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, January 27, 2026  
7:00 PM  
City Council Chambers  
215 Pleasant Street  
Malden, MA 02148  
1. CALL TO ORDER  
Council President Linehan called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.  
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & MOMENT OF SILENCE IN HONOR OF SERVICE  
MEMBERS  
An additional moment of silence was offered by Councillor O'Malley for Alex Pretti who  
passed away after being shot by a federal immigration agent on January 24 in  
Minneapolis.  
3. ROLL CALL  
Councillor McDonald attended the meeting via Teams. All votes at this evening's meeting  
will be done by roll call vote.  
Also in attendance was Alicia McNeil, Mark Rumley, Zaheer Samee, Maria Luise, Dan  
Grover, Charles Ranaghan, Lisa Cagno, and several members of the Malden Police  
Department and of the public.  
10 -  
Present - Councillors:  
Absent - Councillors:  
Karen Colon Hayes, Paul Condon, Peg Crowe, Amanda Linehan, Carey McDonald,  
Ryan O'Malley, Chris Simonelli, Ari Taylor, Stephen Winslow and Michelle Luong  
1 - Jadeane Sica  
4. GUESTS, CITIZEN ACHIEVEMENT, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS  
Representatives from Malden Reads will appear before the City Council to announce their  
One City, One Book reading selection for 2026.  
The book announced for the 16th year of Malden Reads is Our Missing Hearts by  
bestselling author Celeste Ng. An opening celebration will take place at MPL on Monday,  
February 9 at 6:30 PM.  
5. PUBLIC COMMENT  
6. CONSENT AGENDA  
Alana Russell of 54 Kimball Street spoke in support of Paper 72-26.  
Clerk Desiderio read a number of written comments into the record, all of which are  
attached to the history of Paper 72-26. Of 36 emails received, one was in opposition, two  
were in support but recommended amendments to the language, and 33 were in full  
support of the paper.  
Approval of the Consent Agenda  
A motion was made by Councillor Luong , seconded by Councillor Crowe, to  
approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:  
10 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Simonelli, Taylor,  
Winslow and Luong  
These Council Minutes were approved.  
These Council Minutes were approved.  
serve process in the City of Malden, said term effective January 21, 2026 and to  
expire on January 21, 2027.  
This Appointment was placed on file.  
(Renewal)  
This Petition was referred to the License Committee.  
Malden, 1 vehicle (Renewal)  
This Petition was referred to the License Committee.  
This Petition was referred to the License Committee.  
Malden, 1 vehicle (Renewal)  
This Petition was referred to the License Committee.  
This Petition was referred to the License Committee.  
10 cabs (Renewal)  
This Petition was referred to the License Committee.  
team to research the feasibility of submitting an application to the Massachusetts  
Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services’ Financial Management  
Resource Bureau for a Financial Management Review of the City of Malden. The  
purpose of such a review shall be to evaluate municipal operations, financial  
practices, and organizational efficiency. Be it further ordered, that upon successful  
completion of the review the Finance Committee will come back to the Full Council  
to report on the Bureau’s findings.  
Sponsors:  
Michelle Luong, Karen Colon Hayes, Paul Condon, Peg Crowe, Amanda Linehan, Carey  
McDonald, Ryan O'Malley, Jadeane Sica, Chris Simonelli, Ari Taylor and Stephen  
Winslow  
This Order was referred to the Finance Committee.  
involved, and procedures required for, requesting the Office of the State Auditor to  
conduct a municipal audit on the City of Malden. The purpose of the audit shall be  
to identify any inefficiencies or irregularities in financial management within the  
city; to ensure that public funds are being used effectively and in accordance with  
Malden’s goals and policies; to enhance transparency and public confidence; and  
for the State Auditor’s Office to provide recommendations for improving financial  
controls and safeguarding against waste or loss while complying with relevant laws  
and regulations.  
Sponsors: Karen Colon Hayes and Ryan O'Malley  
This Order was referred to the Finance Committee.  
available water sewer enterprise fund retained earnings to fund a legal settlement  
between the City of Malden and Tufts Construction Inc.  
Sponsors: Carey McDonald  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Simonelli,  
that the Council rules be suspended for the purpose of adopting the Order on the  
floor. The motion carried by the following vote:  
8 - Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow and Luong  
2 - Colon Hayes and O'Malley  
Yea:  
Nay:  
Councillors O'Malley and Winslow questioned the legal basis for using water and sewer  
enterprise funds and the process of settlement approval.  
