City Council — 2025-06-02
Attendance
Cal Finocchiaro ; Mark Garipay ; Ward Hamilton ; Maya Jamaleddine ; Manjula Karamcheti ; Leila Migliorelli ; John Obremski ; Devin Romanul ; Robb Stewart ; Kimberly Vandiver ; Ryan Williams
Agenda
- Call to Order
- Public Comment
- Minutes Approval
- Communications from Her Honor, The Mayor And Other City Officials
- New Business
- APPRO-2025-43 : An Appropriation from Free Cash(01-324001) in the amount of $60,000 to Office of Planning and Community Development (#175).
- APPRO-2025-44 : An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $32,816 to Pine Banks (#652).
- An Appropriation in the amount of $150,000 from Free Cash to the Affordable Housing Trust (#8270).
- APPRO-2025-45 : Appropriation in the amount of $27,000 from free cash (01-324001) to retirement (#911) to reimburse for pension costs.
- APPRO-2025-46 : Appropriation in the amount of $150,000 from Ambulance retained earnings (6500-319000) to Salary and Wages, overtime.
- APPRO-2025-47 : An appropriation in the amount of $189,659.08 from Peg Access Cable Fund, to MMTV in the amount of $151,727.27 and Melrose Public Schools in the amount of $37,931.81.
- APPRO-2025-48 : Appropriation in the amount of $25,320 from Free Cash (01-324001) to Fire (#221) for motor vehicle repairs to Ladder 2.
- TRNSF-2025-2 : A transfer in the amount of $85,000 from Health Insurance (#914) to Medicare (#916) to cover the employer portion of payroll tax through 6/30/2025.
- TRNSF-2025-3 : A transfer in the amount of $7,530 from Auditor Salary and Wages(011351-511000) to Audit services (011352-528600).
- TRNSF-2025-4 : Transfer in the amount of $50,000 from Health Insurance (#914) to Workers Compensation (#912).
- TRNSF-2025-5 : Transfer in the amount of $120,000 from Health Insurance (#914) to the Police Department (#211) for salary and wages.
- TRNSF-2025-6 : Transfer in the amount of $200,000 from Health Insurance (#914) to Fire (#221) for salary and wages.
- TRNSF-2025-7 : Transfer in the amount of $7,000 from Auditor, salary and wages (#135)to Inspection Services, salary and wages (#241).
- Reauthorization of the COA revolving fund #2811 limit to be increased from $35,000 to $65,000 for Fiscal Year 2025.
- Reauthorization of the Recreation Revolving Fund #2652 limit to be increased to $550,000 from $475,000.
- ORDER-2026-3 : Amending Chapter 228 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Melrose Water, Sewers, and Drains
- Public Hearing-National Grid Petitions
- Petition of National Grid to install 1 JO on Tremont St
- Petition for Joint or Identical Pole Location on East Rock Park
- Petition for Electric Conduit Location on NW Sidewalk of Angela Circle
- Petition for National Grid to install underground facilities at the intersection of Franklin Street and Greenwood Street as well as install 2 JO Poles and remove 1 JO Pole on Greenwood Street
- PET-2025-3 : Petition for National Grid to install 1 JO Pole on E Emerson Street
- Petition for National Grid to install 1 JO Pole on Sylvan Street
- Unfinished Business
- APPRO-2025-34 : Fiscal 2026 Solid Waste Enterprise Fund Budget in the amount of $3,529,118
- APPRO-2025-38 : Fiscal 2026 Sewer Enterprise Budget in the amount of $8,280,121.
- APPRO-2025-39 : Fiscal 2026 Water Enterprise Fund Budget in the amount of $6,441,569.
- APPRO-2025-35 : An Appropriation from Sewer Retained Earnings account 6000-319000 in the amount of $200,000 to Sewer professional Services account 604412-529000.
- APPRO-2025-36 : An Appropriation from free cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $180,000 to DPW Highway (#422) for roadway paving.
- APPRO-2025-37 : An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $60,000 to DPW-Facilities (#402).
- Order to Place Override Questions on the November 4, 2025 Local Election Ballot
- Expiries
- Rule 36 Reports
- Adjournment
Minutes
CITY OF MELROSE CITY COUNCIL BULLETIN● JUNE 2, 2025 Council Chamber, First Floor, Melrose City Hall Regular Meeting 7:52 PM 562 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176 Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Cal Finocchiaro Ward 6 Absent Mark Garipay Ward 4 Present Ward Hamilton At-Large Present Maya Jamaleddine At-Large Present Manjula Karamcheti Ward 1 Present John Obremski Ward 2 Present Devin Romanul Ward 7 Present Robb Stewart Ward 3 Present Kimberly Vandiver Ward 5 Present Ryan Williams At-Large Present Leila Migliorelli At-Large Present
APPRO-2025-43 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash(01-324001) in the amount of $60,000 to Office of Planning and Community Development (#175). Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee
APPRO-2025-44 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $32,816 to Pine Banks (#652). Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee
(ID # 12737) Appropriation An Appropriation in the amount of $150,000 from Free Cash to the Affordable Housing Trust (#8270). Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee
APPRO-2025-45 Appropriation Appropriation in the amount of $27,000 from free cash (01- 324001) to retirement (#911) to reimburse for pension costs. Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee
APPRO-2025-46 Appropriation City of Melrose Page 1 6/25/2025 9:16 AM Minutes City Council June 2, 2025 Appropriation in the amount of $150,000 from Ambulance retained earnings (6500-319000) to Salary and Wages, overtime. Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee
APPRO-2025-47 Appropriation An appropriation in the amount of $189,659.08 from Peg Access Cable Fund, to MMTV in the amount of $151,727.27 and Melrose Public Schools in the amount of $37,931.81. Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee
APPRO-2025-48 Appropriation Appropriation in the amount of $25,320 from Free Cash (01- 324001) to Fire (#221) for motor vehicle repairs to Ladder 2. Assigned to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee
TRNSF-2025-2 Transfer A transfer in the amount of $85,000 from Health Insurance (#914) to Medicare (#916) to cover the employer portion of payroll tax through 6/30/2025. Assign to committee Finance Committee
TRNSF-2025-3 Transfer A transfer in the amount of $7,530 from Auditor Salary and Wages(011351-511000) to Audit services (011352-528600). Assign to committee Finance Committee
TRNSF-2025-4 Transfer Transfer in the amount of $50,000 from Health Insurance (#914) to Workers Compensation (#912). Assign to committee Finance Committee
TRNSF-2025-5 Transfer Transfer in the amount of $120,000 from Health Insurance (#914) to the Police Department (#211) for salary and wages. Assign to committee Finance Committee
TRNSF-2025-6 Transfer City of Melrose Page 2 6/25/2025 9:16 AM Minutes City Council June 2, 2025 Transfer in the amount of $200,000 from Health Insurance (#914) to Fire (#221) for salary and wages. Assign to committee Finance Committee
TRNSF-2025-7 Transfer Transfer in the amount of $7,000 from Auditor, salary and wages (#135)to Inspection Services, salary and wages (#241). Assign to committee Finance Committee
(ID # 12749) Revolving Fund/Reauthorization Reauthorization of the COA revolving fund #2811 limit to be increased from $35,000 to $65,000 for Fiscal Year 2025. Assign to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee
(ID # 12750) Revolving Fund/Reauthorization Reauthorization of the Recreation Revolving Fund #2652 limit to be increased to $550,000 from $475,000. Assign to committee Appropriations & Oversight Committee
(ID # 12744) Amending Revised Ordinances Amending Chapter 228 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Melrose Water, Sewers, and Drains Assigned to Committee City Council
(ID # 12561) Utility Petition Petition of National Grid to install 1 JO on Tremont St Passed City Council
(ID # 12593) Utility Petition Petition for Joint or Identical Pole Location on East Rock Park Hold City Council
(ID # 12594) Utility Petition Petition for Electric Conduit Location on NW Sidewalk of Angela Circle Passed City Council
(ID # 12681) Utility Petition City of Melrose Page 3 6/25/2025 9:16 AM Minutes City Council June 2, 2025 Petition for National Grid to install underground facilities at the intersection of Franklin Street and Greenwood Street as well as install 2 JO Poles and remove 1 JO Pole on Greenwood Street Granted City Council
PET-2025-3 Utility Petition Petition for National Grid to install 1 JO Pole on E Emerson Street Defeated City Council
