City Council — 2023-06-20

City Council Regular Meeting

This meeting starts at 29:00 in a recording that covers several meetings.

Attendance

Christopher Cinella present · At-Large; Jack Eccles present · At-Large; Mark Garipay present · Ward 4; Jen Grigoraitis present · Ward 6; Maya Jamaleddine present · At-Large; Manjula Karamcheti present · Ward 1; Shawn M. MacMaster absent · Ward 5; Leila Migliorelli present · At-Large; John Obremski absent · Ward 2; Robb Stewart present · Ward 3; Ryan Williams present · Ward 7

Agenda

Minutes

CITY OF MELROSE CITY COUNCIL BULLETIN● JUNE 20, 2023 Council Chamber, First Floor, Melrose City Hall Regular Meeting 7:56 PM 562 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176 Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Christopher Cinella At-Large Present Jack Eccles At-Large Present Mark Garipay Ward 4 Present Maya Jamaleddine At-Large Present Manjula Karamcheti Ward 1 Present Shawn M. MacMaster Ward 5 Absent Leila Migliorelli At-Large Present John Obremski Ward 2 Absent Robb Stewart Ward 3 Present Ryan Williams Ward 7 Present Jen Grigoraitis Ward 6 Present The meeting is recessed

ORDER-2023-99 Grant Acceptance of The Foundation Trust Partnership Grant in the amount of $10,000 for the Melrose Council on Aging Assigned to Committee

LIC-2023-19 License - Common Victualler Common Victualler License Application: Theodoro's LLC DBA Comella's Assigned to commitee

ORDER-2023-100 Informational Presentation of the Final Report of the Public Safety Building Committee Assigned to Committee

APPRO-2023-49 Appropriation An Appropriation from Mt. Hood Retained Earnings, account 620000-319000, in the amount of $45,000 (Forty Five Thousand Dollars) to Mt. Hood Professional Services, account 620000- 529000 to fulfill contract obligations. Assigned to committee

APPRO-2023-50 Appropriation City of Melrose Page 1 6/21/2023 2:41 PM Minutes City Council June 20, 2023 An Appropriation from the Peg Access Cable Fund (#2922) in the amount of $209,993.21 to MMTV and Melrose Public Schools. Assigned to committee

ORDNC-2023-5 Amending Revised Ordinances Amending Revised City Ordinance Chapter 119, Section 7, to Implement a new schedule of Fees for Inspections, Permits and other Services. Assign to Committee

APPRO-2023-30 Operating Budgets (City, School, Regional School) Fiscal 2024 Mt. Hood Enterprise Operating Budget Passed

APPRO-2023-31 Operating Budgets (City, School, Regional School) Fiscal 2024 Sewer Enterprise Fund Operating Budget Passed

APPRO-2023-32 Operating Budgets (City, School, Regional School) Fiscal 2024 Water Enterprise Fund Operating Budget Passed

APPRO-2023-36 Appropriation An Appropriation from free cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $614,500 to various stabilization funds as set forth herein. Passed

APPRO-2023-40 Appropriation An Appropriation from free cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $67,650 to Public Works, Parks and Forestry Department (#475) for tree plantings. Passed

APPRO-2023-42 Appropriation City of Melrose Page 2 6/21/2023 2:41 PM Minutes City Council June 20, 2023 An Appropriation from Free Cash(account number 01-324001) in the amount of $90,959.26 to Public Works Snow Department (#423) for the Fiscal Year 2023 Snow and Ice Deficit. Passed

APPRO-2023-45 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $200,000 to IT Department (#155) for capital projects for City and School. Passed

APPRO-2023-43 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $50,000 to Public Works Highway Department (#422). Passed

APPRO-2023-44 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash(account 01-324001) in the amount of $66,500 to Public Works Cemetery Department (#491). Passed

APPRO-2023-35 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $75,000 to Public Works - Administrative Budget (#401) for accessibility projects. Passed

APPRO-2023-48 Appropriation An Appropriation in the amount of $7,835 from Sewer Retained Earnings (account 6000-31900) to Sewer Reserve for Retained Earnings (8415-490000). Passed

APPRO-2023-47 Appropriation An Appropriation in the amount of $10,179 from Water Retained Earnings (6000-319000) to Water Reserve for Retained Earnings (8416-49000). Passed

GRANT-2023-13 Grant City of Melrose Page 3 6/21/2023 2:41 PM Minutes City Council June 20, 2023 Acceptance of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Municipal Assistance Coordinator Host Grant Passed

LIC-2023-18 License - Gasoline Storage Gasoline and Storage Licenses post deadline Renewal 2023 Placed on File

TRNSF-2023-1 Transfer Requesting authorization to transfer funds in the amount of $3,618 from city clerk 011611-511000 to 011622-525102 to purchase election equipment and to transfer funds from city clerk 011611-511000 to 011622-530506 for community election engagement tools Passed

TRNSF-2023-2 Transfer A transfer in the amount of $10,000 from City Clerk, salary and wages (account 011611-511000) to the Planning Department (011752-529026) for additional Messina Grant Funding. Hold Appropriations & Oversight Committee

TRNSF-2023-3 Transfer A transfer in the amount of $15,000 from City Clerk, salary and wages (account 011611-511000) to Fire Department (012211- 513000). Passed

TRNSF-2023-4 Transfer A transfer in the amount of $4,225 from Pine Banks Salary and Wages (016521-511000) to various Pine Banks Expense Accounts as set forth herein. Passed

