MassVoter.com← Woburn City CouncilWoburn City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
February 19, 2019
31 recorded votes, 23 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: Robert J. Ferullo was elected by the council to the vacant at-large seat at this meeting (42nd ballot), sworn in, and took his seat; the roll call at the top lists the eight members seated before then.
Present: Joanne E. Campbell, Lindsay E. Higgins, Michael P. Concannon, Darlene Mercer-Bruen, Mark E. Gaffney, Edward Tedesco, Richard F. Gately, Michael D. Anderson, Robert J. Ferullo
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Robert J. Ferullo was elected to the vacant at-large seat and sworn in during the meeting.
- Darlene Mercer-Bruen left the Council Chamber during the meeting.
- Lindsay E. Higgins recused from a matter.
Every vote, in order
Regular meeting
Dispense with the reading of the previous meeting's Journal and to approve
VOTED to dispense with the reading of the previous meeting's Journal and to APPROVE, all in favor, 8 -0.
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-Bruen, Tedesco
From the minutes
“VOTED to dispense with the reading of the previous meeting's Journal and to APPROVE, all in favor, 8 -0..”
Suspend the rules for the purposes of taking the election to fill the vacancy in the office of Alderman At Large from the table, to accept the letter from Bryan Melanson and make it part of the...
Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules for the purposes of taking the election to fill the vacancy in the office of Alderman At Large from the table, to accept the letter from Bryan Melanson and make it part of the record, and to read the letter from Mr. Melanson into the record, all in favor, 8-0.
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-Bruen, Tedesco
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules for the purposes of taking the election to fill the vacancy in the office of Alderman At Large from the table, to accept the letter from Bryan Melanson and make it part of the record, and to read the letter from Mr. Melanson into the record, all in favor, 8-0..”
Election to fill the at-large vacancy
Elect Robert J. Ferullo, Jr. to the vacant at-large seat (42nd ballot, eight votes)
ROLL CALL: Campbell - Ferullo, Concannon - Ferullo, Gaffney - Ferullo, Gately - Ferullo, Higgins - Ferullo, Mercer-Bruen - Ferullo, Tedesco - Ferullo, Anderson - Ferullo.
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-Bruen, TedescoEach member who voted named the same choice (Ferullo).
From the minutes
“ROLL CALL: Campbell - Ferullo, Concannon - Ferullo, Gaffney - Ferullo, Gately - Ferullo, Higgins - Ferullo, Mercer-Bruen - Ferullo, Tedesco - Ferullo, Anderson - Ferullo..”
Regular meeting
Suspend the rules for the purposes of taking the following matter out of order and to receive the communication from the City Solicitor and make it part of the record
Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules for the purposes of taking the following matter out of order and to receive the communication from the City Solicitor and make it part of the record, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules for the purposes of taking the following matter out of order and to receive the communication from the City Solicitor and make it part of the record, all in favor, 9-0..”
Go into Executive Session under g.l. Ch. 30A, Sec. 21(a)(3) Purpose 3 to discuss strategy relative to pending litigation in the matter of NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy efsb 19-03
Motion made and 2nd to go into Executive Session under G.L. Ch. 30A, Sec. 21(a)(3) Purpose 3 to discuss strategy relative to pending litigation in the matter of NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy EFSB 19-03, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes, Concannon - Yes, Ferullo - Yes, Gaffney - Yes, Gately - Yes, Higgins - Yes, Mercer-Bruen - Yes, Tedesco - Yes, Anderson - Yes, Motion Passes.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to go into Executive Session under G.L. Ch. 30A, Sec. 21(a)(3) Purpose 3 to discuss strategy relative to pending litigation in the matter of NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy EFSB 19-03, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes, Concannon - Yes, Ferullo - Yes, Gaffney - Yes, Gately - Yes, Higgins - Yes, Mercer-Bruen - Yes, Tedesco - Yes, Anderson - Yes, Motion Passes..”
Mayor’s Communications
The matter be referred to Committee on Finance — Order: The sum of $141,851.57 be and is hereby transferred as so stated from Mayor Salary Adjustments Acct #0112151-511019 $141,851.57 to Police...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, all in favor, 9-0..”
The matter be referred to Committee on Finance — Order: The sum of $2,500.00 shall be and hereby is transferred from Election and Registration Repairs Voting Machines 0116252-524905 to City Clerk...
