MassVoter.com← Waltham City CouncilWaltham City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
January 13, 2025
27 recorded votes, 27 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: First meeting of 2025: City Clerk Joseph Vizard called the meeting to order and the council elected its President and confirmed the Vice President for 2025 by roll call.
Present: Colleen Bradley-MacArthur, Paul J. Brasco, Kathleen B. McMenimen, Carlos A. Vidal, Anthony LaFauci, Caren Dunn, Bill Hanley, John J. McLaughlin, Joseph P. LaCava, Sean Durkee, Paul S. Katz, Cathyann Harris, Robert G. Logan
Absent: Randall J. LeBlanc, Thomas M. Stanley
During the meeting:
- Kathleen B. McMenimen recused from the vote on: Loan Authorization in the amount of $1,031,710 for Howe/Administration at 200 Trapelo Road.
Every vote, in order
Close nominations
Councillor Brasco made a motion to close nominations. The motion was approved by a voice vote.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor Brasco made a motion to close nominations. The motion was approved by a voice vote..” (Motion: Brasco)
Elect John J. McLaughlin President of the City Council for 2025
The motion was approved by a voice vote. The City Councils vote was required for the confirmation. Assistant City Clerk Wilson called the roll. Colleen Bradley-MacArthur: John J. McLaughlin Paul J. Brasco: John J. McLaughlin Caren Dunn: John J. McLaughlin Sean T. Durkee: John J. McLaughlin William A. Hanley: John J. McLaughlin Cathyann Harris: John J. McLaughlin Paul S. Katz: John J. McLaughlin Joseph P. LaCava: John J. McLaughlin Anthony LaFauci: John J. McLaughlin Randy J. LeBlanc: Absent Robert G. Logan: John J. McLaughlin John J. McLaughlin: John J. McLaughlin Kathleen B. McMenimen: John J. McLaughlin Thomas M. Stanley: Absent Carlos A. Vidal: John J. McLaughlin With 13 votes John J. McLaughlin was voted as the President of the City Council for 2025.
A roll call naming a person; each councillor who voted named the same choice (John J. McLaughlin), so each is shown voting yes. Randall J. LeBlanc and Thomas M. Stanley were absent.
From the minutes
“The motion was approved by a voice vote. The City Councils vote was required for the confirmation. Assistant City Clerk Wilson called the roll. Colleen Bradley-MacArthur: John J. McLaughlin Paul J. Brasco: John J. McLaughlin Caren Dunn: John J. McLaughlin Sean T. Durkee: John J. McLaughlin William A. Hanley: John J. McLaughlin Cathyann Harris: John J. McLaughlin Paul S. Katz: John J. McLaughlin Joseph P. LaCava: John J. McLaughlin Anthony LaFauci: John J. McLaughlin Randy J. LeBlanc: Absent Robert G. Logan: John J. McLaughlin John J. McLaughlin: John J. McLaughlin Kathleen B. McMenimen: John J. McLaughlin Thomas M. Stanley: Absent Carlos A. Vidal: John J. McLaughlin With 13 votes John J. McLaughlin was voted as the President of the City Council for 2025..”
Adopt the 2024 City Council Rules as the 2025 City Council Rules
Councillor McMenimen made a motion to adopt the 2024 City Council Rules as the 2025 City Council Rules. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the 2025 City Council Rules were adopted.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor McMenimen made a motion to adopt the 2024 City Council Rules as the 2025 City Council Rules. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the 2025 City Council Rules were adopted..” (Motion: McMenimen)
Elect Joseph P. LaCava Vice President of the City Council for 2025
In accordance with Rule 15, President McLaughlin appointed Joseph P. LaCava as the City Council Vice President for the year 2025. The City Councils vote was required for the confirmation. Assistant City Clerk Wilson called the roll. Colleen Bradley-MacArthur: Joseph P. LaCava Paul J. Brasco: Joseph P. LaCava Caren Dunn: Joseph P. LaCava Sean T. Durkee: Joseph P. LaCava William A. Hanley: Joseph P. LaCava Cathyann Harris: Joseph P. LaCava Paul S. Katz: Joseph P. LaCava Joseph P. LaCava: Joseph P. LaCava Anthony LaFauci: Joseph P. LaCava Randy J. LeBlanc: Absent Robert G. Logan: Joseph P. LaCava John J. McLaughlin: Joseph P. LaCava Kathleen B. McMenimen Joseph P. LaCava Thomas M. Stanley: Absent Carlos A. Vidal: Joseph P. LaCava With 13 votes Joseph P. LaCava was voted as the Vice President of the City Council for 2025.