Special legal counsel Mark Rumley explained the tentative court settlement, the 30-day  
deadline for finalization, and the need for Council approval to appropriate funds, clarifying  
the nature of the litigation and the risks of delay.  
City Controller Charles Ranagan and Solicitor McNeil confirmed that the water sewer  
enterprise fund retained earnings were appropriate for the settlement due to the contracts’  
relation to water and sewer work, and clarified that the funds were unallocated and would  
not impact ongoing capital projects.  
Councillor Colon Hayes expressed concerns about public understanding and  
transparency, noting that executive session discussions limited public information.  
Councillor O'Malley questioned the process of settlement approval.  
The legal team provided detailed responses on the legal steps they've taken with this  
case in and out of court, an explanation of the division of responsibilities between the  
Council and the Mayor, and affirmed the appropriateness of the fund usage.  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Simonelli,  
that the Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
8 - Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow and Luong  
2 - Colon Hayes and O'Malley  
Yea:  
Nay:  
Annual Report.  
This Communication was received and filed.  
7. APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS  
Committees, said term to commence upon confirmation by the City Council and to  
expire on January 31, 2028.  
A motion was made by Councillor Crowe, seconded by Councillor Simonelli, that  
the Appointment be confirmed. The motion carried by the following vote:  
10 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Simonelli, Taylor,  
Winslow and Luong  
member of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, said term to commence upon  
confirmation by the City Council and to expire on January 31, 2028.  
A motion was made by Councillor Crowe, seconded by Councillor Simonelli, that  
the Appointment be confirmed. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
as a member of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, said term to commence  
upon confirmation by the City Council and to expire on January 31, 2028.  
A motion was made by Councillor Crowe, seconded by Councillor Simonelli, that  
the Appointment be confirmed. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, said term to commence upon  
confirmation by the City Council and to expire on January 31, 2028.  
A motion was made by Councillor Crowe, seconded by Councillor Simonelli, that  
the Appointment be confirmed. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, Simonelli, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
8. MOTIONS, ORDERS, AND RESOLUTIONS  
the 2026 Special Municipal Election, and to designate the City Clerk’s Office, 215  
Pleasant Street, Room 220 as the central early voting location during regular City  
Hall business hours from Monday, March 16 through Thursday, March 26.  
Sponsors: Amanda Linehan  
A motion was made by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor Winslow, that  
the Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
8 - Colon Hayes, Condon, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and Luong  
Yea:  
the entirety of the 2026 election cycle.  
Sponsors: Amanda Linehan  
A motion was made by Councillor Winslow, seconded by Councillor Luong, that  
the Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
8 - Colon Hayes, Condon, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and Luong  
Yea:  
determined by the Chief of Police and the City Clerk, or their respective designees.  
Sponsors: Amanda Linehan  
A motion was made by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor Luong, that the  
Order be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
of 8 Marvin Street on January 21, 2026, against the City Council related to the  
emergency meeting of January 20, 2026, which was posted under the provisions of  
M.G.L. c. 30A, 20(b).  
Sponsors: Amanda Linehan  
A motion was made by Councillor Crowe, seconded by Councillor Condon, that  
the Council Item be referred to the Legal Department. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
8 - Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, Taylor, Winslow and Luong  
1 - O'Malley  
Yea:  
Nay:  
the City of Malden shall be fully dedicated to address the local needs and priorities  
of Malden’s residents, businesses and visitors. The goal of this order is to provide  
for a safe, livable and welcoming community for all. No city employees,  
departments, appointees, processes or representatives shall assist in fulfilling the  
unique and separate responsibilities of the Federal government, including  
immigration enforcement, or cooperate with any Federal agencies or policies  
contrary to the stated goal of this Order. This Order shall be followed to the  
maximum extent permitted by law, provided that it shall not require the City to  
break pre-existing contracts or agreements with Federal entities.  
