Malden public meetings in 2024

Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee will meet with the Malden Youth Council to establish future goals and receive training on city business and social media. The committee also plans to discuss a youth summit and approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Meet with Malden Youth Council to set goals and receive training
• Discuss youth summit and social media presence
• Approve minutes from December 11, 2024
• Approve minutes from April 9, 2024
• Approve minutes from June 12, 2024

The December 18, 2024 meeting of the Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee was cancelled. No decisions were made. The agenda noted plans to meet with the Malden Youth Council and to approve several sets of minutes, but none of these actions occurred.

Emergency Management Team

This is a regular monthly meeting of the Malden Emergency Management Team. The agenda includes roll call, approval of minutes, review of activations, a Community Emergency Response Team update, discussion of the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG), and reports from Fire, Public Health, Communications, DPW, Police, Schools, and Public Facilities. No specific decisions or proposals are listed; the meeting appears to be procedural.

• Review of any emergency management activations for the previous and upcoming month
• Community Emergency Response (CERT) Team update
• Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) discussion
• Member reports from Fire, Public Health, Communications, DPW, Police, Schools, and Public Facilities

The Malden Emergency Management Team approved the November meeting minutes. No activations were reported, and the team discussed redirecting the 2024 grant funds due to a price increase for the mass notification system, with a plan due by May 2025. No new business was reported, and the meeting adjourned at 4:22 PM.

• Approved November meeting minutes
• Discussed using 2024 grant for Agency Assessment instead of CodeRed system
• Set May 2025 deadline for solid grant use plan

Police Community Advisory Committee

The Police Community Advisory Council will discuss member experiences from recent ride-alongs and review a 100-word mission statement. The body will also provide feedback to the Police Chief/Commissioner based on recent activities.

• Review of 100-word PCAC mission statement
• Discussion of ride-along experiences
• Feedback for Police Chief/Commissioner from recent PCAC activities

Retirement Board

The Malden Retirement Board will review proposals for portfolio monitoring and securities litigation firms. The board is also processing new member additions, retirement applications, and military buybacks.

• Review of RFP proposals for Portfolio Monitoring & Securities Litigation Firms
• Retirement applications for David Franzese and Patricia Bonfanti
• Military buybacks for Emery Haskell, Kenneth L. Guiel, and Walky Joseph
• Medical Panel Reviews for Lorraine LaFauci and Frederick Wilson
• Processing of 5 new members and 3 deceased member records

The Malden Retirement Board approved routine items including meeting minutes, warrants, new members, retirement applications, survivor benefits, withdrawals/transfers, and military buybacks. The board also approved an accidental disability retirement for Lorraine LaFauci, accepted proposals for portfolio monitoring and securities litigation firms, and tabled a matter for Frederick Wilson pending a clarification letter from his attorney.

• Approved November meeting minutes, December expense warrant, November payroll & staff warrant (unanimous)
• Accepted 5 new members including HR Director Odelisa Macedo and Electrician Robert Getman (unanimous)
• Approved retirement applications for David Franzese and Patricia Bonfanti (unanimous)
• Approved withdrawals/transfers for Paul Garrity and Adele Poliard (unanimous)
• Approved military buybacks for Emery Haskell, Kenneth L. Guiel, and Walky Joseph (unanimous)
• Accepted Scott & Scott and Wolf Popper proposals for portfolio monitoring & securities litigation (unanimous)
• Approved retirement application for Franklin Lam, DPW (unanimous)
• Approved accidental disability retirement for Lorraine LaFauci (unanimous)

Cemetery Trustees

The Board of Trustees of Cemeteries will meet to approve minutes and consider adopting rules and regulations for cemetery operations. They will also continue discussions regarding benches and receive reports from the trust and superintendent. The meeting covers general cemetery business and old business items.

• Approval of Rules and Regulations
• Continued discussion re: Benches
• Trust Report and Superintendent's Report
• Old Business and Correspondence

The Cemetery Board of Trustees accepted the minutes, treasurer's report, and superintendent's report for October. They discussed amending the cemetery's Rules and Regulations, with a final draft to be presented at the next meeting. No formal decisions were made on the rule changes or potential benches.

• Accepted October 30, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted October Trust Report with $10,141.03 in Perpetual Care income (unanimous)
• Accepted Superintendent's report (unanimous)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing on five FY25 CPA funding applications: envelope assessments for Pearl Street, Oliver Street, and Saint Paul's Church, plus a wall and pond project at Forest Dale Cemetery. The committee will also vote on approving November meeting minutes and discuss other business.

• Public hearing on 0020_Pearl Street Envelope Assessment
• Public hearing on 0021_Oliver Street Envelope Assessment
• Public hearing on 0024_Forest Dale Cemetery Wall
• Public hearing on 0025_Forest Dale Cemetery Pond
• Public hearing on 0026_Saint Paul’s Church Envelope Assessment

The Malden Community Preservation Committee held a public hearing for five FY25 funding applications, including assessments for two former fire stations, repairs to Forest Dale Cemetery's pond and wall, and an envelope assessment for Saint Paul's Church. No votes were taken on the applications during this meeting. The committee approved the November 18, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (5-0) and adjourned.

• Approved November 18, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Board of Appeal

The Malden Board of Appeal will hold a public hearing on December 18, 2024, to consider Petition 24-013 by Mystic Valley Regional Charter School. The school is appealing a decision by Building Commissioner Nelson Miller dated October 23, 2024, related to the Gym Project at 31 Granite Street. The board will also approve minutes from its November 20, 2024 meeting.

• Petition 24-013: Mystic Valley Regional Charter School appeals Building Commissioner's decision on Gym Project
• Property at 31 Granite Street, Malden (Assessor's Parcel ID 133-663-303)
• Decision date: October 23, 2024, by Nelson Miller
• Approval of minutes from November 20, 2024 meeting

The Malden Board of Appeal voted unanimously to overturn the Building Commissioner's decision regarding Mystic Valley Regional Charter School's gym project at 31 Granite Street. The board determined the city has no ordinance requiring site plan review for this educational use, allowing the project to proceed without such review. The decision was made after hearing public comment and discussion of the Dover Amendment.

• Approved minutes of November 20, 2024 (unanimous)
• Overturned Building Commissioner's decision on Petition 24-013 (unanimous)

City Council

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee will meet with the Malden Youth Council to establish goals for the council moving forward. The committee will also work on training MYC members on city business, social media, and Roberts Rules of Order. Discussion will continue on a youth summit and social media presence for the MYC.

• Meeting with Malden Youth Council to establish goals
• Training for MYC on city business, social media, and Robert's Rules
• Continued discussion on a youth summit
• Continued discussion on social media presence for MYC
• Approval of minutes from multiple prior meetings

License Committee

The License Committee will consider various new and renewal petitions for business operations in Malden. The agenda includes requests for amusement machine licenses, auto dealer certifications, extended operating hours, and taxi/livery permits.

• New amusement machine petition for Kiddleton, Inc. at 423 Main Street
• New Class II auto dealer petition for Friends Auto Group LLC at 225 Eastern Avenue (17 cars)
• Extended hours renewals for 24-hour operations at Speedway LLC (214 Broadway) and Supreme Food Mart (1018 Eastern Avenue)
• New livery company petition for Lux Ride at 500 Broadway Unit 4102
• New taxi driver petitions for John DiDomenico, Ronald C. McCray, and David McNamara

The License Committee unanimously recommended approval of 30 petitions for amusement machine, Class II, extended hours, fortune teller, livery, and taxi licenses to the City Council. One petition, for Supreme Food Mart's 24-hour license, was tabled due to non-compliance with the Sign Design Committee. All votes were unanimous with three members present.

• Recommended approval of amusement machine licenses for Kiddleton, Inc., Flaming Grill & Buffet, GLS Associates, Italian American War Vets Post 16, and Loyal Order of Moose (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of 13 Class II licenses including new licenses for Friends Auto Group LLC and renewals for Andy's Service Center, Autotech II, and others (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of extended hours licenses for Boda Borg Boston, Speedway, two Dunkin locations, L & K Pool Hall, and Honey Dew Donuts (unanimous)
• Tabled extended hours license for Supreme Food Mart due to sign compliance violations (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of fortune teller licenses for Angie Marks Psychic Readings and Chris Burgan Full Heart Tarot Readings (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of livery company license for Lux Ride and livery driver license for Muhammad Waleed (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of taxi driver licenses for John DiDomenico, Ronald C. McCray, and David McNamara (unanimous)

City Council

The Malden City Council will consider ordinance amendments to add a definition for retail car washes (CCP 399) and to update the car wash definition in the zoning code (CCP 389). The agenda also includes a vote to open nominations and elect the Council President for 2025, approval of the 2025 meeting schedule, and review of petitions for small wireless cell upgrades by Crown Castle. Additional items cover a zoning amendment for marijuana establishment licensing and other zoning revisions.

• CCP 399 – add "Retail Car Wash" definition to MCC Title 12, Section 12.32.060 (sponsors: Ryan O'Malley, Stephen Winslow)
• CCP 389 – revise car wash definition in MCC Title 12, Section 12.32.060 (sponsors: Ryan O'Malley, Stephen Winslow)
• 434-24 – amend licensing requirements for marijuana establishments in MCC Title 6, Chapter 08, Section 070 (sponsor: Amanda Linehan)
• 252-24 and 327-24 – petitions for Crown Castle to upgrade existing small wireless facilities at multiple city locations
• 494-24 – order to open nominations and vote on Council President for the 2025 calendar year

The Malden City Council elected Councillor Ryan O'Malley as Council President for 2025 by unanimous vote. The Council also approved several zoning ordinance amendments, including changes to wireless communications equipment siting and administrative zoning revisions, and referred a proposed site plan review ordinance for educational, religious, and child care facilities back to committee for further review. Numerous license renewals and new licenses were granted.

• Elected Ryan O'Malley as 2025 Council President (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Council meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Referred site plan review ordinance for educational/religious/child care uses to Rules & Ordinance Committee and Solicitor's Office (unanimous)
• Approved administrative zoning revisions (CCP 376-24) as amended (9-0)
• Referred motor vehicle services ordinance (CCP 389-24) to Rules & Ordinance Committee (unanimous)
• Filed car wash definition ordinance (CCP 399-24) as unnecessary (unanimous)
• Ordained union benefits ordinance for non-union members (432-24) (unanimous)
• Ordained marijuana licensing amendments (434-24) (unanimous)

Public Property Committee

The Public Property Committee will consider petitions from Crown Castle to upgrade existing small wireless facilities on utility poles at seven locations in Malden. The committee will also review a tabled order to negotiate acquisition of the M. Ida Converse Building at 15 Ferry Street for historic preservation. Approval of minutes from November 19, 2024, is also on the agenda.

• Petition 252-24: Crown Castle upgrades at 101 Bell Rock, 14-16 Greenwood, 244-248 Main, 621 Main, 48 Washington, and 290 Eastern
• Petition 327-24: Crown Castle upgrade at 10 Mills Street
• Order 98-24: Negotiate acquisition of 15 Ferry Street (M. Ida Converse Building) for historic preservation
• Building Commissioner Review Summary attached for Crown Castle petitions
• Approval of minutes from November 19, 2024

The Public Property Committee unanimously recommended favorably to the City Council two Crown Castle petitions to upgrade existing small wireless facilities at six locations and at 10 Mills Street. The committee also approved the November 19, 2024 minutes. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended favorably Paper #252-24 (Crown Castle small cell upgrades at 6 locations) to City Council (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably Paper #327-24 (Crown Castle small cell upgrade at 10 Mills Street) to City Council (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of November 19, 2024 (unanimous)

Rules & Ordinance Committee

The Malden Rules & Ordinance Committee will discuss and vote on several proposed amendments to the city code. Key items include reducing off-street parking minimums to 0.5 per bedroom for most residential uses, requiring year-round rodent control at non-owner-occupied properties with three or more units, and amending wireless equipment siting rules. Other tabled items include exemptions for rain barrels from standing water nuisance rules and adjustments to car wash operating hours.

• Ordinance 288-24: Reduce minimum off-street parking to 0.5 per bedroom for single-family, two-family, three- and four-family, townhouse, and cohousing dwellings
• Ordinance 388-24: Require year-round rodent control measures at non-owner-occupied properties with three or more units near trash storage
• Ordinance 179-24 (tabled): Exempt rain barrels from standing water nuisance regulations in the health code
• Ordinance 402-24: Set retail car wash hours to 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Ordinance 431-24: Amend wireless equipment siting rules to allow council approval of exceptions in the public interest

The Rules & Ordinance Committee voted unanimously to amend and favorably recommend Paper 431-24, which updates dimensional and appearance standards for wireless communications equipment. The amendment increases cabinet size from 7 to 24 cubic feet, adjusts pole height allowances, and lowers ground clearance to 8 feet. Other papers were not taken up due to time constraints.

• Amended wireless equipment ordinance (431-24) to increase cabinet size to 24 cubic feet, adjust pole height, and lower ground clearance (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably amended ordinance 431-24 to City Council (unanimous)
• Took ordinance 431-24 from the table (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:28 PM (unanimous)

City Council

The Malden City Council will elect a Council President for 2025 and vote on several zoning amendments, including site plan review for educational, religious, and child care uses, miscellaneous zoning revisions, and new definitions for service stations and car washes. The Council will also consider enrolled ordinances to extend union benefits to non-union members and amend marijuana establishment licensing requirements. Committee reports include approval of numerous license renewals and upgrades to Crown Castle small wireless facilities at multiple locations. A tabled resolution on historic preservation of 15 Ferry Street will also be discussed.

• Election of Council President for 2025 calendar year
• Zoning amendments for educational, religious, and child care site plan review
• Amendments to marijuana establishment licensing, including host community agreement requirements
• Crown Castle small cell facility upgrades at 7 locations (Bell Rock Street, Greenwood Court, Main Street, Washington Street, Eastern Avenue, Mills Street)
• Tabled resolution on historic preservation of 15 Ferry Street (M. Ida Converse Building)

The Malden City Council elected Councillor Ryan O'Malley as its 2025 President and approved the 2025 meeting schedule. It also passed several zoning amendments, including administrative revisions and a wireless equipment ordinance, while referring a site plan review ordinance for educational, religious, and child care facilities to committee for further review. Numerous license renewals and new licenses were granted.

• Elected Ryan O'Malley as 2025 Council President (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Council meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Referred site plan review ordinance for educational/religious/child care uses to Rules & Ordinance and Solicitor's Office (unanimous)
• Approved administrative zoning revisions (unanimous)
• Referred motor vehicle services ordinance to Rules & Ordinance (unanimous)
• Placed car wash definition ordinance on file (unanimous)
• Ordained union benefits for non-union members ordinance (unanimous)
• Ordained marijuana licensing ordinance amendment (unanimous)

City Council

The Public Property Committee will consider petitions from Crown Castle to upgrade existing small wireless facilities at seven locations in the public right-of-way, and discuss an order directing the City Council to negotiate the acquisition of the historic M. Ida Converse Building at 15 Ferry Street for preservation. Minutes from previous meetings are also on the agenda.

• Petition 252-24: Crown Castle upgrade small cells at 6 locations (101 Bell Rock St, 14-16 Greenwood Ct, 244-248 Main St, 621 Main St, 48 Washington St, 290 Eastern Ave)
• Petition 327-24: Crown Castle upgrade small cell at 10 Mills Street
• Order 98-24: City Council to negotiate acquisition of 15 Ferry Street (M. Ida Converse Building) for historic preservation
• Approval of minutes from November 19, 2024 and October 29, 2024

Traffic Commission

The Malden Traffic Commission will hear a presentation from Winn Companies and their consultant engineer on planned transportation improvements for the Overlook Ridge development, tabled from November. The commission will also vote on requests for resident parking at 168 Pearl Street, stop signs at multiple intersections, and a new crosswalk and pedestrian signal at Glenwood Street. Numerous other items remain tabled pending studies or evaluations.

• Presentation on Overlook Ridge transportation improvements by Winn Companies and consultant engineer
• Resident parking extension request for 168 Pearl Street
• Stop sign installation requests at Elliott St @ Glen Rock Ave and Boylston St @ Suffolk St
• New crosswalk and signalized pedestrian crossing at Glenwood Street (Wyoming and Beltran)
• No Parking Fire Lane designation on Washington Place per Fire Prevention request

The Malden Traffic Commission approved extending resident parking to 168 Pearl Street, and installing stop signs at Elliott St/Glen Rock Ave and Boylston St/Suffolk St. All other agenda items were tabled, including the Overlook Ridge transportation presentation and several crosswalk and speed-calming requests.

• Approved extending resident parking to 168 Pearl Street (unanimous)
• Approved stop sign on Elliott St at Glen Rock Ave (unanimous)
• Approved stop sign heading east on Boylston St at Suffolk St (unanimous)
• Tabled Overlook Ridge transportation improvements until January 21, 2025
• Tabled new crosswalk, pedestrian signal, and 'Crossing Ahead' signs at Glenwood/Wyoming, Glenwood/Beltran, and Glenwood/Woodland
• Tabled stop sign requests at Page/Tremont, Tremont/Page, and Tremont/Spring
• Tabled speed calming on Elm St, Washington Place fire lane, and other old business items

City Council

The Malden License Committee will consider 33 petitions at this meeting. Items include new amusement machine licenses, a new used car dealer (Friends Auto Group with 17 cars), new livery and taxi driver applications, and renewals for amusement machines, Class II dealers, extended hours, and fortune tellers. Most are routine renewals; a few are new requests that expand licensed businesses in the city.

• New amusement machine petition for Kiddleton, Inc., 423 Main Street, for 3 machines
• New Class II dealer license for Friends Auto Group LLC, 225 Eastern Avenue, for 17 cars
• New livery company petition for Lux Ride, 500 Broadway Unit 4102
• Extended hours renewal for Boda Borg Boston, 90 Pleasant Street, occasional Saturday/Sunday 12AM-9AM
• Extended hours renewal for Speedway LLC #2504, 214 Broadway, 7 days 24 hours

The License Committee unanimously recommended approval for numerous amusement, Class II, extended hours, fortune teller, livery, and taxi licenses. One extended hours petition for Supreme Food Mart was tabled due to non-compliance with the Sign Design Committee. All recommendations will go to the full City Council.

• Recommended approval for Kiddleton, Inc. amusement license (3 machines) (unanimous)
• Recommended approval for Flaming Grill & Buffet amusement license renewal (3 machines) (unanimous)
• Recommended approval for GLS Associates, Inc. amusement license renewal (5 machines) (unanimous)
• Recommended approval for Italian American War Vets Post 16 amusement license renewal (4 machines) (unanimous)
• Recommended approval for Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1910 amusement license renewal (2 machines) (unanimous)
• Recommended approval for Andy's Service Center, Inc. Class II license renewal (3 cars) (unanimous)
• Recommended approval for Autotech II, Inc. Class II license renewal (5 cars) (unanimous)
• Tabled Supreme Food Mart extended hours petition until compliance with Sign Design Committee (unanimous)

City Council

The Rules & Ordinance Committee will discuss several proposed ordinance changes, including a significant reduction in minimum off-street parking requirements for residential units to 0.5 spaces per bedroom. Other items include new rodent control mandates for multi-unit rental properties, amendments to wireless equipment siting rules, and adjustments to retail car wash hours. Several previously tabled items, such as rain barrel exemptions and offsite parking lot zoning, are also on the agenda.

• Ordinance 288-24: Reduce minimum parking for all dwelling types to 0.5 spaces per bedroom
• Ordinance 388-24: Require rodent control measures at non-owner-occupied properties with 3+ units
• Ordinance 443-24: Charter amendment via Home Rule Petition (details not specified)
• Tabled paper 179-24: Exempt rain barrels from standing-water nuisance code
• Ordinance 431-24: Allow City Council to grant exceptions to wireless equipment siting rules

The Rules & Ordinance Committee voted unanimously to recommend an amended ordinance (Paper 431-24) to the City Council, updating dimensional and appearance standards for wireless communications equipment. The amendment increases the allowed equipment cabinet size from 7 to 24 cubic feet, raises the maximum extension above a pole from 50 inches to 60 inches or 10% of pole height (whichever is higher), and clarifies that the meter socket is excluded from the 16-foot height requirement. Several other items were tabled or not taken up due to time constraints.

• Amended Paper 431-24 to increase equipment cabinet size from 7 to 24 cubic feet (unanimous)
• Amended Paper 431-24 to allow equipment to extend above pole up to 60 inches or 10% of pole height (unanimous)
• Amended Paper 431-24 to exclude meter socket from 16-foot height requirement (unanimous)
• Recommended Paper 431-24 favorably as amended to City Council (unanimous)
• Tabled Paper 388-24 (rodent control for multi-unit properties) due to time constraints
• Tabled Paper 179-24 (rain barrel exemption) due to time constraints
• Tabled Paper 287-24 (off-street parking amendments) due to time constraints
• Tabled Paper 288-24 (parking space minimums) due to time constraints

Redevelopment Authority

The Board will consider accepting Executive Director Deborah A. Burke's retirement, appointing Alex Pratt as her successor, and authorizing several contracts: legal services for the North Suburban Consortium (three law firms), an appraisal services amendment with Foster Appraisal, and a lease renewal with On the Road Again Early Learning Center. Board officer nominations for January 2025 will also be voted on.

• Consideration of Deborah A. Burke retirement letter and appointment of Alex Pratt as Executive Director
• Authorize legal services agreements for North Suburban Consortium with Law Office of John W. Parcellin, Shapiro Legal Services, and Hackett Feinberg P.C.
• Authorize amendment to appraisal services agreement with Foster Appraisal & Consulting Co., Inc.
• Authorize lease renewal amendment with On the Road Again Early Learning Center at 180 Exchange Street
• Nomination and election of Board officers effective January 2025

The Malden Redevelopment Authority approved the appointment of Alexander D. Pratt as Executive Director and Secretary, effective January 13, 2025, following the retirement announcement of Deborah A. Burke. The board also approved multiple contracts for legal and appraisal services, and a lease extension for a daycare center. All resolutions passed unanimously except the lease extension, which passed 4-1.

• Appointed Alexander D. Pratt as Executive Director and Secretary (5-0)
• Approved legal services contract with Law Office of John W. Parcellin for asset management (5-0)
• Approved legal services contract with Shapiro Legal Services for loan collections (5-0)
• Approved legal services contract with Hackett Feinberg P.C. for housing development (5-0)
• Approved appraisal services contract extension with Foster Appraisal & Consulting Co. (5-0)
• Approved lease amendment with On the Road Again Early Learning Center (4-1)
• Nominated officers for 2025: Spadafora as Chair, Williams as Vice Chair, Torres as Treasurer, Anderson as Assistant Treasurer, Foley as Assistant Secretary (5-0)
• Authorized casting one ballot for officer election (5-0)

Licensing Board

The Malden Licensing Board will hold a public hearing on December 17, 2024, to approve 2025 liquor license renewals for 66 restaurants, bars, clubs, and package stores across the city. All interested parties may be heard. The board is expected to decide on the renewals collectively.

