Malden City Council 03-10-2026

• Governing Body: Malden City Council
• Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
• Date: March 10, 2026
• Attendees:
  • Councilor Karen Colón Hayes
  • Councilor Paul Condon
  • Councilor Peg Crowe
  • Councilor Luong
  • Councilor Carey McDonald
  • Councilor Ryan O'Malley
  • Councilor Jadeane Sica
  • Councilor Chris Simonelli
  • Councilor Ari Taylor
  • Councilor Stephen Winslow
  • Council President Amanda Linehan

• The Council observed a moment of silence for Stephen Lewis, a longtime Ward 3 resident and activist known for his work in social work, union leadership (SEIU Local 509), and his collection of over 7,000 political and labor posters.
• A moment of silence was also held for Arthur Kahn, a veteran of the Korean War and owner of Malden Jewelry Store, recognized for his service to the YMCA, Rotary Club, and Malden Pop Warner.

Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Ron Hogan presented an update on school financing for the upcoming fiscal year.

• Key Financial Figures:
  • Foundation Budget: Increased by approximately $2 million over the previous year.
  • Target Local Contribution: Calculated at an increase of $3.46 million.
  • Required Local Contribution: Increased by $3.9 million (includes a $629,000 penalty for being in the 'first tier' shortfall range).
  • Chapter 70 State Aid: Decreased by $5.3 million, leaving the city with only $501,000 in minimum aid.
  • Total Mandated Spending Increase: $4.87 million (includes vocational school building projects and transportation costs).
• Revenue Projections:
  • Property Tax Base (2.5%): $2.9 million
  • New Growth: $1 million
  • Local Receipts (3% growth): $600,000
  • Unrestricted State Aid: $400,000
• Discussion: Mr. Hogan noted that the 'lion's share' of revenue growth is already spoken for by mandated education spending before city operations are funded. Councilor McDonald noted that this does not include a $1.6 million 'catch-up' payment from FY25.

The Council discussed a complaint filed by Councilor Ryan O'Malley regarding alleged improper deliberation during the February 10, 2026, executive session.

• Solicitor's Finding: Assistant City Solicitor Zaheer reported that there was no improper deliberation, citing a 2026 Attorney General decision involving the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School. He stated: "Any discussion of litigation fell within the context of a release of the executive session minutes."
• Action: The Council voted to authorize the Solicitor's Office to respond on behalf of the body.
• Vote: Approved via voice vote (Councilor O'Malley recorded as 'Present').

• Bruce Freeman (8 Marvin Street): Submitted an email opposing the reappointment of Yim Lip. He cited a $1.2 million settlement in the Tufts Construction vs. City and Lip case and argued that "Mr. Lip's actions resulted in taxpayers being on the hook for a $1.2 million settlement."
• Marie Louise (1410 Eastern Ave): Spoke in support of Yim Lip's reappointment, highlighting his work on the lead pipe replacement program (330 lines replaced this year), ADA upgrades, and pedestrian safety.

Reappointment of Robert Donnelly as a part-time member of the Board of Assessors for a term expiring March 1, 2029.

• Action: Confirmed on the floor.
• Vote (Roll Call): 11-0 (Unanimous).
  • Yes: Colón Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Luong, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow, Linehan.

Councilor McDonald presented the inaugural recommendation report from the PCAC for the year ending 2025.

• Recommendations:
  1. Make raw data regarding traffic stops and use of force more accessible to the public.
  2. Hire a second mental health clinician to support the Malden Police Department.
  3. Improve data coding for interactions with unhoused individuals.
• Action: The report was placed on file.

A complaint filed by Bruce Freeman regarding the release of executive session minutes from February 3, 2026.

• Solicitor's Finding: The legal department maintained that because the Tufts litigation settlement is still pending court approval, withholding the minutes is necessary to avoid defeating the purpose of the executive session.
• Action: The Council voted to authorize the Solicitor's Office to respond.
• Vote: Approved via voice vote (Councilor O'Malley recorded as 'Present').

City Solicitor Alicia McNeil addressed the Council regarding a breach of procedure where Councilor O'Malley released documents directly to a requester.

• Key Points:
  • Public records requests must be handled by the Records Access Officer (Joanne Paparian) to ensure proper redaction of confidential executive session information.
  • The volume of records requests in Malden has increased by 60% over the last year.
  • Solicitor McNeil stated: "Councilor O'Malley's actions impacted the workflow of my department leading to confusion and the release again of confidential information."
• Action: Communication placed on file (Councilor O'Malley recorded as 'Present').

The Council voted on reappointments favorably recommended by the committee.

• Paper 123-26: Yim Lip (City Engineer):
  • Councilor Crowe defended the appointment, stating that Lip's record is excellent and information regarding the Tufts settlement is often taken out of context.
  • Vote (Roll Call): 10-1 (Confirmed).
    • Yes: Colón Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Luong, McDonald, O'Malley, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow, Linehan.
    • No: Sica.
• Paper 125-26: Anthony Rodriguez (IT Director):
  • Councilor Crowe noted Rodriguez's work on data breaches and integrating school and police IT systems.
  • Vote (Roll Call): 11-0 (Unanimous).

• Councilor Winslow: Announced a meeting on March 11 at Linden School regarding speed humps on Elwell, Beachview, and Olive Ave; and a bike trail cleanup on March 28.
• Councilor McDonald: Reminded residents that early voting for the special election (override) starts Monday, March 16. Public forums are scheduled for March 16 (Ferryway) and March 25 (Linden). The Green Malden Fair is set for April 25.
• Councilor Sica: Announced 'Pocketbook Bingo' on Friday the 13th to benefit the Teen Enrichment Center and the Ward 8 Egg Hunt on April 4 at Linden Park.