Boards & Commissions Committee — 2025-03-03
Attendance
Cal Finocchiaro ; Maya Jamaleddine ; Manjula Karamcheti ; Leila Migliorelli ; Robb Stewart ; Kimberly Vandiver
Agenda
- Call to Order
- Minutes Approval
- Public Portion
- Appointments/Reappointments
- Reappointment of Francisco Brincheiro, MD, 14 Geneva Road, Melrose MA to the Board of Health for a three year term, said term to expire the last day of February 2028.
- Reappointment of Emily Anderson, 106 East Foster Street, to the City of Melrose Conservation Commission for a three-year term, said term to expire the last day of February 2028.
- Appointment of Edward J. O'Connell, 20 Cleveland Street, to the Melrose Education Fund Committee for a three year term, said term to expire the last day of February, 2028.
- Appointment of Kate Hartke, 52 Mooreland Road, Melrose to the Melrose Education Fund Committee for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of February 2028.
- Appointment of Brian Kochanowski, 780 Main Street, to the Melrose Human Rights Commission for a three year term, said term set to expire last day of February, 2028.
- Appointment of Tracey Cruickshank, 22 Martin Street, Melrose to the Melrose Education Fund Committee for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of February 2028
- Reappointment of Mark S. Robinson, 116 Country Club Road, to the Library Board of Trustees
- Reappointment of Jason Webb of 92 Morgan Street to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building Trustees
- Reappointment of Christopher Bernard of 71 Cranmore Lane to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building Trustees
- Reappointment of Mary Sexton to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building Trustees
- Appointment of Maria Grigoriadis, 112 Upham Street, to the Commission on Women
- Appointment of Daniel Muller, 66 Sargent Street, Melrose, to the Melrose Education Fund Committee, for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of February 2028.
- Appointment of Greg Pagnini, 79 Burrell Street, to the Board of Registrar of Voters.
- Adjournment
Minutes
CITY OF MELROSE BOARDS & COMMISSION CALENDAR● MARCH 3, 2025 Council Chamber, First Floor, Melrose City Hall Regular 7:17 PM 562 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176 Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Manjula Karamcheti Vice Chair Absent Cal Finocchiaro Present Maya Jamaleddine Absent Robb Stewart Present Leila Migliorelli Ex Officio Member Present Kimberly Vandiver Chair Present
(ID # 12356) Appointment/Reappointment Reappointment of Francisco Brincheiro, MD, 14 Geneva Road, Melrose MA to the Board of Health for a three year term, said term to expire the last day of February 2028. Recommend City Council
(ID # 12412) Appointment/Reappointment Reappointment of Emily Anderson, 106 East Foster Street, to the City of Melrose Conservation Commission for a three-year term, said term to expire the last day of February 2028. Recommend City Council
(ID # 12422) Appointment/Reappointment Appointment of Edward J. O'Connell, 20 Cleveland Street, to the Melrose Education Fund Committee for a three year term, said term to expire the last day of February, 2028. Recommend City Council
(ID # 12427) Appointment/Reappointment Appointment of Kate Hartke, 52 Mooreland Road, Melrose to the Melrose Education Fund Committee for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of February 2028. Recommend City Council
(ID # 12430) Appointment/Reappointment City of Melrose Page 1 3/4/2025 12:43 PM Minutes Boards & Commission March 3, 2025 Appointment of Brian Kochanowski, 780 Main Street, to the Melrose Human Rights Commission for a three year term, said term set to expire last day of February, 2028. Recommend City Council
(ID # 12446) Appointment/Reappointment Appointment of Tracey Cruickshank, 22 Martin Street, Melrose to the Melrose Education Fund Committee for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of February 2028 Recommend City Council
(ID # 12448) Appointment/Reappointment Reappointment of Mark S. Robinson, 116 Country Club Road, to the Library Board of Trustees Recommend City Council
(ID # 12449) Appointment/Reappointment Reappointment of Jason Webb of 92 Morgan Street to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building Trustees Recommend City Council
(ID # 12450) Appointment/Reappointment Reappointment of Christopher Bernard of 71 Cranmore Lane to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building Trustees Recommend City Council
(ID # 12452) Appointment/Reappointment Reappointment of Mary Sexton to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building Trustees Recommend City Council
(ID # 12454) Appointment/Reappointment Appointment of Maria Grigoriadis, 112 Upham Street, to the Commission on Women Recommend City Council
(ID # 12445) Appointment/Reappointment City of Melrose Page 2 3/4/2025 12:43 PM Minutes Boards & Commission March 3, 2025 Appointment of Daniel Muller, 66 Sargent Street, Melrose, to the Melrose Education Fund Committee, for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of February 2028. Recommend City Council
(ID # 12455) Appointment/Reappointment Appointment of Greg Pagnini, 79 Burrell Street, to the Board of Registrar of Voters. Recommend City Council City of Melrose Page 3 3/4/2025 12:43 PM
Transcript
▶ 0:00 Kimberly Vandiver: Yeah, Good evening. The time is 7:17 PM on Monday, March 3rd, 2025. This is a meeting of the Boards and Commissions committee. Melrose has over 25 active boards and commissions. Uh, if anyone listening is interested in being considered for an appointment, you may send a letter of interest and resume to the mayor's office. I am Councilor Vandiver, the committee chair. And joining me tonight are, uh, voting members, councilors, Occhio, and Stewart, and pre president Elli ex-Officio. This serves as a notice of Quorum for the record in accordance with the OPA meeting law. This meeting is being recorded and broadcast live on MMTV. I'll now motion by unanimous consent to open the floor for public comment.
