City Council — 2025-05-05

City Council Regular Meeting

This meeting starts at 37:27 in a recording that covers several meetings.

Attendance

Cal Finocchiaro present · Ward 6; Mark Garipay present · Ward 4; Ward Hamilton present · At-Large; Maya Jamaleddine present · At-Large; Manjula Karamcheti present · Ward 1; Leila Migliorelli present · At-Large; John Obremski absent · Ward 2; Devin Romanul present · 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● MAY 5, 2025 Council Chamber, First Floor, Melrose City Hall Regular Meeting 8:05 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 Present Maya Jamaleddine At-Large Present Manjula Karamcheti Ward 1 Present John Obremski Ward 2 Absent 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

(ID # 12666) Enterprise Fund Fiscal 2026 Mt. Hood Enterprise Budget in the amount of $2,219,559. Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee

(ID # 12667) Enterprise Fund Fiscal 2026 Solid Waste Enterprise Fund Budget in the amount of $3,529,118 Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee

(ID # 12671) Enterprise Fund Fiscal 2026 Sewer Enterprise Budget in the amount of $8,280,121. Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee

(ID # 12672) Enterprise Fund Fiscal 2026 Water Enterprise Fund Budget in the amount of $6,441,569. Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee

(ID # 12678) Operating Budgets (City, School, Regional School) City of Melrose Page 1 5/6/2025 1:39 PM Minutes City Council May 5, 2025 Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget in the amount of $107,575,802. Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee

(ID # 12679) Operating Budgets (City, School, Regional School) Appropriations in the amount of $370,948.80 from Perpetual Care ($12,000), Sale of Lots and Graves ($50,000), Parking Receipts ($75,000), Bond Premiums ($33,948.80) and the Public Health Education and Safety Fund ($200,000) as funding sources of the Fiscal 2026 Operating Budget. Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee

(ID # 12680) Appropriation An Appropriation from Sewer Retained Earnings account 6000- 319000 in the amount of $200,000 to Sewer professional Services account 604412-529000. Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee

(ID # 12670) Enterprise Fund Revoke the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44, § 53F½ ceasing the operation of the Ambulance Enterprise Fund, effective Fiscal Year 2026, beginning July 1, 2025. Assigned to Committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee

(ID # 12673) Enterprise Fund Fiscal Year 2026 Sewer Rates Assigned to Committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee

(ID # 12674) Enterprise Fund Fiscal Year 2026 Sewer Rates Assigned to Committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee

(ID # 12675) Revolving Fund/Reauthorization City of Melrose Page 2 5/6/2025 1:39 PM Minutes City Council May 5, 2025 Reauthorization of the City of Melrose Revolving Fund Table for Fiscal 2026. Assigned to Committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee

(ID # 12596) Appointment/Reappointment Appointment of Timothy Jasionowski, 143 Upham Street, to the Cable Television Commission, for a term of three years, said term to expire last day of February 2028. Passed Boards & Commission

(ID # 12632) Appointment/Reappointment Appointment of Lisa Matey Bergeron, 63 Howard Street, to the Melrose Elderly & Disabled Taxation Fund Committee Passed Boards & Commission

(ID # 12634) Appointment/Reappointment Appointment of Mike Festa, 127 Boston Rock Road, to the Melrose Elderly & Disabled Taxation Fund Committee Passed Boards & Commission

(ID # 12635) Appointment/Reappointment Appointment of Gail Infurna, 12 Mt. Vernon Street, to the Melrose Elderly & Disabled Taxation Fund Committee Passed Boards & Commission

(ID # 12636) Appointment/Reappointment Appointment of Anne Ahern, 98 West Emerson Street, to the Park Commission Passed Boards & Commission

(ID # 12654) Appointment/Reappointment Appointment of Linda J. Thompson of 198 Melrose Street, to the Melrose Human Rights Commission, for a term of three years, said term to expire last day of February 2028. Passed Boards & Commission

APPRO-2025-20 Appropriation City of Melrose Page 3 5/6/2025 1:39 PM Minutes City Council May 5, 2025 An Appropriation from Free Cash(account 01-324001) in the amount of $175,000 to DPW Admin (#401) for Lebanon and Sylvan Street Stormwater Project. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee

APPRO-2025-21 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $150,000 to DPW Facilities (#402) for repairs to the Franklin School all purpose room. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee

APPRO-2025-22 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $100,000 to DPW Facilities (#402) for asbestos remediation projects. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee

APPRO-2025-33 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $68,000 to DPW- Parks and Forestry (#475) for tree plantings. Passed as Amended Appropriations & Oversight Committee

APPRO-2025-23 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $50,000 to DPW Highway (#422) for sidewalk repairs. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee

APPRO-2025-24 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $25,000 to DPW-Admin (#401) to fund a Stormwater Enterprise Study. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee

APPRO-2025-25 Appropriation City of Melrose Page 4 5/6/2025 1:39 PM Minutes City Council May 5, 2025 An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $80,000 to DPW Admin (#401) for Stormwater improvements at Ell Pond Park. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee

APPRO-2025-26 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $75,000 to DPW Highway (#422) for traffic improvements. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee

APPRO-2025-27 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $8,000 to DPW - Parks (#475) for flowers at Veterans memorials. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee

APPRO-2025-28 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash(account 01-324001) in the amount of $189,000 to DPW Facilities (#402) for repairs to the Franklin School. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee

APPRO-2025-29 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $48,000 to DPW-Parks (#475) for improvements to the Dog Park. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee

APPRO-2025-30 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $20,000 to HR (#152) to fund costs associated with physicals and advertising. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee

APPRO-2025-31 Appropriation City of Melrose Page 5 5/6/2025 1:39 PM Minutes City Council May 5, 2025 An Appropriation from Free Cash(account 01-324001) in the amount of $20,000 to the Melrose Cultural Council (#2543). Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee

APPRO-2025-32 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $16,000 to the Police Department (#211) for evidence software. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee

(ID # 12651) Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $90,000 to the Police Department (#211) for the purchase of a new cruiser. Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee

(ID # 12653) Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $2,000 to the Mayor's Office (#121) for costs associated with the inauguration. Defeated Appropriations & Oversight Committee

GRANT-2025-14 Grant Acceptance of the FY25 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant awarded to the Melrose Fire Department by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Fire Services, in the amount of $4,282.02. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee

(ID # 12665) License - Gasoline Storage Gasoline Storage Renewals for 2025 Round 2 Placed on File Protection and License Committee

(ID # 12610) Contract City of Melrose Page 6 5/6/2025 1:39 PM Minutes City Council May 5, 2025 That the City Council authorize the Mayor to enter into an Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with Malden, Medford, Wakefield, Winchester, and Stoneham as part of the Commonwealth’s Public Health Excellence (PHE) for Shared Services Grant initiative. Passed Appropriations & Oversight Committee City of Melrose Page 7 5/6/2025 1:39 PM

Transcript

▶ 37:33 Leila Migliorelli: I am President Elli in accordance with Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. This meeting is being broadcast and recorded by Melrose Cable Access tv and will be available for reviewing in its entirety on MMTV and through the city website link. Madam Clerk, will you please call the role? Yes. Councilor fro Here. Councilor Gareg? Here. Councilor Hamilton. Here. Councilor Jamal Ledine. Here, councilor Karen Chetty. Here. Cremsky Councillor Romanul. Here. Councilor Stewart? Here. Councilor Vandiver. Here. Councilor Williams. Here. President Meli Here. That makes that Some quorum for the record. Um, we can stand again if you like. For pledge allegiance, I pledge alle literally to the flag of the United States of America

▶ 38:22 Leila Migliorelli: and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay, at this time I will motion to approve with by unanimous consent without reading the minutes from our meeting on April 28th. Seeing no objections, those minutes are now approved. Now we will move on to public comment. I will motion by unanimous consent to open the floor for public comment. Seeing no objections, we are now open for public comment, seeing as there's nobody here in public, in the public and there's no one online. I will now motion by unanimous consent to close public comment you've already heard from the mayor tonight. So moving on to new business, um, filings, um, or appropriations.

