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Woburn City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting

May 12, 2020

23 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page

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Attendance

Present: Joanne E. Campbell, Richard F. Gately, Michael P. Concannon, Lindsay E. Higgins, Jeffrey P. Dillon, Darlene Mercer-Bruen, Robert J. Ferullo, Edward Tedesco, Michael D. Anderson

Absent: None

Every vote, in order

Regular meeting

Dispense with the reading of the previous meeting's Journal and to approve

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

VOTED to dispense with the reading of the previous meeting's Journal and to APPROVE, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“VOTED to dispense with the reading of the previous meeting's Journal and to APPROVE, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Mayor’s Communications

The matter be referred to Committee on Finance — Order: The sum of $813,000.00 be and is hereby transferred as so stated from Fire/bls Ambulance Acct #31359-595000 $813,000.00 to Fire Regular...

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

New Petitions

The matter be referred to Committee on Public Safety and Licenses — Petition by Camargo Chauffeur Service, LLC, 35 Dix Road Ext., Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 for renewal of a Livery License for...

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSES, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSES, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

The matter be referred to public hearing — Petition by Ryan Cassidy and Patrick Cassidy, 17 Winship Drive, Wakefield, Massachusetts 01880 for a special permit pursuant to 1985 Woburn Zoning...

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

The matter be referred to public hearing — Petition by Randy J. MacDonald, Trustee of the MacDonald Trust, 13 Sturgis Street, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 for a special permit pursuant to 1985...

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

The matter be referred to public hearing — Pulte Homes of New England, LLC, 115 Flanders Road, Suite 200, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581 for a special permit with site plan review pursuant to...

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

The matter be referred to public hearing — LCS Woburn LLC, 400 Locust Street, Suite 820, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2334 for a special permit with site plan review pursuant to 1985 Woburn Zoning...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Public Hearings

Open the public hearing — On the petition by Litao Liang, Liang Health Spa Inc., 10 Fairbanks Street, Apt, 2L, Worcester, Massachusetts 01601 for a special permit pursuant to 1985 Woburn Zoning...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd to open the public hearing, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd to open the public hearing, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

The public hearing be closed — On the petition by Litao Liang, Liang Health Spa Inc., 10 Fairbanks Street, Apt, 2L, Worcester, Massachusetts 01601 for a special permit pursuant to 1985 Woburn...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be closed, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be closed, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

The special permit be granted, as amended with the conditions as follows: 1. That the hours of operation shall be Monday through Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and Sunday between 10:00...

Minutes, page 3

ApproveFailed · 4–5

Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL PERMIT be GRANTED, AS AMENDED with the conditions as follows: 1. That the hours of operation shall be Monday through Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and Sunday between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.; 2. That the employees shall park at the rear of the building only; and 3. That rubbish shall be removed from the business daily and taken offsite, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - No; Ferullo - No; Gately - Yes; Higgins - No; Mercer-Bruen - No; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - No.

Yes: Campbell, Concannon, Gately, TedescoNo: Anderson, Dillon, Ferullo, Higgins, Mercer-Bruen

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL PERMIT be GRANTED, AS AMENDED with the conditions as follows: 1. That the hours of operation shall be Monday through Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and Sunday between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.; 2. That the employees shall park at the rear of the building only; and 3. That rubbish shall be removed from the business daily and taken offsite, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - No; Ferullo - No; Gately - Yes; Higgins - No; Mercer-Bruen - No; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - No..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

The documents be received and made part of the record and that the public hearing be opened — On the petition by Robert Johnson, 14 Lexington Street, Stoneham, Massachusetts 02180 for a special...

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd that the documents be received and made part of the record and that the public hearing be opened, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the documents be received and made part of the record and that the public hearing be opened, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Allow the special permit to be amended by adding a reference to a special permit pursuant to Section 7.3 due to the existing nonconforming frontage of 38.87

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd to allow the special permit to be amended by adding a reference to a special permit pursuant to Section 7.3 due to the existing nonconforming frontage of 38.87, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd to allow the special permit to be amended by adding a reference to a special permit pursuant to Section 7.3 due to the existing nonconforming frontage of 38.87, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

The public hearing be opened — On the petition by Robert Johnson, 14 Lexington Street, Stoneham, Massachusetts 02180 for a special permit pursuant to 1985 Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended,...

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

The public hearing be continued to A date to be determined, that the matter be referred to the Committee on Special Permits and that A copy of the petition be sent to the superintendent of public...

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · 8–1

Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING be CONTINUED TO A DATE TO BE DETERMINED, THAT THE MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL PERMITS AND THAT A COPY OF THE PETITION BE SENT TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer- Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - No; Anderson - Yes.

Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Dillon, Ferullo, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-BruenNo: Tedesco

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING be CONTINUED TO A DATE TO BE DETERMINED, THAT THE MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL PERMITS AND THAT A COPY OF THE PETITION BE SENT TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer- Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - No; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

A copy of the four special permits received as new petitions at this meeting be sent to the Superintendent of Public Works for review

Minutes, page 8

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd that a copy of the four special permits received as new petitions at this meeting be sent to the Superintendent of Public Works for review, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer- Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that a copy of the four special permits received as new petitions at this meeting be sent to the Superintendent of Public Works for review, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer- Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Committee Reports — Special Permits

Suspend the rules for the purposes of taking the matter from the Committee on Special Permits

Minutes, page 10

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules for the purposes of taking the matter from the Committee on Special Permits, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules for the purposes of taking the matter from the Committee on Special Permits, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Receive and make part of the record the communications from the Attorney Mark Vaughan, the Building Commissioner and the Planning Department

Minutes, page 10

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd to receive and make part of the record the communications from the Attorney Mark Vaughan, the Building Commissioner and the Planning Department, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd to receive and make part of the record the communications from the Attorney Mark Vaughan, the Building Commissioner and the Planning Department, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

The modification be granted, as amended with the condition as follows: 1. All prior conditions of the special permit shall remain in full force and effect unless modified herein

Minutes, page 10

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd that the MODIFICATION be GRANTED, AS AMENDED with the condition as follows: 1. All prior conditions of the special permit shall remain in full force and effect unless modified herein, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the MODIFICATION be GRANTED, AS AMENDED with the condition as follows: 1. All prior conditions of the special permit shall remain in full force and effect unless modified herein, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Communications and Reports

The matter be received and placed on file — A communication dated April 29, 2020 was received from State Representative Richard M. Haggerty as follows: Dear Woburn City Council Members: It is my...

Minutes, page 11

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

The matter be received and placed on file — A communication dated April 30, 2020 was received from Mike Hager, Eversource Project Manager, Woburn to Wakefield Line Project, 247 Station Drive,...

Minutes, page 11

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

Motions, Orders and Resolutions

Amend the Order by deleting from Line 6 Library Director "shall remain at" and replacing same with "be amended to"

Minutes, page 11

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd to amend the Order by deleting from Line 6 Library Director "shall remain at" and replacing same with "be amended to", ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd to amend the Order by deleting from Line 6 Library Director "shall remain at" and replacing same with "be amended to", ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

The matter be referred to Committee on Ordinances — Order: Article xxvii, Section 2-180 of the 1989 Woburn Municipal Code, as amended, be further amended as follows: 1

Minutes, page 11

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes.

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

Adjourn

Minutes, page 12

ProceduralPassed · 8–1

Motion made and 2nd to ADJOURN, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - No; Anderson - Yes.

Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Dillon, Ferullo, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-BruenNo: Tedesco

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd to ADJOURN, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - No; Anderson - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

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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