Malden City Hall

215 Pleasant Street

Malden, MA 02148

City of Malden

Meeting Minutes - Final

City Council

Council President Amanda Linehan

Councillor at Large Karen Colon Hayes

Councillor Paul Condon

Councillor Peg Crowe

Councillor at Large Michelle Luong

Councillor at Large Carey McDonald

Councillor Ryan O'Malley

Councillor Jadeane Sica

Councillor Chris Simonelli

Councillor Ari Taylor

Councillor Stephen Winslow

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

7:00 PM

City Council Chambers

215 Pleasant Street

Malden, MA 02148

Watch the meeting with Teams: https://tinyurl.com/4mjebr8e

1. CALL TO ORDER

Council President Linehan called the meeting to order at 7:13 PM.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & MOMENT OF SILENCE IN HONOR OF SERVICE

MEMBERS

An additional moment of silence was offered by Councillor Linehan for the Bel-Qaid

Family and the Melrose community as a whole for nine year old Zakaria Bel-Qaid who was

killed after being hit by a fallen tree in the playground at the Winthrop Elementary

School.

An additional moment of silence was offered by Councillor Sica in honor of Retired

Human Resources Director Anthony 'Chic' Chiccuarelli who passed away on April 29 at

the age of 67 years old, after suffering a brief illness.

3. ROLL CALL

Councillor O'Malley was in attendance via Teams so every vote this evening will be done

by roll call vote.

Also in attendance was Zaheer Samee, Maria Luise, Lisa Cagno, and Alex Pratt.

10 -

Present - Councillors:

Absent - Councillors:

Karen Colon Hayes, Paul Condon, Peg Crowe, Amanda Linehan, Carey McDonald,

Ryan O'Malley, Jadeane Sica, Ari Taylor, Stephen Winslow and Michelle Luong

1 - Chris Simonelli

4. GUESTS, CITIZEN ACHIEVEMENT, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Representatives from Cambridge Health Alliance’s Department of Community Health will

appear before the Council to present CHA’s 2025 Regional Wellbeing Report.

Laura McNaulty and Kathleen O'Brien presented on the top ten key findings from the

2025 Regional Wellbeing Report which may be found at

www.challiance.org/communityhealthdata.

5. PUBLIC COMMENT

6. CONSENT AGENDA

Approval of the Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Councillor Sica, seconded by Councillor Taylor, to

approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

10 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow

and Luong

Minutes for the meeting of April 21, 2026

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240-26

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The Council Minutes were approved.

Minutes for the meeting of April 28, 2026

The Council Minutes were approved.

Mayoral Appointment: Paul Myers of 433 Fulton Street, Medford as Director of

Public Works, to fulfill the unexpired term of Robert Knox and then be appointed

for a three-year term expiring April 22, 2030 which shall commence upon

confirmation by the City Council.

Sponsors: Peg Crowe

Attachments: Mayor's Appointment Letter - Paul Myers

This Appointment was referred to the Personnel/Appointments Committee.

Petition: Bowling Alley: Town Line Ten Pin Corp., 665 Broadway, Malden, 48 lanes

(Renewal)

This Petition was referred to the License Committee.

Petition: Exterior Vending Machine: Water Stores Inc., 159 Highland Avenue,

Malden (Renewal)

This Petition was referred to the License Committee.

Petition: Livery Company: Lion Black Car Services, LLC, 54 Cleveland Street, Malden,

1 vehicle (Renewal)

This Petition was referred to the License Committee.

Petition: Livery Driver: Jeffery Jacques, 54 Cleveland Street, Malden (Renewal)

This Petition was referred to the License Committee.

Petition: Lodging House: BREC LHP LLC, 155 Clifton Street, Malden (Renewal)

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This Petition was referred to the License Committee.

Petition: Outdoor Parking: Rigano’s, Inc., 1176 Eastern Avenue, Malden, 15 spaces

(Renewal)

This Petition was referred to the License Committee.

Petition: Pool Tables: Malden Veterans of Irish Ancestry, Inc., 177 West Street,

Malden, 2 tables (Renewal)

This Petition was referred to the License Committee.

Petition: Pool Tables: Town Line Ten Pin Corp., 665 Broadway, Malden, 15 tables

(Renewal)

This Petition was referred to the License Committee.