Motion made and 2 that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2 that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, all in favor, 9-0..”
Public Hearings
The communications be received and made part of the record — On the petition by Heritage Builders, Inc. and Joseph Surianello and Christine A. Surianello, Trustees of Surianello Realty Trust, c/o...
Motion made and 2nd that the communications be received and made part of the record, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the communications be received and made part of the record, all in favor, 9-0..”
The public hearing be continued to the regular meeting of the City Council on March 5, 2019 and that the matter be referred to the Committee on Special Permits — On the petition by Heritage...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING be CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON MARCH 5, 2019 AND THAT THE MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL PERMITS, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING be CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON MARCH 5, 2019 AND THAT THE MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL PERMITS, all in favor, 9-0..”
The communication be received and made part of the record — On the petition by Jackson Lumber, 10 Jefferson Avenue, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 for a special permit pursuant to 1985 Woburn Zoning...
Motion made and 2nd that the communication be received and made part of the record, all in favor, 9-0.
The journal says Lindsay E. Higgins was out of this matter (recused from this matter), but the count (9-0) includes every member present. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the communication be received and made part of the record, all in favor, 9-0..”
The document be received and made part of the record — On the petition by Jackson Lumber, 10 Jefferson Avenue, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 for a special permit pursuant to 1985 Woburn Zoning...
Motion made and 2nd that the document be received and made part of the record, 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent (Higgins, Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, TedescoThe journal lists Lindsay E. Higgins as absent for this vote. The journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the document be received and made part of the record, 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent (Higgins, Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
The public hearing be closed — On the petition by Jackson Lumber, 10 Jefferson Avenue, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 for a special permit pursuant to 1985 Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, as...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be closed, 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent (Higgins, Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, TedescoThe journal lists Lindsay E. Higgins as absent for this vote. The journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be closed, 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent (Higgins, Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
The special permit be granted, as amended with the conditions as follows: 1. That the five conditions proposed by the petitioner be adopted as conditions of the special permit, and 2. That the...
Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL PERMIT be GRANTED, AS AMENDED with the conditions as follows: 1. That the five conditions proposed by the petitioner be adopted as conditions of the special permit, and 2. That the date of the plan in the proposed Condition 1 be amended to 2/15/2019, 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent (Higgins, Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, TedescoThe journal lists Lindsay E. Higgins as absent for this vote. The journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL PERMIT be GRANTED, AS AMENDED with the conditions as follows: 1. That the five conditions proposed by the petitioner be adopted as conditions of the special permit, and 2. That the date of the plan in the proposed Condition 1 be amended to 2/15/2019, 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent (Higgins, Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
The document be received and made part of the record — On the petition by Primaira LLC, 225 Wildwood Avenue, Woburn, Massachusetts for a special permit pursuant to 1989 Woburn Zoning Ordinances,...
Motion made and 2nd that the document be received and made part of the record, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the document be received and made part of the record, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
The public hearing be closed — On the petition by Primaira LLC, 225 Wildwood Avenue, Woburn, Massachusetts for a special permit pursuant to 1989 Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, Section...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be closed, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be closed, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
The special permit be granted, as amended with the condition as follows: 1. That the special permit shall be reviewed in one year — On the petition by Primaira LLC, 225 Wildwood Avenue, Woburn,...
Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL PERMIT be GRANTED, AS AMENDED with the condition as follows: 1. That the special permit shall be reviewed in one year, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer- Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL PERMIT be GRANTED, AS AMENDED with the condition as follows: 1. That the special permit shall be reviewed in one year, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer- Bruen absent)..”
Citizen’s Participation
The matter be referred to Committee on Liaison — Petition by June Mackenzie, 20 Mt
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LIAISON, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LIAISON, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
New Petitions
The matter be referred to Committee on Public Safety and Licenses — Petition by Boston Xclusive, 400 TradeCenter, Suite 5900, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 for a new Livery License for one vehicle
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSES, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSES, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
The communication be accepted and the dates of the carnival be changed to May 15, 2019 through May 19, 2019 — A communication dated February 13, 2019 was received from James D. Haggerty, III,...
Motion made and 2nd that the communication be accepted and the dates of the carnival be changed to May 15, 2019 through May 19, 2019, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer- Bruen absent)
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the communication be accepted and the dates of the carnival be changed to May 15, 2019 through May 19, 2019, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer- Bruen absent).”
