Executive Summary
The Malden City Council met on June 16, 2026, to address several key legislative and financial matters. Significant actions included the unanimous ordination of a moratorium on data center permitting (Paper 276-26) and the adoption of the FY2027 budgets for the Water Sewer Enterprise, Community Preservation, and Cable Access funds (Paper 275-26). The Council also approved Community Preservation Act grants for lighting at Drafton Park ($50,000) and restoration work at Emmanuel Baptist Church ($100,000). A public hearing regarding National Grid utility petitions on Pearl Street was tabled pending a site visit to resolve concerns over conflicts with MWRA infrastructure.
Meeting Information
- Governing Body: Malden City Council
- Meeting Date: June 16, 2026
- Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
- Attendees:
- President Amanda Linehan
- Councillor Karen Colón Hayes
- Councillor Paul Condon
- Councillor Peg Crowe
- Councillor Luong
- Councillor Carey McDonald
- Councillor Ryan O'Malley
- Councillor Jadeane Sica
- Councillor Chris Simonelli
- Councillor Ari Taylor
- Councillor Stephen Winslow
Public Comment
- Neil Anderson (56 Mill Street): Spoke in favor of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding for the Emmanuel Baptist Church restoration. He emphasized the church's role as a civic institution and its food pantry.
- Direct Quote: "Emmanuel Baptist is a church. However, it's a very important civic institution in this community with a food pantry that serves the entire city, with activities that take place that reaches out far beyond its religious activities."
Consent Agenda
- Items Included: Meeting minutes (June 9, 2026), four appointments, five petitions to the License Committee, one communication, and four papers referred to Rules and Ordinance.
- Discussion: Councillor Winslow requested that the draft language access plan provided by Alana Martinez be officially attached to the June 9 minutes to comply with public records law.
- Action: The consent agenda was approved unanimously following a motion by Councillor Sica and a second by Councillor Crowe.
Public Hearing: National Grid Petitions (Paper 321-26)
- Subject: Petition by Massachusetts Electric Company (DBA National Grid) and Verizon New England (Plan Number 31120327) to install new poles and underground conduits on Pearl Street.
- Specific Actions Requested:
- Install one sole-owned pole in front of 392 Pearl Street.
- Install one joint-owned pole in front of 363 Pearl Street.
- Install underground facilities (two 5-inch ducts) for approximately 205 feet starting near Medford Street.
- Discussion: A representative from National Grid stated the work is necessary due to clearance conflicts with MWRA and cable utilities. Councillors Condon and O'Malley raised questions regarding the necessity of new poles and requested a site visit.
- Action: Tabled. A site visit was scheduled for Thursday at 11:00 AM. Motion to table by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Simonelli.
Ordinances and Zoning Amendments
- Paper 296-26 (Sign Control): An order to amend Section 4.16 of the Code of the City of Malden regarding sign control.
- Action: Ordained. Motion by Councillor Winslow, seconded by Councillor Taylor.
- Paper 276-26 (Data Center Moratorium): "Be it ordained by the Malden City Council that Sections 12 and 32 of Title 12 of the Code of the City of Malden are hereby amended... regarding data centers."
- Discussion: The Planning Board favorably recommended the moratorium. Councillor McDonald noted concerns regarding power supply, water usage, and neighborhood nuisances.
- Action: Ordained unanimously (11-0) via roll call vote.
Finance Committee Report (Paper 323-26)
- Paper 275-26 (FY2027 Budgets): Annual appropriation orders for the Water Sewer Enterprise Fund, Community Preservation Fund, and Cable Access Fund.
- Financial Detail: Includes a rate increase for Water/Sewer approved by the DPW Commission in May.
- Action: Adopted via roll call vote.
- Paper 289-26 (Drafton Park Lighting): Appropriation of $50,000 from the CPA Fund Balance for solar lighting installation at Drafton Park.
- Action: Adopted unanimously (11-0) via roll call vote.
- Paper 290-26 (Emmanuel Baptist Church): Appropriation of $100,000 from the CPA Historic Preservation Reserve for the restoration of the church roof and building envelope.
- Action: Adopted unanimously (11-0) via roll call vote.
Joint Committee Report: Economic Development and Rules & Ordinance
- Papers 325-26, 326-26, and 327-26: Proposed amendments to Title 12 of the City Code regarding non-conforming uses, zoning definitions (including medical centers and massage therapy), and use regulations.
- Discussion: Councillor Winslow clarified that the favorable referral from committee was to move the items to a public hearing, not necessarily an endorsement of the specific language.
- Action: Referred to a joint public hearing of the Planning Board and Rules and Ordinance Committee.
Executive Session (Paper 328-26)
- Purpose: To discuss strategy regarding litigation in the matter of Borowski v. Malden Police Department et al. under Exemption 3 of the Open Meeting Law.
- Action: The Council voted unanimously (11-0) via roll call to enter executive session and adjourned directly therefrom.