• 3 Amigos Restaurant (375 Main St), 621 Tavern & Grille (621 Broadway), and All Season’s Table (64 Pleasant St) are among those seeking renewal
• Package stores including Kappy’s Main St (746 Main St), Jay’s Wine & Spirits (77 Commercial St), and Stop & Shop Liquor Aisle (99 Charles St) are listed
• Clubs such as American Legion Post #69 (75 Meridian St) and Club Italia (175 Maplewood St) are included
• Renewals cover restaurants, bars, and retail liquor licenses; no new applications or suspensions are on the agenda

The Malden Liquor Licensing Board approved and signed the 2025 Liquor and Entertainment Licenses for a list of local establishments, including restaurants, clubs, and package stores. The board also approved the minutes from the November 19, 2024 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved 2025 Liquor and Entertainment Licenses for listed establishments (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from November 19, 2024 meeting

Rowe’s Quarry / Overlook Ridge Committees

The Rowe’s Quarry Site Plan Review Committee will review two site plan applications from WinnDevelopment Company LP on behalf of Overlook Ridge LLC. The proposals involve constructing two multifamily residential buildings at 0 State Highway.

• Permit Application # CMID-068997-2024: five-story building with 99 units on Lot 13B
• Permit Application # CMID-068998-2024: five-story building with 82 units on Lot 14B

Cultural Council

The Malden Cultural Council will vote to ratify 40 grant applications and amounts previously approved on November 23, 2024. The council will also consider grant denial reconsiderations and assign council liaisons to grantees with public events. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and an open floor for suggestions for the coming year.

• Vote to ratify 40 grant applications and amounts from November 23 meeting
• Grant denial reconsiderations as needed
• Assign council liaison to each grantee with a public event
• Approval of minutes from November 23, 2024 meeting

The Malden Cultural Council approved the November meeting minutes with a spelling correction and ratified the full list of grant awards without changes. Members were assigned as liaisons to attend public-facing events, with plans to request photos from private or school-based events. The Council also discussed providing feedback to declined grantees by January 16 and refining guidelines for local partner outreach at the spring meeting.

• Approved November 23 meeting minutes with spelling correction
• Ratified grant awards list without amendments
• Assigned grant liaisons to public-facing events

Sign Design Review Committee

The Sign Design Review Committee will meet on December 12, 2024, to review applications for sign design approval at eight locations across Malden. The committee will also update from compliance officers and approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• 706 Salem Street — Regal Mexican Grill
• 67 Summer Street - Edge
• 109 Maddison Street - Happy Space Academy
• 1 Wesley Street — Extra Space Storage
• 249 Highland Ave - Saucy Saigon

The Malden Sign Design Review Committee approved six sign applications and denied two, with conditions allowing applicants to seek Board of Appeal approval or modify their signs. The committee also reviewed compliance updates, noting that several businesses had removed non-compliant signs.

• Approved Regal Mexican Grill sign application (4-0)
• Approved Edge Salon sign application (4-0)
• Approved Happy Space Academy sign application (4-0)
• Denied Extra Space Storage sign application (0-4)
• Approved Saucy Saigon sign application (4-0)
• Approved Steady Real Estate sign application (4-0)
• Approved Marcone & Bell Simons sign application (4-0)
• Denied Dunkin Donuts sign application (0-4)

Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District

The Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District School Committee will hold a regular meeting on December 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The agenda includes a citizens' participation period, followed by an executive session for collective bargaining. Other items include approval of minutes, personnel reports, bids, and reports and communications.

• Executive session for collective bargaining
• Approval of minutes from previous meeting
• Personnel reports
• Review of bids
• Reports and communications from administration

Disability Commission

The Malden Disability Commission will meet remotely to hear a guest speaker from the Ahoi app, approve September and November meeting minutes, and receive updates on Malden Library accessibility work including a Braille printer project. Commissioners will also review a recent City Council presentation on emergency services cards, discuss annual report goals and challenges, and take up new business items such as accessibility in schools, Project 2025, and outreach ideas.

• Guest speaker Jake Haendel, founder/co-founder of Ahoi app
• Update on Malden Library accessibility work and Braille printer project with Lions Club
• Recap of November 26 City Council presentation on Mass Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing emergency services card
• Annual report discussion: three goals and three challenges for the past year
• New business on accessibility in schools, Project 2025, and outreach brainstorming

The Malden Disability Commission voted unanimously to authorize Chuks Ezewuzie to pursue both recommended approaches for the accessible room for visually impaired readers at the Malden Public Library, including equipment lists and a staff visit. The Commission also approved the November minutes and amended September minutes, and discussed the annual report, emergency services cards, and accessibility efforts in schools.

• Approved November 13, 2024 meeting minutes (roll call vote)
• Approved September minutes with amendments clarifying election process and Chuks' attendance (unanimous)
• Authorized Chuks to move forward with both approaches for library accessibility project (unanimous)
• Decided to keep calendar of disability events as a standing agenda item
• Scheduled next meeting for January 9, 2025

Council on Aging

The Malden Council on Aging will vote on the posting of the previous meeting's summary and receive an update on the new Senior Center Policy following a meeting with the Mayor's office. The commission will also discuss upcoming plans and programs at the Senior Center. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 23rd.

• Vote on posting of last meeting's summary
• Update on new Senior Center Policy after meeting with Mayor's office (35-minute discussion)
• "Sunshine" upcoming plans and other notable programs at the Senior Center
• Next meeting tentatively set for January 23rd

The Malden Council on Aging approved the summary of the previous meeting for posting. Members discussed the rollout of a new Senior Center admissions policy, with meetings scheduled for December 16 with the Mayor's office, December 17 at the City Council meeting, and a public Q&A session on December 19. Upcoming events include a Christmas Carol presentation and a Hot Chocolate Bar.

• Approved posting of last meeting's summary
• Scheduled December 16 meeting with Mayor's office on new policy
• Scheduled December 17 City Council presentation of new policy
• Scheduled December 19 open meeting to explain new admissions policy
• Approved next meeting date: January 23, 9 a.m.

Planning Board

The Malden Planning Board will hold a joint public hearing with the City Council Ordinance Committee on four zoning amendment petitions, including new regulations for educational, religious, and child care facilities, revisions to multifamily dwelling rules, and new definitions for motor vehicle services. The board will also consider preliminary subdivision plans for two land assemblies and provide an advisory recommendation on a special permit amendment for a marijuana retailer at 36 Charles Street.

• Joint public hearing on zoning amendments: Site Plan Review for Educational, Religious and/or Child Care Facilities (CCP 356/2024)
• Zoning amendments: administrative and miscellaneous revisions to use regulations, nonconforming uses, parking, and special permits (CCP 376/2024)
• New use category for Motor Vehicle Services and related dimensional controls, parking, and definitions (CCP 389/2024)
• Tentative approval of preliminary subdivision plan to merge parcels at 17 & 25 Columbia Street, 28 & 12-24 Lebanon Street into 3 lots (1.25 acres)
• Advisory recommendation on amending a special permit for a Marijuana Retailer at 36 Charles Street

The Malden Planning Board denied two preliminary subdivision applications from Mystic Valley Regional Charter School, citing traffic safety and design standard failures. The board also recommended approval of several zoning amendments to the City Council, including new site plan review rules for educational and childcare facilities, and recommended approval of a marijuana retailer special permit amendment with 20 conditions.

• Denied preliminary subdivision plan for 17 & 25 Columbia St / 28 Lebanon St (8-0)
• Denied preliminary subdivision plan for 12, 16 & 20 Jacob St / Granite & Laurel Sts (8-0)
• Recommended approval of site plan review zoning amendment for educational/religious/childcare facilities (5-3)
• Recommended approval of administrative and miscellaneous zoning revisions (9-0)
• Recommended approval of Motor Vehicle Services zoning amendment (9-0)
• Recommended disapproval of Retail Car Wash definition amendment (9-0)
• Recommended approval of marijuana retailer special permit amendment at 36 Charles St, subject to 20 conditions (9-0)
• Designated Verma as Planning Board representative to Community Preservation Committee (9-0)

City Council

The Community Engagement and Inclusion Committee is meeting with the Malden Youth Council to establish future goals. The committee will provide training on city business, social media, and Roberts Rules of Order.

• Establishment of goals for the Malden Youth Council
• Training on city business and social media
• Discussion regarding a youth summit
• Discussion regarding a social media presence

Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee

The Community Engagement and Inclusion Committee is meeting with the Malden Youth Council (MYC). The session will focus on establishing future goals and providing training on city business, social media, and Robert's Rules of Order.

• Establishment of goals for the Malden Youth Council
• Training for MYC on city business and Robert's Rules of Order
• Discussion regarding a youth summit
• Discussion regarding a social media presence for the MYC

City Council

The Malden City Council Finance Committee will meet on December 10, 2024, to consider two orders: one involving acceptance of state law on abandoned funds and another appropriating $500,000 from free cash for the Salemwood School Plaza restoration. The committee will also vote on approving minutes from October 29, 2024.

• Order 425-24: Accept M.G.L. c. 200A s. 9A regarding disposition of abandoned funds
• Order 427-24: $500,000 appropriation from general fund free cash for restoration of Salemwood School Plaza
• Approval of minutes from October 29, 2024

Malden Housing Authority

The Malden Housing Authority will meet to approve minutes, bills, and payment of invoices. The board will also review policies, contracts, and charitable requests.

• Approval of bills and signing of checks
• Payment of invoices, dues, requests for payments, and contract change orders
• Review of policies and contracts
• Review of charitable requests
• Review of capital project invoices and requisitions for payment

The Malden Housing Authority approved its FY2024 Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) to the City of Malden in the amount of $472,689.78. The board also approved a one-year contract with Star Building Services for carpet and furniture cleaning at $33,525.19, with an option to extend up to four years. Several other financial items were approved, including rent payment registers, a HUD savings rate, and various service agreements and invoices.

• Approved FY2024 PILOT payment of $472,689.78 to City of Malden (5-0)
• Approved $33,525.19 contract with Star Building Services for cleaning, with option to extend up to 4 years (4-0)
• Approved Section 8 and MRVP rent payment register for November 2024 totaling $1,638,960.88 (4-0)
• Approved Revolving Fund Register for November 2024 totaling $1,251,495.52 (4-0)
• Adopted HUD CY2025 Passbook Savings Rate of 0.45%, effective 3/1/2025 (4-0)
• Approved $5,660.26 payment to YMCA for Linden After School Program (3-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved $9,500 change order from MKA Architects for Suffolk Manor stove electrification project (4-0)
• Approved $100 donation to Tom Heerter Memorial Fund (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider multiple appropriations from free cash, including $2.5 million for Maplewood Park turf, $2 million for road reconstruction, $1.5 million for parking garage improvements, $500,000 for Salemwood School Plaza, and $300,000 for traffic calming. Council will also discuss a Home Rule Petition to amend the city charter and amendments to the marijuana licensing ordinance. A presentation on lead line assessment results is scheduled.

• $2.5M appropriation from free cash for Maplewood Park Turf Rehabilitation
• $2M appropriation for road reconstruction
• $1.5M appropriation for Parking Garage Improvements
• $500K appropriation for Salemwood School Plaza restoration
• Committee report recommending a Home Rule Petition to amend the City Charter

The City Council approved multiple appropriations from free cash, including $2.5M for Maplewood Park turf rehabilitation, $300K for traffic calming, $2M for road reconstruction, $1.5M for parking garage improvements, and $500K for Salemwood School Plaza restoration. The Council also amended and enrolled ordinances on union benefits for non-union members and marijuana establishment licensing, and directed the Solicitor's Office to draft a Home Rule Petition on charter amendments.

• Approved $2.5M for Maplewood Park Turf Rehabilitation (11-0)
• Approved $300K for Traffic Calming Initiatives (11-0)
• Approved $2M for Road Reconstruction (11-0)
• Approved $1.5M for Parking Garage Improvements (11-0)
• Approved $500K for Salemwood School Plaza restoration (11-0)
• Approved ordinance on union benefits for non-union members, as amended (unanimous)
• Approved ordinance amending marijuana establishment licensing, as amended (unanimous)
• Directed Solicitor's Office to draft Home Rule Petition on charter amendments (unanimous)

City Council

The Malden License Committee will meet to discuss the 2025 renewal of Class I, II, and III licenses and related ordinance amendments. The committee aims to draft a paper based on its discussion. The meeting will also include approval of minutes from November 12, 2024.

• Discussion of 2025 Class I, II, III license renewals
• Review of relative ordinance amendments
• Drafting a paper based on committee discussion
• Approval of minutes from November 12, 2024

The License Committee discussed 2025 Class I, II, and III license renewals and decided that businesses with updated plot plans showing fewer than 15 parking spaces may be granted licenses with conditions under MCC 6.08.100 (A)(5), without amending the ordinance. The committee also noted that renewal applications were only sent to Class II businesses with newly approved plot plans, and that a business at 600 Broadway may face a drastic license cut pending a corrected plot plan. Minutes from November 12 were amended and approved.

• Amended and approved November 12, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Decided no amendment needed to MCC 6.08.100 (B)(3); licenses with under 15 spaces can be conditioned under (A)(5)
• Confirmed Mr. Lauber's license has no further conditions after submitting employment update

City Council

The Rules & Ordinance Committee will discuss amendments to off-street parking requirements and residential waste regulations. The body will also review tabled items regarding rain barrels, car wash hours, and wireless communications equipment.

• 287-24 and 288-24: Proposed amendments to off-street parking requirements, including a 0.5 space per bedroom requirement for various dwelling types
• 388-24: Proposed requirement for non-owner-occupied properties with 3+ units to install year-round rodent control near trash areas
• 179-24: Tabled order to update health codes to allow for the use of rain barrels
• 402-24: Tabled amendment to set retail car wash hours from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• 431-24: Tabled amendment regarding the siting and installation of wireless communications equipment

The Rules & Ordinance Committee voted unanimously to table two proposed amendments to the city's parking regulations (papers 287-24 and 288-24) to allow for further discussion with city staff and state officials. No substantive decisions were made on new ordinances; the committee also approved prior meeting minutes and tabled several other items due to time constraints or pending related discussions.

• Approved minutes for November 12, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes for December 3, 2024 (unanimous)
• Tabled ordinance 287-24 on off-street parking and open space definitions (unanimous)
• Tabled ordinance 288-24 on reducing minimum parking requirements to 0.5 per bedroom (unanimous)
• Took from table and approved minutes for September 17, 2024 as amended (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:01 PM (unanimous)

Public Works Commission

The Malden Public Works Commission will hold a public meeting to approve three drainlayer applications and conduct hearings on 32 water abatement requests. The commission will also approve minutes from November's meeting. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 14, 2025.

• Approval of drainlayer applications for DAC Excavation & Construction Inc. (47 Roberts St.), Commonwealth Construction & Utilities Inc. (PO Box 972, Watertown), and Cimina Contracting Corp. (7 Daniel Dr., Stoneham)
• Public hearings for water abatements at 32 addresses including 171 & 177 Washington St., 40 Monroe St., 25 Kimball St., and others
• Approval of November 12, 2024 meeting minutes

The Public Works Commission approved drainlayer applications for Commonwealth Construction & Utilities, Cimina Contracting Corp., and DAC Excavation & Construction. It also granted 15 water/sewer bill abatements totaling over $24,000, denied two abatement requests, and noted 14 no-shows and one cancellation.

• Approved drainlayer application for Commonwealth Construction & Utilities, Inc. (all in favor)
• Approved drainlayer application for Cimina Contracting Corp. (all in favor)
• Approved drainlayer application for DAC Excavation & Construction, Inc. (all in favor)
• Denied abatement for Karen Tran at 177 Washington St. (all in favor)
• Granted $1,027.88 abatement to 171 Washington St. (all in favor)
• Granted $395.77 abatement to 47 Noble St. (all in favor)
• Granted $3,441.28 abatement to 80 Main St. (all in favor)
• Denied abatement for Ycclesias Metellus at 34 Church St. (all in favor)

Rules & Ordinance Committee

The Rules & Ordinance Committee is reviewing several proposed amendments to the Code of the City of Malden. These include updates to off-street parking space counts for various dwelling types, new rodent control requirements for multi-unit properties, and retail car wash operating hours.

• Amendment 287-24: Changes to off-site off-street parking lot regulations
• Amendment 288-24: Updates to minimum parking spaces for single family through cohousing dwellings (0.5 per bedroom)
• Amendment 388-24: Requirement for year-round rodent control at non-owner-occupied properties with 3+ units
• Amendment 402-24: Establishing retail car wash hours as 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Amendment 431-24: Changes to wireless communications equipment siting and installation regulations

The Rules & Ordinance Committee voted unanimously to table two parking-related ordinance amendments (Papers 287-24 and 288-24) to allow for further discussion and input from city staff and state housing law experts. No substantive decisions were made on the ordinances; the committee also approved prior meeting minutes and deferred several other items due to time constraints or missing participants.

• Approved minutes for November 12, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes for December 3, 2024 (unanimous)
• Tabled ordinance 287-24 on off-street parking and open space (unanimous)
• Tabled ordinance 288-24 on parking space requirements (unanimous)
• Took from table and approved minutes for September 17, 2024 as amended (unanimous)

License Committee

The License Committee will discuss the renewal of Class I, II, and III licenses for 2025. This discussion includes reviewing relative ordinance amendments to draft a paper.

• Discussion of 2025 Class I, II, and III license renewals
• Review of relative ordinance amendments

The License Committee discussed 2025 license renewals and decided that businesses with updated plot plans showing fewer than 15 parking spaces may be granted licenses with a condition limiting the number of cars to that amount, under authority of MCC 6.08.100 (A)(5). No amendment to MCC 6.08.100 (B)(3) is needed. The committee also approved the November 12, 2024 minutes as amended and noted that Paper 83-24 has no further conditions.

• Approved November 12, 2024 minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Decided licenses with updated plot plans under 15 cars may be granted with condition limiting car count per MCC 6.08.100 (A)(5)
• Determined no amendment needed to MCC 6.08.100 (B)(3)
• Noted Paper 83-24 has no further conditions after petitioner submitted employment update

Finance Committee

The Malden Finance Committee will consider two orders: one to accept a state law on disposition of abandoned funds, and another to appropriate $500,000 from free cash for restoring the Salemwood School Plaza. The committee will also vote on minutes from October 29, 2024.

• $500,000 appropriation from free cash for Salemwood School Plaza restoration
• Order to accept M.G.L. c. 200A s. 9A regarding abandoned fund disposition
• Minutes of October 29, 2024 to be approved

The Finance Committee voted 5-0 to recommend favorably to the City Council a $500,000 appropriation from free cash for the restoration of the Salemwood School Plaza. The committee also voted 5-0 to recommend accepting M.G.L. c. 200A s. 9A, which allows the city to dispose of abandoned funds. Both items were previously tabled and were taken off the table before the votes.

• Recommended $500,000 appropriation for Salemwood School Plaza restoration (5-0)
• Recommended acceptance of M.G.L. c. 200A s. 9A for abandoned funds disposition (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will hear a presentation from the City Engineer regarding completed lead line assessment work and next steps for removal. The meeting also includes several financial orders for park, road, and school plaza improvements.

• Lead line assessment results and removal presentation by City Engineer Yem Lip
• $2,500,000 appropriation for Maplewood Park Turf Rehabilitation
• $2,000,000 appropriation for road reconstruction
• $1,500,000 appropriation for Parking Garage Improvements
• $500,000 appropriation for Salemwood School Plaza restoration

The Malden City Council approved multiple appropriations from free cash, including $2.5M for Maplewood Park turf rehabilitation, $300,000 for traffic calming, $2M for road reconstruction, $1.5M for parking garage improvements, and $500,000 for Salemwood School Plaza restoration. The council also enacted ordinances extending union benefits to non-union members and amending marijuana licensing rules, and directed the Solicitor's Office to draft a Home Rule Petition on charter amendments.

• Approved $2.5M for Maplewood Park Turf Rehabilitation (11-0)
• Approved $300,000 for Traffic Calming Initiatives (11-0)
• Approved $2M for road reconstruction (11-0)
• Approved $1.5M for Parking Garage Improvements (11-0)
• Approved $500,000 for Salemwood School Plaza restoration (11-0)
• Adopted ordinance extending union benefits to non-union members (unanimous)
• Adopted amended marijuana licensing ordinance (unanimous)
• Directed Solicitor's Office to draft Home Rule Petition on charter amendments (unanimous)

City Council

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee will meet with the Malden Youth Council to establish goals for the Youth Council moving forward. The committee will also consider approving minutes from four previous meetings (April 9, June 12, June 18, and October 16, 2024). No other substantive business is scheduled.

• Meeting with Malden Youth Council to set goals moving forward
• Approval of minutes from April 9, 2024 (Tabled Paper 277-24)
• Approval of minutes from June 12, 2024 (Tabled Paper 279-24)
• Approval of minutes from June 18, 2024 (Tabled Paper 306-24)
• Approval of minutes from October 16, 2024 (Tabled Paper 398-24)

Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee is meeting to establish goals for the Malden Youth Council. The committee will also review minutes from four previous meetings.

• Meeting with Malden Youth Council to establish goals
• Approval of April 9, 2024 minutes
• Approval of June 12, 2024 minutes
• Approval of June 18, 2024 minutes
• Approval of October 16, 2024 minutes

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee met with the Malden Youth Council to establish goals and discuss operations. They decided to stop sending text reminders to MYC members, draft a permission slip, and plan a City Hall tour on January 8th. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was largely discussion and planning.

• Agreed to stop sending text reminders to MYC members
• Planned City Hall tour for January 8th at 4:00 PM
• Scheduled next meetings for December 11th and 18th at 5:30 PM
• Tabled approval of minutes from April 9, June 12, June 18, and October 16, 2024

City Council

The Charter Review Committee is meeting to discuss a proposal to modify the City Charter via a Home Rule petition. The proposal involves moving the establishment of several city commissions and departments from the Charter to City Ordinances.

• Proposal to replace Public Works and Stadium Commissions with a Parks and Recreation Commission
• Proposal to move Public Works Commission and Engineering Departments to ordinance-based authority
• Proposal to move Police and Fire Department authorities to ordinance-based authority
• Proposal to replace the Traffic Commission with a Transportation Commission
• Discussion of long-term planning and ongoing review of the Malden Charter

The Charter Review Committee voted to recommend that the City Council ask the Solicitor's Office to draft a Home Rule Petition to modify the City Charter, consistent with a memo presented with Paper 418-24. The Committee also recommended referring Paper 443-24 to the Rules and Ordinance Committee to consider proposed ordinance changes. The recommendations were made favorably as amended and will be reported to the full Council.

• Took Paper 418-24 off the table (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably as amended that Council ask Solicitor's Office to draft a Home Rule Petition (unanimous)
• Recommended referring Paper 443-24 to Rules and Ordinance Committee for ordinance changes (unanimous)

City Council

The Malden Finance Committee will discuss appropriating $6.8 million from free cash for projects including Maplewood Park turf, road reconstruction, parking garage improvements, Salemwood School Plaza restoration, and traffic calming. They will also consider a state law on abandoned funds and receive an update on Roosevelt Park soil remediation.

