MassVoter.com← Woburn City CouncilWoburn City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
May 5, 2026
45 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Yano Amara, Robert J. Ferullo, Joseph E. Demers, Darlene Mercer-Bruen, Jeffrey P. Dillon, William J. Pappalardo, Lou DiMambro, Charles Viola, Robert F. Toro
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..”
Suspend the rules to take the next matter out of order
Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules to take the next matter out of order, all in favor, 9- 0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to suspend the rules to take the next matter out of order, all in favor, 9- 0..”
Motions, Orders and Resolutions
The resolve be adopted — Resolve: Whereas, Eagle Scout is the highest honor for Boys Scouts of America; and Whereas, Molly E. Murphy became a member of Troop 502 in Woburn, Massachusetts; and...
Motion made and 2nd that the RESOLVE BE ADOPTED, all in favor. 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the RESOLVE BE ADOPTED, all in favor. 9-0..”
Return to the regular order of business
Motion made and 2nd to return to the regular order of business, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd to return to the regular order of business, 9-0..”
New Petitions
The special event permit be granted — Petition by The International School of Boston for a Special Event Permit to allow for a road race at Horn Pond on June 8, 2026
Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT BE GRANTED, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT BE GRANTED, all in favor, 9-0..”
The special event permit be granted — Petition by St. Anthony of Padua Church for Special Event Permit for St. Anthony's Festival in the Ferullo Field area on June 6, 2026
Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT BE GRANTED, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT BE GRANTED, all in favor, 9-0..”
The matter be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and License — Petition by The Shamrock Running Club for a Special Event Permit to allow for a road race at Spence Farm on July 4, 2026,...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSE, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSE, all in favor, 9-0..”
The matter be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and License — Petition by the Woburn Kiwanis for Special Event Permit for a Flag Day Festival at Library Park on June 13, 2026, with...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSE, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSE, all in favor, 9-0..”
The matter be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and License — Petition for renewal of taxi cab license for Checker Cab of Woburn Inc. at 827 Main Street
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSE, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSE, all in favor, 9-0..”
The matter be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and License — Petition for renewal of livery license for Checker Cab of Woburn Inc. at 827 Main Street
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSE, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSE, all in favor, 9-0..”
The matter be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and License — Petitions for renewal of Secondhand Dealers and Secondhand Collectors licenses for the following: Teresa's Closet, 164 Main...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSE, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSE, all in favor, 9-0..”
Public Hearings
All communications be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for grant of location to install approximately 58 feet of...
Motion made and 2nd that all communications be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that all communications 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 NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for grant of location to install approximately 58 feet of conduit and one new...
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 May 19, 2026 — On the petition by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for grant of location to install...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 19, 2026, 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 MAY 19, 2026, all in favor, 9-0..”
All communications be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for grant of location to install approximately 50 feet of...
Motion made and 2nd that all communications be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that all communications 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 NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for grant of location to install approximately 50 feet of conduit and one new...
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 May 19, 2026 — On the petition by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for grant of location to install...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 19, 2026, 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 MAY 19, 2026, all in favor, 9-0..”
All communications be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for grant of location to install approximately 75 feet of...
Motion made and 2nd that all communications be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that all communications 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 NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for grant of location to install approximately 75 feet of conduit in New Boston...
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 May 19, 2026 — On the petition by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for grant of location to install...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 19, 2026, 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 MAY 19, 2026, all in favor, 9-0..”
All communications be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for grant of location to install approximately 12 feet of...
Motion made and 2nd that all communications be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that all communications 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 NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for grant of location to install approximately 12 feet of conduit in Main...
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 NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for grant of location to install approximately 12 feet of conduit in Main Street southerly from...
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..”
The grant of location be approved, subject to the conditions as outlined by the DPW Supt. memo as follows: 1. Any disturbed concrete panels be replaced to the City of Woburn specifications. This...
Motion made and 2nd that the GRANT OF LOCATION BE APPROVED, subject to the conditions as outlined by the DPW Supt. memo as follows: 1. Any disturbed concrete panels be replaced to the City of Woburn specifications. This will include at a minimum, one ADA compliant HC ramp; and 2. A permit must also be obtained from the DPW prior to the excavation for the proposed conduit and photos must be submitted upon completion, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the GRANT OF LOCATION BE APPROVED, subject to the conditions as outlined by the DPW Supt. memo as follows: 1. Any disturbed concrete panels be replaced to the City of Woburn specifications. This will include at a minimum, one ADA compliant HC ramp; and 2. A permit must also be obtained from the DPW prior to the excavation for the proposed conduit and photos must be submitted upon completion, all in favor, 9-0..”