▶ 0:43 Kimberly Vandiver: Seeing no objections, the floor is, uh, open for public comment. This is the portion of the meeting where the public may speak on any item on tonight's agenda, uh, or may express any viewpoint on other matters. Uh, is there anyone here who wishes to speak in public comment? Madame Clerk, is there anyone online who wishes to speak here? Um, with no objection? I will motion by unanimous consent to close public comment. Seeing none, we are now closed for public comment. At this time, I will motion by unanimous consent to approve without reading the minutes from the February 10th meeting. Seeing no objection, those minutes are now approved tonight. We have seven appointments and six reappointments before us.
▶ 1:26 Kimberly Vandiver: Um, the first order of business is ID number 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, the reappointment of Francisco RO MD 14 Geneva Road to the Board of Health for a three year term. Um, and, uh, do we have anyone, um, relative to that order here today? Um, are there any questions or commentary from the committee? Yes. Yes. Um, I'm just wondering if we could make a motion to recommend, um, without a statement of interest, Mr. Ero, I think, has been on the Board of Health for over a decade. Um, and I just feel like it's something that we don't, we could just pass and make a motion to recommend rather, rather than holding committee. Okay. So I can make a motion to recommend. I'll second That. Okay. Motion to recommend Councilor Fia
▶ 2:19 Kimberly Vandiver: and second from Councillor Stewart. Uh, anyone on discussion on that? Okay. Um, all in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay. That, uh, will pass to the full counsel with a recommendation. Um, uh, and the next order of business is the reappointment of Emily Anderson, 1 0 6 East Foster Street to the city of Melrose Conservation Commission for a three year term. Said term to expire the last day of February, 2028. Um, Yes, councilor, I'd like to make a motion to recommend Second. Okay. Motion to recommend by Councilor Occhio with a second by President me Exofficio, and anyone on discussion about that order. Um, all in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Uh, so that will also go back to full counsel with, uh, um,
▶ 3:12 Kimberly Vandiver: recommendation for passage. The third item on our agenda is ID number 1, 2 4, 2 2. The appointment of Edward j O'Connell 20 Cleveland Street to the Melrose Education Fund Committee for a three year term, said term to expire the last day of February, 2028. I believe we do have the mayor and Mr. O'Connell here today. Yes. Good evening, Madam Chair, Madam President and committee members. Um, before we, um, I turned it over to Mr. O'Connell. I was hoping to just take a brief moment of time to talk about this fund, since it's a relatively new thing. There is a memo in the packet explaining it. Um, and I know there's been some discussion in the public discourse, some letters to the editor that were written to the local paper.
▶ 3:56 Jen Grigoraitis: So, what, um, we can ascertain from our research is that sometime in either the late nineties or early two thousands, the city council adopted a state law. I believe it's MGL, chapter 60, section three C, that allows municipalities to list some voluntary donation funds on tax bills. So this, um, was created between 20 and 25 years ago to allow residents to choose to donate an amount of money to the Melrose Education Fund for the purpose of supplementing education. And I think the supplemental part is key. Um, the law prohibits us from using this fund to pay for recurring costs associated with running, um, schools. In the 20 plus years that this fund has been in existence, it has accumulated a total of approximately $15,000.
