City Council — 2024-02-05
Attendance
Cal Finocchiaro ; Mark Garipay ; Ward Hamilton ; Maya Jamaleddine ; Manjula Karamcheti ; Leila Migliorelli ; John Obremski ; Devin Romanul ; Robb Stewart ; Kimberly Vandiver ; Ryan Williams
Agenda
- Call to Order
- Reading of the Minutes
- Public Comment
- Communications from Her Honor, The Mayor And Other City Officials
- New Business
- APPT-2024-15 : Appointment of Maura Sullivan, 393 East Foster Street, to the Melrose Council on Aging for a three-year term set to expire on the last day of February 2027.
- APPT-2024-16 : Reappointment of Assistant City Clerk for a one year term; said term ending on March 1, 2025.
- GRANT-2024-6 : Acceptance of The Recycling Partnership Residential Curbside Cart Grant in the amount of One Hundred Forty Two Thousand and Four Hundred Dollars ($142,400)
- LIC-2024-9 : Common Victualler - Shah Pizza dba Petrone's Pizza (transfer of ownership)
- ORDER-2024-20 : Requesting that the City Council designate the Council on Aging position of Transportation Driver, as a Special Municipal Employee as that term is defined in M.G.L. Chapter 268A.
- ORDER-2024-21 : Requesting that the City Council designate election poll workers as Special Municipal Employees as that term is defined in M.G.L. Chapter 268A.
- ORDER-2024-22 : Requesting that the City Council designate the Melrose Public School positions of cafeteria worker, education stations site coordinator, education stations assistant site coordinator, educations stations instructor, education stations teams lead, crossing guard, and athletic trainer as Special Municipal Employees as that term is defined in M.G.L Chapter 268A. These designations shall be rescinded effective June 30, 2025 absent an additional vote by City Council authorizing the further extension of the special municipal employee designation to these positions.
- PET-2024-4 : Petition of National Grid for grant of location to construct line of underground electrical conduits on School Street. Plan #30859177
- TRNSF-2024-1 : Transfer in the amount of $3,200. from salary and wages (011621-512000) to equipment maintenance (011622-525102).
- Unfinished Business
- INFO-2024-5 : That the Superintendent of Melrose Public Schools John Macero and Director of Finance for Melrose Public Schools Kenneth Kelley appear before City Council to provide an update on the current status of the Melrose Public Schools Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.
- LIC-2024-8 : Gasoline and Storage Licenses post deadline Renewals 2023
- ORDER-2024-17 : Request for the authorization to issue $1.650 million bond to fund for the roadway component of the City's Multi-year Utility and Roadway Improvement Program
- ORDER-2024-18 : Calling a Presidential Primary Election Tuesday, March 5, 2024 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School gymnasium complex
- ORDER-2024-19 : Authorizing officer detail assignment to the polls for the 2024 elections
- ORDNC-2024-1 : Amending Melrose Revised Ordinances, Chapter 48-1 Mayor Part A Salary by adding additional compensation to take effect beginning January 1, 2026.
- Expiries
- APPT-2024-14 : Appointment of Jay Stapp, 21 Berwick Street, to the Melrose Human Rights Commission, for a three-year term to expire on the last day of February 2025.
- APPRO-2024-10 : An Appropriation from Capital Stabilization (#8405) in the amount of $30,000 (Thirty Thousand Dollars) to Inspectional Services (#241) for an emergency replacement of a vehicle. The balance as of 12/12/23 in the Capital Stabilization fund is $656,475.67.
- APPRO-2024-11 : An Appropriation from Capital Stabilization (#8405) in the amount of $70,000 (Seventy Thousand Dollars) to DPW Operations (#401) for an emergency replacement of a fleet vehicle. The balance as of 12/12/23 in the Capital Stabilization fund is $656,475.67.
