Malden City Council 05-12-2026

• Date: May 12, 2026
• Governing Body: Malden City Council
• Meeting Type: City Council Meeting
• Attendees: 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, and Council President Amanda Linehan.
• Recording: The meeting was recorded by UMA Urban Media Arts.

Order: "Order that the City Council work in conjunction with the Traffic Commission to create and institute a citywide residential parking program."

Discussion Points:

• Sponsor's Intent: Councilor Taylor introduced the paper to streamline parking, enforce standards, and create a net-zero parking department while ensuring equity for residents.
• Regulatory Context: Council President Linehan noted that traffic rules are currently held as guidelines by the Traffic Commission rather than city ordinances, necessitating a collaborative approach to request the commission take up these changes.
• Institutional Knowledge: Councilor O'Malley referenced a previous parking review committee chaired by Councilor Condon, noting that the current system relies on vehicle registration and excise tax payments for parking rights.
• Regional Comparison: Councilor Simonelli supported the measure, noting that the City of Everett generates "approximately a couple million dollars a year" from a similar permit program, which funds enforcement and city coffers.
• Neighborhood Impact: Councilors discussed the impact of out-of-state plates and encroachment from neighboring cities like Everett and Melrose.
• Commission Transition: Councilor Winslow noted the ongoing transition from the Traffic Commission to a new Transportation Commission under the city charter.

Outcome: The order was adopted by a unanimous voice vote (All in favor).

Order: "Be it ordained by the Malden City Council that the Code of the City of Malden, Title XII and Title IX... are hereby amended by the following as is outlined in the body of this paper."

Discussion Points:

• Purpose: Councilor Luong, co-sponsoring with Council President Linehan, explained the ordinance would allow residents to apply for special permits to operate cottage kitchens for non-perishable food items, enabling sales online and at farmers markets.
• Economic Development: The initiative is viewed as a micro-business incubator, helping residents transition from home-based hobbies to brick-and-mortar businesses.
• Committee Referral: Councilor Winslow suggested a joint meeting between the Economic Development and Rules and Ordinance committees to ensure efficient vetting of the zoning and health code changes.
• Sponsorship: Councilors McDonald, Taylor, O'Malley, and Crowe requested to be added as co-sponsors.

Outcome: The paper was referred to a joint meeting of the Economic Development and Rules and Ordinance committees by a unanimous voice vote.

Order: "Order that the City Council will vote whether to go into executive session with legal counsel regarding the matter of Benevolent Botanicals LLC and 926 Eastern Avenue LLC v. City of Malden. Mass Land Court Docket Number 22MISC000076 for the purposes of Exemption 3 Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30A Section 21A3 to discuss strategy with respect to litigation."

Outcome: The motion to enter executive session was adopted via roll call vote at 7:58 PM. The Council did not reconvene in open session.

Roll Call Vote (10-0):

• Councilor Paul Condon: Yes
• Councilor Peg Crowe: Yes
• Councilor Luong: Yes
• Councilor Carey McDonald: Yes
• Councilor Ryan O'Malley: Yes
• Councilor Jadeane Sica: Yes
• Councilor Chris Simonelli: Yes
• Councilor Ari Taylor: Yes
• Councilor Stephen Winslow: Yes
• Council President Amanda Linehan: Yes