(ID # 12683) Utility Petition Petition for National Grid to install 1 JO Pole on Sylvan Street Granted City Council
APPRO-2025-34 Enterprise Fund Fiscal 2026 Solid Waste Enterprise Fund Budget in the amount of $3,529,118 Passed
APPRO-2025-38 Enterprise Fund Fiscal 2026 Sewer Enterprise Budget in the amount of $8,280,121. Passed
APPRO-2025-39 Enterprise Fund Fiscal 2026 Water Enterprise Fund Budget in the amount of $6,441,569. Passed
APPRO-2025-35 Appropriation An Appropriation from Sewer Retained Earnings account 6000- 319000 in the amount of $200,000 to Sewer professional Services account 604412-529000. Passed
APPRO-2025-36 Appropriation An Appropriation from free cash (account 01-324001) in the amount of $180,000 to DPW Highway (#422) for roadway paving. Passed
APPRO-2025-37 Appropriation City of Melrose Page 4 6/25/2025 9:16 AM Minutes City Council June 2, 2025 An Appropriation from Free Cash (01-324001) in the amount of $60,000 to DPW-Facilities (#402). Passed
(ID # 12728) Ballot/Overide Order Order to Place Override Questions on the November 4, 2025 Local Election Ballot Passed City of Melrose Page 5 6/25/2025 9:16 AM
Transcript
▶ 46:41 and through the city website Link. Madame Clerk, will you please call the role? Yes. Councilor Jamal Dean. Here. Councilor Ro? Here. Councilor Gar? Here. Councilor Hamilton? Here. Councilor Carrum Chetty. Here. Reky. Here. Councilor Romanul? Here. Council Stewart? Here. Councilor Vandiver. Here. Council Williams. Here. President Melissa. Here. All of present, right. This is a quorum for the record. Next up at this time please rise if you're able to join in the Pledge of Allegiance, the pledge of Alle allegiance To the flag of the United States of America and into the republic for which it stands. One nation under the God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. At this time, I will motion to approve without reading
▶ 47:34 Leila Migliorelli: by unanimous consent. The minutes from City Council's regular meeting on May 19th, 2025. Seeing no objection, those minutes are now approved. Now, um, onto public comments. Uh, at this time I will motion by unanimous consent to open the floor for public comment. Seeing no objections, we are now open for public comment. Um, per metal Melrose City Council rules, this is a portion of the meeting where the public may speak on any item on tonight's agenda. Comments expressing any viewpoint on other matter matters are also welcome. Just a reminder that public comment period is an opportunity for the public to share comments. Counselors will not respond public. Has up to five minutes for comments.
▶ 48:17 Is there anyone here tonight wishing to speak in public comment for the city council meeting? Yes, please come up to the table and state your name and address. Okay. For the record, my Name's Deborah McAllen. I live in Ward seven Penney Road. Do you want my comment now? Yes. Okay. I am commenting on the override questions. The three of 'em, I don't approve of it. I don't think it gives, I think it's rigged. I'll be quite honest. I think that the three questions rigg it so that it's going to be an easy pass. I think that's what the city council and the mayor and the school committee want is for the override to pass. And I think that they developed three questions that will allow this to happen so
▶ 49:05 that it will be extremely difficult to vote no as, because it was voted down in June, I think you got together and decided what questions will help it so it will pass. And then I'm with that. I just don't think it's fair. And then when we're talking about, um, tears, it seems to me that it is like the ranked choice of what voting that they have in Cambridge. It's sort of like, to me it reminds me of that. And it's so easy with rank choice voting to get something passed or to the incumbents to stay there. And this is what has really struck me is that if something passes, say the 13 million or the 11 million doesn't pass, but the 9 million does, it says here that it would be the 13 million that went went through.
▶ 50:09 Is that correct? No, it's not because here's what it's saying. If more than one question is approved, the question specifying the highest dollar amount prevails in that I don't think is fair. I think there needs to be a question, yes or no. How much money do you want? Either yes or no, not three options. And especially if, if what you're saying is that a lower amount wins or whatever, you're gonna go to the higher amount, that's not what people would vote for. I strongly suggest that you take a look at this and you revamp it and we have one question, yes or no and not these ranked choice and especially not fooling the voters or confusing the voters to think, okay, two pass, it's the higher one that wins when maybe people
▶ 51:08 wanted the lower one. That's all I have to say. I strongly suggest that you take a look at this. I'm not the only one out here that is probably going thinking what is this? There should be one question, one thing. Thank you for listening to me. Thank you. Is there anyone else wishing to speak in public comment tonight? Okay. Seeing no one's? Yes, please. Uh, Can we get to ask, ask questions about genetic's agenda later on or is that now The, um, this is not a question and answer, so it's just opportunity if you have, if you wanna make a public statement or a public comment, you can approach the microphones and make a public statement, but public comment do that. Okay, great. Thank you. Am I supposed to state my name and
▶ 52:02 Yes. And address? Okay. Yeah. Uh, my name is Thomas Ard. I live at 5 6 9 Franklin Street, uh, the corner of Franklin and Greenwood. And um, actually I wanted to ask a question about, uh, the second from the bottom item on tonight's agenda. Um, I was wondering if what's proposed here entails cutting down, um, city trees along that stretch. And, um, it, it doesn't say here whether it does or not, but if it does, I was hoping that you would give consideration to finding a solution that would either minimize or avoid cutting down of the trees because, um, the way I understand this language here, um, removing the utility poles to the western side of Greenwood is because of the new building that's going up.
▶ 52:59 And, um, there's a lot of buildings that are being approved that are going up that have, that do not have a setback. And so if that means moving utility poles and replacing city trees with utility poles, it's going to um, it's gonna increase, uh, heat and pollution and um, make it a less, a worse neighborhood. And so, um, that's my concern. Thank you. Alright, is anyone else wishing to speak in public comment? Is there anyone online? Madam Clerk? No. Um, okay. If seeing no objections, I will motion by unanimous consent to close public comment. Public comment is now closed, um, onto new business, um, appropriations. Okay, ID number 1 2 7 2 6. An appropriation from free cash zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 in
▶ 54:09 the amount of $60,000 to office of Planning and Community development number 1 7 5. This will go to appropriations and oversight ID number 1 2 7 3 6. An appropriation from free cash zero one dash 3 2 4 0 1 in the amount of $32,816 to Pine Banks. Number 6 5 2. This will go to appropriations ID number 1 2 7 3 7 in appropriation in the amount of 150,000 from free cash to the Affordable housing trust, This will go to appropriations ID number 1 2 7 4 7 appropriation in the amount of 27,000 from free cash. Zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 to retirement number 9 1 1 to reimburse for pension costs. This will go to appropriations ID number 1 2 7 4 8 appropriation in the amount of 150,000 from ambulance retained earnings
▶ 54:59 6 5 0 0 3 1 9 0 to salary and wages overtime. This will go to appropriations ID number 1 2 7 5 2 and appropriation in the amount of $189,659 and 8 cents from PEG Access cable fund to MMTV in the amount of $151,727 and 27 cents and Melrose Public Schools in the amount of $37,931 and 81 cents. This will go to appropriations Appropriation in the amount of 25,320 from free cash zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 to fire number 2, 2, 1 for motor vehicle repairs to ladder two, This will go to appropriations ID number 1 2 7 3 5 A transfer in the amount of 85,000 from health insurance. Number 9 1 4 to Medicare number 9 1 6 to cover the employer portion of payroll tax through January 30th, 2025. This Will go to fi I'm sorry, June 30th, 2025.
