Malden City Council 9-30-25

Meeting Minutes of the Malden City Council

Meeting Date: September 30, 2025 Governing Body: Malden City Council Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Attendees: Council Colón Hayes, Council Condon, Council Crowe, Council McDonald, Councilor O'Malley, Councilor Sica, Councilor Simonelli, Councilor Spadafora, Councilor Taylor, Councilor Winslow, Council President Linehan.

Executive Summary

The Malden City Council convened to address critical financial challenges facing the city, primarily focusing on a proposed Proposition 2 ½ override. Mayor Christensen presented a detailed case for the override, citing a structural deficit and the need for an additional $5.4 million in the annual tax levy, supplemented by $3 million in healthcare savings, to achieve a structurally balanced budget by FY27. Public comments revealed a divided community, with some residents supporting the override for essential city services and others opposing it due to concerns about affordability and fiscal responsibility. The Council voted to refer the proposed override, Docket 363-25, to the Finance Committee for further discussion and public engagement. Additionally, the Council approved a National Grid petition for a new utility pole on Waite Street and referred a Section 108 loan application for the Malden River Works project to the Finance Committee.

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I. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

• The meeting was called to order.
• The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

II. Moment of Silence

• A moment of silence was observed in honor of veterans, service members, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
• An additional moment of silence was held for two Malden public servants:
  • Jim Nestor: Ward Four City Councilor from 2007-2014, who passed away on September 10th.
  • James Holland: Served 40 years as a Malden police officer, including three years as Chief, and as the Malden representative to the vocational school committee.
• Councilor Winslow led a moment of silence in memory of her partner, William Street, who recently passed away.

III. Roll Call

• Council Colón Hayes: Present
• Council Condon: Present
• Council Crowe: Present
• Council McDonald: Present
• Council O'Malley: Present
• Councilor Sica: Present
• Councilor Simonelli: Present
• Councilor Spadafora: Present
• Councilor Taylor: Present
• Councilor Winslow: Present
• Council President Linehan: Present

IV. Open Meeting Law Notification

• UMA Urban Media Arts is recording the meeting via audio and video.

V. Address by Mayor Christensen Regarding Proposed Tax Override

• Mayor Christensen addressed the Council regarding the city's financial situation and the proposed tax override.
• Key Points:
  • Malden operates with lower per capita spending across most key areas compared to seven other comparable cities (e.g., public safety, debt, general government).
  • The city faces an ongoing structural deficit, requiring the use of reserves to balance the budget.
  • Previous measures to address the deficit include extending the pension schedule, refraining from adding personnel or new programs, and not issuing new debt.
  • Problem: Revenues no longer support expenses, necessitating additional funding above the current tax levy threshold to stabilize finances and prevent depletion of reserves and drastic service cuts.
  • Proposed Solution: An increase to the annual tax levy limit of $5.4 million.
  • Projected Savings: Moving healthcare from self-insured to the state plan (Group Insurance Commission) is estimated to save approximately $3 million per year.
  • Goal: Combine the override with healthcare savings to achieve a structurally balanced FY26 budget by the start of FY27.
  • Impact on Homeowners: An average single-family home valued at $650,000 would see its property taxes increase by $351 annually (or $30 per month) as a result of the override.
  • Request: Refer Docket 363-25 to the Finance Committee for detailed discussions.
  • Public Information: Residents are encouraged to visit cityofmalden.org/override for information and to attend public meetings.