▶ 39:17 Appropriations ID number 1 2 6 6 6 fiscal 2026 Mount Hood Enterprise budget and the amount of $2,219,559. This will go to appropriations and oversight ID number 1 2 6 6 7 fiscal 2026 Solid Waste Enterprise Fund budget in the amount of $3,529,118. This will go to appropriations and oversight ID number 1 2 6 7 1 fiscal 2026 sewer enterprise budget in the amount of $8,280,121. This will go to appropriations and oversight ID number 1 2 6 7 2 fiscal 2026 Water Enterprise Fund budget in the amount of $6,441,569. This will also go to appropriations ID number 1 2 6 7 8 fiscal year 2026. Operating budget in the amount of $107,575,802. This will go to appropriations ID number 1 2 6 7 9 appropriations in the amount

▶ 40:25 of $370,948 and 80 cents from Perpetual Care. 12,000 sale of lots and Graves, 50,000 parking receipts, 75,000 bond premiums, $33,948 and 80 cents. And the Public Health Education and Safety Fund, 200,000 as funding sources of the fiscal 2026 operating budget. This Will go to appropriations and oversight ID number 1 2 6 8 0. An appropriation from sewer retained earnings account. 6 0 0 0 dash 3 1 9 0 0 in the amount of $200,000 to Sewer Professional Services account is 6 0 4 4 1 2 dash 5 2 9 0. This will go to Appropriations and Oversight. And next orders ID number 1 2 6 7 0 Revoke the provisions of M of Mass General Law, chapter 44 53 F1 and a half seizing the operation of the Ambulance Enterprise Fund.

▶ 41:28 Effective fiscal year 2026, beginning July 1st, 2025. This Will go to appropriations and oversight ID number 1 2 6 7 3 fiscal year 2026. Sewer rates, Appropriations and oversight ID number 1 2 6 7 4 fiscal year 2026. Sewer rates, Appropriations and oversight ID number 1 2 6 7 5 Reauthorization of the city of Melrose's revolving fund table for fiscal 2026 Appropriations and oversight now onto unfinished business appointments and reappointments ID number 1 2 5 9 6. Appointment of Timothy Jess, 1 43 Upham Street to the Cable Television Commission for a term of three years. Said term to expire last day of February, 2028. Um, Madam President, if I may, um, I'd like to motion to, uh, join the six appropriations that we have, uh, this,

▶ 42:31 Kimberly Vandiver: sorry, the six appointments that we have. Um, ID number 1, 2, 5, 9, 6. ID number 1, 2, 6, 3, 2. ID number 1, 2, 6, 3, 4. ID number 1, 2, 6, 3, 5. Uh, ID number 1, 2, 6. Three six. ID number 1, 2, 6. Five, four. Um, all of which come from the, um, boards and Commissions Committee with recommendations for, um, passage. I'll second that motion. Motion for conjoining these six orders. Um, appointment orders made by Councillor Vandiver, seconded by Councillor Karam Shady on discussion. Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Those orders are now conjoined And, uh, I would like to motion to approve those appointments. Second. Second. Motion to approve, um, the conjoined appointments made by Councillor Vandiver,

▶ 43:19 secondary by Councilor Karm Shady. Um, all in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Those appointments are now approved. So on to appropriations ID number 1 2 6 3 7 And appropriation from free cash account zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 in the amount of $175,000 to DPW admin number 4 0 1 for Lebanon and Sylvan Street Stormwater Project. Madam President, this comes from appropriations with a recommendation for passage, and at this time I'll make a motion. Second Motion for passage, uh, made by Councillor Repe, seconded by Councilor Romanul. On discussion. Seeing none. Madam Clerk, please call the role Councilor fro. Yes. Councilor gpe? Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Jamal Ledine. Yes. Council Karen Chetty. Yes.

▶ 44:15 Councilor Romanul. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Ver. Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. Motion passes. Okay. ID number 1 2 6 3 8 in appropriation from free cash account zero one dash 3 2 4 0 1 in the amount of $150,000 to DPW facilities Number 4 0 2 for repairs to the Franklin School All purpose Room. Mad President. This comes from appropriations and oversight with the recommendation for passage and I'll make that motion. Second Motion for passage made by Councilor Repe. Seconded by Councilor Carrum Chay. On discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk Councilor Guiro? Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes. Councillor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Jamal Ledine. Yes. Councilor Carrum Chetty. Yes.

▶ 45:05 Councilor Romanul. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Vandiver? Yes. Counselor Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. Motion passes ID number 1 2 6 3 9 in appropriation from free cash account zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 in the amount of a hundred thousand dollars to DBW facilities number 4 0 2 for asbestos. I never know how to say that word. Re remediation projects. Madam Present This comes from appropriations for the recommendation for passage, and I'll make that motion. Second. Motion for passage made by Councillor Pac. Seconded by Councillor Carm Chay. Anyone on discussion? Seeing none, Madam Clerk Councilor Occhio? Yes. Councilor Gar. Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Carrum Chetty. Yes.

▶ 45:55 Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vanderberg. Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Melissa? Yes. Motion passes. One ID number 1 2 6 4 0. An appropriation from free cash account zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 in the amount of 68,000 to DPW Parks and Forestry. Number 4, 7 5 for tree plantings. Madam President, this comes from Appropriations with a Rec recommendation for passage and I'll make that motion. Second motion for passage made by Councillor Repe, seconded by Councillor Kera Chay on discussion. Councillor for Niro. Vandiver and Aldine. Yes. Uh, thank you, uh, Madam President. Uh, I just wanted to make a comment, um, last, when we were discussing this, uh, during appropriations, um,

▶ 46:50 Kimberly Vandiver: I was voting no against it, but I spoke to some residents in my ward, um, that felt very strongly about it. And, um, since it's not an exorbitant amount of money, I am going to bevo voting yes for it tonight. So just wanna put that Out there. Thank you. Councillor Van. Do. Thank you. Uh, Madam President, uh, when we discussed this in committee, there was, um, there was also a motion made, um, to reduce the number. I don't know where everybody else stands at the moment, but if that's the only way that it passes, I would be open to passing it in some form rather than not at all. Mm-hmm. Thank you, council. Thank you. Councilor Jamaleddine. Thank you Madam Chair. Uh, Madame President. Um, I want to begin by acknowledging the importance