▶ 55:59 This will go to finance ID number 1 2 7 3 8 a transfer in the amount of 7,530 from auditor salary and wages 0 1 1 3 5 1 5 1 0 0 0 2 to audit services 0 1 1 3 5 2 5 2 8 6. This will go to finance ID number 1 2 7 3 9. Transferring the amount of 50 $50,000 from health insurance. Number 9 1 4 to workers' compensation number 9 1 2. This will also go to finance ID number 1 2 7 4 5. Transferring the amount of $120,000 from health insurance. Number 9 1 4 to the police department. Number 2 1 1 for salary and wages Finance committee ID number 1 2 7 4 6. Transferring the amount of 200,000 from health insurance. Number 9 1 4 to fire number nine, number 2, 2 1 for salary and wages Finance ID number 1 2 7 5 1.
▶ 57:04 Transferring the amount of $7,000 from auditor salary and wages number 1 3 5 to inspection services, salary and wages Number 2 4 1. Finance ID number 1 2 7 4 9 reauthorization of the COA revolving fund. Number 2 8 1 1 limit to be increased from 35,000 to 65,000 for fiscal year 2025. Appropriations ID number 1 2 7 5 0 reauthorization of the recreation revolving fund. Number 2 6 5 2 limit to be increased to 550,000 from 475,000 Appropriations oh. Uh, onto ordinance amendments ID number 1 2 7 4 4 amending chapter 2 2 8 of the revised ordinances of the City of Melrose Water Sewers and Drains sponsored by director DPW Elena kus Ellis Appropriations. Okay, moving on. We're at the public hearing. Um, so I will believe we have to motion
▶ 58:09 Leila Migliorelli: to enter into the public hearing. So I'll enter, I'll entertain a motion to enter into the public hearing. So Madam President, I'll make a motion to enter, uh, to enter the public hearing. Second. Second there. Whatever motion to enter into the public hearing, uh, made by Councillor Stewart. Seconded by Councillor Vandiver. Um, all in favor a aye. Any opposed? We are now in the public hearing, um, to hear the National Grid petitions, IDs number 12 5 6 1 12 5 9 3 12 6 8 0 12 7 2 4 and 12 7 2 5. I believe we have representative from National Grid here, um, to start with the first one. Thank you. You may approach. Welcome. Thank you. So we're starting with, um, petition of National Grid to install one, um, Jo on Street.
▶ 59:13 Hi, good morning. My name is Rafael, eh, 63 Greats Avenue Lee, Massachusetts for presenting from national Agreed, uh, in Mond Street. Uh, we are asking for a midspan pole that we, we we needed to serve a service upgrade for the church that is on 1 31 West Emerson. So the way that actually this church is fed by an underground system, but it's not, they need more power. So in this case, we need to place a pole in the other side of the, in that sidewalk and when, and also we are gonna be installing a pole on their property and install a transformer and overhead transformer in that, in that place. So that's the, the main reason of the, the, the, the hearing in, in the, in the petition. And also we noticed that there are other two poles
▶ 1:00:08 that are like closed but they are already busy and they are not able to use. We already that did those I visits with the city engineer. Okay. Any questions from the council? Councillor Stewart? Thank you Madam President. What, what ward is this in? Sorry, which ward is this in? Is in 1 31 West Emerson. The Trinity Church is in the, if I'm not wrong, is it you? I think it's four that's, sorry, this couple. Which One? The Trinity Church. 1 31 West Emerson Street. I'm sorry, in the corner. It's 4 1 4 1. Yeah, four one. Okay. Okay. Thank you. We're talking Franklin. Sorry. Sorry. Great. Thank you. Any other questions from the council? Councillor Williams? Yeah, Sorry we're, our heads are gonna be spinning a little bit,
▶ 1:01:00 Ryan Williams: trying to figure out where all these locations are. Yeah. Um, so help me understand. Yes, the, so the, I have to say that the packet was not particularly helpful that we received from National Grid. Like it was xeroxed so you couldn't see the colors and the shading and figure out like where things are going. And I think we're generally pretty supportive of the, of the need to upgrade electrical infrastructure. I know in this case it's a church that's looking to electrify their heating system, which is super awesome and we, we definitely support it. Um, but I would love to have the, the materials be a little cleaner when they come through 'cause we can't really tell what we're looking at sometimes.
▶ 1:01:36 Ryan Williams: Yes. Um, and it would be nice to see sort of an end user statement on there too. Like what is this poll being requested for the customer request. Do you know what I mean? Yes. Yeah. Um, my, my question about the sighting of the pole is what side of Tremont Street is this one publicly cited pole expected to go on? There's one public pole and then there's one on private property, right? Yes. So where does the pole on Tremont Street go? Is it on the Western sidewalk or is it on the eastern sidewalk? Do you know? Lemme say again The western sidewalk. It's on the Western sidewalk. Yep. And I'm sorry 'cause I, I really had a hard time kind of figuring out the materials, but is this sort of, of approximately like at a sort
▶ 1:02:22 Ryan Williams: of a 90 degree angle leading into the church? Yes. Okay, so it's in front of like 12. Correct. Okay. Alright. And um, that's a, that's a fairly narrow sidewalk, but we do have a couple of poles in that location already. Yes. Yeah. Um, and for the public's information, I know that Melrose Department of Public Works works with National Grid to make sure that the poles do not obstruct right of way for pedestrians sidewalk clearances, a DA access, driveway access, et cetera. Um, so I'm not too concerned about that. Okay. So there's one extra poll break in there. Alright, thank you. That was my only question. Thank You. Councillor Repe and then Councillor Rover. Yes. Thank you. Uh, president Elli.
