services among the City of Melrose, the Town of Wakefield and the Town Of Stoneham for...
Motion to Refer to Legal & Legislative 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: Legal & Legislative Committee.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Public Works Committee — Informational Order - Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Review Draft
Motion to Refer to Public Works 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: Public Works Committee.” (Motion: Freeman)
Refer to Protection & License Committee — New Common Victualler License for Slurp Noodle Restaurant
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 Committee.” (Motion: Freeman)
Immediate Consideration for the purpose of scheduling a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8th at 8pm — 18 Tremont Street - Install 1 JO Pole on Tremont Street with a riser to provide electric...
Motion for Immediate Consideration for the purpose of scheduling a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8th at 8pm made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“Motion for Immediate Consideration for the purpose of scheduling a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8th at 8pm made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Jamaleddine)
18 Tremont Street - Install 1 JO Pole on Tremont Street with a riser to provide electric service for a new customer at 18 Tremont Street in Melrose
RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park.”
Set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8th at 8 p.m — 18 Tremont Street - Install 1 JO Pole on Tremont Street with a riser to provide electric service for a new customer at 18 Tremont Street...
Motion to set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8th at 8 p.m made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] TO: Public Hearing AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Romanul)
Immediate Consideration for the purpose of scheduling a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8th at 8pm — Lake Ave - WR 31359974 National Grid to Install underground utilities on Lake Ave
Motion for Immediate Consideration for the purpose of scheduling a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8th at 8pm made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“Motion for Immediate Consideration for the purpose of scheduling a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8th at 8pm made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Jamaleddine)
Lake Ave - WR 31359974 National Grid to Install underground utilities on Lake Ave
RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park.”
Set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8th at 8 p.m — Lake Ave - WR 31359974 National Grid to Install underground utilities on Lake Ave
Motion to set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8th at 8 p.m made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Williams All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] TO: Public Hearing AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Williams)
Unfinished Business
Approve — Appointment of Dionysios Kaskarelis, 116 Walton Park, to the Human Rights Commission 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 Williams All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Williams)
Passage — Acceptance of the FY2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant in the amount of $5,850.00
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Williams All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Williams)
Place on File — Informational Order - Warrant for 2026 State Primary to be held at Melrose Middle School Gymnasium on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 from 7:00am to 8:00pm for Ward 1, Precinct 1 and 2;...
Motion to Place on File made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Jamaleddine)
Place on File — Informational Order - The Board of Registrars has agreed to the following dates, times and location for the State Primary In Person Early Voting: Saturday, 8/22 9am-5pm; Monday,...
Motion to Place on File made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Jamaleddine)
Strike Councilor Vandiver's prior amendment from the Legal and Legislative Committee and replace it with new language to read in section B2 iv... — Amending Article II, Section 93 of the Melose...
Motion to strike Councilor Vandiver's prior amendment from the Legal and Legislative Committee and replace it with new language to read in section B2 iv "other kennels, including veterinary kennels and breeding kennels, are not permitted" made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage as Amended — Amending Article II, Section 93 of the Melose Code of Ordinances to allow for a licensing and inspection process for kennel licensing in Melrose
Motion for Passage as Amended made by Councilor Kowal Seconded by Councilor Jamaleddine All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park.” (Motion: Kowal, second: Jamaleddine)
Passage — Acceptance of Revised Easement at 105 Walton Park in Melrose
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Kowal)
Passage — Grant of Easement for 204 Tremont Street
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Cal Finocchiaro, Manjula Karamcheti, Christopher Park.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Kowal)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Motion to Adjourn made by Councilor Romanul at 8:04 PM Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and meeting was adjourned
From the minutes
“Motion to Adjourn made by Councilor Romanul at 8:04 PM Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and meeting was adjourned.” (Motion: Romanul, 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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