▶ 47:32 Maya Jamaleddine: of tree planting in our community. It is really important and I totally support that. Trees are vital for environmental sustainability, public health, and the overall quality of life. And marrows. I deeply value the long term vision of a greener, healthier city. And I appreciate the advocacy from residents and organizations who care so passionately about this issue. I do wanted to acknowledge, um, the, uh, uh, mayors residents who just came and spoken, uh, public, uh, during public comments. Um, and I value, um, uh, their input as well. However, tonight we are faced with a very difficult decisions. And this is what we signed up for. We knew the second we ran for office that we are going to commit, um, to making decisions, um,

▶ 48:24 Maya Jamaleddine: and difficult decisions. And this is the time where we are going to make that difficult decision, not about the value of trees, but about fiscal responsibility during a time of significant hardship. We are currently down by more than 20 staff physicians across three departments. And to tonight we heard from, uh, madam, uh, mayor about all the cuts and, um, and positions that we, uh, are not going to be able to fulfill, uh, or, uh, try to post again and open it, open it for, uh, application applicants and also for events, essential services programs and longstanding community events have been cut or put on hold due to this, um, budget hardship. These are not just line items in a budget. They represent real impacts on families, on city workers,

▶ 49:18 Maya Jamaleddine: and on the basic functioning of our city. Allocating 68,000 from free cash for tree planting under different circumstances would be a worthwhile investment. And I would a hundred percent, uh, support it. And matter of fact, I will be probably one of the, uh, first people who would be advocating for that. But right now, with so many core functions under strain, I cannot in good conscious support this allocation. This vote does not reflect a lack of commitment to our environment. It reflects the reality of the tough trade offs we must make in a time of limited resources. I remain committed to finding ways to support sustainability efforts in Melrose as we stabilize our finances. And I look forward to continuing to the conversation about

▶ 50:09 Maya Jamaleddine: how we can do that together. In the meantime, I wanted to share with everyone that we do have, um, that in terms of what's the process, I do understand that the, we are not as a city council body, we cannot, um, uh, decide what this money like, we cannot, uh, allocate this money for a specific service. However, if we do, uh, not pass it, and we can send suggestion with our vote for the mayor so that that administration can come back with, um, uh, different propo proposal to, uh, spend this money on different projects such as safety of our buildings and other essential projects that our departments and our different, uh, uh, buildings are in desperate needs right now. Thank you. Anyone else on discussion? Councillor Stewart.

▶ 51:10 Robb Stewart: Thank you, Madam President. Uh, mad president. Uh, I thought a lot about this over the weekend and, um, I, I understand the, the, um, desire of a lot of people that have trees and so forth. The, the one issue that I, that I look at, and when I compare it to all the other appropriations is it's this third party that does the trees. Uh, and I don't think they do a good job. Uh, I think they plant them underneath telephone wires, which cause problems. Um, they plant them during 95 degree days, which puts at risk for the tree. After we spent the money, they, they put one water bag out and say, you know, well you gotta go water it. And our city either does not have the resources or it relies on the neighborhood, which is I think a chance.

▶ 52:03 Robb Stewart: And I find that this is a higher risk investment, um, as opposed to everything else, um, for the community. Uh, so I, I offered, uh, I a, uh, consolation, um, to the, the, um, the committee when we're in committee, uh, it was rejected. So at this point, um, I'm not sure I'm in favor of this. I have a lot of doubts about, uh, supporting this. Thank you. Mad president. Anyone else for the first time? We see none. Councillor Ra. So, um, I can appreciate your comments through the chair. Um, Councillor Stewart? I think the more I thought about this is if this isn't passed now, um, and an override is not approved or passed, then we won't be looking to plant trees for a very long time. You know, despite what you were saying about

▶ 52:58 Cal Finocchiaro: how well they're planted, we might be looking at, you know, having a list of hundreds of people for five years, you know, so, uh, it's not a lot of money. Yes. In the grand scheme of things, the, the city is, you know, we're obviously needing an override. We don't have money to spend, but, um, I think that it's allocated now and it's not a lot of money in the grand scheme of things. And if we wanna get these trees planted and not sit on it for, you know, have unplanted trees for five to 10 years because an override didn't pass, then that's kind of how I'm seeing it right now. So That's It. Anyone else from this side of the horseshoe? Perfect. No. Alright. So we have, oh, sorry. Oh, you had, I was just another comment.

▶ 53:48 Kimberly Vandiver: No, I was just passing. Uh, yes. Councilor van. Uh, just looking at, uh, attendance and counting votes. I would like to, uh, motion to hold, uh, postpone to a time certain being the next, uh, meeting of the next regular meeting of the city council. Uh, which would I believe be May 19th, given that, uh, the last time that we were here, Councillor Bruski voted for the measure and he's not currently present. Okay. So if I recall that this vote, if you're motioning to postpone, it can only be killed like, right? Correct. We don't take a vote on a motion to postpone. Hold on, Let me count, Leave, consult my, Yeah, Hold on. Is This for majority? So my understanding is to pass the appropriation, we would need eight.

▶ 54:46 Um, Right. But we, I mean, we can't speculate on the vote. So we have a motion on the table mm-hmm. For passage, When the vote, I think someone could make an amendment. Uh, someone could make an amendment to reduce the dollar amount, um, tonight and we could vote on that. Mm-hmm. Sure. Uh, So a motion to amend the motion. I have, I'm, I don't know, I already have this, a motion forward, so I don't know if I can make another motion. That's the only reason why I, Uh, I, I think as far as the, um, sorry, the postponing it, I, I don't remember the term, but it, it can happen while something's already on the table. Yeah. Subsidiary. So, subsidiary Motion, Privilege motion. Subsidiary motion is to, to change

▶ 55:31 Leila Migliorelli: or affect how a main motion is handled. Privilege motion is to bring up items that are urgent or special or important matters unrelated to pending business. Um, I'm going to, um, ask for a brief recess. I make a motion for a brief recess. Second, All we are, um, all in favor of recess. A aye. Opposed? Okay. All, hold on. Did you write down what time we recess? I any counts? 22. This is true. Eight 20. Okay. So the motion made by Councilor Vandiver supersedes the motion made by Councillor Repe. So as long as Councillor Vandiver wants to keep that motion on the table to postpone till a date certain, which is May 19th, um, and that, then that is on the table for a vote. So all in favor of postponing.

▶ 56:34 Ward Hamilton: So, Yes. Oh, on discussion. Do we need a second or 7:45 PM We have to make sure that we say at 7:45 PM Um, yes, you do. Ill second the motion. I have second it So we can move. We have to call for a vote too. So, yeah. A roll call vote or a, oh, okay. Mm-hmm. All right. Alright. So, motion to postpone this order till May 19th, made by Councillor Vandiver. Seconded by Councillor Williams. Madam Clerk, will you please call me On discussion? Yes. Sorry. Yep. So, uh, this is an interesting precedent where we're going to pause and push off things that based on the fact that we took a recess for you to take consideration on what next steps were, um, just point of order or whatever the correct point would be,

▶ 57:24 I guess going forward, we'll use that motion when, uh, the council isn't properly populated with the people we want to get the outcome we want with a vote. That's all. Thank you. It seem weird, Just for clarification. Yes. I mean, I suppose you can make that motion at any time. However, wherever you wanna make the motion, that's up to you. Thank you. But the motion's on the table, so, um, okay. Anyone else on discussion? Seeing none, Madam Clerk, this is a vote on to postpone the voting of this order until May 19th at 7 45. At 7:45 PM Okay. Councilor fro? No. Council Oppe? Yes. Councilor Hamilton? No. Councilor Jamal Ledine? No. Counselor. Karen Chetty? No. Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart?

