MassVoter.com← Melrose City CouncilMelrose City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
September 8, 2026
21 recorded votes, 4 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.
Every vote, in order
Minutes Approval
Approve the minutes — City Council Regular Meeting August 17, 2026 7:45 PM
Motion to Approve the minutes made by Councilor Karamcheti 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Karamcheti, second: Romanul)
Public Comment
Open public comment
Motion to Open public comment made by Councilor Vandiver at 7:48 PM Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“Motion to Open public comment made by Councilor Vandiver at 7:48 PM Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)
Close public comment
Motion to Close public comment made by Councilor Karamcheti at 7:49 PM Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“Motion to Close public comment made by Councilor Karamcheti at 7:49 PM Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed.” (Motion: Karamcheti, second: Finocchiaro)
New Business
Refer to Boards & Commissions Committee — Appointment of Liz Ryan, 17 East Highland Street, to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an Associate Member, for a two-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 Lauren Maguire, 32 Albert Street, to the Historic District Commission, for a term of three years, said term to expire last day of February 2029
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 a State Earmark in the amount of $100,000 for the maintenance and repair of benches and bus shelters at MBTA bus stops in the City of...
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 State Earmark in the amount of $100,000 for public safety and emergency medical equipment
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)
Immediate Consideration — No# 31198560 Vine Street - National Grid to install 1 JO pole on Vine Street beginning at a point approximately 0 feet of the centerline of the intersection of Vine St...
Motion for Immediate Consideration made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“Motion for Immediate Consideration made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Finocchiaro)
Set a public hearing on September 28 — No# 31198560 Vine Street - National Grid to install 1 JO pole on Vine Street beginning at a point approximately 0 feet of the centerline of the intersection...
Motion to Set a public hearing on September 28 at 8:00 PM made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] TO: Public Hearing 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: Finocchiaro)
Public Hearing-national Grid Petitions
Open public hearing — Petitions
Motion to Open public hearing made by Councilor Finocchiaro at 8:00 PM 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 NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Kowal)
Place on File — Lake Ave - WR 31359974 National Grid to Install underground utilities on Lake Ave
Motion to Place on File made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [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: Finocchiaro)
Place on File — 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
Motion to Place on File made by CouncilorFinocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [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: Karamcheti)
Close Public Hearing — 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
Motion to Close Public Hearing made by Councilor Karamcheti at 8:11 PM Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [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: Romanul)
Unfinished Business
Approve — 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 of February 2028. Mr....
Motion to Approve made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed
From the minutes
“RESULTS: ACCEPTED [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: Finocchiaro)
Passage — Acceptance of 2026 Green Communities Grant in the amount of $122,081
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — Acceptance of a Massachusetts Gaming Commission Community Mitigation Fund Grant in the amount of $51,300
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Karamcheti)
Place on File — Informational Order - Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Review Draft
Motion to Place on File made by Councilor Vandiver 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Vandiver, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — New Common Victualler License for Slurp Noodle Restaurant
Motion for Passage 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Finocchiaro, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — Acceptance of Donated Parcel for Conservation Purposes
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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Romanul, second: Karamcheti)
Passage — 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 three years
Motion for Passage made by Councilor Kowal 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, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Kowal, second: Karamcheti)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Motion to Adjourn made by Councilor Karamcheti at 8:11 PM Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and meeting was adjourned
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 NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams.” (Motion: Karamcheti, 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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