▶ 4:41 Jen Grigoraitis: Um, which while not an insignificant amount of money, we know when you're talking about a municipal budget of in excess of 104 million is, um, you know, gonna be used for smaller costs. So we recognize there's a broader conversation happening in the community about how we move forward with funding all of our services, city and schools. I thought it was important to make sure that these committees are staffed. Um, as you know, as dictated by law, we need to appoint for public members. And then the, the superintendent or his designee will serve on this committee so that they in turn can ascertain what to do with the $15,000 we've accumulated in the past 20 plus years. And then how best to move forward
▶ 5:18 Jen Grigoraitis: with allocating future funds. I I do wanna highlight that this is not the same as the Melrose Education Fund. We do have a really well established local nonprofit in the community that does a lot of, um, fundraising on behalf of the schools. This is a separate entity. We legally cannot transfer the funds that have been accumulated by the city to a nonprofit. I did ask the city solicitor about that. So I'm here tonight to present you with four members of the community to sort of kick off the discussion of this, um, fund. And so the first is Mr. O'Connell. I believe many of you are familiar with him. He recently served two terms, which is eight years on the Melrose School Committee. Um, so he comes with a breadth
▶ 5:56 Jen Grigoraitis: and depth of knowledge of educational issues specific to Melrose. I'm really thrilled that his willingness to take this on. He's just crossed his, uh, one year cooling off period. And we like to, we like to pull people right back in after the, um, after they're allowed to rejoin government. So I'm grateful to him for his willingness to step in here. And I'll turn it over to you, Mr. O'Connell. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh, and Madam Chair, members of the council, uh, for the opportunity to be here. Um, I'm happy to answer any questions. Um, my sense of this committee, uh, is that the order of operations is we need to review the history of donations, uh, to this fund and the investment thereof.
▶ 6:36 Uh, we need clearly to establish criteria for the distribution of the funds. Uh, and I think the committee will be looking to examples from other uni municipalities. And, and I think, uh, thirdly, we need to establish the procedures for distribution of the funds, uh, working in concert with the city administration. Um, certainly part of this also, I think, will, uh, be to the extent possible, uh, raising public awareness about the existence, uh, of the fund. So, again, happy to answer any questions. Uh, pleased, uh, to have the opportunity to be of service to the community once again, and nice to be back in the room where it happens. Thank you. Uh, president, me. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Um, Mr.
▶ 7:22 Leila Migliorelli: O'Connell for stepping up again. Um, Madam Mayor, just a question for you, and I know Mr. O'Connell can probably answer this question as well. Having served on the school committee for so long, do you wanna just clarify like the non, what would, uh, non-reoccurring expenses be, or what would, you know, it's clearly not salary, just, you know, the opportunity to say that Microphone. Correct. I mean, so the state statute actually, it says the word they use is supplemental. So it's actually non-mandatory operational cost. So when you think about what it takes to run a school, we have a legal obligation to provide, um, you know, a fair education to all students. So that would be, not just recurring costs,
▶ 7:54 Jen Grigoraitis: but anything that's required to fund the school. So Right, correct. Exemptions that we would not consider would be, you know, any staff salaries, any special education costs. Um, I think curriculum materials that are currently in use, um, would be something that we should be funding through, you know, operating or recurring sources of funding. So I think this would really be looking at what are one time, um, expenses that could possibly be supplemented with this money. So I don't know what the committee will consider, but I think it could be things like technology or if there's a desire to pilot curriculum that are not yet mandatory for us to put in place, or if there's a need to supplement uniforms
▶ 8:32 Jen Grigoraitis: or instruments or, I'm thinking of things like that. I mean, also, when you're talking about $15,000 stretched across a 4,000 student school district, um, that's, that's gonna go really quickly. But I think, um, to Mr. O'Connell's point, thinking about what are the parameters for this body going forward, and particularly how do we educate the public about what it is, and also what it isn't is a really critical part. Um, I'll also just add that, um, for those serving on the committee, as you all well know that there are real restrictions around, um, public employees, um, doing active fundraising so that it's not like the committee can go out and, you know, aggressively fundraise for this. It's the kind of thing like the emergency fund
▶ 9:09 Robb Stewart: where we can let folks know that it exists. And then if people choose to provide funding to it, then we'll have an ability to, um, disseminate that funding in partnership with the schools. Great. Thank you. Thank you for, um, taking action and creating this, uh, uh, sending these appointees down and, um, look forward to supporting them. Thank you. Councilors, Stewart. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you Madam Mayor. Mr. Cohen, for being here. Um, we, we heard, uh, some of the questions I had. Um, where does the, what is the majority of the, the, the funding sources coming from? Do we know In terms of like individual residents making donations? Is it individuals, is businesses? Is it, is it, So it, I dunno the answer to that.