• Order 425-24: Accept state law on disposition of abandoned funds
• Order 426-24: $2,500,000 from free cash for Maplewood Park Turf Rehabilitation
• Order 429-24: $2,000,000 from free cash for road reconstruction
• Order 430-24: $1,500,000 from free cash for Parking Garage Improvements
• Update on funding sources for Roosevelt Park soil remediation

City Council

The Rules & Ordinance Committee will discuss several proposed ordinance amendments, including changes to wireless equipment siting, union benefits for non-union members, and marijuana licensing. They will also revisit tabled items on rain barrel exceptions, off-street parking lot regulations, and a reduction in minimum parking requirements for residential dwellings. A new ordinance would require rodent control measures at non-owner-occupied properties with three or more units.

• Amendment to reduce minimum parking spaces for single-family and multi-family dwellings to 0.5 per bedroom (Item 288-24)
• Proposal to allow City Council exceptions to wireless equipment siting ordinance (Item 431-24)
• Amendment to require host community agreements for marijuana establishments (Item 434-24)
• Tabled order to update standing water code to exempt rain barrels (Item 179-24)
• New ordinance requiring rodent control for non-owner-occupied properties with 3+ units (Item 388-24)

The Rules & Ordinance Committee tabled an ordinance amending wireless equipment siting rules until December 10, after discussion about researching a more comprehensive amendment. The committee unanimously approved an amended ordinance extending certain union benefits (longevity, sick leave, vacation) to non-union employees, effective January 1, 2025. It also unanimously approved amendments to marijuana licensing rules to align with state law on host community agreements. Three other ordinances (rain barrels, off-street parking, rodent control) were listed as tabled papers with no action taken.

• Tabled wireless equipment siting ordinance (431-24) until Dec 10 (unanimous)
• Approved union benefits for non-union employees (432-24), amended to add '/education' and effective date Jan 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved marijuana licensing amendments (434-24) to align with state law, including HCA alignment wording (unanimous)

Rules & Ordinance Committee

The Rules & Ordinance Committee will discuss amendments to the city code regarding wireless communications equipment and marijuana establishment licensing. The body will also review tabled papers concerning parking requirements, rodent control for multi-unit properties, and rain barrel usage.

• 431-24: Amendment to wireless communications equipment siting and installation rules
• 432-24: Proposed addition of union benefits for non-union members to the city code
• 434-24: Amendments to marijuana establishment licensing and host community agreements
• 288-24: Proposed change to minimum parking spaces for various dwelling types to 0.5 per bedroom
• 388-24: Requirement for year-round rodent control at non-owner-occupied properties with 3+ units

The Rules & Ordinance Committee recommended two ordinances for City Council approval regarding non-union employee benefits and updates to marijuana establishment licensing. A proposed amendment to wireless communication equipment siting was tabled for further research. Several other previously tabled items remained on the agenda without new action.

• Tabled wireless communication equipment ordinance (431-24) (unanimous)
• Amended non-union benefits ordinance to include education and 2025 start (unanimous)
• Recommended non-union benefits ordinance favorably to City Council (unanimous)
• Amended marijuana licensing ordinance to align with state law (unanimous)
• Recommended marijuana licensing ordinance favorably to City Council (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will vote on several appropriations from free cash, including $2.5M for Maplewood Park turf, $500k for Salemwood School Plaza, $300k for traffic calming, $2M for road reconstruction, and $1.5M for parking garage improvements. The committee will also hear an update on Roosevelt Park soil remediation funding.

• Order to appropriate $2.5M from free cash for Maplewood Park Turf Rehabilitation
• Order to appropriate $2M from free cash for road reconstruction
• Order to appropriate $1.5M from free cash for Parking Garage Improvements
• Order to appropriate $500k from free cash for Salemwood School Plaza restoration
• Order to appropriate $300k from free cash for Traffic Calming Initiatives

The Finance Committee recommended favorably several appropriations from free cash, including $2.5M for Maplewood Park turf rehabilitation, $300K for traffic calming, $2M for road reconstruction, and $1.5M for parking garage improvements. Items tabled included the minutes of October 29, 2024, an order to accept MGL c. 200A s. 9A regarding abandoned funds, and a $500K appropriation for Salemwood School Plaza restoration. The committee also discussed the Roosevelt Park soil remediation project, noting a pending HUD response on redefining a $1.2M loan.

• Recommended favorably $2.5M Maplewood Park Turf Rehabilitation appropriation (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably $300K Traffic Calming Initiatives appropriation (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably $2M Road Reconstruction appropriation (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably $1.5M Parking Garage Improvements appropriation (unanimous)
• Tabled minutes of October 29, 2024 (unanimous)
• Tabled order to accept MGL c. 200A s. 9A on abandoned funds (unanimous)
• Tabled $500K Salemwood School Plaza appropriation (unanimous)

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee will discuss a proposal to draft a Home Rule petition to modify the Malden City Charter and enact ordinances. The changes would remove charter language on Public Works, Stadium, Police, Fire, and Traffic Commissions, and establish new commissions for Parks & Recreation, Public Works, Police & Fire, and Transportation. The committee will also continue long-term charter review planning.

• Proposal to draft a Home Rule petition to modify the City Charter and develop ordinance amendments
• Remove charter language on Public Works and Stadium Commissions, establish a Parks and Recreation Commission
• Remove charter language on Police and Fire Departments, enact ordinances establishing their authorities
• Remove Traffic Commission language, establish a Transportation Commission by ordinance
• Long-term planning and continued review of the Malden Charter

The Charter Review Committee voted to take Paper 418-24 off the table and recommend that the City Council ask the Solicitor's Office to draft a Home Rule Petition to modify the City Charter, consistent with the memo presented. The Committee also recommended referring Paper 443-24 to the Rules and Ordinance Committee to consider proposed ordinance changes. The recommendations were approved unanimously.

• Took Paper 418-24 off the table (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably Paper 418-24 as amended, asking Solicitor's Office to draft a Home Rule Petition (unanimous)
• Recommended referring Paper 443-24 to Rules and Ordinance Committee for ordinance changes (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Malden Conservation Commission will hold a continued public hearing on a Notice of Intent for development at Overlook Ridge Drive (Applicant: WinnDevelopment Company LP, DEP File #210-105). They will also discuss an enforcement order at 326 Commercial Street and handle routine business like approving minutes.

• Continued hearing: Notice of Intent for Overlook Ridge Drive (WinnDevelopment Company LP, Hancock Associates, DEP File #210-105)
• Discussion of enforcement order at 326 Commercial Street
• Approval of meeting minutes from prior session

The Conservation Commission closed the public hearing and unanimously issued an Order of Conditions for the Overlook Drive project (DEP File #210-0105). The Commission also voted to issue an Enforcement Order to the owner of 326 Commercial Street to correct an erosion problem using a submitted plan for level spreaders, with the COC request to be taken up in about six months. Approval of prior minutes was stricken from the agenda. The meeting adjourned at 8:09 PM.

• Issued Order of Conditions for Overlook Drive project (DEP File #210-0105) after closing public hearing (unanimous roll call)
• Voted to issue Enforcement Order to 326 Commercial Street property owner to fix erosion via submitted level spreader plan
• Stricken from agenda: approval of minutes
• Adjourned (unanimous roll call)

Malden Housing Authority

The Malden Housing Authority is holding a regular board meeting covering standard administrative items: approval of minutes, bills, invoices, policies, charitable requests, correspondence, capital project documentation, and training offerings. No significant decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Approval of minutes from previous meeting
• Approval of bills and signing of checks
• Approval of payment of invoices, dues, and contract change orders
• Review of charitable requests
• Review of approved capital project invoices and requisitions

The Malden Housing Authority approved a $2,392,203 bid from South Coast Improvement Company for the Suffolk Manor gas-to-electric conversion, funded by the CFP. The board also approved several financial items, including payments to the YMCA and Mystic Valley Elder Services, and passed multiple resolutions certifying FY2024 financial statements to EOHLC.

• Approved $2,392,203 bid to South Coast Improvement Company for Suffolk Manor gas-to-electric conversion (unanimous)
• Approved $4,166.67 YMCA invoice for resident memberships (unanimous, 1 abstention)
• Approved $17,645.45 Mystic Valley Elder Services invoice for service coordinators (unanimous)
• Approved payment of $3,373.90 to Malden Police for detail coverage (unanimous)
• Approved Engie solar net metering credit statement (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2024-12 authorizing FY2024 certifications to EOHLC (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2024-13 certifying lead paint compliance (unanimous)
• Approved increasing holiday party allocation from $5,000 to $10,000 (unanimous)

City Council

The Charter Review Committee will discuss a proposal to draft a Home Rule petition to modify the City Charter and develop ordinance amendments. The changes would remove certain charter language regarding Public Works, Stadium, Police, Fire, and Traffic Commissions and establish new commissions and departments. The committee will also continue long-term planning and review of the charter.

• Remove charter language on Public Works and Stadium Commissions and enact ordinance establishing Parks and Recreation Commission
• Remove charter language establishing Public Works Commission and departments and enact ordinance for new authorities
• Remove charter language on Police and Fire Departments and enact ordinance for their responsibilities
• Remove charter language on Traffic Commission and establish Transportation Commission by ordinance
• Long-term planning and continued review of the Malden Charter

The Charter Review Committee met and discussed a proposal to draft a Home Rule petition to modify the City Charter and enact ordinance changes affecting several commissions and departments. The committee voted unanimously to table the communication until the next meeting to allow more time for review. No final decisions were made on the proposal's content.

• Tabled communication 418-24 on Charter and ordinance changes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:54 PM (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider several orders appropriating from available general fund free cash, including $2.5 million for Maplewood Park turf rehabilitation, $2 million for road reconstruction, $1.5 million for parking garage improvements, $500,000 for Salemwood School Plaza restoration, and $300,000 for traffic calming initiatives. These orders are being referred to the Finance Committee. The council also will discuss ordinance amendments regarding wireless communications equipment and marijuana establishment licensing, and consider multiple mayoral appointments.

• Order: Appropriation of $2,500,000 from free cash for Maplewood Park Turf Rehabilitation
• Order: Appropriation of $2,000,000 for road reconstruction
• Order: Appropriation of $1,500,000 for Parking Garage Improvements
• Ordinance amendment to licensing of marijuana establishments (host community agreement requirement)
• Mayoral appointment of Alexander Pratt as Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development

The City Council confirmed the appointment of Alexander Pratt as the Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development. The Council also confirmed appointments to the Malden Redevelopment Authority Board and the Conservation Commission. Several financial orders regarding free cash appropriations were referred to the Finance Committee for further review.

• Confirmed Alexander Pratt as Director of Strategic Planning (11-0)
• Confirmed Neal Anderson to Redevelopment Authority Board (11-0)
• Confirmed Eric T. Rubin as Director of Public Facilities (11-0)
• Confirmed Roy Watson to Conservation Commission (11-0)
• Referred Lissette Alvarado appointment back to committee (9-1)
• Referred six financial appropriation orders to Finance Committee
• Referred two ordinance amendments to Rules & Ordinance Committee

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee is meeting to discuss a proposal from the Mayor's Office and Council President to modify the City Charter. The proposal involves moving specific departmental authorities from the Charter to City Ordinances.

• Proposal to establish a Parks and Recreation Commission and remove language regarding Public Works and Stadium Commissions
• Proposal to remove Charter language for Public Works Commission and Engineering Departments to establish them by ordinance
• Proposal to remove Charter language concerning Police and Fire Departments to establish them by ordinance
• Proposal to replace the Traffic Commission with a Transportation Commission via ordinance
• Discussion of long-term planning for the Malden Charter review

The committee discussed a proposal to draft a Home Rule petition and ordinance amendments to remove certain City Charter language and establish new commissions, but took no final action. The communication was tabled until the next meeting to allow members time to review the materials.

• Tabled Communication 418-24 (Home Rule petition proposal) until next week (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:54 PM (unanimous)

City Council

The Malden City Council will consider a package of $7.8 million in free cash appropriations for park rehabilitation, school plaza restoration, and road reconstruction. The body will also vote on ordinances regarding wireless equipment siting and marijuana licensing, and confirm several mayoral appointments.

• Appropriation of $2.5M for Maplewood Park Turf Rehabilitation
• Appropriation of $500K for Salemwood School Plaza restoration
• Appropriation of $2M for road reconstruction
• Ordinance to amend wireless equipment siting rules
• Ordinance to amend marijuana establishment licensing

The Malden City Council confirmed Alexander Pratt as Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, and confirmed several other mayoral appointments including Neal Anderson to the Redevelopment Authority and Eric Rubin as constable and Director of Public Facilities. Multiple appropriation orders for park, school, traffic, road, and parking projects were referred to the Finance Committee. An ordinance to amend wireless equipment siting rules was referred to the Rules & Ordinance Committee.

• Confirmed Alexander Pratt as Director of Strategic Planning and Community Development (11-0)
• Confirmed Neal Anderson to Malden Redevelopment Authority Board (11-0)
• Confirmed Eric Rubin as constable and Director of Public Facilities (11-0)
• Referred $2.5M Maplewood Park Turf Rehabilitation appropriation to Finance Committee
• Referred $500K Salemwood School Plaza restoration appropriation to Finance Committee
• Referred $300K Traffic Calming Initiatives appropriation to Finance Committee
• Referred $2M road reconstruction appropriation to Finance Committee
• Referred $1.5M Parking Garage Improvements appropriation to Finance Committee

Cultural Council

The Malden Cultural Council will meet on November 23, 2024 to elect officers for the remainder of FY25 and to discuss and vote on allocating Local Cultural Council (LCC) funds for the fiscal year. The meeting includes a Q&A session with grant applicants followed by discussion and voting periods. The council's objectives are to confirm chair, secretary, and treasurer positions, meet with applicants, and allocate funds.

• Election of Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer for FY25
• Q&A session with LCC grant applicants
• Preliminary discussion and voting on fund allocation from 11:25 AM to 1 PM
• Continued discussion and voting from 2 PM to 4 PM with a break
• Final discussion and voting until adjournment

The Malden Cultural Council allocated $82,061 in grant funding to 40 applicants for FY25, using $84,980 in available funds (including $50,700 from Mass Cultural Council, $10,000 from the City, and $24,580 in rollover). Ten applications were denied for reasons such as not meeting criteria (clear ties to Malden, letter of support) or insufficient public benefit. The Council also filled officer positions, with Robyn Mars and Jessina Riano as co-treasurers and Sue Tufts as secretary, and kept $2,619 in reserves.

• Approved $82,061 in grants to 40 applicants (unanimous)
• Denied 10 grant applications (e.g., Capoeira New England, Chen, Hudson, Jackson, Peter, Maloney, Scott, Pham, Windy, Powell, Jennifer, Small Jr., Kevin, Valdez, Carole, Wise, Dennis, Zaino, Nick)
• Elected Robyn Mars and Jessina Riano as co-treasurers
• Elected Sue Tufts as secretary
• Kept $2,619 in reserves (including $300 for operations)
• Agreed to provide direct feedback to denied applicants

Board of Appeal

The Malden Board of Appeal will hold a public hearing on November 20, 2024, to consider three variance petitions from property owners. The board will also vote on approving the minutes from its September 18, 2024 meeting. The petitions involve requests for zoning relief related to frontage and setback requirements.

• Petition 24-007 by Guesh Engida and Freawain Wigerema seeks a frontage reduction variance for 104 Summit St. (Parcel #150-629-925) under Title 12.16.060(A).
• Petition 24-011 by Leola Saintil seeks a variance for side yard setback violations at 41 Alden St. (Parcel #100-445-514) under Title 12.16.060 Table of Intensity Regulations.
• Petition 24-012 by Miguel Jimenez and Kaitlyn Hess seeks a variance for a front porch side setback at 28 Faulkner St. (Parcel #102-733-303) under Title 12.16.060 Table of Intensity Regulations.

The Malden Board of Appeal approved all three variance petitions on its November 20, 2024 agenda, each by a 5-0 vote. Petition 24-007 (104 Summit St.) was granted after updated plans were submitted; it had been previously approved on September 18, 2024, pending those plans. Petitions 24-011 (41 Alden St.) and 24-012 (28 Faulkner St.) were also granted. No members of the public appeared in favor or opposition to any petition.

• Approved minutes of the September 18, 2024 meeting (5-0)
• Granted Petition 24-007, frontage variance at 104 Summit St. (5-0)
• Granted Petition 24-011, side yard and both-sides setback variance at 41 Alden St. (5-0)
• Granted Petition 24-012, side setback/front porch variance at 28 Faulkner St. (5-0)
• Adjourned at 6:45 pm (all in favor)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing on three FY25 funding applications: the Malden Affordable Housing Trust Fund, a Housing Subsidy for Older Adults, and Devir Park Construction Phase II. The committee will also vote on October meeting minutes and receive status updates on current projects.

• Public hearing on FY25 application 22_Malden Affordable Housing Trust Fund
• Public hearing on FY25 application 27_Housing Subsidy for Older Adults
• Public hearing on FY25 application 28_Devir Park Construction Phase II
• Approval of meeting minutes from October 16, 2024
• Status updates on current Community Preservation Act projects

The Community Preservation Committee held a public hearing on three FY25 funding applications: elder housing assistance, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and Devir Park Phase II construction. No votes were taken on the applications during this meeting; the committee only heard presentations and public comment. The committee did approve the minutes from the October 16, 2024 meeting as amended (7-0).

• Approved October 16, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (7-0)
• Heard public hearing on 0027_Housing Assistance for Elder Adults; no vote taken
• Heard public hearing on 0022_Malden Affordable Housing Trust Fund; no vote taken
• Heard public hearing on 0028_Devir Park Phase II Construction Project; no vote taken

Cemetery Trustees

The Malden Cemetery Board of Trustees will hold a routine meeting that includes approval of minutes, reports, and old business. A key discussion item is the potential addition of benches in Forest Dale Cemetery. The meeting will follow Covid-19 guidelines.

• Discussion on potential benches in Forest Dale Cemetery

The Cemetery Board of Trustees met on October 30, 2024, and approved the minutes, the Trust Report, and the Superintendent's Report. No old business was discussed. The board deferred a decision on bench donations, asking for research on bench designs for a future meeting.

• Approved minutes of September 25, 2024 meeting (all in favor)
• Accepted Trust Report for September income of $34,126.75 (all in favor)
• Accepted Superintendent's Report (all in favor)
• Deferred bench donation policy to next meeting for design research

Retirement Board

The Malden Retirement Board will approve meeting minutes, expense warrants, and cash reconciliations. They will consider new members, deceased members' benefit options, retirement applications, and withdrawal/transfer requests. The director's report includes a review of proposals for portfolio monitoring and securities litigation firms. The board will also enter executive session to discuss a personnel matter regarding Frederick Wilson's accidental disability application.

• Review of proposals for portfolio monitoring and securities litigation firms
• Executive session to review accidental disability application for Frederick Wilson
• Approval of retirement applications for Bonnie MacEachern (Cook) and Stephen Bellavia (Police Officer)
• New members: Christopher Mooney (Asst. Solicitor), Samantha Heggarty (Section 8 Director), and four others
• Military buyback requests for nine employees, amounts to be determined

The Malden Retirement Board unanimously approved routine financial reports, new members, retirement applications, survivor benefits, withdrawals/transfers, and military buybacks. It also approved an accidental disability for Christopher Simonelli, agreed to reimburse de Burlo Group 50% of recovered funds, and tabled a decision on portfolio monitoring firms until December.

• Approved October minutes, November expense warrant, October cash books and payroll warrant (unanimous)
• Accepted 6 new members including police officers and school staff (unanimous)
• Approved retirement applications for Bonnie MacEachern and Stephen Bellavia (unanimous)
• Approved 3 withdrawals/transfers (unanimous)
• Approved 9 military buybacks (unanimous)
• Approved accidental disability for Christopher Simonelli (unanimous)
• Approved reimbursing de Burlo Group 50% of recovered funds (unanimous)
• Tabled decision on portfolio monitoring firms until December (unanimous)

Police Community Advisory Committee

The Police Community Advisory Council will meet to discuss and provide feedback on several items, including a draft work plan for 2024-2025, outreach materials such as a brochure and flyer, and a proposed 100-word description of the council. They will also consider replacing a youth member and decide on the frequency of future meetings.

• Discussion with City Solicitor on an unspecified update
• Youth Member Replacement
• Feedback on developed outreach materials (brochure and flyer)
• 2024-2025 Draft Work Plan
• Decision on 2-week vs 4-week meeting frequency

Emergency Management Team

The Emergency Management Team will meet to review past and upcoming emergency activations. The body will also receive updates from the Community Emergency Response (CERT) team and discuss the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG).

• Review of emergency management activations for previous and upcoming months
• Community Emergency Response (CERT) Team update
• Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) discussion
• Reports from Fire, Public Health, Communications, DPW, Police, Schools, and Public Facilities

The Malden Emergency Management Team met and approved the October meeting minutes. They discussed grant usage deadlines, with a decision required on FY2023 funds by December 2024. The Police Department reported that the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) was completed and approved by the council. No new business was reported.

• Approved October meeting minutes
• Noted CEMP completed and approved by council
• Deferred FY2023 grant usage decision to next meeting
• No new business reported

Traffic Commission

The Traffic Commission is meeting to discuss new requests for handicapped parking, crosswalks, and stop signs. The body will also hear a presentation on transportation improvements for Overlook Ridge and review several tabled items regarding speed calming and parking regulations.

• Handicapped parking requests for 6 Wilbur St, 31 Cross St, 20 Faulkner St, and 280 Emerald St
• Proposed new crosswalk at Glenwood Street and Wyoming Ave
• Proposed stop signs at Page Street and Tremont Street, and Tremont Street and Spring Street
• Proposed change to 2-hour parking on Park Street (5am–9pm) and Ferry Street (7am–7pm)
• Transportation improvements presentation for Overlook Ridge by Winn Companies

The Malden Traffic Commission met on November 19, 2024, and took action on several items. They denied four handicapped parking requests, approved a crosswalk sign, a pedestrian signal replacement, pavement markings, and parking regulation changes. Several other requests were tabled pending further study.

• Denied handicapped parking at 6 Wilbur St, 31 Cross St, 20 Faulkner St, 280 Emerald St (all unanimous)
• Approved 'Crossing Ahead' sign on Glenwood St at Woodland Rd (unanimous)
• Approved replacement of pedestrian signal at Summer @ Glenwood pending funding (unanimous)
• Approved pavement markings on West St at Sheridan St (unanimous)
• Approved 2-hour parking on Park St from 5am-9pm (unanimous)
• Approved 2-hour parking on Ferry St from Eastern Av to Salem St, 7am-7pm (unanimous)
• Approved resident permit parking on Vining St and part of Salem St (unanimous)
• Approved rapid yellow flashing beacon at Coleman @ Hunting (unanimous)

City Council

The Public Property Committee will consider petitions from Crown Castle to upgrade existing small wireless facilities (small cells) on utility poles at six locations plus an additional site at 10 Mills Street. The committee will also discuss a previously filed order to negotiate acquisition of the historic M. Ida Converse Building at 15 Ferry Street for preservation. Approval of October 29 minutes is also on the agenda.