The matter be referred to public hearing — Petition by 318 LLC, 274 Woodland Road, Alton Bay, New Hampshire for a special permit pursuant to 1985 Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended to amend a...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
The matter be referred to public hearing — Petition by Seaver Properties LLC, 215 Lexington Street, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 for a special permit to allow modification of special permit dated...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
The matter be referred to public hearing — Petition by Seaver Properties LLC, 215 Lexington Street, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 for Inflammable License to allow six (6) temporary 1,000 gallon...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
The matter be referred to public hearing — Petition by 5 Hancock Street LLC, 5 Hancock Street, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 for an Inflammable License to allow storage of 25,000 gallons of #2...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
The matter be referred to public hearing — Petition by Prochamp Realty LLC, 13 Johnson Street, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 for a special permit pursuant to 1985 Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
Communications and Reports
The matter be received and placed on file — A communication dated February 12, 2019 was received from Thomas C. Quinn, Jr., Building Commissioner as follows: Re: Special Permit 5 Hancock Street On...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
The matter be received and placed on file — A communication dated January 30, 2019 was received from Michael P. Shea, Manager, Operations Programs Support, usps Greater Boston District, 25...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
Unfinished Business of Preceding Meeting
The communication be accepted and made part of the record — Status update on petition by Woburn (Edens) LLC for Plan Approval and Special Permit Approval to permit the redevelopment of the...
Motion made and 2nd that the communication be accepted and made part of the record, 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstained (Concannon abstained), 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoAbstained: ConcannonThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the communication be accepted and made part of the record, 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstained (Concannon abstained), 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
A communication shall be sent to the City Solicitor requesting that: (1) She outline the appropriate procedure and vote to engage various consultants for the purposes of conducting Peer Reviews of...
Motion made and 2nd that a communication shall be sent to the City Solicitor requesting that: (1) She outline the appropriate procedure and vote to engage various consultants for the purposes of conducting Peer Reviews of several aspects of the petition by Woburn (Edens) LLC for the redevelopment of the Woburn Mall; (2) Whether the City Council could engage MAPC (re: Design Standards) and Weston & Sampson (re: Water and Sewer and Infrastructure) to conduct Peer Review in accordance with the correspondence received from MAPC and Weston & Sampson to date, without need for additional action under MGL Chapter 30B; and further; (3) If the City Council cannot or declines to hire MAPC and/or Weston & Sampson, how do we move forward? With an RFP to procure those services? What would be the process and timing?, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that a communication shall be sent to the City Solicitor requesting that: (1) She outline the appropriate procedure and vote to engage various consultants for the purposes of conducting Peer Reviews of several aspects of the petition by Woburn (Edens) LLC for the redevelopment of the Woburn Mall; (2) Whether the City Council could engage MAPC (re: Design Standards) and Weston & Sampson (re: Water and Sewer and Infrastructure) to conduct Peer Review in accordance with the correspondence received from MAPC and Weston & Sampson to date, without need for additional action under MGL Chapter 30B; and further; (3) If the City Council cannot or declines to hire MAPC and/or Weston & Sampson, how do we move forward? With an RFP to procure those services? What would be the process and timing?, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).”
Motions, Orders and Resolutions
The order be adopted — Order: Pursuant to 1989 Woburn Municipal Code, as amended, Title 3, Article I, Section 3-6 the Board of Health is hereby authorized to dispose of the following vehicles...
Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
The order be adopted — Order: Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 148, Section 13, the City Clerk shall schedule a public hearing before the City Council for the purposes of revoking...
Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
Adjourn
Motion made and 2nd to ADJOURN, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent).
Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Ferullo, Gaffney, Gately, Higgins, TedescoThe journal lists Darlene Mercer-Bruen as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to ADJOURN, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Mercer-Bruen absent)..”
From the Woburn City Council’s official journals (its minutes), posted on the city’s Minutes & Agendas page (City Council). We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the city’s website has no councilor photos): Robert Toro, Joseph Demers (courtesy of each), Jeffrey Dillon, Lou DiMambro and Charles Viola from Woburn Patch (2019–2023); Yano Amara (December 31, 2025) and Darlene Mercer-Bruen (July 23, 2021, captioned group photo, cropped) from the Daily Times Chronicle; William Pappalardo and Robert Ferullo cropped from the Daily Times Chronicle’s captioned 2026 City Council photo (January 7, 2026). Former councilors show initials.
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