A roll call naming a person; each councillor who voted named the same choice (Joseph P. LaCava), so each is shown voting yes. Randall J. LeBlanc and Thomas M. Stanley were absent.
From the minutes
“In accordance with Rule 15, President McLaughlin appointed Joseph P. LaCava as the City Council Vice President for the year 2025. The City Councils vote was required for the confirmation. Assistant City Clerk Wilson called the roll. Colleen Bradley-MacArthur: Joseph P. LaCava Paul J. Brasco: Joseph P. LaCava Caren Dunn: Joseph P. LaCava Sean T. Durkee: Joseph P. LaCava William A. Hanley: Joseph P. LaCava Cathyann Harris: Joseph P. LaCava Paul S. Katz: Joseph P. LaCava Joseph P. LaCava: Joseph P. LaCava Anthony LaFauci: Joseph P. LaCava Randy J. LeBlanc: Absent Robert G. Logan: Joseph P. LaCava John J. McLaughlin: Joseph P. LaCava Kathleen B. McMenimen Joseph P. LaCava Thomas M. Stanley: Absent Carlos A. Vidal: Joseph P. LaCava With 13 votes Joseph P. LaCava was voted as the Vice President of the City Council for 2025..”
Approve the regular meeting minutes of 12/23/24
Councillor LaCava moved approval of the regular meeting minutes of 12/23/24. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor LaCava moved approval of the regular meeting minutes of 12/23/24. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved..” (Motion: LaCava)
Approve the Executive Session Meeting Minutes of 12/9/24
Councillor LaCava moved approval of the Executive Session Meeting Minutes of 12/9/24. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor LaCava moved approval of the Executive Session Meeting Minutes of 12/9/24. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved..” (Motion: LaCava)
Send the Executive Session Meeting Minutes to the Law Department for review
Councillor LaCava made a motion to send the Executive Session Meeting Minutes to the Law Department for review. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the minutes were sent to the Law Department.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor LaCava made a motion to send the Executive Session Meeting Minutes to the Law Department for review. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the minutes were sent to the Law Department..” (Motion: LaCava)
Public Hearings
Recess the public hearing until January 27, 2025: Public hearing: Grant of Location at 101 School Street for NationalGrid
Councillor Vidal made a motion to recess the public hearing until January 27, 2025. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was recessed.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor Vidal made a motion to recess the public hearing until January 27, 2025. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was recessed..” (Motion: Vidal)
Have the public hearing be continued to a date certain of 2/24/2025: Public hearing: Special Permit Application for Ferris Development Group, LLC....
Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to have the public hearing be continued to a date certain of 2/24/2025.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to have the public hearing be continued to a date certain of 2/24/2025..” (Motion: Harris)
Suspend Rule 8: Public hearing: Special Permit Application for The Wilder Companies, LTD. at 1074 Lexington Street
Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to suspend Rule 8.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to suspend Rule 8..” (Motion: Harris)
Approve the withdrawal without prejudice: Public hearing: Special Permit Application for The Wilder Companies, LTD. at 1074 Lexington Street
Councillor Harris moved to approve the withdrawal without prejudice. Roll call required. In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The matter was approved 12-0-2-1.
Yes: Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen, VidalCouncil President John J. McLaughlin presided and did not vote (the minutes list him as Presiding).
From the minutes
“Councillor Harris moved to approve the withdrawal without prejudice. Roll call required. In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The matter was approved 12-0-2-1..” (Motion: Harris)
Table: To go into an executive session regarding a confidential matter related to the property at 955 Main Street
Councillor LaFauci made a motion to table this matter until the end of the meeting. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was tabled.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor LaFauci made a motion to table this matter until the end of the meeting. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was tabled..” (Motion: LaFauci)
Tabled Items
Take off the table: Preferential Veterans Housing Ordinance Amendment
Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off the table.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off the table..” (Motion: Harris)
Second reading: Preferential Veterans Housing Ordinance Amendment
Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote for a second reading.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote for a second reading..” (Motion: Harris)
Suspend Rule 45: Preferential Veterans Housing Ordinance Amendment
Councillor Harris moved to suspend Rule 45. The motion was approved by a voice vote.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor Harris moved to suspend Rule 45. The motion was approved by a voice vote..” (Motion: Harris)
Third and final reading: Preferential Veterans Housing Ordinance Amendment
Councillor Harris moved for a third and final reading. Roll call required. In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The matter was approved 12-0-2-1.
Yes: Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen, VidalCouncil President John J. McLaughlin presided and did not vote (the minutes list him as Presiding).
