Requesting a transfer of $7,000 from the Memorial Building Salaries account 016931-511000 to the Memorial Building Professional Services account 016932-529000 to cover the FY26 HVAC repairs.

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B. (ID # 2026-1293): Requesting a transfer of $7,000 from the Memorial Building Salaries account 016931-511000 to the Memorial Building Professional Services account 016932-529000 to cover the FY26 HVAC repairs. Kathy Pigott-Brodeur, Director of Memorial Hall, explained that two pumps in the HVAC system broke and this transfer of funds will cover the repair costs. Motion to Recommend made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Williams All were in favor and motion passed RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] TO: City Council AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski V. DEPARTMENT BUDGET PRESENTATIONS 3 A. Department Presenter 145 Treasurer/Collector Kathryn Armata, Treasurer/Collector 711 Municipal Debt 751 Municipal Debt Int 752 Projected Debt 916 Medicare City Portion 296 Parking Kathryn Armata, Treasurer/Collector 693 Memorial Hall Kathy Pigott- Brodeur, Director, Memorial Hall 631 Recreation Frank Oliveri, Recreation Director 2652 Recreation Revolving Account 2669 Park Permits Rob Carillo, Parks Revolving Account Superintendent 653 Mt Hood Enterprise Fund 6200 652 Pine Banks Hank Kezer, President, Pine Banks Board Department 145 Treasurer/Collector Kathryn Armata, Treasurer/Collector, presented the department's FY27 budget, highlighting recent accomplishments including successful water lien collection efforts, a transition to ACH payments from paper checks for better fraud security, and a successful debt issuance for the public safety building project. President Freeman suggested setting up an email or text notification system to remind residents of tax bill payment due dates, and they will work with Tom Dalton, Communications Director, to put this in place. Councilor Park commented on the downward trend in professional services expenses. About 5 years ago a consultant discovered discrepancies that have since been rectified, which resulted in a period of higher expenses at that time. Going forward there will be a line item for these services, but they should not increase. Motion to Move the Bottom Line made by Councilor Jamaleddine Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro 4 All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski Department 711 Municipal Debt Kathryn Armata explained that exempt debt issuance allowed the municipality to exceed the typical 5% non-exempt debt limit, with current projections showing approximately 3.3% usage of the limit. Motion to Move the Bottom Line made by Councilor Vandiver Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski Department 751 Municipal Debt Int Kathryn Armata presented the budget Motion to Move the Bottom Line made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Williams All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski Department 752 Projected Debt Kathryn Armata stated that the projected debt includes a temporary $26 million bond issued to manage cash flows for the fire building project. Motion to Move the Bottom Line made by Councilor Williams Seconded by Councilor Vandiver All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] 5 AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski Department 916 Medicare City Portion Kathryn Armata noted the $1,099,040 budget represented a 5% increase, though actual costs could change due to ongoing union contract negotiations and new insurance rates. Typically we come close to that number every year, and would go over during times of increased hiring. Motion to Move the Bottom Line made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski Department 296 Parking Kathryn Armata stated that the revenue was reported at $164,000 with a net of $83,000 after expenses, and there were 172 overnight parking permits issued. Councilor Kowal inquired about the lease on Myrtle Street, which ends in June. The lease amount increased by 20% last year and the current proposal has increased more. Motion to Move the Bottom Line made by Councilor Karamcheti Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski Department 693 Memorial Hall Kathy Pigott-Brodeur, Director of Memorial Hall, presented their budget, including details on their board structure, staffing with 42.5 hours total for operations assistants, and current revenue of $147,260.10 with 224 events planned for FY26. Kathy discussed the operations and challenges, highlighting successful initiatives like the robotics program during July to use underutilized space and increase revenue. She explained that while the hall's interior needs significant renovations, including ceiling repairs and painting, these cannot proceed without an engineer, which the city does not currently have. Kathy noted that while event numbers decreased to 224 in FY26 from 259 in FY25 due to her FMLA leave, revenue actually increased due to rate adjustments, and she aims to exceed 226 events in FY27 while continuing to move rates closer to market level. The rates are 6 currently 30% below market rate and they plan to increase the rates incrementally to get to just below market rate. Councilor Karamcheti expressed gratitude for the hall's community service and highlighted concerns about the limited $800 marketing budget, suggesting more resources are needed for marketing efforts. The discussion covered interior improvements, wondering if the GAR room's condition has impacted event bookings, and she confirmed that funds have been allocated for stage curtain replacement while a sound system upgrade requires further consultation. The conversation also addressed fee structures for different user groups, though Kathy indicated that smaller groups are better served by alternative venues, and emphasized the need to complete exterior envelope work before proceeding with interior improvements. Motion to Move the Bottom Line made by President Freeman Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski Department 631 Recreation Frank Oliveri, Recreation Director, presented a request for $83,070 from the city's General Fund to support operations, explaining that while the department serves over 4,000 participants annually, recent increases in costs, particularly health insurance, have created a significant shortfall. The department recently conducted a community survey with over 300 participants to assess programming needs across all age groups, with middle school and high school students identified as a particular focus area for expanded offerings. Councilor Williams suggested adding elementary school age clubs and enrichment programs to the offerings. Motion to Move the Bottom Line made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski Department 2652 Recreation Revolving Account Frank Oliveri discussed the request to increase the Recreation Revolving Fund from $500,000 to $575,000 for fiscal year 2026, with Councilor Williams questioning the current fund balance and future cap levels. Frank explained that while the fund currently has approximately $250,000, expenses are still being paid out from spring programs and future revenue from summer and fall programs hasn't fully materialized yet. Motion to Approve made by Councilor FInocchiaro 7 Seconded by Councilor Park All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski Department 2669 Park Permits Revolving Account Rob Carillo, Parks Superintendent, explained that the fund generates $15,000-20,000 annually from field rentals and outlined plans to revamp the Adopt-A-Site program, including creating an interactive website and improving management processes. The Green team, consisting of 6-8 DPW workers, is responsible for overseeing open space and field preparation in the spring and fall seasons. Motion to Approve made by Councilor Williams Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski Department 653 Mt Hood Enterprise Fund 6200 Rob Carillo, Parks Superintendent, explained that this oversees basically all the enterprise that is Mount Hood. That includes capital improvement projects, contracting, the professional service, paying Sagamore management, the bonds we have, that include Pinebanks, the playing fields at the high school, and the equipment that we purchased for Mt. Hood when Sagamore took over the contract. The current relationship with Sagamore is great and they keep the course looking immaculate. The current split is the city gets 35% of the golf revenue, 8% of any food, beverage, or simulator rentals, and 0% of the pro shop. Motion to Approve made by President Freeman Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski 8 Department 652 Pine Banks Hank Kezer, President of Pine Banks Board, explained the funding formula between Malden and Melrose cities. He noted that the total budget is $1,194,912, with a reduction of $15,000 from the previous year, and that costs are split equally between the two cities. He discussed recent equipment purchases and financing arrangements, including a 10-year loan for rugby field resurfacing and utility shed construction that matures in 2027. He addressed utility cost reductions due to new facilities, and exploring remediation options for a lead-contaminated area at Pine Banks, which currently costs $16,000 annually to fence off. Motion to Move the Bottom Line made by Councilor Chen Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Maya Jamaleddine, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: John Obremski Motion to Recess made by Councilor Park at 8:15 PM Seconded by Councilor Williams All were in favor and meeting was recessed Meeting was reopened by Chair Romanul at 8:23PM VI. APPROPRIATIONS FOR FY27

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