Malden City Council 12-16-25

Governing Body: Malden City Council Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: December 16, 2025, at 12:00 AM Attendees: Councillor Chris Simonelli, Councillor Carey McDonald, Councillor Stephen Winslow, Councillor Ari Taylor, Councillor Peg Crowe, Councillor Ryan O'Malley, Councillor Paul Condon, Councillor Jadeane Sica, Councillor Karen Colón Hayes, Councillor Amanda Linehan (Council President). Mayor Gary Christenson, Anne Durso-Rose (Urban Media Arts), Ken Gill (Malden Locum Firefighters 902), Michelle Luong, Jacqueline Machete, Daniel Freya, Janice Rice, James Sumner, Caitlin Peel Sloan, Katie Dillon, Matt Tong, Cara Young, Matt Monteverde, Ann Warren (Public Commenters), Solicitor McNeil, Denise Balboni-Cowie.

Executive Summary: The Malden City Council addressed several critical items, including a presentation on the relaunch of Neighborhood View, extensive public comment regarding a proposed Proposition 2 1/2 override, and a vote to place a two-tiered override question on the March 31, 2026, special municipal election ballot. The Council also approved the 2026 meeting schedule, confirmed a mayoral appointment to the License Board, and discussed an Open Meeting Law complaint.

• Anne Durso-Rose, Urban Media Arts (UMA):
  • Presented on the relaunch of Neighborhood View, Malden's citizen journalism program, which began in 2014.
  • Highlighted its role in providing in-depth local news, profiling residents and organizations, and connecting Malden's history to current events.
  • Emphasized the program's training of citizen journalists, including high school and college students, and its weekly editorial meetings.
  • Noted Neighborhood View's impact as a living record of the city, covering topics like the pandemic, Suffolk Square, the community fridge program, and the Malden Gaming District.
  • Mentioned recent articles on Malden Public Schools' AI policy, Chinese cultural connections, and the proposed tax override.
  • Stated that UMA underwent restructuring due to financial challenges, leading to Durso-Rose volunteering as project lead to relaunch the program while seeking long-term funding.
  • Introduced advisory board members Stephanie Shoro, John Beckmeyer, and Diddy Coley.
  • Encouraged support by visiting neighborhoodview.org, subscribing, sharing stories, referring constituents, suggesting funding opportunities, and donating.
  • Kim Brooks (Volunteer): Echoed Durso-Rose's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and diverse voices in Malden's stories.
  • Councillor Colón Hayes: Thanked Durso-Rose and expressed appreciation for Neighborhood View.
  • Councillor Winslow: Praised Neighborhood View as a city asset and offered assistance with grant opportunities and donations.
  • Councillor O'Malley: Highlighted the value of citizen journalists in Malden's limited news landscape and the importance of securing permanent funding.
  • Councillor Taylor: Commended Neighborhood View's professionalism and the quality of its articles.
  • Council President Linehan: Emphasized the critical role of local journalism in democracy and public participation, thanking Durso-Rose for her dedication.

• Ken Gill, 1 Sprague Street (President, Malden Locum Firefighters 902):

  • Expressed strong support for the Proposition 2 1/2 override.
  • Stated that calls for service have surged 33% in 20 years, while staffing dropped 12%.
  • Cited recent incidents requiring mutual aid, including four building fires and a rescue from the city reservoir.
  • Warned about a recent fire in a 10-story building with faulty sprinklers.
  • Argued the override is crucial for maintaining essential services in fire, police, schools, and infrastructure, ensuring public safety.
  • Urged the Council to place the override on the ballot and residents to vote yes.

• Michelle Luong:

  • Appreciated the discussion on the Proposition 2 1/2 override.
  • Suggested the Council request a management review from the State Division of Local Services (DLS) to evaluate city operations and financial practices.
  • Noted Malden's last DLS review was in 2011 and that this free service provides constructive guidance on efficiency and financial management.
  • Believed this proactive step would reinforce public confidence in financial stewardship.

• Jacqueline Machete, Bainbridge Street (Email):

  • Supported allowing voters to decide on the override, including both $5.4 million and $8.2 million options.
  • Highlighted investment in community services (DPW, Library, Rec Department).
  • Supported preserving 50-60 jobs and avoiding mass layoffs.
  • Supported the second option to meet school budget increases.
  • Recognized that many MA communities are seeking overrides due to inflation and that Malden's taxes would remain competitive even with an increase.
  • Emphasized the importance of voter input on the city's future.

• Daniel Freya, North Milton Street (Email):

  • Expressed support for the Proposition 2 1/2 override proposals.
  • Stated Malden needs increased tax revenue for essential services, including the public library, public works, and schools.
  • Noted Malden's relatively low taxes compared to neighbors.
  • Believed investing in the city's future would attract businesses and families.

• Janice Rice, Henry Street (Email):

  • Voiced strong opposition to the Proposition 2 1/2 override and its placement on a special election ballot in March.
  • Believed the proposal was rushed and lacked sufficient public input.
  • Argued it was not the right time to increase taxes on property owners.
  • Urged the Council to vote no and revisit the override next year, allowing more time for budgeting and lobbying the state to fix the Chapter 70 school funding formula.

• James Sumner, 759 Highland Avenue (Email):

  • Expressed strong opposition to a special election for the tax override (Agenda Items 483-25 and 363-25).
  • Criticized the lack of serious discussion on budget cuts from the Mayor's Office and Finance Committee.
  • Urged the Council to find cost-saving measures before scheduling an election.
  • Suggested one override question for the regular election day, November 3, 2026.
  • Questioned the fairness of asking taxpayers to adjust budgets when the city is unwilling to do the same.

• Caitlin Peel Sloan, 69 Columbia Street (Email):

  • Expressed strong support for Paper 483-25.
  • Willing to pay more taxes to maintain city services and avoid layoffs.
  • Stated it is time for Malden to proactively invest in its future, as all municipalities will eventually face Proposition 2 1/2.

• Katie Dillon, 198 Mount Vernon Street (Email):

  • Voiced enthusiastic support for the override, especially the two-tiered option.
  • Believed it would balance the budget and support school budget increases.
  • Worried that failure to pass the override would lead to loss of critical city employees and jeopardize the city's longevity.
  • Highlighted the importance of staff who secure grants, citing examples in homeless and addiction services.
  • Urged the Council to allow a vote on the override in March.

• Matt Tong, 10 Desmond Road (Email):

  • Supported the override, noting Malden's comparative affordability and lower taxes than neighboring communities.
  • Argued that the override's financial impact is dwarfed by other rising costs (rent, mortgages, groceries).
  • Stated that cutting services to save money is shortsighted.
  • Emphasized the need to fix the school funding formula, which mandates increasing education spending while capping property tax revenue.

• Cara Young, 30 Glen Rock Ave (Email):

  • Expressed strong support for allowing voters to consider both proposed override amounts ($5.4 million and $8.2 million) on the March 31 ballot.
  • Believed residents deserve to decide on maintaining city services and avoiding 50-60 layoffs.
  • Cited Melrose and Stoneham as successful examples of multi-option overrides.
  • Supported the larger amount to fully protect services and staffing, noting the modest property tax increase.

• Matt Monteverde, 30 Glen Rock Ave (Email):

  • Advocated for both $5.4 million and $8.2 million override options on the March 31 ballot.
  • Stressed the significant workforce reductions (50-60 employees) without an override.
  • Supported the multi-option model used by Melrose and Stoneham.
  • Personally supported the $8.2 million option to preserve current staffing and services.

• Ann Warren, 78 Rutland Street (Email):

  • Expressed strong opposition to the proposed tax override (City Council File 363-25).
  • Demanded the city demonstrate responsible management of existing resources before asking for more taxes.
  • Called for transparency and accountability, questioning the Finance Committee's review of department budgets and cost-saving measures.
  • Worried that additional revenue might be misspent on "council pet projects."
  • Called for a full independent financial audit to identify inefficiencies and ensure proper fund management.
  • Argued the override is premature and unfair given rising costs for families, seniors, and renters.

Paper 483-25: Committee Report - Proposition 2 1/2 Override

• Motion: Councillor McDonald moved to receive the committee report, seconded by Councillor Condon.
  • Vote: All in favor. (Unanimous)
  • Outcome: Committee report received.

Paper 363-25: Order for Special Municipal Election and Ballot Question

• Mayor Gary Christenson:

  • Thanked the Council for partnership and residents for thoughtful engagement.
  • Stated the override is a serious request, necessitated by a flawed state education formula that disproportionately strains Malden's budget.
  • Highlighted the unsustainable rate of burning through reserves ($8.4 million used this year to balance the budget).
  • Mentioned efforts to change the Chapter 70 formula at the Statehouse, including a commissioned study.
  • Argued Malden is a great, affordable place to live with responsible tax dollar management.
  • Stated that cutting services would make Malden less desirable.
  • Noted the increase in residential tax exemption from 30% to 35% would soften the override's impact, keeping taxes competitive.
  • Emphasized that many municipalities are seeking overrides due to economic challenges.

• Councillor McDonald (Finance Committee Chair):

  • Presented the Finance Committee's recommendation for the override.
  • Election Date: Moved from early February to March 31, 2026, to allow more time for public input and avoid bad weather, while still allowing budget preparation by June 30.
  • Ballot Options:
    • Option 1A ($5.4 million): Mayor's initial proposal, covering the current budget gap, minus estimated savings from moving to the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) for health insurance (estimated $1.5-$3 million savings).
    • Option 1B ($8.2 million): Adds an additional $2.8 million to Option 1A, covering required school spending increases above inflation due to the Chapter 70 "effort penalty" ($1.2 million last year) and net school spending catch-up from previous under-spending.
  • Cost Impact (Annual):
    • Option 1A: $353 per year for a median single-family home ($666,000 valuation).
    • Option 1B: $532 per year for a median single-family home.
    • Net Impact (with increased residential exemption): Option 1A is $5/month; Option 1B is $20/month for homeowners. Renters do not directly pay property tax.
  • Expected Outcomes:
    • No Override: Serious cuts across all city services, 50-60 staff layoffs (based on $100,000 average staff cost).
    • Option 1A ($5.4 million): Mayor committed to $2 million in cuts (10-20 layoffs) to reduce impact on cash reserves.
    • Option 1B ($8.2 million): Allows continuation of current operations for one year, with potential for reprioritization and efficiency improvements, but not to cover a basic gap.
  • Actions Taken to Address Gap:
    • Low spending compared to peer cities.
    • Shift to GIC for health insurance (estimated $3 million+ savings).
    • Pension restructuring (saved under $1 million).
    • Energy efficiency improvements (saved nearly $1 million).
    • Increased grant funding.
    • Updated fees, licensing, and permits.
    • Council-supported discretionary hiring freeze.
  • Finance Committee Process: Seven meetings over two months, public forum on November 18 (60-70 in-person, hundreds online), discussed Chapter 70, economic development, cost savings, and ballot language.
  • Going Forward (Committee Consensus):
    • Prioritize economic development, streamlining processes (e.g., Commercial Street corridor, Riverworks project).
    • Continue advocating for Chapter 70 formula changes with state delegation.
    • Partner with Mayor on budget cuts/reprioritization (department heads submitting potential cuts).
    • Review city finances for best practices, including potential management-level review (beyond annual financial audits).
  • Conclusion: Override is a bridge to long-term solutions, a critical decision for residents to weigh in on.
  • Vote Requirement: Simple majority of the Council to place on ballot. If passed, highest dollar amount receiving majority vote prevails.

• Discussion on Ballot Language Amendments:

  • Solicitor McNeil: Advised against including "yes vote would support..." and "no vote would make no change..." language in the ballot question itself, as it could be seen as campaigning. Also advised against "increased funding required by law for the public schools" in Option 1B.

  • Proposed Amendments (Councillor McDonald):

    1. Strike the final two sentences in each option (yes/no vote descriptions).
    2. Simplify the prevailing question language: "If both Questions pass, Option 1B will prevail with the higher dollar amount."
    3. Remove "increased funding required by law" from Option 1B, making it parallel to Option 1A (including public schools, public safety, public library, public works, and general government).

  • Motion to Amend (Committee Report): Councillor McDonald moved to amend the paper to reflect the committee report, seconded by Councillor Winslow.

    • Vote (Roll Call):
      • Councillor Colón Hayes: Yes
      • Councillor Condon: Yes
      • Councillor Crowe: Yes
      • Councillor McDonald: Yes
      • Councillor O'Malley: Yes
      • Councillor Sica: Yes
      • Councillor Simonelli: Yes
      • Councillor Taylor: Yes
      • Councillor Winslow: Yes
      • Council President Linehan: Yes
      • Outcome: Motion passed (10-0).

  • Motion to Amend (Ballot Language): Councillor McDonald moved to make the amendments to the ballot language as discussed with the City Solicitor, seconded by Councillor Winslow.

    • Vote (Roll Call):
      • Councillor Colón Hayes: Yes
      • Councillor Condon: Yes
      • Councillor Crowe: Yes
      • Councillor McDonald: Yes
      • Councillor O'Malley: Yes
      • Councillor Sica: Yes
      • Councillor Simonelli: Yes
      • Councillor Taylor: Yes
      • Councillor Winslow: Yes
      • Council President Linehan: Yes
      • Outcome: Motion passed (10-0).

• Motion to Adopt Order as Amended: Councillor Simonelli moved to adopt the order as amended, seconded by Councillor Sica.

  • Vote (Roll Call):
    • Councillor Colón Hayes: Yes
    • Councillor Condon: Yes
    • Councillor Crowe: Yes
    • Councillor McDonald: Yes
    • Councillor O'Malley: Yes
    • Councillor Sica: Yes
    • Councillor Simonelli: Yes
    • Councillor Taylor: Yes
    • Councillor Winslow: Yes
    • Council President Linehan: Yes
    • Outcome: Order adopted as amended (10-0).
  • Decision: The Malden City Council voted to place a two-tiered Proposition 2 1/2 override question on the ballot for a special municipal election on March 31, 2026.
    • Question 1A: Shall the City of Malden be allowed to assess an additional $5.4 million in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of stabilizing the city's budget and to support ongoing city services across all departments, including public schools, public safety, public library, public works, and General Government for which the monies will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2026.
    • Question 1B: Shall the City of Malden be allowed to assess an additional $8.2 million in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of stabilizing the city's budget and to support ongoing city services across all departments, including public schools, public safety, public library, public works, and General Government for which the monies will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2026.
    • Instruction to Voters: Questions 1A and 1B are separate questions. You may vote for or against each question independently. Each question requires a majority of those voting on that question to pass. If both Questions pass, Option 1B will prevail with the higher dollar amount.

• Items: Meeting minutes to be approved, two communications to be placed on file, and two papers to be referred to the Public Property Committee.
• Motion: All in favor.
• Outcome: Consent agenda approved.

• Discussion:
  • Councillor Winslow: Suggested starting with two council meetings in January to facilitate new committee assignments and allow for earlier paper filings. Also noted potential conflicts with school vacations and the need to anticipate an intense June budget discussion.
  • Council President Linehan: Explained that the Clerk and she considered school breaks and religious holidays. The current schedule aimed to allow committees to address a backlog of legislation due to override discussions. Acknowledged potential need for an extra week in June for budget.
  • Councillor McDonald: Noted Lunar New Year on February 17th (during school vacation week) as a potential conflict for a council meeting. Asked about the fate of two papers (Section 108 loan for Malden River Works and capital improvements from cable access fund) that passed out of committee but were not on the agenda.
  • Clarification: Legislation does not automatically die at term end but must be carried over by the new council.
  • Motion to Amend: Councillor Winslow moved to swap the council and committee meetings from January 13th through March 24th, making January 13th a council meeting, and then alternating, seconded by Councillor McDonald.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed.
• Motion to Adopt: Councillor Simonelli moved to adopt the council calendar as amended, seconded by Councillor Sica.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Calendar adopted as amended.

• Open Meeting Law Complaint (Councillor Sica vs. Councillor Colón Hayes):
  • Solicitor McNeil: Presented findings from the investigation into Councillor Sica's complaint that Councillor Colón Hayes engaged in serial deliberation regarding a mayoral appointment.
  • Finding: While Councillor Colón Hayes spoke to a quorum of individuals, the conversations did not amount to deliberation on an agenda item.
  • Admonition: Cautioned all councillors about the definition of deliberation, including daisy-chain communications.
  • Councillor Sica: Disagreed with the legal department's conclusion, citing General Law, Chapter 30A, Section 18, on serial deliberation.
    • Read excerpts from a voicemail and text message from Councillor Colón Hayes, expressing opposition to an appointment, preferred outcome, intended vote, and an alternative candidate.
    • Argued that these communications constituted deliberation and an attempt to influence a quorum, even if not all contacts were successful.
    • Stated intent to escalate the complaint to the State Attorney General's Office.
  • Councillor Colón Hayes: Stated she was careful not to break a quorum and that some calls were initiated by others or were about procedural matters, not deliberation. Denied making assumptions about others' calls.
  • Councillor Simonelli: Agreed with Councillor Sica, believing it was a clear violation. Stated he was contacted and later blocked Councillor Colón Hayes. Criticized the behavior as undermining council integrity and fairness.
  • Councillor Winslow: Appreciated Solicitor McNeil's factual investigation. Noted the complexity of distinguishing assumptions from facts.
  • Council President Linehan: Expressed concern about the discussion and the need for all councillors to understand how to avoid future Open Meeting Law violations.
  • Motion: Councillor O'Malley moved to forward the Solicitor's report to the Attorney General, along with a note that additional evidence and questions arose during the meeting, seconded by Councillor Simonelli.
    • Vote (Roll Call):
      • Councillor Colón Hayes: Yes
      • Councillor Condon: Yes
      • Councillor Crowe: Yes
      • Councillor McDonald: Yes
      • Councillor O'Malley: Yes
      • Councillor Sica: Yes
      • Councillor Simonelli: Yes
      • Councillor Taylor: Yes
      • Councillor Winslow: Yes
      • Council President Linehan: Yes
      • Outcome: Motion passed (10-0). The report will be sent to the Attorney General with a note about additional evidence and questions.

• Paper 377-25: Amendment to MCC 6.0A.060, Subsection B3 (Off-site parking facilities)

  • Amendment: Added "annual" between "non-refundable" and "application." Struck "$100 per vehicle" and inserted "$200, a base fee of $100 for the first nine parking spaces, and $20 per each additional parking space over nine."
  • Motion to Ordain: Councillor Winslow moved to ordain as enrolled, seconded by Councillor Sica.
    • Vote (Roll Call):
      • Councillor Colón Hayes: Yes
      • Councillor Condon: Yes
      • Councillor Crowe: Yes
      • Councillor McDonald: Yes
      • Councillor O'Malley: Yes
      • Councillor Sica: Yes
      • Councillor Simonelli: Yes
      • Councillor Taylor: Yes
      • Councillor Winslow: Yes
      • Council President Linehan: Yes
      • Outcome: Paper ordained (10-0).

• Paper 407-25: Amendment to MCC 6.08.100, Subsection A2B (Used car dealers)

  • Amendment: Struck the existing text in its entirety and inserted: "A release signed by the applicant authorizing city personnel to access the applicant's criminal record."
  • Motion to Ordain: Councillor Winslow moved to ordain as enrolled, seconded by Councillor Sica.
    • Vote (Roll Call):
      • Councillor Colón Hayes: Yes
      • Councillor Condon: Yes
      • Councillor Crowe: Yes
      • Councillor McDonald: Yes
      • Councillor O'Malley: Yes
      • Councillor Sica: Yes
      • Councillor Simonelli: Yes
      • Councillor Taylor: Yes
      • Councillor Winslow: Yes
      • Council President Linehan: Yes
      • Outcome: Paper ordained (10-0).

Paper 482-25: Committee Report - License Committee

• Motion: Councillor Sica moved to receive the committee report, seconded by Councillor Colón Hayes.

  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Committee report received.

• Petitions:

  • 430-25: Livery Company, Lexi Lane, Black Car, LLC, 64 Oliver Street, Malden (one vehicle, new).
  • 431-25: Livery Driver, Jackson Voltaire, 64 Oliver Street, Malden (new).
  • 449-25: Class 2, Hubstarters and Alternators, 172 Broadway, Malden (four cars, renewal).
  • 450-25: Class 2, Maxima Auto Sales Corp, 105-109 Broadway, Malden (35 cars, renewal).
  • 451-25: Class 2, Maxima Auto Sales 2, 77 Broadway, Malden (66 cars, renewal).
  • 452-25: Class 2, Smart Buy USA Inc., 195 Broadway, Malden (22 cars, renewal).

• Motion to Grant Licenses: Councillor Sica moved to grant the licenses, seconded by Councillor Simonelli.

  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Petitions granted.

Paper 484-25: Committee Report - Personnel and Appointments

• Motion: Councillor Crowe moved to receive the committee report, seconded by Councillor Condon.

  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Committee report received.

• Paper 468-25: Mayoral Appointment - Denise Balboni-Cowie

  • Appointment: Denise Balboni-Cowie, 81 Newland Street, Malden, as a member of the License Board. Term to commence upon confirmation and expire June 5, 2026.
  • Councillor Crowe: Presented the committee's recommendation, highlighting Ms. Balboni-Cowie's experience as an administrator of an organization holding liquor licenses and her commitment to fairness and civic engagement.
  • Motion to Confirm: Councillor Crowe moved to confirm the appointment, seconded by Councillor Simonelli.
    • Vote (Roll Call):
      • Councillor Colón Hayes: Yes
      • Councillor Condon: Yes
      • Councillor Crowe: Yes
      • Councillor McDonald: Yes
      • Councillor O'Malley: Yes
      • Councillor Sica: Yes
      • Councillor Simonelli: Yes
      • Councillor Taylor: Yes
      • Councillor Winslow: Yes
      • Council President Linehan: Yes
      • Outcome: Appointment confirmed (10-0).

• Councillor Simonelli:
  • Announced upcoming Ward 7 festivities: annual dinner and dance at Suffolk Manor Community Room (Friday, 6-8 PM).
  • Thanked Councillor Sica for collaboration on a toy drive for Ward 7.
  • Congratulated Club 24 and announced his and his son's donation of entertainment and food for their sober New Year's Eve dance.
• Councillor McDonald:
  • Recognized the historic nature of placing the first override question on Malden's ballot.
  • Expressed intent to hold many public forums, especially at schools, to educate residents on the override.
  • Thanked Councillor O'Malley and Council President Linehan for their service as Council President.
  • Acknowledged Councillor Spadafora's final meeting after 22 years of faithful service to the city.
• Councillor Winslow:
  • Reflected on the recent Zonta recognition of domestic violence awareness, noting the tragic death of Rob Reiner.
  • Announced a menorah lighting celebration on Sunday, December 21st, at 5:30 PM (activities and food) and 6:30 PM (candle lighting).
  • Wished everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
• Councillor Colón Hayes:
  • Announced the Martin Luther King Day Junior Celebration on Sunday, January 18th, from 3-6 PM at Emmanuel Baptist Church, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Carl B. Mack and youth performers.

Paper 485-25: Order to Enter Executive Session

• Purpose: To discuss strategy as to possible future litigation related to grants, where discussion in open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the city's litigation position.
• Exemption: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 21A3.
• Attendees: Maria Louise (Special Assistant to the Mayor) and Alex Pratt (Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development) to be admitted.
• Motion to Enter Executive Session: Councillor Crowe moved to enter executive session, seconded by Councillor Sica.
  • Vote (Roll Call):
    • Councillor Colón Hayes: Yes
    • Councillor Condon: Yes
    • Councillor Crowe: Yes
    • Councillor McDonald: Yes
    • Councillor O'Malley: Yes
    • Councillor Sica: Yes
    • Councillor Simonelli: Yes
    • Councillor Taylor: Yes
    • Councillor Winslow: Yes
    • Council President Linehan: Yes
    • Outcome: Motion passed (10-0).
• Adjournment: The council entered executive session and will not reconvene for further business this evening, recessing to the call of the chair directly from executive session.