TRNSF-2023-5 Transfer City of Melrose Page 4 6/21/2023 2:41 PM Minutes City Council June 20, 2023 A Transfer in the amount of $11,857.37 to the Human Resources (#152) and Employee Benefits Departments (#914) from the Health Insurance Contractual line item. Passed

TRNSF-2023-6 Transfer A transfer in the amount of $48,000 to the Medicare Budget (019162-548000) from temporary debt (017522-549100) and Veterans Benefits (015432-544000). Passed

TRNSF-2023-7 Transfer A transfer in the amount of $39,502.20 to the Legal Department (#151) from Veterans Benefits (account 015432-544000). Passed

ORDER-2023-94 Accepting Act of Legislature/Local Option Personal Property Minimum Value Requesting both the Acceptance of M.G.L. c. 59 § 5, cl. 54 for the purpose of allowing Melrose to establish a minimum value of personal property subject to taxation, and that City Council set this minimum value to $3,000. Adopted

ORDER-2023-95 Lease Request that the City Council Approve the Written Determination that the Lease Transaction of the St. Mary’s Parish Parking Lot is a Unique Acquisition of Property pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30B. Passed

ORDER-2023-96 Lease Approval of Lease Agreement with the Archdiocese of Boston For the Lease of The Parking Lot Near St. Mary’s Church at 46 Myrtle Street, Melrose MA Passed

ORDNC-2023-1 Revolving Fund/Reauthorization City of Melrose Page 5 6/21/2023 2:41 PM Minutes City Council June 20, 2023 Reauthorization of City of Melrose Revolving Fund table as first adopted by City Ordinance June 18th, 2018 and annually thereafter. Revolving Funds are further authorized under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 44 Section 53E 1/2. Passed

APPT-2023-18 Appointment Appointment of Kelsey Lima, 53 Pearl Street, Apt. 3, to the Melrose Human Rights Commission, for a three-year term set to expire on the last day of February 2026. Adopted

APPRO-2023-28 Operating Budgets (City, School, Regional School) Fiscal 2024 Operating Budget in the amount of $101,173,341 (one hundred and one million, one hundred seventy-three thousand, three hundred forty-one dollars and 00/100 cents) Passed

APPRO-2023-34 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $66,309.58 to Fire Department-Overtime (012211- 513000). Passed

APPRO-2023-37 Appropriation An Appropriation of Free Cash (account number 01-324001)in the amount of $500,000 to the School Department, other funding sources (account number 19054-490000) Passed

APPRO-2023-38 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of 32,764.60 to Inspection Services Department (#241) for a scanning project. Passed

APPRO-2023-39 Appropriation City of Melrose Page 6 6/21/2023 2:41 PM Minutes City Council June 20, 2023 An Appropriation from Ambulance Retained Earnings (account 6500-319000) in the amount of $16,300 to Ambulance Professional Services (account 650052-529000). Passed

APPRO-2023-41 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account number 01-324001) in the amount of $86,135.35 to Pine Banks Department (#652) for Capital items. Passed

APPRO-2023-46 Appropriation An Appropriation From Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $224,998.80 to the Police Department for overtime costs and a Case Cracker system. Passed

ORDER-2023-97 Enterprise Fund Proposed FY24 Sewer Rates Adopted

ORDER-2023-98 Enterprise Fund Proposed FY24 Water Rates Adopted City of Melrose Page 7 6/21/2023 2:41 PM

Transcript

▶ 28:18 motion to recess so we can gavel into the full counsel. And motion to Recess. Second. Second. Motion, recess made by Councilor Eccles. Seconded by President Greg. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? We're now in recess. Okay. Good evening. It is 7:56 PM on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023. And this meeting of the Melrose City Council is called to order. I am President Greg in accordance with the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. This meeting is recorded by Melrose Cable Access and will be available for viewing in its entirety on MMT V and through the city website leak link. Excuse me. Will the clerk please call the roll? Councilor Ella. Here. Councilor Eccles? Here. Councilor Garipay? Here. Councilor Jamine. Here. Councilor Karen Trady. Here. Councilor McMaster.

▶ 30:10 Jen Grigoraitis: Councilor Melli. Here. Councilor Ky. Councilor Stewart. Here. Councilor Williams. Here. President Grigoraitis. Here. Ten nine Present. Nine Present. So that is a quorum and we will proceed at this time. If you're able, please rise to salute the flag To the flag of the United States of America and to the new public for which it stands. One Nation under God invisible with liberty and justice For all. All. Thank you. At this time I will motion to approve without reading by unanimous consent, the minutes of our June 5th, 2023 City Council meeting. Seeing no objection, those minutes are now approved. I will now motion by unanimous consent to open the floor for public comment. Seeing no objection, public comment is now open.

