Malden City Council 03- 24- 2026

• Governing Body: Malden City Council
• Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
• Date: March 24, 2026
• Time: 7:23 PM
• Attendees:
  • Council President Amanda Linehan
  • Councillor Karen Colón Hayes
  • Councillor Paul Condon
  • Councillor Peg Crowe
  • Councillor Carey McDonald
  • Councillor Ryan O'Malley (Arrived late)
  • Councillor Jadeane Sica
  • Councillor Chris Simonelli
  • Councillor Ari Taylor
  • Councillor Stephen Winslow

• Presenters: Mary Ellen (Outgoing President), Melissa LaPlante (Vice President), Marian Browning (Treasurer), and Sheila Taymor (Membership Chair).
• Summary of Remarks: The organization presented its 2026 calendar and mission to support the library through community partnerships and fundraising. Key highlights included:
  • The transition of leadership following Mary Ellen's three-year term.
  • A strategy of 'pop-up' book sales at community events (MLK Celebration, Lunar New Year, Pride, etc.) to increase reach.
  • The Wine Tasting Gala Fundraiser scheduled for May 15, 2026, with an expected attendance of over 200 people.
  • The Friends fund library 'wish list' items, including museum passes, craft materials, and snacks for events.
• Council Discussion: Councillor Winslow inquired about the financial relationship; the Friends clarify that all proceeds from sales and events are voted upon to fund specific library needs.

• Action: The Council considered five petitions referred to the License Committee.
• Vote: Approved 10-0 on a motion by Councillor Sica, seconded by Councillor Colón Hayes.

Paper 170-26: Reappointment to Disability Commission

• Appointee: Shanti Shilukori, 30 Franklin Street, Unit 123, Malden.
• Term: To expire May 15, 2029.
• Vote: Confirmed 10-0 via roll call.
  • Yeas: Colón Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow.

Paper 171-26: Reappointment to Registrar's Board of Voters

• Appointee: Jean Voltaire, 500 Broadway, Unit 2114, Malden.
• Term: To expire March 31, 2029.
• Vote: Confirmed 10-0 via roll call.
  • Yeas: Colón Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow.

• Resolution: A resolve urging the Malden State Legislative Delegation to support S2542, An Act to Build Resilience for Massachusetts Community (the Mass Ready Act).
• Key Provisions:
  • Earmarking funds for the Amelia Earhart Dam, a project estimated to cost over $100 million.
  • The dam serves as the primary tidal barrier for the Malden River, protecting the west side of the city from storm surges.
  • The proposal includes raising the dam by approximately 18 inches and strengthening embankments.
• Discussion: Councillor McDonald noted that while the dam is in the DCR capital plan, current funding is insufficient. Councillor Winslow highlighted that this protection is vital for Wards 1 and 2, while separate efforts are needed for the east side (Town Line Brook).
• Vote: Passed 10-0.

Paper 173-26: Complaint by Bruce Friedman (March 12, 2026)

• Subject: Public release of 14 sets of executive session minutes and an email by Maria Louise.
• Action: Motion to refer to legal counsel and authorize a response to the Attorney General's office.
• Vote: Approved 10-0.

Paper 154-26: Complaint by Bruce Friedman (March 4, 2026)

• Subject: Alleged failure to release executive session minutes from February 3, 10, and 17, 2026.
• Legal Update: Assistant City Solicitor Zaheer Samee reported that the minutes were released around March 10, 2026, following the conclusion of relevant litigation (Tufts construction and Benevolent Botanicals). The city maintains the complaint is moot and no violation occurred.
• Action: Motion to authorize legal to submit the response to the AG and the complainant.
• Vote: Approved 10-0.

• Petitions Granted:
  • Paper 115-26: Class 2 License, Friends Auto Group, LLC (17 vehicles).
  • Paper 116-26: Taxi Driver Renewal, John A. Danka.
  • Paper 117-26: Taxi Driver Renewal, Sophia Pepper.
  • Paper 370-25: Class 2 License Extension, AGM Auto Sales Inc. (21 cars) until Dec 31, 2026.
  • Paper 451-25: Class 2 License Extension and Adjustment, Maxima Auto Sales (adjusted from 66 to 41 cars) until Dec 31, 2026.
• Vote: All petitions granted 10-0.

Paper 158-26: Ordinance Amendment

• Action: Amending Code Section 2.24.030 to update the salary schedule for Public Works, Parks, Traffic, Water, Sewer, and Cemetery workers effective July 1, 2024.
• Details: This reflects a collective bargaining agreement for 27 frontline staff members. The schedule covers retroactivity through June 30, 2026.
• Vote: Ordained 10-0 via roll call.

Paper 159-26: Finance Order

• Action: Appropriation for retroactive pay and stipends associated with the new contract.
• Discussion: Councillor McDonald noted the 'awkward timing' regarding the upcoming override election but emphasized that these workers have been without a contract for 1.5 years and performed essential duties during recent strikes and blizzards.
• Vote: Adopted 10-0 via roll call.

• Resolution (Paper 129-26): A resolve regarding fiscal responsibility during budgetary constraints.
• Amendments: The committee amended the language to request the Mayor 'submit cuts' rather than 'cut' directly, and changed 'elimination' to 'reduction' of specific funds.
• Targeted Savings: Up to $95,000 for the upcoming fiscal year through the reduction of:
  1. Ward Improvement Funds.
  2. 4th of July Funds.
• Vote: Amendments adopted and resolution passed 10-0.

• City-Wide Yard Sale: Scheduled for April 25; sign-ups end March 31 at maldenward5.com.
• Trail Cleanup: Saturday at 9:00 AM at Salemwood School.
• Maplewood Fest: May 16, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM in Maplewood Square.
• Independence Day: Celebration scheduled for July 3rd.
• Ward 8 Egg Hunt: April 4 at 10:00 AM sharp at Linden Park.
• Override Election: Final forum on March 25 at Linden School; early voting available at City Hall; election day is Tuesday, March 31.
• RiverWorks Public Meeting: April 30, 6:00 PM at the Senior Center.
• Women Making a Difference: Recognition of Councillor Taylor and others by the Zonta Club of Malden.