Petition: Second-Hand Dealer: AM Design Jewelry, 664 Salem Street, Malden

(Renewal)

This Petition was referred to the License Committee.

Petition: Self-Service Gas Station: Wash Depot I, Inc., 333 Eastern Avenue, Malden

(Renewal)

This Petition was referred to the License Committee.

7. MOTIONS, ORDERS, AND RESOLUTIONS

Order: That the City of Malden commence a one-year moratorium on permitting

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any proposals including but not limited to the creation, construction, or use of a

property for the purpose of a data center. The foregoing moratorium is imposed to

allow the City time to undertake studies and obtain resident input on the

infrastructure, environmental, health, and economic considerations data centers

may have on the community. This moratorium will be effective upon, and will

expire one year from, the date of the adoption of this order.

Sponsors:

Ari Taylor, Amanda Linehan, Karen Colon Hayes, Peg Crowe, Carey McDonald and Ryan

O'Malley

Attachments: Final Paper 252-26 Moratorium on Data Centers

Councillor Taylor explained the need for a proactive approach to data center proposals,

citing the lack of existing ordinances and the importance of studying impacts before

permitting any new centers. The moratorium is intended to give the city time to research

and develop appropriate policies.

The subsequent order, Paper 253-26, directs the Economic Development Committee, in

conjunction with city staff, to conduct studies and obtain resident input on data center

impacts, with a report and zoning recommendations to be provided to the full Council.

Councillors Crowe, Colon Hayes, McDonald, and O'Malley asked to be added as

co-sponsors on this order.

A motion was made by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,

that the Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

10 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow

and Luong

Order: That the City Council tasks the Economic Development Committee, in

conjunction with respective City staff, to undertake studies and obtain resident

input on the infrastructure, environmental, health, and economic considerations

data centers may have on the City of Malden and surrounding communities. The

Economic Development Committee will report back to the Full Council on the

findings from this study and provide a recommendation to determine appropriate

zoning districts and use regulations.

253-26

Sponsors: Ari Taylor, Carey McDonald and Ryan O'Malley

Attachments: Data Center Definitions 51226

Data Center Information 51226

A motion was made by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor Sica, that the

Order be referred to the Economic Development Committee. The motion carried

by the following vote:

10 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow

and Luong

Order: That the City Council will adjust the meeting calendar for June to

accommodate for scheduling of the budget public hearing process and deadline of

the final vote on the FY’27 city budget. It is so ordered that June 2nd will now be a

meeting of the Committee of the Whole and June 9th will be a meeting of the Full

Council.

254-26

Sponsors: Carey McDonald and Amanda Linehan

Attachments: Final Paper 254-26 Order to Change Council Schedule

June 2 will be a Committee of the Whole

June 9, 16, 23 will now be full Council nights.

A motion was made by Councillor Crowe, seconded by Councillor Winslow, that

the Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

10 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow

and Luong

Order: That the Mayor, on behalf of the City be authorized to negotiate and enter

into a contract for a period of up to nine years related to the regional bike share

program (also known as BlueBikes), which is expected to be paid through a

combination of state/regional funding, private sponsorships, grants, and system

user fees, and have no impact on the City's general funds.

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Sponsors: Carey McDonald and Stephen Winslow

Attachments: Final Paper 255-26 Blue Bikes Contract

Councillor Linehan recused herself from discussion and voting on this paper secondary to

the connection she has to regional bike share programs in her capacity during her full

time employment duties. Councillor McDonald chaired this part of the meeting.

OSPCD Director Alex Pratt explained the background of this paper. Malden originally

entered into the Blue Bikes program using ARPA funds and other state level grants. A

number of communities are now joining forces in negotiating reduced operating liability to

their municipalities. Although the contract details are still being finalized, Director Pratt is

confident that no city funds will be used in the execution of this contract. A number of

grants, state funding, and private sponsorships combined with user fees will provide

financial support to continue this program.

In the event the program is no longer working for the city or if the grant monies are

terminated, Malden has an exit clause that will allow the Mayor to end the program.

Councillors expressed their support because of the assurance that the Blue Bikes would

be paid for only through alternate funding sources. They were clear that no money from

the general fund should be used to implement the Blue Bikes in Malden.

