City Council — 2024-06-20

City Council Special Meeting

This meeting starts at 7:20 in a recording that covers several meetings.

Attendance

Cal Finocchiaro present · Ward 6; Mark Garipay present · Ward 4; Ward Hamilton absent · At-Large; Maya Jamaleddine present · At-Large; Manjula Karamcheti present · Ward 1; Leila Migliorelli present · At-Large; John Obremski present · Ward 2; Devin Romanul remote · Ward 7; Robb Stewart present · Ward 3; Kimberly Vandiver present · Ward 5; Ryan Williams present · At-Large

Agenda

Minutes

CITY OF MELROSE CITY COUNCIL BULLETIN● JUNE 20, 2024 Council Chamber, First Floor, Melrose City Hall Special Meeting 7:31 PM 562 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176 Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Cal Finocchiaro Ward 6 Present Mark Garipay Ward 4 Present Ward Hamilton At-Large Absent Maya Jamaleddine At-Large Present Manjula Karamcheti Ward 1 Present John Obremski Ward 2 Present Devin Romanul Ward 7 Remote Robb Stewart Ward 3 Present Kimberly Vandiver Ward 5 Present Ryan Williams At-Large Present Leila Migliorelli At-Large Present

APPRO-2024-25 Operating Budgets (City, School, Regional School) Fiscal 2025 Operating Budget in the amount of $104,140,412 (One Hundred four million, one hundred forty thousand, four hundred and twelve dollars). Passed

APPRO-2024-26 Operating Budgets (City, School, Regional School) Fiscal 2025 Water Enterprise Fund Operating Budget in the amount of $6,726,508 (Six Million, Seven Hundred Twenty-Six Thousand, Five Hundred and Eight Dollars). Passed

APPRO-2024-27 Operating Budgets (City, School, Regional School) Fiscal 2025 Sewer Operating Budget in the amount of $8,508,826 (Eight Million, Five Hundred Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred Twenty-six Thousand) Passed

APPRO-2024-28 Operating Budgets (City, School, Regional School) City of Melrose Page 1 6/23/2024 11:37 AM Minutes City Council June 20, 2024 Fiscal 2025 Solid Waste Enterprise Operating Budget in the amount of $3,402,796 (Three Million, Four Hundred two thousand, seven hundred ninety-six dollars). Passed

APPRO-2024-29 Operating Budgets (City, School, Regional School) Fiscal 2025 Ambulance Enterprise Operating Budget in the amount of $1,021,682 (One Million, Twenty-One thousand, six hundred and eighty-two dollars). Passed

ORDER-2024-35 Enterprise Fund Proposed FY25 Sewer Rates Passed

ORDER-2024-36 Enterprise Fund Proposed FY25 Water Rates Passed

ORDNC-2024-2 Revolving Fund/Reauthorization Reauthorization of the City of Melrose Revolving Fund Table for Fiscal 2025. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee City of Melrose Page 2 6/23/2024 11:37 AM

Transcript

▶ 7:49 Leila Migliorelli: under open meeting law enacted under chapter two of the Acts of 2023, signed into law by Governor Healy on March 29th, 2023. City counselor is, uh, participating in this meeting tonight, remotely via the city's Zoom platform. Because of counselor remodels remote participation, all votes are taken by roll call. Please remember to speak clearly into the microphone so he's able to hear. Madam Clerk, will you Please call the roll Council Ro Here. Councilor Garipay? Here. Councilor Hamilton. Councilor Aladin. Here. Councilor Karen Jdi. Here. Councilor Reky. Here. Council Romano. Here. Councillor Stewart? Here. Council of Vandiver. Here. Councilor Williams. Here. President Elli. Here. That's 10. Okay.

▶ 8:35 At this time, please rise if you are able to join in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge Allegiance Super flag of the United States of America. And to, to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, invisible with liberty and Justice for all. All right, I will now entertain a motion to open the floor for public comment. Madam. First, I will make a motion to open the floor for public comment. Second. Second, Um, motion to open the floor for public comment made by Councillor Stewart, seconded by Councillor Aldine. Um, Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll Council Firo? Yes. Councilor Oppe? Yes. Councilor Ine? Yes. Council, Karen Shady? Yes. Councilor Reky? Yes. Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes.

▶ 9:25 Council Vandiver? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. It's 10, right? The Floor is now open for public comment. This is the portion of the meeting where the public may comment on matters before the council tonight. Seeing if there's no one here in per person, is there anyone online? Uh, there are no participants online at this Time. All right. I'll entertain a motion to close public comment. Madam, Madam. President, I'll make a motion to close public Comment. Second. Motion to close public comment made by Councilor Stewart. Seconded by Councillor Carrum Chay, uh, Madam Clerk Council Li Chiro? Yes. Councilor Gar. Yes. Councilor Jamine? Yes. Council Carrum Chay. Yes. Councilor Reky. Yes.

