MassVoter.com← Woburn City CouncilWoburn City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
November 17, 2020
37 recorded votes, 2 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 roll call marks Richard F. Gately absent.
Present: Joanne E. Campbell, Robert J. Ferullo, Michael P. Concannon, Joseph E. Demers, Darlene Mercer-Bruen, Jeffrey P. Dillon, Edward Tedesco, Lindsay E. Higgins
Absent: Richard F. Gately
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, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“VOTED to dispense with the reading of the previous meeting's Journal and to APPROVE, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
New Petitions
The matters be referred to Committee on Public Safety and Licenses — Petitions for renewal of Second Class Motor Vehicles Sales Licenses by Maurice Saba dba Montvale Auto Care, 317 Montvale...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTERS be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSES, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTERS be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSES, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
Suspend the rules for taking the following three matters out of order
Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules for taking the following three matters out of order, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules for taking the following three matters out of order, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
Take the following thee matter from the table and to suspend the rules for the purposes of hearing from His Honor the Mayor Scott Galvin and his designee
Motion made and 2nd to take the following thee matter from the table and to suspend the rules for the purposes of hearing from His Honor the Mayor Scott Galvin and his designee, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to take the following thee matter from the table and to suspend the rules for the purposes of hearing from His Honor the Mayor Scott Galvin and his designee, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).”
Unfinished Business of Preceding Meeting
The order be adopted — On the Order to appropriate the sum of $220,000.00 Veterans Cash Aid Acct
Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The order be adopted, as amended with the condition as follows: That the signal shall be installed in the area of Holton Street and Green Street at a location at the discretion of the Woburn...
Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, AS AMENDED with the condition as follows: That the signal shall be installed in the area of Holton Street and Green Street at a location at the discretion of the Woburn Police Traffic Safety Officer, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, AS AMENDED with the condition as follows: That the signal shall be installed in the area of Holton Street and Green Street at a location at the discretion of the Woburn Police Traffic Safety Officer, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The order be adopted — On the Order to appropriate the sum of $3,500,000.00 from Unreserved Fund Balance Acct to reduce the city tax rate
Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The order be adopted — Motion made and 2nd to return to the regular order of business
Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
Public Hearings
The communication be received and made part of the record — On the petition by NSTAR Electric Company dba Eversource Energy and Verizon New England, Inc. for a grant of right in a way to install...
Motion made and 2nd that the communication be received and made part of the record, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the communication be received and made part of the record, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — On the petition by NSTAR Electric Company dba Eversource Energy and Verizon New England, Inc. for a grant of right in a way to install two joint...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The public hearing be closed — On the petition by NSTAR Electric Company dba Eversource Energy and Verizon New England, Inc. for a grant of right in a way to install two joint occupancy poles...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be closed, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be closed, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The grant of right in A way be approved, as amended with the conditions as follows: 1. Eversource or the developer's contractor shall clearly mark out the proposed poles and the adjacent on site...
Motion made and 2nd that the GRANT OF RIGHT IN A WAY be APPROVED, AS AMENDED with the conditions as follows: 1. Eversource or the developer's contractor shall clearly mark out the proposed poles and the adjacent on site utilities to obtain at least ten (10) feet of horizontal clearance prior to the installation of the poles; 2. These poles have been slightly adjusted as depicted by a plan from Allen & Major dated 11-16-20; 3. Eversource shall obtain a street opening permit for review and evaluation of these proposed poles prior to the installation, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the GRANT OF RIGHT IN A WAY be APPROVED, AS AMENDED with the conditions as follows: 1. Eversource or the developer's contractor shall clearly mark out the proposed poles and the adjacent on site utilities to obtain at least ten (10) feet of horizontal clearance prior to the installation of the poles; 2. These poles have been slightly adjusted as depicted by a plan from Allen & Major dated 11-16-20; 3. Eversource shall obtain a street opening permit for review and evaluation of these proposed poles prior to the installation, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The communication be received and made part of the record — On the petition by Alderman Mercer-Bruen concerning the structure or structures located in the City of Woburn, County of Middlesex,...