VI. Public Comment

• Rules: Speakers limited to two minutes on agenda-relevant topics.
• Speakers:
  • Neil Kinnon (11 Spruce Street, Malden):
    • Expressed surprise at the override request during relatively good economic times, noting previous recessions did not prompt such action.
    • Stated Malden has a "spending problem, not a revenue problem," citing a $53 million increase in the budget from $182 million (2021) to $236 million (current year), an average increase of 5.25%.
    • "If you think you're going to go on averaging 5.25%, people don't get that in their pay. You will break the city. You will break every individual."
    • Suggested the state delegation is not adequately funding the city.
  • Lara Thompson (53 Placestead Road):
    • Expressed concern about the timing and impact of any increase on residents, given current economic tightness.
    • Emphasized the need for transparency regarding how money is spent and whether new increases will be annual.
    • "I just wanna make sure that we know where the money's going, what's happening with the spending. There's transparency around spending."
• Email Comments:
  • Tom Endicott (201 Columbia Street): Supported Docket 363-25 to fund public services (library, public works, schools).
  • Martha North (50 Presley Street): "I am definitely against a passing or even a consideration of a prop two and a half."
  • Brian St. Marie (21 Woodlawn Road): Supported the tax override, stating "We want Malden to be the best it can be. And we're well aware that doesn't come for free."
  • Marissa Babin (662 Highland Avenue): Strongly opposed Docket 363-25. As a homeowner on a tight budget, an increase in property taxes is difficult. Advocated for cutting spending over raising taxes.
  • Theodore Brookings (11 Wyoming Avenue): Supported the proposed Proposition 2 ½ override to stabilize city finances and maintain services. "Paying my fair share of taxes is a small thing to be asked in return."
  • Bill Spadafora, Jr. (37 Prospect Street): Strongly opposed the proposed tax override. Argued the city has not demonstrated fiscal responsibility or exhausted cost-cutting measures. Demanded a clear strategic financial plan. "A tax override without such a plan is premature and short-sighted."
  • Sean Bonanu (47 Perkins Avenue): Strongly in favor of the override, Docket 363-25. Stated it is a "civic duty to fund our city services" and there is "no viable alternative." Argued commercial tax increases are not realistic short-term solutions and that Malden's residential exemption makes taxes cheap.
  • Ann Warren (78 Rutland Street): Strongly opposed the proposed tax override, Docket 363-25. Demanded the city demonstrate responsible resource management and cut unnecessary spending before requesting more funds. Called for an independent audit of city finances.
  • Samantha LeBlanc (30 Daniel Street): Supported a Prop 2 ½ override to fund schools and other city aspects. Suggested lowering parking minimums to increase commercial buildings.
  • Denise Belboni-Cowie (81 Newland Street): Strongly opposed the proposed tax override, Docket 363-25. Criticized lack of transparency and evidence of cost-cutting. Called for a full independent financial audit.
  • Allison Matthews (105 Elm Street): Supported a Prop 2.5 override, noting that Prop 2.5 limits revenue increases to 2.5% annually while expenses have risen 3-7%. Stated property taxes contribute about half of the city's revenue. "I am happy and proud to invest more in my community through the taxes I pay."
  • James Sumner (759 Highland Avenue): Opposed approving a ballot question for a tax override. Advocated for budget cuts before a tax override, stating it makes homes less affordable.
  • Courtney Dutra (26 Huntley Street, Malden): Supported scheduling a special election for a tax override. Cited successful overrides in neighboring cities and deemed a proposed 5% increase ($21/month on her property) reasonable for maintaining city services and schools.