▶ 10:02 Council Romano? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Council Vanderberg? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. That's 10. Alright. We are now closed for public comment. Seeing as we have the mayor here with us tonight, I will entertain a motion to suspend Rule 37 B, so she may speak. So moved. Second. Second. Um, motion to suspend Rule 37 B, made by Councillor Williams. Seconded by Councillor Vandiver. Madam Clerk Councilor Firo? Yes. Councilor Gar. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Treaty? Yes. Councilor Reky. Yes. Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Council of Vandiver? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. That's 10. All right. Rule 30, 37 B is now closed. Madam Mayor,

▶ 10:48 Jen Grigoraitis: Welcome. Good evening, Madam Chair and members Madam President. Excuse me. Members of the council. Thank you for having me here tonight. Um, I just wanted to briefly acknowledge yesterday's override vote where we were, um, informed by the voters that there is no interest in increasing the city budget. So the document that's before you tonight for a final vote is what was presented back in May. I believe it's only the second time since 2012, that a city budget is not relying on free cash to pay operational expenses. So this is the budget that shows what it looks like to live within our means, and they are gonna be some challenging means. Um, the school department has moved forward with permanently eliminating 13, um, staff.

▶ 11:28 Jen Grigoraitis: So we're in the process of beginning those exits. And then I met today with senior staff on the city side to talk about what implementation of the department budget reductions will look like next year. So we will be monitoring the budget very closely next year, um, and I'm sure making many challenging decisions as we reduce community events services at the Council on Aging Veterans Affairs, um, in order to stay within this budget. So, um, I thank you all for your dedication over the past seven weeks, and urge you to pass this budget as presented tonight so that we can work with this pot of money and not a further reduced one. And I recognize that all of our jobs just became a little more challenging

▶ 12:04 as we continue to navigate what is best for this community and the funding that we have. So thank you for your partnership and thank you for your consideration of this budget. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Next on the agenda is Unfinished business, and we'll start with appropriations Appropriation 2024 dash 25 fiscal 2025 operating budget in the amount of $104,140,412. Madam President, this, um, um, this order comes from the Appropriations and Oversight Committee with a recommendation, uh, for passage. And at this moment, uh, would like to make motion for passage. Second, Motion for Passage made by Councilor Aldine, seconded by Councilor Williams on discussion, uh, councilor Aldine, and then Councillor Stewart.

▶ 12:56 Maya Jamaleddine: Thank you. Um, as the chair of the Appropriations and Oversight Committee, I, um, just led, um, uh, the budget, uh, hearing season. We are, uh, we invited all the departments heads and, uh, to present their budget. Um, we heard, uh, from them and, uh, we, you know, we learned that due to the, uh, stretch budget and the under, uh, served departments, um, that many positions, um, are eliminated, uh, services are cut or reduced. Um, and we are, uh, basically, uh, being under, uh, under, uh, served, uh, uh, but most alarming to me as the school and, uh, our, uh, students that are being now, um, suffering the decisions that adults have made. Um, unfortunately, uh, it is disappointing to see, um,

▶ 13:59 Maya Jamaleddine: what, uh, the results and the outcome of this election, but also it's, uh, alarming and, um, uh, and worrisome to know what we are going to deal with coming, uh, this, uh, this coming year. Um, I hope that, um, I, I would like to invite all my constituents and the city, um, the community to reflect on their decisions and on and review the budget and how the services, their, their votes, um, are going to impact every single person in, uh, our community. Thank you. Councillor Jamine, Councillor Stewart. Thank you, Madam President, Madam President through the chair. I'd like to acknowledge, uh, um, counselor Alain for doing a great job on running the appropriation sessions required to get through the budget.

▶ 14:47 Robb Stewart: Um, it's always challenging every year. Uh, this year was no exception. So the chair, I wanted to thank, uh, councilor Lauden for her efforts. Uh, also through the chair, I wanted to thank, um, mayor Jen for the efforts that she'd put forward to come up with a balanced budget, um, which, uh, I think was challenging this year. And I commend her for, uh, doing such, um, such an activity, uh, under these, uh, situations. So, thank you, mayor. Mayor, chair. Thank you, Madam President. Thank You, councilor Stewart. Anyone else on discussion? Councilor gpe? Yeah, I was, I was gonna do it at the end of the meeting. Um, councilor Stewart, um, took, took my thunder. Um, but I, I was, uh, I, I was wanting to acknowledge both