▶ 1:03:05 Mark Garipay: Just, uh, to, to Jay, um, to counselor. Um, Williams' Point, I think in the past when we move polls, we actually have a diagram with dotted lines and what, where they're all moving. Uh, this doesn't show us much of anything going forward. If NA National to me, I'm not as good as counselor. Uh, Williams is over there, but, uh, on the computer with the maps. But this, for me, as a counselor that wants to vote this actually what they presented to me does nothing for me. Hmm. So, I'd appreciate it if you could give us the information like we used to have it in the past, uh, national Grid. Yeah, it's true. Like I saw now, like a mistake. Usually I notice that now you receive it without color. Mm-hmm. So when I send it with color now, I, yeah,
▶ 1:03:48 Kimberly Vandiver: it is not legible in that case. So I would try to do it like in black and white, but all the legends will be more clear in the future. Thank you. Councillor ror? Uh, thank you Madam Chair. Um, my question is, I believe right next to that, at 14 24 3 month Street, there's a planned development that's, um, I believe been approved in, in progress. Um, is there any, um, is there any, um, consideration to whether this would, any work that would be done there, can be combined or that those, um, that we're planning ahead if there's additional work needed for that development? So actually, eh, that project, it hasn't been designed yet, but definitely even that it is closed. Eh, the, the job that we gonna be doing it, eh,
▶ 1:04:39 is is later on. So it cannot be combined at this moment. But definitely they, they, they, in this case for that future project, they are giving us like a lot of space in the front of the property, is that, is the place that we are trying to use for, for example, the transformers that it needed. Okay. That is a good question. Thank you. Thank You. Anyone else? Councilor Williams? Um, seeing, so we're in a council meeting, having the hearing. Do we motion to approve this? Yes. Yes. So I would motion to approve this, uh, this order, this poll order, Second, Motion to approve made by Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Repe on discussion. Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed?
▶ 1:05:25 That passes. Next on is the Petition for Joint or identical poll location on East Rock Park. So, uh, in this case, uh, there are existing poles that are in, in a ation property from the city. So we just trying like to avoid crossing to that and using what is, or what it should be in the future, I suppose, like the sidewalk. So we are diverting, eh, and we're trying like to feed the 365 fourth Street that here it is the, the owner of the property and he's only gonna have like a, a simple electric service, 100, 100 amp single phase. So we are trying to avoid to be inside of the woods and be more in the road. So we are asking for only one poll in that case. And it's a really big, big span. So we need, we need really that poll.
▶ 1:06:43 Mark Garipay: Any questions from the council? Council Repe? Yeah, just, uh, one question to the, uh, resident's comment about, um, uh, Franklin Street, but, uh, this kind of goes with all the orders. What's the process if a tree needs to come down in order to do it? Does National Grid plant another tree, or is it on the developer? Um, so In this case, it depends what the city once it requires. So that's the first thing. The other thing that I would like to, to notice is because I heard that it's an important concern. So National Grid has like a, any specific and a real professional forestry department. So in the case, for example, that we haven't talked right now about is the one that he, he taught and he was concerned about the warning
▶ 1:07:28 for the Franklin Street that we are moving to the other side. So in that case, the big tree is not gonna be killed, it's gonna be TriMed. And the type of, of the, of the wire that we're gonna be using is the calls Hendrix. So that's more like environmental, gentle, and it requires less, um, clearance distance. So you, we don't need to, to kill and trim the whole, the whole tree in this case. But in the case, eh, also National Grid has like a environmental department that they are aware in these cases, like if they need to kill a tree, they, I, I know that they pretty know what they need to do. I, I'm not like the person who gonna be responding out because I don't know. But whatever the, the city council request,
▶ 1:08:18 definitely I think that they're gonna be doing it. Okay. And they try like to, not to, to kill trees. That's the reason they wanna be dreaming. So usually, for example, when there is a 16 wires, so national agree is the one that prefers to train and to the forestry job when, when there's no wires. So we prefer that the, the owner of the city do the job. Okay, thank you. If there was ever a request to remove a tree as part of this, they'd have to go through the whole tree hearing process that the city of Melrose would require. And, and I'm assuming then that we should probably work with the, um, office of Planning and Development as these developments are going up as they're removing trees, then some sort of requirement
▶ 1:08:59 Maya Jamaleddine: or ordinance they have to replace one for one Or, yes, absolutely. Thank you. Councillor Aldine. Thank you. Um, thank you for, um, um, you know, sharing your information about, um, how this process is going to happen. Um, and you shared that there is no plan to cut any trees, uh, as if now, at least For now. Yeah. Okay. But if in case something happened and we found out that, you know, there is some change of plan and we need to cut trees with the national grid and the department that will take care of this, uh, be willing to replace that. Like if we cut, if we ended up needing to cut a tree, would they be willing to, uh, actually plant another tree to replace it? I, I can ask to environmental department about that,
▶ 1:09:49 and I'm pretty sure that I, I don't know how it works really, but definitely I can ask. Here She comes. I Can answer, I can answer that question. The, the tree hearing process right now, we actually just posted it up online to make it more clear because we had our first request to remove a healthy public shade tree recently. So we just went through the hearing process and it's all posted online. This applies only to public shade trees. So if it's a tree on private property, then we don't have an ordinance for that. And if the city wants an ordinance for that, that would be up to you all to, uh, put something together for private trees. But for public trees, um, our standard is that you have
▶ 1:10:28 to replace the diameter at breast height. So at about four feet high, whatever that diameter is, you have to replace the equivalent diameter of trees. So if you're taking down a one foot tree, you're obviously not planting a one foot tree. So the recent one that we discussed we're requiring the planting of four, three inch diameter trees. Mm-hmm. So it's not even one for one, it's one for one in that diameter at breast height. So it, you know, if you're taking down a three foot tree, you're planting 12 three inch diameter Trees. That's great. And, and do you know if, uh, if in case there were any changes in the plan and that we ended up, you know, needing to cut any trees, we would be notified about this
▶ 1:11:09 and they, you know, the residents will Also be notified With these details? Yeah, for, for public tree hearings, we put the notice in the newspaper, we post it on the tree, we post it up at city hall and on the city website. Um, and then there's an actual hearing on site with our tree warden arborist, um, to see if there's any opposition to taking down that particular tree. And then if we get through all of those hurdles and then approve the tree coming down, then we require that replacement. So there's a lot of notification and the abutters would see the, um, the notice posted on the tree. And I'm trying to remember if we also, we probably also would just hand the notice to the immediate abutters.
▶ 1:11:53 I'm not sure if that's part of our requirement, but it's practice that we've done. Awesome. Thank you so much. I appreciate It. Thank you. Any other questions? I have one thing to add to this, uh, petition that East Rock Park. Um, so behind 3 57 Porter, there is a certified vernal pool, um, that the ComCom has requested that National Grid go through them to, um, to go through their filing process. Um, so I just wanted to note that, um, as, as you go through the decision on this, Thank you Councillor Stewart. Thank you Madam person. Um, Mr. Pro Elli who pays for the new trees, The petitioner for the tree removal. Okay. So in this case would be a national grid? Yes. Great. It's what I wanted to hear. Thank you. Thank you.
▶ 1:12:46 Leila Migliorelli: Any other questions? Um, I have a question on the point that was just made. So this, so if you can explain the process a little bit, because I think the east and East rock road is still a paper street. It's not, it's not a real street. There is no house here. And this plot of land is in between several pieces of conservation land. So the processes that the owner of the land has asked for electricity to be placed there, the Conservation Commission will then go and will go through its own process. So we're approving it through us first and then it goes through the Conservation Commission. Yes. So, um, you can approve it contingent upon the con com approval or however, so be it. But it will have to go to con com
▶ 1:13:29 because they'll be within the, uh, wetland regulations of Melrose according to vernal pool. So they have to go to con com to get approval to do that work within the, the, the, uh, the buffer zones of the vernal pool. And does the resident did, and I am sorry if I missed this, did the resident state why they were looking for electricity to be, uh, on the spot of land? I don't know if they stated it in the petition, but they have an existing tennis court that had, that used to have power in the woods. Mm-hmm. And they're looking to restore the, the, the, um, power to the tennis courts. Okay. Um, thank you. Uh, Councillor Williams, What level of service is the customer requesting? Secondary 1 22 40 words. Okay.