VII. Discussion and Vote on Docket 363-25 (Proposed Tax Override)

• Docket 363-25: Order that the City of Malden hold a special municipal election on February 10th, 2026, to include the ballot question: "Shall the City of Malden be allowed to assess an additional $5.4 million in real estate and personal property taxes? For the purposes of stabilizing the city's budget and to support ongoing city services across all departments, including public schools, public safety, public library, public works, and general government, for which the monies will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2026. A yes vote would support an increase in real estate and personal property taxes beginning with fiscal year 2026. A no vote would make no change to the current tax structure."
• Council President Linehan clarified that the vote tonight is to refer the paper to the Finance Committee for further discussion, not to approve the override itself.
• Councilor Simonelli:
  • Expressed initial opposition to the override due to burden on homeowners.
  • Questioned how the city reached this financial situation, citing a lack of foresight.
  • Advocated for cutting spending if necessary.
  • Criticized the city's past practice of selling off property without retaining assets for revenue.
  • Expressed skepticism about the override solving long-term financial issues.
  • Will support referral to Finance Committee to ask questions but will require significant convincing for a "yes" vote on the override.
• Councilor Spadafora:
  • Agreed with the "spending problem" assessment.
  • Highlighted the detrimental impact of the state's school funding formula on Malden, stating it "is screwing the city."
  • Malden's required contribution to schools is 35.76% of local taxes, significantly higher than peers (e.g., Revere 27.7%, Everett 23.67%, Lawrence 9.53%).
  • Estimated Malden loses $30 million annually due to this formula.
  • Criticized Malden's over 90% residential tax base, leading to reliance on residents for revenue.
  • Compared Malden's personal property tax collection ($4.8 million) to other cities (Everett $12 million, Somerville $10 million), indicating a lack of commercial revenue.
  • Advocated for increasing the commercial tax base and called for state delegation to address the school funding formula.
  • Questioned if the proposed override would truly solve the structural deficit or lead to annual requests for more funds.
  • "This isn't going to be an override. This is going to be a subscription model like Netflix."
• Councilor McDonald:
  • Requested the Mayor's team describe the charts displayed in the room for online viewers.
  • Chuck (Mayor's Office) described the charts, which are also available on cityofmalden.org/override:
    • Required School Spending Percentage: Malden is the highest (over 40%), indicating a disproportionate burden.
    • Tax Receipts, Local Receipts, Unrestricted Aid: Malden is the lowest among comparable cities.
    • Police and Fire Per Capita Spending: Malden is the lowest.
    • Total Expenditures Per Capita: Malden is the lowest.
    • Average Single-Family Home Tax Bill (FY25): Malden is the lowest.
    • Debt Payment (FY25): Malden is the second lowest (Medford is lower).
    • Other Government Spending Per Capita (DPW, general government, human services): Malden is the second lowest.
  • Acknowledged the frustration but emphasized the need for an "adult conversation" about the city's future.
  • Stated the override is not the first action taken; cited previous measures like pension restructuring, healthcare pool changes, and debt service reduction.
  • Reiterated the state's school funding formula as a major contributing factor, noting a $20 million increase in required school spending since 2023 without new state tools.
  • Supported referring the paper to the Finance Committee for thorough discussion and public input.
• Councilor Winslow:
  • Thanked the Mayor for bringing the issue forward proactively.
  • Compared the situation to proactive maintenance to avoid larger problems.
  • Praised the city's financial team.
  • Acknowledged the difficulty of changing the state's school funding formula due to political challenges.
  • Suggested exploring incentives for overrides at the state level.
  • Emphasized the need to craft an override proposal that minimizes impact on vulnerable residents, citing the Community Preservation Act as an example.
  • Supported referring to committee to ensure all avenues are explored and public input is gathered.
  • Advocated for bolder commercial development strategies and zoning reform, citing Somerville's success with Assembly Square.
• Councilor Colón Hayes:
  • Acknowledged personal privilege to afford an override but emphasized listening to community concerns.
  • Stated the financial issues are not new, recalling previous warnings from the financial team.
  • Suggested a deeper, state-level audit beyond the annual audit.
  • Advocated for a collaborative approach between the legislative and executive branches for public discussions.
  • Will vote "yes" to refer to Finance Committee but remains on the fence regarding the override itself.
• Councilor O'Malley:
  • Cautioned against fear-mongering.
  • Attributed the current situation to "years of bad decisions" by elected officials, including the Council.
  • Criticized the state delegation, particularly Senator Jason Lewis, for not adequately supporting Malden's financial needs and for the departure of DESE to Everett.
  • Expressed concern that a Prop 2 ½ override gives the Council no control over spending, as funds go into general revenue.
  • Advocated for exploring alternative funding mechanisms like debt exclusions for capital projects (e.g., lead pipes, schools, fire station, parks, road work) to free up general fund money.
  • Stressed the importance of "new growth" through high-quality commercial development.
  • Opposed holding the election in winter due to historically low turnout.
  • Supported referring to Finance Committee to explore debt exclusions and other solutions.
• Motion: To refer Docket 363-25 to the Finance Committee.
  • Moved by: Councilor McDonald
  • Seconded by: Councilor Colón Hayes
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion carries.

VIII. Consent Agenda

• Items: Meeting minutes, one appointment, four petitions to License Committee, one paper to Rules and Ordinance.
• Motion: To approve the consent agenda.
  • Moved by: Councilor Crowe
  • Seconded by: Councilor Colón Hayes
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion carries.

IX. Public Hearing: National Grid Petition (362-25)

• Paper 362-25: Petition from Massachusetts Electric Company, DBA National Grid, plan number 31192064, to install one SO pole P2363-84 on Waite Street with a sidewalk anchor and to install guy wire from P2363 to P2363-84 to prevent P2363 from leaning over.
• Public Hearing Declared Open.
• Cameron Hansel (National Grid Representative):
  • Explained the new pole is for support on Waite Street, connecting to a pole at the corner of Waite Street and Church Street to prevent leaning.
• Councilor Winslow:
  • Confirmed meeting with National Grid and residents (the Flins) who raised the issue due to concerns about power lines pulling.
  • Stated the pole will stabilize lines and prevent power outages.
  • Noted the pole will be located in a grassy strip, not interfering with trees.
  • Supported the petition.
• Councilor Spadafora:
  • Asked if anything else would be on the new pole.
  • Cameron Hansel confirmed it would be a single-owned National Grid pole solely for support, with no other telecommunications or cable boxes.
  • Councilor Spadafora expressed concern about National Grid installing poles and then leasing space, leading to multiple poles.
  • Supported the petition given the structural need and Councilor Winslow's support.
• Councilor O'Malley:
  • Raised a point about future changes in intention for the pole's use.
  • Suggested a condition to prevent electricity or small cell antennas on the pole.
• Public Comment (in favor): None.
• Public Comment (in opposition): None.
• Public Hearing Closed.
• Motion: To authorize the petition with the condition that it is for a sidewalk anchor pole that does not include power or other accompaniments, now or in the future.
  • Moved by: Councilor Winslow
  • Seconded by: Councilor Spadafora
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion carries.
• Standard Conditions: Engineer to be called when Dig Safe is notified; streets and sidewalks to be restored to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works.