- Rule 53 Reports
- Adjournment
Minutes
CITY OF MELROSE CITY COUNCIL BULLETIN● FEBRUARY 5, 2024 Council Chamber, First Floor, Melrose City Hall Regular Meeting 7:47 PM 562 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176 Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Cal Finocchiaro Ward 6 Absent Mark Garipay Ward 4 Present Ward Hamilton At-Large Present Maya Jamaleddine At-Large Present Manjula Karamcheti Ward 1 Absent John Obremski Ward 2 Present Devin Romanul Ward 7 Present Robb Stewart Ward 3 Present Kimberly Vandiver Ward 5 Present Ryan Williams At-Large Present Leila Migliorelli At-Large Present
APPT-2024-15 Appointment Appointment of Maura Sullivan, 393 East Foster Street, to the Melrose Council on Aging for a three-year term set to expire on the last day of February 2027. Assign to Committee Health, Education & Welfare Committee
APPT-2024-16 Appointment Reappointment of Assistant City Clerk for a one year term; said term ending on March 1, 2025. Assign to Committee Finance Committee
GRANT-2024-6 Grant Acceptance of The Recycling Partnership Residential Curbside Cart Grant in the amount of One Hundred Forty Two Thousand and Four Hundred Dollars ($142,400) Assign to Committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee
LIC-2024-9 License - Common Victualler Common Victualler - Shah Pizza dba Petrone's Pizza (transfer of ownership) Assigned to commitee Protection and License Committee
ORDER-2024-20 Acceptance of general law; decision; fund City of Melrose Page 1 2/7/2024 11:41 AM Minutes City Council February 5, 2024 Requesting that the City Council designate the Council on Aging position of Transportation Driver, as a Special Municipal Employee as that term is defined in M.G.L. Chapter 268A. Assigned to Committee Legal & Legislative Committee
ORDER-2024-21 Acceptance of general law; decision; fund Requesting that the City Council designate election poll workers as Special Municipal Employees as that term is defined in M.G.L. Chapter 268A. Assigned to Committee Legal & Legislative Committee
ORDER-2024-22 Acceptance of general law; decision; fund Requesting that the City Council designate the Melrose Public School positions of cafeteria worker, education stations site coordinator, education stations assistant site coordinator, educations stations instructor, education stations teams lead, crossing guard, and athletic trainer as Special Municipal Employees as that term is defined in M.G.L Chapter 268A. Assigned to Committee Legal & Legislative Committee
PET-2024-4 Utility Petition Petition of National Grid for grant of location to construct line of underground electrical conduits on School Street. Plan #30859177 Assign to committee Public Works Committee
TRNSF-2024-1 Transfer Transfer in the amount of $3,200. from salary and wages (011621- 512000) to equipment maintenance (011622-525102). Assign to committee Finance Committee
INFO-2024-5 Informational That the Superintendent of Melrose Public Schools John Macero and Director of Finance for Melrose Public Schools Kenneth Kelley appear before City Council to provide an update on the current status of the Melrose Public Schools Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. Placed on file
LIC-2024-8 License - Gasoline Storage City of Melrose Page 2 2/7/2024 11:41 AM Minutes City Council February 5, 2024 Gasoline and Storage Licenses post deadline Renewals 2023 Granted
ORDER-2024-17 Bond Request for the authorization to issue $1.650 million bond to fund for the roadway component of the City's Multi-year Utility and Roadway Improvement Program Passed
ORDER-2024-18 Calling Election Calling a Presidential Primary Election Tuesday, March 5, 2024 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School gymnasium complex Passed
ORDER-2024-19 Election Authorizing officer detail assignment to the polls for the 2024 elections Passed
ORDNC-2024-1 Amending Revised Ordinances Amending Melrose Revised Ordinances, Chapter 48-1 Mayor Part A Salary by adding additional compensation to take effect beginning January 1, 2026. Passed
APPT-2024-14 Appointment Appointment of Jay Stapp, 21 Berwick Street, to the Melrose Human Rights Commission, for a three-year term to expire on the last day of February 2025. Assign to Committee Health, Education & Welfare Committee Health, Education & Welfare Committee
APPRO-2024-10 Appropriation City of Melrose Page 3 2/7/2024 11:41 AM Minutes City Council February 5, 2024 An Appropriation from Capital Stabilization (#8405) in the amount of $33,500 (Thirty Three Thousand five hundred Dollars) to Inspectional Services (#241) for an emergency replacement of a vehicle. The balance as of 12/12/23 in the Capital Stabilization fund is $656,475.67. Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee
APPRO-2024-11 Appropriation An Appropriation from Capital Stabilization (#8405) in the amount of $70,000 (Seventy Thousand Dollars) to DPW Operations (#401) for an emergency replacement of a fleet vehicle. The balance as of 12/12/23 in the Capital Stabilization fund is $656,475.67. Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee City of Melrose Page 4 2/7/2024 11:41 AM
Transcript
▶ 0:04 Leila Migliorelli: Just Good evening. The time is 7:47 PM on Monday, February 5th, 2024. This is a meeting of the Melrose City Council. Call to order. I, I am President Lila Nielli in accordance with Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. This meeting is being broadcast and recorded by Melrose Cable Access tv, and will be available for viewing in its entirety on MMTV and through the city website Link. Madame Clerk, will you please call the role Councilor Ro. Councilor Garipay. Here. Councilor Hamilton? Here. Councilor Aldine. Here. Councilor Karen Chetty. Councillor Reky. Yeah. Councillor Stewart. Here. Council Ramal? Here. Council Van Deve. Here. Councillor Williams. Here. President Elli. Here. Nine Present. All right.