▶ 58:35 No. Councilor Vandiver? Yes. Council Williams? Yes. President Melissa? No. 1, 2, 3, 5. So no habit. Okay. Did I ask, oh, sorry. Councillor Stewart. Madam President, if I may, I would like to make a motion. Is it, is the point of order does the, does the interrupting motion cancel Councillor Rae's motion for passage? Or do we just return to it? I Believe we're still there. We still, yeah. We return to it. So there's a motion on the table made by Councilor Repe for passage, seconded by Councilor Carm Shady. Um, on discussion. Councilor Romanul. Uh, thank you so much. Um, I, I am in favor of, of the appropriation, but I, I just wanted to make a note through the chair about Councilor Stewart's, um, comment I,

▶ 59:33 Devin Romanul: that, that would be troubling if, if the company with whom we're historically contracting is planting in ways that are deleterious to the, uh, ultimate goal of the appropriation. And so, uh, I were to pass, I, I would love to follow up with the administration to make sure that we're doing so in such a way that we're not wasting money. 'cause it is such an important, uh, expenditure and, and a long term one. So, um, anyway, uh, really appreciate the, the commentary in the heads up and, and wanna make sure that any RFP or contract that we put out includes specific language to protect the, the investment that we're making. Thank you so much. Anyone else on discussion? Councilor Hamilton? Thank

▶ 1:00:11 Ward Hamilton: You. Um, I think my track record in the last year plus has been to support measures that come down from the administration, free cash and otherwise. And, um, this latest batch of free cash is no exception, um, with the exception of, um, the trees, which certainly I support and see the value in, um, investing in trees in our community. However, uh, we're in an interesting time as we heard tonight and as we're gonna discuss in the coming weeks and months, and optics matter, and I am ever mindful of the fact that as, uh, stories are published in the Murr's Weekly News and elsewhere of the, um, financial situation that we find ourselves in, at any given time, members of the community can tune in

▶ 1:01:07 Ward Hamilton: and pay attention to what we're talking about and what we're spending money on. And in ordinary times, absolutely we want to invest in, in trees. And, um, there is maybe one other item one here that I question. Um, but at this moment, optics matter, the message we send to the community matters. And while I would love to spend multiple times this amount of money on trees in our community, um, I feel that this is not the correct time. And so I will be voting No thank you, Councilor. I did see Councilor Vandiver hand up. Do you wanna I I'll defer. Councilor Stewart, and then Councilor Carrum. Chief. Thank you, Madam President. Mad president. Uh, um, I ask for your, um, point of, um, clarification on process.

▶ 1:01:54 Robb Stewart: Mm-hmm. Um, am I able to make a motion to amend at this point, or do we have to remove his motion? I have to, you can motion to amend the motion on the floor? Yes, you can. Motion to amend. Thank you. Just clarify. So amend, present, I would like to make a motion to amend, uh, similar to what I made in committee, uh, to amend the a dollar amount to $34,000 Second Motion to amend the order to approve, um, trees down from 68 to $34,000 on discussion. And if I just may add, this is a concession because I, I think it, um, it, my thought process is a couple, couple areas. One is it does, uh, address, uh, the concerns of the financial conditions of the city, um, that we're not just level funding from last year,

▶ 1:03:00 Robb Stewart: that we are actually taking reduction. Um, and also, um, I would like a clear message to be sent to, uh, the tree company that, that does this work that they need to do better, uh, because this is real money that our constituency invests in. Um, and I think it's, uh, a compromise, uh, across the council. Thank you. Councillor Carm Shady. Um, first I just wanna say I really appreciate the conversation that we're having around this order. I think these are the exact conversations that we need to be having in regards to the budget situation that we're in. And I really appreciate everybody's thoughtfulness. Um, in terms of thinking about your constituents, thinking about the situation that we're in,

▶ 1:03:48 Manjula Karamcheti: and as I am someone who voted yes, uh, for tree plantings and appropriation in thinking about this, I was really thinking about it in line with many of our other, um, free cash appropriations, which are sort of about repairs and fixing of things. And I think what we learned in our appropriations meeting is that these tree plantings are actually to replace dead trees that were removed in many cases. And so I'm seeing that in line with sort of the other things that we are looking to repair or replace that people are, have already been waiting for. Um, that being said, I think it also is requests myself, I have a request for a new tree that I would love to have, um, around our perimeter. So I'm in, I'm thinking that I would support the amendment

▶ 1:04:48 Mark Garipay: with the idea that those replacements are, what is the priority for folks who have been waiting for dead trees to be replaced. Um, that seems to make good sense and seems like, uh, a compromise that makes sense. Um, at this time. Thank you. Councillor Gepe? Yes. Tree has taken a lot of conversations. I, I just wanna, uh, care about them. You know, I want to thank, um, council Stewart for making that amendment the other day. Um, seeing, but I, I voted against it because I truly believe that we needed all, all the total amount for, for, for continuing, um, to keep the, the list down. Um, so I will, I will be supporting this amendment and I appreciate you putting another amendment forward to at least we can keep something going. So, thank you

▶ 1:05:45 Leila Migliorelli: Councillor Vanderberg, Just, uh, also like to chime in through the chair that I appreciate the amendment and being brought forth again. Thank you. Okay. Seeing no other comments, motion on the floor is to amend mo pass as amended. Um, we have to vote on the amendment first. Amend, let's vote on the amendment. Okay. So we're voting to amend the order to 34,000 made by Councilor Stewart. Seconded by Counselor Hamilton. Yes. Okay. Um, all in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay. So now the order is before us, or motion is before us as amended. Councilor Repe. I Will make a motion for passage as amended. Second. Second motion for passage as amended made by Councillor Repe, seconded by Councillor Stewart.

▶ 1:06:41 Um, on discussion, seeing none, Madam Clerk. Okay. Councilor Ro? Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Chetty? Yes. Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vandiver. Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. Present mre? Yes. Motion passes as amended. Okay, Moving on. Okay. One ID number 1, 2, 6, 4, 1 in appropriation from free cash account zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 in the amount of $50,000 to TPW highway number 4, 2, 2 for sidewalk repairs. Madam Present, this comes from appropriations with the recommendation for passage, and I'll make a motion for passage. Second. Motion for passage made by Councillor Repe, seconded by Councillor Karam Chaney.