▶ 31:08 Don't believe we have anyone joining us in person. Mr. Clerk, do we have anyone online? There's no one online at this time. Okay. At this time I will motion by unanimous consent to close public comment and then I will entertain a motion to recess so we can go back to the Appropriations and Oversight Committee meeting. So moved. Second. So we have a motion to recess made by Councilor Melli, seconded by Councillor Eccles. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? And we are recessed Now back from recess. Um, and starting with appropriation 2023 dash 26, an appropriation from free cash in the amount of $481,600 to de designated Public Works accounts as set forth herein for the city share of the purchase of an

▶ 2:01:51 This will go to the Appropriations and Oversight Committee License 2023 dash 19 Common Ular license Application, the DORO llc, doing business as cams. This will go to the Protection and License Committee Order. 2023 dash 100. Presentation of the final report of the Public Safety Billing Committee. This will go to the Appropriations and Oversight Committee. Appropriation 2023 dash 49 appropriation for Mount Hood retained earnings account 6,200 dash 31 90 0 0 and the amount of $45,000 to Mount Hood Professional Services. Account number 62 0 0 0 dash 5 2 90 0 0 to fulfill contract obligations. This will go to the Appropriations and Oversight Committee. Grant 1 0 9 61 Petition of Mass Election Company. Well,

▶ 2:02:56 I think we skipped appropriation. 2023 dash 50 number five, Have it Appropriation. 2023 dash 50 appropriation from the PEG Access Cable Fund number 9 29 22 in the amount of two hundred nine thousand two hundred nine thousand nine hundred ninety three and 21 cents to Melrose, Massachusetts Television and Melrose Public Schools. This will go to the Appropriations and Oversight Committee. Ordinance 2023 dash five amending Revised City Ordinance Chapter 119, section seven to implement a new schedule of fees for inspections, permits, and other services. So we'll go to the Legal and Legislative Committee, excuse me. Bless you. No filings by the Honorable City Council. So we'll move into unfinished business

▶ 2:03:50 Appropriation 2023 dash 30 fiscal 2024 Mountain Hood Enterprise Operating Budget. Councilor Elli, Please. Appropriation 2023 Dash 30 30. Got it. It's, Uh, thank you. Um, this comes from, uh, the Appropriations and Oversight Committee with a recommendation for passage. And at this time, I'm motion for passage. I Get, so we have a motion for passage made by Councilor Michael, seconded by Councilor Ella. Any discussion? Seeing none. Madam Clerk, can you please call the roll Councilor Sin? Yes. Councilor ecs? Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Chay? Yes. Council Elli? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine. Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 31 Fiscal 2024.

▶ 2:04:45 Sewer Enterprise Fund. Operating Budget Council Elli? Yeah. Madam President. This comes from Appropriations and Oversight Committee with a recommendation for passage. And at this time, I motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councilor Melli, seconded by Councilor Ella. On discussion, seeing none. Madame Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor ecs? Yes. Councilor Repe. Yes. Councilor Maladin. Yes. Councillor Chey. Yes. Councilor Melli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 32 Fiscal 2024. Water Enterprise Fund. Operating Budget. Councilor Re Comes from Appropriations and Oversight Committee with a recommendation for

▶ 2:05:29 passage. At this time I motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councilor Elli, seconded by Councilor Ella. On discussion, seeing none, Madam Clerk Councilor Sin? Yes. Councilor Eccles? Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Chay. Yes. Councilor Elli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Greg Rita? Yes. Nine Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 36. An appropriation from Free Cash account number zero one dash 32 400 0 1. The amount is $614,500 to various stabilization funds as set forth herein. President. This comes from Appropriations and Oversight Committee with a recommendation for passage. And at this time, I motion for passage. Second,

▶ 2:06:16 We have a motion for passage made by Councilor Elli, seconded by Councilor Ella. On discussion, seeing none, Madame Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles. Yes. Councilor Gara. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Shady. Yes. Councilor Elli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 40, the appropriation from Free Cash. Account number zero one dash 32 400 0 1 and the amount of $67,650 to Public Works, parks and Forestry Department, department number 4 75 for tree plantings, Councillor Elli. This Comes from our appropriation oversight with a recommendation for passage. At this time, I motion for passage. Second,

▶ 2:07:02 We have a motion for passage made by Councillor Elli, seconded by Councilor Ella. On discussion, seeing none, Madam Clerk Councilor Sin? Yes. Councilor Eccles? Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes. Councilor Jamal? Yes. Councilor Karen Chay. Yes. Councilor Elli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 42, the appropriation from Free Cash. Account number zero one dash 32 400 0 1 in the amount of $90,000. $959 and 26 cents to Public Works Snow department number 423 for the fiscal 20 fiscal year. 2023, snow and Ice deficit. Councillor Elli, Mad President. This comes from Appropriations and Oversight with a recommendation for passage. And this time I motion for passage. Say

▶ 2:07:51 Again. We have a motion for passage made by Councilor Elli, seconded by Councilor Ella. Any discussion? Seeing none. Madame Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles? Yes. Councilor Gara. Yes. Councilor Jamine? Yes. Councilor Karen Shady. Yes. Councilor Elli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 45 appropriation for free cash. Account number zero one dash 32 400 0 1 in the amount of $200,000 to it. Department, department number 1 55 for capital projects and for city, for city and School. Adam President. This comes from appropriations and oversight with a recommendation for passage at this time, A motion for passage.