• Crown Castle petition to upgrade small cells at 101 Bell Rock Street, 14-16 Greenwood Court, 244-248 Main Street, 621 Main Street, 48 Washington Street, and 290 Eastern Avenue
• Crown Castle petition to upgrade small cell at 10 Mills Street
• Order to negotiate acquisition of 15 Ferry Street (M. Ida Converse Building) for historic preservation
• Schedule of public hearings and analysis for each small cell location
• Approval of October 29, 2024 meeting minutes

The Public Property Committee met on November 19, 2024, and reviewed several agenda items, including petitions from Crown Castle to upgrade existing small wireless facilities at multiple locations and an order to negotiate acquisition of 15 Ferry Street for historic preservation. No final votes or decisions were recorded in the minutes; the meeting appears to have been procedural, with items discussed but not formally acted upon.

• Reviewed Crown Castle petition 252-24 for small cell upgrades at six locations
• Reviewed Crown Castle petition 327-24 for small cell upgrade at 10 Mills Street
• Discussed order 98-24 to negotiate acquisition of 15 Ferry Street for historic preservation

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will hold a public hearing on November 19, 2024, to consider applications for a change of manager at Kasa Restaurant (639 Broadway) and a change of officers/directors and manager at Mineiraro Steakhouse (100-108 Ferry Street). The applicants must be present. Interested parties may speak.

• Application for Change of Manager – Kasa Foods Inc. d/b/a KASA Restaurant, 639 Broadway
• Application for Change of Officers/Directors and Change of Manager – Mineiraro Steakhouse Inc. d/b/a Mineiraro Steakhouse, 100-108 Ferry Street

City Council

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee is meeting to discuss the Malden Youth Council. The body will also review and approve minutes from several previous meetings.

• Discussion of next steps for the Malden Youth Council
• Approval of October 30, 2024 minutes
• Approval of tabled minutes from April 9, June 12, June 18, and October 16, 2024

City Council

This meeting of the Rules and Ordinance Committee scheduled for November 19, 2024, has been cancelled. No decisions or discussions took place. The agenda contained one tabled paper regarding an update to the municipal health code on standing water and rain barrels.

• Tabled paper 179-24: Proposed amendment to MCC 09.04.010A to exempt rain barrels from nuisance standing water rules, subject to Health Director discretion.

The Rules & Ordinance Committee meeting scheduled for November 19, 2024, was cancelled because the sole agenda item required the presence of Board of Health Director Chris Webb, who was unexpectedly unavailable. The item, Paper 179-24, regarding rain barrel exemptions from the municipal health code, will be discussed at a later date to be determined based on Director Webb's availability. No substantive decisions were made.

• Meeting cancelled due to absence of BOH Director Chris Webb
• Paper 179-24 (rain barrel exemption) tabled for future discussion

City Council

The City Council is reviewing a request from the Mayor's Office and Council President for the Charter Review Committee to draft a Home Rule petition. This proposal seeks to modify the City Charter and develop ordinances to reorganize several city commissions and departments.

• Proposal to establish a Parks and Recreation Commission
• Proposal to redefine authorities for Public Works and Engineering Departments
• Proposal to redefine authorities for Police and Fire Departments
• Proposal to replace the Traffic Commission with a Transportation Commission

The City Council voted unanimously to refer a communication from the Mayor's Office and Council President to the Charter Review Committee. The proposal seeks to draft a Home Rule petition and ordinance amendments to restructure several city commissions and departments, including establishing a Parks and Recreation Commission and a Transportation Commission. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was otherwise procedural and adjourned at 7:22 PM.

• Referred charter review proposal to Charter Review Committee (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:22 PM (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a proposal to form a Charter Review Committee tasked with drafting a Home Rule petition to modify the City Charter and develop ordinance amendments. The changes would remove charter language for the Public Works and Stadium Commissions, create a Parks and Recreation Commission, redefine the Public Works Commission and departments, adjust Police and Fire Department authorities, and replace the Traffic Commission with a Transportation Commission. This is the only substantive item on the agenda; the remainder is procedural.

• Communication 418-24: Mayor's Office and Council President request Charter Review Committee to draft Home Rule petition for charter and ordinance amendments
• Remove charter language regarding Public Works and Stadium Commissions; establish Parks and Recreation Commission by ordinance
• Remove charter language for Public Works Commission and Public Works/Engineering Departments; enact ordinance for new authorities
• Remove charter language for Police and Fire Departments; enact ordinance for new departmental authorities
• Remove charter language for Traffic Commission; establish Transportation Commission by ordinance

The City Council met as a Committee of the Whole with 7 of 11 councillors present. The council referred a communication from the Mayor's Office and Council President to the Charter Review Committee by unanimous vote. The communication requested the committee review a proposal to draft a Home Rule petition to modify the City Charter and develop ordinance amendments covering the Public Works and Stadium Commissions, Police and Fire Departments, and Traffic Commission. No other substantive decisions were recorded; the meeting adjourned at 7:22 PM.

• Referred communication 418-24 on charter review proposal to the Charter Review Committee (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Rules & Ordinance Committee

The meeting scheduled for November 19, 2024, was cancelled. The agenda included a tabled item regarding the use of rain barrels.

• Item 179-24: Proposal to update MCC 09.04.010A to exempt rain barrels from the municipal health code nuisance category

The Rules & Ordinance Committee meeting scheduled for November 19, 2024, was cancelled because the only agenda item required the presence of Board of Health Director Chris Webb, who was unexpectedly unavailable. Paper 179-24, which concerns updating the municipal health code to allow rain barrels, will be discussed at a later date to be determined based on Director Webb's availability. No substantive decisions were made.

• Meeting cancelled due to absence of BOH Director Chris Webb
• Paper 179-24 (rain barrel exemption) postponed to a later date

Public Property Committee

The Public Property Committee will consider two petitions from Crown Castle to upgrade existing small wireless facilities on utility poles at seven locations in Malden. They will also discuss an order to negotiate acquisition of the historic M. Ida Converse Building at 15 Ferry Street for preservation. The meeting includes approval of minutes from October 29.

• Petition 252-24: Crown Castle upgrades at 101 Bell Rock St, 14-16 Greenwood Ct, 244-248 Main St, 621 Main St, 48 Washington St, 290 Eastern Ave
• Petition 327-24: Crown Castle upgrade at 10 Mills Street
• Order 98-24: Negotiate acquisition of 15 Ferry Street (M. Ida Converse Building) for historic preservation

The Public Property Committee tabled two Crown Castle petitions to upgrade small wireless facilities at six locations and at 10 Mills Street, pending a proposed one-line ordinance change to allow variances. The committee also tabled approval of the October 29, 2024 minutes. No final decisions were made on the petitions.

• Tabled minutes of October 29, 2024 (unanimous)
• Tabled Paper #252-24 for Crown Castle upgrades at six locations (unanimous)
• Tabled Paper #327-24 for Crown Castle upgrade at 10 Mills Street (unanimous)

Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee will conduct a roll call and consider approval of several past meeting minutes. The business section is dedicated to answering questions and discussing next steps for the Malden Youth Council. Other Business includes tabling papers to approve minutes from prior meetings. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Approve 417-24 minutes of October 30, 2024
• Approve 277-24 minutes of April 9, 2024
• Approve 279-24 minutes of June 12, 2024
• Approve 306-24 minutes of June 18, 2024
• Discuss next steps for the Malden Youth Council

Racial Equity Commission

The Racial Equity Commission will meet to discuss the timeline and implementation strategies for committee tasks. The body will also review updates regarding the Racial Equity Audit and recommendations from HCH.

• Timeline for committee tasks and implementation strategies
• Racial Equity Audit updates and HCH recommendations
• Review of public meetings on DEI held on 2/7/24, 6/27/24, and 10/5/24

Community Outreach

This community outreach meeting will present the status of the Roosevelt Park project, focusing on a proposed soil remediation plan for the fenced area. Discussions will cover previously secured funding sources and their portability after project cancellation, as well as potential Community Preservation Committee involvement. No binding decisions are being made; the session is for information and public input.

• Review of proposed soil remediation plan by Nangle Associates
• Discussion of funding reallocation after project cancellation, with Treasurer Dan Grover
• Overview of Community Preservation funds and potential reuse
• Information on community involvement and ongoing updates
• Public Q&A session hosted by Ward 5 Councillor Ari Taylor

The meeting was informational, with no formal votes. Officials presented a soil remediation plan for Roosevelt Park estimated at $850,000, funded by reallocating existing city funds. The previous project was canceled in April due to costs, and the new plan addresses safety and regulatory requirements.

• No formal decisions made; meeting was informational
• Presented $850K cost estimate for Roosevelt Park remediation
• Identified five funding sources, including $1.3M free cash and $1.2M HUD loan, requiring City Council reappropriation
• Adelaide Breed Beard Foundation grant of $660K withdrawn due to project change
• Soil remediation plan involves removing 1.5 feet of material and installing geotextile fabric
• Public Involvement Plan (PIP) process to be followed before implementation

Sign Design Review Committee

The Sign Design Review Committee will meet to approve minutes and receive compliance updates. The committee will review sign design applications for eight different business locations.

• Sign application for CA Boutique at 115 Ferry Street
• Sign application for J&D Beauty Décor & Rental at 242 Main Street
• Sign application for Laa Cuewa & Laa Tiendaa at 43-45 Lebanon Street
• Sign application for Tax & Files Inc at 69 Summer Street
• Sign applications for AG Enterprise Management, Pon De Joy, and Paolo D Salon

The Malden Sign Design Review Committee approved all seven sign applications on the agenda, each by a unanimous 4-0 vote. The committee also approved minutes from September and October meetings and received compliance updates on sign removals and checks.

• Approved sign application for CA Boutique at 115 Ferry Street (4-0)
• Approved sign application for J & D Beauty and Décor Rental at 242 Main St (4-0)
• Approved sign application for Laa Cuevva & Laa Tiendaa at 43-45 Lebanon Street (4-0)
• Approved sign application for Tax & Files Inc at 69 Summer Street (4-0)
• Approved sign application for AG Enterprise Management at 42 Sharon Street (4-0)
• Approved sign application for Pon De Joy at 182 Salem Street (4-0)
• Approved sign application for Paolo D Salon at 4 Maplewood Street (4-0)
• Approved minutes from September 12 and October 10, 2024 meetings

Sign Design Review Committee

The Malden Sign Design Review Committee will meet to review several sign design applications for various businesses, including CA Boutique, J&D Beauty Décor & Rental, Laa Cuewa & Laa Tiendaa, Tax & Files Inc, AG Enterprise Management, Pon De Joy, and Paolo D Salon. The agenda also includes roll call, approval of prior minutes, and updates from compliance officers.

• Sign application for 115 Ferry Street — CA Boutique
• Sign application for 242 Main Street — J&D Beauty Décor & Rental
• Sign application for 43-45 Lebanon Street — Laa Cuewa & Laa Tiendaa
• Sign application for 69 Summer Street — Tax & Files Inc
• Sign application for 182 Salem Street — Pon De Joy

The Sign Design Review Committee unanimously approved all seven sign applications reviewed at the November 14, 2024 meeting. The committee also approved minutes from September and October meetings and received compliance updates on several sign removals and checks.

• Approved sign application for CA Boutique at 115 Ferry Street (4-0)
• Approved sign application for J & D Beauty and Décor Rental at 242 Main St (4-0)
• Approved sign application for Laa Cuevva & Laa Tiendaa at 43-45 Lebanon Street (4-0)
• Approved sign application for Tax & Files Inc at 69 Summer Street (4-0)
• Approved sign application for AG Enterprise Management at 42 Sharon Street (4-0)
• Approved sign application for Pon De Joy at 182 Salem Street (4-0)
• Approved sign application for Paolo D Salon at 4 Maplewood Street (4-0)
• Approved minutes from September 12 and October 10, 2024 meetings

Council on Aging

The Malden Council on Aging Commission will meet to discuss the Senior Center Policy and the future of the Sunshine Committee's party. Members will also vote on approving the summary of the previous meeting.

• Recap of last meeting by Maryann Seager
• Vote on last meeting's summary for posting
• Discussion of Senior Center Policy (30 minutes)
• Sunshine committee's party and future plans
• Next meeting date: December 19?

The Malden Council on Aging reviewed a new policy scheduled to begin in January 2025, noting potential temporary changes to art classes and coffee service. A final meeting with the Mayor's office to finalize this policy is set for December 9. The committee accepted the October minutes and adjourned without voting on new actions.

• October minutes accepted for posting
• New policy implementation set for January 2025
• Final policy meeting scheduled for December 9 at 2 PM
• Next regular meeting set for December 12, 2024

Planning Board

The Malden Planning Board will hold public hearings on three special permit applications. Two proposals from WinnDevelopment seek to build multifamily buildings in the Rowe's Quarry Reclamation & Redevelopment District: a 99-unit building (15 affordable) on Lot 13B and an 82-unit building (13 affordable) on Lot 14B. A separate application requests a special permit to add a kitchen for take-out service at a convenience store at 194-198 Ferry Street. The board will also receive status updates on the Community Preservation Committee, master planning activities, and the Open Space & Recreation Plan.

• Public hearing for special permit to construct 99-unit multifamily dwelling (15 affordable) on Lot 13B at 0 State Highway (Rowe's Quarry district)
• Public hearing for special permit to construct 82-unit multifamily dwelling (13 affordable) on Lot 14B at 0 State Highway (Rowe's Quarry district)
• Public hearing for special permit to allow restaurant use (add take-out kitchen) at existing convenience store at 194-198 Ferry Street
• Status updates on Community Preservation Committee, Master Planning Activities, and Open Space & Recreation Plan

The Malden Planning Board granted special permits for two multifamily buildings at Overlook Ridge, totaling 181 units, including 28 affordable housing units. The board also approved a special permit for a take-out kitchen at a convenience store on Ferry Street. All three permits were approved unanimously (9-0).

• Approved special permit for 99-unit senior rental building at Lot 13B, 0 State Highway (9-0)
• Approved special permit for 82-unit condominium building at Lot 14B, 0 State Highway (9-0)
• Approved special permit for take-out kitchen at 194-198 Ferry Street (9-0)

Licensing Board

The Malden Licensing Board will discuss procedures for responding to public requests and vote to enter Executive Session to discuss strategy for litigation related to an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Opencommonwealth.org. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 5pm in City Hall.

• Discuss procedures for responding to public requests
• Vote to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. c.30A §21(a)(7) to discuss litigation strategy regarding an Open Meeting Law complaint dated November 1, 2024 by Bruce Friedman of Opencommonwealth.org

Disability Commission

The Malden Disability Commission will meet remotely on November 13, 2024. The agenda includes a guest speaker on a Braille printer at the Malden Library, approval of minutes from three prior meetings, and updates on the ADA Self-Evaluation Policy subcommittee. Commissioners will also discuss accessibility issues, an annual report, and new business such as inviting an app founder and addressing school accessibility.

• Guest speaker Michelle Luong (Malden Lions Club) on Braille printer at Malden Library
• Approval of meeting minutes from July 11, September 12, and October 9, 2024
• Update from Policy Subcommittee on ADA Self-Evaluation Policy
• Discussion of Ward 8 accessibility from Overlook Drive to CVS
• Annual report planning: three goals for next year and three challenges from past year

The Malden Disability Commission met remotely on November 13, 2024. They approved the minutes from the July 11 and October 9 meetings, but tabled the September 12 minutes pending further edits. The commission also heard from Michelle Luong of the Malden Lions Club about a Braille printer grant for the library and discussed several ongoing accessibility projects.

• Approved July 11, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled September 12, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October 9, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Human Rights & Fair Housing Commission

The Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission will hold a virtual meeting to welcome new members, approve October minutes, and discuss outreach plans for 2025 (National Night, Public Safety Day). Old business includes commission vacancies and two active complaints: 12 Garland St and Altitude Apartments. No new complaints were filed.

• Welcome of Amanda Belles (new Disabilities Commission chair) and Madelin McCormick (pending Council approval)
• No new complaints reported
• Outreach planning for 2025 events: National Night, Public Safety Day
• Ongoing complaint at 12 Garland St
• Ongoing complaint at Altitude Apartments

The Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission met on November 13, 2024, but a quorum was not present. Consequently, no votes were taken and no substantive decisions were made. Two resident seats and one Elder Services seat remain vacant.

• Meeting held without quorum
• No votes taken
• No actions approved or denied

Malden Housing Authority

The Malden Housing Authority Board will hold a regular hybrid meeting. Agenda items include approval of previous meeting minutes, bills, payment of invoices, policies and contracts, charitable requests, correspondence, capital project documentation, and training offerings. There is also an open discussion period. No specific major items are noted on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes of previous meeting
• Approval of bills and signing of checks
• Review of charitable requests
• Review of capital project invoices and requisitions
• Open discussion

The Malden Housing Authority board unanimously approved submitting its FY2024 SEMAP report to HUD, adopted current income limits, and authorized several payments and policy changes. All votes were unanimous with no opposition. The meeting was recessed and later reconvened to adjourn.

• Approved minutes of 10/29/24 (unanimous)
• Approved submission of FY2024 SEMAP report to HUD (unanimous)
• Adopted current EOHLC income limits for state public housing programs (unanimous)
• Approved single audit engagement letter with Marcum Accountants (unanimous)
• Approved $16,869.98 payment to Mystic Valley Elder Services (unanimous)
• Approved $10,000 procurement authority for Section 8 Director (unanimous)
• Approved $1,500 funding to Suffolk Manor Resident Association (unanimous)
• Approved $4,723.46 in police detail invoices (unanimous)

Public Works Commission

The Public Works Commission will consider a curb cut request for Habitat for Humanity and a drain layer approval for Manet Contracting. The body will also hold a series of scheduled appointments to discuss water abatements for multiple city addresses.

• Curb cut approval request for 974-1000 Main Street (Habitat for Humanity)
• Drain layer approval request for Manet Contracting at 167 Babcock St.
• Water abatement appointments for 38 different addresses

The Public Works Commission unanimously approved five curb cuts for Habitat for Humanity's new townhouses at 974-1000 Main St. They also approved a drainlayers application from Manet Contracting LLC. The commission granted 19 water/sewer bill abatements totaling over $14,000, mostly due to toilet leaks, and took no action on one property.

• Approved 5 curb cuts for Habitat for Humanity at 974-1000 Main St. (unanimous)
• Approved Manet Contracting LLC drainlayers application (unanimous)
• Granted abatement of $31.17 to 53 Grant Rd. (unanimous)
• Granted abatement of $1,291.83 to 42 Belmont St. (unanimous)
• Granted abatement of $592.87 to 18 Hartshorn Ave. (unanimous)
• Granted abatement of $1,679.22 to 177 Washington St. (unanimous)
• Granted abatement of $2,759.47 to 54-56 Rockwell St. (unanimous)
• Took no action on 23 Rockwell St. Unit 1 (unanimous)

City Council

The Rules & Ordinance Committee is meeting to consider an amendment to the city code regarding retail car wash operating hours. The committee will also review a proposal to exempt rain barrels from the municipal health code's nuisance category.

• Proposed amendment to MCC 6.12.010 setting retail car wash hours from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Proposed update to MCC 09.04.010A to protect the use of rain barrels

The Rules & Ordinance Committee voted unanimously to table an ordinance that would set car wash hours of operation (8 AM to 6 PM) until after the December 11, 2024 Planning Board public hearing. The committee also approved the minutes from the October 1, 2024 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of October 1, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Tabled ordinance 402-24 on car wash hours until after December 11, 2024 Planning Board hearing (5-0)

City Council

The Malden City Council will hold a public hearing on November 12, 2024. The purpose of the meeting is to adopt a Residential Factor for Fiscal Year 2025.

• Public hearing to adopt a Residential Factor for Fiscal Year 2025

City Council

The City Council will consider a 30% residential exemption for the FY 2025 tax rate. The body is also reviewing appointments for Human Resources Director and the Cannabis Licensing and Enforcement Commission.

• Hearing on adopting a 30% residential exemption for the FY 2025 tax rate
• Proposed grant for "Phase II" improvements to Devir Park via the PARC Grant Program
• Appointment of Odelisa Macedo as Human Resources Director
• Reappointment of Deano Summers to the Cannabis Licensing and Enforcement Commission
• Proposed zoning definition change to classify car washes as service stations

The City Council voted unanimously to adopt a 30% residential exemption and a minimum residential factor for the FY2025 tax rate, as presented by the Assessor. The council also confirmed Odelisa Macedo as Human Resources Director and passed a resolution supporting a PARC grant application for Devir Park Phase II improvements. A motion to have the Finance Committee review Roosevelt Park soil remediation funding was adopted unanimously.

• Adopted 30% residential exemption and minimum residential factor for FY2025 tax rate (10-0)
• Confirmed Odelisa Macedo as Human Resources Director (10-0)
• Passed resolution supporting PARC grant application for Devir Park Phase II improvements (unanimous)
• Adopted order for Finance Committee to review Roosevelt Park soil remediation funding (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and appointments (10-0)

City Council

The License Committee is meeting to discuss 2025 Class I, II, and III license renewals based on approved plot plans. The committee will also address a tabled petition for a new Class II license.

• 2025 Class I, II, and III license renewals
• Petition 315-24: New Class II license for Beach Street Gas and Service at 200 Beach Street (15 cars)

The License Committee discussed the 2025 Class I, II, and III license renewals, noting that about 17 businesses had submitted approved plot plans, with five seeing reduced car counts. One business would now be licensed for eight cars, below the ordinance minimum of 15, prompting discussion of a possible ordinance amendment. The committee agreed to send renewals to businesses with approved plot plans and to issue warning tickets to those that haven't submitted plans yet. No formal decisions were made on the ordinance amendment or renewals.

• Approved minutes of October 8, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed 2025 license renewals based on approved plot plans
• Agreed to send renewals to businesses with approved plot plans
• Agreed to issue warning tickets to businesses without submitted plot plans
• Tabled petition 315-24 for Beach Street Gas and Service

Rules & Ordinance Committee

The Rules & Ordinance Committee will consider an ordinance to restrict retail car wash hours to 8 AM to 6 PM. They will also discuss a proposal to update the health code to exempt rain barrels from the nuisance definition regarding standing water. The meeting includes approval of minutes from October 1, 2024.

• 402-24: Ordinance to amend MCC 6.12.010 to add retail car wash hours restriction (8 AM-6 PM), sponsored by O'Malley and Winslow
• 179-24: Order to update MCC 09.04.010A to exempt rain barrels from nuisance standing water rules, sponsored by Linehan and McDonald
• 413-24: Approval of minutes from October 1, 2024 meeting

The Rules & Ordinance Committee approved its October 1, 2024 minutes and voted 5-0 to table an ordinance that would set retail car wash hours at 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Members said car washes are not defined in the city ordinances and preferred to wait until after the December 11, 2024 Planning Board public hearing. A separate order on rain barrels and standing water remained in tabled papers with no action recorded.