All communications be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by 102 Main Street LLC, 44 Dix Road Extension, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801, for a special permit under the...
Motion made and 2nd that all communications be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that all communications 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 102 Main Street LLC, 44 Dix Road Extension, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801, for a special permit under the 1985 Woburn Zoning...
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 May 19, 2026, and that the matter be referred to the Committee on Special Permits — On the petition by 102 Main Street...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 19, 2026, 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 MAY 19, 2026, AND THAT THE MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL PERMITS, all in favor, 9-0..”
All communications be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by nhc Realty, Inc. - Cummings Foundation, Inc., 200 West Cummings Park, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801, for a...
Motion made and 2nd that all communications be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that all communications 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 nhc Realty, Inc. - Cummings Foundation, Inc., 200 West Cummings Park, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801, for a special permit under...
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 May 19, 2026 — On the petition by nhc Realty, Inc. - Cummings Foundation, Inc., 200 West Cummings Park, Woburn,...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 19, 2026, 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 MAY 19, 2026, all in favor, 9-0..”
All communications be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by A Better Companion Dog Training LLC, 1 Acorn Street, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801, for a special permit...
Motion made and 2nd that all communications be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that all communications be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 9-0..”
The resume be received and made part of the permanent record
Motion made and 2nd that the resume be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the resume 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 A Better Companion Dog Training LLC, 1 Acorn Street, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801, for a special permit under the 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 May 19, 2026, and that the matter be referred to the Committee on Special Permits — On the petition by A Better...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 19, 2026, 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 MAY 19, 2026, AND THAT THE MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL PERMITS, all in favor, 9-0..”
All communications be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition to determine whether the property located at 1 Winstead Avenue is a nuisance as the term is used in m.g.l....
Motion made and 2nd that all communications be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that all communications 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 to determine whether the property located at 1 Winstead Avenue is a nuisance as the term is used in m.g.l. Ch. 139, Section 1
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 16, 2026 — On the petition to determine whether the property located at 1 Winstead Avenue is a nuisance as the...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON JUNE 16, 2026, 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 16, 2026, all in favor, 9-0..”
All communications be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by Pulte Homes of New England, LLC, by its Attorneys, Rubin and Rudman llp, 500 Unicorn Park Drive, Woburn,...
Motion made and 2nd that all communications be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that all communications 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 Pulte Homes of New England, LLC, by its Attorneys, Rubin and Rudman llp, 500 Unicorn Park Drive, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801,...
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 document be received and made part of the permanent record — On the petition by Pulte Homes of New England, LLC, by its Attorneys, Rubin and Rudman llp, 500 Unicorn Park Drive, Woburn,...
Motion made and 2nd that the document be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the document be received and made part of the permanent record, all in favor, 9-0..”
The public hearing be closed — On the petition by Pulte Homes of New England, LLC, by its Attorneys, Rubin and Rudman llp, 500 Unicorn Park Drive, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801, to amend the 1985...
Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CLOSED, all in favor, 8-1 (Mercer-Bruen Against).
Yes: Amara, Demers, DiMambro, Dillon, Ferullo, Pappalardo, Toro, ViolaNo: Mercer-Bruen
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the PUBLIC HEARING BE CLOSED, all in favor, 8-1 (Mercer-Bruen Against)..”
The zoning amendment, as amended, be adopted
Motion made and 2nd that the ZONING AMENDMENT, AS AMENDED, BE ADOPTED, ROLL CALL: Amara - Yes; Demers - Yes; Dillon - Yes; DiMambro - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - No; Pappalardo - No; Viola - Yes; Toro - No. Motion Passes.
Yes: Amara, Demers, DiMambro, Dillon, Ferullo, ViolaNo: Mercer-Bruen, Pappalardo, Toro
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the ZONING AMENDMENT, AS AMENDED, BE ADOPTED, ROLL CALL: Amara - Yes; Demers - Yes; Dillon - Yes; DiMambro - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - No; Pappalardo - No; Viola - Yes; Toro - No. Motion Passes..”
Committee Reports — Ordinances, Charter and Rules
The committee report be adopted — On the order to remove and replace Woburn Municipal Code, Title vii Wetlands Protection and Conservation, a 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..”
Communications and Reports
The matter be recevied and placed on file — A communication dated April 27, 2026, was received from Lindsay E. Higgins, City Clerk and Clerk of the Traffic Commission, as follows: re: Traffic...
Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE RECEVIED AND PLACED ON FILE, all in favor, 9-0.
From the minutes
“Motion made and 2nd that the MATTER BE RECEVIED AND PLACED ON FILE, all in favor, 9-0..”
Appointments and Elections
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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