▶ 2:08:36 Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councilor Elli, seconded by Councilor Ella On discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles. Yes. Councilor Repe. Yes. Councilor Jamal Laine. Yes. Councilor Karen Jie. Yes. Councilor Melli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Greg Re Yes. Nine Yes. Nine Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 43, the appropriation from free cash Count number zero one dash 32 401 in the amount of $50,000 to Public Works Highway Department, department number 422, Councilor Elli. This comes from appropriation an oversight with a recommendation for passage. At this time I motion for passage. Second. So we have a motion for passage made by Councillor Elli,

▶ 2:09:21 Ryan Williams: seconded by Councillor Son. On discussion, Councillor Williams. Thank You. And I'll be as brief as I can. I wasn't able to make the meeting and I have a lot to say on this topic, so I'll try to keep myself down. Um, I hope you'll let me just take a few minutes of your time to talk briefly about what I've pointed out that these are not traffic calming measures that we're proving tonight. Flashing signs and lights are another example of what we regularly decry in this chamber. They're expensive bandaid solutions to serious problems. It's easy to bolt a sign or flashing light onto a sidewalk and then pat yourself on the back and say that we've made our streets safer. But the research shows that these devices have limited usefulness,

▶ 2:09:55 Ryan Williams: and we just don't have the expertise on staff to implement them according to best practices. On some streets, like on Wyoming, we have three of them within a few hundred feet of each other, and we're just frantically begging reckless drivers to please pay attention to our kids and our seniors crossing the street. Perhaps instead of blanketing a section of one street with flashing lights, we should be focused on making all of our streets safe. I would ask the council and the administration who's not here, but maybe we have future members of the administration here to not give into the cynical belief that we can't accomplish this goal. Um, we need to put in the work to care about our streets and to make them safe,

▶ 2:10:27 Ryan Williams: and we can do it and we can get it right. And in fact, we took the first step seven years ago in this chamber. The city proudly showed off its new Complete Streets policy and that policy calls for general public input on traffic calming measures, regular comprehensive trainings on complete streets, approaches for city staff, including public safety employees like police officers. And most importantly, the policy requires the creation of a Complete Streets working group, which includes members of the council, the public, the pet bike committee, state partners, and city staff. That working group is supposed to create standards, measure effectiveness, and produce a report at least annually for public review.

▶ 2:11:00 Ryan Williams: This group has met one time, they created an outstanding prioritization plan that set the stage for major progress in this city over the next three years, and then they disappeared and they never met again. The good news is we already have the policy in place. We can follow it and we can take a thoughtful approach. So I hope in the future, instead of approving $50,000 of taxpayer money on flashing taxpayer money on flashing lights picked by a handful of people, we can recreate this working group and use that money to fund real traffic combining. So I would invite the current mayor and future mayors, counselors, and candidates to reject the temptation of quick fixes on this issue and start down the path of real progress on traffic safety in Melrose.

▶ 2:11:38 Ryan Williams: The mayor can restart the working group exactly as laid out in the policy. We can support and recruit diverse voices and experts in our community, including our critics, and engage them thoughtfully on solutions. And I believe that we have the capacity to do that work, and I look forward to being a part of it and supporting everyone else on their journey. Thank you. Thank you, councilor Williams. Anyone else on discussion? Seeing none, Madam Clerk, Councilor Ec, uh, Ella? Yes. Councilor Ec Eccles. Yes. Councilor Gara? Yes. Councilor Jamine? Yes. Councilor Karen Jie? Yes. Councilor mg? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Greg? Yes. Nine. Yes. Nine Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 44 Appropriation from Free Cash.

▶ 2:12:21 Account number zero one dash 32 401 in the amount of $66,500 to Public Works cemetery department, department number 491 Councillor Melli, Madam President, this comes from Appropriations and Oversight with a recommendation for passage. And at this time I motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councillor Melli, seconded by Councilor Ella. On discussion, seeing none, Madame Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles? Yes. Councilor Gara. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Shady. Yes. Councilor Elli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine Yes. Nine Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 35 appropriation from Free Cash. Account number zero one dash 32 400 0 1 in the amount of

▶ 2:13:11 $75,000 to Public Works administrative budget, department number 401 for accessibility projects. Councilor Magley. This Comes from our appropriations and oversight with a recommendation for passage. At this time I motion for passage. Second It. We have a motion for passage made by Councilor Melli, seconded by Councilor Ella On discussion, seeing none. Madame Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles? Yes. Councilor Gara. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Shady. Yes. Councilor Elli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Greg R Yes. Nine. Yes. Nine Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 48 Incorporation in the amount is $7,835 from Sewer retained earnings. Account number 60 zero dash

▶ 2:13:58 31 9000 to Sewer Reserve for retained earnings. Uh, number 8 4 15 dash 49 0 0 0. Councilor Melli. This Comes from Appropriations and Oversight with a recommendation for passage at this time, a motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councilor Margolis, seconded by Councilor Ella. On discussion, seeing none, Madam Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor ecs? Yes. Councilor Gara. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Kara Shady. Yes. Councilor Melli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Greg? Yes. Nine Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 47, an appropriation in the amount of $10,179 from water retained earnings number 600 zero dash 31 90 0 to Water Reserve for retained earnings,

▶ 2:14:55 84 16 dash 49 0 0. Councilor Meliore. This comes From Appropriation Oversight with a recommendation for passage at this time, A motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councilor Elli, seconded by Councilor Ella On discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk. Councilor Sin? Yes. Councilor Eccles. Yes. Councilor Gpe. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Shady. Yes. Councilor Elli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Greg Withey. Yes. Nine. Yes. Nine. Yes. Moving on to Grants Grant, 2023 dash 13 Acceptance of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, municipal Assistance Coordinator, host Grant Councilor Elli. This Comes from Appropriations and Oversight with a recommendation for passage at