▶ 1:07:38 On discussion, seeing no discussion, Madam Clerk Council Noro? Yes. Councilor Repe. Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Council Jamine? Yes. Council. Karen Chetty. Yes. Councilor Romanul. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vandiver. Yes. Council Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. Motion passes ID number 1, 2 6 4 2. And appropriation from free cash account zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 in the amount of $25,000 to DPW dash admin. Number 4 0 1, to fund a storm storm water enterprise study. Madam President, this comes from appropriations with the recommendation for passage, and I'll make a motion for passage. Second. Motion for passage made by Councilor Repe. Seconded by Councilor Carrum. Shady. Anyone on discussion?

▶ 1:08:31 Seeing none, Madam Clerk Fro? Yes. Councilor Gpe? Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Council Jamal Ledine. Yes. Council Karen Chetty. Yes. Council Romano? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vandiver. Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Moore. Yes. Motion passes ID number 1, 2 6, 4 3 in appropriation from free cash. 0 1 3 24. One in the amount of $80,000 to DPW admin number 4 0 1 for stormwater improvements at L Pond Park. Madam Present, this comes from appropriation with a recommendation for passage. And at this time, I'll make a motion for passage. Second, Motion for passage made by Councilor Repe, seconded by Councilor Kara Shady. On discussion, seeing none. Madame Clerk Councilor fro? Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes.

▶ 1:09:23 Councilor Jamal ine. Yes. Councilor Rum Chetty. Yes. Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vandiver. Yes. Council Williams? Yes. President Re? Yes. Motion passes ID number 1, 2, 6, 4 4. And appropriation from free cash. Zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 in the amount of $75,000 to DPW. Number 4, 2, 2 for traffic improvements. Madam Present, this comes from, uh, appropriation appropriations for the recommendation for passage. At this time, I'll make that motion. Second Motion for passage made by Councilor Repe, seconded by Councillor Williams. On discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk Councillor fro. Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes. Hamilton? Yes. Council Jamine? Yes. Council. Karen Chetty. Yes. Councilor Romanul. Yes.

▶ 1:10:11 Council Stewart? Yes. Council Vandiver? Yes. Council Williams? Yes. And President Elli? Yes. Motion passes. Okay. Id Number 1, 2, 6, 4, 5. And appropriation from free cash account zero one dash 3 2 4 0 1 in the amount of $8,000 to DPW Parks. Number 4, 7 5 for flowers at Veterans Memorials. Madam President, this comes from appropriations with a recommendation for passage, and I'll make the motion for passage. Second. Motion for passage made by Councilor Repe. Seconded by Councillor Kara Chen. Anyone on discussion? Seeing none. Madame Clerk Councilor Ro? Yes. Councilor Garipay? Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Chetty. Yes. Councillor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes.

▶ 1:10:59 Councilor Vandiver. Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. Motion passes. Um, ID number 1, 2 6 4 6. An appropriation for free cash account zero one dash 3 2 4 0 1 in the amount of 189,000 to DPW facilities. Number 4 0 2 for repairs to the Franklin School. Madam President, this comes from appropriations with a recommendation for passage, and I will make a motion for passage. Second. Motion for passage made by Councillor Repe, seconded by Councillor Ke, jd On discussion, seeing none, Madam Clerk. Councilor fro? Yes. Councilor Garipay? Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Chetty. Yes. Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vandiver. Yes.

▶ 1:11:45 Councilor Williams? Yes. Present Melia? Yes. Motion passes. Passes ID Number 1, 2 6 4 7 in appropriation from free cash account zero one dash 3 2 4 0 1 in the amount of $48,000 to DPW Parks, number 4, 7 5 for improvements to the dog park. Madam Present, this comes from appropriation with a recommendation for passage, and at this time, I'll make a motion. Second Motion for passage made by Councilor Repay, seconded by Councillor Stewart. On discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk. Councilor fro? Yes. Councilor Repay. Yes. Councillor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Karen Chatty. Yes. Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vandiver. Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. Motion passes.

▶ 1:12:38 Oops. Okay. And appropriate. Uh, ID number 1, 2 6 4 8 in appropriation from free cash account zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 In the amount of $20,000 to HR to fund costs associated with physicals and advertising. Madam President, this comes from appropriation with a recommendation for passage. At this time, I'll make a motion for passage. Second. Motion for passage made by Councillor Repe, seconded by Councillor Stewart. On discussion, seeing none. Madame Clerk. Okay. Councillor fro? Yes. Councillor Garipay. Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Aldine? No. Okay. Councilor Karen Chetty. No. Councillor Romanul. Yes. Councillor Stewart? Yes. Councillor Vandiver? Yes. Council Williams? Yes. Present Meley? Yes. Motion passes.

▶ 1:13:48 ID number 1, 2 6 5 0. An appropriation from free cash. Oh, sorry. An appropriation for, I'm sorry. 1, 2, 6 4 9 appropriation from free cash. Account number 0 1 3 2 4 0 0 1 in the amount of $20,000 to the Melrose Cultural Cent. Counsel number 2, 5 4 3. Madam, this comes from appropriations with a recommendation for passage, and I'll make a motion for passage. Second, A motion for passage made by Councillor Repe, seconded by Councillor Karara Chaney. On discussion, seeing none, Madame Clerk Councillor Occhio? Yes. Council gpe? Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Jamal Dean? Yes. Councilor Cameron Chetty. Yes. Cremsky. Oops, I'm sorry. Councilor Romanul. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vandiver. Yes.

▶ 1:14:39 Councilor Williams? Yes. And President Moore? Yes. That motion passes. Okay. Id number 1, 2, 6, 5, 0. And appropriation for free cash account zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 in the amount of $16,000 to the police department. Number two 11 for evidence software. Madam President, this comes from appropriations for the recommendation for passage. At this time, I'll make a motion. Second. Second, Motion for passage made by Councilor Repe. Seconded by Councilor Carrum Chaney. On discussion, seeing none. Adam Clerk Councilor Occhio? Yes. Councilor Repe. Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Councilor Rum Chetty. Yes. Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vandiver? Yes. Counselor Williams? Yes.

▶ 1:15:30 Cal Finocchiaro: And present Elli? Yes. Motion passes ID number 1 2 6 51. And appropriation for free cash. Zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 in the amount of 90,000 to the police department. Number two 11 for the purchase of a new cruiser. Madam President, this comes from, uh, appropriations with a recommendation for passage, and at this time I'll make a motion for passage. Second. Motion for passage made by Councillor Repe, seconded by Councillor Stewart on discussion. Councillor Firo. Yeah. Thank you Madam President. I just wanna make a general comment to maybe people that are listening that just to confirm free cash is for one-time expenses. So I know we're talking about a lot of these, uh, appropriations and where we allot the money,

▶ 1:16:17 Manjula Karamcheti: but, um, just wanna clarify that we can't use free cash for say, like a salary for a teacher. So yes, just wanted to get that out in case people have, um, issues with where we're approach to getting money. Um, so that's all. I just wanna make our comment. Thank you Councilor Carm Shady. Um, I will, I just wanted to share that I've been thinking about this one quite a bit, and I think partially it's a memory issue on my part after leaving the meeting, but I, I don't recall a, the conversation leading to like a critical need for this cruiser at this time. Um, and so I don't know if it's a through the chair kind of thing or if it's just on me to remember, but as we're thinking about these conversations of

▶ 1:17:04 Manjula Karamcheti: what are critical needs verse like what is it nice to have or a need to have, I think I'm just wondering if this is a need to have or a nice to have at, at this time. Um, and part of like, what I'm trying to think about and I'm reckoning with is the use of this cruiser. I think it's going to, the chief and the chief's car is going to someone else who hasn't had a car before. I'm unclear on how needed that car is for that position. And so just thinking about the usage and, you know, we've had meetings about traffic safety and pulling over speeding cars and enforcement, and it was unclear to me that a new cruiser was gonna be used for those kinds of things that are really critical in the city.