• Approved October 1, 2024 committee minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled ordinance setting retail car wash hours at 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (5-0), pending December 11, 2024 Planning Board hearing
• Order on rain barrels and MCC 09.04.010A standing water remained in tabled papers; no action recorded
• Adjourned at 6:51 PM (unanimous)

License Committee

The License Committee is meeting to discuss 2025 Class I, II, and III license renewals based on approved plot plans. The committee will also address a tabled petition regarding a new license for a business on Beach Street.

• 2025 Class I, II, and III license renewals
• Petition 315-24: Class II license for Beach Street Gas and Service, 200 Beach Street (15 cars)

The License Committee discussed the 2025 Class I, II, and III license renewals based on new approved plot plans. Nelson Miller reported that 17 businesses submitted plans, with five reducing their licensed car counts, and one potentially falling below the 15-car minimum, prompting discussion of a possible ordinance amendment. The Committee agreed to send renewals to businesses with approved plans and to issue warning tickets to those without plans. No ordinance changes were made, and the only formal action was approving the previous meeting's minutes.

• Approved minutes of October 8, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed 2025 license renewals based on new plot plans
• Agreed to send renewals to businesses with approved plot plans
• Agreed to issue warning tickets to businesses without submitted plot plans
• Discussed potential ordinance amendment to reduce minimum car requirement

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on adopting a 30% residential exemption and minimum residential factor for the FY2025 tax rate. They will also vote on the mayor's appointment of Odelisa Macedo as Human Resources Director. Other items include motions to support a PARC grant for Devir Park improvements and to invite an update on Roosevelt Park soil remediation funding. Several previously tabled items are being reconsidered, including historic preservation of 15 Ferry Street and a zoning definition for car washes.

• Public hearing on adopting a 30% residential exemption and minimum residential factor for FY2025 tax rate
• Mayor's appointment of Odelisa Macedo, 22 Oxford Street, as Human Resources Director (term through February 2028)
• Resolution to authorize filing for PARC Grant Program funding for Phase II improvements to Devir Park
• Order for Finance Committee to invite update on status of all funding sources for soil remediation at Roosevelt Park
• Tabled item: Reconsideration of Community Preservation Committee application for historic preservation of 15 Ferry Street (M. Ida Converse Building)

The Malden City Council voted unanimously to adopt a 30% residential exemption and a minimum residential factor of 1.74 (or .9099) for the FY2025 tax rate, as presented by the Assessor. The council also confirmed Odelisa Macedo as Human Resources Director, approved a resolution supporting a PARC grant application for Devir Park Phase II improvements, and ordered the Finance Committee to review funding for Roosevelt Park soil remediation. All votes were unanimous (10-0) except where noted.

• Adopted 30% residential exemption and minimum residential factor for FY2025 tax rate (10-0)
• Confirmed Odelisa Macedo as Human Resources Director (10-0)
• Approved resolution supporting PARC grant application for Devir Park Phase II improvements (unanimous)
• Adopted order for Finance Committee to review Roosevelt Park soil remediation funding (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, appointments, and communications (10-0)
• Confirmed Deano Summers to Cannabis Licensing and Enforcement Commission (consent agenda)
• Received and filed NEMT school project debt schedule communication (consent agenda)
• Received and filed Planning Board 2024 Annual Report (consent agenda)

Police Community Advisory Committee

The Police Community Advisory Council will hold a routine meeting via Zoom. Items include approval of September meeting minutes, discussion of meeting frequency, and planning for a Coffee Hour event. No votes on ordinances or financial matters are scheduled.

• Approval of September meeting minutes
• Discussion of meeting frequency
• Event planning for Coffee Hour and other meetings
• Next steps and action items

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will meet to enter an executive session with legal counsel. The purpose is to investigate and respond to an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Bruce Fridman of OpenCommonwealth.org.

• Executive session regarding Open Meeting Law complaint submitted 10-24-2024
• Review of Licensing Board minutes from August 1, 2024 to October 9, 2024

City Council

The committee will discuss and make plans for 2025 placemaking projects, including a Fortune Corner mural, flower boxes, and a holiday tree, as well as upcoming events such as Maplewood Fest and July 4 celebration. They will also review the status of development in the square, including business losses and prospects, and consider whether the committee itself is still needed.

• 2025 Fortune Corner Mural
• Maplewood Fest scheduled for Saturday May 17, 2025
• July 4, 2025 celebration returning to Trafton
• North Shore Hispanic Association festival (date TBD)
• Status of development: business losses and prospects

Conservation Commission

The Malden Conservation Commission will meet remotely via Zoom to consider a Notice of Intent for a project at Overlook Ridge Drive by WinnDevelopment Company LP. The agenda also includes discussion of 326 Commercial Street and invasive species. The meeting is open to the public via remote access only.

• Notice of Intent for Overlook Ridge Drive (Applicant: WinnDevelopment Company LP, Representative: Hancock Associates, DEP File #210-)
• Discussion of 326 Commercial Street
• Invasive species discussion
• Approval of previous meeting minutes

The Commission held a public hearing for a Notice of Intent regarding Overlook Drive. The hearing was continued to the next meeting because a DEP File number has not yet been issued.

• Continued Overlook Drive public hearing to next meeting
• Adjourned meeting at 7:42 PM (unanimous)

Future of Maplewood Square Committee

The Future of Maplewood Square Committee will review the status of the Maplewood Square development, including business prospects, and approve minutes from June 2024. The group will also discuss plans for the 2025 Maplewood Fest and the installation of flower boxes and a 2025 mural.

• Approval of June 3, 2024 minutes
• Review of Maplewood Square development and business prospects
• Discussion of 2025 Maplewood Fest on May 17
• Status of flower boxes and 2025 Fortune Corner mural
• Consideration of a Cultural Council Grant Application

Board of Registrar of Voters

The Board of Registrar of Voters is meeting to authorize the advance removal and depositing of early voting ballots at Malden City Hall from October 29 through November 2, 2024. Sessions begin at 9 AM each day and continue as needed. No results will be determined or announced until after polls close on November 5.

• Sessions scheduled for Oct 29, 30, 31, Nov 1, and Nov 2 for advance removal and/or depositing of early ballots
• All sessions take place at Malden City Hall, 215 Pleasant Street, starting at 9 AM
• Results will not be announced until after polls close on November 5; then added to Election Day results and posted at cityofmalden.org

Board of Registrar of Voters

The Malden Board of Registrar of Voters is holding sessions from October 29 to November 2 to open and deposit early voted ballots at City Hall. No results will be announced until after polls close on November 5. This is a procedural meeting for ballot processing.

• Five sessions for advance removal and/or depositing of early ballots: Oct 29, 30, 31, Nov 1, and Nov 2, starting at 9:00 AM each day

Board of Registrar of Voters

The Malden Board of Registrar of Voters is conducting advance removal and depositing of early voting ballots from October 29 through November 2, 2024, at Malden City Hall. Sessions start at 9:00 AM each day and continue until completion. No election results will be determined or announced until after polls close on November 5, at which point processed ballots will be added to Election Day results.

• Sessions on Oct 29, 30, 31, Nov 1, and Nov 2 for advance removal and/or depositing of early voting ballots
• All sessions at Malden City Hall, 215 Pleasant Street, starting at 9:00 AM
• No results announced until after polls close on November 5, 2024
• Results to be posted at www.cityofmalden.org after polls close

City Council

The Community Engagement and Inclusion Committee will meet with newly appointed members of the Malden Youth Council to discuss next steps. The committee will also vote to approve minutes from several prior meetings.

• Meeting with newly appointed Malden Youth Council members to discuss next steps
• Approval of minutes from July 24, October 9, and October 16, 2024
• Approval of tabled minutes from April 9, June 12, and June 18, 2024

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee will meet with newly appointed Malden Youth Council members to discuss next steps. The committee also scheduled approval of several sets of minutes from prior meetings. No substantive decisions were made at this meeting.

• Scheduled meeting with newly appointed Malden Youth Council members
• Tabled approval of minutes from April 9, June 12, and June 18, 2024

City Council

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee will meet with newly appointed members of the Malden Youth Council to discuss next steps for the council. The committee will also approve minutes from several previous meetings, including those tabled from earlier in 2024.

• Meeting with newly appointed Malden Youth Council members to discuss next steps
• Approval of minutes from July 24, 2024 (396-24)
• Approval of minutes from October 9, 2024 (397-24)
• Approval of minutes from October 16, 2024 (398-24)
• Tabled papers: approval of minutes from April 9, June 12, and June 18, 2024 (277-24, 279-24, 306-24)

City Council

The Community Engagement and Inclusion Committee will meet with newly appointed members of the Malden Youth Council. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss next steps for the Council.

• Discussion with newly appointed Malden Youth Council members
• Approval of minutes from July 24, October 9, and October 16, 2024

Cemetery Trustees

The Board of Trustees of Cemeteries will meet to review reports and conduct general business. The agenda consists of standard procedural items.

• Approval of cemetery meeting minutes
• Trust Report
• Superintendent's Report

The Board of Trustees approved amendments to cemetery policies, including allowing spousal interment at the Firefighters Memorial Wall and extending visitor hours. Trustees also accepted reports on cemetery trust income and recent maintenance projects, while tabling a broader review of the cemetery until the October meeting.

• Amended eligibility to allow spousal interment at Firefighters Memorial Wall (5-0)
• Approved June 17, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Accepted June-August 2024 Trust Report (5-0)
• Accepted Superintendent's Report (5-0)
• Tabled review of cemetery until October meeting (5-0)
• Extended visitor hours to 7:30 AM–7:30 PM (5-0)
• Increased personal item grieving period to 30 days (5-0)

Cemetery Trustees

The Board of Trustees of Cemeteries will meet to review reports and conduct general business. The agenda consists of standard procedural items.

• Approval of cemetery meeting minutes
• Trust Report
• Superintendent's Report

The Malden Cemetery Board of Trustees voted to amend the Forest Dale Cemetery Eligibility for Interment document to allow a spouse or significant other of a firefighter to be interred at the Firefighters Memorial Wall, assuming current interment costs. The board also updated cemetery rules to extend visiting hours to 7:30 AM–7:30 PM and lengthen the grieving period for personal items from two weeks to 30 days. The minutes of the June 17, 2024 meeting were approved, and the Trust and Superintendent's reports were accepted as read.

• Amended interment eligibility to allow spouse/significant other interment at Firefighters Memorial Wall (unanimous)
• Amended cemetery rules: visiting hours 7:30 AM–7:30 PM daily (unanimous)
• Amended cemetery rules: grieving period for personal items extended to 30 days (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 17, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted Trust Report for June–August income (unanimous)
• Accepted Superintendent's Report (unanimous)
• Tabled review of cemetery until October meeting (unanimous)

Board of Registrar of Voters

The Board of Registrar of Voters is holding sessions from October 29 to November 2 to open and deposit early voted ballots at Malden City Hall, 215 Pleasant Street. No results will be determined or announced until after polls close on November 5, at which time the early ballot results will be added to Election Day totals and posted on the city website.

• Sessions for advance removal and depositing of early voting ballots run Oct 29–Nov 2 starting at 9:00 AM daily
• Location: Malden City Hall, 215 Pleasant Street
• Results will not be announced until after polls close on November 5
• Early ballot results will be combined with Election Day results and posted at cityofmalden.org

Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee will meet with newly appointed members of the Malden Youth Council to discuss next steps. The agenda also includes the approval of minutes from previous meetings.

• Meet with Malden Youth Council
• Approve minutes from July 24, 2024
• Approve minutes from October 9, 2024
• Approve minutes from October 16, 2024

The committee approved minutes from July 24 and October 9, 2024, and tabled minutes from October 16, 2024. Members discussed logistics with the Malden Youth Council, including meeting schedules and legal questions about public meeting rules. A motion passed to hold monthly meetings on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM at City Hall, with Fridays at the Library or Teen Center subject to change.

• Approved minutes of July 24, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of October 9, 2024 (unanimous)
• Tabled minutes of October 16, 2024 (unanimous)
• Adopted motion for monthly Wednesday 6:00 PM meetings at City Hall and Fridays at Library or Teen Center (all in favor)

City Council

The Malden City Council will consider a consent agenda item to amend the zoning code to define 'Retail Car Wash' and set hours of operation from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The ordinance is sponsored by Councillors O'Malley and Winslow, and the recommendation is to refer it to the Rules & Ordinance Committee. The meeting also includes standard procedural items.

• Consent agenda item 399-24: Amendment to zoning definitions to add 'Retail Car Wash' and set hours of operation 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, referred to Rules & Ordinance Committee.

The City Council split a proposed ordinance on retail car washes into two papers (399-24 and 402-24) and referred both to committee hearings. The first paper, amending zoning definitions, was sent to a joint hearing with the Planning Board and Rules & Ordinance; the second, on hours of operation, was sent to Rules & Ordinance alone. Both referrals passed 9-1 with Councillor Spadafora dissenting. No final decisions were made on the ordinance itself.

• Split Paper 399-24 into two parts (399-24 and 402-24)
• Referred 399-24 (zoning definition) to joint hearing with Planning Board and Rules & Ordinance (9-1)
• Referred 402-24 (hours of operation) to Rules & Ordinance Committee (9-1)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Malden Housing Authority

The Malden Housing Authority will hold a regular board meeting on October 29, 2024, at 8:30 AM. The agenda includes approval of previous meeting minutes, bills, and payment of invoices, as well as review of policies, contracts, charitable requests, and capital project invoices. No significant new proposals or changes are listed.

• Approval of minutes from the previous meeting
• Approval of bills and signing of checks
• Payment of invoices, dues, and contract change orders
• Review of policies and contracts
• Review of charitable requests

The Board authorized a five-year subsidy agreement with EOHLC and approved several service contracts, including laundry equipment and fair housing training. Multiple change orders for the Forestdale ModPhase project were approved, and payments for resident services were authorized.

• Approved EOHLC Subsidy Agreement for 7/1/2025 through 6/30/2029 (4-0)
• Approved $16,348.80 payment to Mystic Valley Elder Services (4-0)
• Approved $4,166.67 payment to YMCA for resident memberships (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Awarded laundry equipment and maintenance bid to Automatic Laundry (4-0)
• Approved two Deiulis Brothers Construction change orders totaling up to $27,000 for Forestdale ModPhase (4-0)
• Approved $125/hour contract with EPC Solutions for HUD energy audit (4-0)
• Approved two Manette Donovan contracts totaling $14,875 for fair housing analysis and training (4-0)
• Authorized specific staff to use MHA credit cards for team building lunches (4-0)

Malden Housing Authority

This is a regular board meeting of the Malden Housing Authority. The agenda includes approval of previous meeting minutes, bills and invoices, policies and contracts, charitable requests, correspondence, capital project documentation, and training/conference offerings. All items are routine procedural matters with no major policy changes or financial decisions specified.

• Approval of minutes from previous meeting
• Approval of bills and signing of checks
• Review of charitable requests
• Review of capital project invoices and requisitions
• Open discussion

The Malden Housing Authority approved a five-year Executive Office of Housing and Local Community subsidy agreement effective July 2025 through June 2029. The board also authorized payments for resident services, laundry contracts, and construction change orders for the Forestdale ModPhase project. Additionally, the board approved task orders for fair housing training and energy audits, as well as credit card use for staff team building.

• Approved 5-year EOHLC Subsidy Agreement (7/15/2025–6/30/2029) (4-0)
• Approved payment to Mystic Valley Elder Services ($16,348.80) (4-0)
• Approved payment to YMCA ($4,166.67) (3-0-1, Molis abstained)
• Awarded laundry contract to Automatic Laundry (4-0)
• Approved Deiulis Brothers change order for concrete reinforcement ($12,000) (4-0)
• Approved Deiulis Brothers change order for deck detail ($15,000) (4-0)
• Approved EPC Solutions task order for energy audit ($125/hr) (4-0)
• Approved Manette Donovan task orders for fair housing ($14,875 total) (4-0)

City Council

The Personnel/Appointments Committee will interview Philip Bronder-Giroux and Lissette Alvarado for a resident member seat on the Community Preservation Committee. The committee will discuss the candidates and may vote on a recommendation for the appointment.

• Interviews for Community Preservation Committee resident member vacancy
• Candidate Philip Bronder-Giroux
• Candidate Lissette Alvarado

City Council

The Finance Committee will meet with Treasurer Dan Grover to discuss potential changes to trash fees in the city. They will also consider approving the minutes from the June 11, 2024 meeting. No other substantive business is listed.

• Revisiting trash fees with Treasurer Dan Grover
• Approval of minutes from June 11, 2024

City Council

The Public Property Committee will meet to discuss GIS maps of public vacant parcels. They will consider petitions from Crown Castle to upgrade existing small wireless facilities at seven locations in the public right-of-way. The committee will also discuss an order to negotiate the acquisition of 15 Ferry Street for historic preservation.

• Discussion of GIS maps of public vacant parcels
• Crown Castle petition to upgrade small cells at 101 Bell Rock Street, 14-16 Greenwood Court, 244-248 Main Street, 621 Main Street, 48 Washington Street, 290 Eastern Avenue, and 10 Mills Street
• Order to negotiate acquisition of 15 Ferry Street (M. Ida Converse Building) for historic preservation
• Approval of minutes from September 24, October 1, and October 8, 2024

The Public Property Committee tabled a proposed order to negotiate the acquisition of the M. Ida Converse Building at 15 Ferry Street for historic preservation. The committee also tabled a discussion on a GIS map of vacant city parcels. Crown Castle small cell facility petitions were listed as tabled papers without action.

• Approved October 8, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled GIS map discussion of vacant parcels (unanimous)
• Tabled Order 98-24 regarding 15 Ferry Street preservation (unanimous)
• Approved September 24, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October 1, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Board of Registrar of Voters

The City of Malden will open and deposit early voted ballots at City Hall from October 29 through November 2. Sessions begin at 9:00 AM daily. No results will be announced until after polls close on November 5.

• Ballot processing at Malden City Hall, 215 Pleasant Street
• Processing dates: October 29, October 30, October 31, November 1, and November 2

City Council

The Malden City Council will consider a consent agenda item that amends the City Code. It adds a definition for "Retail Car Wash" to MCC 12.32.060 and sets operating hours of 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in MCC 6.12.010. The item is sponsored by Councillors Ryan O'Malley and Stephen Winslow and will be referred to the Rules & Ordinance Committee.

• Amend MCC 12.32.060 (Definitions – Zoning) to include "Retail Car Wash" definition
• Amend MCC 6.12.010 (Hours of Operation) to set Retail Car Wash hours 8:00 AM‑6:00 PM
• Sponsors: Councillor Ryan O'Malley and Council President Stephen Winslow; referral to Rules & Ordinance Committee

The Malden City Council voted to split a proposed ordinance on retail car washes into two separate papers. The zoning definition portion (399-24) and the hours of operation portion (402-24) were both referred to a joint public hearing with the Planning Board and Rules & Ordinance committees. The meeting was brief and procedural, with no final decisions made on the ordinance.

• Split Paper 399-24 into two parts; second half renumbered as 402-24
• Referred 399-24 (zoning definition) to joint public hearing (9-1, Spadafora dissenting)
• Referred 402-24 (hours of operation) to joint public hearing (9-1, Spadafora dissenting)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Public Property Committee

The Public Property Committee will approve minutes and discuss maps of vacant public parcels. The body will also hear petitions from Crown Castle to upgrade small wireless facilities at six locations and one at 10 Mills Street. Additionally, the committee will consider a City Council order to negotiate the acquisition of the 15 Ferry Street building for historic preservation.

• Approval of October 8 and September 24, 2024 minutes
• Discussion of GIS maps for public vacant parcels
• Crown Castle small cell upgrades at 101 Bell Rock Street, 14-16 Greenwood Court, 244-248 Main Street, 621 Main Street, 48 Washington Street, and 290 Eastern Avenue
• Crown Castle small cell upgrade at 10 Mills Street
• City Council order to acquire 15 Ferry Street building for historic preservation

The Public Property Committee discussed a GIS map of underdeveloped city-owned parcels and tabled the communication for future discussion. It also took Paper 98-24 off the table to discuss the potential relocation of the M. Ida Converse Building at 15 Ferry Street, deciding to have DigSafe mark utilities to assess feasibility. The committee then tabled the order again. Minutes from previous meetings were approved.

• Approved minutes of October 8, 2024 (unanimous)
• Tabled GIS map communication for future discussion (unanimous)
• Took Paper 98-24 (15 Ferry St.) off the table (unanimous)
• Tabled Order 98-24 after discussion (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 24, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of October 1, 2024 (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is meeting to discuss trash fees with Treasurer Dan Grover. The committee will also review minutes from the June 11, 2024 meeting.

• Review of city trash fees with Treasurer Dan Grover
• Approval of June 11, 2024 meeting minutes

The Finance Committee discussed the city's trash sticker and bag program, noting flat revenue and rising costs. No decisions were made; the committee will reconvene in a few weeks after reviewing tonnage data and composting studies. Any fee changes would not take effect until January 2026.

• Approved minutes of June 11, 2024 (unanimous)
• Discussed trash fee program, no action taken
• Requested trash tonnage data from DPW
• Requested composting case studies from Mass DEP

Personnel/Appointments Committee

The Personnel/Appointments Committee will interview two candidates for a resident member seat on the Community Preservation Committee. After the interviews, the committee will discuss the candidates and make a recommendation. The committee may then vote on the recommended appointment.

• Interview candidate Philip Bronder‑Giroux
• Interview candidate Lissette Alvarado
• Discuss candidates for Community Preservation Committee seat
• Recommend a candidate for appointment
• Vote on the committee’s recommendation

Mystic Valley Regional Charter School

The Board of Trustees will meet to discuss the FY24 audit report and school leadership performance. The meeting includes reports from the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents, and the Treasurer.

• Approval of FY24 Audit Report
• Discussion of MCAS Graduation Requirement
• Review of school leadership performance

Board of Registrar of Voters

Election officials from the City Clerk's Office will conduct pre-election testing of voting equipment on October 26 and 27 during early voting hours. The testing will take place in Room 106 of Malden City Hall until completed.

• Testing of voting machines and ballots for the November 5th State Election
• Testing on Saturday October 26 and Sunday October 27, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Location: City Council Chambers, Room 106, 215 Pleasant St., Malden City Hall

Planning Board

The Malden Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a definitive subdivision plan for 0 State Highway (Parcel ID 185 575 506) submitted by Veris Residential and WinnCompanies LLC on behalf of Overlook Ridge LLC. The proposal would subdivide approximately 14.36 acres in the Rowe's Quarry Reclamation & Redevelopment District to create four building lots and a parcel for a future roadway connection between Overlook Ridge Drive and Route 1. The applicants also request multiple waivers from subdivision regulations. Status updates on the Community Preservation Committee, master planning activities, and the Open Space & Recreation Plan will also be discussed.