▶ 2:15:42 Jen Grigoraitis: this time, a motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councilor Elli, seconded by Councilor Ella. Any discussion? Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Okay. And that carries licenses License 2023 dash 18 Gasoline and Storage Licenses Post Deadline Renewal 2023. Councilor Garipay. Thank you Madam President. This comes from the Protection and Licensing Committee. License Committee with a, uh, recommendation to place on file at this time. I'll make that motion. Second, We have a motion to place on file made by Councillor Guay, seconded by Councilor Ella. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? And that motion carries Transfers Transfer 2023 dash one Requesting authorization to transfer funds in the amount

▶ 2:16:31 of $3,618 from City Clerk 0 1 1 6 1 dash 5 1 1 0 0 0 to 0 1 1 6 2 2 dash 5 2 5 1 0 2 To purchase election equipment and to transfer funds from City Clerk 0 1 1 6 1 1 dash 5 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 6 2 2 5 3 0 5 0 6 For election engagement tools, Councilor Melli Councilor appropriation at oversight with a recommendation for passage at this time, a motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councilor Melli, seconded by Councilor Ella on discussion. Madam Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles? Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Cheney. Yes. Councilor Melli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine. Yes. Nine. Yes. And then transfer 2023 dash two is actually still held in committee,

▶ 2:17:40 so we will, we're not able to take action on that tonight, so we'll move on to the next Transfer. 2023 dash three a transfer in the amount of $15,000 from City Clerk salary and wages. Account number 0 1 1 6 1 1 dash 5 1 1 0 0 0 to Fire Department 0 1 2 2 11 dash 5 1 30 0. Councillor Elli. Madam Present, this comes from Appropriations and Oversight with a recommendation for passage. At this time I motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councillor Elli, seconded by Councillor Ella. On discussion, seeing none, Madam Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles? Yes. Councilor Gara. Yes. Councilor Jamal Dean? Yes. Councilor Chedi? Yes. Councilor Councilor Melli? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes.

▶ 2:18:34 Nine. Yes. Nine. Yes. Transferred 2023 dash four A transfer in the amount of $4,225 from Pine Bank salary and wages. 0 1 6 5 2 1 dash 5 1 1 0 0 0 to various various Pine Banks expense accounts as set forth herein. Councilor McGuire Adam, president. This comes from Appropriations and Oversight with a recommendation for passage at this time, A motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councilor Melli, seconded by Councilor Ella. Any discussion? Madam Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles? Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes. Councilor Jamal? Yes. Councilor Chey. Yes. Councilor Elli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine. Yes. Nine.

▶ 2:19:22 Yes. Transferred 2023 dash five a transfer in the amount of $11,857 and 37 cents to the Human Resources Department number 1 52 and employee Benefits Department Department 9 914 From the health insurance contractual line item, Councilor Elli. This comes From appropriation, an oversight with a recommendation for passage of this time of a motion for passage. A second we have a motion for passage made by Councilor Elli, seconded by Councilor Ella. On discussion. Seeing none. Madame Clerk Councilor Sin? Yes. Councilor ecs? Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Chay. Yes. Councilor Elli. Yes. Councillor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine Yes. Nine

▶ 2:20:05 Yes. Transfer 2023 dash six a, transfer on the amount of $48,048,000 to the Medicare bud budget. 0 1 9 1 6 2 dash 5 4 8 0 0 0 from temporary debt 0 1 7 5 2 2 dash 5 4 9 1 0 0 As Veterans Benefits 0 1 5 4 3 2 dash 5 4 4 0 0 0. Counsel Elli, this Comes from Appropriations and Oversight with a recommendation for passage At this time I motion for passage. Second, we have a motion for passage made by Councilor Melli, seconded by Councilor Ella On discussion, seeing none, Madame Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles? Yes. Councilor Gpe. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Cheney. Yes. Councilor Melli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine. Yes. Nine. Yes.

▶ 2:21:06 Transferred 2023 dash seven a transfer in the amount of $39,502 and 20 cents to the legal department, department number 1 51 from Veterans Benefits account number 0 1 5 4 3 2 dash 5 4 4 0 0 0 Councillor Elli. This comes from preparations and oversight with a recommendation for passage. At this time I motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councillor Elli, seconded by Councillor Ella. On discussion, seeing none, Madame Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor ecs? Yes. Councilor Gar Pay. Yes. Councilor Jamine? Yes. Councilor Karen Chavy. Yes. Councilor Elli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine. Yes. Nine. Yes. Moving on to orders

▶ 2:21:55 Order, 2023 dash 94 Personal Property minimum value request requesting both the acceptance of Massachusetts Laws Chapter 59, section five, clause of 54, for the purpose of allowing Mel Melrose to establish a minimum value of personal properties subject to taxation, and that the City Council set this minimum value to $3,000. Councilor Williams, Madam President, this order comes from legal and legislative with a recommendation for passage and I motion for PA passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councilor William, seconded by Councilor Ella On discussion, seeing none, Madam Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles. Yes. Councilor Repe. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Chay. Yes. Council Elli? Yes.

▶ 2:22:44 Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Greg Re Yes. Nine. Yes. Nine, yes. Order 2023 dash 95. Request that the city council approve the written determination that the lease transaction of the St. Mary's Parish parking lot is a unique acquisition of property pursuant to Mass General laws. Chapter 30 B, Councillor Williams. Uh, Madame President, this parking lot order comes from legal and legislative, and I am pleased to recommend it for passage. Uh, and at this time, I motion, motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Ella. On discussion, seeing none, Madame Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles? Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes.