▶ 1:14:14 Ryan Williams: One 100 amps. Yeah. Yeah. It's a small service. Small service. Yeah. Okay. Alright. There is, um, in the GIS system there Lighting, sorry. Yeah. Right. Yeah, that, that is the question I was asking is whether they were asking for 400 to two 20, um, in the, in GIS Bowden Road and East Rock Park have four parcels on them that are not conservation land. Correct. But, uh, you couldn't support four, um, homes with a hundred amp service, so, um, interesting. Alright, thank you. Um, what is the will of the council? I will make motion to file to place on file To recommend or I, I would entertain a motion to recommend contingent upon conservation committee, but I will let one of you make that motion.
▶ 1:15:10 Leila Migliorelli: Uh, Then I will make a motion to recommend, uh, based on contingent, um, to the full council. Uh, I second the motion to recommend contingent on approval from the Conservation Commission. Okay. Uh, motion to recommend contingent on the approval of the Conservation Commission recommended by, uh, councilor Jamal and seconded by Councillor Williams on discussion. Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? That one passes contingent. Um, next up is the petition for electric conduit location on northwest sidewalk of Angela Circle. This is a, a new construction in 52 Slayton Road, and it's a new house that previously was an overhead service and now they are trying to do it by underground. So we are just requesting for the small piece
▶ 1:16:11 of the sidewalk that actually there's no, like literally sidewalk, but it's public road to install the conduits. And in the cable it's customer own cable and conduit. Secondary service, a small service as well. Okay. Any questions from the council? Councilor Vandiver. Thank you. Um, so my understanding is the underground service is more expensive than using the wires. So in that case, is this something that, I'm just curious how the finances work. Is that something that National Grid is happy to do, or is the customer paying for that? Is the customer paying for that? Because usually when it's an underground service and it's, uh, a service as a secondary 1 22 40 volts, uh, so it's customer owned cable and service.
▶ 1:17:03 Ryan Williams: So we only connect them to the pole in that case. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Councilor Williams, do you have a Question? Yeah, I do. Um, some of these are out there, man. I'm really testing my Melrose Geography knowledge. Um, so the Angela Circle petition is, oh yes, the co honor on the coroner where there's a new construction home being built. And is it going to go on the, is it in the public right of way? Is it under the street? So there is an existing pole over there. So from that pole, they're gonna be installing a, a steel riser, a sweep that goes over to the top of the pole in the cable will be connected on the top of the pole. So it will be directly from the pole through the property,
▶ 1:17:54 toward the property. So it will be maybe less than six feet. Um, and the, the pole itself is being installed on Slayton Road. The duck pole is in Angela Circle, The duck pole. Okay. The duck pole's in Angela Circle. You're using that existing pole? Yes. Got it. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Any other questions? Councillor Repe. I'll make a motion to recommend Second motion To recommend made by Councillor Repe, seconded by Councilor Williams on discussion. Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? That passes. Who that second, uh, Williams. Okay. Next up is the Petition for National Grid to install underground facilities at the intersection of Franklin Street in Greed, wind Street,
▶ 1:18:42 and Greenwood Street, as well as install two Jo Poles and remove one Jo Pole on Greenwood Street. So this is for the, the one that we just mentioned is for the new building in 5 21 Franklin Street. So the reason that we are requesting to move the poles to the other side first, we are gonna be removing a pole just installing a new wire in the other side because the building is gonna be so close to the primary wires that is gonna be at risk. So we are diverting the part of the, of the, of the line. And also, eh, to feed that property, we need, uh, an underground primary service that, so we are gonna be crossing from the other side of the sidewalk through the property to install up a transformer that will be placed inside
▶ 1:19:34 Manjula Karamcheti: of the customers property. So the main reason is for the new building, uh, they need like, uh, a huge service. So that's the only way that we can provide that service to them. We were trying like to maybe from the other side of, uh, Belmont Street, but will be harder and because it's close to the MBTA, so we can take life forever maybe from that side. Okay. Thank you. Uh, Councillor Kram Shady. Um, hi, how are you? Thank you for being here. Yes, you, you, um, I do have a few questions. I'm the counselor for Ward One, which is where this property is located. Yes. And actually my first question, and I may have missed it, and it's more for the planning and community development, this property has been caught up in litigation.
▶ 1:20:22 Manjula Karamcheti: Um, and so I'm just curious about the timing of this request and like making these changes. So that is sort of my first question. Um, and then I guess what I am, what is the, like expanse of the underground facilities, what has to be dug up? It sounds pretty intense, sounds like it might take a while. That is a very busy intersection of Greenwood and Franklin. So if you could speak more to Yes. Like what the process would be, that would be really helpful. Excellent. No, it's a, it's a really good question. So for installing the poles is really easy. So the installation of the poles, uh, can be like in a day. Uh, obviously everything is gonna be done by with police details in that case. And we have worked with these developer
▶ 1:21:14 before they, they did the 5 43 Franklin Street project and they are really good developers. So the trenching, uh, it can take like obviously all the sea work is done by the customer in this case. So they break the roll, they install the conduit, and after they do that, they need a trench inspection for, for national grid. So in the worst case scenario, that can be done, like really in one day, the whole process of the breaking and in the inspection and they can cover it and then restore it in the way that you request so that the seal water is done by the customer. So I don't think it's gonna be like very traumatic because the trenching is obviously, um, how, how, how I, the it is gonna be like from the other sidewalk directly
▶ 1:22:11 Manjula Karamcheti: to, to the property. So I think that in National Grid job will be done like in two days. Two days. Okay. And, and, and we have done this before in Chap Chap Chapman, Chapman app in the other side. So they did it like in one day. So I know that they are really good that, and they do that job and they have the equipment and the per and the label to do it. Okay. Thank you for that. You're welcome. Um, another like piece of this property. So the 5 21 Greenwood has no sidewalk, which or anything, which I think is part of why you're wanting to move the poles and stuff across the street as well. 'cause it's a pretty big development in a pretty dense area, um, that abuts a cliff. Um, and so just in thinking about like that, the sidewalk
▶ 1:23:03 Manjula Karamcheti: that is available, like just in terms of keeping the integrity of the, of that sidewalk, which is the only side where people can like, walk on Greenwood. So just sort of, again, curious about that. Um, and what types of disruption and then what work you do afterwards, after the trenching to like make sure the sidewalk is smooth and cleared and all of that good stuff. So whatever I think that the city requires, uh, the developer is gonna be doing, I, I say again. So all the civil work is done by, by the customer, by the owner of the project. So we just gonna be like, after they do the job, we are gonna just install the cable in those cases. And the pole in the other case, the reason is because not only because the sidewalk is tight is
▶ 1:23:53 because it's gonna be close to the front of the building and it's a primary voltage, like 13 kilovolts. So it requires minimum like between minimum, minimum 10 feet away from the front. So that's the reason that we are moving it to the other side of the, of the sidewalk. And the, and the pole is not gonna be disturbing actually in the, the fish proposal things like to the city engineer, he proposed like a better, a better, uh, place to the pool that is not gonna be like, uh, interfering to the entrance to the in front property that is just like in front to the buildings. Okay. And then I just wanna lift up one of the residents who spoke who is in that area. Just, and I think I heard the answer already,
▶ 1:24:40 Manjula Karamcheti: but I just wanna make sure Yes. Just in terms of any trees that might be lost, the replacing of would go through the same system of replacing at least one for one, if not more, and we could work on that. Yes. Is that correct? Yes. Okay. Yeah, as of right now, they're just, they're just, they, they think that they're just gonna need to trim part of a tree there, there's no plan to remove any trees, but if there was, it would go through the tree hearing process that Elena had spoken on. Okay. Thank you. Yeah. Okay. Councillor Williams and Councillor Hamilton. Thank you. Um, I just wanted to say again out loud how important it is that in all of these poles underground or underground service or aboveground pole service, that we, um,
▶ 1:25:32 Ryan Williams: protect not only the present integrity of sidewalk facilities, but the potential future location of sidewalk facilities as well. And I think you guys have done a really good job of this recently. Um, and so that's not always been the case in Massachusetts. It's famous for having polls in the middle of sidewalks. But, um, there are many places in Melrose where thanks to the good work of our Public works team, we're adding new sidewalks all the time and we're trying to get 'em as wide as possible. So, you know, really like push it all the way to the edge of the right of way where you can. Thank you. Councillor Hamilton. Thank You. Uh, just to clarify, so this, we're talking about the intersection
▶ 1:26:09 Kimberly Vandiver: of Franklin Street and Greenwood Street. Yes. And this is for the development in Franklin on Greenwood Street? Franklin Franklin, The, the, so this is where tapas is? Yes. That development, this isn't correct. The one on Greenwood? Yes. It's the one that's going to be attached to the back of Thomas. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Okay. Thank you. Yes. 'cause it's 5 21. Right. Understood. Thanks. Just clarify. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Ver Um, thank you. Just a quick question with, uh, I understand that there aren't any trees that we expect to come out here, but with the replacement, um, just the way that that process works, where would the new trees go? Do they go anywhere in Melrose or do they go near where the previous tree had been?