Motion made and 2nd that the communication be received and made part of the record, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the communication be received and made part of the record, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — On the petition by Alderman Mercer-Bruen concerning the structure or structures located in the City of Woburn, County of Middlesex, Commonwealth...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The public hearing be closed — On the petition by Alderman Mercer-Bruen concerning the structure or structures located in the City of Woburn, County of Middlesex, Commonwealth of Massachusetts...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be closed, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be closed, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The matter be given leave to withdraw without prejudice — On the petition by Alderman Mercer-Bruen concerning the structure or structures located in the City of Woburn, County of Middlesex,...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be GIVEN LEAVE TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT PREJUDICE, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be GIVEN LEAVE TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT PREJUDICE, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The communications be received and made part of the record — On the petition by udr Inwood LLC, c/o udr, Inc., 1745 Shea Center Drive, Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129 for a special...
Motion made and 2nd that the communications be received and made part of the record, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the communications be received and made part of the record, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — On the petition by udr Inwood LLC, c/o udr, Inc., 1745 Shea Center Drive, Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129 for a special permit...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The public hearing be continued to the regular meeting of the City Council on December 1, 2020 and that the matter be referred to the Committee on Special Permits — On the petition by udr Inwood...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING be CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 1, 2020 AND THAT THE MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL PERMITS, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING be CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 1, 2020 AND THAT THE MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL PERMITS, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The communication be received and made part of the record — On the petition by mvrh Realty, LLC, c/o Bohler, 353 Turnpike Road, Southborough, Massachusetts 01772 for a special permit pursuant to...
Motion made and 2nd that the communication be received and made part of the record, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the communication be received and made part of the record, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — On the petition by mvrh Realty, LLC, c/o Bohler, 353 Turnpike Road, Southborough, Massachusetts 01772 for a special permit pursuant to 1985...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The public hearing be closed — On the petition by mvrh Realty, LLC, c/o Bohler, 353 Turnpike Road, Southborough, Massachusetts 01772 for a special permit pursuant to 1985 Woburn Zoning Ordinances,...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be closed, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be closed, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
Add a condition as follows: That the hours of construction shall conform to those established by the Woburn Municipal Code, as amended and the Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, and there shall...
Motion made and 2nd to add a condition as follows: That the hours of construction shall conform to those established by the Woburn Municipal Code, as amended and the Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, and there shall be no work performed on holidays when Woburn City Hall is closed, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to add a condition as follows: That the hours of construction shall conform to those established by the Woburn Municipal Code, as amended and the Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, and there shall be no work performed on holidays when Woburn City Hall is closed, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The special permit be granted, as amended, with the conditions as follows: 1. That the plan of record shall be the plan entitled Site Development Plans prepared by Bohler, dated 7/6/20, revised...
Motion made and 2nd that the special permit be granted, as amended, with the conditions as follows: 1. That the plan of record shall be the plan entitled Site Development Plans prepared by Bohler, dated 7/6/20, revised through 10/26/20; 2. That when the solar carport is no longer operational and will not be used or improved the carport must be removed within four (4) months of no longer being operational; 3. That the hours of construction shall conform to those established by the Woburn Municipal Code, as amended and the Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, and there shall be no work performed on holidays when Woburn City Hall is closed; and the City Council makes a finding that the extension or alteration of the nonconforming use or structure is not more substantially detrimental to the neighborhood, 7 in favor, 1 opposed (Campbell opposed), 1 absent (Gately absent).
Yes: Concannon, Demers, Dillon, Ferullo, Higgins, Mercer-Bruen, TedescoNo: Campbell
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the special permit be granted, as amended, with the conditions as follows: 1. That the plan of record shall be the plan entitled Site Development Plans prepared by Bohler, dated 7/6/20, revised through 10/26/20; 2. That when the solar carport is no longer operational and will not be used or improved the carport must be removed within four (4) months of no longer being operational; 3. That the hours of construction shall conform to those established by the Woburn Municipal Code, as amended and the Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, and there shall be no work performed on holidays when Woburn City Hall is closed; and the City Council makes a finding that the extension or alteration of the nonconforming use or structure is not more substantially detrimental to the neighborhood, 7 in favor, 1 opposed (Campbell opposed), 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
Reconsider his vote in favor of approving the special permit
Motion made by Alderman Tedesco and 2nd by Alderman Mercer-Bruen to reconsider his vote in favor of approving the special permit, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made by Alderman Tedesco and 2nd by Alderman Mercer-Bruen to reconsider his vote in favor of approving the special permit, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..” (Motion: Tedesco, second: Mercer-Bruen)
The special permit be granted, as amended with the conditions as follows: 1. That the plan of record shall be the plan entitled Site Development Plans prepared by Bohler, dated 7/6/20, revised...
Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL PERMIT be GRANTED, AS AMENDED with the conditions as follows: 1. That the plan of record shall be the plan entitled Site Development Plans prepared by Bohler, dated 7/6/20, revised through 10/26/20; 2. That when the solar carport is no longer operational and will not be used or improved the carport must be removed within four (4) months of no longer being operational; 3. That the hours of construction shall conform to those established by the Woburn Municipal Code, as amended and the Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, and there shall be no work performed on holidays when Woburn City Hall is closed; 4. That any condition imposed by the Woburn Conservation Commission shall be followed by the petitioner; and the City Council makes a finding that the extension or alteration of the nonconforming use or structure is not more substantially detrimental to the neighborhood, and a finding that the three omissions from the filing relative to the drainage system, the impact on traffic and the exterior lighting were not needed for determination of the approval of the Special Permit, 7 in favor, 1 opposed (Campbell opposed), 1 absent (Gately absent).
Yes: Concannon, Demers, Dillon, Ferullo, Higgins, Mercer-Bruen, TedescoNo: Campbell
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL PERMIT be GRANTED, AS AMENDED with the conditions as follows: 1. That the plan of record shall be the plan entitled Site Development Plans prepared by Bohler, dated 7/6/20, revised through 10/26/20; 2. That when the solar carport is no longer operational and will not be used or improved the carport must be removed within four (4) months of no longer being operational; 3. That the hours of construction shall conform to those established by the Woburn Municipal Code, as amended and the Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, and there shall be no work performed on holidays when Woburn City Hall is closed; 4. That any condition imposed by the Woburn Conservation Commission shall be followed by the petitioner; and the City Council makes a finding that the extension or alteration of the nonconforming use or structure is not more substantially detrimental to the neighborhood, and a finding that the three omissions from the filing relative to the drainage system, the impact on traffic and the exterior lighting were not needed for determination of the approval of the Special Permit, 7 in favor, 1 opposed (Campbell opposed), 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
Communications and Reports
Suspend the rules for the purposes of accepting the following late filed matter and hearing from the Veterans' Agent
Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules for the purposes of accepting the following late filed matter and hearing from the Veterans' Agent, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules for the purposes of accepting the following late filed matter and hearing from the Veterans' Agent, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The matter be referred to Committee on Liaison and a communication be sent to the City Solicitor asking for direction as to what needs to be done to accept the gift — Motion made and 2nd to...
Motion made and 2nd that that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LIAISON and a communication be sent to the City Solicitor asking for direction as to what needs to be done to accept the gift, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LIAISON and a communication be sent to the City Solicitor asking for direction as to what needs to be done to accept the gift, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
Return to the regular order of business
Motion made and 2nd to return to the regular order of business, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to return to the regular order of business, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).”
The matter be received and placed on file — A communication dated November 10, 2020 was received from Charles O'Connor, Parking Clerk, Police Headquarters, 25 Harrison Avenue as follows: Council...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The matter be received and placed on file — A communication dated November 10, 2020 was received from Veterans' Agent Larry Giuseppe as follows: Re: City Council Meeting I would like to get on...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
Appointments and Elections
The matter be received and placed on file — A copy of a communication dated November 4, 2020 to City Clerk William Campbell was received from Mayor Scott D. Galvin as follows: By the power vested...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
Motions, Orders and Resolutions
The resolve be adopted — Resolve: Whereas, Woburn Fire Chief Stephen W. Adgate demonstrated extraordinary dedication and devotion to public safety and service to the citizens of the City of Woburn...
Motion made and 2nd that the RESOLVE be ADOPTED, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the RESOLVE be ADOPTED, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
Suspend the rules for the purposes of adding the following matter to the Order of the Day as a late filed matter
Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules for the purposes of adding the following matter to the Order of the Day as a late filed matter, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules for the purposes of adding the following matter to the Order of the Day as a late filed matter, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
The matter be referred to public hearing — Petition by Nardone Electrical Corporation, 160 Olympia Avenue, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 pursuant to 1985 Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, for...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
Return to the regular order of business
Motion made and 2nd to return to the regular order of business, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to return to the regular order of business, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent)..”
Adjourn
Motion made and 2nd to ADJOURN, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to ADJOURN, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (Gately 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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