Sponsors: Carey McDonald and Stephen Winslow  
Councillor McDonald introduced this paper stating although the nation is watching in  
horror as to what is happening in Minneapolis, this paper speaks directly to deportations,  
arrests, and family separations that are happening right here in Malden. They did not  
frame this paper as a sanctuary order because the Council does not have the power to  
guarantee sanctuary. This paper does not reflect a radical change in policy so much as it  
is a statement to make clear where Malden stands moving forward. Comments on the  
initial writing of the paper indicate it needs some clarity about boundaries and unintended  
consequences. Councillor McDonald is happy to see this paper referred to committee to  
that end but believes time is of the essence here and would hope to see the paper back  
before the full Council within two weeks. They further encouraged Malden's residents to  
reach out to their State delegates to support current legislation regarding ICE  
enforcement.  
Council President Linehan recognized Police Chief Cronin who read into the record a  
prepared statement. That statement is attached the history of Paper 72-26.  
Councillor Winslow spoke of the historical comparisons of what's happening today to the  
American Revolution 250 years ago. He went on to say the recent horrific events in  
Minneapolis make standing up for the diverse community Malden is a necessity now  
more than ever. After speaking with constituents he and Councillor McDonald felt the  
need to put forth this paper in order to make the statement the same way Malden stood  
up 250 years ago that we oppose frantic policies of an administration that are arbitrary  
and are not in the best interest of our community and the life, liberty, and property that is  
important to build a strong community.  
Several Councillors supported referring this paper to the Public Safety Committee for  
further discussion, possible amendments, and community input to address operational  
concerns and legal clarity.  
A motion was made by Councillor Simonelli, seconded by Councillor Taylor, that  
the Order be referred to the Public Safety Committee. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
10 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Simonelli, Taylor,  
Winslow and Luong  
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS  
Papers 2 through 15 and 27 through 29 Series of 2026, having considered the same  
make the following report: Committee recommends these petitions out favorably  
to the Full City Council.  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Committee Report be received and filed. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
machines (Renewal)  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
(Renewal)  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
(Renewal)  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
(Renewal)  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
Malden, 1 vehicle (New)  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
1 vehicle (New)  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
Main Street, Apt. 29, Malden, 1 vehicle (New)  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
vehicle (Addition of 1 vehicle to existing license)  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
(New)  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
vehicle (Renewal)  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
(Renewal)  
A motion was made by Councillor Condon, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Petition be granted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
referred Papers 16 through 20 Series of 2026, having considered the same make the  
following report: Committee recommends these orders out favorably to the Full  
City Council to sell all five properties listed pending judgement.  
A motion was made by Councillor Luong, seconded by Councillor McDonald, that  
the Committee Report be received and filed. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
Pierce Street, Unit 14, and by City Assessor’s parcel identification number 091 773  
302 14, as in accordance with tax title litigation and foreclosure action with the  
Massachusetts Land Court, Case Number 24 TL 000380.  
A motion was made by Councillor Luong, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Treasurer be authorized to sell the property when and if so approved by  
land court. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
Murray Hill Park, and by City Assessor’s parcel identification number 027 103 315, as  
in accordance with tax title litigation and foreclosure action with the Massachusetts  
Land Court, Case Number 24 TL 000371.  
A motion was made by Councillor Luong, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Treasurer be authorized to sell the property when and if so approved by  
land court. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
West Street, and by City Assessor’s parcel identification number 034 194 411, as in  
accordance with tax title litigation and foreclosure action with the Massachusetts  
Land Court, Case Number 22 TL 000342.  
A motion was made by Councillor Luong, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Treasurer be authorized to sell the property when and if so approved by  
land court. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
Columbia Street, and by City Assessor’s parcel identification number 137 800 003, as  
in accordance with tax title litigation and foreclosure action with the Massachusetts  
Land Court, Case Number 22 TL 000329.  
`
A motion was made by Councillor Luong, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Treasurer be authorized to sell the property when and if so approved by  
land court. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
Beltran Street, and by City Assessor’s parcel identification number 008 063 302, as in  
accordance with tax title litigation and foreclosure action with the Massachusetts  
Land Court, Case Number 13 TL 147156.  
A motion was made by Councillor Luong, seconded by Councillor Colon Hayes,  
that the Treasurer be authorized to sell the property when and if so approved by  
land court. The motion carried by the following vote:  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, Taylor, Winslow and  
Luong  
10. PERSONAL PRIVILEGE  
11. ADJOURNMENT  
A motion was made by Councillor O'Malley, seconded by Councillor Condon, that  
the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following vote:  
Meeting adjourned at 10:08 PM.  
9 -  
Yea:  
Colon Hayes, Condon, Crowe, Linehan, McDonald, O'Malley, 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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