▶ 1:17:53 Robb Stewart: So I just, I I'm sorry for just doing my thinking out loud, but that's kind of where I'm at with, with a new cruiser at this time. I'm, I'm unclear and rethinking my vote based on a critical need versus a nice to have. Okay. I think Councillor Stewart, did you have your hand up before? No. Yes I did. Okay. This flies drive me crazy. It won't leave me alone. Thanks for that Comment. Yeah. Um, so if I recall, um, there was also a grant for $50,000 for Cruiser that is coming before us. Isn't that correct? You're challenging my memory now. Yeah, I think there's, I think there's a $50,000 grant for, uh, police Cruiser. It's an Earmark, it's an ear. It's an ear. Ear earmark. It's an earmark. That's right. Uh, state rep, state that.

▶ 1:18:48 Robb Stewart: Thank you. Thank you. It, uh, there's a, there's a state, there's a, I believe representative, uh, Lipper Garabedian has earmarked $50,000 for cruiser. So, um, now if we get that or not, uh, would that impact the amount of this dollar is what's going through my head, um, because then it would not necessitate, I would say $90,000. I think it would necessitate $40,000 if I do the math correctly. So, um, I would like to understand where that earmark stands before I take a vote on this is how I feel. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Councilor Romanul, I see your hand. Yes. Um, I took some notes during the, uh, chief ER's, um, comments last week. And he had mentioned that the transmission was either going

▶ 1:19:43 Ward Hamilton: or gone on the current vehicle that was needed to be replaced and that they were gonna have to appropriate some money for some significant repairs, if not for an earlier vehicle. I, I don't have any notes as to kind of the, uh, urgency, uh, of it or, um, but I, I just wanna write that down, but, but totally through the chair here, what you're, what you're saying about. Thank you. Thanks. Other comments? Councilor Hamilton? Thank you. Uh, my recollection was that the chief explained that the new vehicle would go to him and his vehicle would go to somebody else, and it's sort of a bumping down. And then he described a Ford Taurus that has issues that is sort of at the bottom of this line. And I recall he talked about a detective that handles, um,

▶ 1:20:31 Ward Hamilton: mental health situations. And I think what he was describing was that this would, uh, allow that detective to be more responsive. And I think he described scenarios in which they used their own vehicle. So, um, police departments, vehicles, they go hand in hand. And, um, I certainly appreciate Councilor Stewart, um, mention of an earmark that we are hoping will come our way. I don't know what the status of that is. And I think we have this appropriation before us 90,000 initially sounds like a lot of money chief described how, um, that also includes outfitting with the radio and all the different equipment that they use. Um, so I, I certainly, uh, understand and, uh, am open to the considerations

▶ 1:21:21 Maya Jamaleddine: that fellow counsels have raised, uh, short of any information that allows us to understand when those earmark funds would be available. I would be in favor of, um, supporting this at this time. Thank you Councilor Aldine. Um, thank you. I, um, the, the earmark is so, uh, state rep Gar Ian have announced that it, it has been secure to earmarks, um, for the, uh, Mar Police Department, um, has been, um, secured for, uh, cruiser and, um, other services. And, um, that would actually lead me to, uh, also reflect on how, uh, far, uh, we need to place that order to be able to, uh, purchase that cruiser. So it's all interconnected together. You know, we need more information and more answers from whether, um, the chief

▶ 1:22:27 Maya Jamaleddine: or, uh, other, um, individuals in City Hall to, uh, understand if we, uh, the impact of delaying, if we choose to wait and hold on this, uh, order until we get more answers, uh, um, from, uh, state representative Ian, and if we are able to secure that cruiser, um, from the, from the free cash money. Um, all that to say that, um, yes, we did to, uh, cons Kara Sheri's question. We did ask, um, uh, the chief during that night about is it a necessity? Are we in need of that, uh, cruiser? And his response was, um, the current, uh, uh, cruiser is not going to be, um, retire, uh, retired. The, he's go, it's his own cruiser and he's going to give it to the mental health, uh, detective. So he would have a dedicated cruiser for the service

▶ 1:23:32 Maya Jamaleddine: that he provide, and he will receive the new cruiser. Um, how much is in need and how soon do we need that cruiser? That's definitely a good question for the chief. Um, I, I don't know, Madame President, if we are able to place on hold if we can, you know, make a motion to place on hold until we get more answers. Uh, if this is something that we can do right now, Okay. We, we can. But I'm gonna continue on with the questions. Um, Councillor Garipay, then Williams and crime jd. Thank you, Madam President. Um, I know we have an earmark is that earmark went out in the 26th budget, but I don't know how we can say it's guaranteed if the house and the governor and the Senate hasn't, hasn't signed it.

▶ 1:24:24 Mark Garipay: So, uh, I think, and I appreciate the earmark. I just am thinking presently today that we, we need the money and $50,000 is not going to be enough to buy a car. I mean, he, he said 90,000 when he was here. Um, if they don't spend it all and we get the earmark, we have extra money that comes back next year in free cash. Um, I would also worry about the current maintenance on that particular vehicle. He said it needs a transmission along with other things, as we know, parts are tough to get. Now, when we talk about safety and pulling cars out, if we have a, a vehicle that is used daily that you're gonna have that auto, it's not like I can go to enterprise and rental cruiser, right? So we're not, we're gonna have one less vehicle

▶ 1:25:17 Mark Garipay: that it could be out there for two, three, couple months. Transmissions, certain ones are on back order. Um, so I think I'm, I'm 100% gonna support this as is. I think if we do get the in mark, that's great. We don't have to spend it all, but where the chief knows, his department knows his needs, and I'm, I'm going take his word for it and, um, and vote in favor of this. Thank you Councilor Williams. Thank You. Generally speaking, I am, um, supportive of free cash request to come from the, from the mayor, because the mayor is the person who's charged with determining where the cash goes. And she shows us where the cash goes by allowing department heads to put orders before us. Um, with regard to this specific order, one thing

▶ 1:26:05 Ryan Williams: that occurred to me after the meeting was that we just purchased a brand new electric Mustang for the police chief about three years ago, two or three years ago. And, um, what I'm sort of confused by is the, um, the, the, the story between different counselors as to who, what car is the chief driving, what car will this be replacing? Who will get the other car? Where is this car? So I kind of wanna know like, where's the Mustang in this? Um, and that's what gives me a lot of pause, right? It's not that I don't wanna support, um, giving the police the, the vehicles they need. 'cause they do. And I also trust that the police chief and that the mayor know what they're talking about with all of these free cash orders and that they put them

▶ 1:26:44 Ryan Williams: before us, um, in good faith. Um, but so, you know, I I am, I'm, I'm hesitant because I don't understand what car he's driving. I don't understand who's driving the Mustang. I don't understand if the Mustang just kind of disappeared, you know? So, um, and, and I don't know if the Mustang's a cruiser. I don't know what the definition of a cruiser is. It's not a patrol car, right? It's so, you know, so all of these things kind of make me feel like this is just a little, little too loose, um, for my comfort level at this, at the spending level. Um, but like I said, I put a lot of faith in the, in the mayor and in the, in the department heads for their, for their cash requests. So I'm not putting a thumb on the scale right here.

