Executive Summary
The Malden City Council met on June 9, 2026, to finalize the FY 2027 annual budget, which was adopted by a 9-2 vote following a $10 million structural deficit and the elimination of approximately 35 positions. Key legislative actions included the passage of Resolution 293-26 supporting a state-level audit of the Massachusetts legislature and Resolution 292-26 establishing a formal Public Language Access Plan. The Council also streamlined the city's sign control ordinance to assist local businesses and amended marijuana licensing regulations to mandate a minimum of five retail licenses within the city.
Meeting Information
- Governing Body: Malden City Council
- Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
- Date: June 09, 2026
- Attendees:
- Council President: Amanda Linehan
- Councilors: Karen Colón Hayes, Paul Condon, Peg Crowe, Luong, Carey McDonald, Ryan O'Malley, Jadeane Sica, Chris Simonelli, Ari Taylor, Stephen Winslow
- City Officials: Gary Christenson (Mayor), Chuck Granaghan (Controller), Ron Hogan (Chief Strategy Officer), Maria Louise (Chief of Staff), Dan Grover (Treasurer)
Public Comment
- Elena Martinez (Language Access Coordinator): Provided a summary of four years of work and presented the 'City Language Access Plan for Malden,' which includes citywide, department, and program-specific outreach guides. She stated, "I just wanted to leave my legacy for whatever the next plan is."
- John Butler (Chestnut Street): Spoke in support of Resolution 293-26, noting that 14,000 Malden residents voted in favor of the state audit versus 5,064 against.
- Steve Mariello (Child Street): Supported Resolution 293-26, emphasizing the 250th anniversary of the Malden Town Instructions and the need for government integrity.
- James Sumner (Highland Avenue): Submitted an email urging support for Resolution 293-26 to send a message that "the people's vote matters."
Mayoral Reappointment - Paper 291-26
- Action: Confirmation of Denise Belboni-Cowie (81 Newland Street) as a member of the Licensing Board.
- Term: To expire June 5, 2032.
- Vote Outcome: Passed 11-0 via roll call.
- Roll Call:
- Yes: Colón Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow, President Linehan.
Resolution 292-26: Public Language Access Plan and Policy
- Summary: A resolution supporting the establishment of a sustainable language access policy, building on work supported by ARPA funds.
- Discussion: Councilor O'Malley moved to amend the resolution to explicitly support the plan drafted by Coordinator Elena Martinez. Councilor McDonald offered a friendly amendment to state the policy would "build on the work done so far by our language access coordinator."
- Action: The resolution was amended and passed.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously via voice vote.
Resolution 293-26: Support for Audit of the Massachusetts State Legislature
- Summary: A resolution expressing support for State Auditor Diana DiZaglio's audit of the legislature, as approved by 71% of Malden voters in the 2024 election.
- Key Language: "Resolved that the Malden City Council... hereby voices its strong support for the clear and expressed will of the Malden voters regarding the audit of the Massachusetts state legislature."
- Action: Passed unanimously.
- Vote Outcome: 11-0 via roll call.
- Roll Call:
- Yes: Colón Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow, President Linehan.
Ordinance 197-26: Licensing of Marijuana Establishments
- Summary: Amendment to Malden City Code (MCC) 6.08.070C2 regarding the number of retail licenses.
- Legal Language: The code is amended by "inserting provided that no fewer than five marijuana retail licenses shall be made available after Mass General Laws Chapter 138, Subsection 15."
- Action: Ordained.
- Vote Outcome: Passed via voice vote.
Paper 296-26: Sign Control Ordinance Amendment
- Summary: Amends MCC 4.16 to streamline the business sign approval process.
- Action: The amendment shifts primary review responsibility to the Building Commissioner, reducing the burden on the Sign Review Committee to expedite business startups.
- Vote Outcome: Enrolled via voice vote.
FY 2027 Annual Appropriation - Paper 233-26
- Summary: Adoption of the city budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. The budget addresses a $10 million deficit and utilizes $5 million in one-time funds.
- Mayor's Revisions: The Mayor restored $40,000 for an election-based language access position in the Clerk's office and established a 'Ward Improvements' line item ($7,500 per ward councilor; $2,500 per at-large councilor) to fund community events like the 4th of July.
- Failed Amendment: Councilor O'Malley moved to cut Police Overtime ($289,749.30), Fire Overtime ($446,303.91), and Salary Reserves ($1.2 million) to restore laid-off positions. The motion failed 2-9 (Yes: O'Malley, Colón Hayes; No: All others).
- Final Action: Adoption of the revised appropriation order.
- Vote Outcome: Passed 9-2 via roll call.
- Roll Call:
- Yes: Condon, Crowe, Luong, McDonald, Sica, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow, President Linehan.
- No: Colón Hayes, O'Malley.
Personal Privilege and Announcements
- Juneteenth: Councilor Colón Hayes announced the celebration on June 19th at Salemwood School (11 AM - 3 PM).
- 4th of July Celebrations:
- Ward 1 & 2: Basketball tournament and BBQ at Devir Park.
- Ward 3: 10 AM - 1 PM at Amerige Park.
- Ward 4: 9 AM - 1 PM at Coytemore Lea Park.
- Ward 5: 10 AM - 1 PM at Forestdale Park.
- Ward 6: 250th Celebration on Friday in Maplewood.
- Ward 7: July 3rd, 5 PM - 8 PM.
- Ward 8: 9 AM - 12 PM on July 4th.
- Book Drive: Councilors Luong and Simonelli are organizing a summer book drive; Kiwanis Club donated 300 books.