▶ 2:23:25 Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Chay. Yes. Councilor Elli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams. President Grigoraitis. Yes. Nine. Yes. Nine, yes. Order 2023 dash 96, approval of the lease agreement with Arch De Arch Arch Diaz of Boston for the lease of the parking lot near St. Mary's Church at 46 Myrtle Street in Melrose, mass. Councillor Williams, mad President. This order comes from the Legal and Legislative Committee with a recommendation for passage. At this time, I motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councilor Williams, seconded by Councilor Ella. On discussion, seeing none, Madame Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles? Yes. Councilor Gara. Yes.

▶ 2:24:07 Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Cam Shady? Yes. Councilor Melli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine. Yes. Nine Yes. Ordinances. Ordinance 2023 dash one, reauthorization of the City of Melrose Revolving Fund Table as first adopted by City Ordinance June 18th, 2018, and annually thereafter. Revolving funds are further authorized under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 44, section 53 e and a half Councillor Elli. This Comes from Appropriations and Oversight with a recommendation for passage. At this time, I motion for passage. Second, you have a motion for passage made by Councillor Elli, seconded by Councillor Ella. On discussion, seeing none, Madame

▶ 2:24:51 Clerk Councillor Ella? Yes. Councilor ecs? Yes. Councilor Gara. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Chey. Yes. Councilor Mli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Greg? Yes. Nine. Yes. Nine. Yes. We have no expires. And now we will move to reports from committee Appointment 2023 dash 18. Appointment of Kelsey Lima, 53 Pearl Street, apartment three to the Melrose Human Rights Commission for a three year term set to expire on the last day of February, 2026. Councillor Elli, Madam President, this comes from, um, the Appropriations and Oversight Committee with a recommendation for passage. At this time, I motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councillor Elli,

▶ 2:25:32 Jen Grigoraitis: seconded by Councillor Ella On discussion, see none. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? And that order carries Appropriation 2023 dash 28 fiscal 2024 operating budget in the amount of $101,173,341 and 0 cents. Councilor Elli, Madam President, this comes from Appropriation Over Oversight Committee with a recommendation for passage. And at this time, I motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councillor Melli, seconded by Councillor Ella on discussion, Councillor Gupa. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I believe I've been pretty consistent over the last six weeks with my questions in concerns with the FY 24 City budget presented to us by the mayor, especially the school department portion. In my opinion,

▶ 2:26:21 Mark Garipay: the mayor has submitted a budget based on hope, especially the school department portion. He hopes that there's enough free cash next year, it'll appropriate to the schools. He hopes that the next mayor agrees with his strategy for the use of free cash, and he hopes that the next city council approves free cash appropriations. Any successful institution does not build their financial strategy on hope. Operating costs should not be paid with one-time money. It is a recipe for disaster. As I stated a few weeks ago, I believe this budget is unbalanced and, and in violates the city ordinance. Now, I'm assuming the administration will say, and others will say that the proposed budget meets the requirements of the

▶ 2:27:00 Mark Garipay: ordinance because they have publicly promised the use of free cash for the balance of the FY 24 School P portion. Like I stated a few weeks ago, I would argue that free cash that is being promised is not a valid revenue source because it is not certified. And for all intents purposes, this does not even exist today. We also learned last Thursday night that the school department needs an additional 900,000 to balance the current FY 23 budget by using circuit breaker and offsets. They believe they can reduce that number to just over 300,000. Now, depending on the circuit break of money and offsets the FY 24 budget, we we could be looking at a larger deficit in the range of 3.1 to 3.6 million in

▶ 2:27:43 Mark Garipay: 2024, not the 2.7 to 2.8 that was discussed for the use of free cash. I hope I am wrong, but I believe we adjust about at the financial cliff. We have a revenue issued that has long existed in this community. The city over the last 20 years has merged school maintenance into D D P W. There was a citywide one year wage freeze joined the GIC health insurance, regionalized Health Department in veteran services. All, all, um, all items that saved money. Um, if we do not find ways to generate more revenue or save money, whether organically or other ways, I believe F Y 25 could be catastrophic to the schools and city surface services. I would encourage the school department, uh, not just talk about saving reallocating resources and hiring drivers to reduce

▶ 2:28:33 Mark Garipay: transportation costs, but to create a plan and act over the next year. The administration, this city council, school department, and school committee have to be honest with the residents and the parents, with the children in the schools, that if we cannot get the spending under control and we continue down this path, tough decisions will probably have to be made One time. Money will not always be available to run the city's operation, operational budget and schools because of these financial concerns. I, I plan on voting no on this budget. Anyone else on discussion? Councilor Stewart? Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, consistent with Council Gar pays, uh, thoughts. Uh, I have major reservations about supporting this budget because it is,

▶ 2:29:18 Robb Stewart: there's a structural deficit. Uh, it's not the way that I think any of us want to be able to run and make decisions going forward. Uh, it puts us in a very difficult position for next fiscal year, and for me, it's, it is a very challenging decision whether to vote yes or no on this. Um, based on everything that we've heard, uh, I voted yes for every department because individually it makes a lot of sense, but at the whole, it doesn't, uh, and large part because of, uh, the issues that we have with the school deficit. Um, and the other statement that I made the other week is that I felt as though it was a little bit of business as usual in terms of coming forward with the budget. I didn't see any major plans of reconstruction

▶ 2:30:15 Leila Migliorelli: as, um, Mr. LaRusso had suggested might be needed, uh, at now or in the near future. So, um, so Madame President, I'm not sure how I'm gonna support this, uh, going forward. Thank you. Anyone else on discussion? Councilor Melli? Um, I just wanted to say that I share my colleagues concerns about the fiscal cliff that we seem to be moving towards the sharply increasing costs, um, from the schools, special education, transportation, the ailing infrastructure with our public safety buildings, city and school buildings, and it, and revenue constrictions. Um, due to prop two and a half, um, I'm grateful that we have the funding to support the city budget this year, but I'm concerned about f y 25 and beyond if we don't have a plan to increase

▶ 2:31:02 Leila Migliorelli: revenue or prioritize expenditures. Um, as I said earlier tonight, the way we voted on some big ticket items in the city have been piecemeal, as I've asked over the past several years. This creates situations in which we're evaluating projects on one-off basis rather than looking at the totality of our resources and how we could prioritize what should come first. All this being said, this is still a balanced budget legally. It has to be. The State Department of Revenue would not certify an unbalanced budget. The CFO has indicated that we have the revenue to back up the 101 million budget, which includes the 38.5 million, which we approve for the school budget. Even if the CFO fabricated this revenue, which is a pretty hefty accusation,

▶ 2:31:42 Leila Migliorelli: we would still have the state's Department of Revenue process to provide a check and balance. There are many unknown expenditures in the city budget that we are not voting on as part of the $101 million. We don't know the, for example, we voted tonight on the free cash for police and fire overtime. We cover that cost in free cash every year, and that's not in the operating budget. This applies to the schools who by state law, are governed by the school committee, and they have the authority to vote on a budget in ex in excess of what the city provides because they're permitted to project revenue to cover their costs. This may not be something that's comfortable for many of us, but it is a law.

▶ 2:32:17 Leila Migliorelli: So while free cash isn't something we want to rely on annually to fund operating costs, we know we're going to have it next year. We know that right now. CFO de la Russo had mentioned that in an earlier meeting. And free cash is available by state statute to be spent on operating costs. In fact, we do this year over year, we do it for city operating costs and we've done it for school operating costs. Is this ideal? Absolutely not. It would be fantastic if we had the income revenue from taxes, grants fees to cover our operating costs. Do I think it's risky to put $2.7 million of free cash for the schools in the hands of an unknown council next year? 100%. But I have faith in the residence of Melrose in our electoral process to ensure

▶ 2:32:59 Leila Migliorelli: that we have the folks around this horseshoe who will prioritize education when considered, when considering the budget. I think we don't wanna confuse discomfort or of how we're covering our budget are costs with, um, the legality of it. And we don't wanna go down that slippery slope of making assumptions. And conjectures are relying on hearsay to dictate how we legally evaluate how we operate. We have a city solicitor and CFO for that. I've consulted with both of them and both are confident that we are voting on tonight. What we are voting on tonight is a hundred percent permissible, um, according to the law. So while I do have and share exact same concerns about budget issues next year and beyond with revenue and expenditures,

▶ 2:33:36 Leila Migliorelli: I'm supporting the budget tonight because it's balanced. And as, um, as we know, even if we don't vote on the budget tonight, and no matter what, it still passes as the mayor has the final authority on that. So, um, unless we're proposing some costs, cutting costs, um, on the budget, on any item line items, which we've had the opportunity to do over the last five to six weeks, um, voting against it isn't really making any substantive change. Thank you. And just to, um, um, from a procedural standpoint. So we legally, under state law and the City Charter have to act on this budget by this coming Friday. That is our 45 day deadline. So if there is any motion tonight other than an up or down vote in passage,

▶ 2:34:21 Jen Grigoraitis: we will have to meet again on Friday in order to be compliance with the open meeting law. Otherwise, if we fail to take action, whether it's the budget fails to pass tonight or we don't meet again by Friday, by default, the Department of Revenue will take up the mayor's budget as the budget for next year. And I had confirmed that with the city solicitor and the CFO as well. So, is there anyone else on discussion? Councilor Williams? Only to say that the piece of information we need to be most honest with the taxpayer about is not that we need to find more room to cut, but that we need to find more room to grow. We have a revenue problem, we have a very low tax rate, and we as a community need to be very serious about, um,

▶ 2:34:58 Jack Eccles: what we need to do to get that budget in line with the expenses that we need to pass it. And if that means an override, it means an override, but I don't think the right answer is, uh, the, the spiral of, of cuts and efficiencies, especially now when you see the state that the school and the public buildings are in. Anyone else? Councilor Eccles, Just kinda reflecting on the last six weeks in the motion before us. Um, as it was said, it really doesn't make a difference what what happens right now, because if we don't pass it where we do, um, I think that ultimately, you know, going forward maybe we need to be, if, if we're going to get to this point and decide that we're not gonna approve the budget,

▶ 2:35:40 Jack Eccles: maybe we need to take a look at individual line items more and actually make some motions to reduce bottom lines if that's how we see fit. I didn't see a lot of room for that as we went through that whole process, but, um, if we are gonna get to this point, it seems like if we do have an issue with spending, the, the option to reduce the bottom line is always there. Um, but again, I didn't hear that from, I didn't hear many opportunities to do that in any of the departments we heard from. So I'll support the budget as, as is. Thank you. Mm-hmm. Anyone else? Okay. Madam Clerk. Councilor Eccles? Yes. Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Carpe? No. Councilor Aldine? Yes. Councilor Karen Shady? Yes. Councilor Elli? Yes. Councilor Stewart?