▶ 1:27:29 Manjula Karamcheti: I'm just bringing something up that, that bothered me. That's it. Thank you. Okay. Councilor Carm Shady, Uh, through the chair, I just wanted to say thank you to my fellow counselors. Um, particularly, um, the two counselors who shared their notes, um, from the last meeting. I think the piece that I wasn't recalling was for the mental health officer to then be able to more quickly, more effectively go around the city. And I think in this chamber, numerous times, mental health issues have come up with our police force needing to go to the hospital and needing to go to a variety of, of other places to address concerns. Um, so that information, again, thank you to the counselors, um, for Councilor Hamilton and Councilor Romanul

▶ 1:28:20 Manjula Karamcheti: and Counselor Jamine for, um, sharing that note. It does make it seem more of a critical need, a nice than a nice to, um, which is the part that I wasn't in my, like post-reflection. Um, that's the part I was thinking about. So I, I appreciate that very much. I am now wondering about the Mustang as well, um, and just how it all fits in with like our current fleet, what we have and who's driving what. Um, but that to me is a less of a concern. I don't know that that's my business, um, as much as, you know, funding this appropriation right now. So thank you. Um, I just, I pulled up the order, um, from the chief, just I can read it out loud if this is at all helpful for parts of this conversation.

▶ 1:29:07 Leila Migliorelli: So, um, it's 90,000 to purchase an outfit, an unmarked police cruiser to replace the old vehicle, the unmarked 2013 Ford Taurus, which has 91,000 miles on it, unknown engine hours as not accessible via dash display. Mechanical issues, transmission, front end and rear camera is not functioning. That Taurus is the oldest vehicle in our fleet, uh, and has numerous issues as stated above. We also currently do not have a dedicated vehicle that our mental health detective can utilize with our clinic clinician to correspond to mental health calls, which is a best practice for police agencies. In addition, corresponding is a requirement of the mental health grant in which we are actively utilizing by purchasing a new vehicle

▶ 1:29:53 Kimberly Vandiver: for the investigative services slash administrative division. We will be able to assign a vehicle for use, a vehicle for use for mental health calls, follow-ups, and general detective and investigative work. Um, but so that addresses maybe some of the questions tonight. Okay. More, more comments. Councillor Vandiver, Uh, thank you. Uh, I, I feel bad that I didn't think of this when we were previously, when we had the chief here to answer questions. Um, but the, the thing that I've been wondering about since that, um, since that conversation, is how many total vehicles we do have, because I know it comes up often that we have a minimum, minimum staffing of three people on the road at once, right?

▶ 1:30:34 Kimberly Vandiver: Minimum manning. And so, and I believe when I go by the police station, we have many more than three vehicles. So I was just trying to understand whether it's necessary to respond to, to assign a car to the mental health clinician, a car to each individual, or, or whether there's any ability to have enough cars at any given time for the work that goes on. I, I, and again, to echo the other counselors, I, I trust that the chief knows that the chief is, is presenting this in good faith and knows his business well. But that does seem a little surprising to me, given, given my impression that we have a quite a number of police cars. Thank you. Thank you Council for Nick Occhio, Um, through the chair.

▶ 1:31:16 Cal Finocchiaro: I just wanna say that I appreciate everybody's, uh, comments here tonight. I just wanna reiterate that, you know, I'm not a police officer. None of us are. We don't know what goes in day to day. We, I trust that, um, the chief knows what he needs and I could only imagine how expensive it is to outfit a vehicle, like all the things that they have to put in the equipment. Um, so, you know, that $90,000, I'm sure is not just for the vehicle, it's just a bunch of other things. And, um, this is just something that I'm not comfortable, sort of nitpicking. I can appreciate, you know, everybody's comments for sure. Um, and that's what we're here to do. Um, but I feel this particular item, I feel like I,

▶ 1:32:00 Leila Migliorelli: I do trust that the chief knows what he's doing and what the equipment that they need, and I'd rather have efficient amount of vehicles on the road and quality vehicles on the road than not. So it's just my stance. Thank you. Um, city clerk just shared with me the email that we all received, uh, last Thursday from state rep, uh, Lipper, which is more or less what I think counselor Jamal Ledine stated. Um, yeah, three, she, the state rep has secured three ear marks for the city of Melrose, 75,000 for Melrose playing fields, 50,000 for a police cruiser, and 25,000 for Melrose Police equipment. But as Councillor Gpe pointed out, this is not the final budget. So, um, just, just sharing information.

▶ 1:32:54 Maya Jamaleddine: Um, Councillor Yeah, I'll, um, I dunno if I take my motion off the floor and recommend, um, send it back to the committee. And it sounds like not every, I mean, everyone's supportive, they just want more information, right? So, um, maybe send it back to appropriations and invite the chief to come back in and answer any questions. Um, I'll second that. Okay. Councillor Jamal, uh, On discussion, just point of order, if we are going to, uh, send it back to committee, do you know when we would be able to address? I just, I'm, um, my concern is I don't wanna delay if in case it's gonna going to harm the purchase of a cruiser. So I wanna make sure that this is not going to impact or cause any harm, uh, for the process

▶ 1:33:46 Ryan Williams: of purchasing, um, Uh, through the chair. I recall to that excellent point. I recall in the meeting that, uh, the chief said that by purchasing a gas vehicle, because of the exemption of, of the car from presumably our electric first policy, as well as he described state policies, he said there were many, many vehicles on the lot of this type that were available to be purchased. So I, I believe the next corporation meeting is next week. No, This Week. This week. Why Thursday? But It's a point of Point of order though, just for all of this is that we don't know when the chief is available. Um, so there are two things we can do. We can move it, send it back to committee. We could, I mean, or there's infinite possibilities,

▶ 1:34:29 Leila Migliorelli: or we can do, you know, postpone to a day certain, or hold it in full counsel and he can come to full counsel on the 19th. Um, or we could get, everyone can get their questions answered by chief failure, come back on the 19th with what they have learned and sufficiently, I mean, 'cause we could do it in the chamber, but you can also, everyone's can follow up on their own too, of course. And then we could take the, if we hold it in council, we can take that vote on the 19th, which may address us getting our information and then making that vote and just postponing it. The only reason why I was suggesting sending it back to appropriate appropriations is because we have multiple meetings in case he

▶ 1:35:08 Maya Jamaleddine: can't make the 19th true. So we can still vote, do a final vote on the 19th, but it gives him multiple opportunities. I mean, I prefer to keep it in full counsel, but I'm just thinking mm-hmm. His time, his timeframe. And then one other thing just to put on the table too. So it could either be him coming to the meeting to answer questions or us individually following up with him to get our cran questions answered and then make sure it's on the 19th Councillor Jamine. So, To, to your point, Madam President, is I would like to invite all my colleagues to reflect whether the questions that, or the information that they would like to get from the, uh, uh, chief are going to, uh, help them make the decision whether to, uh, approve it

▶ 1:35:53 Maya Jamaleddine: or not, or is just going to add information. For me personally, I do a hundred percent support, um, uh, this order. However, I would like to get more information, and for that, I will be reaching out to the chief and getting more information and hopefully be able to be more informed about how this is going to go. Uh, but definitely do feel that, um, the police department do need, uh, to purchase that, um, uh, cruiser for, uh, to be able to serve our community, uh, for the best of our community and residents. Councillor Stewart. Thank you Madam. Person. I, I, I would like to learn more information about the earmark, so, um, I would appreciate the, the time as well. Okay, So we have a motion.

