MassVoter.com← Woburn City CouncilWoburn City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
September 7, 2021
40 recorded votes, 6 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 Darlene Mercer-Bruen absent.
Present: Joanne E. Campbell, Robert J. Ferullo, Michael P. Concannon, Richard F. Gately, Joseph E. Demers, Michael Lannan, Jeffrey P. Dillon, Edward Tedesco
Absent: Darlene Mercer-Bruen
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, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“VOTED to dispense with the reading of the previous meeting's Journal and to APPROVE, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
New Petitions
The special event permit be granted — Petition by Woburn Friends of Hospice/vna Care for Special Event Permit to allow road race and health walk at Horn Pond and area streets on October 3, 2021
Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT BE GRANTED, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT BE GRANTED, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The special event permit be granted — Petition by Woburn Kiwanis for a Special Event Permit to allow "Flag Day in Fall" festival on October 2, 2021 at Library Field
Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT BE GRANTED, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT BE GRANTED, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The special event permit be granted — Petition by James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn for a Special Event Permit to allow road race and health walk beginning at Charles Gardner Lane and...
Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT BE GRANTED, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT BE GRANTED, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The matter be referred to public hearing — Petition by Cabot, Cabot & Forbes LLC for Special Permit pursuant to Section 23.5.5.2(a), Section 23.5.5.2(b)(e), Section 23.5.5.3(a), Section 23.9 and...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
Take the next two matters collectively, and that the matter be referred to a public hearing as one item
Motion made and 2 to take the next two matters collectively, and that the matter be referred to a public hearing as one item, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2 to take the next two matters collectively, and that the matter be referred to a public hearing as one item, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The matter be referred to public hearing — Petition by New England Gypsum Supply, Inc., for a Special Permit pursuant to Section 5.1(42), 5.1(57b) and 7.3 of the 1985 City of Woburn Zoning...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEARING, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
Public Hearings
Any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by nd Properties LLC, 264 Salem Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, to amend the 1985 City of Woburn...
Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — On the petition by nd Properties LLC, 264 Salem Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, to amend the 1985 City of Woburn Zoning Ordinance, as...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The public hearing be closed — On the petition by nd Properties LLC, 264 Salem Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, to amend the 1985 City of Woburn Zoning Ordinance, as amended, be further...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CLOSED, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CLOSED, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
Grant the leave to withdraw without prejudice
Motion made and 2nd to grant the leave to withdraw without prejudice, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to grant the leave to withdraw without prejudice, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — On the petition by Jackson Lumber for special permit: 1
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
Any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by Jackson Lumber for special permit: 1
Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The public hearing be continued to the regular meeting of the City Council on September 21, 2021 — On the petition by Jackson Lumber for special permit: 1
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL on September 21, 2021, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL on September 21, 2021, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
Any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by Murphy's Waste Oil Services, Inc. for a new flammable license, for 5,000 gallons of Class II...
Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — On the petition by Murphy's Waste Oil Services, Inc. for a new flammable license, for 5,000 gallons of Class II Windshield Washer Fluid, 125,000...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
Close the public hearing — On the petition by Murphy's Waste Oil Services, Inc. for a new flammable license, for 5,000 gallons of Class II Windshield Washer Fluid, 125,000 gallons of Class iiib...
Motion made and 2nd to close the public hearing, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to close the public hearing, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
Grant the flammable license and that any and all previous conditions shall remain in full force and effect unless otherwise modified herein
Motion made and 2nd to GRANT THE FLAMMABLE LICENSE and that any and all previous conditions shall remain in full force and effect unless otherwise modified herein, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to GRANT THE FLAMMABLE LICENSE and that any and all previous conditions shall remain in full force and effect unless otherwise modified herein, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
Any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by King of Cool Inc. for a special permit to operate a full service restaurant with hours of operation...
Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 7-0-1-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent; Dillon Abstained).
Yes: Campbell, Concannon, Demers, Ferullo, Gately, Lannan, TedescoAbstained: Dillon
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 7-0-1-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent; Dillon Abstained)..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — On the petition by King of Cool Inc. for a special permit to operate a full service restaurant with hours of operation until 12:30 a.m., Monday...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor, 7-0-1-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent; Dillon Abstained).
Yes: Campbell, Concannon, Demers, Ferullo, Gately, Lannan, TedescoAbstained: Dillon
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor, 7-0-1-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent; Dillon Abstained)..”
Close the public hearing — On the petition by King of Cool Inc. for a special permit to operate a full service restaurant with hours of operation until 12:30 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and...
Motion made and 2nd to close the public hearing, all in favor, 7-0-1-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent; Dillon Abstained).
Yes: Campbell, Concannon, Demers, Ferullo, Gately, Lannan, TedescoAbstained: Dillon
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to close the public hearing, all in favor, 7-0-1-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent; Dillon Abstained)..”
Alderman Demers made a motion and 2nd by Alderman Concannon to allow Alderman Demers to reconsider his vote in support of the motion to close the public hearing
Alderman Demers made a motion and 2nd by Alderman Concannon to allow Alderman Demers to reconsider his vote in support of the motion to close the public hearing, all in favor, 7-0-1-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent; Dillon Abstained).