• Public hearing on definitive subdivision plan for 0 State Highway (Parcel ID 185 575 506) to create four lots and a roadway parcel
• Waiver requests from regulations including performance guarantee, submission requirements, and design standards
• Status updates on Community Preservation Committee, Master Planning Activities, and Open Space & Recreation Plan
• Applicants: Veris Residential and WinnCompanies LLC on behalf of Overlook Ridge LLC

The Malden Planning Board approved a definitive subdivision plan for 0 State Highway (Rowe's Quarry District) to create four building lots and a future roadway connection parcel, subject to 17 conditions. The board also granted eight requested waivers from subdivision rules. The votes were 9-0 for both the waivers and the application approval.

• Granted 8 waivers from subdivision rules (9-0)
• Approved definitive subdivision plan for 4 lots at 0 State Highway with 17 conditions (9-0)
• Approved performance bond waiver and extended completion timeline to 5 years
• Required installation of Flock surveillance cameras at site entrances
• Required 'No Parking' signage along Overlook Ridge Drive
• Excluded Route 1 connection from approval; future application required after MassDOT approval

Personnel/Appointments Committee

The Personnel/Appointments Committee will meet to approve the minutes from the June 11, 2024 meeting and consider the appointment of Roy Watson to the Conservation Commission. The appointment requires confirmation.

• Approval of 381-24 minutes from June 11, 2024
• Confirmation of Roy Watson to Conservation Commission
• Appointment term expires September 15, 2026
• Roy Watson resides at 108 Hadley Street

The Personnel/Appointments Committee unanimously recommended Roy Watson's mayoral appointment to the Conservation Commission, with a term expiring September 15, 2026. The recommendation will go to the full City Council for confirmation. The committee also approved the June 11, 2024 meeting minutes.

• Approved minutes of June 11, 2024 (unanimous)
• Recommended Roy Watson for Conservation Commission appointment (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss an ordinance requiring rodent control measures at non-owner-occupied properties with 3 or more units. The body will also consider a resolution supporting the elimination of the MCAS high school graduation requirement and receive an update on the Open Space and Recreation Plan.

• Proposed ordinance requiring rodent control for non-owner-occupied properties with 3+ units
• Resolution to support Question 2 to eliminate MCAS high school graduation requirement
• Reappointment of Robert Knox as Director of Public Works and Mikeneil Paul as Senior Center Program Coordinator
• Livery company petition for Tian L & Y Inc. at 15 Burridge Place
• Discussion on the historic preservation and relocation of 15 Ferry Street

The Malden City Council voted 4-2 with one abstention to endorse Question 2, which would eliminate the MCAS high school graduation requirement. The council also unanimously passed an ordinance updating the Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, and confirmed the reappointment of Robert Knox as Director of Public Works. Several other items were referred to committees or approved as part of the consent agenda.

• Endorsed Question 2 to eliminate MCAS graduation requirement (4-2, 1 abstention)
• Passed ordinance updating Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (unanimous)
• Confirmed Robert Knox as Director of Public Works (unanimous)
• Confirmed Mikeneil Paul as Senior Center Program Coordinator (unanimous)
• Approved livery company and driver petitions (unanimous)
• Confirmed 12 Malden Youth Council members (unanimous)
• Referred rodent control ordinance to Rules & Ordinance Committee (unanimous)
• Referred motor vehicle services ordinance to joint public hearing (unanimous)

City Council

The Malden City Council will discuss updates to the Open Space and Recreation Plan and vote on several mayoral appointments. The body is considering a new ordinance requiring rodent control for non-owner-occupied properties with 3 or more units.

• Proposed ordinance requiring rodent control for non-owner-occupied properties with 3+ units
• Resolution to support Question 2 to eliminate the MCAS high school graduation requirement
• Reappointment of Robert Knox as Director of Public Works and Mikeneil Paul as Senior Center Program Coordinator
• Livery company petition for Tian L & Y Inc. at 15 Burridge Place
• Discussion on the historic preservation and relocation of 15 Ferry Street

The Malden City Council voted 4-2-1 to endorse Question 2, which would eliminate the MCAS high school graduation requirement. The council also unanimously ordained an amendment to the Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability ordinance, and referred two proposed ordinances to committees for further review.

• Endorsed Question 2 to eliminate MCAS graduation requirement (4-2-1)
• Ordained amendment to Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability ordinance (unanimous)
• Referred rodent control ordinance for non-owner-occupied 3+ unit properties to Rules & Ordinance Committee (unanimous)
• Referred motor vehicle services zoning amendments to joint public hearing (unanimous)
• Confirmed Robert Knox as Director of Public Works (unanimous)
• Confirmed Mikeneil Paul as Senior Center Program Coordinator (unanimous)
• Granted livery company petition for Tian L & Y Inc. (unanimous)
• Granted livery driver petition for Chaohua Yuan (unanimous)

City Council

The Personnel/Appointments Committee is meeting to approve previous minutes and review a mayoral appointment. The body will consider the confirmation of Roy Watson to the Conservation Commission.

• Confirmation of Roy Watson (108 Hadley Street) to the Conservation Commission through September 15, 2026
• Approval of June 11, 2024 minutes

Board of Registrar of Voters

Election officials from the City Clerk's Office will conduct testing of voting equipment in preparation for the November 5th State Election. Testing takes place during early voting hours on October 19th and 20th in the City Council Chambers.

• Testing of voting machines and ballots for November 5th State Election
• Testing scheduled for Saturday Oct 19 and Sunday Oct 20, 9 AM to 1 PM
• Location: Room 106, City Council Chambers, 215 Pleasant St, Malden City Hall
• Process will continue until completed
• Testing occurs during early voting hours

Council on Aging

The Malden Council on Aging Commission will discuss senior center programs including nurses and social services, and recap a meeting between the mayor and ping pong enthusiasts regarding the senior center situation. They will also vote on posting the previous meeting's summary and review a plan from the 'Sunshine' committee. No formal decisions on funding or policy are expected.

• Recap of last meeting by Maryann Seager
• Vote on posting last meeting's summary
• Discussion of Senior Center programs: nurses, social services, Council on November 12
• Summary of meeting between Mayor and ping pong enthusiasts regarding Senior Center situation
• "Sunshine" committee's plan

The Malden Council on Aging met on October 17, 2024, and handled routine business. Members voted to hold future meetings on November 14 and December 19. The Council also supported the Senior Center Coordinator's position on keeping a shortened ping pong schedule after four new tables were installed.

• Voted to hold next meeting on November 14 and December 19
• Supported Mike's position on shortened ping pong schedule after 4 new tables installed
• Accepted September minutes to be posted

Police Community Advisory Committee

This meeting of the Malden Police Community Advisory Council is largely procedural, covering roll call, approval of September meeting minutes, updates on the council banner and email, and a discussion on tabling at community events. No significant decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Discussion on goals, process, and recent tabling at community events

The Police Community Advisory Council held a planning meeting with no formal votes or decisions. Members discussed creating bylaws, a mission statement, a website, QR codes, and outreach materials, and agreed to action items like drafting a 100-word description, a brochure, and a letter to community groups. The next meeting is scheduled for November 20.

• Agreed to create a PCAC webpage (Carey to draft)
• Agreed to draft a brochure (Vinny)
• Agreed to draft a letter to community groups (Chloe)
• Agreed to plan a coffee event with police (Vinny)
• Agreed to invite city solicitor to next meeting (Kashawna)
• Agreed to hold next meeting Nov 20, 7:00 PM, City Hall Room 113

Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee is meeting to continue the application process for the Malden Youth Council.

• Interviews with Malden Youth Council applicants

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will meet to review full applications for five FY25 projects. The body will also address the 2024 Annual Report.

• Pearl Street Envelope Assessment
• Oliver Street Envelope Assessment
• Forest Dale Cemetery Wall
• Forest Dale Cemetery Pond
• Saint Paul’s Church Envelope Assessment

The Malden Community Preservation Committee met on October 16, 2024, to review several FY25 funding applications, including envelope assessments for two city-owned historic buildings, a cemetery wall and pond restoration, and a church envelope assessment. No final funding decisions were made; the committee will schedule public hearings for November and December. The committee also approved its 2024 Annual Report, with an added goal to allocate more than the required 10% of annual CPA revenue to the Affordable Housing Reserve.

• Approved minutes from September 17, 2024 (5-0)
• Approved 2024 Annual Report as modified (5-0)
• Scheduled public hearings for November (Elder Support, Devir Park, Affordable Housing Trust) and December (Forest Dale Cemetery projects, building assessments, Saint Paul's Church)
• No funding decisions made on FY25 applications; questions to be sent to applicants in writing

Emergency Management Team

This is a routine monthly meeting of the Malden Emergency Management Team. Members will review past and planned emergency activations, receive an update from the Community Emergency Response (CERT) team, and discuss the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG). Department reports will be given by Fire, Public Health, Communications, DPW, Police, Schools, and Public Facilities.

• Review of any emergency management activations in the previous month
• Planned emergency management activations for the upcoming month
• Community Emergency Response (CERT) team update
• Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) discussion
• Member reports from Fire, Public Health, Communications, DPW, Police, Schools, and Public Facilities

The Emergency Management Team approved the minutes from its September meeting. The Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) is complete and will be presented to the City Council for approval before finalization. The committee discussed grant planning: the FY2023 grant decision is still required, and all grant funds must be allocated by December 2024. No new business was reported, and the meeting adjourned at 4:28 PM.

• Approved minutes from the September meeting
• CEMP completed and will be presented to City Council for approval before finalization
• FY2023 grant usage decision still required (this meeting or next month)
• All grant funds must be allocated by December 2024
• No new business reported

City Council

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee will meet to approve minutes and continue the process of interviewing applicants for the Malden Youth Council. No other substantive decisions or discussions are listed on the agenda.

• Continuation of interviews with Malden Youth Council applicants

Retirement Board

The Malden Retirement Board will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and financial reports, hear a presentation on third-quarter investment performance from de Burlo Group, and enroll 11 new members. The board will also address deceased member benefits, process withdrawals/transfers, and receive the director's report on various updates. The meeting will conclude with an executive session to discuss an accidental disability application and a personnel opinion letter.

• Approval of prior meeting minutes and expense/payroll warrants
• Presentation by de Burlo Group on 3rd quarter 2024 performance
• Enrollment of 11 new members across school, fire, and other departments
• Notification of 5 deceased members with benefit options adjustments
• Executive session for Michael Buckley accidental disability application and Lorraine LaFauci/Michael Sacco opinion letter

The Malden Retirement Board approved routine items including September minutes, expense and payroll warrants, and cash reconciliations. The board accepted 11 new members, four withdrawals/transfers, and approved attendance at the Fall MACRS Convention. In executive session, the board voted to send two disability-related applications to the medical panel.

• Accepted September board minutes, October expense warrant, September cash book and payroll warrant (unanimous)
• Accepted 11 new members including school ESPs, a fire commissioner, and an MHA maintenance worker (unanimous)
• Accepted four withdrawals/transfers to Woburn, Saugus, MTRS, and Nationwide (unanimous)
• Approved board and staff attendance at Fall MACRS Convention (unanimous)
• Voted to review 10 securities litigation RFPs at next meeting (unanimous)
• Sent Michael Buckley accidental disability application to medical panel pending records (unanimous)
• Sent Lorraine LaFauci application to medical panel with prepared questions from Attorney Michael Sacco (unanimous)

Traffic Commission

The Malden Traffic Commission will hear two appeals from residents whose requests for handicapped parking spots were denied due to driveway access. New business includes requests for a speed table and raised crosswalk on Elm Street, a rapid yellow flashing beacon at a crosswalk where a crossing guard was recently struck, resident permit parking on Vining Street, and a no-parking fire lane on Washington Place. The commission will also revisit numerous tabled items from past meetings, including speed tables on Bainbridge Street and signs on Upland Road.

• Appeals of denied handicapped parking by Michael J. French (17 Seaview Ave) and Rita Lam (42 Fairview Terr)
• Speed table, raised crosswalk, and 'don't block the box' paint on Elm St at Highland Av
• Rapid yellow flashing beacon at Coleman and Hunting St crosswalk where crossing guard was hit
• Resident permit parking on Vining Street and adjacent section of Salem St
• No-parking fire lane on Washington Place (private way)

The Malden Traffic Commission approved a handicapped parking sign for Michael French at 17 Seaview Ave, reversing a prior denial, and tabled several other requests pending further study or input. The commission also approved 'Crossing Ahead' signs and 'stop ahead' paint on Highland Avenue near Elm Street. No other substantive decisions were made; most items were tabled.

• Approved handicapped parking sign at 17 Seaview Ave (unanimous)
• Tabled handicapped parking appeal for 42 Fairview Terr (unanimous)
• Tabled speed calming infrastructure at Elm St @ Highland Av (unanimous)
• Approved 'Crossing Ahead' signs and 'stop ahead' paint at Highland Ave @ Elm St (unanimous)
• Tabled resident permit parking on Vining Street (unanimous)
• Tabled rapid yellow flashing beacon at Coleman @ Hunting (unanimous)
• Tabled no parking fire lane on Washington Place (unanimous)

Cannabis Licensing and Enforcement Commission

The Cannabis Licensing and Enforcement Commission will meet to discuss updates to the initial licensing period and license limits, as well as elect a new chairperson. The commission will also receive updates on ordinance changes, host community agreements, and current applicants.

• Election of new chairperson
• Discussion on initial licensing period and license limit updates
• Update on ordinance changes
• Status of host community agreements and ongoing discussions
• Status update on current applicants

The Cannabis Licensing and Enforcement Commission elected Ron Hogan as its new chair after Deano Summers stepped down. The commission also discussed updates on licensing, ordinance changes, and host community agreements, but no formal votes were taken on these topics.

• Approved minutes of March 19, 2024 (unanimous)
• Elected Ron Hogan as Chair (unanimous)

Mystic Valley Development Commission

The Mystic Valley Development Commission will meet to vote on the FY25 Budget and the rescinding of the budget for July and August. The body will also discuss a PILOT payment and an MBTA Lease Agreement for Wellington Greenway.

• Vote to approve FY25 Budget
• Vote to rescind the 2/12th budget for July and August
• MBTA Lease Agreement Wellington Greenway
• PILOT Payment discussion

Licensing Board

The Malden Licensing Board will hold a public hearing to consider two alcohol beverage license requests. The board will review a license transfer and a previously tabled application.

• Transfer of $12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License from Brianthy Restaurant Inc (D/B/A Pho Hoa) to Malden BBQ Inc (D/B/A BBQ Chicken Malden) at 8 Pleasant Street
• Hearing for tabled application from Gochi Cuisine, Inc (D/B/A GoChi) at 290 Main Street for an on premises $12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages 7 day license

The Malden Licensing Board approved a one-day alcohol license for Idle Hands Craft Ales' holiday market, an S12 restaurant all-alcohol license for GoChi, and a license transfer from Pho Bistro to BBQ Chicken Malden, subject to Board of Health approval. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved one-day alcohol license for Idle Hands Craft Ales holiday market (2-0)
• Approved S12 restaurant all-alcohol license for GoChi (2-0)
• Approved license transfer from Pho Bistro to BBQ Chicken Malden, subject to Board of Health approval (2-0)

Malden Housing Authority

The Malden Housing Authority will meet to conduct regular business. The board will review financial payments, contracts, and capital project invoices.

• Approval of bills and signing of checks
• Approval of payment of invoices, dues, and contract change orders
• Review of policies and contracts
• Review of charitable requests
• Review of capital project invoices and requisitions for payment

The Malden Housing Authority unanimously approved its FY2025 budget, including the Executive Director's salary of $182,368, and elected new board officers. The board also approved multiple payments, including rent registers, insurance, and a change order for construction work.

• Elected new board officers: Nystrom Chair, Hurley Vice Chair, Molis Secretary, Chiasson Treasurer, Lawhorne Assistant Treasurer (5-0)
• Approved minutes of 9/17/24 and 9/24/24 (5-0)
• Approved September 2024 rent registers totaling $5,857,506.50 (5-0)
• Approved FY2025 budget including Executive Director salary of $182,368 (5-0)
• Authorized Executive Director salary certification for FY2025 (5-0)
• Corrected April 2024 Leased Housing payment to $1,591,819.68 (5-0)
• Approved YMCA invoice of $4,166.67 for resident memberships (4-0-1)
• Approved $6,000 for holiday gift cards for residents (4-0)

Sign Design Review Committee

The Sign Design Review Committee will meet to consider seven applications for new or modified signage at local businesses. The agenda includes routine approvals of minutes and updates from compliance officers, followed by public hearings on each application. No fiscal actions or policy changes are on the table.

• 58A Summer St – Body Flex Pilates Academy
• 433 Charles St – Destiny Nails
• 155 Beach St – Dunkin Donuts
• 77 Broadway – Maxima Auto Sales
• 129 Charles St – Auto Body Squad

The Malden Sign Design Review Committee approved sign applications for Body Flex Pilates Academy, Destiny Nails & Spa, Maxima Auto Sales, and Dunkin Donuts, all with conditions except Dunkin Donuts. The committee tabled applications from Auto Body Squad pending building owner discussions and could not review Laa Cuevva and Laa Tiendaa because no one attended. The September 2024 minutes were tabled due to lack of quorum.

• Approved Body Flex Pilates Academy sign application (3-0)
• Approved Destiny Nails & Spa sign with conditions (3-0)
• Approved Maxima Auto Sales sign with conditions (3-0)
• Tabled Auto Body Squad sign applications (3-0)
• Approved Dunkin Donuts sign application (3-0)
• Tabled September 2024 minutes due to no quorum

Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District

The Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District School Committee will hold a regular meeting with standard agenda items including an executive session for collective bargaining. The meeting will also cover approval of minutes, personnel reports, bids, and other routine business.

• Executive session for collective bargaining
• Approval of minutes
• Personnel reports
• Bids
• Reports & communications

Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee will begin the process of meeting with applicants for the Malden Youth Council. No other decisions or actions are listed on the agenda.

• Begin process to meet with applicants for the Malden Youth Council

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee interviewed six applicants for the new Malden Youth Council, gathering their backgrounds and goals. No appointments were made; interviews will continue on October 16, 2024. The meeting was procedural, with no formal decisions or votes on appointments.

• Interviewed six Youth Council applicants (no vote taken)
• Continued candidate interviews scheduled for October 16, 2024
• Adjourned meeting at 7:06 PM (unanimous)

Human Rights & Fair Housing Commission

The Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission will discuss new complaints regarding 12 Garland St and Altitude Apartments. The board will also approve minutes from several past meetings and address commission vacancies. No votes on ordinances or budgets are scheduled.

• New complaint: 12 Garland St
• New complaint: Altitude Apartments
• Approval of minutes from July 2024, September 2024, and several 2023 meetings
• Discussion of commission vacancies

The Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission approved meeting minutes for July and September, and separately approved other outstanding minutes. Members noted two new complaints (12 Garland Street and Altitude Apartments) that are in litigation with the city, and discussed vacancies and outreach activities. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Approved July and September meeting minutes (motion by Comm. Shutt, seconded by Comm. Finn)
• Approved remaining outstanding minutes (motion by Comm. Macklin, seconded by Comm. Finn)

Disability Commission

This regular meeting includes roll call, approval of minutes, and election of a vice chair. The commission will hear updates on the ADA Self-Evaluation, an information card, emergency services cards, the Social Security "Cliff Effect" letter, and Ward 8 accessibility. New business covers commission procedures, sensory rooms at schools, IEP policies, and community events such as HealthFest.

• Election of Vice Chair position
• ADA Self-Evaluation Policy Subcommittee report and updates
• Social Security "Cliff Effect" letter discussion
• Ward 8 Accessibility: Overlook Drive to CVS
• Sensory Rooms at Schools discussion

The Disability Commission unanimously elected Chukwuka Ezewuzie as Vice-Chair and tabled the minutes from the July and September meetings. Members discussed updates on accessibility projects, including an emergency services card for deaf/hard-of-hearing residents and a Ward 8 sidewalk improvement effort. No other substantive decisions were made; several items were deferred to the next meeting.

• Elected Chukwuka Ezewuzie as Vice-Chair (unanimous)
• Tabled minutes of July 11 and September 12 meetings (unanimous)

City Council

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee will meet to start the process of interviewing applicants for the Malden Youth Council. The meeting includes roll call, approval of minutes, and other business before adjournment. No other substantive items are listed.

• Begin process of meeting with applicants for the Malden Youth Council

City Council

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee will meet to start the process of interviewing applicants for the Malden Youth Council. No other substantive business is listed on the agenda.

• Start of applicant meetings for the Malden Youth Council

The Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee interviewed six applicants for the new Malden Youth Council, discussing their backgrounds and goals. No appointments were made; interviews will continue on October 16, 2024. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Interviewed six Youth Council applicants (no vote)
• Continued candidate interviews scheduled for Oct 16, 2024
• Adjourned meeting at 7:06 PM (unanimous)

City Council

The Council will adopt the 2024 update to the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, approve a zoning definition that places car washes under the service‑station category, and consider several code amendments and petitions, including a request for a community garden on the vacant Goodwin Avenue parcel and historic preservation of the 15 Ferry Street building.

• Adopt Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan 2024 Update (Item 374-24)
• Define car washes as service stations in the zoning code (Item 375-24)
• Amend Code Title 12, Chapter .12, Section 500 for site‑plan review of educational and religious uses (Item 356-24)
• Petition for extended hours (5:00 AM‑11:00 PM) for Williams Services, LLC DBA Laundry + at 705 Eastern Avenue (Item 354-24)
• Order to review vacant property on Goodwin Avenue (Parcel 091 776 612) for possible community garden (Item 53-24)

The Malden City Council adopted the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan 2024 Update and approved amendments to zoning ordinances, including site plan review for educational, religious, and child care facilities, and the Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability. A resolution on car wash definitions was tabled, and several appointments and licenses were approved.

• Adopted Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan 2024 Update (unanimous)
• Amended and referred site plan review ordinance for educational, religious, and child care facilities to public hearing (unanimous)
• Amended and ordained Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability ordinance (8-0)
• Tabled resolution on car wash zoning definition (5-4)
• Granted pool table license to Fernandez Barbershop 2 (unanimous)
• Granted extended hours to Laundry + (unanimous)
• Granted taxi driver license to Pablo M. De Sousa (unanimous)
• Adopted order for Goodwin Avenue property as urban pocket forest (unanimous)

License Committee

The License Committee will take roll call, approve the minutes from the October 1 meeting, and consider three new license petitions. One petition seeks a Class II license for Beach Street Gas and Service at 200 Beach Street for 15 cars. The other two petitions request a livery company license for Tian L & Y Inc. at 15 Burridge Place for one vehicle and a livery driver license for Chaohua Yuan at the same address. The meeting will adjourn after these items.

• Petition Class II: Beach Street Gas and Service, 200 Beach Street, 15 cars (new)
• Petition Livery Company: Tian L & Y Inc., 15 Burridge Place, 1 vehicle (new)
• Petition Livery Driver: Chaohua Yuan, 15 Burridge Place (new)
• Approval of 368-24 Minutes from October 1, 2024
• Roll Call

The License Committee tabled the Class II license petition for Beach Street Gas and Service for two months to allow the owner to address concerns about parking, debris, and other issues. The committee also recommended favorably two livery petitions for Tian L & Y Inc. and Chaohua Yuan to the City Council. Minutes from the October 1, 2024 meeting were approved unanimously.

