Malden City Council 01/13/2026

• Governing Body: Malden City Council
• Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
• Date: January 13, 2026
• Attendees:
  • President Amanda Linehan
  • Councilor Carey McDonald
  • Councilor Ryan O'Malley
  • Councilor Jadeane Sica
  • Councilor Chris Simonelli
  • Councilor Ari Taylor
  • Councilor Stephen Winslow
  • Councilor Karen Colón Hayes
  • Councilor Paul Condon
  • Councilor Peg Crowe
  • Councilor Luong

No individuals spoke in person, but three emails were read into the record regarding Paper 364-25 (Malden River Works funding):

• Mac Keating (Lebanon Street): A former Malden High rowing captain expressed support for the boathouse, noting that the loss of a local facility reduced practice time and created transportation inequities. "A permanent boathouse would expand access, strengthen student opportunity, and ensure future Malden students can benefit from rowing on their own river."
• Eden Garhart Smith (Cory Road): A parent of a student rower emphasized the need for a secure home for equipment and the economic benefits of hosting regattas. "A dedicated boathouse is essential for protecting equipment and ensuring the long-term success of the rowing program."
• Yaowen Zhao (Coleman Street): A current junior on the rowing team highlighted the difficulty of traveling to Medford for practices and the positive impact a local boathouse would have on team skills.

• The consent agenda, consisting of four sets of meeting minutes and three petitions referred to the License Committee, was approved.
• Motion: Councilor Sica; Second: Councilor Taylor.
• Outcome: Approved by voice vote.

• Subject: Reappointment of Kathleen French (596 Highland Avenue) to the Board of Assessors for a term expiring March 1, 2028.
• Discussion: Councilor McDonald inquired about the reappointment process and the length of service. Councilor Crowe and Councilor Condon spoke in favor, noting French's extensive experience as both a former staff member and a board member.
• Vote (Roll Call): 11-0 (Unanimous).
  • Yes: Colón Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Luong, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow, Linehan.

• Subject: Order to carry forward outstanding papers from the 2024-2025 biennial session to the current session.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Winslow and the City Clerk clarified that several papers (65-24, 99-24, 270-25) were recommended to be placed on file.
  • Councilor O'Malley requested to roll forward Paper 99-24 regarding 15 Ferry Street, but later withdrew the amendment after procedural discussion regarding Rule 703 and the 30-day window for action.
  • Councilor Colón Hayes clarified that Paper 278-25 (Short-term rentals) was being replaced by a new sponsored paper.
• Outcome: Approved as recommended by the City Clerk.

• Subject: Order authorizing the City to borrow $1.5 million via a Section 108 loan from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Malden River Works project.
• Key Details:
  • The loan funds the construction of a boathouse and a salt shed.
  • Councilor McDonald clarified that the loan is repaid through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, not the general fund.
  • Alex Pratt (Director of OSPCD) testified that the loan term is 15 years and will not significantly constrain annual park projects.
  • Discussion included the city's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the procurement process for the project.
• Vote (Roll Call): 11-0 (Unanimous).
  • Yes: Colón Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Luong, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow, Linehan.

• Subject: Appropriation of $50,000 from available cable access retained earnings for capital expenses to upgrade the playback system at Urban Media Arts (UMA).
• Discussion: Councilor McDonald noted the funds are restricted for cable-related use and the upgrade is necessary for reliable broadcasting of public meetings. Councilor O'Malley and Councilor Taylor spoke on the importance of supporting local media as cable franchise fees decline.
• Vote (Roll Call): 11-0 (Unanimous).
  • Yes: Colón Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Luong, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow, Linehan.

• Subject: A proposed ballot question to assess an additional $36 million through a debt exclusion to pay for the construction of the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational Technical School (Northeast Metro Tech) from FY2027 through FY2052.
• Discussion:
  • The Finance Committee recommended the paper "unfavorably."
  • Councilor McDonald argued that adding this question alongside the proposed operating override would be confusing for voters and noted the Metro Tech debt is already factored into the city's baseline budget projections.
  • Councilor O'Malley (sponsor) argued the cost to homeowners would be approximately $90 annually and believed voters could handle multiple questions.
  • Councilor Condon and Councilor Simonelli expressed concern that the additional question could jeopardize the passage of the primary override.
• Vote (Roll Call): 2-9 (Failed).
  • Yes: Colón Hayes, O'Malley.
  • No: Condon, Crowe, Luong, McDonald, Sica, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow, Linehan.

• Councilor Winslow: Requested a moment of silence for Barbara Rogers and wished Maidu a happy 50th birthday.
• Councilor Colón Hayes: Invited the public to the Martin Luther King Day celebration on Sunday, January 18th, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Emmanuel Baptist Church.
• Councilor McDonald: Announced upcoming community education forums regarding the city budget and the override election.
• Councilor O'Malley: Provided historical context on carrying forward papers, citing Paper 611-15 as a precedent.