A motion was made by Councillor Sica, seconded by Councillor Crowe, that the

Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

9 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow and

Luong

1 - Linehan

Recused:

8. COMMUNICATIONS

Communication from Mayor Christenson regarding an Economic Development

Package Proposal

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Attachments: Mayor's Letter & Economic Development Package

260518_Presentation_Econ Dev_Policy Package

EcDevPresentation_CommercialSt_V5

A motion was made by Councillor Sica, seconded by Councillor Taylor, that the

Communication be referred to the Economic Development Committee. The

motion carried by the following vote:

10 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow

and Luong

Communication from Mayor Christenson regarding Commercial Street

Economic/Zoning Analysis

257-26

Attachments: Mayor's Letter and Commercial Street Analysis

260518_Presentation_Econ Dev_Policy Package

EcDevPresentation_CommercialSt_V5

A motion was made by Councillor Sica, seconded by Councillor Taylor, that the

Communication be referred to the Economic Development Committee. The

motion carried by the following vote:

10 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow

and Luong

A representative from the Solicitor's Office will follow up on Paper 234-26 with an update to

the Council on the investigation into the Open Meeting Law Complaint filed by Bruce

Friedman of 8 Marvin Street on April 16, 2026 against the Council related to the release of

Executive Session minutes on April 14, 2026.

A motion was made by Councillor Winslow, seconded by Councillor Taylor, to authorize

the Legal Department to send response and results of the investigation into this matter to

both the complainant and the Attorney General's Office. Motion approved by unanimous

9-0 roll call vote. Councillor O'Malley voted present.

9. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Committee Report: The Standing Committee on Finance to whom was referred

Papers 208 through 214 Series of 2026, having considered the same make the

following report: Committee recommends these papers out favorably to the Full

Council.

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A motion was made by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor Luong, that the

Committee Report be received and filed. The motion carried by the following

vote:

10 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow

and Luong

Order: That the appropriation enumerated below, being in the amount of $60,000

be appropriated from the Community Preservation Act Fund for the following

project: Malden Rental Assistance Program from Fund Balance to Action for Boston

Community Development (ABCD).

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Sponsors: Amanda Linehan

Attachments: ABCD Malden Rental Assistance Program CPC Recommendation

Mayor Christenson Letter of Support for CPC Recommendations 4 15

2025

Final Paper 208-26 Rental Assistance Program CPC Appropriation

A motion was made by Councillor Colon Hayes, seconded by Councillor Taylor,

that the Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

10 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow

and Luong

Order: That the appropriation enumerated below, being in the amount of $100,000

be appropriated from the Community Preservation Act Fund for the following

project: Oliver Street Restoration Project from Fund Balance to Malden Public

Facilities Department.

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Sponsors: Amanda Linehan

Attachments: 139 Oliver Street Rehabilitation Project CPC Recommendation

Mayor Christenson Letter of Support for CPC Recommendations 4 15

2025

Final Paper 209-26 Oliver Street Restoration CPC Appropriation

A motion was made by Councillor Sica, seconded by Councillor Crowe, that the

Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

10 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow

and Luong

Order: That the appropriation enumerated below, being in the amount of $114,000

be appropriated from the Community Preservation Act Fund for the following

project: Digitization and Preservation of Historical Records Project from Fund

Balance to the City Clerk’s Office.

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Sponsors: Amanda Linehan

Attachments:

City Clerk's Office Records Preservation and Digitization Project CPC

Recommendtion

Mayor Christenson Letter of Support for CPC Recommendations 4 15

2025

Final Paper 210-26 City Clerk's Office Preservation Project CPC

Appropriation

A motion was made by Councillor O'Malley, seconded by Councillor Sica, that

the Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

10 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow

and Luong

Order: That the appropriation enumerated below, being in the amount of $122,500

be appropriated from the Community Preservation Act Fund for the following

project: Saint Paul's Parish Church Buttress Restoration Project from Fund Balance

to Saint Paul’s Parish.

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Sponsors: Amanda Linehan

Attachments:

Saint Paul’s Parish Buttress Restoration Project CPC

Recommendation

Mayor Christenson Letter of Support for CPC Recommendations 4 15

2025

Final Paper 211-26 Saint Paul's Parish CPC Appropriation

A motion was made by Councillor Sica, seconded by Councillor Winslow, that

the Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

10 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow

and Luong

Order: That the appropriation enumerated below, being in the amount of $250,000

be appropriated from the Community Preservation Act Fund for the following

project: First Parish Church Restoration Project from Historic Preservation Reserve

and the Fund Balance to First Parish Church.

