City of Malden

The meeting addressed an Open Meeting Law Complaint regarding redactions made to Executive Session minutes from January 20, 2026, which was subsequently referred to the Legal Department for investigation. The Council voted to retain the periodic review of several past Executive Session minutes in non-disclosure pending the exhaustion of the appeal process time frame. An update was provided on another Open Meeting Law Complaint concerning the emergency posting of the January 20, 2026, meeting, with the Legal Department concluding no violation existed. The Council favorably received a report recommending approval for the acquisition of approximately 6.79 acres of the former Malden Hospital property for recreational purposes, funded by Community Preservation Act and PARC grants, and adopted a resolution to apply for the PARC Grant. The session concluded with a vote to enter into Executive Session to review and potentially approve draft Executive Session minutes from February 3 and February 10, 2026.

The Cemetery Trust received $19,811.91 in Perpetual Care income for November, which was accepted by the Board. The Superintendent's report detailed nine burials for November and highlighted a successful collaboration with the 'Friends of the Forest Dale Arboretum' and 'Wreaths Across America' group, which involved laying over 200 wreaths at Veterans' graves. The Superintendent is currently in discussions with National Grid regarding guidewires along the wall, which could impact ADA compliance and plowing access. Future priorities include addressing the cemetery's water system to implement cost-saving water stations by Spring 2026 and restoring the border of the pond. The Board passed a motion to set a $100.00 fee for a disinterment in the Niche wall. Following a directive to cut expenses, the Board approved a motion to increase the cemetery fee schedule, effective February 1, 2025, to enhance the Perpetual Care account due to diminishing land availability. Research was also conducted regarding repairs for the Lord crypt.

The committee reviewed compliance updates, including an unpermitted installation of window signs at 671 Salem St which were subsequently downsized after owner consultation, and unpermitted signs at 730 Eastern Ave which were on the agenda for approval. The committee also noted that the business at 269-271 Main St has closed, but old signage remains posted. The main agenda involved consideration and approval of several new sign applications, including approvals with conditions for A Street Frames, and unconditional approvals for Beacon Bank, The Toyary, Trinity Naturals, Dunkin, Opus Insurance, Socceroof & Padel, and X-Step Fitness.

The meeting agenda included the review of new member additions, noting several hires such as Jacquay Spradley, William Pescione, and Tiffany DeMontier. The board addressed retirement applications for Patricia A. Schulz and Cheryl A. Spinella. Withdrawals and transfers were discussed for Scott DeSalvo and Jason Minervini. The Director's Report covered the COLA Notice Memo, and correspondence included recent PERAC Memos. The session concluded with an Executive Session conducted under Purpose 7 of the Open Meeting Law to discuss confidential personnel and medical files related to Thomas Angelo (QDRO update), James R. Connolly (Pending Medical Records), and Frederick Wilson (Accidental Disability review).

The Board of Appeal held a public hearing to consider Petition 26-001, filed by Daniel Miller, seeking a variance for a side yard setback concerning a single-family dwelling at 52 Murray Hill Road. The variance requested involved extending the first floor footprint by converting the existing deck area into additional living space for a bedroom. Discussion focused on the foundation of the proposed addition, concerns regarding a pre-existing clay tile pipe in the easement area, and confirmation that the expansion would maintain the existing 12-foot setback. The petition was ultimately granted unanimously with a condition regarding the foundation not encroaching upon the easement.