▶ 0:55 Leila Migliorelli: Serves as a notice of Quorum for the record. Um, at this time, please rise if you are able to join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge Allegiance. Allegiance to flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with the liberty and justice for all. Okay. At this time I will motion to approve without reading by unanimous consent. The meetings from January 16th, seeing and no objection, those minutes are now approved. Um, and I will motion by unanimous consent to open the floor for public comment. Seeing none, we are now open for public comment. This is a portion of the meeting where anyone can speak on any item on our agenda tonight.
▶ 1:46 Leila Migliorelli: Is anyone here in public comment, in person or online? Uh, there are no attendees online at this time. Okay. Um, I believe there was an email, um, that will be attached to the record. Record attached? Yes. Okay. Thank you. No problem. Um, alright. Uh, if there's no objection, I'd like to close public comment. Seeing none, we are now closed. Um, next step is communications from her Honor, the mayor and other city officials. So before we hear from the mayor, I'll motion by unanimous consent to suspend rule 37 B. Seeing no objection, the rule 70 37 B is now suspended. Welcome, mayor, Greg. Good evening Counsel. Thank you so much for this opportunity to speak. I just wanted to provide a quick update as I'm, I'm trying
▶ 2:30 Jen Grigoraitis: to gauge from all of you how much communication is helpful via email versus in person and I'm very much open to feedback on that. But on the um, financial front, I believe you are all aware that Patrick LaRusso has officially retired after a very illustrious career with the city of Melrose. Um, over 30 years, he has now transitioned into a part-time consultant role. So he will be, um, helping us get through the FY 25 budget process through the end of the fiscal year. So Ellen Donahue has now taken over in the role of interim CFO and we are in the process of hiring for the permanent replacement for that job. Um, two items of note as it relates to the state and funds. I sent to you all on Friday afternoon that our free cash
▶ 3:15 Jen Grigoraitis: for this year has been certified by the Department of Revenue. We are standing to have just over $5 million in free cash. So, um, we're obviously working internally on preparing, um, requests for to you all for how to dispense with that cash. And obviously there will be a request related to the existing school budget shortfall, which I know you all have talked about, um, in a separate order. So those will be coming down in the coming weeks. And then as it relates, uh, looking forward to the FY 25 budget, the governor did release her budget, um, for the state and for the city of Melrose, that included net State aid. So a net increase of 1.8599999999999999% from FY 24 to FY 25, which is just over $272,000.
▶ 4:01 Jen Grigoraitis: That is a combination of chapter 70, which is, um, school funds and then what is known as, um, aga unrestricted general government aid. It did not include chapter 90 because the governor has some language, um, currently pending in the legislature related to expanding chapter 90 to be a multi-year program. So 1.8599999999999999% is our total anticipated increase. Obviously this is the beginning of the project for the state. It will now go to the house and then the Senate and then possibly conference committee. So while we will certainly be advocating for an increase, um, and hope to see that, I, I do not imagine that that's going to go up by, you know, millions of dollars. So, um, this is just sort of the foundation
▶ 4:41 by which we will start the FY 25 process. So all of this information is available on the DLS webpage, but wanted to make sure that you had heard it all here and I think we've sent that all out via email, but if we haven't, we can correct that. So that's all. Thank you. Great, thank you. Alright, moving on, um, to new business Appointment 2024 dash 15. Appointment of Mara Sullivan, 3 93 East Foster Street to the Melrose Council on Aging for a three year term set to expire on the last day of February, 2027. This will go to health education and welfare Appointment. 2024 dash 16 reappointment of Assistant City Clerk for a one year term, said term ending on March 1st, 2025. This will go to Finance Grant
▶ 5:33 2024 dash six, acceptance of the Recycling Partnership, residential Curbside Cart Grant in the amount of $142,400. This will go to appropriations and oversight License, 2024 dash nine Common Ular SA Pizza DBA, doing Business as patron's Pizza Transfer of ownership. I will go to protection and license Order 2024 dash 20 requesting that the city council designate the Council on Aging position of transportation driver as a special municipal employee, as that term is defined in Mass General Law Chapter 268 A. That will go to Legal and Legislative Order 2024 dash 21 requesting that the city council designate election poll workers as special municipal employees as that term is defined in Mass General Law, chapter 268 A.
▶ 6:31 That will also go to Legal and Legislative Order 2024 dash 22 requesting that the city council designate the Melrose Public School positions of cafeteria worker education station, site coordinator, education station's, assistant site coordinator, education station's, instructor education station's, team lead, crossing guard, and athletic trainer as special municipal employees as that term is defined in Mass General Law, chapter 268 A. This will also go to Legal and Legislative Petition. 2024 dash four Petition of National Grid for grant of location to construct line of underground electrical conduits on School Street Plan number 3 0 8 5 9 1 7 7. Councilor Gareg, Madam President, uh, I seek immediate consideration
▶ 7:22 for this, uh, petition so we can set a public hearing on February 20th at 8:00 PM Any objection? Seeing none. This order will, um, go well. The public hearing is set on February 20th at 8:00 PM and the order will go to the Public Works Committee. Next Transfer 2024 dash one. Transfer in the amount of 3,200 from salary and wages. Line item 0 1 1 6 2 1 5 2 0 to equipment maintenance. Um, line item 0 1 1 6 2 2 5 2 5 2. This will go to finance. And next we have, um, unfinished business Info. 2024 dash five that the Superintendent of Melrose Public Schools, John Massaro and Director of Finance for Melrose Public Schools, Kenneth Kelly, appear before the city council to provide an update on the current
▶ 8:25 Robb Stewart: status of the Melrose Public School's fiscal year 2024. Budget, Madam Chair. Um, Madam President, this, um, order came from the appropriation and Oversight Committee with the recommendation to place on file Second Motion to place on file made by Councillor Aldine, seconded by Councillor Repe on discussion. Councillor Stewart. Thank you Madam President. Um, I just wanted to state for the record that I do appreciate, um, that Mr. Kelly and Mr. Messer came forward with all this information. Um, I am surprised that there were no specific numbers that were presented to us, um, that they spoke only in terms of that things are going well. Um, and I think this was a great opportunity for, uh, the, uh, the, the school department
▶ 9:23 Robb Stewart: to demonstrate the state of financial affairs proactively, um, similar to where we were last year, uh, where we had no idea. Um, it, all I know is that things are on track, but I didn't see any specific specific numbers until we, they were presented to us. We had to write them down. Um, there's nothing that really is on record. If you go on the website, I think you see the budget, but you don't see it tracking. Uh, and you don't see, I would say actuals or to date. And I, and I know it's a little different than, than private sector, but just to show what is being summarized, I think in the main areas, and I'm not looking for a, a massive of spreadsheet or anything like that, but I think that the, the hot points