From the minutes
“Councillor Harris moved for a third and final reading. Roll call required. In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The matter was approved 12-0-2-1..” (Motion: Harris)
Take off the table: MBTA Communities Zoning
Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off the table.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off the table..” (Motion: Harris)
Second reading: MBTA Communities Zoning
Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote for a second reading.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote for a second reading..” (Motion: Harris)
Suspend Rule 45: MBTA Communities Zoning
Councillor Harris moved to suspend Rule 45. The motion was approved by a voice vote.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor Harris moved to suspend Rule 45. The motion was approved by a voice vote..” (Motion: Harris)
Third and final reading: MBTA Communities Zoning
Councillor Harris moved for a third and final reading. Roll call required. In favor: Councillors, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen, Vidal and McLaughlin. Opposed: None. Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley. Present: Bradley-MacArthur. The matter was approved 12-0-2-1.
Yes: Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, McLaughlin, McMenimen, VidalAbstained: Bradley-MacArthurColleen Bradley-MacArthur voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Councillor Harris moved for a third and final reading. Roll call required. In favor: Councillors, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen, Vidal and McLaughlin. Opposed: None. Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley. Present: Bradley-MacArthur. The matter was approved 12-0-2-1..” (Motion: Harris)
Take off the table: Dumpster Ordinance
Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off the table.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off the table..” (Motion: Harris)
Table: Dumpster Ordinance
Councillor Harris made a motion to table the matter. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was tabled.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor Harris made a motion to table the matter. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was tabled..” (Motion: Harris)
Take off the table: Loan Authorization in the amount of $1,031,710 for Howe/Administration at 200 Trapelo Road
Councillor Vidal made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off the table.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted. Kathleen B. McMenimen recused from this item.
From the minutes
“Councillor Vidal made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off the table..” (Motion: Vidal)
Second and final reading: Loan Authorization in the amount of $1,031,710 for Howe/Administration at 200 Trapelo Road
Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote for a second and final reading. Roll call required. In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan and Vidal. Opposed: None. Recused: McMenimen. Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The matter was approved 11-0-1-2-1.
Yes: Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, VidalCouncil President John J. McLaughlin presided and did not vote (the minutes list him as Presiding). Kathleen B. McMenimen recused and is left out of this vote. The minutes say the motion “was approved by a voice vote” and then record a roll call on it; MassVoter shows the roll call.
From the minutes
“Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote for a second and final reading. Roll call required. In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan and Vidal. Opposed: None. Recused: McMenimen. Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The matter was approved 11-0-1-2-1..” (Motion: Harris)
Take off the table: Mayor’s confidential communication regarding 995 Main Street
Councillor LaFauci made a motion to take the Mayor’s confidential communication regarding 995 Main Street off the table. The motion was approved by a voice vote.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor LaFauci made a motion to take the Mayor’s confidential communication regarding 995 Main Street off the table. The motion was approved by a voice vote..” (Motion: LaFauci)
Go into executive session, with the City Clerk as clerk of the session
Councillor LaFauci made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to go into Executive Session and that City Clerk Vizard serve as Clerk of the Executive Session and that the Mayor, City Solicitor and Assistant City Clerk Wilson be present. Roll call required. In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The matter was approved 12-0-2-1.
Yes: Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen, VidalCouncil President John J. McLaughlin presided and did not vote (the minutes list him as Presiding). The minutes say the motion “was approved by a voice vote” and then record a roll call on it; MassVoter shows the roll call.
From the minutes
“Councillor LaFauci made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to go into Executive Session and that City Clerk Vizard serve as Clerk of the Executive Session and that the Mayor, City Solicitor and Assistant City Clerk Wilson be present. Roll call required. In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The matter was approved 12-0-2-1..” (Motion: LaFauci)
Adjourn
Councillor LaCava made a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved by a voice vote.
The minutes say the motion was approved by a voice vote, with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Councillor LaCava made a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved by a voice vote..” (Motion: LaCava)
From the Waltham City Council’s official minutes, posted by the City Clerk in the city’s Agenda Center (City Council). We check every vote against the councillors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the city’s website has no City Council photos): The Waltham Times candidate profiles, October–November 2025 — Paul Brasco, Tim King (Artie Kronenfeld), Randall LeBlanc, Emma Tzioumis, Carlos Vidal, Anthony LaFauci, Caren Dunn, John McLaughlin (Isabella Lapriore), Joey LaCava (courtesy WCAC), Paul Katz (courtesy LWV) and Robert Logan; League of Women Voters of Waltham candidate pages — Colleen Bradley-MacArthur and Bill Hanley (2023), Sean Durkee and Cathyann Harris (2021). Cropped by MassVoter. Former members 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 →