▶ 9:55 Jen Grigoraitis: Definitively, it appears on residential and I guess, um, commercial property tax bills, so we can get that breakdown. Um, but it's been, you know, having talked with the CFO, we can obviously see how the donations come in. It's a pretty just steady, it averages about $800 a year. We didn't really notice a pattern of, you know, if an override passes or fails that we start to see significant increase in donations. Um, I don't know if any are recurring. We can definitely get that information. Yeah, just wondering if there's any way programs that can be like a state related or so forth that, that could be added to this without, to your point, aggressively fund raising, because it sounds like a, a nice little supplemental, uh,
▶ 10:37 Robb Stewart: addition to, you know, the, the school system, which would be nice. Mm-hmm. Um, also, um, my question was gonna be a little more direct. Where would you like to see this, uh, be allocated? Have you put any thoughts to that? And I would direct that more to Mr. Kong. Sure. Uh, well, I, I'm one of four people to be, uh, appointed, uh, wi with leave of this body, uh, so that it'll be a committee decision. I should say that in addition to the four, uh, residents that the mayor is appointing, there is a superintendent designee, I suspect that will be the school department's financial officer, Mr. Kelly. Um, so we will certainly, uh, and we also have the benefit, uh, of having, uh, an educator, uh, to be appointed, uh, to this committee,
▶ 11:26 Kimberly Vandiver: uh, thanks to the mayor. So I, I think we'll be looking to Mr. Kelly, who I've had a long relationship with, uh, and Ms. Crookshank, um, to help lead that discussion in terms of determining where these funds might be best applied. Um, but that will certainly be a committee decision. Got it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Any other questions from the committee? Um, entertain a motion? I'll make a motion to recommend to the full counsel. Second. Okay. A motion to recommend, um, by, uh, uh, uh, by Counselor Stewart and, uh, second by Councillor Occhio. Um, all in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Uh, that will go back to the full council, um, with a motion to recommend. Thank you.
▶ 12:21 Jen Grigoraitis: Thank you very much. Appreciate it. And the next order of business we have is, um, ID number 1, 2 4 2 7. The appointment of Kate Hartke, um, 52 Mooreland Road, Melrose to the Melrose Education Fund Committee for a term of three years, said termed expired the last day of February, 2028. Uh, thank you, Madam Chair. I'm really pleased to have Kate up here tonight for Cons, your consideration. Um, she, as you know, you'll see there's a little intentionality as we build this committee, a former school committee member who really understands the needs and finances of the district. Um, Kate brings both the parent perspective as the parent of a current elementary school students soon to be middle schooler, um, as well
▶ 13:02 Jen Grigoraitis: as a substantive background in municipal finance. She works for a neighboring municipality. And the understanding of not just what are the needs, but how we can fund those needs, which is, you know, often more complicated than the general public is aware. She understands collective bargaining agreements, um, multi-year contracts, what we can and can't fund with different sources of funding. To, to have that level of knowledge, um, assist this committee, I think will put a, at a huge advantage. So I'm really thrilled that her willingness to serve. Any questions from the committee? Yes, Councillor Stewart. Thank You, Madam Chair. I'll ask you the same question. Where would you like to see the funding go?
▶ 13:38 Um, thank you for the question. That's a great question. Um, one of the things that I've been thinking about for this committee is that we really do need to weigh the merits of each of the requests that we'll have and whether or not that's from the school committee or, um, we simply discuss further with the superintendent's efficient, um, or ex, uh, person that they appoint. I think we'll have to look at what the requests are. And my current line of work, I work in grants development. And so one thing is really looking at the funding and seeing how far it will go. So we'll wanna see where this sort of like one, uh, not insubstantial small pot of funding can really, we can stretch it, especially going into the next, um,
▶ 14:17 fiscal year for the schools. I think technology is a great idea. If we had any, like one time single non-recurring expenses of upgrading a smaller batch of Chromebooks or an unexpected warranty cost comes up, I think those would be really good, good places. But again, it will be up to the school, um, what their different, um, proposals are. And then it will be up to us as a committee to identify what the criteria are and make a determination on what we think would be the best use of the funds for the community. Uh, yes, I appreciate your input and your, your ideas. Thank you. Um, just one, one side question. Is the school committee gonna have any impact or influence on any of these decisions?
▶ 15:01 Cal Finocchiaro: No. Under state law, the way the fund is set up is it's managed by the city. Um, obviously the, the school business manager will be involved, but there is not a direct line to the school committee. Okay, Great. And apologies, I misspoke with that. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Any other questions? Councilor Kyra? Um, Excuse me. I just wanna say thank you for stepping up and volunteering to be on this board. It's nice that we're have it, um, you know, organized and we have a committee that's gonna be overseeing the funds. Um, and I just wanna make a motion to recommend. Thank you. Second, We have a motion to recommend from Councilor Occhio and a second from, uh, by President merely ex-officio.
