City Council — 2026-01-20

City Council Meeting 1/20/26

This meeting starts at 1:05:47 in a recording that covers several meetings.

Attendance

Jason Chen present · At-Large; Cal Finocchiaro present · Ward 6; Bradley Freeman present · President; Maya Jamaleddine absent · At-Large; Manjula Karamcheti present · Ward 1; Elizabeth Kowal present · At-Large; John Obremski present · Ward 2; Christopher Park present · Ward 3; Devin Romanul present · Ward 7; Kimberly Vandiver present · Ward 5; Ryan Williams present · At-Large

Agenda

CALL TO ORDER (1:05:52)
Attendees (1:06:16)
MINUTES APPROVAL (1:07:04)
City Council Organizational/Regular Meeting January 12, 2026 7:45 PM (1:07:16)
PUBLIC COMMENT (1:07:26)
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE HONORABLE MAYOR & OTHER CITY OFFICIALS (1:07:54)
NEW BUSINESS (1:07:59)
Filings by the Honorable Mayor (1:08:03)
Appointments/Reappointments (1:08:06)
Reappointment of Helena Widtfeldt, 44 Briggs Street, Melrose MA to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, for a two year term, said term to expire on the last day of January, 2028. (1:08:09)
Filings by members of the Honorable City Council (1:08:18)
Requests (1:08:21)
Set a Public Hearing to discuss the Motor Vehicle Class I and II license for Cesar Cars Auto Sales Corp d/b/a Melrose Auto Gallery (1:08:25)
Orders (1:09:05)
Reappointment of Linda Reed, as Assistant City Clerk for a one year term, ending on the first Monday in February 2027. (1:09:10)
PUBLIC HEARING-NATIONAL GRID PETITIONS (1:14:56)
Petitions (1:15:12)
WR# 31196090 164 Essex Street National Grid to install Joint Owned Pole - Public Hearing request (1:15:16)
WR # 31135450 4 Glendale Ave - Joint Pole Installation (1:16:32)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS (1:09:20)
Appointments/Reappointments (1:09:24)
Appointment of Diane Casey, 60 Cochrane Street, to the Liquor Licensing Commission to complete the six-year term of Kevin Cronin who has resigned; said term to expire on the first Monday in June 2029. (1:09:27)
Appointment of Rob Kirsh, 12 Garland Street, to the Melrose Parks Commission, to fulfill a five-year term of Brad Freeman who has resigned, set to expire on the First Monday of May 2028. (1:10:12)
Appointment of Michael Tarmey, 5 Trenton Street, to the Melrose Council on Aging to complete the two year term of Margaret Ivins who has resigned; said term to expire on the last day of February 2027. (1:10:54)
Grants (1:11:35)
Acceptance of Fiscal 2026 Local Cultural Council Allocation (1:11:39)
Acceptance of Municipal ADA Improvement Grant (1:12:12)
Acceptance of EOHLC FY2026 Community Planning Grant in the amount of $100,250 (1:12:58)
Licenses (1:13:36)
New Common Victualler License for "Table Four" (1:13:40)
Motor Vehicle Class I and II Renewals for 2026 (Second Round) (1:14:02)
Common Victualler Renewals for 2026 ( Second Round ) (1:14:38)
Ordinances (1:42:00)
Revise the existing Animal Leash Law to REMOVE this language : The Animal Control Officer may, at his/her discretion, waive the provisions of Subsection A if a determination is made that the owner or keeper has a valid reason to have the dog unleashed or untethered for training, exhibition or show purposes. [Amended 8-21-2017 by Ord. No. 2018-4] (1:42:06)
Amending Chapter A, Article II, Section 210 of the Administrative Code of the City of Melrose to expand the authority of the Historical Commission to include regulatory authority as necessary for demolition review. (1:43:50)
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES (1:44:44)
EXPIRIES (1:44:49)
RULE 36 REPORTS (1:44:52)
ADJOURNMENT (1:44:56)

Minutes

City Council Regular Meeting, Public Hearing Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 7:45 PM City Council Chamber, 1st Floor 562 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176 MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER Jason Chen Cal Finocchiaro Maya Jamaleddine Manjula Karamcheti Elizabeth Kowal John Obremski Christopher Park Devin Romanul Kimberly Vandiver Ryan Williams Brad Freeman, President Pledge of Allegiance Meeting was called to order by President Freeman at 7:50 PM Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Jason Chen At-Large Present Cal Finocchiaro Ward 6 Present Maya Jamaleddine At-Large Absent Manjula Karamcheti Ward 1 Present Elizabeth Kowal At-Large Present John Obremski Ward 2 Present Christopher Park Ward 3 Present Devin Romanul Ward 7 Present Kimberly Vandiver Ward 5 Present Ryan Williams At-Large Present William Bradley Feeman President Present 1 II. MINUTES APPROVAL A. City Council Organizational/Regular Meeting January 12, 2026 7:45 PM Motion to Approve the minutes by unanimous consent without reading made by President Freeman RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine III. PUBLIC COMMENT When: Jan 20, 2026 07:45 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Topic: City Council Meeting, Public Hearing National Grid 8:00 pm Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://cityofmelrose-org.zoom.us/j/95331852026?pwd=v0tkdTjEGOes0s0AF67eHG0agIs8B4.1 Passcode:828534 Webinar ID: 953 3185 2026 Motion to Open public comment made by President Freeman at 7:52 PM There were no comments on the floor or via Zoom Motion to Close public comment made by President Freeman at 7:53 PM IV. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE HONORABLE MAYOR & OTHER CITY OFFICIALS V. NEW BUSINESS A. Filings by the Honorable Mayor i. Appointments/Reappointments

1. (ID # 2026-178): Reappointment of Helena Widtfeldt, 44 Briggs Street, Melrose MA to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, for a two year term, said term to expire on the last day of January, 2028. Motion to Refer to Boards & Commissions Committee made by President Freeman RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Boards & Commissions B. Filings by members of the Honorable City Council i. Requests

1. (ID # 2026-175): Set a Public Hearing to discuss the Motor Vehicle Class I and II license for Cesar Cars Auto Sales Corp d/b/a Melrose Auto Gallery Motion to request immediate consideration for public hearing on 2/23/26 at 8:00 PM made by Councilor Finocchiaro 2 Seconded by Councilor Kowal All were in favor and motion passed RESULTS: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] TO: Public Hearing AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine C. Orders

i. (ID # 2026-174): Reappointment of Linda Reed, as Assistant City Clerk for a one year term, ending on the first Monday in February 2027. Motion to Refer to Finance Committee made by President Freeman RESULT: ASSIGN TO COMMITTEE TO: Finance VI. PUBLIC HEARING-NATIONAL GRID PETITIONS Motion by unanimous consent to Open public hearing made by President Freeman at 8:00 PM There were no objections and public hearing was opened. Motion by unanimous consent to Close public hearing made by President Freeman at 8:27 PM. A. Petitions

i. (ID # 2026-52): WR# 31196090 164 Essex Street National Grid to install Joint Owned Pole - Public Hearing request Motion to Approve made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine

ii. (ID # 2026-73): WR # 31135450 4 Glendale Ave - Joint Pole Installation Motion to Postpone the hearing to the next city council meeting on February 23 made by Councilor Williams. Seconded by Councilor Romanul 3 All were in favor and motion passed. RESULTS: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] TO: Postpone to 2/23/26 Council Meeting AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine Comments on Discussion: -Councilor Finocchiaro asked why 2 poles to replace one leaning pole. They replied that it's necessary to have the second pole on the opposite side of the street to prevent it from leaning again. Comments from Residents (Eric Podradchik of 79 Hesseltine and Roland Sampson of 76 Hesseltine): -They have been asking to have the leaning pole replaced for at least 10 years. Why are 2 poles necessary? NG says it requires an extra pole with a guy wire to keep the new pole from leaning. This will create a safety risk with Eric's driveway view being blocked and he is concerned about hitting children backing in and out, especially with his proximity to the Horace Mann School. -Roman asked for more detail on the plan about the specific poles and method of connection. -Eric has concerns that this buddy pole plan will devalue their properties since it looks very unattractive. -Roman said this is the only pole that will be on that particular side of the street. -Councilor Finocchiaro asked if there is any other solution for this. How long did it take for the existing pole to sag/lean? Is there a way to support the existing pole without adding one across the street? -Eric has safety concerns about the guy wire. -Roman thinks that one new pole alone should be a sufficient solution, understanding that there are wires going in 3 different directions from that pole. -Eric would appreciate less spray painting by NG when these projects are being done, which devalues your property. Why does this particular pole lean while others in the city are fine. -Councilor Finocchiaro asked again if there is a way to install one new pole without the second one across the street. NG said they could try to go with one pole only and provide frequent maintenance to fix any developing leans. NG stated that it's a good thing that this pole has not come down in a storm recently. Poles installed before 1975 should probably be replaced to be up to code with new standards and to reach higher. This pole is at great risk of coming down in a storm and the priority is the safety of the residents and the assets and getting it replaced ASAP. It's valuable to get public input. NG explained that they must use spray paint to use Dig Safe. -Councilor Finocchiaro would feel comfortable approving the design with only one pole considering the comments from the residents. -Councilor Obremski stated that in the context of safety, shouldn't they just replace this with a new stronger pole to fix the problem. -Engineer Coy stated that this pole being on a corner needs a counteractive force from the stub pole 4 to keep it from leaning again over time. All of the wires are pulling it in one direction with no counteractive force, which is different from most poles around the city. -Councilor Obremski asked if they can use a different style pole that is stronger. -NG said that is an option but will still require 2 poles. They will take all of this feedback and propose alternative solutions. -Councilor Williams stated that he is not in favor of guy wires and the pinch points that they create, especially in this case with a fence up to the sidewalk. He asked if the NG could find a creative solution to relieve some of the pulling forces on that particular pole thus not needing a counterbalance pole. -Councilor Vandiver asked if NG thinks a future design of only one pole would be a safety risk of weakness in storms, and yes they do. A big metal (instead of wood) foundation stub pole is another option that would not need the sidewalk anchor. Can we offer rounded mirrors, moving the fence, curb cuts as safety solutions for the driveway view issue. -Councilor Park is not a fan of anchors into the sidewalk. They are a barrier and kids will get off of the sidewalk to avoid it and create danger by being in the street. If this existing pole goes down in the next storm, what is the protocol for fixing it? NG would treat it as an emergency and most likely follow the current plan and not consider resident feedback. -Councilor Williams asked how long NG needs to provide alternative solutions. They could have alternative plans ready in a couple of weeks, by February 23. Pursuant to Rule 64, because we don't have enough information and people are of split opinions, he recommends postponing this hearing until the next city council meeting on February 23 to reconvene and discuss other options. -Eric had concerns that they had been asking for this fix for over 10 years and now, all of a sudden this is being rushed. He is concerned this will not be done safely or with resident input. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Appointments/Reappointments

i. (ID # 2026-1): Appointment of Diane Casey, 60 Cochrane Street, to the Liquor Licensing Commission to complete the six-year term of Kevin Cronin who has resigned; said term to expire on the first Monday in June 2029. Motion to Approve made by Councilor Williams Seconded by Councilor Vandiver All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine

ii. (ID # 2026-8): Appointment of Rob Kirsh, 12 Garland Street, to the Melrose Parks Commission, to fulfill a five-year term of Brad Freeman who has resigned, set to expire on the First Monday of May 2028. Motion to Approve made by Councilor Williams Seconded by Councilor Vandiver All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] 5 AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine

iii. (ID # 2026-9): Appointment of Michael Tarmey, 5 Trenton Street, to the Melrose Council on Aging to complete the two year term of Margaret Ivins who has resigned; said term to expire on the last day of February 2027. Motion to Approve made by Councilor Williams Seconded by Councilor Vandiver All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine B. Grants

i. (ID # 2025-867): Acceptance of Fiscal 2026 Local Cultural Council Allocation Motion to Approve made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Vandiver All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine

ii. (ID # 2025-868): Acceptance of Municipal ADA Improvement Grant Motion to Approve made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Karamcheti All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine 6

iii. (ID # 2026-3): Acceptance of EOHLC FY2026 Community Planning Grant in the amount of $100,250 Motion to Approve made by Councilor Romanul Seconded by Councilor Vandiver All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine C. Licenses

i. (ID # 2025-840): New Common Victualler License for "Table Four" Motion for Passage made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Park All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine

ii. (ID # 2025-842): Motor Vehicle Class I and II Renewals for 2026 (Second Round) Motion for Passage made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Romanul All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine

iii. (ID # 2025-843): Common Victualler Renewals for 2026 ( Second Round ) Motion for Passage made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Williams All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None 7 ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine D. Ordinances

i. (ID # 2025-613): Revise the existing Animal Leash Law to REMOVE this language : The Animal Control Officer may, at his/her discretion, waive the provisions of Subsection A if a determination is made that the owner or keeper has a valid reason to have the dog unleashed or untethered for training, exhibition or show purposes. [Amended 8-21-2017 by Ord. No. 2018-4] Motion to Recommend made by Councilor Karamcheti Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine

ii. (ID # 2026-10): Amending Chapter A, Article II, Section 210 of the Administrative Code of the City of Melrose to expand the authority of the Historical Commission to include regulatory authority as necessary for demolition review. Per Councilor Karamcheti, given the requirement of section 5 1 of the city charter, a public hearing is necessary prior to passage by the full council. Motion to Set a Public Hearing for 2/23 at 8:30 PM made by Councilor Karamcheti Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro All were in favor and motion passed RESULTS: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] TO: Public Hearing AYES: Jason Chen, Cal Finocchiaro, Bradley Freeman, Manjula Karamcheti, Elizabeth Kowal, John Obremski, Christopher Park, Devin Romanul, Kim Vandiver, Ryan Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Maya Jamaleddine VIII. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES IX. EXPIRIES X. RULE 36 REPORTS 8 XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion to Adjourn made by Councilor Karamcheti at 8:30 PM Seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro Meeting was adjourned 9 From: Helena Widtfeldt < > Sent: Monday, January 5, 2026 9:49 AM To: MacDonald, Diane <dmacdonald@cityofmelrose.org> Subject: Re: January 2026 Reappointment Affordable Housing Trust Good morning, Diane. I am happy to hear about my reappointment to the Housing Trust board. During 2025, I provided input and assisted in the shaping of key documents establishing the guidelines and processes for the operation of the Housing Trust. This included establishing overall goals & strategies as well as developing guidelines and an application process. The Board also received the first application for the receipt of funds from the Trust and I participated in the evaluation of the application and interview of the applicant representative. Let me know if you need additional details or anything further from me. Thanks, Helena § 56-10. Assistant City Clerk. A. The City Clerk shall, on or before the first Monday in February in each year, appoint an Assistant City Clerk, subject to confirmation by the City Council. B. The Assistant City Clerk may be removed by the vote of a majority of all the members of the City Council taken by roll call. C. In the absence of the City Clerk, the Assistant City Clerk shall perform all the duties of the office and shall perform such other duties as he/she may be called upon to perform by the City Clerk. State law reference — Authority to appoint assistant city clerk, MGL c. 41, § 18. :1Comments from City Clerk Tanji Cufuni regarding the reappointment of Linda Reed: I’m sorry, I could not be in attendance this evening… I wanted to make sure I shared my experience working with Linda Reed over the last year and a half. Last February, Linda Reed was appointed as a assistant city clerk for the City Of Melrose… Each year the assistant city clerk has to be reappointed… A year has gone by so fast and Linda continues to be a strong asset to our team… Over this past year, our department hired an elections administrator, as well as a senior clerk for our office… She was very instrumental in helping me get both of these individuals up to speed in their new roles… She brings so much knowledge and experience to the front office of the city clerk… She manages all of our business licenses and all of the permits that we give out on behalf of the City Of Melrose… This year, we are managing the dog database, and we make sure that we have it posted up on our website for all residents to view… She manages all of our vital records with ease and expertise. She continues to keep up with all of our training manuals… Making sure that each time we roll out a new procedure, it’s all documented.. Linda is always willing to provide a helping hand to any one within the department or outside of our department… A complete team leader… Her attendance is impeccable… I think she practically opens up the building every day of the week… I cannot ask for a better partner to work with, and I look forward to working with her for many years to come. I truly hope my endorsement for Linda can help all of you decide to extend her contract for another year… Thank you all for taking the time to read this Questions contact - Rafa Kerguelen (781)-388-5101 or rafael.kerguelenrestrepo@nationalgrid.com PETITION FOR JOINT OR IDENTICAL POLE LOCATIONS To the Melrose City Council, Massachusetts Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a NATIONAL GRID and Verizon New England, Inc requests permission to locate poles, wires, and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way: Essex Street - National Grid to install 1 JO (joint owned) pole on Essex Street beginning at a point approximately 18 feet West of the centerline of the intersection of Essex Street and Vine Street and continuing approximately 33 feet in a North direction. Installing 45' class 2 pole on Western sidewalk between 164 & 220 Essex Street and 57ft Northern direction from existing pole # 3905. The purpose of installing the pole is to use a primary riser pole to feed new development on 164 Essex St transformer, and because all other poles in the street are already at capacity and cannot accommodate the new infrastructure. Melrose, MA. Location approximately as shown on plan attached. Wherefore it prays that after due notice and hearing as provided by law, it be granted a location for and permission to erect and maintain poles and wires, together with such sustaining and protecting fixtures as it may find necessary, said poles to be erected substantially in accordance with the plan filed herewith marked – Essex Street - Melrose, Massachusetts. No.# 31196090 Also, for permission to lay and maintain underground laterals, cables, and wires in the above or intersecting public ways for the purpose of making connections with such poles and buildings as each of said petitioners may desire for distributing purposes. Your petitioner agrees to reserve space for one cross-arm at a suitable point on each of said poles for the fire, police, telephone, and telegraph signal wires belonging to the municipality and used by it exclusively for municipal purposes. Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a NATIONAL GRID Nick Memmolo BY _____________________________________ Engineering Department VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. BY ______________________________________ Manager / Right of Way December 10, 2025 Questions contact – Central Design, Rafa Kerguelen (781)-388-5101 or rafael.kerguelenrestrepo@nationalgrid.com ORDER FOR JOINT OR IDENTICAL POLE LOCATIONS To the Melrose City Council, Massachusetts Notice having been given and public hearing held, as provided by law, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED: that Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. (formerly known as NEW ENGLAND TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY) be and they are hereby granted joint or identical locations for and permission to erect and maintain poles and wires to be placed thereon, together with such sustaining and protecting fixtures as said Companies may deem necessary, in the public way or ways hereinafter referred to, as requested in petition of said Companies dated the 2nd day of October, 2025. All construction under this order shall be in accordance with the following conditions: Poles shall be of sound timber, and reasonable straight, and shall be set substantially at the points indicated upon the plan marked – Essex Street - Melrose, Massachusetts. No.# 31196090 Filed with this order: There may be attached to said poles by Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a NATIONAL GRID and Verizon New England Inc. such wires, cables, and fixtures as needed in their business and all of said wires and cables shall be placed at a height of not less than twenty (20) feet from the ground. The following are the public ways or part of ways along which the poles above referred to may be erected, and the number of poles which may be erected thereon under this order: Essex Street - National Grid to install 1 JO (joint owned) pole on Essex Street beginning at a point approximately 18 feet West of the centerline of the intersection of Essex Street and Vine Street and continuing approximately 33 feet in a North direction. Installing 45' class 2 pole on Western sidewalk between 164 & 220 Essex Street and 57ft Northern direction from existing pole # 3905. The purpose of installing the pole is to use a primary riser pole to feed new development on 164 Essex St transformer, and because all other poles in the street are already at capacity and cannot accommodate the new infrastructure. Melrose, MA. Also, for permission to lay and maintain underground laterals, cables, and wires in the above or intersecting public ways for the purpose of making connections with such poles and buildings as each of said petitioners may desire for distributing purposes. I hereby certify that the foregoing order was adopted at a meeting of the Of the City/Town of , Massachusetts held on the day of 20 . City/Town Clerk. Massachusetts 20 . Received and entered in the records of location orders of the City/Town of Book Page Attest: City/Town Clerk I hereby certify that on 20 , at o’clock, M At a public hearing was held on the petition of Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for permission to erect the poles, wires, and fixtures described in the order herewith recorded, and that we mailed at least seven days before said hearing a written notice of the time and place of said hearing to each of the owners of real estate (as determined by the last preceding assessment for taxation) along the ways or parts of ways upon which the Company is permitted to erect Poles, wires, and fixtures under said order. And that thereupon said order was duly adopted. City/Town Clerk. ………………………………………………... ………………………………………………... ………………………………………………... ………………………………………………... Board or Council of Town or City, Massachusetts CERTIFICATE I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the location order and certificate of hearing with notice adopted by the of the City of Massachusetts, on the day of 20 and recorded with the records of location orders of the said City, Book , and Page . This certified copy is made under the provisions of Chapter 166 of General Laws and any additions thereto or amendments thereof. Attest: City/Town Clerk DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Administration–Engineering–Water–Sewer–Facilities Parks–Forestry–Highway–Sanitation–Cemetery–Fleet CITY OF MELROSE Jay Coy, P.E., PMP City Hall, 562 Main Street Acting City Engineer Melrose, Massachusetts 02176 Telephone – (781) 979-4172 E-mail: jcoy@cityofmelrose.org January 12, 2026 To: Melrose City Council From: Jay Coy, P.E., Acting City Engineer CC: Tanji Cifuni, City Clerk Elena Proakis Ellis, P.E., DPW Director Subject: Order #2026-52: Petition of Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc. to install 1 JO (joint owned) pole on Essex Street beginning at a point approximately 18 feet West of the centerline of the intersection of Essex Street and Vine Street and continuing approximately 33 feet in a North direction. Installing 45' class 2 pole on Western sidewalk between 164 & 220 Essex Street and 57ft Northern direction from existing pole # 3905, Melrose MA. The Department of Public Works has reviewed the above-referenced request by National Grid and has the following comments and recommended conditions: 1) The proposed work is intended to allow for the new pole to bed used as a primary riser pole to feed the new development at 164 Essex St transformer, and because all other poles in the street are already at capacity and cannot accommodate the new infrastructure. 2) The petitioner(s) met with the City Engineer and/or their designee to select the exact location of the proposed pole and conduit and will need to obtain a Melrose Public Works Street Opening Permit for the work. The petitioner(s) will be responsible for strict adherence to all requirements set forth within the permit including permit fees, insurance and bonding requirements. 3) Per Melrose Ordinances, Section 202-1.1, Reservation of space for city use; rights and privileges of city therein, please note the following. In all underground conduits sufficient and necessary space as shall be determined by the City Council, upon consultation with the IT Director, shall be reserved free of expense for the use of the fire, police and other information technology, telegraph and telephone signal wires and/or cables belonging to the city and used exclusively for municipal purposes, and the city, by its inspector of wires and/or other proper servants, shall be allowed access to such conduits at all times. The city shall be allowed equal facilities and privileges with others using such conduits in putting in, taking out and repairing wires. In the alternative, another conduit, also known as a shadow conduit, of equal size and length may be laid along with the permitted conduit, which shall be for the exclusive use, and under the exclusive control of, the city. In this regard, the City is waiving this requirement for City space within the underground conduit. Space for City utilities is still required on the applicable utility poles. 4) All existing utilities must be marked out and protected and any utilities damaged during construction shall be repaired by the applicant at their expense. NGRID shall call Dig Safe and the City’s DPW Water and Sewer Division at least 72 hours prior to conducting the work. 5) Any new pole locations shall be in compliance with ADA standards. 6) Plans shall be made prior to issuance of a street opening permit and consequentially put in place during construction to address resident and pedestrian access and safety in and around the job site. 7) Police details shall be coordinated with the Melrose Police Department and are the responsibility of the Petitioner for both scheduling and payment. 8) NGRID shall notify property owners and businesses within 1/8 of a mile of the project at least 48 hours in advance of commencing work. If access to driveways is restricted, NGRID crews must coordinate with property owners to move vehicles in advance of work. A copy of the notice shall be provided to the Engineering Division in advance of distribution to the neighboring properties. 9) Any disturbed sidewalks shall require in-kind replacement. All restoration work shall be in accordance with the Melrose Design and Construction Standards and the permits issued by the Engineering Division. It is the responsibility of the petitioner to coordinate pavement restoration with the developer and/or property owner, with notification to the City in accordance with the Engineering Division permit for such work. 10) NGRID will clean up all debris to the satisfaction of the DPW. Page 1 of 1 OH POLE PETITION/PERMIT REQUEST City Town of _________________________MELROSE WR # _____31135450_________ (circle one) SOO Install __________1________ JO Poles on __4 GLENDALE AVE______ (quantity) (circle one) (street name) SOO Remove__________________ JO Poles on ______________________________ (quantity) (circle one) (street name) SOO Relocate _________________ JO Poles on ______________________________ (quantity) (circle one) (street name) Beginning at a point approximately _______60feet _________North of the centerline (distance) (compass heading) of the intersection of _________________GLENDALE AVE ___________________ (street name) and continuing approximately _______N/A_____ feet in a _____________direction. (distance) (compass heading) Install underground facilities: Street(s) ______________N/A________________________________________________ Description of Work: INSTALL STUB POLE P 2402-84 WITH DOWN STRUT GUY AND ANCHOR TO PREVENT P2402 ON 76 HESSELTINE AVE, MELROSE FROM LEANING ENGINEER __________________________________________JANJENAarad Aker DASWANI DATE _______________09/10/25_________ Distribution Design Updated by: JMD. Last Updated: 01/14/2011 PRINTED COPIES OF THESE DOCUMENTSS ARE NOT CONTROLLED. AUTHORIZED VERSIONS APPEAR ON THE NGRID INFONET ONLY NOT TO SCALE N 43 East Highland Ave National Grid to install P2402-84 with sidewalk anchor 76 Hesseltine Ave 40 East Highland Ave OH PETITION LEGEND WR # 31135450 – 76 Hesseltine Ave, Melrose SKETCH TO ACCOMPANY PETITON: Proposed Installation 35ft C3 (Class 3) JO (Jointly Owned) Pole # 2402-84 in the eastern sidewalk in front of 76 Hesseltine Ave and on the side of 4 Glendale Ave. St. This pole needs to be installed to guy the new P2402 45FT C2 (Class2) and prevent from leaning in front of house. OCT 2025 PLAN NO. REV NO. 1 1.0 Remove existing P2402, Replace with new 45 Ft C2 Insert secondary pole (Class 2) P2402-84, 35ft C3 (Class 3) with a down guy anchor on the side of 5 Glendale Ave to prevent the new P2402 from leaningS/NO. ADDRESS OWNER’S INFO PROPERTY ID NAME: BODNER ADAM, BODNER KATHERINE MAILING: 4 GLENDALE AVENUE, MELROSE, MA 1 4 GLENDALE AVE D12 0 128 02176 NAME: PODRADCHIK, ERIC J. DEBORAH 79 HESSELTINE A PODRADCHIK D12 0 129 2 AVE 79 HESSELTINE AVE, MELROSE, MAILING: MA 02176 NAME: KENNEY, PHIL J MONIQUE J KENNEY HWTE D12 0 125 MAILING: 3 3 GLENDALE AVE 3 GLENDALE AVE MELROSE, MA 02176 NAME: SAMPSON, ROLAND F JR, LAURA J SAMPSON HWTE D12 0 93 MAILING: 4 76 HESSELTINE 76 HESSELTINE AVE, MELROSE MA AVE 02176 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Administration–Engineering–Water–Sewer–Facilities Parks–Forestry–Highway–Sanitation–Cemetery–Fleet CITY OF MELROSE Jay Coy, P.E., PMP City Hall, 562 Main Street Acting City Engineer Melrose, Massachusetts 02176 Telephone – (781) 979-4172 E-mail: jcoy@cityofmelrose.org January 12, 2026 To: Melrose City Council From: Jay Coy, P.E., Acting City Engineer CC: Tanji Cifuni, City Clerk Elena Proakis Ellis, P.E., DPW Director Subject: Order #2026-73: Petition of Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc. to replace the existing Pole #P-2402 on the western sidewalk in front of 76 Hesseltine Ave and install one new Jointly Owned (JO) Pole #P 2402-84 with a down strut guy in the eastern sidewalk in front of 76 Hesseltine Ave (side of 4 Glendale Ave), Melrose MA. The Department of Public Works has reviewed the above-referenced request by National Grid and has the following comments and recommended conditions: 1) The proposed work is intended for the new stub pole #P-2402-84 to support the replacement pole #P- 2402 from leaning. 2) The petitioner(s) met with the City Engineer and/or their designee to select the exact location of the proposed pole and conduit and will need to obtain a Melrose Public Works Street Opening Permit for the work. The petitioner(s) will be responsible for strict adherence to all requirements set forth within the permit including permit fees, insurance and bonding requirements. 3) All existing utilities must be marked out and protected and any utilities damaged during construction shall be repaired by the applicant at their expense. NGRID shall call Dig Safe and the City’s DPW Water and Sewer Division at least 72 hours prior to conducting the work. 4) Any new pole locations shall be in compliance with ADA standards. 5) Plans shall be made prior to issuance of a street opening permit and consequentially put in place during construction to address resident and pedestrian access and safety in and around the job site. 6) Police details shall be coordinated with the Melrose Police Department and are the responsibility of the Petitioner for both scheduling and payment. 7) NGRID shall notify property owners and businesses within 1/8 of a mile of the project at least 48 hours in advance of commencing work. If access to driveways is restricted, NGRID crews must coordinate with property owners to move vehicles in advance of work. A copy of the notice shall be provided to the Engineering Division in advance of distribution to the neighboring properties. 8) Any disturbed sidewalks shall require in-kind replacement. All restoration work shall be in accordance with the Melrose Design and Construction Standards and the permits issued by the Engineering Division. It is the responsibility of the petitioner to coordinate pavement restoration with the developer and/or property owner, with notification to the City in accordance with the Engineering Division permit for such work. 9) NGRID will clean up all debris to the satisfaction of the DPW. From: Joe And Diane Casey To: Mayor Grigoraitis Cc: Grymek, Lauren; Bucciero, Patricia Subject: Diane Casey: Statement of Interest Liquor Commission Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 8:51:52 PM Attachments: Diane Casey Resume.docx I am writing to express my interest in serving as a member of the City of Melrose Liquor Commission. My husband and I have had the pleasure of living in Melrose for the past 23 years, where we have raised our three children. I am eager to give back to a community that has given so much to our family. I am committed to supporting responsible alcohol licensing practices that will help the community of Melrose. I will work hard to support regulations that would promote a balance between economic health, public safety, and community well-being. I believe my integrity and dedication would make me a valuable addition to the Commission. Thank you for your consideration. Diane Casey ****CITY OF MELROSE PUBLIC RECORDS NOTICE: Please be advised that the Massachusetts Attorney General has determined that email is a public record unless the content of the email falls within one of the stated exemptions under the Massachusetts Public Records Laws.**** DIANE CASEY (SENIOR CONSULTANT) Diane Casey is a Senior Consultant at Qualus Corporation with over 30 years of experience in the utility industry. She specializes in Mobile Work Management (MWM) systems for both electric and gas operations, bringing deep expertise in utility transmission and distribution business processes and operational practices. Diane has successfully led multiple large-scale IT system implementations, consistently serving in leadership roles that bridge technical and business teams. Most recently, she served as Technical Lead for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) installation project for a major northeastern utility, where she coordinated efforts across multiple vendors and stakeholders. Her technical experience includes managing software distribution and patch deployments across complex environments and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including database administrators, architects, security, and infrastructure specialists. Diane is known for her ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an organization, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, project managers, and team members. Her combination of industry knowledge, technical acumen, and interpersonal skills makes her a valuable asset in driving successful project outcomes and delivering innovative solutions in the utility sector. Diane is an experienced IT consultant with over 12 years of experience managing both onsite and offshore software development teams, primarily focused on Mobile Work Management (MWM) applications within the utility sector. She has played key roles in several high-profile projects for Eversource, including the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Meter Replacement Project, the Customer System Replacement Project (CIS to OMNI/SAP), and the IFS Mobile-Click Replacement Project. Diane successfully implemented and managed a SaaS mobile solution for a leading New England electric and gas utility, overseeing the full software development lifecycle—from design and deployment to rigorous testing of complex systems. Her responsibilities have included managing teams, projects, and processes to ensure timely and high-quality delivery. She was instrumental in establishing standardized code promotion and release management practices, as well as defect tracking protocols for a major utility client. Diane brings extensive experience in quality assurance across all phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), utilizing both Waterfall and Agile methodologies. Her testing expertise includes interface testing with Outage Management Systems (OMS), developing test strategies, reviewing test plans, and leading execution efforts. She consistently adheres to QA best practices and contributes within the organization’s Testing Center of Excellence. Diane is recognized for delivering reliable, high-quality solutions on time and within budget, while maintaining strong communication with stakeholders and cross-functional teams. Page 1 WORK EXPERIENCE: January 2024 – current Senior Consultant, Qualus Corporation Projects • Eversource Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Installation Program Diane is a technical lead on the AMI Program, a multi-year project to replace all existing electric meters with new digital smart meters throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. Diane worked on the requirements, design, and testing and deployment of AMI changes to the integrated field and back-end systems. She leads and coordinates numerous other vendor teams. • Eversource IFS Mobile Project with New IFS Mobile Adapter Changes (replacing Click) Diane has multiple roles and responsibilities as a key member in this upgrade project of the existing Click Mobile Adapter for the New IFS Mobile Adapter. Diane’s involvement spanned various areas of this project from Business Requirements to Date Mapping to Test Case creation, review, and execution. Diane served as a subject matter expert and led testing in the NMS interface with ClickMobile.  Responsibilities included reviewing testing plans and test cases for the NMS adapter changes. She supported Eversource in their business requirement tasks, data message mapping activities and testing activities for Function Unit testing, String Testing, Performance Testing and System Integration Testing. • Customer System Replacement Project (from CIS to OMNI/SAP) The Omni Phase 2 project is a Customer Information System (CIS) replacement project executed to migrate Eversource Massachusetts electric and gas customers onto the SAP platform. Diane is the Product Line Subject Matter Expert for the Service Suite Dispatch and Mobile application changes as part of the SAP replacement of Eversource’s Customer Information System with SAP. Diane is a key project team member in functional design and data mapping design meetings, workshops, and review of resulting project documentation with the Omni Project solution integrator, Ernst and Young (EY) and Eversource. She also has responsibilities for assisting Eversource in the development of and review of applicable SAP test cases as well as a SME in Service Suite and Integration changes. • AMI Meter Replacement Project The Advanced Metering Infrastructure project is enabling Eversource to move towards a generic meter that will satisfy the needs of any rate and the one AMI meter will serve all billing functions. Diane’s responsibilities as Product Line Coordinator covers all the Service Suite Dispatch and Mobile Application changes required to add these new job codes enabling Eversource to successfully status and complete AMI service orders in the Service Suite application. • Consolidated Energy Upgrade to NMS 2.6 Diane’s roles and responsibilities include work on the ConEd training documentation detailing differences between the Oracle NMS 2.3 And NMS 2.6 to for use in the training of the ConEd workforce to prepare for the NMS system upgrade. Page 2 January 2021 – January 2024 Contractor (supporting Eversource), GridBright Projects • Oracle Network Management System (NMS) Upgrade 1.11 to 2.4 Diane had multiple roles and responsibilities as a key member in the multi-year upgrade project of Oracle NMS 1.11 to 2.4. Diane’s involvement spanned various areas of this project from Business Requirements to Postproduction Support. Diane served as a subject matter expert and led testing in the NMS interface with ClickMobile.  Responsibilities included reviewing testing plans, test cases and testing scripts in HPALM for the NMS upgrade project and its integrated applications. She supported Eversource in their acceptance testing activities (SIT, UAT) and in the resolution of any in scope High or Medium or Low defects found to be related to the system changes introduced through this body of work. Diane developed a new Test Strategy and Process to track and monitor in HPALM the status of changes during the testing process and through multiple environments. Eversource and HexStream adopted this Testing Strategy. • SCADA Device Integration with Click Mobile Diane has worked with the GridBright team to implement the required NMS and Click Mobile Adapter changes to support NMS sending restoration messages related to SCADA devices to Click upon the closing of the corresponding SCADA device. This project also included required changes in NMS and the Click Mobile Adapter to support sending the appropriate messages to Click for Planned Outage events (P-NEW) and their subsequent statuses. Diane’s responsibilities included updating existing test cases based on newly defined requirements as well as supporting the ClickMobile team to explain functionality and execute test cases. Diane coordinated with the ClickMobile team and WebMethods teams to resolve defects and schedule and promote changes through the nonproduction environments. • Eversource Energy Work Plan and Work Packages Diane was the lead tester on the upgrades to the Work Packages and Work Plan with the upgrade to the .NET framework and integration with NMS 2.4. Diane coordinated with the business, developer, and Eversource IT Support on testing, defect resolution, and migration of changes through non-production environments. • Oracle Utilities NMS v2.4 Oracle Mobile Application Extension Project Diane was the lead tester on the OMA Extension Project. This Project completed in sprints for Eversource to provide evidence that the OMA application would successfully meet all business requirements. • Omni Phase 2, Customer Information System (CIS) Replacement Project Diane will be responsible for supporting Eversource in the functional design and testing, planning and design activities in this project. The CIS replacement is being executed to migrate Eversource Massachusetts electric and gas customers onto the SAP platform. Diane’s responsibilities include participating in functional design and data mapping design initiatives with Eversource and Ernst and Young. Diane assists in the Page 3 development and review of SAP test cases which developed and executed to validate the connection to Service Suite and validity of data. • DMS to OMS Project Diane was part of the GridBright effort to integrate DMS to OMS. She was responsible for running test scripts, documenting test results, creating and updating defects in HPALM and sending the list of active defects out to all project members. 2014 – 2021 Senior Technical Architect (supporting Eversource), Infosys Ltd. Projects • Eversource Field Force Automation Team: Diane has been the Field Force Automation Team’s Senior Technical Architect, responsible for Eversource’s key Mobile Work Management applications, including Click, Service Suite, Advantex, Pragma CAD, Customer Request System, Teleforms and Teldig. She identifies the best-fit architectural solutions for mobile work management applications. She leads the onsite and offshore technical teams responsible for the monitoring and enhancement of the Click applications, ensuring high system availability and quality assurance in all phases of Software Development Life Cycle. • Click Mobile Steady State Team: Diane is the lead of the onsite and offshore technical team responsible for the monitoring and enhancement of the Click applications, ensuring high system availability, quality assurance in all phases of SDLC. She leads the testing of software changes for all mobile application changes. Her responsibilities include building test strategies, managing test plans and test cases to ensure they execute successfully, she plans and prioritizes all testing tasks to ensure QA in all aspects. Software solutions are delivered on time, on budget and adhere to best practices and policies and within the organizations TCoE standards. Her responsibilities also include the management and support of key legacy Eversource Mobile applications including Advantex, Service Suite, CRS, Teleforms and Teldig. She works to maintain these legacy applications while at the same time designing and coding the transition of these applications to work with or be replaced by Click Mobile. • Eversource Click Mobile OMS Project (2016 – 2018): Diane is responsible for managing the technical work on the Click Project for the implementation of Click Mobile for Eversource’s Outage Management (OMS) line of business. The Outage Management line of business was the first of five lines of business to move to the Click Mobile solution. Diane led the IT testing for the OMS to Click Mobile integration in implementation of Mobile Workforce Management. Diane’s testing includes the MWM to Outage Management System (OMS) integration, Timesheet integration to WorkForce, Employee information integration with Workday and Regression Testing of the existing systems. • Software Monthly Releases: Diane is the lead responsible for the reviewing, prioritizing, and scheduling enhancement requests, and incident resolutions for the Click Monthly Releases. She oversees coordinating the development, testing and implementation of the Click Mobile Monthly Releases. She collaborates with IT architects, developers, and IT management to ensure enhancements meet strategic business priorities and objectives. She coordinates with the business Page 4 for review of design documents, user acceptance testing and business communication for each monthly release to ensure acceptance and understanding of software changes. Diane reviews and contributes to the development of training materials for the Click Monthly Releases. She is also involved in working with the training department on iPad Device, EpochField, Colligo, Maximo, ClickSchedule, ClickMobile (including Timesheets). • Business Relationship Maintenance: Diane creates and maintains close business relationships with multiple business areas including Outage Management (OMS), Gas Work and Asset Management (GWAM), Electric Work and Asset Management (EWAM), Gas Meter Services (MGMS) and Electric Meter Services (EMS). Successfully work and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity. • Mobile Strategy: Partner with Eversource Management, IT leaders and business stakeholders on Mobile Work Management (MWM) strategy for Click Mobile as the Mobile Solution is deploys out to new lines of business at Eversource. 2001 – 2014 Technical Specialist (supporting NSTAR), IBM Projects • Diane was the Lead Technical Analyst on key business applications including Service Suite, Advantex, CRS and CWOS. Her responsibilities included oversight of third-party vendors and contractors and management of all open issues with software vendors. Diane is experienced and knowledgeable in developing and supporting middleware interfaces, including WebMethods, MQSeries, and stored procedures used for the Gas Mobile, GATOR, IVR, Liquid Office, Service Suite, and CIS middleware integration. • Eversource Mobile Strategy: Diane partnered with Eversource on future mobile work management (MWM) strategy. She researched and evaluated top MWM applications to determine the best fit for current and future business initiatives. She reviewed MWM vendor roadmaps to stay current on future direction and trends in their software and hardware. • Electric Meter Service Mobile Upgrade Project: Diane was the lead on the MWM portion of the project, which converted the Field Collections and Meter Technical Departments from the legacy RM system to the current Service Suite application. She was responsible for detailing customer requirements and designing IT solutions for business processes spanning multiple business areas including customer care, credit, field collections and meter technical. Diane collaborated during integration testing, led performance test sessions, and monitored user acceptance testing. Diane worked together with both the technical team and business clients to mediate and fix defects found during testing. She advised on solution options when issues arose. • Remote Disconnect Project: Diane designed and implemented the Remote Disconnect Meter Order system which solved a business need to get a new MWM order type and related meter data to the mobile field technician, providing the ability to remotely disconnect a meter. She designed the Page 5 solution after coordinating with IT partners in the CIS, CREDIT and Middleware teams as well as with business clients. The IT solution required changes to the CRS/CREDIT interface, new CRS screens and database updates, middleware mapping changes, new order changes to Service Suite, the electric meter service MWM. • Winter Residential Shutoff: Diane worked with the Field Collections Department and the CREDIT Application Support team to gather customer requirements and design the IT solution for the new process. Changes spanned the CREDIT application, the CREDIT/CRS interface, the CRS application, CRS stored procedures (new and updated) and Service Suite. Diane implemented a solution that satisfies the business needs and regulatory guidelines. The solution reduced field visit redundancy by automating the cancellation of orders after a customer notification until the necessary updates had been complete in the legacy CREDIT application. This IT solution aided the business in accomplishing yearly performance goals. • Gas Service Point Inspection Project: Diane designed, developed, and implemented the Advantex feed for the Gas Service Inspection Project. She coordinated work efforts with the business as well as various IT teams and vendors such as the NSTAR Data Warehouse team, the IBM PCS support team, and the Web Services team. • Production Support: Diane managed and monitored applications to ensure high system availability. Collaborated with IT architects, developers, and IT management to ensure enhancements met strategic objectives. 1999 – 2001 Contractor (supporting NSTAR), Meitasoft, Inc. Projects • Completed the conversion work on the Customer Request System for the legacy Boston Edison Customer Information System to the Commonwealth Customer Information System during the Boston Edison merger with Commonwealth Electric and Gas. • Enhanced the CRS application, including its interfaces to the legacy RM system and new CIS system and CREDIT application. Coordinated work efforts with external contractors as well as business areas from both legacy Boston Edison and legacy Commonwealth Electric and Gas. 1993 – 1999 Senior Systems Analyst, Boston Edison Projects • Lead analyst on the Integrated Work Management System and the Customer Request System. • Performed development and design work, including biweekly business meetings to discuss, recommend and plan IT solutions to support business needs. Page 6 EDUCATION • MBA, Information Systems and Technology Concentration, Bentley College, Waltham, MA • B.S., Finance, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA • B.S., Information Systems, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA Page 7 Rob Kirsh 12 Garland Street M 76 January 5, 2026 Mayor Jennifer Grigoraits 562 Main Street City Hall, 2nd Floor Melrose, MA 02176 RE: Statement of Interest for City of Melrose Board of Park Commissioners I am writing to express my interest in serving on the City of Melrose Board of Park Commissioners. As a 15-year resident of Melrose, an active participant in our youth sports community, and a professional with extensive experience in governance, compliance, and complex resource management, I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the stewardship of our parks, playgrounds, and the Mount Hood Memorial Park and Golf Course (Mount Hood). My connection to Melrose’s recreational spaces is both personal and long-standing. I have two children involved in various youth sports leagues in town and have served as a coach in Melrose Youth Soccer, Melrose Little League, and Melrose Youth Softball. In addition, I served on the Melrose Little League Board of Directors for three years and recently joined the Melrose Youth Softball Board of Directors. These roles have given me a practical understanding of how park design, field conditions, scheduling, and maintenance directly affect families, youth sports programs, and equitable access to recreational opportunities. I also bring a lifelong appreciation for municipal golf. Growing up in central Massachusetts, I learned the game of golf on a public golf course where, for many summers, I would regularly play 27 to 36 holes per day. That experience instilled in me a deep respect for public courses as community assets that must balance competitive play, casual recreation, financial sustainability, and environmental stewardship. The lessons learned on a golf course extend far beyond the game itself and can enrich people throughout their lives. I would be honored to help ensure that Mount Hood continues to serve the community well, both as a recreational resource and as a responsibly managed municipal asset Professionally, I currently serve as the Senior Director of Pre-Award in the Harvard University Office for Sponsored Programs and have more than two decades of experience administering Federal, state, non- profit, and industry funding in government, healthcare, and academic settings. I have over 15 years of experience in research administration, including interpreting and implementing complex regulations, negotiating terms and conditions, managing risk, and ensuring compliance within legal and policy frameworks. These skills align closely with the Board’s responsibilities for the “care, management and control” of public assets, the setting of conditions and terms for use of City property, and the need to collaborate effectively with legal counsel such as the City Solicitor. My educational background includes a B.A. from Roger Williams University, where I was a member of Phi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society; a graduate certificate in Research Administration from Emmanuel College; and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School, where I was a member of the Moot Court Honor Board. I am admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and am a Certified Research Administrator (CRA). This combination of legal training, regulatory experience, and practical governance work across a range of heavily matrixed organizations would allow me to thoughtfully review proposals, understand the implications of policy decisions, and support transparent, well-reasoned recommendations on park and facilities management. I am deeply committed to preserving and enhancing Melrose’s parks, playgrounds, Mount Hood, and its recreation department so that they serve residents of all ages, abilities, and interests. I would appreciate the opportunity to bring my experience and perspective to the Board of Park Commissioners and to work collaboratively with fellow members, City staff, and community stakeholders. Thank you for your consideration of my interest in this role. I would be pleased to discuss my interest and qualifications further at your convenience. Sincerely, Rob Kirsh Rob J. Kirsh E-mail: r Telephone: Professional Experience 2020 – Present Harvard University, Office for Sponsored Programs Cambridge, Massachusetts Senior Director, Pre-Award • Lead the Pre-Award function for a $350M+ sponsored research portfolio, overseeing proposal review and submission, award receipt, negotiation of terms and conditions, account setup, and subaward issuance. Lead and develop a 30+ member team, including direct supervision of an Associate Director, three Senior Managers, a Project Manager, and three functional teams. • Interpret and apply University, regulatory, and sponsor policies and regulations, advising faculty, school leadership, and department administrators on complex Pre-Award and compliance matters. • Drive process improvement, standardization, and system enhancements to streamline Pre-Award operations, increase transparency, and achieve defined metric and workflow goals. • Represent the University in national meetings, monitor regulatory and sponsor changes, and advise leadership on anticipated impacts to Harvard’s research enterprise 2010 – 2020 Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine (DOM) Boston, Massachusetts Senior Director, Academic Affairs (April 2017 – Present) Director, Research Administration and Faculty Affairs (November 2013 – March 2017) Assistant Director, Research Administration (January 2012 – November 2013) • Functioned as the senior administrative leadership resource for all Academic Affairs matters (education administration, faculty affairs, and research administration) within the DOM and provided essential counsel and support to the Chairman of the DOM and to the Executive Administrator of the DOM on highly sensitive and confidential educational, faculty, and research issues. Relied upon across the DOM for problem solving, conflict resolution, mediation, coaching, mentoring, and recruitment. Education Administration • Accountable for the department’s education administration infrastructure by overseeing the Director of Education Administration, who ultimately managed the administration of the DOM’s internal medicine residency program (~205 physicians), 14 ACGME sub-specialty fellowship programs (~160 physicians), HMS education programs (~180 students), and CME programming. Faculty Affairs • Oversaw the DOM Faculty Services Office, which was responsible for processing and maintaining all faculty, fellow, and trainee appointments at Brigham and Women’s Health Care (BWHC) and Harvard Medical School (HMS) (>2,000), as well as the unit’s reporting capabilities. Research Administration • Accountable for the DOM’s research administration by and through managing the Assistant Director of Research Administration. The DOM research portfolio included: o ~2,000 research proposals annually, 3,000 cost centers, ~$450M in total annual research activity. o 21 divisions, ~1,000 faculty members, ~700 trainees, and ~60 grant/finance managers. Senior Research Administrator, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Hypertension (August 2010 – January 2012) • Managed all aspects of the Division’s research program, including all fiscal, regulatory, and space matters. • In concert with the Division Administrator, supported faculty training, recruitment, and promotion activities. • Fostered a diverse set of strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders through an enhanced focus on customer service and diligent adherence to institutional and sponsor regulations 2008 – 2010 Partners HealthCare, Research Management Boston, Massachusetts Research Finance Specialist III • Led Post-Award and research finance functions for McLean Hospital’s research program. • Piloted an on-site, face-to-face, training program for McLean Hospital’s grant managers and principal investigators on cost allocation, electronic research administration systems, and budgeting. • Regularly presented to senior leaders at McLean Hospital’s Research Administration Meetings on topics such as cost transfers, budgeting, cost allocation, and interpreting fund statements. 2005 – 2008 Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance Boston, Massachusetts Assistant SAFEPLAN Program Manager • Oversaw SAFEPLAN’s dual role as a grant recipient (three federal and one state funding source) and awarding agency, managing the application/award process for 11 host sites. • Responsible for all fiscal management, compliance monitoring/training, and SAFEPLAN executive communication. 2003 – 2005 Executive Office of Public Safety, Programs Division Boston, Massachusetts Grant Management Specialist II • Monitored organizational, fiscal, and managerial matters for $21MM Community Policing Grant Program and 17 federally-funded Edward Byrne Memorial Law Enforcement subcontracts. • Educated local communities and regional law enforcement task forces on federal grant policies and initiatives. Education Emmanuel College Boston, Massachusetts Graduate Certificate in Research Administration Suffolk University Law School Boston, Massachusetts Juris Doctorate (JD) Roger Williams University Bristol, Rhode Island Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science Licenses, Certifications, & Memberships • Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Bar Admission (December 2003) • Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Notary Public (November 2003 – November 2024) • Certified Research Administrator (June 2013 – May 2026) • National Council of University Research Administrators (2009 – Present), NCURA Region I Advisory Committee (2013 – 2016), Secretary-elect, NCURA Region I (2015), Secretary, NCURA Region I (2016) MICHAEL F. TARMEY, RN, MS 5 Trenton Street Melrose, MA 02176 December 23, 2025 Ms. Erica Brown Council on Aging Melrose, MA 02176 Dear Ms. Brown, My name is Michael Tarmey, and I am writing to you to express my interest in serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Melrose Council on Aging. I have been a resident of Melrose for more than 30 years. Over my professional career, I have served on several non-for-profit boards. Most recently, a 12-year commitment to the Lynn Shelter Association. Initially as a Board member then as a Board Officer including six years as President. My time at the Lynn Shelter Association influenced my professional practice in may ways. In January, I retired after a 45-year career in nursing and hospital administration. Care of elders was always an integral part of my nursing and administrative practice. The accomplishment I am most proud of is being the founder of the Senior Adult Unit at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester. This unique service cares for elders who experience behavioral changes later in life and returns them to their community. I am at the point in my life where I have the time, energy and a fund of knowledge that could help the Melrose Council on Aging. I have attached my CV and look forward to discussing further the Melrose Council on Aging. Sincerely, Michael Tarmey Michael F. Tarmey, RN, MS Attachment: CV Docusign Envelope ID: E0517824-4EE6-43A8-83BF-DDBDA4E9C646 FY26-LC-LCC-2463_Melrose Cultural Council_Contract December 03, 2025 Dear Jennifer Grigoraitis, Thank you for your participation in the Mass Cultural Council’s Local Cultural Council Program. We are pleased to inform you that City of Melrose for Melrose Cultural Council has been approved for a Local Cultural Council Allocation grant of $16,800 (FY26-LC-LCC-2463) from the Mass Cultural Council. Thanks to vigorous advocacy from the cultural sector, both the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the State Legislature showed strong, bipartisan support for the Mass Cultural Council, and its programs and services in the FY26 state budget. This allows us to continue to support Massachusetts’ dynamic artists and creative individuals, communities, cultural organizations, schools, and creative youth development across the Commonwealth. Below you will find your grant contract package, which includes award instructions, required attachments, and reporting obligations. Please review all materials carefully and sign the contract electronically within 14 calendar days of the date of this letter. Prompt execution will help us process your award as efficiently as possible. For questions about the contract, please contact the financial operations team at finance.helpdesk@mass.gov. For questions about the program please contact Lisa Simmons, Program Manager, Community Initiative at 617-858-2707 or lisa.simmons@mass.gov. Culture is ultimately about you. You play an integral role in creating and supporting a cultural life in Massachusetts that is vital, accessible, and thriving. Thank you for all that you do to elevate our rich cultural life in Massachusetts. Marc Carroll Michael. J. Bobbitt Chair Executive Director Page 1 of 6Docusign Envelope ID: E0517824-4EE6-43A8-83BF-DDBDA4E9C646 Contract Package Instructions Instructions for Completing this Standard Contract Document In this e signature document, you will complete the following: 1. Standard Contract: Review this document and sign and date it. In order to read the content that is hyperlinked in this document, save this document as a pdf to review it, then return here to sign. 2. Attachment A: Defines how the funds are to be expended following Mass Cultural Council regulations. Review this document and initial it to acknowledge that you have read and understand. If you have any questions about this document, contact Marc Sulmonte at 617-858-2823 or marc.sulmonte@mass.gov. Page 2 of 6Docusign Envelope ID: E0517824-4EE6-43A8-83BF-DDBDA4E9C646 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS ~ STANDARD CONTRACT FORM This form is jointly issued and published by the Office of the Comptroller (CTR), the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (ANF), and the Operational Services Division (OSD) as the default contract for all Commonwealth Departments when another form is not prescribed by regulation or policy. The Commonwealth deems void any changes made on or by attachment (in the form of addendum, engagement letters, contract forms or invoice terms) to the terms in this published form or to the Standard Contract Form Instructions and Contractor Certifications , the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions for Human and Social Services or the Commonwealth IT Terms and Conditions which are incorporated by reference herein. Additional non-conflicting terms may be added by Attachment. Contractors are required to access published forms at CTR Forms: https://www.macomptroller.org/forms . Forms are also posted at OSD Forms: https://www.mass.gov/lists/osd-forms . CONTRACTOR LEGAL NAME: City of Melrose for Melrose Cultural Council COMMONWEALTH DEPARTMENT NAME: Massachusetts Cultural Council (and d/b/a): MMARS Department Code: ART Legal Address: (W-9, W-4): 562 Main St City Hall Melrose MA 02176-3142 Business Mailing Address: 10 Saint James Ave., 3rd Fl., Boston, MA 02116 Contract Manager: Jennifer Grigoraitis Phone: 781-979-4440 Billing Address (if different): E-Mail: mayorsoffice@cityofmelrose.org Fax: Contract Manager: Marc Sulmonte Phone: 617-858-2823 Contractor Vendor Code: VC6000192116 E-Mail: marc.sulmonte@mass.gov Fax: Vendor Code Address ID (e.g. “AD001”): AD001. MMARS Doc ID(s): RFR/Procurement or Other ID Number: FY26-LC-LCC-2463 (Note: The Address ID must be set up for EFT payments.) _X_ NEW CONTRACT ___ CONTRACT AMENDMENT PROCUREMENT OR EXCEPTION TYPE: (Check one option only) Enter Current Contract End Date Prior to Amendment: _______, 20____. __ Statewide Contract (OSD or an OSD-designated Department) Enter Amendment Amount: $___________. (or “no change”) __ Collective Purchase (Attach OSD approval, scope, budget) AMENDMENT TYPE: (Check one option only. Attach details of amendment changes.) _X_ Department Procurement (includes all Grants - 815 CMR 2.00 ) (Solicitation Notice or RFR, and Response or other procurement supporting __ Amendment to Date, Scope or Budget (Attach updated scope and budget) documentation) __ Interim Contract (Attach justification for Interim Contract and updated __ Emergency Contract (Attach justification for emergency, scope, budget) scope/budget) __ Contract Employee (Attach Employment Status Form, scope, budget) __ Contract Employee (Attach any updates to scope or budget) __ Interim Contract with new Contractor (Attach justification for Interim __ Other Procurement Exception (Attach authorizing language/justification and Contract and updated scope/budget.) updated scope and budget) __ Other Procurement Exception (Attach authorizing language, legislation with specific exemption or earmark, and exception justification, scope and budget) The Standard Contract Form Instructions and Contractor Certifications and the following Commonwealth Terms and Conditions document are incorporated by reference into this Contract and are legally binding: (Check ONE option):_X_ Commonwealth Terms and Conditions __ Commonwealth Terms and Conditions For Human and Social Services __ Commonwealth IT Terms and Conditions COMPENSATION: (Check ONE option): The Department certifies that payments for authorized performance accepted in accordance with the terms of this Contract will be supported in the state accounting system by sufficient appropriations or other non-appropriated funds, subject to intercept for Commonwealth owed debts under 815 CMR 9.00 . __ Rate Contract. (No Maximum Obligation) Attach details of all rates, units, calculations, conditions or terms and any changes if rates or terms are being amended.) _X_ Maximum Obligation Contract. Enter total maximum obligation for total duration of this contract (or new total if Contract is being amended). $16,800 PROMPT PAYMENT DISCOUNTS (PPD): Commonwealth payments are issued through EFT 45 days from invoice receipt. Contractors requesting accelerated pay ments must identify a PPD as follows: Payment issued within 10 days __% PPD; Payment issued within 15 days __ % PPD; Payment issued within 20 days __ % PPD; Payment issued within 30 days __% PPD. If PPD percentages are left blank, identify reason: _X_agree to standard 45 day cycle __ statutory/legal or Ready Payments ( M.G.L. c. 29, § 23A ); __ only initial payment (subsequent payments scheduled to support standard EFT 45 day payment cycle. See Prompt Pay Discounts Policy.) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CONTRACT PERFORMANCE or REASON FOR AMENDMENT: (Enter the Contract title, purpose, fiscal year(s) and a detailed description of the scope of performance or what is being amended for a Contract Amendment. Attach all supporting documentation and justifications.) This is a grant of financial assistance to the Melrose Cultural Council to participate in the Local Cultural Council Program. Page 3 of 6Docusign Envelope ID: E0517824-4EE6-43A8-83BF-DDBDA4E9C646 SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM (SDP) PLAN Does the Supplier Diversity Program apply? __ If YES, the Contractor’s annual SDP commitment for this Contract is _X_ If NO, and the department is an Executive Department, enter the appropriate exemption: ANTICIPATED START DATE: (Complete ONE option only) The Department and Contractor certify for this Contract, or Contract Amendment, that Contract obligations: __ 1. may be incurred as of the Effective Date (latest signature date below) and no obligations have been incurred prior to the Effective Date. __ 2. may be incurred as _______, 20__ , a date LATER than the Effective Date below and no obligations have been incurred prior to the Effective Date. _X_ 3. were incurred as of July 01, 2025 , a date PRIOR to the Effective Date below, and the parties agree that payments for any obligations incurred prior to the Effective Date are authorized to be made either as settlement payments or as authorized reimbursement payments, and that the details and circumstances of all obligations under this Contract are attached and incorporated into this Contract. Acceptance of payments forever releases the Commonwealth from further claims related to these obligations. CONTRACT END DATE : Contract performance shall terminate as of June 30, 2026, with no new obligations being incurred after this date unless the Contract is properly amended, provided that the terms of this Contract and performance expectations and obligations shall survive its termination for the purpose of resolving any claim or dispute, for completing any negotiated terms and warranties, to allow any close out or transition performance, reporting, invoicing or final payments, or during any lapse between amendments. CERTIFICATIONS : Notwithstanding verbal or other representations by the parties, the “Effective Date” of this Contract or Amendment shall be the latest date that this Contract or Amendment has been executed by an authorized signatory of the Contractor, the Department, or a later Contract or Amendment Start Date specified above, subject to any required approvals. The Contractor certifies that they have accessed and reviewed all documents incorporated by reference as electronically published and the Contractor makes all certifications required under the Standard Contract Form Instructions and Contractor Certifications under the pains and penalties of perjury, and further agrees to provide any required documentation upon request to support compliance, and agrees that all terms governing performance of this Contract and doing business in Massachusetts are attached or incorporated by reference herein according to the following hierarchy of document precedence, the applicable Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, this Standard Contract Form, the Standard Contract Form Instructions and Contractor Certifications, the Request for Response (RFR) or other solicitation, the Contractor’s Response (excluding any language stricken by a Department as unacceptable, and additional negotiated terms, provided that additional negotiated terms will take precedence over the relevant terms in the RFR and the Contractor’s Response only if made using the process outlined in 801 CMR 21.07 , incorporated herein, provided that any amended RFR or Response terms result in best value, lower costs, or a more cost effective Contract. AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE FOR THE CONTRACTOR: AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE FOR THE COMMONWEALTH: X: X: Signature1 Signature3 _______________________. _______________________. Date: Date: DateSigned1 DateSigned3 _________________. _________________. Print Name: fieldSignerName1 __________________________________. Print Title: fieldSignerTitle1 Print Name: _____Catherine Cheng-Anderson__________________. ___________________________________. Print Title: _ Senior Director of Business Operations and Chief Financial Officer _. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For Internal Use Mass Cultural Council Fiscal Department: Fiscal Review Completed: Signature2 ________________________________ Page 4 of 6Docusign Envelope ID: E0517824-4EE6-43A8-83BF-DDBDA4E9C646 Page 5 of 6Docusign Envelope ID: E0517824-4EE6-43A8-83BF-DDBDA4E9C646 Attachment A: Scope of Services The allocated amount or maximum obligation for the contracted city or town will be deposited in the local account for the local or regional cultural council, provided that the city or town: Maintain a revolving account for the local or regional cultural council as required by Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 10, Section 58 Report on said fund annually by completing the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Local Cultural Council Account Form RESTRICTIONS: This grant to City of Melrose is restricted for use by Melrose Cultural Council. The local or regional cultural council will expend the funds following the procedures outlined in the Local Cultural Council Program Guidelines I have read and understood Attachment A: Initial fieldInitials1 ____ Page 6 of 6Publication Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Contact: Jim Bracciale, Melrose Cultural Council Co-Chair Sarah Bolha, Melrose Cultural Council Co-Chair Email: melrosecultural@gmail.com Melrose Cultural Council Accepting Grant Proposals September 2 through October 16 for 2026 Calendar Year Melrose, MA: The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) is seeking proposals for community- oriented arts, cultural, and interpretive sciences events and programming with broad public benefit and impact. The Local Cultural Council (LCC) annual grant application cycle opens Tuesday, September 2, and closes Thursday, October 16. The MCC’s goal is to provide financial support on a direct-granting basis to a variety of projects that appeal to the diverse population and cultures within our community — reaching adults of all ages, youth, children, families, and seniors. Information about the online application, eligibility guidelines, local priorities, and past grants can be found on our website: melroseculture.org/apply. Grant Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must present their events and programming during the upcoming calendar year (January 1-December 31, 2026) at a local ADA- compliant venue. Applicants are urged to closely read and follow the LCC Program eligibility guidelines and local priorities available on the Massachusetts Cultural Council website. As in our most recent grant cycle, the MCC may now fully fund approved projects, eliminating the need for applicants to seek additional sources of funding. We do not accept requests for capital expenditures, individual scholarships, or multi-year repeating programs. First- time applicants are encouraged to submit a proposal. Prospective applicants are welcome to contact the MCC to ask questions or to receive feedback on proposals before submitting. Grants are competitive, and not all requests are awarded or fully funded. In 2025, 32 grants were awarded, ranging from $300 to $3,000. In total, nearly $38,000 was disbursed to 2025 grant recipients. Priorities: Our 2026 priorities are informed by a recent community outreach survey. We are actively encouraging applications that address inclusion, diversity, and equity. Preference will be given to projects that build community through social connections and dialogue. We hope to elevate the voices and experiences of historically underrepresented groups by authentically reflecting and highlighting the current and historic diversity of Melrose residents through arts and culture. Projects that speak to the experience of Massachusetts artists and audiences who identify as BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQIA, immigrant, or live with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Proposals for innovative ideas, collaborations, and new initiatives that produce free public events and activities in outdoor spaces are most favorably welcomed. About the Council: The MCC is the local affiliate of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Part of a statewide network in cities and towns funded by the legislature, MCC is committed to supporting programs that promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity to foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Additional funding for the 2026 funding cycle is provided by the City of Melrose through a free cash appropriation approved by the City Council. Grants are given to Melrose organizations, individuals, and Massachusetts artists/presenters in partnership with local organizations. We encourage and support programs across all arts disciplines — visual arts, music, theater, dance, writing, projects in the humanities, history, local culture, and interpretive sciences. ### 12/8/25, 11:20 AM Melrose – Mass Cultural Council Home / Find Your LCC / Melrose Melrose Cultural Council The Melrose Cultural Council is committed to supporting programs with public benefit that promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion, and racial equity to foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Priority is given to applications from Melrose organizations, individuals, and organizers. We encourage and wish to support programs across all arts disciplines, including the visual arts, music, humanities, drama, public art, murals, installations, and interpretive sciences. We encourage first time applicants. Requests for feedback are welcome before applying. Melrose Cultural Council will also entertain funding proposals from schools and youth groups. Our goal is to provide financial support to a variety of projects that collectively appeal to the diverse population and cultures of our community reaching adults of all ages, youth, children, families and seniors. The Melrose Cultural Council welcomes applications from a variety of identities inclusive of race, gender expression, gender identity, sexual identity, ability, religion, age, education, national origin, citizenship, and ethnicity. Contact Sarah Bolha melrosecultural@gmail.com 781-979-4440 https://melroseculture.org/ Address 562 Main Street Melrose, MA 02176-3113 Connect on Social Facebook Instagram Application Information https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/melrose/ 1/212/8/25, 11:20 AM Melrose – Mass Cultural Council FY26 Allocation $16,800 FY26 Local Priorities Applicants must present their events and programming during the upcoming calendar year (January 1-December 31, 2026) at a local ADA-compliant venue. Applicants are urged to closely read and follow the LCC Program eligibility guidelines and local priorities available on the Massachusetts Cultural Council website. As in our most recent grant cycle, the MCC may now fully fund approved projects, eliminating the need for applicants to seek additional sources of funding. We do not accept requests for capital expenditures, individual scholarships, or multi- year repeating programs. First-time applicants are encouraged to submit a proposal. Prospective applicants are welcome to contact the MCC to ask questions or to receive feedback on proposals before submitting. Grants are competitive, and not all requests are awarded or fully funded. In 2025, 32 grants were awarded, ranging from $300 to $3,000. In total, nearly $38,000 was disbursed to 2025 grant recipients. FY26 Local Guidelines Our 2026 priorities are informed by a recent community outreach survey. We are actively encouraging applications that address inclusion, diversity, and equity. Priority will be given to projects that build community through social connections and dialogue. We hope to elevate the voices and experiences of historically underrepresented groups that reflect and highlight the current and historic diversity of Melrose residents in an authentic way, through arts and culture. Projects that speak to the experience of Massachusetts artists and audiences who identify as BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQIA, immigrant, or live with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Proposals for innovative ideas, collaborations, and new initiatives that produce free public events and activities in outdoor spaces are favorably welcomed. How Grant Recipients Are Paid Direct Grants FY26 Funding List A grant list will be published here after January 17, 2026 and once the Local Cultural Council has finalized their decisions. Mass Cultural Council publishes updates daily. Last update was made on December 8, 2025 at 03:46 PM UTC https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/melrose/ 2/2 GRANT AGREEMENT This Grant Agreement (“Agreement”) is made by and between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting by and through the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) on behalf of the Secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (EOAF), and the City of Melrose through Mayor Jennifer Grigoraitis. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT The Grantee desires to obtain funding from EOAF in the amount specified in paragraph 1.2, as authorized under the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Five-Year Capital Investment Plan – FY2023–FY2027 and Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2022, Section 2, Item 1100-2515 for a Municipal ADA Improvement Grant to fund capital improvements or planning (the “Project”) as described herein. EOAF agrees to make the funds (“EOAF Grant”) available to the Grantee for the Project, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and in compliance with all applicable state laws and regulations governing the disbursement and expenditure of state funds. The Grantee shall exercise complete management and oversight responsibility of the Project and agrees that the Commonwealth’s provision of state funding under this Agreement shall not in any way be construed as the Commonwealth assuming responsibility or liability for the completed Project. SECTION 1. PROJECT SCOPE 1.1 The scope of the Project to be funded under the EOAF Grant will include: Removing architectural barriers and making accessibility improvements to the Hoover, Winthrop, and Horace Mann Elementary Schools by installing accessible doors at each location. The Horace Mann school will also install an accessible lift, ramp, and railing. The Hoover School will also install accessible door handles at several locations. 1.2 The maximum EOAF Grant amount authorized to Grantee is $171,800. Disbursement of funds to Grantee is contingent upon MOD’s receipt of detailed, itemized invoices showing incurred expenses between the date of contract execution and June 30, 2026, as described in Section 2. SECTION 2. DISBURSEMENT OF EOAF GRANT 2.1 Disbursement of the EOAF Grant under this Agreement shall be made pursuant to the FY2023- FY2027 Capital Investment Plan; the information provided in the grant application; and any other information EOAF or MOD may require. The grant award will be disbursed upon MOD’s receipt of Grantee’s request for reimbursement as set forth in paragraphs 2.2 through 2.6. Grantees should submitPage all 1 of 4 invoices together to request reimbursement; Grantees should not submit invoices individually throughout the grant cycle. 2.2 It is understood and agreed that the grant provided under this Agreement shall be used solely to pay for capital expenses associated with the Project. Expenses relating to project administration and management shall be assumed by the Grantee, including without limitation: (i) salaries and wages of Grantee staff; (ii) legal fees; (iii) travel, meal and entertainment expenses; (iv) overhead and supplies; (v) project costs incurred prior to the execution and subsequent to termination of this Agreement; and (vi) costs of any other service or activity not related to the Project. 2.3 The Grantee shall keep detailed records of all activities associated with the Project, including, without limitation, all disbursements made pursuant to this Agreement, any modifications of the Project, and any additional funding from sources other than the EOAF Grant. EOAF and MOD shall have the right to examine all records kept by the Grantee related to the Project. 2.4 The Grantee shall be responsible for any cost overruns that occur during implementation of the Project. 2.5 All approved expenses must be incurred by June 30, 2026. Grantee will forfeit reimbursement for any remaining award unused by June 30, 2026. The Executive Office for Administration and Finance shall give due consideration to any extenuating circumstances presented in writing by the applicant and may waive this restriction at its discretion. 2.6 The Grantee shall submit a request for reimbursement that includes a cover letter and itemized invoices of all reimbursable costs incurred for the Project no later than July 17, 2026. The cover letter should include (i) the total amount of reimbursement sought by the Grantee; (ii) an explanation of each invoiced expense; and (iii) an explanation of any funding for the Project from sources other than the EOAF Grant. The itemized invoices shall not include costs excluded from reimbursement in paragraph 2.2. The Commonwealth may reject any requests for reimbursement received after July 17, 2026 and any request to reimburse expenses outside the scope of the EOAF Grant. SECTION 3. REPORTING 3.1 Upon completion of the Project, the Grantee shall furnish to MOD (i) photo documentation of the project in its before, during, and after phases and (ii) a statement from the Grantee describing how the project improved accessibility in their community. 3.2 Grantees should be prepared to furnish the following on MOD’s request: (i) copies of all permits and approvals issued in connection with the Project; (ii) any outstanding Page 2 of 4 vendors’ invoices, certified payment vouchers, cancelled checks or other documentation verifying actual expenditures in connection with the Project; (iii) documentation evidencing commitment of funds to the Project from sources other than EOAF, including documentation associated with the issuance of bonds or notes to finance the cost of the Project; (iv) a certificate of occupancy of the Project or portions of the Project as applicable by law. SECTION 4. COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS/REGULATIONS 4.1 The Grantee and its consultants and contractors shall comply with any and all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, orders or requirements that apply to the Project, including but not limited to: (i) Executive Order 592 relating to nondiscrimination, diversity, equal opportunity and affirmative action in hiring and employment practices; (ii) the State Prevailing Wage Law (M.G.L. Ch.149, Sections 26 to 27H); (iii) Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, as amended; (iv) Environmental Impact Requirements (M.G.L. Ch. 30, Sections 61 to 62I); (v) Historic Preservation Requirements (M.G.L. Ch. 9, Sections 26 to 28) and applicable regulations; (vi) Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 USC 12132) and applicable regulations and guidance, including the 2010 ADA Design Standards; (vii) Architectural Access Board Requirements (M.G.L. Ch. 22, Section 13A) and applicable regulations; (viii) the MBTA Communities Act (M.G.L. Ch. 40A, Section 3A); and (ix) legal requirements relating to municipal or state-assisted construction and design projects, including those under M.G.L. c. 30B, c. 7C, c. 7,and c. 149, as applicable. Specifically, the Grantee agrees that any work completed under the project will conform with either 521 CMR or the 2010 ADA Design Standards, whichever is more stringent. 4.2 This Agreement shall in no way relieve the Grantee from the full force and application of any laws, rules, regulations and orders or requirements. SECTION 5. INTEREST OF MEMBERS OR EMPLOYEES OF THE GRANTEE 5.1 No officer, servant, agent, or employee of the Grantee has participated or will participate in any decision relating to the development and implementation of the Project that affects directly or indirectly their personal interest or the interest of any corporation, partnership, or proprietorship with which they are directly or indirectly affiliated. Furthermore, no officer, servant, agent, or employee of the Grantee shall have any direct or indirect interest in any contract made in connection with the Project nor shall in any way violate M.G.L. Chapter 268A. SECTION 6. AMENDMENTS Page 3 of 4 6.1 No amendment to this Agreement nor any material change to the scope of the Project funded under this Agreement shall be made by the Grantee without the prior written approval of MOD. SECTION 7. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS 7.1 If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby, and all other parts of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. For the Grantee: _____________________________________________ ____________________________________ Name Title _____________________________________________ ____________________________________ Signature Date For the Massachusetts Office on Disability, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: _____________________________________________ ____________________________________ Name Title _____________________________________________ ____________________________________ Signature Date Page 4 of 4 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS | STANDARD CONTRACT FORM This form is jointly issued and published by the Office of the Comptroller, the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, and the Operational Services Division as the default contract for all Commonwealth Departments when another form is not prescribed by regulation or policy. The Commonwealth deems void any changes made on or by attachment (in the form of addendum, engagement letters, contract forms or invoice terms) to the terms in this published form or to the Standard Contract Form Instructions and Contractor Certifications, the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions for Human and Social Services, or the Commonwealth IT Terms and Conditions which are incorporated by reference herein. Additional non-conflicting terms may be added by Attachment. Contractors are required to access forms at macomptroller.org/forms or mass.gov/lists/osd-forms. CONTRACTOR INFORMATION COMMONWEALTH INFORMATION Contractor Legal Name Department MMARS Code d/b/a Contract Manager Name Legal Address Business Mailing Address As entered on Form W-9 or Form W-4 Contract Manager Name Billing Address If Different Phone Fax Phone Fax Email Email Vendor Code MMARS Doc ID(s) VC Vendor Code Address ID RFR/Procurement or Other ID Number e.g. “AD001”. AD Note: The Address ID must be set up for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments. NEW CONTRACT CONTRACT AMENDMENT Procurement or Exception Type (Check one option only) Current Contract End Date Amendment Amount PRIOR to Amendment Or Enter “No Change” Statewide Contract (OSD or an OSD-designated department.) Amendment Type Collective Purchase Check one option only. Attach details of amendment changes. (Attach OSD approval, scope, and budget.) Amendment to Date, Scope, or Budget Department Procurement - Includes all Grants 815 CMR 2.00. (Attach updated scope and budget.) (Attach Solicitation Notice or RFR, and Response or other procurement supporting documentation.) Interim Contract with Current Contractor (Attach justification for Interim Contract and updated scope/budget.) Emergency Contract (Attach justification for emergency, scope, and budget.) Contract Employee (Attach any updates to scope or budget.) Contract Employee (Attach Employee Status Form, scope, and budget.) Other Procurement Exception (Attach authorizing language/justification and updated scope/budget.) Interim Contract with new Contractor (Attach justification for Interim Contract and updated scope/budget.) Other Procurement Exception (Attach authorizing language, legislation with specific exemption or earmark, and exception justification, scope, and budget.) TERMS AND CONDITIONS The Standard Contract Form Instructions and Contractor Certifications and the following document are incorporated by reference into this Contract and are legally binding. Check ONE option: Commonwealth Terms and Conditions Commonwealth Terms and Conditions for Human and Social Services Commonwealth IT Terms and Conditions COMPENSATION Check ONE option. The Department certifies that payments for authorized performance accepted in accordance with the terms of this Contract will be supported in the state accounting system by sufficient appropriations or other non-appropriated funds, subject to intercept for Commonwealth owed debts under 815 CMR 9.00. Rate Contract (No Maximum Obligation). (Attach details of all rates, units, calculations, conditions or terms and any changes if rates or terms are being amended.) Maximum Obligation Contract. Total maximum obligation for total duration of this contract (or new total if contract is being amended): Page 1 of 2 Updated 07/01/2025 MMARS Doc ID(s) PROMPT PAYMENT DISCOUNTS (PPD) Commonwealth payments are issued through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) 45 days from invoice receipt. See Prompt Pay Discounts Policy. Contractors requesting accelerated payments must identify a PPD as follows: Payment issued within: 10 days % PPD. 15 days % PPD. 20 days % PPD. 30 days % PPD. If PPD percentages are left blank, identify reason: Statutory/legal Ready Payments (M.G.L. c. 29, § 23A) Agree to standard 45-day cycle Only initial payment BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CONTRACT PERFORMANCE or REASON FOR AMENDMENT Enter the Contract title, purpose, fiscal year(s) and a detailed description of the scope of performance or what is being amended for a Contract Amendment. Attach all supporting documentation and justifications. SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM (SDP) PLAN Does the Supplier Diversity Program apply? YES If YES, the Contractor’s annual SDP commitment for this Contract is NO If NO, and the department is an Executive Department, enter the appropriate exemption: ANTICIPATED START DATE (Complete ONE option only.) The Department and Contractor certify for this Contract, or Contract Amendment, that Contract obligations: 1. may be incurred as of the Effective Date (latest signature date below) and no obligations have been incurred prior to the Effective Date. 2. may be incurred as of , 20 , a date LATER than the Effective Date below and no obligations have been incurred prior to the Effective Date. 3. were incurred as of , 20 , a date PRIOR to the Effective Date below, and the parties agree that payments for any obligations incurred prior to the Effective Date are authorized to be made either as settlement payments or as authorized reimbursement payments, and that the details and circumstances of all obligations under this Contract are attached and incorporated into this Contract. Acceptance of payments forever releases the Commonwealth from further claims related to these obligations. CONTRACT END DATE Contract performance shall terminate as of , 20 , with no new obligations being incurred after this date unless the Contract is properly amended, provided that the terms of this Contract and performance expectations and obligations shall survive its termination for the purpose of resolving any claim or dispute, for completing any negotiated terms and warranties, to allow any close out or transition performance, reporting, invoicing or final payments, or during any lapse between amendments. CERTIFICATIONS Notwithstanding verbal or other representations by the parties, the “Effective Date” of this Contract or Amendment shall be the latest date that this Contract or Amendment has been executed by an authorized signatory of the Contractor, the Department, or a later Contract or Amendment Start Date specified above, subject to any required approvals. The Contractor certifies that they have accessed and reviewed all documents incorporated by reference as electronically published and the Contractor makes all certifications required under the Standard Contract Form Instructions and Contractor Certifications under the pains and penalties of perjury, and further agrees to provide any required documentation upon request to support compliance, and agrees that all terms governing performance of this Contract and doing business in Massachusetts are attached or incorporated by reference herein according to the following hierarchy of document precedence, the applicable Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, this Standard Contract Form, the Standard Contract Form Instructions and Contractor Certificatio ns, the Request for Response (RFR) or other solicitation, the Contractor’s Response (excluding any language stricken by a Department as unacceptable), and additional negotiated terms, provided that additional negotiated terms will take precedence over the relevant terms in the RFR and the Contractor’s Response only if made using the process outlined in 801 CMR 21.07, incorporated herein, provided that any amended RFR or Response terms result in best value, lower costs, or a more cost effective Contract. AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE FOR THE CONTRACTOR AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE FOR THE DEPARTMENT Signature and date must be captured at time of signature. Signature and date must be captured at time of signature. Signature Date Signature Date Print Name Print Title Print Name Print Title Page 2 of 2 Updated 07/01/2025 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Administration–Engineering–Water–Sewer–Facilities Parks–Forestry–Highway–Sanitation–Cemetery–Fleet CITY OF MELROSE Elena Proakis Ellis, P.E., BCEE City Yard, 72 Tremont Street Director of Public Works Melrose, Massachusetts 02176 Telephone – (781) 665-0142 E-mail: eproakis@cityofmelrose.org MEMORANDUM To: Mayor Jennifer Grigoraitis Melrose City Council From: Elena Proakis Ellis, P.E., Director of Public Works cc: Kerriann Golden, CFO/Auditor Lauren Grymek, Chief of Staff Polina Latta, Human Resources Director Cari Berman, Superintendent of Schools James Troup, Deputy DPW Director – Administration & Finance Date: December 12, 2025 Re: Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) Grant Acceptance – Melrose Schools The City has been awarded a grant in the amount of $171,800 for accessibility improvements at the Melrose Public Schools. Following on the successful completion of a MOD grant last year to install automatic door openers at Melrose High School and repair openers at the Horace Mann School interior, along with braille signage at the MHS/MVMMS campus, the City applied for and was awarded a new MOD grant for implementation this year. The scope of work includes the following items: • Automatic door openers at Hoover, Horace Mann, and Winthrop Elementary Schools, including mechanical, electrical, and security infrastructure to install pushbutton openers at the entrances to these three elementary schools. These door openers must be tied into existing security systems for fob access and access from the school offices. • Stage lift and ramp at Horace Mann Elementary School All Purpose Room, including electrical and mechanical equipment, as well as structural reinforcement of the floor beneath the lift. • Exterior railing on the ADA ramp at Horace Mann Elementary School, including materials and labor. • Door handle replacement at select interior doors at the Hoover Elementary School to facilitate opening interior doors for students with specific needs. We hereby request the City Council’s acceptance of the grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office on Disability in the amount of $171,800. The grant agreement document is attached for your reference. The funds will be expended from a dedicated project account set up by the CFO/Auditor and reimbursed by the Commonwealth as funds are expended. Thank you for your consideration of this request. COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS | STANDARD CONTRACT FORM This form is jointly issued and published by the Office of the Comptroller, the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, and the Operational Services Division as the default contract for all Commonwealth Departments when another form is not prescribed by regulation or policy. The Commonwealth deems void any changes made on or by attachment (in the form of addendum, engagement letters, contract forms or invoice terms) to the terms in this published form or to the Standard Contract Form Instructions and Contractor Certifications, the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions for Human and Social Services, or the Commonwealth IT Terms and Conditions which are incorporated by reference herein. Additional non-conflicting terms may be added by Attachment. Contractors are required to access forms at macomptroller.org/forms or mass.gov/lists/osd-forms. CONTRACTOR INFORMATION COMMONWEALTH INFORMATION Contractor Legal Name City of Melrose Department MMARS Code Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities OCD d/b/a Treasurer/Town Hall Contract Manager Name Julissa Tavarez Legal Address 562 Main Street Melrose MA 02176 Business Mailing Address As entered on Form W-9 or Form W-4 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02114 Contract Manager Name Lori Massa Billing Address If Different same as above Phone (781) 979-4190 Fax Phone Fax N/A 617-573-1114 N/A Email lmassa@cityofmelrose.org Email Julissa.Tavarez@mass.gov Vendor Code MMARS Doc ID(s) SCOCD321026330000398 VC6000192115 Vendor Code Address ID RFR/Procurement or Other ID Number HLCOneStop2026 e.g. “AD001”. AD001 Note: The Address ID must be set up for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments. NEW CONTRACT CONTRACT AMENDMENT Procurement or Exception Type (Check one option only) Current Contract End Date Amendment Amount PRIOR to Amendment Or Enter “No Change” Statewide Contract (OSD or an OSD-designated department.) Amendment Type Collective Purchase Check one option only. Attach details of amendment changes. (Attach OSD approval, scope, and budget.) Amendment to Date, Scope, or Budget Department Procurement - Includes all Grants 815 CMR 2.00. (Attach updated scope and budget.) (Attach Solicitation Notice or RFR, and Response or other procurement supporting documentation.) Interim Contract with Current Contractor (Attach justification for Interim Contract and updated scope/budget.) Emergency Contract (Attach justification for emergency, scope, and budget.) Contract Employee (Attach any updates to scope or budget.) Contract Employee (Attach Employee Status Form, scope, and budget.) Other Procurement Exception (Attach authorizing language/justification and updated scope/budget.) Interim Contract with new Contractor (Attach justification for Interim Contract and updated scope/budget.) Other Procurement Exception (Attach authorizing language, legislation with specific exemption or earmark, and exception justification, scope, and budget.) TERMS AND CONDITIONS The Standard Contract Form Instructions and Contractor Certifications and the following document are incorporated by reference into this Contract and are legally binding. Check ONE option: Commonwealth Terms and Conditions Commonwealth Terms and Conditions for Human and Social Services Commonwealth IT Terms and Conditions COMPENSATION Check ONE option. The Department certifies that payments for authorized performance accepted in accordance with the terms of this Contract will be supported in the state accounting system by sufficient appropriations or other non-appropriated funds, subject to intercept for Commonwealth owed debts under 815 CMR 9.00. Rate Contract (No Maximum Obligation). (Attach details of all rates, units, calculations, conditions or terms and any changes if rates or terms are being amended.) Maximum Obligation Contract. Total maximum obligation for total duration of this contract (or new total if contract is being amended): $100,250.00 Page 1 of 2 Updated 07/01/2025 MMARS Doc ID(s) PROMPT PAYMENT DISCOUNTS (PPD) Commonwealth payments are issued through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) 45 days from invoice receipt. See Prompt Pay Discounts Policy. Contractors requesting accelerated payments must identify a PPD as follows: Payment issued within: 10 days % PPD. 15 days % PPD. 20 days % PPD. 30 days % PPD. If PPD percentages are left blank, identify reason: Statutory/legal Ready Payments (M.G.L. c. 29, § 23A) Agree to standard 45-day cycle Only initial payment BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CONTRACT PERFORMANCE or REASON FOR AMENDMENT Enter the Contract title, purpose, fiscal year(s) and a detailed description of the scope of performance or what is being amended for a Contract Amendment. Attach all supporting documentation and justifications. FY26 Community Planning Grant Program - Housing Production Plan Implementation - See Attachment B for more details. SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM (SDP) PLAN Does the Supplier Diversity Program apply? YES If YES, the Contractor’s annual SDP commitment for this Contract is NO If NO, and the department is an Executive Department, enter the appropriate exemption: Grant Program ANTICIPATED START DATE (Complete ONE option only.) The Department and Contractor certify for this Contract, or Contract Amendment, that Contract obligations: 1. may be incurred as of the Effective Date (latest signature date below) and no obligations have been incurred prior to the Effective Date. 2. may be incurred as of , 20 , a date LATER than the Effective Date below and no obligations have been incurred prior to the Effective Date. 3. were incurred as of , 20 , a date PRIOR to the Effective Date below, and the parties agree that payments for any obligations incurred prior to the Effective Date are authorized to be made either as settlement payments or as authorized reimbursement payments, and that the details and circumstances of all obligations under this Contract are attached and incorporated into this Contract. Acceptance of payments forever releases the Commonwealth from further claims related to these obligations. CONTRACT END DATE Contract performance shall terminate as of June 30, 2027 , with no new obligations being incurred after this date unless the Contract is properly amended, provided that the terms of this Contract and performance expectations and obligations shall survive its termination for the purpose of resolving any claim or dispute, for completing any negotiated terms and warranties, to allow any close out or transition performance, reporting, invoicing or final payments, or during any lapse between amendments. CERTIFICATIONS Notwithstanding verbal or other representations by the parties, the “Effective Date” of this Contract or Amendment shall be the latest date that this Contract or Amendment has been executed by an authorized signatory of the Contractor, the Department, or a later Contract or Amendment Start Date specified above, subject to any required approvals. The Contractor certifies that they have accessed and reviewed all documents incorporated by reference as electronically published and the Contractor makes all certifications required under the Standard Contract Form Instructions and Contractor Certifications under the pains and penalties of perjury, and further agrees to provide any required documentation upon request to support compliance, and agrees that all terms governing performance of this Contract and doing business in Massachusetts are attached or incorporated by reference herein according to the following hierarchy of document precedence, the applicable Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, this Standard Contract Form, the Standard Contract Form Instructions and Contractor Certifications, the Request for Response (RFR) or other solicitation, the Contractor’s Response (excluding any language stricken by a Department as unacceptable), and additional negotiated terms, provided that additional negotiated terms will take precedence over the relevant terms in the RFR and the Contractor’s Response only if made using the process outlined in 801 CMR 21.07, incorporated herein, provided that any amended RFR or Response terms result in best value, lower costs, or a more cost effective Contract. AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE FOR THE CONTRACTOR AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE FOR THE DEPARTMENT Signature and date must be captured at time of signature. Signature and date must be captured at time of signature. Signature Date Signature Date Print Name Print Title Print Name Print Title Caroline “Chris” Kluchman Director of Livable Communities Page 2 of 2 Updated 07/01/2025 Attachment A Scope of Service ATTACHMENT A: SCOPE OF SERVICES AND ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FY2026 Community Planning Grant Program Contract I. CONTRACT The Contractor is responsible for accessing and reviewing the contents of the documents referenced below, as compliance with each is a binding component of this Contract: A. This Attachment A is attached to and made a part of the COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS STANDARD CONTRACT FORM. THE COMMONWEALTH TERMS AND CONDITIONS and the Contractor’s Budget, as approved by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (“EOHLC” or the “Executive Office”) are attached hereto as Exhibits. B. This Attachment A incorporates by reference the Community Planning Grant Program Application as applicable. C. This Attachment A, all attached Exhibits and other Attachments, and all documents incorporated by reference herein, are referred to, collectively, as the Contract. D. This Contract represents the entire agreement between the Contractor and EOHLC, and any prior or contemporaneous representations, promises, or statements by the parties, that are not incorporated herein, shall not serve to vary or contradict the terms set forth in this Contract. E. If any term or condition of this Contract is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal or in conflict with any law, the validity of the remaining terms and conditions shall not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if this Contract did not contain the particular provision held to be invalid. II. SCOPE OF SERVICES AND COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS The Community Planning Grant Program provides funding for a variety of activities related to community planning, such as a community plan, zoning revision, or planning for housing. As these are planning and zoning grants, grant funds must either: (1) support direct community engagement efforts to involve community members in the planning process, or (2) produce planning or zoning document(s) and/or related materials in draft, phased, or final product form. The Contractor shall use this contract funding to provide services in accordance with the terms of the attached Budget, the terms of this Contract, and any subsequent Contract amendments. ALL EXPENSES MUST BE INCURRED ON OR BEFORE JUNE 30TH OF THE FISCAL YEAR IN WHICH THEY OCCUR (FY 2026 – YEAR 1; FY 2027 – YEAR 2). Any later change in services and activities to be provided by Contractor shall be made only with the prior approval of EOHLC, in accordance with Section III.C. below. Revised: October 2025 The Contractor shall carry out these activities in conformance with all applicable federal and state laws and requirements, including without limitation, statutes, rules, regulations, administrative and executive orders, ordinances, and codes, as they may be issued and amended, and this Contract shall in no way relieve the Contractor from the full force of any laws, rules, regulations and orders, or requirements. EOHLC reserves the right to issue future administrative guidance. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable guidelines, information memoranda, list serves, or other guidance EOHLC may issue, amend, or supplement from time to time. III. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS A. Reporting Responsibilities of the Contractor 1. The Contractor, and any entity under subcontract, having costs chargeable to Contract funds shall maintain Contract records in accordance with Section 7 of the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions including without limitation, a record of planned activities, a record of activities carried out, and an explanation of any changes in program activities. Consistent failure to meet these and all reporting responsibilities of the Contractor and the provisions of this Contract may negatively impact future awards of EOHLC capital grant programs. 2. The Contractor shall comply with all records and reporting requirements set forth in this Contract. 3. The Contractor shall submit to EOHLC in writing a schedule of the Contractor's estimated drawdowns of grant funds prior to fully executing a Contract. The Contractor shall update the schedule of estimated drawdowns of grant funds at the beginning of each fiscal year of the Contract, if the Contractor becomes aware of substantial changes to the original estimate, or as requested by EOHLC. 4. The Contractor shall submit written quarterly progress reports to EOHLC in compliance with the following deadlines and requirements using a form provided by EOHLC. Progress reports shall be submitted on or before the 15th day of the month following the last month of the quarter, except in instances when the due date shall fall on a weekend or holiday where reports would be due the following full business day after the deadline. EOHLC may delay reimbursement to the Contractor if the Contractor consistently fails to submit timely progress reports or other documents required under this Contract. Any such action by EOHLC shall be preceded by written notification of the intent to delay such reimbursement, which may be done electronically, and allow for the Contractor to make reasonable written explanation regarding the occurrence, and the remedy of the issue. Failure by the Contractor to reply to EOHLC’s written notification or to comply with specific instructions from EOHLC shall be treated as a breach herein and under Section 4 of the Revised: October 2025 Commonwealth Terms and Conditions. EOHLC further reserves the right to consider past performance under the Community Planning Grant Program when evaluating an applicant’s initial submission. Progress report deadlines are as follows: Progress Report FY Quarter Reporting Period Due Date FY26 Q3 Contract start date to 3/31/2026 4/15/2026 FY26 Q4 4/1/2026 to 6/30/2026 7/15/2026 FY27 Q1 7/1/2026 to 9/30/2026 10/15/2026 FY27 Q2 10/1/2026 to 12/31/2026 1/15/2027 FY27 Q3 1/1/2027 to 3/31/2027 4/15/2027 FY27 Q4 4/1/2027 to 6/30/2027 7/15/2027 For any FY26 grant that is granted a contract extension, the Contractor shall continue to furnish quarterly progress reports on the 15th day of the month following the end of the quarter for the duration of the extended contract. 5. The Contractor shall submit a copy of the planning or zoning document(s), or other project outcome(s) produced with grant funding. Document(s) should be delivered by July 31, 2027. If documents cannot be delivered by July 31, 2027, the Contractor must submit written notification via email to the program representative by July 31, 2027, stating when the documents will be submitted. In accordance with Section III.A.4, failure to submit document(s) required under this Contract may (i) result in delayed reimbursement; (ii) may be treated as a breach of the Contract; and (iii) will be considered when evaluating applications for future grant awards. 6. The Contractor shall continually assess its performance of the Contract- supported activities to ensure that the performance objectives outlined in the Contract are achieved. This includes, but is not limited to, the Contractor’s monitoring that applicable schedules are met, and performance objectives are achieved in accordance with the activities delineated in the Contract. The Contractor shall promptly inform EOHLC in writing, which may be done electronically, of the following conditions which may affect its deliverable objectives and performance as soon as they become known: a. Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will materially affect the Contractor’s ability to attain deliverable objectives. This disclosure shall be accompanied by a statement of any actions taken or contemplated by the Contractor, and any assistance needed from EOHLC to resolve the situation. Failure by the Contractor to communicate promptly or to respond promptly to communications from EOHLC may result in the denial by EOHLC of any budget or schedule change requests by the Contractor, as provided in Section III.C. Revised: October 2025 b. Favorable developments or events which will enable the Contractor to meet the deliverable Contract objectives sooner than anticipated or at less cost than originally projected. 7. The Contractor shall submit all progress reports electronically to EOHLC’s assigned program representative with a copy to: McKenzie Bell, Senior Community Grants Coordinator mckenzie.bell@mass.gov 8. EOHLC shall advise the Contractor within thirty (30) days of receiving any report if it is not acceptable to EOHLC. The Contractor shall submit an acceptable report no later than 14 days from receipt of such advice from EOHLC. 9. The Contractor, and any entity under subcontract having costs chargeable to Contract funds, shall maintain Contract records in accordance with Section 7 of the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, including, without limitation, a record of planned activities, a record of activities carried out, and an explanation of any changes in program activities. 10. Within five business days of receipt, the Contractor shall provide EOHLC with copies of any and all exception reports and written communications of an audit or review of the Contractor and any written final reports of such audits or reviews that the Contractor receives during the Contract term from the state Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and/or the Office of the State Auditor. Such reports or communications may be provided electronically. 11. Within five business days of being served with any pleading in a legal action filed with a court or administrative agency related to this Contract or which may affect the Contractor’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder, the Contractor shall notify EOHLC of such action and deliver copies of such pleadings to EOHLC. Such reports or communications may be provided electronically. 12. The Contractor will submit any other reports or information requested by EOHLC by the due date specified in EOHLC’s request. The Contractor shall promptly make available to EOHLC or to an auditor or contractor approved by EOHLC such material information regarding the Contractor’s activities as may be requested by EOHLC. B. Payment Mechanism and Fiscal Obligations EOHLC agrees to provide payment for the services described under this Contract, pursuant to the following payment mechanism: 1. Cost Reimbursement. The Contractor shall submit to EOHLC written requests for cost reimbursement on EOHLC’s Community Planning Grant Revised: October 2025 Invoice form (Community Planning Invoice), or other such form as EOHLC may specify. Only requests for cost reimbursement for authorized capital expenses, pursuant to the capital funds from the state’s capital budget, that are completed within the dates of service of an invoice, and that take place within the length of the contract, are authorized for reimbursement. 2. Community Planning Invoices should be submitted no more than once a month and should include the range of the dates of service being submitted for reimbursement. 3. All payments are contingent upon receipt of the availability of funds, authorization by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance and the Massachusetts Comptroller, and the provisions of the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions. In accordance with 815 CMR 2.00 and state finance law, EOHLC is under no legal obligation to compensate the Contractor, or to obtain additional funding, for any costs or other commitments which are outside the scope of the executed Contract and which have not been approved by EOHLC. 4. In no event shall the sum of any and all payment by reimbursement exceed the maximum amount payable to the Contractor hereunder. Requests for payment by cost reimbursement will be honored and funds will be released based on submission by the Contractor, with review and acceptance by EOHLC, of required data and reports as detailed in this Contract, the availability of funds, and the Contractor’s satisfactory compliance with the terms of this Contract. Each request for payment by cost reimbursement must be made on the Community Planning Invoice. By submitting the Community Planning Invoice, the Contractor represents that in accordance with the Contract, including the Contractor’s Budget as approved by EOHLC, articles have been furnished, services have been rendered, or obligations have been incurred by a person authorized to incur such obligations. EOHLC’s fiscal representative will provide additional billing instructions, if necessary, to the Contractor via email. When submitted electronically, the Community Planning Invoice should be attached to the email submission in one email attachment. Any other documents, such as vendor invoices, must be submitted as separate attachments. In addition to the Community Planning Invoice, requests for payment by cost reimbursement shall also contain sufficient detail, supporting records, and documentation to support costs. Records to substantiate the Contractor’s claims hereunder may include, without limitation, payroll Revised: October 2025 records, accounting records, and purchase orders that are sufficient to document the Contractor’s program and financial activities under this Contract. The request for cost reimbursement shall be submitted electronically to the attention of: Brett Morton, Fiscal Representative brett.morton2@mass.gov with a copy to EOHLC’s assigned program representative and: McKenzie Bell, Senior Community Grants Coordinator McKenzie.Bell@mass.gov 5. All requests for cost reimbursement for expenses incurred in FY2026 – Year 1 must be submitted on or before July 15, 2026; and all requests for cost reimbursement for expenses incurred in FY2027 – Year 2 on or before July 15, 2027. Reimbursement requests submitted after the close of these Fiscal Year deadlines in this Section shall not be accepted or paid. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to require that any subcontractor submit invoices in a manner that meets these requirements and deadlines. 6. The Contractor shall submit the final Community Planning Invoice on or before July 15, 2027. With the submission of the final Community Planning Invoice, the Contractor shall return to EOHLC any unexpended funds that are reflected in the final reconciliation, subject to Section III.B above. C. Budget or Schedule Changes 1. Any subsequent change in the services and activities to be provided by the Contractor in accordance with the attached Budget, including, but not limited to, extensions of time, requires prior written approval from EOHLC’s assigned program representative listed in Section III.A.7. Requests for any amendments or extensions shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by EOHLC and may be approved or denied by EOHLC at its discretion. Consideration shall only be extended to Contractors who are in adherence with Section III.A.6 and other requirements of this Contract. Requests to amend or extend the end date of the Contract must be received by EOHLC on or before March 15, 2027. EOHLC will provide an Extension Request Form template that the Contractor must fill out and submit to EOHLC’s assigned program representative by April 1, 2027. This Contract shall not be extended if a request to extend the end date is made after such deadline or if the Contractor fails to submit a timely Extension Request Form. No waivers to this clause shall be granted. Revised: October 2025 The Contractor shall submit final reports and forms electronically to EOHLC’s assigned program representative with a copy to: McKenzie Bell, Senior Community Grants Coordinator McKenzie.Bell@mass.gov 2. Budget Amendments. The Contractor may transfer funds among the line items in the Budget, only with the written permission of EOHLC. No amendment to the Contract shall be required for such change. The Contractor shall submit a request for such change electronically to EOHLC’s representatives, listed in Section III.B.4, at least 30 days prior to requesting reimbursement funds under such change. If EOHLC does not respond within 30 days of receipt of the requested change, it will be deemed to have approved of the change. D. Signage, Acknowledgment, Publicity, and Logos 1. Signage. The Contractor may erect or post a sign at a location where Contract funds have been used indicating that financing is being or has been provided in part by EOHLC as part of the Community Planning Grant Program, subject to compliance with the zoning by-laws or ordinances of the municipality in which the sign is to be erected or posted. The sign shall include the following statement: “Funds for this Project have been provided by a Community Planning Grant provided by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.” 2. Acknowledgment. If Contract funds are expended by the Contractor on the preparation or production of a brochure or other publication, the brochure or publication shall include the following statement: “This publication was funded by a Community Planning Grant provided by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.” 3. Publicity; Other Materials. The Contractor may disseminate, publish, or reproduce documents produced in whole or in part pursuant to this Contract, provided that the Contractor furnishes to EOHLC copies of any such documents thirty (30) days prior to publication, and provided that such documents include the acknowledgment required under Section III.D.2. The Contractor may copyright any books, publications, or other copyrightable materials produced under this Contract, provided that the Contractor shall provide to the Commonwealth as appropriate an irrevocable, nonexclusive royalty-free right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use or authorize others to use the copyrighted material. 4. Logos. If the Contractor wishes to include an Agency logo on any signage or other materials produced in accordance with this section, it may contact EOHLC’s assigned program representative, listed in Section III.A.7, for the appropriate copy of a logo. Revised: October 2025 5. Submission to EOHLC. Any sign, publication, or other material produced in accordance with this section must be submitted in advance to EOHLC’s assigned program representative, listed in Section III.A.7, no later than thirty (30) days before posting or distribution. If EOHLC does not respond within thirty (30) days of receipt of the material, it will be deemed to have approved of the material. EOHLC reserves the right to require that the Contractor provide to EOHLC photographs, video, or other media and/or documentation, if applicable, or copies of such materials, of any project financed in part by EOHLC under the Community Planning Grant Program. E. Audit or Financial Review EOHLC reserves the right under this Contract to secure its own independent audit or financial review of the Contractor’s (or Subcontractor, if applicable) records if, in its sole discretion, EOHLC determines that it is necessary for any reason. F. Monitoring EOHLC may monitor the Contractor’s (or Subcontractor, if applicable) compliance with the Contract. The Contractor shall allow EOHLC and its representatives access to all its books and records pertaining to this Contract. G. Conflict of Interest, Licensure, and Debarment 1. The Contractor shall not engage in any business or personal activities or practices or maintain any relationships which conflict in any way with the full performance of the Contractor’s obligations hereunder. 2. The Contractor shall not knowingly employ or compensate any employee of the Commonwealth during the term of this Contract, unless such arrangement is permitted under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 268A. Employment of former Commonwealth employees shall also be in compliance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 268A. 3. The Contractor represents and warrants that as of the effective date, it has, and that at all times during the term hereof it shall have, at its sole expense, all licenses, certifications, approvals, insurance, permits, and other authorizations required by law to perform its obligations hereunder. The Contractor shall maintain all necessary licenses, certifications, approvals, insurance, permits, and other authorizations required to properly perform activities under this Contract, without reimbursement by the Commonwealth or other adjustment in Contract funds. Further, the Contractor warrants that all employees, agents, and subcontractors performing services under this Contract shall hold all required licenses or certifications, if any, to perform their responsibilities. Revised: October 2025 4. The Contractor certifies that the Contractor and its principals are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any federal or state department or agency. The Contractor agrees to immediately notify EOHLC if the Contractor becomes suspended or debarred, or if any licenses, certifications, approvals, insurance, permits, or any such similar requirement necessary for the Contractor to properly perform become revoked, withdrawn, or non-renewed during the Contract period. H. Enforcement, Suspension, and Termination 1. Enforcement of this Contract and all rights and obligations hereunder are reserved solely to the Contractor and EOHLC, and not to any third party. 2. EOHLC may use increased or additional monitoring and reporting as part of its enforcement actions. 3. EOHLC’s grant application review includes a review for civil rights compliance. EOHLC reserves the right to place conditions on this grant if there is an administrative or judicial finding, decision, opinion, order, or other outcome concerning any civil rights matter(s) that is adverse to the Contractor or any of their subcontractors. Such conditions may be added by EOHLC through administrative guidance or email, without the need for a formal contract amendment. 4. This Contract may be terminated pursuant to Sections 4 and 5 of the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions. 5. EOHLC may provide the Contractor with written notice to decrease or cease Contract activity. Effective upon receipt of notice from EOHLC, or a later date specified therein, the Contractor agrees to decrease, suspend, and/or terminate Contract activity in conformance with the terms of such notice. 6. Upon the termination or expiration of this Contract, the Contractor shall continue to cooperate with all audit, records, and monitoring requirements. 7. Within a maximum of 90 days following the date of expiration or termination of this Contract, the Contractor shall submit all reports and data required by this Contract. I. Non-Discrimination In The Provision of Services The Contractor shall not deny services or otherwise discriminate in the delivery of services because of race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status or children, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, receipt of federal, state, or local public assistance or housing subsidies, veteran/military status, or because of any other basis prohibited by law. The Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, rules Revised: October 2025 and regulations and administrative and Executive Orders prohibiting discrimination, including without limitation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq.), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. § 794), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d et seq.), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§ 6101 et seq.), M.G.L. c. 151B, M.G.L. c. 272 §§ 92A, 98, and 98A, M.G.L. c. 111 § 199A, 42 U.S.C. 9918 (c) and 45 C.F.R. 80. J. Confidentiality 1. The Contractor certifies that it has established sufficient internal policies to carry out its obligations hereunder. 2. The Contractor shall keep all state records and information, wherever obtained, confidential at all times and comply with all state and federal laws concerning the confidentiality of information. The Contractor shall hold all personal data relating to Contract-supported personnel and applicants or recipients of Contract-supported programs and activities in accordance with Section 6 of the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, the Standard Contract Form and its Instructions and Contractor Certifications, and all applicable Federal and state privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations, including M.G.L. c. 66A,“Massachusetts Fair Information Practices Act;” M.G.L. c. 93H, Security Breaches; 801 CMR 3.00: Privacy and Confidentiality, and 201 CMR 17.00: Standards for the Protection of Personal Information of Residents of the Commonwealth. The Contractor shall take all required measures to protect the security of personal data it receives, and shall ensure that its software and security meets, at a minimum, the “Enterprise Information Security Policies and Standards” adopted by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (“EOTSS”), available at https://www.mass.gov/handbook/enterprise- information-security-policies-and-standards, or any successor standards thereto. 3. Pursuant to the Standard Contract Form and its Instructions and Contractor Certifications and the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, the Contractor certifies that the Contractor has reviewed and shall comply with all information security programs, plans, guidelines, standards and policies that apply to the work to be performed under this Contract, that the Contractor shall communicate these provisions to and enforce them against its subcontractors, and that the Contractor shall implement and maintain any other reasonable and appropriate security procedures and practices necessary to protect personal information to which the Contractor is given access as part of this Contract, from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, disclosure, or loss. In addition, consistent with the requirements of the Standard Contract Form and the state information security policies, the Contractor’s employees shall generally not conduct Contract business through or send confidential information to employees’ personal email accounts. In addition, the Contractor will promptly notify EOHLC in the event of any security breach Revised: October 2025 including unauthorized access, disbursement, use or disposal of the personal records and information. In the event of a security breach, the Contractor will cooperate with EOHLC and its authorized representatives and will provide access to any information necessary to respond to the security breach. 4. The Contractor shall notify its agents, employees, subgrantees, and assignees who may come into contact with state records and confidential information that each is subject to the confidentiality requirements set forth herein. 5. The Contractor shall deliver to EOHLC, within 14 days of a written request by EOHLC following termination of this Contract, such personal data relating to this Contract as EOHLC may request; provided, that the Contractor may keep copies of any personal data delivered to EOHLC; and provided further, that for the purposes of this sentence, the term, “personal data”, shall not include the Contractor’s personnel records. K. Fraud, Waste, and Abuse The Contractor shall maintain and use systems and procedures to prevent, detect, and correct fraud, waste, and abuse in activities funded under this Contract. The Contractor’s failure to reasonably prevent, detect or correct fraud, waste, and abuse may be taken into account in any future EOHLC awards. Revised: October 2025 FY22 CP Budget Melrose Attachment B Budget FY2026 Community Planning Grant Program Name of Contractor Project Manager Include name of Subcontractor if Name, email, and phone number applicable Include name and contact information of person preparing report if different from project manager City of Melrose Name: Lori Massa Email: lmassa@cityofmelrose.org Phone: (781) 979-4190 Project Name Housing Production Plan Implementation Project Description Brief Summary of Project Melrose will update its zoning and subdivision regulations in alignment with its Housing Production Plan. Project Tasks Cost by Task Consultants/Prof. Fees $100,000.00 Meeting Expenses/Events $250.00 Project Supplies/Materials $0.00 Other/Miscellaneous $0.00 TOTAL $100,250.00 rev. 8/2025 Bid Solicitation: BD-25-1100-EED01-EED01-111802 Header Information Bid Number: BD-25-1100-EED01-EED01-111802 Description: Community One Stop for Bid Opening 06/04/2025 Growth - FY2026 Round Date: 11:59:00 PM Purchaser: Daniel Billings Organization: Executive Oﬃce of Economic Development Department: EED01 - Economic Development Location: EED01 - Economic Development Fiscal Year: 25 Type Code: NS - Non-Statewide Solicitation Allow Electronic No Quote: Alternate Id: Required Date: Available Date : 01/24/2025 12:00:00 AM Info Contact: Website: www.mass.gov/onestop, Email: Bid Type: OPEN Informal Bid No onestop@mass.gov Flag: Purchase Method: Blanket Begin Date: 01/24/2025 End Date: 07/01/2025 Pre Bid Conference: Visit www.mass.gov/onestop for a schedule (or recordings) of the informational One Stop Webinars. Prospective applicants can also receive feedback by submitting an Expression of Interest. Bulletin Desc: The Community One Stop for Growth is a single application portal and collaborative review process for community and economic development grant programs that make targeted investments based on a Development Continuum. Single- and multi-year grants awards will be made from various programs through EOED, EOHLC, and/or MassDevelopment via the One Stop Full Application. Expressions of Interest accepted through March 26, 2025. For the most up to date program information, visit www.mass.gov/onestop. Ship-to Address: Robin Pezzone Bill-to Address: Robin Pezzone Print Format: 1 Ashburton Place-Room 2101 1 Ashburton Place-Room 2101 Boston, MA 02108 Boston, MA 02108 US US Email: eoedap@mass.gov Email: eoedap@mass.gov Phone: (617) 788-3610 Phone: (617) 788-3610 File Attachments: FY26 Community One Stop for Growth NOFA Form Attachments: Required Quote Attachments SBPP (Small Business Purchasing YES Program) Eligible?: See SBPP requirements and exceptions at www.mass.gov/sbpp : Item Information Item # 1: ( 00-00-00-00-0000 ) The Community One Stop for Growth is a single application portal and collaborative review process for community and economic development grant programs that make targeted investments based on a Development Continuum. Single- and multi-year grants awards will be made from various programs through EOED, EOHLC, and/or MassDevelopment via the One Stop Full Application. Expressions of Interest accepted through March 26, 2025. For the most up to date program information, visit www.mass.gov/onestop. U N S P S C Code: 00-00-00 Grant Opportunity 00-00-00-00 Grant Opportunity 00-00-00-00-0000 Grant Opportunity Qty Unit Cost UOM Total Discount Amt. Total Cost 1.0 Manufacturer: Brand: Model: Make: Packaging: Bid Tab Exit Copyright © 2025 Periscope Holdings, Inc. - All Rights Reserved. MASS_AWS_PROD Commonwealth of Massachusetts EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HOUSING & LIVABLE COMMUNITIES Maura T. Healey, Governor  Kimberley Driscoll, Lieutenant. Governor  Edward M. Augustus Jr., Secretary Via email: jgrigoraitis@cityofmelrose.org September 30, 2025 The Honorable Jennifer Grioraitis City of Melrose 562 Main Street Melrose, MA 02176 Dear Mayor Grioraitis: Application: Melrose 00723 Congratulations on Melrose’s successful application to the FY26 Round of the Community One Stop for Growth. On behalf of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, I am pleased to inform you that a grant in the amount of $100,250.00 from the Community Planning Grant Program has been approved to support the Housing Production Plan Implementation project. The Community Planning Grant Program will start contracting in the coming weeks. We will send an email to the municipal CEO and project contact identified in your application with pre-contracting information and tasks to complete, and an invitation to an online training related to grant administration and contract guidance. Please contact McKenzie Bell, Senior Community Grants Coordinator, at McKenzie.Bell@mass.gov with questions. Please be advised that this letter does not constitute an agreement or contract with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the grant award is not final until the organization has executed a contract with the EOHLC. You should not proceed with any grant activities until a contract is in place. The receipt of grant funds is contingent upon the grantee being able to certify that it will comply with the Massachusetts General Laws, including G.L. c. 40A, § 3A, the MBTA Communities Act. Compliance with the MBTA Communities Act is determined by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Finally, public announcement of this award is embargoed until the Administration has had the opportunity to formally announce it through a public event and/or media release. Please refrain from sharing or publicizing news about this award outside of your organization until it is officially announced. Sincerely, Edward M. Augustus Jr. Secretary, EOHLC 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300 www.mass.gov/eohlc Boston, Massachusetts 02114 617.573.1100 OFFICE OF PLANNING AND CITY OF MELROSE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT City Hall, 562 Main Street Melrose, Massachusetts 02176 LORI MASSA Telephone - (781) 979-4190 Director & City Planner M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor Jennifer Grigoraitis Melrose City Council FROM: Lori Massa, Director & City Planner cc: Kerriann Golden, CFO/Auditor Lauren Grymek, Chief of Staff Maya Noviski, Senior Planner Adam Forrester, Assistant Planner DATE: January 5, 2026 RE: Housing Production Plan Implementation Project Grant Acceptance The City has been awarded a $100,250 FY2026 Community Planning Grant to support the continued implementation of the City’s Housing Production Plan. Housing is area of critical need as is outlined in the Housing Production Plan and with this grant we will hire a consultant to work with our staff and Zoning Subcommittee of the Planning Board to solicit community input and craft revisions to our regulations that will enable a more diverse mix of housing types. This work will build off of the City’s past successes and support our local and regional housing goals. We hereby request the City Council’s acceptance of the grant from the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC) through the Community One Stop for Growth Program in the amount of $100,250.00. The grant agreement document is attached for your reference. The funds will be expended from a project account set up by the CFO/Auditor and reimbursed by EOHLC as funds are expended. Thank you for your consideration of this request. City of Melrose, MA § 93-6. Leashing requirements. [Amended 5-20-2002 by Ord. No. 02-324] A. No person shall own or keep in the City, outside the confines of the owner's or keeper's property, any dog that is not held firmly on a leash. B. REMOVE this language : The Animal Control Officer may, at his/her discretion, waive the provisions of Subsection A if a determination is made that the owner or keeper has a valid reason to have the dog unleashed or untethered for training, exhibition or show purposes. [Amended 8-21-2017 by Ord. No. 2018-4] C. Violation of this section shall be punishable as follows: (1) First offense, unaltered or altered: fine of $50. (2) Second offense, unaltered or altered: fine of $100. (3) Third offense: $150. 1 (4)Apprehension: $10. (5) Confinement: $10 per day. (6) Kennels: $100. (7) Seeing eye dogs: no fees. D. Exemptions. Dogs will be permitted to go without leashes only within areas designated as "off-leash dog areas" as determined by the Board of Park Commissioners in accordance with § 173-17, provided that: [Added 6-4-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-180] (1) All dogs are leashed prior to entering and upon leaving the off-leash dog area. (2) All dogs must be accompanied by a guardian who must remain with his/her dog(s) at all times while using the off-leash dog area. (3) Guardians are legally responsible for their dog(s) and any injuries caused by their dog(s). (4) Guardians may bring no more than three dogs to the off-leash dog area at one time. (5) Guardians must dispose of their dog's fecal matter in accordance with § 93-8. (6) The following dogs are forbidden from entry into the off-leash dog areas: (a) Dogs in heat. (b) Dogs less than six months of age. (c) Dogs without municipal licenses and up-to-date vaccinations. Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/ME1773 on 2025-11-12City of Melrose, MA (d) Aggressive dogs. Any dog that engages in fighting or that does not respond to voice 1. Editor's Note: The line "Adoption: all fees and expenses" which immediately followed this subsection in Ord. No. 02-324 was deleted per instructions from the City as superseded by Ord. No. 02-102. See § 93-11. Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/ME1773 on 2025-11-12City of Melrose, MA § 93-6 § 93-6 command. Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/ME1773 on 2025-11-12 CITY OF MELROSE Legal Department City Hall, 562 Main Street Shannon T. Phillips City Solicitor Melrose, Massachusetts 02176 Telephone (781) 979-4184 sphillips@cityofmelrose.org To: Mayor Jennifer Grigoraitis From: Shannon T. Phillips Subject: Amending Chapter A, Article II, Section 210 of the Administrative Code (Historical Commission) Date: January 6, 2026 ____________________________________________________________________________ Amending Chapter A, Article II, Section 210 of the Administrative Code of the City of Melrose as follows: § A-210. Historical Commission State law reference: MGL c. 40, § 8D. A. Established. There shall be a Historical Commission consisting of seven members. B. Authorities and responsibilities. The Historical Commission preserves, protects, and develops the historical and archaeological assets of the City. The Commission may conduct research for places of historic and archaeological value. The Commission may, subject to appropriation and approval by the Mayor, advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which it deems necessary for its work. The Commission, for the purpose of protecting and preserving such places, may make such recommendations as it deems necessary to the Mayor and, subject to the approval of the City Council, to the Massachusetts Historical Commission that any such place be certified as a historical or archaeological landmark. The Commission surveys and compiles a listing of all historical sites and buildings within the City, public and private; determines the functions and structures of all historical organizations within the City; and holds correlative seminars with historical organizations. It further determines the requirements for repair, reconstruction, and protection of historical landmarks, is responsible for conducting demolition review as set forth by City ordinance, and assists and cooperates with public commissions in the conduct of public historical events. The Commission has all of the other powers, duties and responsibilities that are given to historical commissions by the General Laws. Page 1 of 2 C. The Historical Commission is an advisory multiple-member body of the City, and a regulatory multiple-member body only insofar as is necessary to conduct demolition review per City ordinance. Page 2 of 2 CITY OF MELROSE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR City Hall, 562 Main Street Melrose, Massachusetts 02176 JENNIFER GRIGORAITIS Telephone - (781) 979-4440 Mayor To: Melrose City Council From: Mayor Jen Grigoraitis Re: Amending Chapter A, Article II, Section 210 of the City’s Administrative Code Date: January 7, 2026 Please accept this memo in line with Section 5-11 of the City Charter regarding Order 2026-10 Amending Chapter A, Article II, Section 210 of the City’s Administrative Code As a result of the recent passage of a Demolition Review Ordinance (Order 2025-571) as adopted by a vote of the City Council on December 1, 2025 an amendment to the City’s Administrative Code needs to be made, allowing the Historical Commission to have the regulatory authority over the demolition delay process as contemplated by the ordinance. The changes to the administrative code are outlined via the memo from the City Solicitor attached to Order 2026-10. Please note as part of the process outlined in Section 5-1 of the City Charter, the City Council shall hold at least one public hearing on the proposal and does not have the authority to Amend this Order. Thank you for your consideration. 1 https://ecode360.com/35250804#35250805

Transcript

▶ 1:05:59 Bradley Freeman: My name is Council President Freeman. This meeting of the Melrose City Council is called to order in accordance with the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. This meeting is being broadcast and recorded by Melrose Cable Access tv and will be available for viewing in its entirety on MMTV and throughout the city website. Madam Clerk, will you please call the role? Yes. Councilor Chen. Here. Councilor Occhio? Here. Councilor Jamal Ledine. Councillor. Karen Chetty. Here. Councillor Kowal? Here. Cremsky. Here. Councilor Park. Here. Councilor Romanul? Here. Councilor Vandiver? Here. Councilor Williams? Here. President Freeman Here. Okay. That makes for a quorum. Thank you. At this time, please rise if you're able

▶ 1:06:42 Bradley Freeman: to join in the Pledge of Allegiance. IP James Fly the United States of America and to Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice Spro. Thank you. At this time I'll motion by unanimous consent to approve without reading the minutes from the January 12th, 2026 meeting. Seeing no objection, those minutes are now approved. I'll now motion by unanimous consent to open the floor for public comment. Seeing no objection, we are open for public comment per rule 33 A of the Melrose City Council rules. This is the portion of the meeting where the public may speak on any item on tonight's agenda. Comments expressing any viewpoint on other matters are also welcome.

▶ 1:07:33 Bradley Freeman: Is anyone here to comment publicly? Madam Clerks, anyone online? No One online? There is no objection. I'd like to close public comment. Seeing none, we are now closed for public comment. There are no communications from the Honorable Mayor. Moving on to new business filings by the Honorable Mayor. Appointments ID number 2 0 2 6 dash 1 78 Reappointment f Helena Woodfield, 44 Briggs Street, Melrose, mass, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for a two year term. Said term to expire on the last day of January, 2029. This will go to boards and commissions filings by members of the Honorable City Council. Requests ID number 2 0 2 6 dash 1 75 Set a public hearing to discuss the motor vehicle Class one

▶ 1:08:24 Bradley Freeman: and two license for Caesar Cars Auto Sales Corp. Doing business as Melrose Auto Gallery Council for Ngaro? Yes. I'd like to request for, uh, consideration to set a public hearing for ID 2 0 2 6 1 75, uh, on February 23rd at 8:00 PM Is there a second? Second Motion by Councilman Figaro to set a public hearing on February 21st, third 20 February 23rd, seconded by Councillor Kowal, any discussion? All approved? Aye or all in favor, say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it and the public hearing is scheduled. Moving on to orders ID number 2 0 2 6 74 Reappointment of Linda Reed as Assistant city clerk for a one year term ending on the first Monday in February of 2027. This will go to finance. We have a public

▶ 1:09:22 Bradley Freeman: hearing at eight o'clock, but we will continue with the agenda until then. So moving on to unfinished business appointments and reappointments ID number 2 0 2 6 dash one. Appointment of Diane Casey 60 Cochrane Street to the Liquor License Commission to complete the six year term of Kevin Cronin, who has resigned said term to expire on the first Monday in June of 2029. Mr. President, this comes before you from the, uh, boards and Commissions committee with a motion to approve and I'll make that motion now. Second. There is a motion to approve the appointment of Diane Casey to the Liquor Commission made by Councillor Williams, second by Councillor Vanderberg. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed?

▶ 1:10:13 Bradley Freeman: You guys have it. And the appointment is approved ID number 2 0 2 6 dash eight Appointment of Rob Kirsch. 12 Garland Street to the Melrose Parks Commission to fulfill a five year term of Brad Freeman who has resigned set to expire on the first Monday of May, 2028. Mr. President, this comes from the Boards and Commissions committee with a recommendation to approve and at this time I make that motion. Second, There is a motion to approve the appointment of Rob Kirsch to the Parks Commission made by Councilor Williams. Second of by Council Vandiver, any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it and the appointment is approved ID Number 2 0 2 6 dash nine. Appointment of Michael tmi.

▶ 1:10:56 Five Trenton Street to the Melrose Council on Agent to complete the two year term of Margaret Evans who has resigned said term to expire on the last day of February, 2027. Mr. President, this comes from the Boards and Commissions committee with a recommendation to approve and at this time I'll make that motion. Second. There is a motion to approve the appointment of Michael Tar to the Melrose Council on Aging, made by Councillor Williams. Seconded by Councillor Vandiver. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it and the appointment is approved. Moving on to grants ID number 2 0 2 5 dash 8 67. Acceptance of fiscal 2026 Local cultural counsel allocation. Councilor Armo. Oh,

▶ 1:11:43 Devin Romanul: That's right. Sorry. Not used to being your district appropriations. Um, Mr. President, this motion comes order comes to us from the, uh, annual O committee with a recommendation for approval. And at this time I'll make a motion for approval. Second. Second. There's a motion to accept grant ID. 2 0 2 5 dash 8 67 Made by Councillor Romanul and seconded by Councillor Vandiver. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it and the grant is accepted ID number 2 0 2 5 dash 8 68. Acceptance of municipal a DA improvement Grant Mr. President, this grant also comes to us from the Appropriations and Oversight Committee with a recommendation or motion to, oh my gosh. One of those days. Um, with a, uh,

▶ 1:12:26 Devin Romanul: what's the nomenclature? I apologize. It's Recommendation for passage. Yeah. With a recommendation for passage. Thank you for council Van. Woo. Need more coffee this afternoon. And at this time I'll make a motion to, um, make a motion to approve. Second. Second. There is a motion to accept Grant ID. 2 0 2 5 6 8 6 made by Councillor Romanul and seconded by Councillor Chetty. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it. And the grant is approved ID number 2 0 2 6 dash three. Acceptance of E-O-H-L-C fiscal year 2026. Community Planning grant in the amount of a hundred thousand 250. Mr. President, this also comes to us from the Appropriations and Oversight Committee with a recommendation for approval.

▶ 1:13:12 Bradley Freeman: And at this time I'll make a motion to approve. Second, There's a motion to accept Grant id. 2 0 2 5 6 8 6 made by Councilor Romanul and seconded by Councilor Vandiver. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it and the grant is accepted. About three minutes left so we'll keep going. Licenses ID number 2 0 2 5 dash 8 4 0. New Common Vic license for table four Mr. President, this comes from protection license with a recommendation for a passage. And at this time I'll make a recommendation for a passage. Second. Second. There is a motion to approve a license for Table four made by Council Ro and seconded by Councillor Park. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it and the license is approved

▶ 1:14:02 Cal Finocchiaro: ID number 2 0 2 5 dash 8 42 Motor vehicle Class one and two Renewals for 2026 second round. Mr. President, this also comes from protection license with a recommendation for passage. And at this time I'd like to make a recommendation for passage. Second, There is a motion to approve license renewals and ID 2 0 2 5 8 4 2 made by Councilor fro. Seconded by Councilor Ryan. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? The have it and the license renewals are approved? ID number 2 0 2 5 dash 8 43 Common Vic renewals for 2026 second round. Mr. President, this also comes from protection license with a recommendation for passage. And at this time I'd like to make a recommendation for passage. Second,

▶ 1:14:47 Bradley Freeman: There is a motion to approve common particular renewal and ID 2 0 2 5 8 4 3 made by Council Ro and seconded by Councillor Williams. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it and the license renewals are approved. Seeing as it's now eight o'clock We will, I will motion for unanimous consent to open the public hearing on two National Grid petitions. Seeing no objection, the public hearing is now open. We are in public hearing to hear National Grid petitions ID 2 0 2 6 5 2 And ID 2 0 2 6 7 3 I believe we representative from National Grid and DPW to explain these petitions. Any public wishing to comment on these petitions may do so after this portion of the hearing. Good evening everyone. My name is, uh, angina.

▶ 1:15:38 Bradley Freeman: I'm a distribution designer at National Grid in the Malin platform. Um, I'm here to petition, um, the poll edition at 1 64 Essex Street in front of the sidewalk. This will be required for the new development, uh, which would be residential. And uh, the poll is required to feed the transformer. Thank you. Are there any questions from the council? Seeing none. Is there anyone here from the public who wishes to comment on this petition? Seeing none. I will entertain a motion to approve ID 2 0 2 6 5 2. Mr. President, I'll make a motion to approve. Second. Motion to approve Made by council fro Seconded by Councillor Kim Chetty. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it. And the motion to approve passes.

▶ 1:16:34 Thank you. My next one is, uh, to petition a poll in front of 76 Hesseltine Avenue, which would be on the side of four Glendale F This is required, uh, since the pole in front of 76 Haseltine is leaning. And to prevent that from leaning further, we would replace the pole as well as include a pole that would pull it so that it doesn't lean again towards the house in the future. So it's more of a reliability issue. Thank you. Any questions from the council? Councilor? Nagarro? Sorry, I just have one question. So you're installing two poles. One to keep the other one erect. So one pole is, uh, already there in place. We are just going to replace it since it's in back condition. And then I'm putting another pole on the opposite side

▶ 1:17:23 to prevent, um, this new pole from leaning again On the episodes of the street, Um, on the side towards the house. I see. Okay. Thank you Chair. Any other questions? Is there anyone here from the public who'd like to speak on this petition? Please come up and approach the table. So Eric mad you lose at 79? I live at 76 and I've complained about this pole for like 10 years and that's when I live on the corner where the pole is. Uh, so one question I have is you're gonna replace the pole. Why are you putting another pole? If You wanna sit, sit down. So the microphone's gonna pick up your voice. So if you put a new pole there, wouldn't that take care of it? The situation? Why do you have to put another pole with a guy? Wire over to it

▶ 1:18:16 Over with time it would start leaning again. I think it's just a defect of old pole that's, that's been there forever. Uh, so your, your proposal is to put another pole next To it. Pass these around? Yeah. Can I see? So just for framework, uh, two things and then I'll pass back to Roland. This is the first picture here is Roland's house. He's at seven six. I'm across the street. And I'm not sure if that's how you explained it, but they would actually put the pole in front of my house on the other side of the street. Oh, you can pass it around because It's actually on the frontage of for Glendale, which is right next to his driveway. Yes. Which I will show, but Correct. His driveway is right here.

▶ 1:18:59 So this is for Glendale that's on a corner. The corner is Hessel time. So it really has nothing to do with Glendale, right? Right. It's on the frontage of, for Glendale, which Is, so this is my next door neighbor across the street from me. And this is my house. And so what they're proposing is replacing the pole that you can see is clearly slanted at his house that he's been rightfully complaining about for years to get it resolved. And they wanna put a pole on the opposite side of the street. And then they want to put, I believe it's called a guy wire that holds it, which we can get into. But essentially we're gonna create an enormous patient safety risk. A patient, sorry, I work in healthcare,

▶ 1:19:42 use the same patient safety. We're gonna, we're gonna, I'm gonna That's awesome. Seriously hurt a child because I can't even see outta my driveway. And when I should, my view will be like with a telephone pole in front of it. I, the city is gonna be liable for a child and my life is gonna be ruined from hitting a child. This is unacceptable. The tar man's school is a block away. Kids come up and down out street. I Can't tell you in This The pole I've superimposed. So this is my house and the picture right next to it when I pass it around, shows where they're putting a pole. The other question? Yeah. And then they're gonna have a guy wire coming down off of that to Sidewalk, see my picture backing up. And

▶ 1:20:20 then the pole, they literally can't see outta my, I can't, I have a brand new car that has automatic braking. I can't tell you how often it goes off because I can't see people walking. And I two young drivers, a 21-year-old and an 18-year-old, and I teach 'em to go extremely slow. I can't tell you how many times people walking their dogs. And in the summer, how many kids, horse man is one block from our house. How many kids are Dr. Taking their bikes home on the street? I am going to hit a child if you approve this. This is unacceptable. Mm-hmm. Thank you. Do you have any more comments before we turn it back over to Yeah, I'd like to have more detail what they're proposing because they also mentioned then notice of Stub Poll.