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Sponsors: Amanda Linehan

Attachments: First Parish Church Restoration Project CPC Recommendation

Mayor Christenson Letter of Support for CPC Recommendations 4 15

2025

Final Paper 212-26 First Parish Church CPC Appropriation

A motion was made by Councillor Crowe, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,

that the Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

9 - Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow and Luong

1 - McDonald

Yea:

Recused:

Order: That the appropriation enumerated below, being in the amount of $500,000

be appropriated from the Community Preservation Act Fund for the following

project: Malden Affordable Housing Trust Fund from Housing Reserve, the

Budgeted Reserve, and Fund Balance to Office of Strategic Planning and Community

Development (OSPCD).

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Sponsors: Amanda Linehan

Attachments: Affordable Housing Trust Fund CPC Recommendation

Mayor Christenson Letter of Support for CPC Recommendations 4 15

2025

Final Paper 213-26 Affordable Housing Trust Fund CPC Appropriation

A motion was made by Councillor Sica, seconded by Councillor Winslow, that

the Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

10 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow

and Luong

Order: That the appropriation enumerated below, being in the amount of $500,000

be appropriated from the Community Preservation Act Fund for the following

project: Linden Park Restoration Project from Open Space Reserve, Budgeted

Reserve, and Fund Balance to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community

Development (OSPCD).

214-26

Sponsors: Amanda Linehan

Attachments: Linden Park Improvement Project CPC Recommendation

Mayor Christenson Letter of Support for CPC Recommendations 4 15

2025

Final Paper 214-26 Linden Park Restoration CPC Appropriation

A motion was made by Councillor Sica, seconded by Councillor Luong, that the

Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

10 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow

and Luong

Committee Report: The Standing Committee on Finance to whom was referred

Paper 232 Series of 2026, having considered the same make the following report:

Committee recommends the paper out favorably to the Full Council.

259-26

A motion was made by Councillor McDonald, seconded by Councillor Taylor, that

the Committee Report be received and filed. The motion carried by the following

vote:

9 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, Sica, Taylor, Winslow and

Luong

Order: The City of Malden file with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban

Development a Consolidated Plan including applications for grants under the

Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended and the

Cranston-Gonzalez Housing Act of 1990 as amended to be administered by the

Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development for Fiscal Year 2027,

including all understanding and assurances contained therein on or substantially in

the form presented to this meeting; and that Gary Christenson, Mayor and Chief

Executive Officer of the City of Malden, be and hereby is directed and designated

as the authorized representative for and in the name and behalf of the City of

Malden to sign and file said plan, to act in connection with said plan, and to provide

such additional information as may be required.

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Sponsors: Carey McDonald

Attachments: Mayor's FY27 CDBG Budget Letter

Proposed FY27 CDBG Budget

Final Paper 232-26 FY27 CDBG Budget

Councillor Sica was not present in Council Chambers at the time this vote was taken.

A motion was made by Councillor Winslow, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,

that the Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

8 - Colon Hayes, Condon, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and Luong

1 - Crowe

Yea:

Recused:

10. TABLED PAPERS

Petition: Massachusetts Electric Company dba National Grid Plan No. 31239416 -

National Grid to install underground facilities on Main Street. Trench and install (6)

4” concrete encased conduit from MH A/1 18 to switchgear located on 1100 Main

Street approximately 60’ on public right of way. Malden, MA.

(Hearing Required)

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Attachments: 1100 Main Street Petition

Abutters 1100 Main Street

Hearing Notice 1100 Main Street - Updated March 25, 2026

Updated Plan

1100 Main Street - landscaping plan

1100 Main Street - updated plan for electrical equipment w fencing

buffers

1100 Main Street Petition Sketch May 19 2026

11. PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

12. ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Councillor Sica, seconded by Councillor Luong, that the

be adjourned. The motion carried by the following vote:

10 -

Yea:

Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Sica, Taylor, Winslow

and Luong

CAROL ANN DESIDERIO, CITY CLERK

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Maria Luise, ADA

Compliance Coordinator at mluise@cityofmalden.org or 781-397-7000 Ext. 2005

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