▶ 15:39 Kimberly Vandiver: Um, and I'll just take a moment to say as well. Thank you, um, for, to this nominee and all of the, the nominees, I appreciate the mayor, um, bringing them forward. Um, at this time, we'll take a voice vote. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Um, that will also go back to the full council with a motion to recommend. Um, I also should have said previously, um, for, for anybody with a motion to recommend that you're welcome to come to the full council meeting, but you're not required to attend at that time. Um, thank you so much for coming. Thank you. Appreciate it. Um, I would, uh, we have several other appointments tonight. Um, and two more for this, um, education fund that are not in order on the agenda.
▶ 16:19 Kimberly Vandiver: I would entertain any motion to take those appointments next so that we can keep them grouped. Yes. Motion, um, to take item 1, 2, 4, 4, 6 out of order. Second. Okay. Motion to take id. 1, 2, 4, 4, 6 out of order. Um, from President Meley and a second, um, from Councilor Stewart. I All in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay. So we have ID number 1, 2, 4, 4 6, the appointment of TA Tracy Khan, uh, 22 Martin Street, Melrose to the Ma Melrose Education Fund Committee for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of February, 2028. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, as Mr. O'Connell previewed, Ms. Crookshank, um, wears many hats and I think will be a real asset to this committee. She is a public school educator,
▶ 17:07 Jen Grigoraitis: currently teaching high school in a neighboring community, and she is the parent of a current Melrose High School senior. So she has that through the parents lens scene, the district K to 12. Um, and so brings both of those that professional knowledge and personal familial experience. I'm really thrilled that she's willing to, um, give her time to this. And I'm thrilled to be putting her before you tonight. Wonderful. Any questions from the committee? Yes. Councillor Stewart. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, thank you Mr, for being in front of us. I feel like my entire award is here. It's great. Um, I just, I wanna offer you to, to share your ideas as well as I've been asking the other, um, nominees that have been before.
▶ 17:45 So what are your ideas? Um, thank you for that. Um, I, I agree with the rest of the committee. I think that it, it's important for us to gather. We haven't had a chance to do that yet. And to, um, find out, you know, uh, what we're all thinking, I think. But as the, as an educator, um, I'm a little bit concerned about, um, finding out what teachers' perspectives are being one. Um, that's just a point of interest for me. I think it's important to take into consideration what, what they feel, um, that, uh, budget could possibly be directed towards and, you know, be the most help. Great. Okay. Thank you. Sure. Thank you Madam Chair. Uh, anybody else on discussion? Just Councillor Nochi. I Wanna say thank you for stepping out.
▶ 18:41 Kimberly Vandiver: I should have said that as well, too. Mr. Calls. Sorry. Um, and again, appreciate you, you know, we're organized group committee here to oversee these funds and just wanna make a motion to recommend. Second. Alright. A motion to recommend by Councilor FIA with a second by President Elli ex officio. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? So, that will also go to the full council with a motion to recommend. Um, and again, you, um, don't need to attend that meeting, uh, but you are welcome to if you'd like to. Thank you so much for coming. Thank you. And for your willingness to serve on the committee. Uh, yes, Madam Chair. I will make a motion to move ID 1, 2, 4, 4, 5 out of order. I have a motion to move ID 1, 2, 4, 4, 5 out of order.
▶ 19:28 Kimberly Vandiver: Is there a second? Second. Um, so, motion by President Elli ex-Officio. And a second, um, by Councilor Finocchiaro to move ID 1, 2, 4, 4, 5. So this next ID is the appointment of Daniel Mueller, 66 Sargent Street, Melrose, to the Melrose Education Fund Committee for a term of three years, said term to expire the last day of February, 2028. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I don't believe Daniel is with us this evening. Um, and I apologize that I don't have more information on that. He is a current Melrose High School senior, um, and is actually serving as one of the student representatives to the school committee. I do think as we've sort of talked about the different points of intersection for this committee, financial management, um,
▶ 20:09 Jen Grigoraitis: the school committee perspective, a teacher perspective, and then I think a student voice is really critical to be able to hear about the needs of the district and how best we could use the supplemental funding from his lens. So I'm really thrilled that his willingness to serve as he enters the, the final months of his tenure in Melrose Public Schools. Um, so would certainly welcome your consideration of this tonight. Um, I personally know Dan, he's a great kid and a smart kid, and I fully, um, um, I think he'd be great on the committee. So I would like to make a motion to recommend. Second, Have a motion to recommend from Councilor Finocchiaro and a second from Councilor Stewart. Um, anybody on discussion? Okay. All in favor?
▶ 20:56 Kimberly Vandiver: Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay. So that will also pass to the full council with a motion to recommend. Thank you. Uh, moving on our next order of business. Let's see, where did we pick up? Uh, is it item five? I think so. Yep. Yep. Okay. So we have ID number 1, 2, 4, 3 0 appointment of Brian Kowski, seven 80 Main Street to the Melrose Human Rights Commission for a three year term, said term set to expire the last day of February, 2028. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I am pleased to put Brian before you for consideration. I just wanna highlight that he actually reached out to our office seeking appointment after engaging with the clerk's office, um, helping to work on elections and wanting to be more civically involved,
▶ 21:40 Jen Grigoraitis: which is just a wonderful thing to see, especially from a relatively new, um, Melrose resident. He brings a very substantive background in, um, the sciences that I will not even pretend to accurately assess. Um, so I think brings a really critical lens to the Human Rights Commission. We are in need of several commissioners for that group. We have four vacancies currently. So I'm really appreciative, um, of his willingness to step up and serve. Thank you. Wonderful. Thank you. And, um, uh, is Mr. Kowski, is there anything you'd like to add before we open up to the committee? Uh, nothing to add unless you have specific questions. Okay. Wonderful. Any questions from the committee? Uh, president Moore. Thank you,
▶ 22:21 Leila Migliorelli: Madam Chair. Thank you Mr. Kowski, um, for stepping up and, uh, throwing your hat in the ring. Um, as a former member of the Human Rights Commission myself, um, I, you know, I really learned a lot and, um, enjoyed the opportunity to serve on that commission. Just curious, wanna hear from you about, um, what you might be hoping to gain or influence. Um, I don't know to what extent if you've attended any meetings or have any, you know, sense of what they're working on, but what specifically drew you to, um, want to get involved? An excellent question. There are a couple of different factors that ended up getting me interested in the position itself. Um, I, I know obviously per what the mayor has said that I,
▶ 23:03 I have a bit of an extensive background in different areas. As I like to say, I've worn many, many hats despite my somewhat, I'll call it short career, but many hats in that time. And in that same time, I've never necessarily been as engaged as I'd like to be. So when I originally got involved with the Clerk's office, um, I started becoming well more closely involved with this community. And for me, it became primarily a matter of giving back to the community of itself. And while the community may, may not necessarily know me now, I feel like they've treated me quite well and in this way I'd like to give back. Um, and I think that my background kind of best informs my application to this particular commission.
▶ 23:43 Um, per the mentioned before, I've been involved in various sciences. I've worked in everything from private companies to the Mass General Brigham Hospital system. So I have encountered many different people from many different walks of life. I have many different experiences accumulated both from my education at a couple of different institutions. And per my mentioned before, many different hats of very many different jobs. And I felt like that converged well with the Human Rights Council, which per the history which I've been given, and a bunch of different other bits that I've read through that, that kind of seems to fit the council's descrip or commissions rather, uh, description pretty well.
▶ 24:20 That they also wear quite a few hats. And I think that my background quite matches that. So a combination of that and, uh, an opportunity to give back to the community. Um, I've had the opportunity not to attend meetings, but I have had correspondence, um, with one of the commissioners on the council. And I know that they've been primarily event based in the past few years, but it was mentioned to me as well, that they've been doing a lot of surveying, doing a lot of data gathering. And that's another thing that kind of drew my attention as well. I'm used to working with data and that's something I'm more pictured walking into this, how we can use that type of information to kind of leap at whatever problems we're facing in that regard.
▶ 24:58 Kimberly Vandiver: Great. Thank you. Uh, any other counselors, councilor Foc Kiara? Just wanna say thank you and, um, sounds really great and just make a motion to recommend Second, a motion to recommend, um, from Councilor Foc Kiara with a second from Councillor Stewart. Anybody on discussion? All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? So that will also, um, go to full counsel with a motion for passage. Uh, you don't need to attend at the time, but you are welcome to if you would like to. And thank you so much for your willingness to serve and, um, as the mayor said, to, um, step into a commission that, that needs more membership and, and work right now. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, the Yes, Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion
▶ 25:45 Jen Grigoraitis: to take ID 1 24 5 4 out of order for another appointment. Just second. Okay. Uh, so we have a motion, uh, by President Elli ex Exofficio to take ID number 1, 2, 4, 5, 4, uh, out of order with a, uh, second by Councilor Occhio. Um, all in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? So, um, that is the appointment of Maria Gita, one 12 Upham Street to the Commission on Women. Thank you, Madam Chair. Just to clarify, um, it's Greg Andis, uh, Lithuanian and Greek. Um, though I, I would be happy to be mistaken for a relative same, same, same. So, Ms. Greis, um, has, is someone I've known for quite some time in the community. She is active, um, in municipal elections as well as state and, um, national politics.
▶ 26:39 Jen Grigoraitis: And she also brings a substantive background as a woman in stem. Um, and I think to have her join our women's commission to think about how we address issues, um, pertaining to women and girls in our community would really add a valuable lens to that. So I was thrilled at her willingness to serve it. Only took a couple phone calls. And, um, here she is. Thank you for Your consideration. Thank you. Wonderful. Thank you. Um, Ms. Gita, is there anything you would like to add before we open it up to the committee? Committee? Uh, I'm thrilled to have been, uh, recruited and invited and, uh, thank you for, um, having me here. I, I am just thrilled to death, so thank you. Wonderful. Any questions from the committee?
▶ 27:23 Leila Migliorelli: Yes, president, uh, mili. Thank You, Madam Chair. Um, similar to the question from Mr. Kansky, what drew you to this commissioner? What are you hoping, um, specifically to get out of, um, your work? I just, through your resume and it's, um, you have a lot of well-rounded history, but just curious about what specifically about the women's, uh, commission on women drew you to that role? So, a number of things. Um, one, to speak to what, um, what, um, the mayor had said. Um, obviously I have, you've seen my cv, um, have a degree in biology, went to an all women's college, um, feel really strongly about women in sciences and technology. Um, what drew me was a little bit of self-serving. Obviously I'm a woman. Um, I'd like to see the lives
▶ 28:14 of all women, um, be improved in any way advanced, um, through levels of any sort of education. Obviously STEM is where my strong suit is. Um, but just put out more, I know that they do the interviewing of, um, leaders, business leaders, political leaders, and that was, I went to one of the meetings and I found that really fascinating, um, to get the message out of important work that is being done by women to show girls in particular, um, what you can and will be when you get older. Great. I feel really, really strongly about that. Thank you. Yep. Any other counselors? Councillor Stewart? Thank you Madam Chair. Um, I'll make a motion to recommend to the full council. Second. Okay. Motion to recommend by Councilor Stewart
▶ 29:13 Kimberly Vandiver: and a second from Councilor Occhio. Um, anybody on discussion? Okay. Uh, all in favor? Aye. Any opposed? So that will also pass, uh, and go to the full council with a recommendation for passage. And you're welcome to join us, but you don't need to, uh, thank you so much for your willingness to serve and I appreciate you coming to speak with us tonight. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate everyone's time. Thank you. Thank you. Can I still speak? Sure. Mm-hmm. And I'll see the chair. Thank you. El? Yes. Yeah. Okay. Alright. Alright. I actually thought of Mary Freak when I first, sorry. Okay. I just wanted to confirm. Yes. Yes. How go? I was Actually looking to spelling your last name and I said that's gonna be Greek.
▶ 30:06 Kimberly Vandiver: Yeah, it is. All right. That's It. I would've pronounced it differently though. That's exactly how I would've Thank you so much. Thank you. Okay. The, uh, the next, so we took that out of order. Uh, let's see. Uh, president, merely, I'll make another motion to take the other appointment out of order. So I make a motion to, uh, take ID 1, 2, 4, 5, 5 out of order. Okay. Um, second motion to take id. 1, 2, 4, 5, 5 out of order by President mere Exofficio with a second from Councillor Occhio. This is, uh, on discussion. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? So this, uh, that motion passage. This is the appointment of, uh, Greg Pini, 79 Borough Street to the Board of Registrar of Voters. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, so I'm pleased to put Mr.