• Approved minutes of October 1, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Tabled Beach Street Gas and Service Class II petition for two months (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably livery company petition for Tian L & Y Inc. (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably livery driver petition for Chaohua Yuan (unanimous)

Public Property Committee

The Public Property Committee is discussing petitions from Crown Castle to upgrade small cell wireless facilities on utility poles. The body is also reviewing orders regarding the preservation of the M. Ida Converse Building and the potential use of a vacant property for a community garden.

• Petition 252-24: Crown Castle upgrades to small cells at 101 Bell Rock St, 14-16 Greenwood Ct, 244-248 Main St, 621 Main St, 48 Washington St, and 290 Eastern Ave
• Petition 327-24: Crown Castle upgrade to small cell facility at 10 Mills Street
• Order 98-24: Negotiation to acquire 15 Ferry Street (M. Ida Converse Building) for historic preservation
• Order 100-24: Investigation of using the Ferry Street Parking Lot (Parcel ID 075 272 205) to relocate 15 Ferry Street
• Order 53-24: Review of vacant property on Goodwin Avenue (Parcel 091 776 612) for use as a community garden

The Public Property Committee voted to take Paper 53-24 off the table, amend it, and report it out favorably to the full City Council to endorse a plan for a pocket forest at City Assessor's Parcel 091776612. The committee also tabled the minutes from October 1, 2024, and discussed other pending matters including small wireless facility petitions and historic property preservation without taking final votes on those items.

• Tabled the Committee Minutes of October 1, 2024 (unanimous)
• Taken Paper 53-24 off the table regarding Goodwin Avenue parcel usage (unanimous)
• Amended the order for Paper 53-24 to include endorsement of a pocket forest at Parcel 091776612 (unanimous)
• Recommended Paper 53-24 out favorably to the full City Council as amended

City Council

The License Committee will meet to approve minutes and review three new petitions. The body is considering license requests for a gas station and livery services.

• Petition 315-24: Class II license for Beach Street Gas and Service at 200 Beach Street (15 cars)
• Petition 319-24: Livery Company license for Tian L & Y Inc. at 15 Burridge Place (1 vehicle)
• Petition 320-24: Livery Driver license for Chaohua Yuan at 15 Burridge Place

The Malden License Committee approved minutes from October 1, 2024, and voted to table a Class II petition for Beach Street Gas and Service for two months to address property concerns. The committee also recommended favorably to the City Council a livery company petition and a livery driver petition for Tian L & Y Inc. and Chaohua Yuan at 15 Burridge Place.

• Approved October 1, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled Beach Street Gas and Service Class II petition for two months (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably Tian L & Y Inc. livery company petition to City Council (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably Chaohua Yuan livery driver petition to City Council (unanimous)

City Council

The Public Property Committee is considering petitions from Crown Castle to upgrade existing small wireless facilities on utility poles at seven locations across Malden. The agenda also includes tabled orders regarding the historic preservation of the 15 Ferry Street building and a review of a vacant Goodwin Avenue property for potential use as a community garden.

• Petition to upgrade small cell facilities at 101 Bell Rock Street, 14-16 Greenwood Court, 244-248 Main Street, 621 Main Street, 48 Washington Street, and 290 Eastern Avenue
• Separate petition to upgrade small cell facilities at 10 Mills Street
• Order to negotiate acquisition of 15 Ferry Street (M. Ida Converse Building) for historic preservation
• Order to investigate relocating 15 Ferry Street to a portion of the Ferry Street Parking Lot
• Order to review usage of vacant property on Goodwin Avenue (Parcel 091 776 612) for community garden feasibility

The Public Property Committee voted unanimously to recommend favorably to the full City Council a plan to implement a pocket forest at the vacant Goodwin Avenue property (Assessor's Parcel 091776612), amending the original order to include this endorsement. The committee also tabled approval of the October 1, 2024 minutes and discussed, but did not vote on, petitions from Crown Castle to upgrade small wireless facilities at seven locations. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended favorably to full council the amended order endorsing a pocket forest at Goodwin Ave parcel 091776612 (unanimous)
• Tabled approval of October 1, 2024 committee minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed Crown Castle small cell upgrade petitions at 7 locations; no vote taken

Public Works Commission

The Malden Public Works Commission will consider a letter requesting a memorial bench at Fellsmere Pond, approve two curb cut requests, and hold scheduled hearings for water abatements at dozens of residential addresses. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and routine scheduling.

• Letter for a memorial bench at Fellsmere Pond from Haiser Acosta
• Curb cut approval request at 19 Monroe Street
• Curb cut approval request at 218 Tremont Street
• Scheduled water abatement hearings from 4:00 PM to 6:35 PM for over 30 addresses

The Public Works Commission approved two curb cut applications (218 Tremont St. and 19 Monroe St.), approved two drainlayers (T.J. Keenan Excavation and RYBO, Inc.), and approved a memorial bench request at Fellsmere Pond. The Commission also granted 19 water/sewer bill abatements totaling $33,000+ for various properties due to leaks or meter errors, and rescheduled or cancelled several other abatement requests.

• Approved curb cut for Matthew Gambale, 218 Tremont St. (all in favor)
• Approved curb cut for Liliana Monroy, 19 Monroe St. (all in favor)
• Approved memorial bench at Fellsmere Pond (all in favor)
• Approved drainlayers application for T.J. Keenan Excavation (all in favor)
• Approved drainlayers application for RYBO, Inc. (all in favor)
• Granted 19 water/sewer abatements totaling $33,000+ (all in favor)
• Rescheduled 5 abatement requests to November/December
• No action on Dicky Nyoekhangsar's request (rescheduled to December)

City Council

The City Council will discuss the adoption of the 2024 Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and various zoning code amendments. The meeting includes a pre-election update from the City Clerk and several mayoral appointments to city commissions.

• Adoption of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan 2024 Update
• Proposed zoning definition change to classify car washes as service stations
• Proposed site plan review ordinance for educational and religious uses
• Review of vacant property on Goodwin Avenue for potential use as a community garden
• Licensing petitions for a pool table at 1000 Eastern Avenue and extended hours for 705 Eastern Avenue

The Malden City Council adopted the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan 2024 Update and ordained an amended ordinance updating the Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability. Several other items were approved, including a site plan review ordinance referral, license petitions, and a pocket forest order. A resolution on car wash zoning was tabled.

• Adopted Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan 2024 Update (unanimous)
• Ordained amended Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability ordinance (8-0)
• Amended and referred site plan review ordinance for educational/religious/child care facilities to joint public hearing (unanimous)
• Granted pool table license to Fernandez Barbershop 2 (unanimous)
• Granted extended hours to Laundry + (unanimous)
• Granted taxi driver license to Pablo M. De Sousa (unanimous)
• Adopted order for Goodwin Avenue property as urban pocket forest (unanimous)
• Tabled car wash zoning resolution (5-4)

Racial Equity Commission

The Malden Racial Equity Commission will meet to discuss the timeline for committee tasks and strategies for implementation. Members will receive updates on the Racial Equity Audit, including next steps from HCH recommendations. The agenda also includes recaps of past public meetings on DEI and the upcoming Community Connection Day.

• Discuss timeline for committee tasks and implementation strategies
• Updates on Racial Equity Audit, including HCH recommendations
• Recap of DEI public meetings held on 2/7/24 and 6/27/24
• Community Connection Day on 10/5/24
• Schedule next meeting

Cultural Council

The Malden Cultural Council is holding its fall meeting to prepare for FY25 grantmaking, including deciding between direct grant making and reimbursement. They will also set meeting dates for the year, assign council roles (Chair, Co-Chair, Treasurer), and discuss ways to improve community presence and support for artists.

• Discussion on FY25 grantmaking guidelines: direct grant vs. reimbursement
• Set meeting dates for voting, winter, spring, and summer meetings
• Vote on council roles: Chair, Co-Chair, Treasurer, etc.
• Brainstorm ways to increase community presence and fundraise for more projects
• Council member introductions and goal setting for FY25

Public Property Committee

The Public Property Committee will hold a public hearing on a petition to upgrade small wireless facilities at 10 Mills Street. The committee also discusses orders to preserve the M. Ida Converse Building at 15 Ferry Street and evaluate a vacant Goodwin Avenue property for a community garden.

• Public hearing on Crown Castle small cell upgrades at 10 Mills Street
• Discussion on preserving M. Ida Converse Building at 15 Ferry Street
• Review of vacant Goodwin Avenue property for community garden use
• Orders to investigate acquiring 15 Ferry Street for historic preservation
• Orders to investigate relocating building to Ferry Street Parking Lot

The Public Property Committee held a public hearing regarding Crown Castle's petition to upgrade wireless facilities at 10 Mills Street. The committee tabled this petition and several others to allow Crown Castle to explore lower-profile installation options, such as using existing light poles instead of large shrouded cabinets. The committee also agreed to extend the determination deadline for these petitions to November 30, 2024.

• Tabled September 24, 2024 minutes (3-0)
• Closed public hearing for Paper #327-24 (3-0)
• Tabled Paper #327-24 (3-0)
• Tabled Paper #252-24 (3-0)
• Extended determination deadline for Crown Castle petitions to Nov 30, 2024

License Committee

The License Committee is meeting to consider several new petitions for business operations and driver licenses. The agenda includes requests for pool table installation, extended operating hours, and taxi certifications.

• Petition 353-24: One pool table for Fernandez Barbershop 2 at 1000 Eastern Avenue
• Petition 354-24: Extended hours (5:00AM - 11:00PM) for Williams Services, LLC DBA Laundry + at 705 Eastern Avenue
• Petition 355-24: Taxi driver license for Pablo M. De Sousa
• Petition 315-24: Class II license for Beach Street Gas and Service at 200 Beach Street
• Petition 319-24: Livery Company license for Tian L & Y Inc. at 15 Burridge Place

The License Committee voted unanimously to recommend favorably to the City Council three new petitions: a pool table at Fernandez Barbershop 2, extended hours for Laundry+ (with the owner proving payment of a compliance fine), and a taxi driver license for Pablo M. De Sousa. The committee tabled two petitions: Beach Street Gas and Service (Class II license) pending further discussion with the owner, and Tian L & Y Inc. (livery company) and Chaohua Yuan (livery driver) with no final action recorded. The meeting adjourned at 5:53 PM.

• Approved minutes of September 17, 2024 (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably pool table petition for Fernandez Barbershop 2 (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably extended hours petition for Laundry+ (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably taxi driver petition for Pablo M. De Sousa (unanimous)
• Tabled Class II petition for Beach Street Gas and Service (unanimous)
• Tabled livery company petition for Tian L & Y Inc. (unanimous)
• Tabled livery driver petition for Chaohua Yuan (unanimous)

Rules & Ordinance Committee

The Rules & Ordinance Committee will consider two code amendments. The first adds a site‑plan review requirement for educational and religious uses to Title 12, Chapter .12, Section 500. The second rewrites the ordinance governing the Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Title 2, Chapter 16, Section 060. Both items are presented as ordinances to be adopted by the City Council.

• Ordinance 356-24: Add Title 12, Chapter .12, Section 500 SITE PLAN REVIEW – EDUCATIONAL AND RELIGIOUS USES (Sponsor: Stephen Winslow)
• Ordinance 357-24: Strike and replace Title 2, Chapter 16, Section 060 COMMISSION ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY (Sponsors: Carey McDonald, Karen Colon Hayes, Peg Crowe, Amanda Linehan, Ari Taylor, Stephen Winslow)

The Rules & Ordinance Committee unanimously recommended two ordinances to the full City Council. The first adds a site plan review requirement for educational, religious, and child care facilities, with amendments to include child care and align submission procedures. The second revises the Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, including new youth member appointment and term rules. Minutes from the prior meeting were tabled for revision.

• Recommended favorably as amended Paper 356-24 (site plan review for educational, religious, and child care facilities) (unanimous)
• Amended Paper 356-24 to add 'and/or child care facilities' to the title (unanimous)
• Amended Paper 356-24 to strike 'the City Clerk for' from submission materials (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably as amended Paper 357-24 (Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability) (unanimous)
• Amended Paper 357-24 to revise youth member appointment and term limits (unanimous)
• Tabled approval of September 17, 2024 minutes pending updated draft (unanimous)

City Council

The Public Property Committee will hold a public hearing on a petition from Crown Castle to upgrade existing small wireless facilities (small cells) on a utility pole at 10 Mills Street. The committee also will discuss tabled petitions for similar upgrades at six other locations and consider orders related to preserving the historic 15 Ferry Street building and reviewing a vacant Goodwin Avenue property for a community garden.

• Public hearing on Paper #327-24: Crown Castle upgrade of small cells at 10 Mills Street
• Tabled Paper #252-24: Crown Castle upgrades at 101 Bell Rock Street, 14-16 Greenwood Court, 244-248 Main Street, 621 Main Street, 48 Washington Street, and 290 Eastern Avenue
• Order #98-24: City Council to negotiate acquiring 15 Ferry Street (M. Ida Converse Building) for historic preservation
• Order #100-24: City Council to investigate relocating 15 Ferry Street to a portion of the Ferry Street Parking Lot
• Order #53-24: Review vacant property on Goodwin Avenue for feasibility as a community garden

The Public Property Committee held a public hearing regarding Crown Castle's petition to upgrade small wireless facilities at 10 Mills Street. The committee tabled this petition and others related to wireless facility upgrades to allow the petitioner to explore lower-profile installation options, such as using existing light poles. The committee also agreed to extend the deadline for these petitions to November 30, 2024.

• Tabled minutes of September 24, 2024 (3-0)
• Closed public hearing for Paper #327-24 (3-0)
• Tabled Paper #327-24 (3-0)
• Tabled Paper #252-24 (3-0)

City Council

The License Committee is meeting to consider several new petitions for business operations and driver licenses. The body will also review previously tabled petitions regarding a gas station and livery services.

• Petition 353-24: Pool table for Fernandez Barbershop 2 at 1000 Eastern Avenue
• Petition 354-24: Extended hours (5:00AM - 11:00PM) for Williams Services, LLC DBA Laundry + at 705 Eastern Avenue
• Petition 355-24: Taxi driver license for Pablo M. De Sousa
• Petition 315-24: Class II license for Beach Street Gas and Service at 200 Beach Street
• Petition 319-24 and 320-24: Livery company and driver licenses for Tian L & Y Inc. and Chaohua Yuan

The License Committee unanimously recommended approval of three new petitions to the full City Council: a pool table at Fernandez Barbershop 2, extended hours for Laundry+ (with a compliance fine paid), and a new taxi driver license for Pablo M. De Sousa. The committee tabled the Class II license petition for Beach Street Gas and Service due to concerns about property conditions and capacity, and also tabled two livery-related petitions (Tian L & Y Inc. and Chaohua Yuan) pending further information. The meeting was adjourned at 5:53 PM.

• Approved minutes of September 17, 2024 (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably: Pool table petition for Fernandez Barbershop 2 (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably: Extended hours petition for Laundry+ (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably: Taxi driver petition for Pablo M. De Sousa (unanimous)
• Tabled: Class II petition for Beach Street Gas and Service (unanimous)
• Tabled: Livery company petition for Tian L & Y Inc. (unanimous)
• Tabled: Livery driver petition for Chaohua Yuan (unanimous)

City Council

The Rules & Ordinance Committee will discuss two ordinances: one adding site plan review requirements for educational and religious uses to the city code, and another amending the Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability ordinance. They will also vote on approving the minutes from the September 17, 2024 meeting.

• Ordinance 356-24: Adding site plan review for educational and religious uses to Title 12 of the Malden City Code
• Ordinance 357-24: Amending the Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability ordinance (Title 2, Chapter 16, Section 060)
• Approval of minutes from the September 17, 2024 meeting

The Rules & Ordinance Committee voted unanimously to recommend two amended ordinances to the full City Council. The first adds a site plan review requirement for educational, religious, and child care facilities. The second revises the Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, including new youth member appointment rules. The committee also tabled approval of its September 17 minutes pending an updated draft.

• Recommended favorably as amended Paper 356-24, adding site plan review for educational, religious, and child care facilities (unanimous)
• Amended Paper 356-24 to include child care facilities in the ordinance text (unanimous)
• Amended Paper 356-24 to remove City Clerk as submission recipient (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably as amended Paper 357-24, updating the Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (unanimous)
• Amended Paper 357-24 to set youth member terms at one year, max three years, with annual public posting (unanimous)
• Tabled approval of September 17, 2024 committee minutes pending updated draft (unanimous)

Cemetery Trustees

The Malden Cemetery Trustees will hold a regular meeting to discuss routine cemetery business. Agenda items include approval of minutes, correspondence, a trust report, a superintendent's report, and reviews of cemetery fees and rules and regulations. No specific votes or dollar amounts are listed.

• Review of Cemetery Fees
• Review of Cemetery Rules and Regulations
• Trust Report
• Superintendent's Report
• Approval of prior meeting minutes

The Malden Cemetery Board of Trustees met on June 17, 2024, to hear an investment portfolio presentation from Rockland Trust regarding the Prudent Investor Rule. The Board also approved the May 15, 2024 meeting minutes, accepted the Trust Report for May perpetual care income, and accepted the Superintendent's Report on burials and cemetery maintenance.

• Suspended docket rules to change agenda order (Carried)
• Approved May 15, 2024 meeting minutes (All in favor)
• Accepted Trust/Treasurer Report for May perpetual care income of $25,795.81 (All in favor)
• Accepted Superintendent's Report (All in favor)
• Noted item from Mr. Miraglia to review cemetery fees on the September agenda
• Adjourned meeting at 5:50 P.M. (Carried)

City Council

The Malden City Council will confirm three mayoral appointments to the Disability and Conservation Commissions and consider amendments to the Code of the City of Malden regarding energy efficiency and a quarry redevelopment district.

• Confirm appointments to Disability and Conservation Commissions
• Amend energy efficiency and sustainability ordinance
• Amend zoning for Rowe's Quarry Reclamation and Redevelopment District
• Public hearing on National Grid utility pole installation
• Support climate change legislation and Malden Climate Action Plan

The Malden City Council passed resolutions supporting a state climate change superfund bill and endorsing the 2024 Climate Action Plan. It also ordained a zoning amendment for the Rowe's Quarry redevelopment district, with specific changes to building references and MEPA certificate language. Several license petitions, including livery, lodging house, and pool table permits, were granted. National Grid petitions for a new pole and underground conduits on Sharon Street were approved with conditions.

• Passed resolution supporting H.872/S.481 climate change superfund (unanimous)
• Endorsed September 2024 Malden Climate Action Plan (unanimous, Linehan recused)
• Ordained Rowe's Quarry zoning amendment (11-0)
• Granted National Grid pole installation on Sharon Street (unanimous)
• Granted National Grid underground conduit installation (unanimous)
• Granted livery, lodging house, and pool table license petitions (unanimous)
• Referred site plan review ordinance for educational/religious uses to Rules & Ordinance Committee (unanimous)
• Referred energy commission ordinance amendment to Rules & Ordinance Committee

Public Property Committee

The Public Property Committee will approve the June 25, 2024 minutes and discuss proposed leasing terms for the Bike Kitchen under Order 185-24. It will consider Order 98-24, which directs the City Council to negotiate acquiring the M. Ida Converse Building at 15 Ferry Street (Parcel ID 075 272 211) for historic preservation. The committee will also review a petition from Crown Castle to upgrade small‑cell facilities at six public‑right‑of‑way locations.

• Leasing terms for the Bike Kitchen (Order 185-24) with input from Bike to the Sea.
• Order 98-24 directing City Council to negotiate acquisition of 15 Ferry Street (Parcel ID 075 272 211) for historic preservation.
• Order 100-24 to investigate using a portion of the Ferry Street Parking Lot (Parcel ID 075 272 205) for relocating the 15 Ferry Street building.
• Order 53-24 to recommend future use of vacant property on Goodwin Avenue (Parcel ID 091 776 612) as a community garden.
• Petition 252-24 from Crown Castle to upgrade small‑cell facilities at six locations: 101 Bell Rock St, 14‑16 Greenwood Ct, 244‑248 Main St, 621 Main St, 48 Washington St, 290 Eastern Ave.

The Public Property Committee discussed the proposed lease for the Bike Kitchen with Bike to the Sea, focusing on lease terms, property taxes, and concerns about setting precedent for other nonprofits. No formal vote was taken on the lease; the committee will review terms further. The meeting also included approval of previous minutes and discussion of tabled papers.

• Approved minutes of June 25, 2024 (unanimous)
• Discussed proposed Bike Kitchen lease terms; no vote taken
• Tabled papers reviewed: 98-24, 100-24, 53-24, 252-24

City Council

The City Council will conduct public hearings regarding National Grid's requests to install a pole and underground conduits at the intersection of Sharon and Crystal Streets. The body will also consider ordinances regarding site plan reviews for educational and religious uses and energy efficiency sustainability.

• Public hearings for National Grid to install one pole and two 4-inch underground conduits at Sharon St and Crystal St
• Proposed ordinance adding site plan review for educational and religious uses to the City Code
• Proposed amendment to the Commission on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability ordinance
• Proposed zoning amendment for the Rowe's Quarry Reclamation and Redevelopment District
• Resolutions to endorse the September 2024 Malden Climate Action Plan and a climate change superfund act

The Malden City Council unanimously approved and ordained an amendment to the Rowe's Quarry Reclamation and Redevelopment District zoning ordinance, with specific changes to building and environmental review language. The council also passed resolutions supporting a climate change superfund bill and endorsing the 2024 Climate Action Plan, and granted National Grid permits for utility work related to the Malden Catholic School extension.

• Approved and ordained Rowe's Quarry zoning amendment (11-0)
• Passed resolution supporting H.872/S.481 climate change superfund (unanimous)
• Endorsed September 2024 Malden Climate Action Plan (unanimous)
• Granted National Grid pole installation on Sharon Street (unanimous)
• Granted National Grid underground conduit installation (unanimous)
• Approved 8 license petitions including livery, lodging house, and pool tables (unanimous)
• Referred site plan review ordinance for educational/religious uses to Rules & Ordinance Committee (unanimous)
• Referred energy commission ordinance amendment to Rules & Ordinance Committee

Malden Housing Authority

The Malden Housing Authority will hold a regular board meeting on September 24, 2024, at 8:30 AM. The agenda consists entirely of procedural items: approval of prior minutes, bills, invoices, policies, charitable requests, correspondence, capital project invoices, and training offerings. No specific projects, contracts, or policy changes are identified in the notice.

• Approval of minutes from previous meeting
• Approval of bills and signing of checks
• Review of charitable requests
• Review of capital project invoices and requisitions for payment
• Review of training and conference offerings

The Malden Housing Authority approved its FY2025 budget, a three-year software contract with MRI/HAB, and several invoices and change orders. It also authorized spending up to $100,000 from Section 8 reserves for HAP payments and approved the annual holiday buffet.