▶ 15:27 Mark Garipay: council, uh, um, chair Jamal, and I'm sorry, having trouble tonight and President Melli this, um, this budget process is my fifth one. Other than Covid, there was a lot of changes, a lot of scheduling, a lot of work outside of what we do normally, so I just wanted to acknowledge them. Um, so both of you thank you for keeping it moving. Thank you, council, and getting us on a budget that was passed by the 20th. Thank you. Anyone else on discussion? Councillor Vandiver Just wanted to thank the mayor and her team for all of their effort, putting forward a challenging budget under all of these constraints. And, um, managing to, to balance things in a way that did not require using free cash and is an honest look at, at

▶ 16:11 Kimberly Vandiver: what we're spending, um, throughout the year. Um, you know, and also also all the department heads who put a lot of information together in their memos a answered all of our questions. Um, and the many, um, people in Melrose who over the last two months, um, spent a lot of time and effort to present information clearly and rally support on a tight timeline to try to get, um, an increase to the budget that would fully support our needs. So, um, you know, this isn't the budget that I think most of us hoped we would be passing, but I, I really appreciate all the effort and that everybody left no options on the table to try to, um, to get us to, uh, a stronger budget. Thank you, Councillor. Er, anyone else?

▶ 16:56 Leila Migliorelli: Um, I would like to take opportunity of personal privilege to be able to just share my thoughts on the budget process. Um, while, while the budget we're voting on. Tonight is a balanced budget, and I think Mayor GTIs for, for putting forward something, um, that is allowing the city to live within its means. Um, the failure of the election on Tuesday, as councilors have pointed out, has cemented significant cuts to our budget, um, school and city services as a result. Throughout the budget hearing process, we have heard from department heads about the negative impact should the override fail. Um, and in Melrose schools, this means that we are losing 13 teachers. So 13 individuals will be losing their jobs.

▶ 17:35 Leila Migliorelli: Um, we will have increased class sizes, decrease mental health supports, reduce substitute coverage, and more on the city side. There are gonna be less resources for seniors, veterans, police, and fire, and other basic city services. We will have first responders stretched thinner than they already are. This was echoed in comments made by both chiefs with increased response times for ambulances just to name one of the impacts. The free cash money that we are not relying on for this budget will, um, that we usually rely on. Actually, we all took some votes on, uh, to support infrastructure improvements. And infrastructure improvements means sidewalks and streets, um, will be diminished. So every single resident is going to be impacted

▶ 18:17 Leila Migliorelli: by these cuts, and therefore our community at large will suffer. Um, I just wanted to say too, you know, if we compare government to, for-profit, for-profit businesses, customers are our residents. The product is the city and school services. And like any business, you can create efficiencies and find internal cost savings. And we heard about some of those measures being taken by the school superintendent and the mayor throughout these last few weeks. But at the end of the day, when the cost to deliver services, um, and products far exceeds the revenue re received, which in this case, as we heard, was due to sharp increases in health insurance premiums, collective bargaining agreements, transportation, utilities,

▶ 18:56 Leila Migliorelli: you have to make cuts, which is what we're doing tonight, passing a cut budget, or you increase revenue, which is what the majority of voters decided not to do on Tuesday. What I hope that everyone here and, um, across the city understand is that the reality of the public sector is that the revenue comes from all of us as taxpayers. We might not like that fact or think there might be, should be better or different options, but that's how government works. And what we are all left with as city counselors, uh, in particular is a harsh reality that some of the things we wanted to accomplish, this pa this year, upcoming year won't happen. So many of us have advocated for additional investments in lots of areas and peoples

▶ 19:33 Leila Migliorelli: and program and people and programs that are simply not possible at this moment. I have no doubt that city will make the best of this situation. We've got incredible city staff, um, to do that, but it will fall far short of what this community needs or deserves. I'm hopeful that next time a vote occurs, this community will come together to recognize that we are all collectively the solution to improving the quality of life for all. And with that, if there's no other, um, moments on discussion, um, there is a motion on the table. Um, for passage. Madame Clerk, will you please call the role Councilor Ro? Yes. Councilor Repe? Yes. Council ine? Yes. Council Karen Treaty? Yes. Councilor Reky? Yes.

▶ 20:14 Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Council of V Dever? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Mag? Yes. That's 10. Okay. That motion, that order for appropriation passes Next Appropriation 2024 dash 26 fiscal 2025 Water Enterprise Fund Operating budget in the amount of $6,726,508. Madam, this order comes from the Appropriation and Appropriations and Oversight Committee with the recommendation for passage. And at this time, I would like to make a motion for passage. Second, Motion for passage made by Councilor Jamine, seconded by Councilor Williams. On discussion. Seeing none. Madame Clerk Councilor Viro? Yes. Councilor Repe. Yes. Councilor Ramine. Yes. Councilor Karen Shay. Yes. Councilor Brisky. Yes. Remodel?

▶ 21:06 Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Council Vandiver? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. It's 10. That order passes. Next Appropriation. 2024 dash 27 Fiscal 2025 Sewer Operating budget in the amount of 8,508,826. 826,000. Madam President. This order comes from the Appropriations and Oversight Committee with a recommendation for passage. And at this time, I would like to make a motion for passage. Second, motion For passage made by Councillor Aldine, seconded by Councillor Williams. On discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk Council Ro? Yes. Council Repe? Yes. Council Aldine? Yes. Councilor Karen Tra. Yes. Councilor Reky? Yes. Council Romano? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Council Ver Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes.

▶ 21:57 President Elli? Yes. That's 10. That order passes. Next Appropriation. 2024 dash 28 Fiscal 2025. Solid Waste Enterprise Operating budget in the amount of 3,000,400, 2000, uh, $796. Madam President, this order comes from the Appropriations and Oversight Committee with the recommendation for passage. And at this time, I would like to make a motion for passage. Second, Motion for passage made by Councilor Jamine, seconded by Councilor Williams. On discussion. Seeing none. Madame Clerk Councilor Ro? Yes. Councilor Ope. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Shady. Yes. Councilor Reky. Yes. Councilor Romanul. Yes. Councillor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vanderberg. Yes. Councillor Williams? Yes. President Elli?

▶ 22:44 Yes. And that order passes Appropriation 2024 dash 29 fiscal 2025. Ambulance Enterprise Operating budget in the amount of $1,021,682. Madam President, this order comes from the Appropriations and Oversight Committee with recommendation for passage. And at this time, I would like to make a motion for passage. Second, Motion for passage made by Councilor Aldine, seconded by Councillor Williams. On discussion, seeing none, Madam Clerk Councilor Vic Niro? Yes. Councillor Gar. Yes. Councillor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Treaty. Yes. Councilor Reky. Yes. Councilor Romanul. Yes. Councillor Stewart? Yes. Council Ver Yes. Council Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. That's 10. That order passes. Next we move on to orders

▶ 23:36 Order. 2024 dash 35. Proposed fiscal year 2025. Sewer Rates. Madam President, this order comes from the Appropriations and Oversight Committee, um, and, uh, with a recommendation for passage. And at this time, I would like to make a motion for passage. Second. Motion for passage made by Councilor Aldine, seconded by Councilor Williams. On discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk Councilor Ro? Yes. Councilor Carpe. Yes. Councilor Aldine. Yes. Councilor Karen Shady. Yes. Councilor Reky. Yes. Councilor Remodel. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Council Vanderveer? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. 10. Yes. That order passes. Next order. 2024 dash 36. Proposed fiscal year 2025. Water rates.

▶ 24:23 Madam President, this order comes from the Appropriations and Oversight Committee with the recommendation for passage. And at this time, I would like to make a motion for passage. Second, Uh, motion made by Councilor Aldine, seconded by Councillor Williams for passage. Um, on discussion, seeing none, Madam Clerk Councilor LiRo? Yes. Councilor Garbe. Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen. Katie? Yes. Councilor Ky. Yes. Counselor Romano. Yes. Counselor Stewart? Yes. Council Vanderberg? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. That's 10. Right. That order passes onto ordinances. Ordinance 2024 dash two. Reauthorization of the City of Melrose's, revolving front table for fiscal 2025.

▶ 25:09 Madame President, this order comes from the Appropriations and Oversight Committee with the recommendation for passage. And at this time, I would like to make a motion for passage. Second. Motion For passage made by Councilor Jamine, seconded by Counselor Williams. On discussion. Seeing none. Madam Clerk Councilor Ro? Yes. Councilor Gar. Yes. Councilor Aldine. Yes. Councilor Karen Treaty. Yes. Councilor Rimsky. Yes. Councilor Romanul? Yes. Counselor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Ver? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. 10. That order passes anything under Rule 53 to report. All right. I will entertain a motion to adjourn. Madam Present. I'll make a motion to adjourn. Second. Motion to adjourn, made by Councillor Stewart.

▶ 25:52 Seconded by Councillor Repe. On, uh, Madam Clerk, will you please Call the rule Councilor Ro? Yes. Councilor Garipay? Yes. Councilor Aldine? Yes. Councilor Karen Shady? Yes. Councilor Reky? Yes. Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Council Vandiver? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Melee? Yes. That's then. Alright, we're now adjourned. Thank you. See you next week. On Monday, everybody.

City Council — 2024-06-20

Attendance

Agenda

Minutes

Transcript

Original documents