▶ 10:13 Robb Stewart: that were of discussion last time we were here, uh, including the Franklin ECC, the teacher's salary, transportation, sped, uh, I mean those, those are the fundamental areas that we're concerned about. And it would be nice to understand where those are tracking. So my suggestion would be to take this opportunity to be transparent and where we stand, not only on the budget, but providing the numbers so that way it's little bit more easy for us to consume. Thank you Madam President. Anyone else on discussion? Seeing none. What is the will of the committee? I'm sorry. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay. This order has been placed on file. Next up licenses License 2024 dash eight Gasoline
▶ 11:08 and storage licenses Post deadline renewals 2023 Madam President, this order comes from the Protection and Licensing Committee, um, with the, um, motion to place on file and at this time I will make that motion. Second. Motion to place on file made by Councillor Repe, seconded by Councillor Stewart on discussion. Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? This order passes. Next step Order 2024 dash 17. Request for the authorization to issue a 6 1651 0.650 bond million bond to fund the roadway component of the city's multi-year Utility and Roadway Improvement Program. Councillor All. Um, miss, um, uh, Madam President, this order comes from the Appropriation and Oversight Committee, um, with a recommendation,
▶ 12:10 um, to pass. And at this, uh, moment, I, uh, would make motion, um, to Pass. Second Motion to pass made by Councilor Aldine, seconded by Councillor Williams on discussion. Seeing none. All in fa uh, Nope. Roll call. Counselor Garey. Yes. Counselor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Reky. Yes. Counselor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Manjula? Yes. Councilor Van Devin? Yes. Counselor Williams? Yes. President Meley? Yes. Nine. Yes. Okay. Order passes. Order 2024 dash 18. Calling a presidential primary election Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School Gymnasium Complex, Councillor Stewart. Thank you Madam President. This comes from the Finance
▶ 13:04 Robb Stewart: Committee with a recommendation for passage. Second. So Madam President, I, uh, declined to make a motion for this. Uh, while I, um, will support the order. I'm not in favor of having one location, so I defer to the, uh, council to make the motion, Entertain a motion for passage. Um, I'll entertain a motion for passage of this, uh, this order. Second, motion To pass for passage made by Councillor Repay, seconded by Councillor Jamaleddine. Um, on discussion, seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay. That passes Order 2024 dash 19 authorizing officer detail assignment to the polls for the 2024 elections. Councillor Stewart. Thank you Madam President. This comes from the Finance Committee with a recommendation for passage,
▶ 14:03 and at this time I'll make a motion for passage order. 2024 dash 19. Second Motion for passage made by Councillor Stewart, seconded by Councillor Aldine on discussion. Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? At order passes, Ordinance 2024 dash one amending Melrose Revised ordinances, chapter 48 dash one Mayor, part a salary by adding additional compensation to take effect to beginning January 1st, 2026. Councilor Williams, Adam, President, this comes from the Legal and Legislative Committee with a recommendation for passage. And at this time I will motion for passage. Second. Motion for passage made by Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Aldine. On discussion, seeing none,
▶ 14:50 Madam Clerk, will you please call the role Councilor Garipay? Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Aldine. Yes. Councilor Reky? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Manjula? Yes. Councilor Van Devin? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Meley? Yes. Nine. Yes. Okay. Order passes. Next up under Expires Appointment. Appointment 2024 dash 14. Appointment of J Staff 21 Berwick Street through the Melrose Human Rights Commission for a three year term to expire on the last day of February, 2025. This will go to health education and welfare Appropriation 2024 dash 10 appropriation from the capital from capital stabilization number 8 4 0 5 in the amount of $33,500 to inspection services. Number 2 4, 1 for an emergency replacement of a vehicle.
▶ 15:45 The balance as of December 12th, 2023 in the capital stabilization fund is 606 uh, million 56 475 0.67 cents. This will go to appropriations and oversight Appropriation 2024 dash 11. An appropriation from capital stabilization number 8 4 0 5 in the amount of $70,000 to DPW operations number 4 0 1 for an emergency replacement of a fleet vehicle. The balance as of December 12th, 2023 in the capital stabilization fund is 656,475 and 67 cents. This will go to Appropriations and Oversight. Any reports under Rule 53? Okay. Seeing none, um, I'll retain a Motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn. Second. Motion to adjourn made by Councilor Repe. Second by Councilor Stewart. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye.