Malden City Council Committee of the Whole 03/17/2026

• Governing Body: Malden City Council Committee of the Whole
• Meeting Date: March 17, 2026
• Meeting Type: Committee of the Whole
• Attendees:
  • Present (8): Councilor Karen Colón Hayes, Councilor Peg Crowe, Councilor Ryan O'Malley, Councilor Jadeane Sica, Councilor Chris Simonelli, Councilor Ari Taylor, Councilor Stephen Winslow, and Council President Amanda Linehan.
  • Absent (2): Councilor Paul Condon, Councilor Carey McDonald.

The consent agenda consisted of two papers referred to a joint session of Rules and Ordinance with Finance, one paper referred to Finance, and one paper referred to the Legal Department.

• Action: The agenda was approved.
• Motion: Councilor Sica; Second: Councilor Winslow.
• Vote: Approved via voice vote (Councilor O'Malley recorded as present).

National Grid petitioned to install underground facilities at 204 Main Street, involving the trenching and installation of six four-inch conduits from MHA 34 to a proposed switch module.

• Discussion: Councilor O'Malley expressed concerns regarding the aesthetic impact of large transformers and protective yellow bollards on the Main Street streetscape. He advocated for relocating equipment further back on properties or using landscaping for screening. Zein Juma, representing National Grid, noted that equipment is typically placed in front for 24/7 access and to minimize costs to customers.
• Public Hearing: No speakers in favor or opposition.
• Action: Tabled to allow for further discussion between the ward councilor and National Grid.
• Motion: Councilor Crowe; Second: Councilor O'Malley.
• Vote: Approved unanimously via voice vote.

National Grid petitioned to install two four-inch concrete-encased conduits from MHA 34 to a pad at 213 Main Street (the former Salvation Army site).

• Discussion: Zein Juma (National Grid) explained that the tight constraints of the property and building overhangs necessitated a front-facing installation. Councilor Crowe requested tabling the matter to explore alternative configurations.
• Recusal: Councilor O'Malley recused himself from this item.
• Public Hearing: No speakers in favor or opposition.
• Action: Tabled.
• Motion: Councilor Crowe; Second: Councilor Winslow.
• Vote: Approved via voice vote (with Councilor O'Malley recused).

National Grid petitioned to install underground secondary conduits from a riser on pole number 949 to a gas regulator control on Summer Street, approximately 115 feet north of Clifton Street.

• Discussion: The work involves approximately 40 feet of trenching to provide electricity to a gas regulator. Council President Linehan noted that the area is already undergoing significant utility work and is scheduled for repaving.
• Public Hearing: No speakers in favor or opposition.
• Action: Granted with conditions.
• Motion: Councilor O'Malley; Second: Councilor Colón Hayes.
• Vote: Approved unanimously via voice vote.
• Conditions:
  1. The City Engineer must be notified when DigSafe is called.
  2. Streets and sidewalks must be restored to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works.

National Grid petitioned to install six four-inch concrete-encased conduits from MHA 1-18 to switchgear at 1100 Main Street.

• Discussion: Councilor O'Malley noted that the petition and public notice contained clerical errors, incorrectly listing the street as Summer Street and the address as 110 Main Street.
• Action: Tabled to be re-noticed and re-heard due to the inaccuracies in the legal notice.
• Motion: Councilor O'Malley; Second: Councilor Sica.
• Vote: Approved unanimously via voice vote.

National Grid petitioned to install two four-inch steel risers and approximately 51 feet of conduit at 46 Newland Street to feed a proposed pad-mounted transformer for a new Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station at the Broadway Plaza parking lot.

• Discussion: Katie Campion (WS Development) confirmed the project involves "Level 3" DC fast chargers (Electrify America), which can provide 100 miles of range in 30 to 60 minutes. Councilor Winslow spoke in support of the project as a community asset.
• Action: Granted with conditions.
• Motion: Councilor Sica; Second: Councilor Winslow.
• Vote: Approved unanimously via voice vote.
• Conditions:
  1. The City Engineer must be notified when DigSafe is called.
  2. Streets and sidewalks must be restored to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works.