▶ 1:26:55 Robb Stewart: They ideally go, um, in the vicinity of where the previous tree had been. But like in the case of, you know, if someone's taking down a three foot tree and has to plant tr 12 trees, they're gonna end up in various locations. Okay. Thank you. Councillor Stewart, Madam President, I'll make a motion to recommend contingent on the, the con comm, uh, approval. If there's any three. Does this need a No, there's no conservation. No. Yeah, yeah. Then I'll make a recommendation. Recommendation for approval second without any contingency. Okay. Uh, motion for, uh, rec to approve made by Councillor Stewart. Seconded by Councillor Garbe. On discussion. Councilor Carrum Shady, just Really quickly, I want to, just to clarify, I was thinking
▶ 1:27:42 of, there's so much development going on in the area of Ward one. So this is for 5 21 Franklin Yes. Street? Yes. Okay. I was thinking it was for the Greenwood property. That is so, my apologies. And if you were confused, it was because I was confused. Okay. Your questions were still applicable, so great. Yeah, so glad. Alright, Wonderful. Uh, okay, any other, okay. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? That passes. Okay, two more polls. Um, one, uh, the next one is at on East Emerson Street. Okay. Yeah. Okay. The, this is, uh, for a new, a new building, a new project that is gonna be in 6 81 Main Street. So they need, um, they need a new transformer in to install this new transformer. Instead of breaking the road, we are proposing a new pole
▶ 1:28:54 to avoid, uh, breaking the road. So we, we can install the new pole, we can do that crossing by overhead. And then just from the sidewalk to where it's gonna be placed. The new transformer, eh, it will be like a, a smaller trenching. Okay. So this is not, this is on the corner of East Emerson and Yes. And Main Street. Okay. Thank you. Councillor Repe. Just a quick question. And this may be for Jay. Is this, uh, this is right around Caruso's? This Yes. Caruso's building? Yes. Yes. And this is as a result, hopefully of something moving forward down there? Yes. Okay. I'll make a motion to recommend Second. Second Motion recommend made by Councillor Garby, seconded by Councillor Stewart on discussion
▶ 1:29:43 Ward Hamilton: Councillor Hamilton. Thank You. Um, so I'm looking at the petition and we had an item either identical to this or similar to this in the past and this drawing, and maybe it's not a problem, but last time we pointed out that this drawing shows a building that doesn't exist. Yes. It doesn't exist right now. Is that okay? So in, in the way that National Grid goes, is that before we, we install the service, uh, we need like, your approval. So it's, it's, it is only like to be ready when they're gonna be ready to do it. Okay. Thank you. And so, last time when this came up before us, the question was where is this project? And at that time, um, the, what we call the Caruso's property was owned by somebody else.
▶ 1:30:40 Ward Hamilton: Mm-hmm. It sold last fall, and I'm not aware of, and I, and Ms. Mass is here, she can, or somebody could correct me, has site. Is this, is this Insight plan review right now to develop the site? Not yet. Okay. So we're gonna cause the disruption. This is like the same thing as last time that we talked about. We're gonna do, we're gonna, we're gonna cause tremendous disruption at this intersection to put in service for a project that isn't even, and this isn't your Yeah. Please don't take this personally none, none of this personal. So I, I don't know what makes this situation different than last time when we didn't approve it. So if, if no one else on the council has a problem with it or thoughts on it, then I guess I stand alone.
▶ 1:31:42 Ward Hamilton: But last time our rationale was there's no project that's been approved. This isn't, um, you know, on East Rock Road or whatever's a Poplar Street, this is pretty busy area and this is some pretty disruptive work that's gonna take place. So, um, I have a concern that we're, we're doing this before having a project. Um, and so, uh, I'm gonna vote No. Thank you Councilor Vandiver. Thank you. Um, what is the, um, I, I understand you're asking for the approval now, and I heard the other counselor's concerns about the timing. Is, is this something that you intend to do immediately, or, or you mentioned, So actually this is like a really old project. So I, I I, I don't know in what stage is the project right now,
▶ 1:32:36 but I think that the, the less concern would be like the pole and the trenches because I think that it is a really busy, busy area underground talking. Like even if they gonna have the service, they gonna have to break the whole road and everything for the water supply and see where and everything. So I, it was just like an old, old petition that we request and we want to take advantage to coming here. And if, if even some point, if he don't want to do the job with, we is not gonna be doing it because he needs to pay in advance to make national agreement, install the poll and everything. So maybe he hasn't called me like maybe like a year, so I don't know if he's gonna be continuing doing it,
▶ 1:33:19 Mark Garipay: but if he calls all calls, call National Grid a, eh, what happened with the petition? So I at least I have now a response to, to, To Say Counselor Hamilton. Thank you. So this drawing, this petition is dated July 3rd, 2024. Yes. And that entity no longer owns this property. Okay. Um, so I, Okay. I'm a no vote. Thank you. Yeah. Councilor Repe. Yeah, just, um, to, uh, director Proa Ellis and, um, Ms. Masser, if she's still with us, um, is there anything going forward with construction on this road and during this construction season with the culvert? And, um, where are we, We are very hopeful that, that something will be happening with the culvert this construction season, but it's not definitive at this time.
▶ 1:34:16 And I would say, um, in terms of the approval, I mean, one option perhaps is to do the approval contingent upon a successful site plan approval, um, for the redevelopment. Similar to what you just did with the con com for the other application. Um, or I'm not sure with these public hearing petitions what the process is if it gets held. But I don't think, given where we are with this project, from my perspective, I don't see any harm in holding this until there's a successful project or having it be contingent. It's not gonna hold us up in any way with proceeding with the culvert. Okay. So, um, I'll, I'll withdraw. I'll withdraw. Yeah. Madam chair, Madam President. I'll withdraw my tape. Okay.
▶ 1:35:06 Ryan Williams: And I'll withdraw, um, withdraw my motion. Okay. And I'll, yeah. So Council Williams, do you have a question? Yeah. Um, I have heard that this building, having changed hands is going to have a different design. Okay. And, um, thinking through Councilor Hamilton point about why we would approve something that is outdated, I it's possible that the new building may require a different approach to electrical service. I'm, I'm understanding that they're currently in discussion around commercial property with some residential, um, and I have no idea what the build out of that will be or whether they'll require it. So I, I think that we should probably, we should probably reject this. Um, and I'll, I'll make a motion not to approve it.
▶ 1:35:55 Robb Stewart: I don't know how to do that. Ought not to Pass, not to pass. I'll make a motion. Ought not to pass. And, and, and when we have a better plan, you know, we come back and we talk about it because the, the, I'm not comfortable, um, voting yes conditionally to like a site plan that may be completely different and requires, you know, lots of changes. So, Councillor Stewart, thank you Madam President, Madam President, I, I will, um, support a past contingent upon a successful, um, whoops. Where they, um, are approved to go and build. Um, uh, I would like to see this move forward 'cause I would like to see, I'd like to give every impetus for this area to get developed because it's been sitting there for ages undeveloped,
▶ 1:36:48 Robb Stewart: and it's, uh, and quite frankly, an eyesore that we need to, as a, as a consulate influence how we can get that to move forward. So I would not, I'm not comfortable voting against it to, to further delay it. I'd like to be rather, uh, something where we can encourage the progress. So that's, that's how I'll be voting. I will not support the current, uh, motion, but I would support a motion that has contingency built into it. Thank you. Councillor Williams. Um, so through the chair, I agree that we should be doing this to help out the, uh, that we, that we should, um, want to develop the property. A hundred percent. I just don't know how hard it is for National Grid to resubmit the application
▶ 1:37:37 Ryan Williams: with the new site plan in hand, having new information or, you know, how how tough is that? Like if we vote this down when the developer gets through the site plan review process, which could take, I don't know, you know, months. Um, are you guys gonna be able to like, bring this before us and we can move it through in two, three weeks? So, uh, Or will it cause you problems if we, if we kill this? No, Don't worry about that. So I can redesign the job because if it's gonna be like a, like you say like a new design, so I would prefer to like to design it again. You'd prefer to design it again? Yeah. In this case, yeah, because like, I didn't know that now he's a new owner and so it's true that I haven't spoke with them like
▶ 1:38:21 Ryan Williams: more than a year, so probably, Yeah, he's Gone. They have like a new, a new idea. So yeah, I would prefer to redesign in that case. My only, my only concern is that, that we don't kind of put the approval in the pole location and influence the developer to say that the facade of that side of the building can be this or that, or can't be this or that because the wires are already approved in that location, you know, to kind of give a more of a blank slate. And it doesn't seem to me like it would be a challenge or a delay. Um, so I'll stick with my motion and, and see what the will of the council is. So there's a mo motion to ought not to pass made by Williams, councilor Williams, seconded by Councillor Hamilton on discussion.
▶ 1:39:03 Leila Migliorelli: Councillor gpe. I just want if, if you're okay with redesigning it, why is it? I'm just curious. Why is it in front of us now? Yeah, Because I, because I just submitted like time ago and I didn't get a hearing like a year ago. Okay. Just to follow up on Councillor Ante's comment, that's kind of my question too is that now we have sort of, this is sort of the second thing in front of us in which we don't have like a full plan as to what it's being used for. And I don't know if this is a, a national grid situation if this is a city situation, but it seems like if we are applying, if there was an old application for a poll, um, if there's some type of communication that could go between the city and national grid, um, so
▶ 1:39:50 Leila Migliorelli: that we're not having to tell National Grid when they're here, that this site, the plan is changed. Um, I, that would just be my comment moving forward. Okay. Um, motion on the table. Ought not to pass May by Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Hamilton. All in favor of not passing. Aye aye. Any opposed? Aye. Okay. So, um, that is 10 pa uh, to not pass one, uh, dissenting. And so that, that passes. All right. Moving on to one Jo Pole on Sylvan Street Center. And this is for a, a new development that actually will be in 1214 Sylvan Street. They are pretty much ready to go and they are needing definitely the service right now. So they are just waiting in this case for national agreed,
▶ 1:40:49 Devin Romanul: but we cannot do it without your approval. So we need to install a mid pole that, and then we are gonna be installing a new pole in air property and will be like an overhead crossing in that, in this case, trying to avoid, uh, breaking the, the road that was the initial proposed Councillor Williams. I'm gonna defer to Councillor Romanul for his question first. Councillor Romanul, uh, thanks so much. Um, couple of questions. Uh, how, how close to, well, I, I saw in the memo that there was an express preference to go underground rather than across. This is a pretty busy intersection. It's right off of Main Street. You've got Pine Banks, uh, right over there. Me and my kids walk through there every single day.
▶ 1:41:35 Devin Romanul: So I'm, I'm wondering what the thought process was for having overhead wires versus, um, you know, uh, versus underground and, uh, given the express preference and then, you know, how close is this pole in relation to the sidewalk and what kind of disruption can residents expect during that process? Well, it's a good question about the pole. So there is like an, an existing pole line, so it would be like the same as the other poles that are like next to it. And, and I, in my case, I always prefer like to go overhead because it's less disrupting, uh, than going underground because in this case, usually like the all underground job needs like a really civil work that in this case, national Grid usually doesn't perform.
▶ 1:42:20 All the civil work always is done by the customer. So I just try always to avoid them more money, more time. That's the main reason that I decide to do that instead, like crossing and breaking the road because in my case, I don't know what they gonna find, inspect or try to avoid. Do what? What, uh, I don't know, like, uh, water main or something like that. Sure. And, and what is the, uh, relation of the, the new pole in relation to the sidewalk and the, and the new building? 'cause I understand there are four units that are going up. Yes. Um, so maybe you could just walk me through those distances. So, uh, the distance in this case is not a problem. The problem in this case is the, now the, the new
▶ 1:43:03 electric code in everywhere is asking that everything has to be electric. So initially they, they were hoping to do it like just a, a smaller service that doesn't require, in this case a new pole. But now these four houses requires, uh, an exclusive transformer that will be placed in on their property. But to get there in a safety way is better to install a new pole because we have, we have some poles over there, one of them are busy and the other one that is not busy, we can use it, but we can be aerial trespassing the neighbor's property and that's something that we want to avoid in that case. And, uh, to my last question, just how, how long a um, how long a disruption can residents expect and,
▶ 1:43:52 and will pedestrians still have access? No, for the police it's really easy, but because for a poll it can be just like a couple hours, like a half of a day, and it will be just like that. And in total it could be just a day because initially they will be installing if, if we keep like the same plan. So they will be installing the pole in the sidewalk and also the pole inside of their property. And I think that pretty much it can be done like in the whole day, the two poles and, and the half of that day they install the pole and the next day they will run the wire. Excellent, thank you. Anyone else on Councilor Williams? Um, this is going on the tree belt on the east side of Sylvan between these two marked poles
▶ 1:44:39 Ryan Williams: where it looks like it would actually land kind of right between two trees? Yes. That's what it looks like to me. Yeah. And there's no transformer on that. You're going to wire to a transformer inside. Okay. Yes. When you, when you say, I have a question about the general language you're using tonight. Yes. When you say a pole is busy, It's busy is like, eh, for safety, like policies mm-hmm. National grid only allows like one pole, one purpose, so Okay. In the case that it is an existing transformer or primary riser, we cannot use it and that's the reason that we need to ask for a new pole. Alright. Understood. Thank you. Thank You. Any other questions? What is the will of the council? I'll make a motion to approve this to,
▶ 1:45:24 Kimberly Vandiver: um, I keep screwing this up. Just recommend a motion to, uh, recommend. Yeah. Second. So who are we recommending it to? No. Yeah. Motion to approve. Uh, made by Councilor Williams, seconded by Councillor Romanul. On discussion. Seeing none, uh, councilor all. Sorry. That's okay. Councilor wa I I just, I didn't quite understand the explanation about, um, the underground option and it sounded like if we approve this, this will be for overhead. No, it's a good question. So either if we gonna go overhead or underground, we need the pole. Okay. We still need a pole? Yes. Okay. Understood. Thank you. Thank you. I think though, if you are going underground, I think you would need the conduit location to be part Yes.
