Malden City Council 2026-02-10

• Governing Body: Malden City Council
• Meeting Date: February 10, 2026
• Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
• 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 veterans and service members, followed by a special tribute to Norma Rose Tremay Smith, a seventh-grade student at the Beebe School who recently passed away after a battle with brain cancer.

No members of the public signed up to speak during the public comment period.

The consent agenda consisted of one appointment, one communication to be placed on file, and 13 petitions to be referred to the License Committee.

• Action: Approved unanimously on a motion by Councilor Sica, seconded by Councilor Simonelli.

Paper 98-26: Appointment to Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board

• Appointee: Catherine Price, 30 Tough Street, Malden.
• Term: To expire January 31, 2028.
• Outcome: Confirmed unanimously (11-0) via roll call vote.

Paper 99-26: Reappointment to Conservation Commission

• Appointee: Kirk Zemdewski, 569 Fellsway East, Malden.
• Term: To expire February 13, 2029.
• Outcome: Confirmed unanimously (11-0) via roll call vote.

The Council addressed an Open Meeting Law complaint submitted on January 30, 2026, by John Sayah regarding the wording of Paper 72-26. The complaint alleged that the agenda language did not provide sufficient notice of the substance or practical implications of the matter.

• Discussion: Councilor O'Malley expressed his belief that the complaint lacked merit, stating that the docket language was clear enough for the public to ascertain the subject matter. Councilor Winslow and Councilor McDonald emphasized that the goal of the Open Meeting Law is to promote public discourse and that the Council's actions were transparent.
• Action: A motion was made to authorize the legal department to draft a response to the Attorney General, to be reviewed and signed by the Council President without requiring a second vote from the full Council.
• Vote: Passed 10-1 (Councilor O'Malley voting No).

The Council considered a report from the Standing Committee on Finance regarding a request for a financial management review.

• Order: "The Finance Committee will meet in conjunction with the Mayor's Financial Team to research the feasibility of submitting an application to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue Division of Local Services Financial Management Resource Bureau for Financial Management Review of the City of Malden."
• Purpose: "The purpose of such a review shall be to evaluate municipal operations, financial practices, and organizational efficiency."
• Discussion: Councilor Luong, the sponsor, noted that the last review occurred in 2011 and that a new review is timely given changes in the city. Councilor McDonald noted that this review is provided at no cost by the state and focuses on planning processes rather than just accounting audits.
• Outcome: Adopted unanimously (11-0).

The Council discussed a proposal to engage the Office of the State Auditor for a municipal audit.

• Discussion: Councilor Colón Hayes, the sponsor, explained that after researching the timeline (1-2 years) and potential costs, she preferred the cost-free Division of Local Services review proposed in Paper 52-26.
• Action: The paper was placed on file (no further action taken).

The Council voted to enter into Executive Session under Exemption 7 (M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(7)) to conduct a periodic review of executive session minutes from various dates in 2022, 2023, and 2025 to determine if they are appropriate for public release.

• Vote: Passed 10-1 (Councilor O'Malley voting No).
• Adjournment: The Council entered executive session at 7:34 PM with the intent to adjourn directly therefrom.