▶ 1:21:01 So they doubling up my pole on my side. You don't, it says stub pole on there. So what's happening? We can just have your comments. Then we'll have DW National Grid respond to them. Okay. So that's one question. And then how do you propose to connect the two poles across the street? Is it gonna be a steel cable at X feet across the elevated across the street. And then are you gonna have a guy wire going down to the pavement? 'cause there's an X on the painted on the sidewalk. So is that gonna be on the sidewalk? Um, or is it gonna be in the person's yard at Fort Glendale? No, it's just be on the sidewalk. So how do people, how do you propose people to walk down the street without tripping on that?

▶ 1:21:34 It's gonna be coming down at an angle like this? No, it won't. Its the Sidewalk. Can, I'm just gonna have national grid. Can you respond after? Okay. Sorry. So that we just didn't have a diagram of anything of how this was gonna take place. Oh, I think they wanna see on the other side, and I'll just say from my standpoint, in addition to the safety, which is paramount and my biggest concern, it's devaluing our properties. Like when you do the, the buddy poles, it looks atrocious. You've seen them around. You see 'em in different cities, it looks terrible. We have an a very nice community. It looks, it's devaluing our properties. And then to put another pole on the other side of the street to hold it up.

▶ 1:22:16 And frankly this is not your fault, but they've also, a wire came down a year ago. No one has come back. Even though I called and they have a warning sign, it's like, you know, because it's Draped it's Draping longer because it was draping, but no one even bothered to take it away. It, it's making our community look. And one, Chris, one other point too, there's no other poles on this whole side of the street. This would be the, all the poles going down. Hessel Tyner on my side. Not on your side. Yeah. So this would be the only thing. And it's only a makeshift, I think it's a makeshift means to hold this pole up or the, the new pole Council Naro, you have a question? Yes. Um, is there, this is for National Grid,

▶ 1:22:55 Cal Finocchiaro: is there any other solution to this? I mean, clearly this doesn't sound like it's working for the, the residents there that they're gonna direct. It's directly impacting, um, the way that the existing pole is now the one that's sagging. I mean, how long did it take for it to get like that? And um, is there any way to support the existing pole that's there without adding another pole across the street? Um, I would How long it Takes again, to stay. Could you speak into the Microphone? Yeah, why don't rest us. Please. Do you want to get up? If you're both done with your comments, we can have. If you're, if you have anything else to offer, please do so. Uh, the only other thing I'd say is that if you do

▶ 1:23:36 that guy wire that it's so narrow and those sidewalks freeze constantly. It's a safety issue. I I don't even have enough room. People are gonna be falling and hitting their heads on that metal wire. It, it is just not an acceptable option, nevermind the fact that it's devaluing my property in his property. And the only other thing I wanna say is if you put a new pole and, and not double up that pole, I would think that new pole being straight would hold. It's going in three different directions down East Highland, down the other end of Heselton. And my, in my end of Heselton, it's a three way directional pole. And that's why they don't really want to address it. I think it's a pain. I can, I understand that, but if they put a new pole there

▶ 1:24:19 and it's properly supported, I think it would be self-supporting by itself. That pole is defective and over the years it's just gone dried out and it's gone, pulled the way towards East Island. So I think one pole is a solution to cut and then systematically cut over every utility onto that new pole. I know it's time and money to do that and there's a bazillion utilities on that pole, but you gotta do it. There's fire alarm on that pole. There's all the data, all the power, it's all gonna get cut over one at a time. That's the solution. I think My last comment is just, I would appreciate at the end of all of this, like every time cities or national grid, when they do this, they just spray paint everywhere.

▶ 1:25:02 It, it looks disgraceful. Mm. And it it's embarrassing and it, it devalues our property. Mm-hmm. And my friend here won't say this is actually his business. Right. He, he's a mechanical engineer who works in this industry, knows what he's talking about. And I'm gonna just say that for him to validity on what he says. And then only thing I'll say is, how do you say this pole is gonna fall again when every other pole in the city is upright? Why, why is this one pole can't stay up but every other pole stays up straight? It, it just makes no sense. You're gonna hurt a child If you're not putting a step pole next to it. If you're truly putting a brand new pole in and then cutting all the utilities over,

▶ 1:25:44 then take the old pole out. That should be fine. That's, that's my argument. Thank you. Thank you very much. All right. Council for nu a question then. Council Mki? Yes. Thank you. So I, I I know I had asked that but I'll I'll reiterate it. It's, um, I'm basically asking if there's a way to install a new pole and secure it in a way so that we don't have to add an additional pole across the street. Um, Definitely adding a new pole will, will mean that, you know, it's not leaning right away. Um, I think the only other way is like regular maintenance in that case, if you, if we don't wanna have a step pole on the opposite end. So, I'm sorry, could you, could you say that a little bit louder? I

▶ 1:26:36 Couldn't hear you. Um, so I think the only way would be like regularly maintaining the pole and case cleans. Again, I think that's the only way out. Okay. If we don't want to stop pole. Do you know, sorry, my second part of my question before that I'm just remembering is do you know how long it took that pole to lean? If So, so thank God the pole hasn't fall right now, but who, who, who can know if in a, in a, in in the next storm may fall? So like, usually like, like the National grid standard, it says like an, uh, a pole that is older that was installed like before 1975 should be replaced. Mm-hmm. Not only like, because my fault also, like for the new standards, probably this, this is an old pole is not too high

▶ 1:27:26 and probably needs to get bigger. Mm-hmm. But the real issue and the safety issue will be like, we don't know when it my fault. So that will be like even like a riskier or uh, a bigger safety issue because it will be like energized wires on the on, on the ground and national agree in that case will be responsible. It is. And it is like a life, it's not only like the value of the asset that I I agree what they just mentioned, and I appreciate that they come here because usually sometimes no old resident came and expressed their, their opinion. Mm-hmm. I, that's something value, however it is in this case, it's a safety issue. And I feel that the, the, the priority is the safety of the, the people, then the safety of our assets.

▶ 1:28:18 So that's the reason. And obviously we don't need that. This has to be approved. This is not for the, like an next project, but this is a safety concern that we can definitely take it back, look something new, we can replace it like a new pole. Obviously it can be, it's not gonna be like a double pole. We can do it what we call like, uh, the same hole couldn't kick. And like, like the eng like the engineer here mentioned. Yeah, it's gonna take some time when all the facilities gonna be transferring into, into the new pole. Mm-hmm. But definitely we need like a new pole mm-hmm. To, to tie it. And obviously the, in the, in the sidewalk, the sidewalk fixture is like what we call like an extra guide that is kind of like,

▶ 1:29:09 like a big metal bar. And obviously with, with the city engineer, we, we make sure that at least like it has the minimum requirement for, for like a wheelchair mm-hmm. That anyone can pass through without a problem because that's is not, that would be like something that is not possible to do it compiling the standards and also responding about the the painting Yeah. Is it's ugly, but we need to that for Dig Safe. It's the only way that Dig Safe can check and, and authorize us before any digging. So that's the reason that also we paint in the streets in oil utilities also. Any, any people that ma must dig. Okay. I, um, I mean I know you're representatives of National Grid. Yes. Like you created these plans

▶ 1:29:59 Cal Finocchiaro: and we appreciate you coming in front of us all the time. Um, I would feel more comfortable approving this if, if it was just that one poll that was larger and stronger in that spot. Um, I feel like usually when you have residents come in here with strong opinions, I, that's important to me. I'd like to see what the rest of the counselors say, but um, that's kind of what my input We have, uh, councilor Reky next, followed by Chen Koal and Williams. Yeah. I just, uh, I agree with Councilor Ro uh, and the context of safety. Uh, if it's that much of a safety concern, uh, shouldn't we just completely replace the pole with a stronger pole? Yes. That that's something that we gonna be done, we gonna be doing.

▶ 1:30:41 So that's the easy way to do it, just to replace the pole. But in our opinion, in our experience, definitely it's going, it's gonna happen the same thing in the future. What, what? So why, why do we think it'll happen again if it's not happening elsewhere? Can I just add something? Yes. Ly um, just speaking on behalf of physics, the reason this pole is leaning and not every other pole in the city is 'cause a lot of 'em have counteracting forces. This one is on the corner and all wires are pulling it in one direction. Right. Which is why the stub pole across the street is to counteract that force. So that's why National Grid believes that over time, because the force is pulling that pole in one direction,

▶ 1:31:22 over time it will start to lean again. Could you use a, so could you use a different style pole that's stronger? That's a national good question. I'm not sure. I'm say that's something that, eh, but it has to be solved with another pole. So It'll have to be what It has to be solved also with another pole. So like, So you're saying there's no way around the one pole. Only one pole. So like I say, I, I would like, because all the opinions we can check it back and we can try to find another option and we're gonna bring it again. So that's something that we definitely can do. Yeah, I think would appreciate that There. Councilor Chen, My questions are answered. Councilor Al, my questions are answered. Councillor Williams.

▶ 1:32:06 Ryan Williams: Thanks. Um, the only thing I wanted to add that was said before by the, by the folks is that this, you know, I'm, I'm not a huge fan of the, um, the guy in the sidewalk, right? And we have one on Bitton Street where I'm at. And it does create, even with the minimum widths, it creates sort of a pinch point for people that are crossing two by two, you know, one by one, side by side, whatever. Um, so I don't love that. I wish that the fence in that house wasn't right up to the curb like that, but it's a side, it's a corner lot, so they're allowed to do it. Um, and I guess I would suggest maybe getting creative, although a little more expensive with relieving some of that lateral tension up hesseltine if possible.

▶ 1:32:48 Ryan Williams: Um, so that you only have two directional poles on that pole and you have something that's more anchored, taking some of the stress off. Um, because I, I don't think under any circumstances I would be in favor of a, of a, of a guy overhead butting right up on a fence that comes all the way up to the edge of the sidewalk. 'cause it's gonna have to go on the sidewalk. You can't, you don't have access to the yard, which is unfortunate, but, um, you know, it is what it is. Councilor Vandiver, Thank you. Yeah, I was just, when you were commenting about, um, you know, it's lucky that the poll hasn't come down entirely. It could go down in the next storm. It, it sounded to me like you were talking not just about

▶ 1:33:29 Kimberly Vandiver: the current poll, but if we did this in the future with only one pole, that it would also be dicey because it, because it wouldn't have enough support. Was I understanding that correctly, that you think it would be a safety risk to put in a single pole? So it depends of, of many things. In this case, this was like a, what we call like a safety catch. So sometimes there are like poles that are already leaning somebody, hey, this pole must be replaced. Or also like with other poles we found, like when we are doing like jobs or designing new projects, we definitely check, oh, this is an old pole even, it's not like this directly involved, we should replace this pole. So in this case, because it was found that it's already leaning

▶ 1:34:13 Kimberly Vandiver: and we know that it's an old pole, so we just want to be sure that it can, it, it's not gonna fall in, in, in a, in a, in a storm. Okay, great. And are there, I, I assume there might be some standard guidelines as well as far as number of connections, amount of force, amount of distance. Is this is what you're proposing right now? Is it the standard or is it one of several options that would all work according to the normal standards you use? So usually, for example, I say it is something about like mechanical forces. So the common sense say that if we have like more than three forces in a in a point, it's not gonna move. We, we think that it's okay. But in this case when we have like two, so the sum atory

▶ 1:35:00 of those forces is like where the post gonna be leaning. So we need to add an extra one to supporting these guys. Is the, the, the guy, the still the still guy. So there are other options for example, like on a stop pole, but it's the same. It's like a big metal deep foundation pole. And so, so, but probably, I don't know, may people might say that it's not, it's pretty, it's prettier or not, it depends of personal taste. But yeah, what You say, I mean, the issue here is that again, even the stop pole would still be in front of for Glendale, um, exactly property. So even a stop pole, a metal stop pole would not work whether it's metal or wood. We still have the issue that there is a pole in front

▶ 1:35:53 of the four grand left property. Sorry, could, could you repeat that please? Um, so like my colleague was saying about metal stop poles, but essentially it's still a pole and uh, that would still be near the driveway like around four feet away from the driveway of four Glendale, um, which, um, the property owner would not be happy with. So even like whether it's a stop, uh, a metal or a wood stop pole, it's, it's the same look, um, except that the metal one would not have the sidewalk anchor, but it would, you'll still have the poll there. Yeah. Okay. Yeah, I, I guess, uh, just, uh, I certainly do think we should be responsive when we can to the way to people's preferences for their neighborhoods.

▶ 1:36:42 Kimberly Vandiver: Um, it sounds to me like this is a reasonable solution and I personally, I I, I feel in favor of it, but I I'm also all for, you know, making sure that we've presented all possible options. Seen if, if there are alternatives that would work better for them. But I, you know, I I think safety as far as a pool coming down is, is important. And I, I also would wonder, I, you know, I know there's some concerns about safety as far as packing a car out and things like that. I wonder if there's some other creative solutions as far as, um, you know, the rounded mirrors, lowering a fence, changing a curb cut. I mean, I, I just wonder if there are other things we could offer to think about that part of the problem too.

▶ 1:37:25 Not necessarily National Grid, but I wonder if there's some things that could, that could solve that part of the problem, um, once this happens. Because it, it seems like this will come back and some version of this may need to go in. So that, that's all I have. Thank you. Thank you. Councilor Park, followed by Councilor Williams and fro. Thank you. Um, just a, a a a, a quick point and a question. Um, so like, like my fellow council, Ryan, I, I actually do not like, uh, anchors into the sidewalk. IFI find that they, they're a barrier and kids will actually not use the sidewalk altogether simply because they just find it to be intimidating when they're riding their bikes or scooters and they just creating a more danger than,

▶ 1:38:13 than just simply having something else there. Um, so I would urge you to as feedback to go back and see if you can avoid that anchor in the sidewalk. Uh, the second point, our question I had was, uh, a hypothetical if, if this pole, this existing pole, let's say, went down in the next storm as you, as you, as you alluded, what, what is the protocol at that point? How do you fix the poll? So probably they will do that, what we are doing right now, but just as bill, like for emergency. So they will do it like without asking it. It's an Emergency, Right? Because it's an emergency, so they need to solve it. Like, so the, probably they will do what we are proposing right now. I see. So, okay. So, so they would need per, uh, a permission

▶ 1:38:56 Ryan Williams: or, or the feedback for the council? Not probably. I don't know if they gonna be doing like, maybe, maybe then we can formalize the, the petition and getting the grant of vacation of that pole. But probably in an emergency they, they would like obviously to replace the pole that fold with a bigger pole and probably like adding a new pole if they think that they need it in on field. Okay. Thank you. Council Williams? Um, my friends at National Grid. You have come before us many times and we have approved a lot of polls and we've had some that were a little, you know, yeah. Questions. Um, so I want to ask you, how long do you think it would take you to present alternative designs in this? Would it take you a couple of

▶ 1:39:35 Ryan Williams: weeks? Would it take you a few days? Yeah. How much do you think? I think a couple of weeks. Couple of weeks. But it also depends if we actually find the solution or whether we just decide to replace the poll in place where it is. Sure. Would February 23rd be enough time, you think? Sure. Yes. Okay. So what I would suggest is pursuant to rule 64, I think, I think it's 64, um, yeah, 64 because we don't have enough information and it sounds like people are split opinions. I would make a motion to postpone this hearing to February 23rd, 2026 at the city council meeting to be reconvened, discuss the options and make a decision one way or the other. Second. Second. Okay. There is a motion on the floor to postpone to

▶ 1:40:24 Bradley Freeman: February 23rd pursuant to Rule 64, made by Councilor Williams, seconded by Council Roman. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? The motion is approved and postpone to February 23rd. Thank You Guys. Thank you. So can I ask something? So one thing I'm trying to your attention, I'm out of the country on the 23rd and I obviously very passionate about this, So I don't Know. We'll, we'll we'll be sure to communicate with you beforehand and make, give you options to weigh in on the design prior to the hearing. In fact, I got this a week ago. My neighbor who this also impacts is in Aruba and he hasn't even been home since this Was brought. Thank, thank you. We'll, we'll, we'll be sure to communicate one on we're we're in a close the public hearing

▶ 1:41:11 right now, but I will, we will be sure to communicate with you. My last comment, sir, I've lived there 18 years and my neighbors lived there longer. We both want the pole replaced. There's no disagreement about that. He's been asking for this for I at least 10 years and we have emails back where National Grid redirected him to Verizon. No one's taken this on and now all of a sudden we're gonna like just rush into it. And I have to disagree with you. Like, I cannot see around that fence. I a child is gonna get hurt, sir. And I agree with your point. People are not gonna Walk. We, we appreciate your comments and we'll be sure to communicate with you prior to the 23rd. Okay? Thank you very much.

▶ 1:41:56 Thank you. I'll now move by Unanim Unanim consent to close the public hearing. Seeing no objection, the public hearing is closed. We'll move back to our full counsel agenda. No, You guys. Moving on. Ordinances Please. Ordinances ID number 2 0 2 5 dash 6 1 3. Revise the existing animal leash law to remove this language. The animal control officer may, at his or her discretion waive the provisions of subsection A. If a determination is made that the owner or keeper has a valid reason to have the dog unleashed or untethered for training, for training, exhibition or show purposes. Amended 8 21 20 17 by ordinance number 2018 dash four Councilor Krum Freeman. This comes from the Legal and Legislative Committee, um, with a

▶ 1:42:56 motion to recommend. And at this time, I will make a motion to recommend to full counsel. Second, There is a motion to adopt the ordinance id. 2 0 2 5 6 1 3 made by Councilor Chetty, seconded by Councillor Fro. This is a roll call vote. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Counselor Chen. Yes. Councilor fro. Yes. Counselor Jamine. Counselor Karen Chetty? Yes. Counselor Al? Yes. Counselor Reky? Yes. Counselor Park? Yes. Councilor Romanul? Yes. Councilor Va Vandiver. Yes. Williams? Yes. Yes. Sorry. Councilor Williams? Yes. President Freeman. Yes. That motion passes? Mm-hmm. Thank you. ID Number 2026 dash 10 Amend in chapter a Article two, section two 10 of the administrative code of the City of Melrose to expand the authority

▶ 1:43:56 Bradley Freeman: of the historical commission to include regulatory authority as necessary for demolition review. Council. So President Freeman. This also comes from legal and legislative, but given the requirement of Section five, one of the city Charter prior to passage by the full council, we need to hold a public hearing for this. So I'd like to motion to set a public hearing for our February 23rd at 8:30 PM Second, There's a motion set, a public hearing for February 23rd at 8:00 PM for ID number 2 0 2 6 dash zero amending Chapter A made by Councilor Chetty. Second by Councillor Ro. Any discussion? Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it and the public hearing is scheduled. Are there any reports from committees? Seeing none.

▶ 1:44:47 Bradley Freeman: There are no expires. Any reports under Rule 36? Seeing none, I'll now entertain a Motion to adjourn. Motion to Adjourn? Second. Second. Motion to adjourn. Made by Councilor Chetty. Seconded by Councillor Nuro. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? You guys have it. We are adjourned. All done.

City Council — 2026-01-20

Attendance

Agenda

Minutes

Transcript

Original documents