▶ 31:02 Jen Grigoraitis: Pini before you tonight for your consideration to the Board of Registrar Voters. And just to, um, give a little preference because this is a body that's somewhat unique. Um, the Board of Registrar of Voters obviously oversee our elections. It consists of three members as well as the city clerk that is all governed by state law. It is one of the few public bodies that is actually required by law to be partisan. So we have to have an even balance of registered Republicans and registered Democrats. Um, unfortunately, folks who are unenrolled in a party are not able to serve through state law, and that is actually the majority of Melrose voters. So, um, Bridget Alverson resigned from the board in
▶ 31:37 Jen Grigoraitis: November, and her term, um, timed out at the end of February. So Mr. Pini would be replacing her term. She is a registered Democrat. So I have, uh, had reached out to the Democratic City Committee in accordance with state law for a list of, um, potential nominees, which I do not believe they were able to produce a formal list. There's a vote required in their meeting. Um, so I reached out to Mr. Pini to see about his willingness to serve, and I'm really grateful to him for stepping up. He is a member of the community, has two children of the Melrose Public Schools, is active in youth sports, and is also a lawyer with substantive experience in municipal and school issues. And I think, I know you all know better than, um,
▶ 32:15 Jen Grigoraitis: anyone given your role with the Clerk's office, how complex, um, the regulatory environment is around local and state and federal elections and grow. So more so each day as we've added things like vote by mail and early voting. So I think having someone with his knowledge of the law and how it can be interpreted and best used to ensure that we're providing equal opportunity to voting for all of our residents, um, will be a huge benefit. So I'm really appreciative of him for stepping up again. It only took like one phone call. Uh, thank you. Um, before we turn it over to the counselors, Mr. Pini, anything you'd like to add? Um, I don't have anything to add. I'd be happy to, to answer any questions
▶ 32:54 Kimberly Vandiver: that you folks have for me though. Okay. Any, anything from the counselors committee? Councillor, Kyra? Um, You have an extensive resume, so you look like you're qualified for the position. Dress the part, dress the part. Um, again, we appreciate, you know, stepping up it's volunteer position and, um, like everybody else here. So, um, thank you. And we'd like to make a motion to recommend. Second. Okay. Motion to recommend from Councillor Finocchiaro. And second by President Moore exofficio. Anybody on discussion? Does anyone have another language to speak? I don't, unfortunately. I'm sorry. It disappoints. Uh, so all in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? So that motion passes, uh, to the full council with a motion
▶ 33:47 Kimberly Vandiver: to recommend, uh, you're welcome to attend, but you don't need to. Um, and thank you so much for, for coming and being willing to serve on this important, um, do this important work. Thank you. Thank you, thank you. Okay. Uh, so we are back to item number seven on our agenda. The, um, ID number 1, 2, 4, 4 8. The reappointment of Mark S. Robinson one 16 Country Club Road to the Library Board of Trustees. Any, uh, so as a reappointment, um, Mr. Robinson is not required to appear, although per our rules update, counselors may make a formal request to have him appear. Um, does anybody ha uh, have any motion to make relative to this appointment? Reappointment, uh, councilor Stewart? Yeah, Madam Chair. I'll make a motion
▶ 34:42 Kimberly Vandiver: to recommend without, uh, him attending to the full council. Second. Okay. So, motion to recommend by Councilor Stewart with the second by President merely ex-officio anybody on discussion? All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? So, um, that reappointment will, uh, go to the full committee, go to the full council with a recommendation for passage. Uh, the next, uh, the next item on our agenda is ID number 1, 2, 4, 4, 9, the reappointment of Jason Webb of 92 Morgan Street to the Soldiers and sailors, Memorial Building Trustees, uh, president Elli. I'll Make a motion to recommend second Motion to recommend by President Elli and second by Councilor Occhio. Anybody on discussion? Um, all in favor? Aye.
▶ 35:32 Kimberly Vandiver: Aye. Any opposed? So that will also go to the full council with a motion for passage. Uh, the next item on our agenda is ID number 1, 2, 4, 5 0. The reappointment of Christopher Bernard of 71 Cranmore Lane, to the soldiers and sailors, Memorial Building Trustees, uh, Councillor Stewart. Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, A recommendation, um, a motion to recommend to the full council. Second, motion to recommend by Councilor Stewart and, uh, uh, second by Councilor Occhio. Anybody on discussion? All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? So that also passes, uh, recommended to the full council for passage. The next, uh, item on our agenda is ID number 1, 2, 4, 5, 2. The reappointment of Mary Sexton to the Soldiers
▶ 36:18 Kimberly Vandiver: and Sailors, Memorial Building Trustees and Councilor Occhio. I'd like to make a motion to recommend, motion to recommend by Councilor Occhio. Second. Second by Councilor Stewart. Uh, on discussion. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? That will also go to the full council with a motion, with a recommendation for passage. And that concludes our business for tonight. Uh, entertain a motion to adjourn. I Cheryl make a motion to adjourn. Second. Motion Adjourn. Councilor Stewart And the second by Councilor Pinocchio. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? We are adjourned.