▶ 1:36:46 So we have a motion to send back to committee. Okay. Second. All right, so motion. Motion by Councillor GPE to, uh, send back to Appropriations and Oversight, seconded by Councillor Williams on discussion. Wait, I don't know. Thought. Okay. It's okay. Um, seeing no discussion. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay, so that is going, that order is going back to appropriations and oversight. Um, order ID 1, 2, 6, 5, 1. Okay. Okay, moving on. ID number 1, 2, 6, 5 3 appropriation from free cash. Zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 in the amount of $2,000 to the mayor's office. Number 1, 2, 1 for costs associated with the inauguration, Madam Present, this comes from appropriations with the recommendation for passage. I'll make a motion.

▶ 1:37:46 Manjula Karamcheti: Second Motion for passage made by Councillor Garbe, seconded by Councillor Stewart on discussion. Councillor Car Shady. Um, I will just be really brief with this. Um, this would be the inauguration for city councilors in this room who are voted in or new ones who come on. I know it's only $2,000, but I'm kind of, I think we should just skip it. Um, that is my personal opinion. We do something in the chamber that is free, that doesn't cost any money if anyone wants to come. Um, when I think about what the mayor presented us earlier, she's not taking her salary increase. Like it is a very small thing, but I think we should just skip it. Councillor Williams, a Hundred percent agree. Um, the inauguration that I went to was one

▶ 1:38:36 Leila Migliorelli: of the best memories of my life, and I'm, I feel bad robbing a future counselor from that. But if we don't want to, you know, if we're talking about spending, not spending free cash, this is a no brainer. 'cause this just benefits us. So, Um, councilor Vandiver. Yeah, I'd support that as well. I think that's a good point. Anyone else on discussion? Seeing none. Um, motion on the floor is for passage, uh, of this order. Um, I will just actually just make my own comment. I am in agreement, um, with Councilor Carm jd. Um, while this $2,000 isn't a lot, um, I think that it is for our own benefit in in school committee, um, the three members who are being elected. Um, and I don't know that it serves a public purpose,

▶ 1:39:27 that we couldn't just make an accommodation and hold an inauguration of some kind or ceremony here in the Chamber. So, um, with that Madam Clerk, will you please call the role? Absolutely. Council for Guiro? No. Councilor gpe. Plaintiff Board. Are we voting for the appropriation or for an adjustment to the appropriation? We're voting for the appropriation. Thank you. So the motion is for $2,000 for inauguration. Thank you. Yes. Yes'. A pass no for correct. So, no. Okay. Oh, councils. Councils Councilor Garipay, how you go in? No, right. Is, no. Okay. Councilor Hamilton? No. Okay. Councilor Jamal Ledine? No. Councilor Rum Chetty? No. Councilor Romanul? No. Councilor Stewart? No. Councilor Vandiver? No. Counselor Williams? No.

▶ 1:40:31 And President Elli? No Noses. Habit AllRisk of both those. Moving on to grants, Excuse Me. Out of free cash. Okay. On. Okay. Id number 1, 2 6 3 3. Acceptance of the fiscal year 25 Firefighter Safety Equipment grant awarded to the Melrose Fire Department by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Fire Services in the amount of $4,282 and 2 cents. Madam Present, this comes from Appropriations and Oversight with a recommendation for passage, and I'll make a motion. Second. Motion For passage made by Councilor Repe, seconded by Councillor Stewart. On discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk. Councilor Occhio? Yes. Councilor Repe. Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Jamal Ledine. Yes. Councilor Karen Chetty. Yes. Councillor Romanul. Yes.

▶ 1:41:26 Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vandiver. Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Moore. Yes. Motion passes Great Licenses ID number 1, 2, 6, 6, 5. Gasoline storage renewals for 2025. Round two. Madam President, this order comes to us from the Protection and License Committee with a recommendation to place on file. And at this time, I'll make a motion to place on file. Second Motion to place on file made by Councillor Romanul, seconded by Councillor Firo on discussion. Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? That's placed on file now to orders ID number 1 2 6 1 0 that the City Council authorized the mayor to enter into an inter municipal agreement, IIMA with Malden, Medford, Wakefield, Winchester,

▶ 1:42:11 and Stoneham as part of the Commonwealth's Public Health Excellence, PHE for Shared Services grant Initiative. Madam President, this comes from appropriations and I'll make a recommend with the recommendation for passage and I'll make that recommendation. Second Motion for passage made by Councilor Repe, seconded by Councillor Stewart. On discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk. Councilor Occhio? Yes. Councilor Repe. Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Jamine. Yes. Council. Karen Chetty? Yes. Councilor Romanul. Yes. Stewart? Yes. Council Vandiver? Yes. Council Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. Motion passes. Okay. And nothing under expires, anything under Rule 6 36. Councilor Hamilton. Thank you.

▶ 1:42:58 Ward Hamilton: Uh, on Friday, the Mayor's Public Safety Facilities Advisory Committee met and, uh, in brief there were, um, some, there's good news. We're currently $7.9 million under budget based on some significant, significant decisions made. I've, um, strongly recommended that the city's project manager, Ms. Gaffey, and the two chiefs and the design team come before this council as soon as possible to provide updates. Um, and I believe that they're going to do so. Thank you. Right. Councillor Stewart? Thank you Madam President. Just, uh, as an amendment to, uh, what Council Hamilton shared, um, I did receive a note from, uh, the constituent that is on the commission, uh, and the notes. And, uh, the police department is $710,000

▶ 1:43:56 Ward Hamilton: over budget, but it is, the overall budget is allayed by the, um, the under budget currently for the different fire departments that matches that 7.5 million, I'm sorry, $7.9 million under budget, uh, status at this point. I just wanted to show that. Thank you. Councillor Hamilton. I was gonna say, you gonna Take that? So, um, I think there's, there's some real, I'm not gonna, there's, there's some real spin there. There were two very significant, uh, items that were cut from the police budget that contributes significantly. And it's way more than 700, 10,000, it's over 3 million. Um, so it would be wonderful for our city project manager to appear before us and answer such questions. Thank you.

▶ 1:44:47 Sounds right. All right. Thank you everyone. Um, I'm going to motion by unanimous consent to adjourn. We are now adjourns. Thank.

City Council — 2025-05-05

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