▶ 2:36:33 Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Eight. Yes. Eight. Yes. So that budget passes. Moving on Preparation 2023 dash 34, The preparation from free cash account number zero one dash 32 4 0 1 and the amount is 66 60 6,309 58 cents to fire department overtime. Council Elli, oh, sorry. We have to read all those numbers. 0 1 22 11 dash five 13 Madam President, this comes from Appropriations and Oversight with a recommendation for passage at this time. A motion for passage. Second, we have a motion for passage made by Councilor Elli, seconded by Councilor Ella. On discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles. Yes. Councilor Gara. Yes. Councilor Shawn. Yes. Councilor Che. Yes. Councilor Melli. Yes.

▶ 2:37:29 Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine Yes. Nine Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 37 appropriation from of free cash. Account number zero one dash 32 400 0 1 in the amount of 500,000 to the school department. Other four funding sources. Account number 1954 dash 4,900, Councillor Melli. This comes from our appropriation oversight with a recommendation for passage. And at this time, I motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councillor Melli, seconded by Councillor Ella. On discussion, seeing none, Madame Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councillor Eccles. Yes. Councilor Gara. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Shady. Yes. Councilor Elli. Yes.

▶ 2:38:17 Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine. Yes. Nine, yes. Preparation 2023 dash 38. Preparation from free cash account zero one dash 32 401 in the amount of $32,764 and 60 cents to inspection Services department number 2, 4, 1 for a scanning project, Councilor Melli, Madam President, this comes from preparations and oversight with a recommendation for passage. And at this time, I motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councillor Melli, seconded by Councilor Ella. On discussion, seeing none, Madam Clerk Councilor sin? Yes. Councilor Eccles. Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Chaney. Yes. Councilor Melli. Yes.

▶ 2:39:03 Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine Yes. Nine Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 39 appropriation from a ambulance retained earnings. Account number 6,500 dash 3 19 0 0, the amount of $16,300 to Ambulance Professional Services, account number 6,552 dash 52 90 Madam President, this comes from Appropriations and Oversight with a recommendation for passage at this time, A motion for passage. Second, again, We have a motion for passage made by Councillor Elli, seconded by Councillor Ella. On discussion, seeing none, Madame Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles. Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes. Councilor Jamal? Yes. Councilor Cam Shady? Yes. Councilor Ley? Yes.

▶ 2:39:54 Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. Present Gregor? Yes. Nine. Yes. Nine Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 41 Appropriation from Free cash. Account number zero one dash 32 4 0 0 1 in the amount of $86,135 and 35 cents. The Pine Bank's Department Number 652 for capital items, Councilor Melli. Madam Present, this comes from Appropriations and Oversight with a MO recommendation for passage. This time I motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councillor Melli, excuse me. Seconded by Councillor Ella On discussion. Seen none. Madam Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles. Yes. Councilor Carpe. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Chedi. Yes. Councilor Melli. Yes.

▶ 2:40:42 Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine Yes. Nine Yes. Appropriation 2023 dash 46 Appropriation from free cash. Account number zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 in the amount of $224,998 and 80 cents to the police department for overtime costs at a Case Cracker System Councilor Elli. This Comes from Appropriations and Oversight with a recommendation for passage at this time, A motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councilor Elli, seconded by Councilor Ella. On discussion, seeing none. Madame Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles. Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Chedi. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Greg Rita? Yes. Nine. Yes.

▶ 2:41:31 Nine. Yes. Order 2023 dash 97. Proposed fiscal year 2024. Sewer Rates Madam Pleasant. This comes from probation and oversight with a recommendation for passage. At this time, I motion for passage. Second, We have recommend a motion for passage made by Councilor Elli, seconded by Councilor Williams. On discussion, seeing none, Madame Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles. Yes. Councilor Garin. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Ka Cheney? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Greg Re Yes. Nine. Yes. You free? You got me twice. Oh, I'm so sorry. Councilor Elli. Yes. Let's go back. Can we go back to 2024 dash 46? We counsel Councilor Melli? Yes. Nine. Yes. Okay. Thank you.

▶ 2:42:18 Jen Grigoraitis: Order 2023 dash 98. Proposed fiscal year 2024. Water rates Councilor Melli. This comes from Appropriations and Oversight with a recommendation for passage at this time, A motion for passage. Second, We have a motion for passage made by Councilor Melli, seconded by Vice Chair Jamal, or Councilor Jamal Dean. On discussion. Seeing none, Madame Clerk Councilor Ella? Yes. Councilor Eccles. Yes. Councilor Carpe. Yes. Councilor Jamal? Yes. Council. Karen Shady. Yes. Councilor Elli. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Grigoraitis? Yes. Nine. Yes. Nine. Yes. We don't have any rule 53 reports. I believe. Three. Motion Second. Oh, We're not done. Okay. I wanted to thank MMT V. We did 20 hours of budget hearings and they sat in the basement doing it.

▶ 2:43:08 Jen Grigoraitis: So thank you to our friends at MMT V for that. And thank you to to Councillor Melli for sharing appropriations. We're not done. There will likely be a special meeting next week, so check your email. Thank you. We are adjourned. Oh, no wait. Councillor Melli. Sorry about that. Hi. Aye. Any opposed? We are adjourned.

City Council — 2023-06-20

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