Executive Summary
At the October 6, 2026 meeting of the Malden City Council, chaired by Councillor Carey McDonald, the Council unanimously adopted a resolution supporting striking Encore Boston Harbor workers represented by Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26 following public testimony from an affected resident. The Council also enacted an ordinance updating water bill premise inspections from annually to monthly, and advanced two significant financial governance ordinances creating a Solid Waste Enterprise Fund and establishing a Reserve and Stabilization Fund framework. In addition, an ordinance amendment establishing an Assistant Department Head salary schedule was referred to the Committee on Rules and Ordinance.
Meeting Opening and Roll Call
- Councillor Carey McDonald chaired the meeting in the absence of Council President Amanda Linehan.
- A moment of silence was observed for deceased community member Jackie Booley.
- An Indigenous land acknowledgment was recited honoring the Massachusetts, Pennacook, and Pawtucket peoples.
- Roll call was conducted. Councillor Colón Hayes attended remotely via video link. Council President Linehan and Councillor Luong were recorded as absent.
Public Comment
- Public comment was opened and taken out of order to accommodate attendees present for the Encore labor resolution.
- A Malden resident and cook at Encore Boston Harbor spoke in favor of the union strike, stating: "All we are asking this five star resort is for what the hotel workers in Boston already have. We are on strike for our future and the future of our families. One job should be enough for Malden families."
Resolution in Support of Encore Casino and Resort Striking Workers (Paper 416-26)
- The Council considered Paper 416-26, "Resolution expressing support for the strike of the Encore Casino and Resort workers of Teamsters Local 25, and Unite Here Local 26."
- The resolution resolves in part: "Now be it therefore resolved that the Malden City Council go on record expressing support for the strike of Teamsters and Unite Here Local 26 workers in honor of the strike by not eating, meeting or sleeping at hotels while a labor dispute is in effect. And to join all picket lines and encourage all city residents and employees to do the same..."
- Motion to adopt the resolution was made by Councillor O'Malley and seconded by Councillor Sica.
- Outcome: The resolve is adopted, 7-0.
Public Comment (Continued)
- The Council returned to public comment to hear a written comment submitted via email.
- A written statement was read supporting Item 411-26, the appointment of Jim Tarr as an associate member of the Planning Board, stating: "Jim is a devoted public servant with the keen and sharp perspective on how to make our community safe and accessible for all. It would be huge asset for our community to have Jim's perspective on something as long reaching as our city's housing goals."
Consent Agenda
- Councillor Taylor departed the meeting early, leaving seven members present and maintaining a quorum.
- The consent agenda included approval of minutes, four appointments placed on file, one appointment referred to the Personnel Committee, and three petitions referred to the License Committee.
- Motion to approve was made by Councillor Sica and seconded by Councillor O'Malley.
- Outcome: Passed 7-0.
Assistant Department Head Salary Schedule Code Amendment, referred to Rules and Ordinance (Paper 415-26)
- Paper 415-26 proposes amending the Code of the City of Malden Title II, Chapter 24 by adding section .075, "Assistant Department Head Salary Schedule," inserting 11 positions.
- Motion to refer the paper to the Committee on Rules and Ordinance was made by Councillor Winslow and seconded by Councillor Crowe.
- Outcome: Passed 7-0.
Water Bills Annual Inspection of Premises Code Amendment (Paper Ordaining 11.20.030A)
- The Council considered an enrolled ordinance amending Code of the City of Malden 11.20.030A, "Water Bill's annual inspection of premises," by striking "at least once each year" and inserting "monthly" to align with current administrative practice.
- Motion to ordain was made by Councillor Winslow.
- Outcome: That paper has been ordained, 7-0.
Report of the Joint Committee on Finance and Rules and Ordinance (Paper 417-26)
- The Joint Standing Committee on Finance and Committee on Rules and Ordinance reported out Paper 385-26 favorably and Paper 388-26 favorably with amendments.
- Motion to receive the committee report was made by Councillor Crowe and seconded by Councillor Winslow.
- Outcome: Passed 7-0.
Solid Waste Enterprise Fund Code Amendment (Paper 385-26)
- Paper 385-26 proposes amending the Code of the City of Malden Title III, Revenue and Finance, by adding Chapter 3.05, "Solid Waste Enterprise Fund."
- Councillor McDonald noted that the enterprise fund will track trash and recycling operational revenues and expenditures transparently, addressing an existing structural gap of approximately $2 million against $3.8 million in total curbside service expenses.
- Motion to enroll the ordinance was made by Councillor O'Malley and seconded by Councillor Sica.
- Outcome: That paper has been enrolled, 7-0.
Reserve and Stabilization Fund Framework Code Amendment (Paper 388-26)
- Paper 388-26 proposes amending Title III of the Code of the City of Malden by adding Chapter 3.10, "Reserve and Stabilization Fund Framework," establishing dedicated capital project funds and reserve policies.
- Councillor Crowe moved, seconded by Councillor Winslow, to adopt the committee amendments: changing "financial management team" to "financial officers," adding "and anticipated liquidity needs" to section 3.10.07b, and changing "may" to "shall" in section 3.10.08 regarding annual reporting.
- Outcome on amendments: Passed 7-0.
- Motion to enroll the amended ordinance was made by Councillor Winslow and seconded by Councillor Crowe.
- Outcome: That paper has been enrolled, 7-0.
Announcements and Adjournment
- Councillor McDonald announced that the upcoming meeting on October 13, 2026, will convene as a Committee of the Whole to receive an informational presentation on the city's Flock Safety camera program with the Police Department and City Legal Counsel.
- Council members shared community announcements during personal privilege, including updates on the Malden River Works opening, fall cleanup dates, clothing exchanges, and upcoming National Grid infrastructure work on Lebanon Street.
- Motion to adjourn was made by Councillor Winslow and seconded by Councillor Condon.
- Outcome: Passed 7-0, and the meeting adjourned at 7:51 PM.