MassVoter.com← Woburn City CouncilWoburn City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
May 18, 2021
34 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Joanne E. Campbell, Robert J. Ferullo, Michael P. Concannon, Richard F. Gately, Joseph E. Demers, Michael Lannan, Jeffrey P. Dillon, Darlene Mercer-Bruen, Edward Tedesco
Absent: None
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, 9-0.
From the minutes
“VOTED to dispense with the reading of the previous meeting's Journal and to APPROVE, all in favor, 9-0..”
Mayor’s Communications
The matter be referred to Committee on Finance — Order: The sum of $249,000.00 be and is hereby transferred as so stated from Fire/bls Ambulance Acct# 31359-595000 $249,000.00 to Fire/Ambulance...
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.”
New Petitions
The next three matters be taken collectively and be referred to Committee on Public Safety and Licenses
Motion made and 2nd that the next three matters be taken collectively and be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSES, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the next three matters be taken collectively and be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSES, all in favor, 9-0..”
The matter be referred to public hearing — Petition by g&a Realty Trust, 433 Main Street, Massachusetts 01801 for a special permit pursuant to 1985 Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, Section...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, all in favor, 9-0..”
Public Hearings
Any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by Woburn apna Bazar Incorporated, 4 Held Circle, Medford, Massachusetts 02155 for a special permit...
Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor 9-0..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — On the petition by Woburn apna Bazar Incorporated, 4 Held Circle, Medford, Massachusetts 02155 for a special permit pursuant to 1985 Woburn...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor 9-0..”
The public hearing be continued to the regular meeting of the City Council on June 1, 2021 and that the matter be referred to the Committee on Special Permits — On the petition by Woburn apna...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON JUNE 1, 2021 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 JUNE 1, 2021 AND THAT THE MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL PERMITS, all in favor, 9-0..”
Any and all communication be received and made part of the record — On the petition by President Tedesco concerning the structure or structures located in the City of Woburn, County of Middlesex,...
Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the record, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the record, all in favor, 9-0..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — On the petition by President Tedesco concerning the structure or structures located in the City of Woburn, County of Middlesex, Commonwealth of...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor 9-0..”
The public hearing be continued to the regular meeting of the City Council on June 15, 2021 — On the petition by President Tedesco concerning the structure or structures located in the City of...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON JUNE 15, 2021, 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 JUNE 15, 2021, all in favor, 9-0..”
The matter be laid on the table — On the petition by eca nema Brightfields I LLC and eca nema Brightfields II LLC, 282 Moody Street, Suite 202, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453 for Site Plan Review to...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE LAID ON THE TABLE, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE LAID ON THE TABLE, all in favor, 9-0..”
Any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by aba Therapeutics LLC for a Special Permit to allow for alteration of the pre-existing...
Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor 9-0..”
The proposed conditions from petitioner be accepted as the working draft of conditions
Motion made and 2nd that the proposed conditions from petitioner be accepted as the working draft of conditions, approve 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the proposed conditions from petitioner be accepted as the working draft of conditions, approve 9-0..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — On the petition by aba Therapeutics LLC for a Special Permit to allow for alteration of the pre-existing non-conforming use and structure to use...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor 9-0..”
The public hearing be closed — On the petition by aba Therapeutics LLC for a Special Permit to allow for alteration of the pre-existing non-conforming use and structure to use approximately 4,500...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CLOSED, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CLOSED, all in favor 9-0..”
Grant the special permit as amended with the following conditions: After consideration of all the impacts set forth in Section 7.3, the City Council finds that the change in use is not...
Motion made and 2nd to GRANT the SPECIAL PERMIT AS AMENDED with the following conditions: After consideration of all the impacts set forth in Section 7.3, the City Council finds that the change in use is not substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming use to the neighborhood and imposes the following conditions: 1. The Plan of Record Shall be the plan entitled "Plan of Land, 30 Pento Road, Woburn, Mass" dated May 17, 2021 prepared by Edward J. Farrell, Professional Land Surveyor, 110 Winn Street, Suite 203, Woburn, MA (the "Plan"). 2. All dumpsters shall be enclosed, by means of a fence, wall or landscaping in compliance with the Woburn Zoning Ordinances. 3. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 4. This special permit shall only remain in effect so long as the professional licensure granted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to this petitioner remains in good standing. 5. That all other conditions contained in the January 29, 2004 Special Permit Decision remain in full force and effect to the extent still applicable or not otherwise modified by this decision. All in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to GRANT the SPECIAL PERMIT AS AMENDED with the following conditions: After consideration of all the impacts set forth in Section 7.3, the City Council finds that the change in use is not substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming use to the neighborhood and imposes the following conditions: 1. The Plan of Record Shall be the plan entitled "Plan of Land, 30 Pento Road, Woburn, Mass" dated May 17, 2021 prepared by Edward J. Farrell, Professional Land Surveyor, 110 Winn Street, Suite 203, Woburn, MA (the "Plan"). 2. All dumpsters shall be enclosed, by means of a fence, wall or landscaping in compliance with the Woburn Zoning Ordinances. 3. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 4. This special permit shall only remain in effect so long as the professional licensure granted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to this petitioner remains in good standing. 5. That all other conditions contained in the January 29, 2004 Special Permit Decision remain in full force and effect to the extent still applicable or not otherwise modified by this decision. All in favor, 9-0..”
The petition by eca nema Brightfields I LLC and eca nema Brightfields II LLC, 282 Moody Street, Suite 202, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453 for Site Plan Review to allow one 2,451 mwac ground-mount...