Yes: Campbell, Concannon, Demers, Ferullo, Gately, Lannan, TedescoAbstained: Dillon
From the minutes
“Alderman Demers made a motion and 2nd by Alderman Concannon to allow Alderman Demers to reconsider his vote in support of the motion to close the public hearing, all in favor, 7-0-1-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent; Dillon Abstained)..” (Motion: Demers, second: Concannon)
Close the public hearing — On the petition by King of Cool Inc. for a special permit to operate a full service restaurant with hours of operation until 12:30 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and...
Motion made and 2nd to close the public hearing, all in favor, 7-0-1-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent; Dillon Abstained).
Yes: Campbell, Concannon, Demers, Ferullo, Gately, Lannan, TedescoAbstained: Dillon
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to close the public hearing, all in favor, 7-0-1-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent; Dillon Abstained)..”
Grant the special permit with the following four conditions: 1. The Dumpster shall be screened; 2. Petitioner shall provide a pest control schedule to the Board of Health; 3. The parking lot shall...
Motion made and 2nd to GRANT THE SPECIAL PERMIT with the following four conditions: 1. The Dumpster shall be screened; 2. Petitioner shall provide a pest control schedule to the Board of Health; 3. The parking lot shall be striped and maintained in perpetuity; and 4. Exterior lighting shall remain on the property, all in favor, 7-0-1-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent; Dillon Abstained).
Yes: Campbell, Concannon, Demers, Ferullo, Gately, Lannan, TedescoAbstained: Dillon
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to GRANT THE SPECIAL PERMIT with the following four conditions: 1. The Dumpster shall be screened; 2. Petitioner shall provide a pest control schedule to the Board of Health; 3. The parking lot shall be striped and maintained in perpetuity; and 4. Exterior lighting shall remain on the property, all in favor, 7-0-1-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent; Dillon Abstained)..”
Any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by Toll Brothers to amend a prior special permit dated June 6, 2017, under Section 23.4.2 the 1985...
Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that any and all communication be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — On the petition by Toll Brothers to amend a prior special permit dated June 6, 2017, under Section 23.4.2 the 1985 Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer- Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer- Bruen Absent)..”
The public hearing be continued to the regular meeting of the City Council on September 21, 2021, and that the matter be referred to the Committee on Special Permits — On the petition by Toll...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL on September 21, 2021, and that the matter be referred to the Committee on Special Permits, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL on September 21, 2021, and that the matter be referred to the Committee on Special Permits, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The public hearing be opened for public comments — On the petition by 304 Cambridge Road LLC, 304 Cambridge Road, Woburn, Massachusetts, to amend Section 5 Notes to Table of Use Regulations and...
Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the public hearing be opened for public comments, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The public hearing be continued to the regular meeting of the City Council on September 21, 2021, and that the matter be referred to the Committee on Ordinance, Charter and Rules, and that a...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL on September 21, 2021, and that the matter be referred to the Committee on Ordinance, Charter and Rules, and that a communication be sent to the City Solicitor requesting her comments, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL on September 21, 2021, and that the matter be referred to the Committee on Ordinance, Charter and Rules, and that a communication be sent to the City Solicitor requesting her comments, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
Committee Reports — Personnel
The committee report be adopted — On the appointment of James A. Juliano to the Board of Trustees for the Woburn Public Library, committee report was received "ought to pass"
Motion made and 2nd that the COMMITTEE REPORT be ADOPTED, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the COMMITTEE REPORT be ADOPTED, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The committee report be adopted — On the appointment of Michelle Eovine to the Woburn Golf and Ski Authority, committee report was received "ought to pass"
Motion made and 2nd that the COMMITTEE REPORT be ADOPTED, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the COMMITTEE REPORT be ADOPTED, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The committee report be adopted — On the appointment of the following members to the Human Rights Commission: Robert F. Rufo, Jr., Sandra L. Lawton, Elaine Pruyne, Marie L. Lingblom, Dr
Motion made and 2nd that the COMMITTEE REPORT be ADOPTED, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the COMMITTEE REPORT be ADOPTED, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
Communications and Reports
The matter be received and placed on file — A communication dated August 5, 2021 was received from Treasurer/Collector Timothy Donovan relative to the Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Report of the City's...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The matter be received and placed on file — A communication dated August 18, 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, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The matter be received and placed on file — A communication dated August 27, 2021 was received from Matthew Watkins, Project Services, Eversource as follows: Dear City Council Members: Eversource...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
Motions, Orders and Resolutions
The matter be laid on the table — Order: Title 10, Schedule 1, Parking Restrictions, of the City of Woburn 2017 Traffic Code, as amended, be further amended, by repealing the following regulation:...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE LAID ON THE TABLE, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE LAID ON THE TABLE, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
Suspend the rules to add an additional communication to the Order of the Day
Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules to add an additional communication to the Order of the Day, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules to add an additional communication to the Order of the Day, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
The matter be received and placed on file — A communication dated September 2, 2021, was received from Anthony Langone, Legislative Aide for State Representative Richard M. Haggerty as follows:...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent)..”
Return to the regular order of business
Motion made and 2nd to return to the regular order of business, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer- Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to return to the regular order of business, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer- Bruen Absent)..”
Adjourn
Motion made and 2nd to ADJOURN, all in favor, 8-0-1 (Mercer-Bruen Absent).
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to ADJOURN, all in favor, 8-0-1 (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.
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 →