▶ 1:46:08 Part of under the grant of Location in that case? Yes. Okay. There would be an additional petition, but this, yeah, The poll would be there either way, but then they'd need the permission for the conduit. Uh, Yeah. Thank You. And, and if I understand correctly, the pole on the private property would not need to be there. It would be underground going directly to the transformer rather than a new pole on in the city property on the south side of Sylvan and then a new pole in the private property to get the overhead wire. Okay, so this pole no matter what and then either another poll or the underground? Correct. Okay, thank you. Okay. Um, motion to approve. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? That passes.
▶ 2:14:31 All in favor? Aye. Opposed? We are adjourned. Next up. City Council. Recording In Progress. All right, we're back. 9:26 PM Unfinished Business Appropriations. Oh yeah. Yes. Id number 1, 2 6 6 7. Fiscal 2026 Solid Waste Enterprise Fund budget in the amount of 3,529,118. Councilor Repe, I'm sorry. I'm not organized. Uh, Madam Present. This comes from appropriation and oversight, um, for the recommendation for Passage. And at this mo at this time, I'll make that motion. Second Recommendation from Passage made by Councillor Gar. Second by Councilor Stewart. On discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk, would you please call the role? Yes. Councilor Jamine? Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Karen Chetty? Yes.
▶ 2:15:42 Councilor Bruski. Yes. Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vandiver. Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. Councilor Garbe. Yes. Motion passes ID number 1 2 6 7 1 Fiscal 2026 Sewer enterprise budget in the amount of 8,280,121. Honor Present. This comes from appropriation and oversight with a recommendation for passage. At this time, I'll make a motion for passage. Second Motion. Motion for passage made by Councilor Repe, seconded by Councillor Stewart. On discussion, seeing none, Madam Clerk Councilor Jamal Ine. Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Chetty. Yes. Cremsky? Yes. Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vandiver. Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes.
▶ 2:16:29 President mre? Yes. Councilor Garipay. Yes. Passes. Passes. Next up. Oh, sorry. Go on. Id number 1 2 6 7 2. Fiscal 2026 Water Enterprise Fund in the amount of 6,441,569. Honor President. This comes from appropriation oversight with the recommendation for passage. At this time, I'll make a motion for passage. Second. Motion for passage made by Councilor, seconded by Councilor Stewart. On discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk, Councilor Jamal? Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Chetty. Yes. Cremsky? Yes. Councilor Romanul. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vandiver. Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President mre? Yes. Councilor Gar Pay. Yes. Motion passes. I know, I know. I, ID Number 1 2 6 8 0.
▶ 2:17:29 An appropriation from Sewer retained earnings account. 6 0 0 0 3 1 9 0 0 0 in the amount of 200,000 to Sewer Professional Services account. 6 0 4 4 1 2 dash 5 2 9. Madam President, this comes from Appropriation and Oversight Committee with a recommended for passage. At this time, I'll make a motion for passage. Second. Second Councilor. Motion made by Councillor Garra, seconded by Councillor Jamine. On discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk. Counselor Jamine. Yes. Counselor Gar. Yes. Councillor Hamilton? Yes. Councillor Chetty. Yes. Cremsky? Yes. Councillor Romanul. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councillor Vanderbilt. Yes. So Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. Motion passes. Okay. Id Number one. 2 7 2 4.
▶ 2:18:26 An appropriation from free cash account zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1. And the amount of $180,000 to DPW highway number 4, 2, 2 for roadway paving. Madam President, this comes from appropriation oversight with a recommendation for passage. At this time, I'll make a motion for passage. Second. Motion for passage made by Councilor Repe, seconded by Councilor Aldine. On discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk, Councilor Jamal Ledine? Yes. Councilor Repe. Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Karen Chetty. Yes. Cremsky? Yes. Councilor Romanul. Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vandiver. Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. Motion passes ID number 1 2 7 2 5. An appropriation from free cash.
▶ 2:19:14 Zero one dash 3 2 4 0 0 1 in the amount of $60,000 to DPW facilities Number 4 0 2. Madam President, this comes from appropriation oversight 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 Councilor Jamine? Yes. Councilor Repe. Yes. Councillor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Karen Chetty. Yes. Councilor Reky. Yes. Councillor Romanul. Yes. Councillor Stewart? Yes. Council Vandiver? Yes. Council Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. Motion passes On two orders ID number 1, 2 7 2 8. Order to place override questions on the November 4th, 2025 local election ballot.
▶ 2:20:03 Robb Stewart: It. Madam President, this comes from appropriation and oversight with a re recommendation for passage. At this time, I'll make a rec, uh, I'll make a motion for passage. Thank you. Motion for passage made by Councillor Repe, seconded by Councillor Williams on discussion. Councillor Stewart. Thank you, Madam President. Uh, president, as I mentioned a committee, and I just wanna re, and I know it's a lot end of the night, but I just want to reiterate, um, to the administration how important it is based on the feedback that we heard earlier this evening, that there will be confusion if we're not extremely clear on what the intention. I think, you know, the, the point that sh uh, the, the lady that brought up regarding, uh, picking the, the top most
▶ 2:20:49 Robb Stewart: that could confuse a lot of people and that may result in votes that may not accurately re reflect or represent what they would want to intend. So I just, I want to pass this on to you and, and through you to the administration to let them know that this is, um, this could be a trap that we don't want to fall into. We want to be sure that people understand clearly what the vote means. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else on discussion? Uh, just to correct for the public comment that it is, the example is provided for a public comment. If anyone is still watching us at night, if the it is not that, if the majority votes for one question, so let's say the 9.3, that the highest amount passes, that's, I know several people said something, even though
▶ 2:21:42 Leila Migliorelli: that was not a q and a back and forth, so just correcting the record that that's not confusion, but, uh, that's not true. Um, but thank you Councillor Stewart for your comment. Right. Um, all in favor or motion? Yes. Motion made by Councillor Garre. Second by Councillor Williams. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? That order passes Nothing under expires. No. Roll call. Let's your roll call. Sure. Yeah. Okay. Councillor Jamine? Yes. Councillor Garipay? Yes. Councillor Hamilton? Yes. Councilor Karen Chetty. Yes. Cremsky? Yes. Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Vandiver? Yes. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Elli? Yes. Motion Passes. Okay. Double vote Count. Well, yes. Anyone under expires?
▶ 2:22:30 Leila Migliorelli: I mean, nothing's under expires. Rule 36. Uh, I will. Motion by unanimous consent to adjourn. Thank you. Have a good night.