X. Referral of Paper 364-25 (Malden River Works Project Loan)

• Paper 364-25: Order authorizing the City of Malden to borrow $1.5 million from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or any other associated entity to support a second phase of construction for the Malden River Works project.
• Memo from Mayor Christensen:
  • The city is seeking a Section 108 loan for the second vertical construction phase of the Malden River Works project.
  • This phase includes a boathouse in Malden River Works Park and a salt shed in the DPW yard.
  • Estimated cost: $4.1 million.
  • $1.1 million from existing grant funding is allocated.
  • Other funding sources (Baird Foundation, Coastal Zone Management grant) are being pursued but unconfirmed.
  • Section 108 loan program allows borrowing up to five times the annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement Award, less outstanding commitments, totaling $3.2 million for Malden.
  • Previous Section 108 loans funded Roosevelt Park, 2018 Road Repairs, the Senior Center, and the Mayor's Housing Task Force.
  • Principal and interest would be paid over 15 years using CDBG funds.
  • The project aims to create river access, address flooding, improve the DPW yard, support Malden High School's rowing team, and prevent salt runoff into the river.
• Motion: To refer Paper 364-25 to the Finance Committee.
  • Moved by: Councilor McDonald
  • Seconded by: Councilor Colón Hayes
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion carries.

XI. Executive Session (Paper 365-25)

• Paper 365-25: Order that the City Council vote whether to go into executive session with legal counsel for the city regarding the matter of Tufts Construction Incorporated v. City of Malden for the purpose of exemption three, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21A3, to discuss strategy with respect to litigation where such discussion in open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigation position of the city, if so declared by the chair. If allowed, to admit Maria Louise, Special Assistant to the Mayor.
• Declaration: Citing exemption three of Mass General Law Chapter 30A, Section 21E, discussing the paper in open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the city's litigating position.
• Motion: To enter into executive session.
  • Moved by: Councilor Sica
  • Seconded by: Councilor Crowe
• Discussion on Motion:
  • Councilor O'Malley: Moved to have the discussion in open session, citing recent practice. (No second for this motion).
• Roll Call Vote on Executive Session:
  • Council Colón Hayes: Yes
  • Council Condon: Yes
  • Council Crowe: Yes
  • Council McDonald: Yes
  • Council O'Malley: No
  • Councilor Sica: Yes
  • Councilor Simonelli: (Absent for vote)
  • Councilor Spadafora: Yes
  • Councilor Taylor: Yes
  • Councilor Winslow: Yes
  • Council President Linehan: Yes
  • Outcome: Motion to enter executive session carries.

XII. Personal Privilege

• Councilor Sica:
  • Reminded the public about the annual Public Safety Day at Linden Park this Sunday, October 5th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Councilor Winslow:
  • Thanked Ward 6 voters for the September 16th primary and reminded them of the November 4th election.
  • Announced she and Councilor Crowe will be at Public Safety Day distributing bike helmets.
  • Announced the Maplewood Association and Salemwood PTO Halloween event on October 26th at Salemwood School, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Councilor Taylor:
  • Reminded the public about the Italian Heritage Celebration tomorrow, October 3rd, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at City Hall Plaza, featuring affogatos, cannolis, and other Italian foods.
  • Announced "Haunting the Woods" at Pine Banks on October 18th, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Councilor O'Malley:
  • Thanked volunteers for the Waits Mount cleanup this past weekend, especially the Great Malden Outdoors and DJ.
  • Announced the Live Like Becca Scholarship Fund event on Saturday, October 4th, at 2 p.m.
  • Announced a climbing festival at Waits Mount by the Great Malden Outdoors, also on October 4th, at 3 p.m.

XIII. Adjournment

• The Council will adjourn directly from executive session.