Motion made and 2nd that the petition by ECA NEMA Brightfields I LLC and ECA NEMA Brightfields II LLC, 282 Moody Street, Suite 202, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453 for Site Plan Review to allow one 2,451 MWAC ground-mount solar photovoltaic energy generating facility and one 498 kWAC ground-mount solar photovoltaic energy generating facility at the Industri-Plex site at 134 Commerce Way, 39 Atlantic Avenue, 132 Commerce Way, four parcels off New Boston Street, 30 Atlantic Avenue and 0 New Boston Street, BE TAKEN FROM THE TABLE, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the petition by ECA NEMA Brightfields I LLC and ECA NEMA Brightfields II LLC, 282 Moody Street, Suite 202, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453 for Site Plan Review to allow one 2,451 MWAC ground-mount solar photovoltaic energy generating facility and one 498 kWAC ground-mount solar photovoltaic energy generating facility at the Industri-Plex site at 134 Commerce Way, 39 Atlantic Avenue, 132 Commerce Way, four parcels off New Boston Street, 30 Atlantic Avenue and 0 New Boston Street, BE TAKEN FROM THE TABLE, all in favor, 9-0..”
Any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record — Motion made and 2nd that the petition by eca nema Brightfields I LLC and eca nema Brightfields II LLC, 282 Moody...
Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor 9-0..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — Motion made and 2nd that the petition by eca nema Brightfields I LLC and eca nema Brightfields II LLC, 282 Moody Street, Suite 202, Waltham,...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor 9-0..”
Alderman Mercer-Bruen made a motion to amend that was 2nd to add condition: 3. The Petitioner shall provide maintenance of the solar panels and shall remove the solar panels once they become...
Alderman Mercer-Bruen made a motion to amend that was 2nd to add condition: 3. The Petitioner shall provide maintenance of the solar panels and shall remove the solar panels once they become obsolete, all in favor of the amendment, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Alderman Mercer-Bruen made a motion to amend that was 2nd to add condition: 3. The Petitioner shall provide maintenance of the solar panels and shall remove the solar panels once they become obsolete, all in favor of the amendment, 9-0..” (Motion: Mercer-Bruen)
On the main motion to grant the special permit as amended with the following three conditions: 1. The plan of record will be April 13, 2021. 2. The Petitioner shall work with the Department of...
On the main motion to GRANT THE SPECIAL PERMIT AS AMENDED with the following three conditions: 1. The plan of record will be April 13, 2021. 2. The Petitioner shall work with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency and if there are any outstanding issues the City of Woburn will be notified. 3. The Petitioner shall provide maintenance of the solar panels and shall remove the solar panels once they become obsolete, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“On the main motion to GRANT THE SPECIAL PERMIT AS AMENDED with the following three conditions: 1. The plan of record will be April 13, 2021. 2. The Petitioner shall work with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency and if there are any outstanding issues the City of Woburn will be notified. 3. The Petitioner shall provide maintenance of the solar panels and shall remove the solar panels once they become obsolete, all in favor, 9-0..”
The Council return to the regular order of business
Motion made and 2nd that the Council return to the regular order of business, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the Council return to the regular order of business, all in favor, 9-0..”
Any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record — Petition by Jackson Lumber, 10 Jefferson Avenue, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 for special permit pursuant to 1985...
Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor 9-0..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — Petition by Jackson Lumber, 10 Jefferson Avenue, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 for special permit pursuant to 1985 Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor 9-0..”
The public hearing be continued to the regular meeting of the City Council on June 1, 2021 and that the matter be referred to the Committee on Special Permits — Petition by Jackson Lumber, 10...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING be CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON JUNE 1, 2021 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 JUNE 1, 2021 AND THAT THE MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL PERMITS, all in favor, 9-0..”
Any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by Alderman Tedesco to amend Section 5.2 additional regulations of the 1985 Zoning Ordinance of the...
Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor 9-0..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — On the petition by Alderman Tedesco to amend Section 5.2 additional regulations of the 1985 Zoning Ordinance of the City of Woburn by further...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor 9-0..”
The public hearing be continued to the regular meeting of the City Council on June 15, 2021 and that the matter be referred to the Committee on Ordinances, Charter and Rules — On the petition by...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING be CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON JUNE 15, 2021 AND THAT THE MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES, CHARTER AND RULES, 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 JUNE 15, 2021 AND THAT THE MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES, CHARTER AND RULES, all in favor, 9-0..”
Committee Reports — Finance
The committee report be adopted — On the Order to transfer the sum of $750.000.00 from Overlay Reserve Acct to opeb Trust Fund, committee report was received "ought to pass"
Motion made and 2nd that the COMMITTEE REPORT be ADOPTED, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the COMMITTEE REPORT be ADOPTED, all in favor, 9-0..”
Citizen’s Participation
The communication be received and made part of the permanent record, and that the matter be referred to Committee on Liaison — Request from Barbara Freeman Locke, 10 Maywood Terrace, for City...
Motion made and 2nd that the communication be received and made part of the permanent record, and that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LIAISON, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the communication be received and made part of the permanent record, and that the MATTER be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LIAISON, all in favor 9-0..”
Communications and Reports
The matter be received and placed on file — A communication dated May 12, 2021 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, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, all in favor 9-0..”
Motions, Orders and Resolutions
The redlined draft of changed be accepted
Motion made and 2nd that the redlined draft of changed be accepted, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the redlined draft of changed be accepted, all in favor 9-0..”
The matter be referred to public hearing on June 15, 2021 — Order: Be It Ordained by the City Council of the City of Woburn that the 1985 Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, be further amended...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING ON JUNE 15, 2021, all in favor 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER be REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING ON JUNE 15, 2021, all in favor 9-0..”
Adjourn
Motion made and 2nd to ADJOURN, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to ADJOURN, all in favor, 9-0..”
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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