• Approved FY2025 budget and HUD submission (unanimous)
• Awarded MRI/HAB software contract up to $44,415.16 for first year (unanimous)
• Approved $19,567.98 payment to Mystic Valley Elder Services (unanimous)
• Approved $1,567.00 payment to Travelers Insurance (unanimous)
• Approved $5,228.00 payment to Philadelphia Insurance (unanimous)
• Authorized up to $100,000 from Section 8 reserves for HAP payments (unanimous)
• Approved nine change orders for Forestdale ModPhase project (unanimous)
• Approved $674.78 invoice from Malden Police (unanimous)

City Council

The Public Property Committee will consider updates on proposed leasing terms for the Bike Kitchen (Order 185-24) with Solicitor Alicia McNeil and Executive Director Jonah Chiarenza. They will also review several tabled items, including orders to negotiate acquisition of 15 Ferry Street for historic preservation and to investigate relocating that building to a portion of the Ferry Street Parking Lot. Additionally, the committee will discuss a proposal to upgrade six small wireless facilities by Crown Castle and review usage of a vacant Goodwin Avenue property for a community garden.

• Discussion of proposed leasing terms for the Bike Kitchen (Order 185-24) with Solicitor and Executive Director of Bike to the Sea
• Order 98-24: Negotiate acquisition of 15 Ferry Street (M. Ida Converse Building) for historic preservation
• Order 100-24: Investigate using Ferry Street Parking Lot parcel to relocate 15 Ferry Street
• Order 53-24: Review vacant Goodwin Avenue property for potential community garden
• Petition 252-24: Crown Castle to upgrade small wireless facilities at 6 locations (101 Bell Rock St, 14-16 Greenwood Ct, 244-248 Main St, 621 Main St, 48 Washington St, 290 Eastern Ave)

The Public Property Committee discussed the proposed lease for the Bike Kitchen with Bike to the Sea, reviewing operations and debating whether the nonprofit should pay property taxes or fees. No vote was taken on the lease terms; the committee will continue discussions. The meeting also included approval of prior minutes and tabled several items.

• Approved minutes of June 25, 2024 (unanimous)
• Discussed Bike Kitchen lease terms, no vote taken
• Tabled order to negotiate acquisition of 15 Ferry Street
• Tabled order to investigate relocating 15 Ferry Street to Ferry Street Parking Lot
• Tabled order to review Goodwin Avenue vacant property for community garden
• Tabled petition by Crown Castle to upgrade small cell facilities at six locations

Mystic Valley Development Commission

The Commission will meet to discuss PILOT payments and vote on the FY25 Budget. The meeting includes a scheduled executive session for legal advice.

• Vote to approve FY25 Budget
• Discussion regarding PILOT payments
• Vote to accept June 25, 2024 minutes

Council on Aging

This meeting of the Malden Council on Aging Commission includes a recap of the last meeting, voting to post the previous meeting's summary, an update on the Senior Employment Program, discussion of coffee time, ping-pong, and activity center scheduling, along with plans from the "Sunshine" committee for fundraising. The agenda is primarily routine updates and planning with no concrete financial decisions or policy changes.

• Update on Senior Employment Program
• Discussion of activity schedule including coffee time and ping-pong
• Sunshine committee fundraising plans
• Voting on previous meeting summary to be posted
• Scheduling future meeting dates for October, November, December

The Malden Council on Aging met on September 19, 2024, and discussed several operational matters. They considered introducing class fees and yearly membership fees for non-Malden residents, and agreed to have the coordinator bring a definition of 'independent' participation to the Legal department. The Council supported the coordinator's position on ping pong scheduling, with the Mayor providing four new portable tables. The next meeting was set for October 17.

• Voted to set next meeting for October 17
• Supported coordinator's position on ping pong schedule
• Agreed to have coordinator bring 'independent' participation definition to Legal
• Approved Sunshine committee's Halloween Party plans

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee is holding its monthly hybrid meeting. They will review full applications for FY25 funding and receive status updates on current projects. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and other routine business.

• Approval of meeting minutes from August 21, 2024
• Status update on current Community Preservation projects
• Review of FY25 full applications for project funding

The Malden Community Preservation Committee met on September 17, 2024, and approved the August meeting minutes. The committee reviewed three FY25 full applications: the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Devir Park Phase II, and Housing Assistance for Older Adults, raising questions and requesting additional information from applicants. No final funding decisions were made during this meeting.

• Approved August 21, 2024 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Reviewed FY25 application for Affordable Housing Trust Fund (no vote)
• Reviewed FY25 application for Devir Park Phase II (no vote)
• Reviewed FY25 application for Housing Assistance for Older Adults (no vote)

Emergency Management Team

The Malden Emergency Management Team meets to review prior and upcoming emergency activations, discuss the Emergency Management Performance Grant, and receive updates from CERT and member departments. Reports are scheduled from Fire, Public Health, Communications, DPW, Police, Schools, and Public Facilities. The agenda is routine with no new ordinances, rezoning, or dollar amounts.

• Approval of minutes from previous meeting
• Review of emergency management activations for the past month
• Review of planned activations for the upcoming month
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) update
• Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) discussion

The Malden Emergency Management Team approved the August meeting minutes. Members discussed using FY2024 grant funds for an Agency Assessment and need to finalize FY2023 grant allocation by December 2024. The Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan is ready and will go before the City Council before finalization.

• Approved August meeting minutes
• Discussed using FY2024 grant for Agency Assessment
• Need to finalize FY2023 grant allocation by December 2024
• Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan ready, to go before City Council

Police Community Advisory Committee

The Police Community Advisory Council is meeting to conduct organizational business. The body will vote to elect a Chair and Vice-Chair and approve the August meeting minutes.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair of the PCAC
• Approval of August Meeting Minutes

The Police Community Advisory Council elected Jess and Chloe as co-chairs and Kevin Small Jr. as vice chair. Members also discussed outreach plans, a website, and future meetings, but no substantive policy decisions were made.

• Elected Jess and Chloe as co-chairs
• Elected Kevin Small Jr. as vice chair
• Approved corrections to previous meeting minutes

Board of Appeal

The Malden Board of Appeal will hold a public hearing on September 18, 2024, at 6:30 pm in Room #106 at Malden City Hall to consider two variance petitions under the city’s zoning code. The board will review requests to relax setback and lot-area rules for two residential properties.

• Petition 24-009: Variance for 46 Sprague St. to relax front-yard and rear-yard setbacks (Plans Res-062872-2023)
• Petition 24-010: Variance for 87 Upham St. to relax lot area, frontage, side-yard setbacks, and parking rules (Plans Res-061717-2023)
• Public review of petitions and plans available online or at the Office of Inspectional Services

The Board of Appeal approved a variance for 46 Sprague St. to address front and rear yard setbacks. The board also granted a variance for 87 Upham St. regarding lot area, frontage, side yard setbacks, and parking to allow for the construction of a single-family home.

• Approved minutes from August 21, 2024
• Granted variance for 46 Sprague St. (4-1)
• Granted variance for 87 Upham St. (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:22 pm

Retirement Board

The Retirement Board will meet to process new member additions, retirement applications, and fund withdrawals. The board will also review a military buyback request and provide updates on securities litigation firms.

• Addition of 13 new members from school and city departments
• Retirement applications for Barbara Murphy, Brady McKenna, and Tina Buonomo
• Withdrawals and transfers for Shirley Dorai, Ann Quinlan, Teri Polignone, Yolanda Velazquez, and Barbara A Ventola
• Military buyback request for Christopher Webb (3 years)
• Update on RFP for Securities Litigation Firms

The Board approved the posting of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for portfolio monitoring and securities litigation firms in a 4-1 vote. Members also approved various administrative items, including new member enrollments, retirement applications, and a policy allowing members one year of interest-free time to purchase previously missed service credit.

• Approved August minutes, September warrants, and cash books (all in favor)
• Accepted 13 new retirement system members (all in favor)
• Accepted three retirement applications (all in favor)
• Accepted five withdrawals and transfers (all in favor)
• Approved military buyback for Christopher Webb (all in favor)
• Authorized one-year interest-free period for missed service buybacks (all in favor)
• Approved and authorized posting of securities litigation RFP (4-1)
• Accepted Stone Consulting actuarial draft (all in favor)

License Committee

The Malden License Committee will consider several petitions, including a new Class II gas and service license for 200 Beach Street, new livery company and driver licenses at 26 Blaine Street and 15 Burridge Place, and renewals for lodging houses on Cedar Street, Charles Street, and Washington Street. Additional items include renewal of outdoor parking at Rigano’s, a new pool table permit for Amazin Billiards, and a new taxi driver permit. The committee will also approve minutes from the June 18, 2024 meeting.

• Petition 315-24: Class II gas and service license for 200 Beach Street (15 cars) – new
• Petition 317-24: Livery company license for Pabla Transport LLC, 26 Blaine Street – new
• Petition 321-24: Lodging house renewal for Cedar House LLC, 116-118 Cedar Street – 14 rooms
• Petition 324-24: Outdoor parking renewal for Rigano’s, 1160 Eastern Avenue – 15 spaces
• Petition 325-24: Pool tables permit for Amazin Billiards LLC, 40 Faulkner Street – 18 tables

The Malden License Committee approved and recommended favorably to the City Council eight new or renewed licenses, including livery companies, lodging houses, a pool table license, and a taxi driver license. Four petitions were tabled, including a gas station license and two livery-related petitions, pending further discussion or review. The committee also approved the June 18, 2024 meeting minutes.

• Approved minutes for June 18, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Tabled Class II license for Beach Street Gas and Service, 200 Beach Street (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably Pabla Transport LLC livery company license, 26 Blaine Street (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably Jaspreet Singh livery driver license, 26 Blaine Street (unanimous)
• Tabled Tian L & Y Inc. livery company license, 15 Burridge Place (unanimous)
• Tabled Chaohua Yuan livery driver license, 15 Burridge Place (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably Cedar House LLC lodging house renewal, 116-118 Cedar Street (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably Metro North Housing Corp. lodging house renewals, 22 Charles Street and 115 Washington Street (unanimous; Councillor Colon Hayes recused)

Rules & Ordinance Committee

The Rules & Ordinance Committee will review a proposed zoning amendment for the Rowe’s Quarry Reclamation and Redevelopment District. The amendment, sponsored by Councillor Jadeane Sica, aims to update Title 12 Chapter 28 Section 140 of the Malden City Code. The committee will discuss the proposal before forwarding it to the Planning Board.

• Proposed zoning amendment for Rowe’s Quarry Reclamation and Redevelopment District (12.28.140)
• Sponsored by Councillor Jadeane Sica
• Public hearing notice referenced (CCP 286-2024 PB)
• Document revisions tracked (rev 7.23.24)
• Forwarded to Planning Board on 7-24-24

The Rules & Ordinance Committee approved the minutes from May 7, 2024, and discussed proposed amendments to the Rowe's Quarry Reclamation and Redevelopment District ordinance. The committee voted unanimously to amend the ordinance based on Planning Board recommendations with specific changes regarding occupancy permits and parking, and then voted to recommend the amended ordinance favorably to the City Council.

• Approved May 7, 2024 committee minutes (unanimous)
• Amended Rowe's Quarry ordinance regarding occupancy permit wording and MEPA certificate date, and denied parking study with peer review (unanimous)
• Recommended amended Rowe's Quarry zoning ordinance favorably to the City Council (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will meet as a Committee of the Whole to hear a presentation on the city's Climate Action Plan. Staff from the OSPCD and consultants from the MAPC will provide the briefing.

• Presentation on Malden's Climate Action Plan by OSPCD staff and MAPC consultants

The City Council met as a Committee of the Whole and received a detailed presentation on Malden's Climate Action Plan from staff and consultants. No formal decisions or votes were taken during the meeting, which adjourned after the presentation and discussion.

• Received Climate Action Plan presentation from OSPCD staff and MAPC consultants (no vote)

City Council

The Rules & Ordinance Committee will consider a proposed ordinance amendment to the City of Malden Code concerning the Rowe's Quarry Reclamation and Redevelopment District. The amendment is sponsored by Councillor Sica and was previously reviewed by the Planning Board. The meeting includes approval of minutes from a prior meeting.

• Ordinance 286-24: Amendment to MCC Title 12, Chapter 28, Section 140 (Rowe's Quarry Reclamation and Redevelopment District)
• Public hearing notice and Planning Board recommendation attached to the ordinance

The Rules & Ordinance Committee voted unanimously to recommend a zoning amendment for the Rowe's Quarry redevelopment district, which would allow residential development including affordable rentals, 55+ housing, and home ownership options. The committee amended the proposal to replace 'last building' with 'third building' for certificate of occupancy issuance and to use the current MEPA certificate dated January 22, 2024, while denying a parking study with peer review. The amendment now goes to the full City Council for consideration.

• Approved minutes of May 7, 2024 (unanimous)
• Amended Rowe's Quarry zoning ordinance to replace 'last building' with 'third building' and 'final MEPA Certificate' with 'current MEPA Certificate (dated January 22, 2024)' (unanimous)
• Denied Planning Board recommendation for parking study with peer review (unanimous)
• Recommended favorably the amended Rowe's Quarry zoning ordinance to City Council (unanimous)

City Council

The Malden City Council will meet as a Committee of the Whole to receive a presentation from OSPCD staff and MAPC consultants on the city's Climate Action Plan. No votes or formal decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists solely of this presentation and procedural items.

• Presentation on Malden's Climate Action Plan by OSPCD and MAPC

The City Council met as a Committee of the Whole and received a detailed presentation on Malden's Climate Action Plan from staff and consultants. No formal decisions or votes were taken during the meeting; it was informational only. The meeting adjourned after the presentation and discussion.

• Received Climate Action Plan presentation (informational, no vote)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Traffic Commission

The Traffic Commission will consider several requests including making Norwood Street one-way, approving handicapped parking signs, and restricting parking on multiple streets. They will also discuss tabled items like speed tables on Bainbridge Street and a turning lane on Charles Street. A proposal to allow up to two permits for businesses in the Charles & Main lot at $25 per year is on the agenda.

• Making Norwood Street a one-way (enter at Norwood St, left onto Norwood Place, left onto Harding Ave)
• Restricting Norwood Place to no parking both sides
• Restricting parking on Harding Ave to east side only
• Installing 'No Parking Here to Driveway' sign at 6 Wilbur Street
• Issuing up to two parking permits per business in Charles & Main lot at $25/year for employee parking

The Malden Traffic Commission approved restricting Norwood Place to 'No Parking Both Sides' and limiting Harding Ave parking to the east side from Salem Street to the dead end, both to improve access for public safety vehicles. The commission also approved several sign installations and removals, denied four handicapped parking requests, and tabled multiple items for further study or community feedback.

• Approved 'No Parking Both Sides' on Norwood Place (unanimous)
• Approved east-side-only parking on Harding Ave from Salem St to dead end (unanimous)
• Denied handicapped parking at 17 Stevens St, 171 Mills St, 17 Seaview Ave, 42 Fairview Terr (unanimous)
• Approved handicapped parking sign at 20 Faulkner St (unanimous)
• Approved removal of 'No Parking' signs on Cottage St (unanimous)
• Approved 'Truck Not Advised' signs on Granite St and Elwell St (unanimous)
• Approved 'Advisory Motorists' signs on Elwell St (unanimous)
• Approved Charles & Main Lot permit parking for businesses (unanimous)

City Council

The Malden License Committee is considering several new and renewal license petitions, including a new Class II license for Beach Street Gas and Service, new livery companies and drivers, and renewals for lodging houses. The committee will also approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• New Class II license: Beach Street Gas and Service, 200 Beach Street, 15 cars
• New livery company: Pabla Transport LLC, 26 Blaine Street, 1 vehicle
• New livery company: Tian L & Y Inc., 15 Burridge Place, 1 vehicle
• Renewal lodging house: Cedar House LLC, 116-118 Cedar Street, 14 rooms
• New pool table license: Amazin Billiards LLC, 40 Faulkner Street, 18 tables

The License Committee recommended approval for several livery, lodging, and business petitions to the City Council. The committee tabled petitions for a gas station and a livery company due to concerns regarding neighborhood impact and parking availability.

• Recommended approval for Pabla Transport LLC livery license (5-0)
• Recommended approval for Jaspreet Singh livery driver license (5-0)
• Recommended approval for Cedar House LLC lodging renewal (5-0)
• Recommended approval for two Metro North Housing Corp. lodging renewals (4-0)
• Recommended approval for Rigano’s outdoor parking renewal (4-0)
• Recommended approval for Amazin Billiards LLC pool table license (5-0)
• Tabled Beach Street Gas and Service petition (5-0)
• Tabled Tian L & Y Inc. livery and Chaohua Yuan driver petitions (5-0)

Malden Housing Authority

The board will consider approval of minutes, bills, invoices, policies, charitable requests, and other routine administrative matters. No major decisions or financial items are specified in the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from previous meeting
• Approval of bills and signing of checks
• Review of charitable requests
• Review of capital project invoices and documentation
• Open discussion

The Malden Housing Authority board approved updated HUD Fair Market Rents for FY2025, authorized the submission of the CY2025 Operating Fund Grant application, and approved various financial and administrative measures. The board also authorized payments for maintenance staff training, insurance premiums, and police services, and finalized the election of board officers for the upcoming fiscal year.

• Approved August 2024 rent and revolving fund registers
• Authorized maintenance staff training and licensing payments
• Adopted HUD FY2025 Fair Market Rents for Section 8 and public housing
• Approved $4,300 payment to Odyssey Advisors Inc.
• Authorized $2,219 write-off for tenant account receivable
• Approved $930,000 transfer for energy loan payments
• Approved $59,189 in auto insurance payments
• Approved $7,422.58 in Malden Police invoice payments

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will hold public hearings to consider three alcohol license requests. The board will also vote to approve minutes from the June 16, 2024 meeting.

• Gochi Cuisine, Inc. (GoChi) application for an on premises S12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages 7 day license at 290 Main Street
• Pran and Pranay, LLC (Everest Momo and Pizza) application for an on premises S12 Restaurant Wine and Malt Beverages 7 day license at 199 Ferry Street
• Idle Hands Craft Ales application for a Special One Day Alcohol License for an October 5, 2024 event at 323 Commercial Street

The Malden Licensing Board denied a one-day alcohol license for Idle Hands Craft Ales to serve at a cannabis dispensary event, citing concerns about mixing alcohol and cannabis at the same location. The board tabled a liquor license application for GoChi restaurant for one month, and approved a wine and malt beverage license for Everest Momo and Pizza.

• Denied one-day alcohol license for Idle Hands Craft Ales event at Misty Mountain (motion by Zeiberg, seconded by Lee)
• Tabled GoChi restaurant's S12 all-alcohol license application to October 15, 2024 (motion by Zeiberg, seconded by Lee)
• Approved S12 wine and malt beverage license for Everest Momo and Pizza (motion by Zeiberg, seconded by Lee)

Disability Commission

The Disability Commission will hold elections for Chair, Vice Chairperson, and Clerk. Members will provide updates on ADA policies and accessibility projects, and discuss upcoming community health and connection events.

• Elections of New Officers: Chair, Vice Chairperson and Clerk
• Discussion on Ward 8 Accessibility from Overlook Drive to CVS
• ADA Self-Evaluation Policy Sub-committee reports
• Malden Community Connection Day on 10/05 at Ferryway School
• Malden Community Health Fair on 10/19 at Lincoln Commons

The Malden Disability Commission elected Amanda Belles as chair and Nichole Mossalam as clerk, but postponed the vice chair election to the October meeting pending Chuks Ezewuzie's response. The commission also discussed accessibility improvements, including a DPW walkthrough of an inaccessible route to CVS, and planned to review bylaws regarding election timing.

• Amanda Belles elected chair
• Nichole Mossalam elected clerk
• Vice chair election postponed to October meeting
• July meeting minutes approval postponed to October meeting
• Next meeting set for October 9th

Sign Design Review Committee

The Sign Design Review Committee will review and decide on applications for new or modified signs at eight businesses, including Boston African Market, Go Chi, AG Adult Foster Care, Factory Gym, Destiny Nails, Housing Families, and Phat Thaiger. The committee will also approve prior meeting minutes and receive updates from compliance officers.

• 914 Salem St – Boston African Market
• 290 Main St – Go Chi
• 42 Sharon St – AG Adult Foster Care
• 481 Eastern Ave – Factory Gym
• 443 Charles St – Destiny Nails

The Sign Design Review Committee approved six sign applications and tabled one. All approvals were unanimous (4-0). The tabled application, for Destiny Nails at 443 Charles Street, was sent back for revisions to comply with the sign ordinance. The committee also reviewed compliance updates, including fines and warnings issued for various sign violations.

• Approved Boston African Market sign at 914 Salem St with 1-year limit (4-0)
• Approved Go Chi sign at 290 Main St (4-0)
• Approved AG Adult Foster Day Care sign at 42 Sharon St (4-0)
• Approved Factory Gym sign at 481 Eastern Ave with conditions for revised submission (4-0)
• Tabled Destiny Nails sign at 443 Charles St for revised plan (4-0)
• Approved Housing Families sign at 919 Eastern Ave with blue border condition (4-0)
• Approved Phat Thaiger sign at 166 Eastern Ave (4-0)

Human Rights & Fair Housing Commission

The Commission will discuss new complaints regarding 12 Garland St and Altitude Apartments. The body will also review upcoming community events and approve minutes from several 2023 and 2024 meetings.

• Complaints regarding 12 Garland St
• Complaints regarding Altitude Apartments
• Malden Community Connection Day (October 5, 2024)
• Public Safety Day (October 6, 2024)
• Commission Vacancies

The Malden Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission met on September 11, 2024, but lacked a quorum, so no votes were taken and minutes were not approved. Members discussed two summer complaints (12 Garland St and Altitude Apartments) now with Legal and Health Departments, and planned outreach events. One response was received for a vacant seat, with an interview being arranged.

• No votes taken due to lack of quorum
• Minutes not approved
• Discussed complaints at 12 Garland St and Altitude Apartments
• Scheduled attendance at Public Safety Day on Oct 6, 2024
• Noted DEI event at Ferryway Green on Oct 5, 2024
• One response received for vacant commission seat

City Council

The Malden City Council will vote on a proposed amendment to the City Code (Title 12 Chapter 28 Section 140) that changes zoning for the Rowe’s Quarry Reclamation and Redevelopment District. A sense resolution will also be adopted to invite staff from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development to brief the Council on new state law regarding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) zoning. The agenda includes approval of three prior meeting minutes and referral of thirteen licensing petitions to the License Committee.

• Amendment to MCC Title 12 Chapter 28 Section 140 for Rowe’s Quarry Reclamation and Redevelopment District (CCP #286-24)
• Resolution to hear OSPCD staff on state law changes affecting ADU zoning (sponsored by Amanda Linehan)
• Approval of minutes for June 18, June 25, and July 24, 2024 (items 311-24 to 313-24)
• Referral of 13 licensing petitions (including amusement machines, Class II licenses, livery companies, lodging houses, and outdoor parking) to the License Committee
• Placement on file of nine mayoral appointments to the Historical Commission and Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission