Executive Summary
The Malden City Council held a special meeting on July 28, 2026, to address an Open Meeting Law determination (OML 2026-76) from the Attorney General's Office regarding Paper 345-26. The determination found that Councilor Karen Colón Hayes committed an individual violation of the Open Meeting Law by engaging in private deliberations with a quorum of the Council concerning a vacancy on the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School Committee. The Council reviewed evidence of improper text and voicemail communications, received legal guidance from City Solicitor Alicia McNeil regarding communication protocols and social media use, and voted to place the determination on file while committing to future compliance.
Meeting Metadata
- Date: July 28, 2026
- Governing Body: Malden City Council
- Meeting Type: Special Meeting
- Attendees: Councilor Karen Colón Hayes, Councilor Paul Condon, Councilor Luong, Councilor Ryan O'Malley, Councilor Jadeane Sica, Councilor Chris Simonelli, Councilor Ari Taylor, Councilor Stephen Winslow, Councilor Amanda Linehan (President).
- Staff Present: City Solicitor Alicia McNeil, City Clerk Carol Ann Desiderio.
Public Comment
- Bonnie Galetta (98 Beltran Street): Submitted questions regarding the City Solicitor's investigation and the gap between the Solicitor's initial findings and the Attorney General's eventual determination of an Open Meeting Law violation by Councilor Colón Hayes.
- Mayor Gary Christenson (Written Correspondence): Addressed what he termed "inaccurate statements" by Councilor Colón Hayes regarding the vacancy on the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School Committee. He defended his recommendation of Jeff Donahue, stating the appointment process was transparent and that the Attorney General's findings focused on the Councilor's "improper efforts to influence a quorum outside of a duly noticed public meeting."
Paper 345-26: Open Meeting Law Determination (OML 2026-76)
- Subject: Addressing the Attorney General's (AGO) determination received July 8, 2026, regarding an individual violation by Councilor Karen Colón Hayes.
- Findings: The AGO found that Councilor Colón Hayes deliberated with a quorum of the Council regarding the filling of the vocational school committee vacancy left by the late Jim Holland.
- Evidence Read into Record:
- Text to Councilor Taylor (Nov 17, 2025): Councilor Colón Hayes expressed strong opposition to Jeff Donahue's appointment, citing alleged verbal abuse and social media history, and suggested the matter be "quietly" tabled.
- Text to Councilor Simonelli: Included screenshots of Mr. Donahue's social media posts and questioned his suitability for the role.
- Voicemail to Councilor Crowe: Councilor Colón Hayes stated, "I'm hoping that this gets delayed or tabled or something until we find someone better who does not have a background like this."
- Official Action: The Council voted to receive the communication and place it on file.
- Vote Outcome: Passed via voice vote (All in favor; Unanimous).
Legal Guidance and Council Deliberation
- City Solicitor Alicia McNeil: Provided a summary of the AGO's decision, quoting: "A meeting is defined in relevant parts as a deliberation by a public body with respect to any matter within the body's jurisdiction... a one-way communication from one public body member to a quorum... constitutes deliberation for purposes of the open meeting law. Even if no other public body member response."
- Councilor Jadeane Sica: Emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "Taking ownership, being an effective leader isn't about being perfect. It's about taking responsibility when a mistake is made."
- Councilor Karen Colón Hayes: Acknowledged the violation, stating, "I just messed up... I'll be extremely more careful. And what I was trying to get out there was not that I'm gonna be calling up breaking a meeting law but I wanted people to know... I'm still gonna try and do my job to the best of my ability."
- Social Media Protocol: Solicitor McNeil warned that posting specific voting intentions on social media regarding items within the Council's jurisdiction could be considered improper deliberation if it reaches a quorum.
Personal Privilege and Announcements
- Annual Color Party: Scheduled for August 6, 2026, at Linden Park from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
- Cannabis Shop Community Meeting: Regarding Beneficial Potanicals, scheduled for July 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Malden PD.
- Malden Overcoming Addiction: Annual family event at Lincoln Common on August 1, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Primary Election: Reminder that the primary is Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
- St. Rocco's Feast: Councilor Condon announced the 96th annual feast, including a parade on Sunday at 1:00 PM.