City Council
Regular MeetingWaltham, MA · January 13, 2025
Minutes
Waltham City Council
Minutes of the Meeting of
January 13, 2025
City Clerk Vizard called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Present: Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci,
Logan, McMenimen, Vidal and President McLaughlin.
Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley.
Aubrey Hawke of the Waltham Times was recognized as recording the meeting.
Assistant City Clerk Kara Wilson recited the Council Prayer followed by City Clerk Joseph
Vizard leading all present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Councillor Durkee asked for a moment of
silence for all the military that have served past and present. Councillor LaFauci rose to offer a
moment of silence for Gloria Champion.
City Clerk Vizard opened up nominations for City Council President. Councillor LaCava rose to
nominate John J. McLaughlin. Councillor Brasco made a motion to close nominations. The
motion was approved by a voice vote. The City Councils vote was required for the confirmation.
Assistant City Clerk Wilson called the roll.
Colleen Bradley-MacArthur: John J. McLaughlin
Paul J. Brasco: John J. McLaughlin
Caren Dunn: John J. McLaughlin
Sean T. Durkee: John J. McLaughlin
William A. Hanley: John J. McLaughlin
Cathyann Harris: John J. McLaughlin
Paul S. Katz: John J. McLaughlin
Joseph P. LaCava: John J. McLaughlin
Anthony LaFauci: John J. McLaughlin
Randy J. LeBlanc: Absent
Robert G. Logan: John J. McLaughlin
John J. McLaughlin: John J. McLaughlin
Kathleen B. McMenimen: John J. McLaughlin
Thomas M. Stanley: Absent
Carlos A. Vidal: John J. McLaughlin
With 13 votes John J. McLaughlin was voted as the President of the City Council for 2025.
President McLaughlin took the chair and thanked the Council.
Councillor McMenimen made a motion to adopt the 2024 City Council Rules as the 2025 City
Council Rules. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the 2025 City Council Rules were
adopted.
Clerk Vizard read Rule 15.
1
In accordance with Rule 15, President McLaughlin appointed Joseph P. LaCava as the City
Council Vice President for the year 2025. The City Councils vote was required for the
confirmation. Assistant City Clerk Wilson called the roll.
Colleen Bradley-MacArthur: Joseph P. LaCava
Paul J. Brasco: Joseph P. LaCava
Caren Dunn: Joseph P. LaCava
Sean T. Durkee: Joseph P. LaCava
William A. Hanley: Joseph P. LaCava
Cathyann Harris: Joseph P. LaCava
Paul S. Katz: Joseph P. LaCava
Joseph P. LaCava: Joseph P. LaCava
Anthony LaFauci: Joseph P. LaCava
Randy J. LeBlanc: Absent
Robert G. Logan: Joseph P. LaCava
John J. McLaughlin: Joseph P. LaCava
Kathleen B. McMenimen Joseph P. LaCava
Thomas M. Stanley: Absent
Carlos A. Vidal: Joseph P. LaCava
With 13 votes Joseph P. LaCava was voted as the Vice President of the City Council for 2025.
Councillor LaCava moved approval of the regular meeting minutes of 12/23/24. The motion was
adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. Councillor LaCava moved approval of the
Executive Session Meeting Minutes of 12/9/24. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the
matter was approved. Councillor LaCava made a motion to send the Executive Session Meeting
Minutes to the Law Department for review. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the
minutes were sent to the Law Department.
Clerk Vizard read Rule 86.
First Public Hearing: Grant of Location at Moody Street and Carter Street for Eversource
Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Eversource Representative Pat Cooper, 49 Copper
Street, Quincy representing the petitioner spoke on the matter. With no one else in support, no
one else in opposition and no one in a neutral position of the petition President McLaughlin
closed that part of the public hearing and opened the hearing up to questions from Councillors.
Councillors LaCava, Logan and Hanley asked questions. Ms. Cooper stated she would supply the
answers to the Committee. With no further questions President McLaughlin closed the public
hearing and referred the matter to the Licenses and Franchises Committee.
Second Public Hearing: Grant of Location at 101 School Street for NationalGrid
Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. There was no representative from NationalGrid in
the Chamber. Councillor Vidal made a motion to recess the public hearing until January 27,
2025. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was recessed.
Third Public Hearing: Special Permit Application for Ferris Development Group, LLC. at 1432
Main Street
2
Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Councillor Harris spoke on the special permit stating
there was no new news. Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to
have the public hearing be continued to a date certain of 2/24/2025.
Fourth Public Hearing: Special Permit Application for The Wilder Companies, LTD. at 1074
Lexington Street
Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Councillor Harris spoke on the special permit stating
there was no new news. Attorney Michael Connors, 689 main Street, representing the petitioner
spoke on the matter explaining that the petitioner was not moving forward with the project at this
time and that they were filing a letter to withdraw without prejudice. Councillor McMenimen
asked if the petitioner had plans to refile in the future. Attorney Connors replied possibly if space
became available in the same area. Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a
voice vote to suspend Rule 8. Councillor Harris moved to approve the withdrawal without
prejudice. Roll call required.
In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava,
LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen and Vidal.
Opposed: None.
Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley.
Presiding: McLaughlin.
The matter was approved 12-0-2-1.
Communications from the Mayor
1. The Mayor respectfully submitted a request for the Council’s recommended locations for
benches on Main and Moody Street. Referred to the Economic and Community
Development Committee.
2. The Mayor respectfully requested the acceptance of the FFY 2024 EMPG Grant in the
amount of $25,600 from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. Referred to
the Finance Committee.
3. The Mayor respectfully requested acceptance of a donation to the Waltham Fire
Department from the New Light Korean Church in the amount of $300. Referred to the
Finance Committee.
4. The Mayor respectfully requested the acceptance of an Empowering the African American
booklet donated by Tony Kinaalwa. Referred to the Finance Committee.
5. The Mayor respectfully requested an appropriation in the amount of $225,000 for the
“Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Map Update” services. Referred to the Finance
Committee.
6. The Mayor respectfully requested to go into an executive session regarding a confidential
matter related to the property at 955 Main Street. Councillor LaFauci made a motion to
table this matter until the end of the meeting. The motion was approved by a voice vote
and the matter was tabled.
Applications and Licenses
All Applications and Licenses referred to the Licenses and Franchises Committee.
1. Class 2 License Renewal – 712 Moody Street – Jofi Enterprise, Inc.
3
Resolutions, Orders and Ordinances
• Resolution in Support of Outside Dining in Waltham for 2025
The Clerk read the Resolution. Councillors Harris, Logan, Bradley Mac-Arthur and LaFauci
spoke on the Resolution. President McLaughlin referred the matter to the Ordinances and
Rules Committee
Unfinished Business & Other Business
• Request to withdraw without prejudice the Special Permit application at 1074 Lexington Street
This matter was handled earlier in the meeting.
Tabled Items
• Preferential Veterans Housing Ordinance Amendment (First reading 12/23/24)
Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off
the table. Councillor Harris spoke on the matter. Councillor Harris made a motion that was
approved by a voice vote for a second reading. Councillor Harris moved to suspend Rule
45. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Harris moved for a third and final
reading. Roll call required.
In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz,
LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen and Vidal.
Opposed: None.
Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley.
Presiding: McLaughlin.
The matter was approved 12-0-2-1.
• MBTA Communities Zoning (First reading 12/23/24)
Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off
the table. Councillor Harris spoke on the matter. Councillor Harris made a motion that was
approved by a voice vote for a second reading. Councillor Harris moved to suspend Rule
45. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Harris moved for a third and final
reading. Roll call required.
In favor: Councillors, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan,
McMenimen, Vidal and McLaughlin.
Opposed: None.
Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley.
Present: Bradley-MacArthur.
The matter was approved 12-0-2-1.
• Dumpster Ordinance
Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off
the table. Councillor Harris spoke on the matter. Councillor Harris made a motion to table
the matter. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was tabled.
• Loan Authorization in the amount of $1,031,710 for Howe/Administration at 200 Trapelo Road
(First reading 12/23/24)
Councillor McMenimen recused herself. Councillor Vidal made a motion that was
approved by a voice vote to take the matter off the table. Councillor Harris spoke on the
matter. Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote for a second
and final reading. Roll call required.
4
In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz,
LaCava, LaFauci, Logan and Vidal.
Opposed: None.
Recused: McMenimen.
Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley.
Presiding: McLaughlin.
The matter was approved 11-0-1-2-1.
Councillor LaFauci made a motion to take the Mayor’s confidential communication regarding
995 Main Street off the table. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor LaFauci
made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to go into Executive Session and that City
Clerk Vizard serve as Clerk of the Executive Session and that the Mayor, City Solicitor and
Assistant City Clerk Wilson be present. Roll call required.
In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava,
LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen and Vidal.
Opposed: None.
Absent: LeBlanc, Stanley.
Presiding: McLaughlin.
The matter was approved 12-0-2-1.
Councillors Harris and Durkee escorted the mayor into the Chamber.
City Council moved to Executive Session at 8:28 p.m.
City Council reconvened at 9:41 p.m.
With no further matters Councillor LaCava made a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved
by a voice vote. President McLaughlin declared the meeting adjourned at 9:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cathy Magliarditi
Executive Assistant to the City Clerk
January 27, 2025
5
Agenda
City Council Docket
January 13, 2025
The Waltham City Council will meet in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 610 Main Street,
Waltham, MA on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. The following matters and others may be
considered.
Election of the President for 2025
Adoption of Rules
Appointment of the Vice President
Approval of Minutes
Regular Meeting of December 23, 2024
Executive Session Minutes of December 9, 2024
Public Hearing
Grant of Location
Respectfully represents NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY DBA EVERSOURCE ENERGY, a
company incorporated for the transmission of electricity for lighting, heating or power, that it desires
to construct a line for such transmission under the public way or ways hereinafter specified.
WHEREFORE, your petitioner prays that, after due notice and hearing as provided by law, the City
Council may by Order grant to your petitioner permission to construct, and a location for, such a line
of conduits and manholes with the necessary wires and cables therein, said conduits and manholes to
be located substantially as shown on the plan made by K. Rice, dated January 26, 2024 and filed
herewith, under the following public way or ways of said City:
Moody Street - Northerly from manhole MH15911, at the intersection of Moody Street and
Carter Street, install approximately 63 feet of conduit.
W/O #17997966
Public Hearing
Grant of Location
The Nationalgrid hereby respectfully requests your consent to the locations of mains as hereinafter
described for the transmission and distribution of gas in and under the following public streets,
lanes, highways and places of the City of Waltham and of the pipes, valves, governors, manholes
and other structures, fixtures and appurtenances designed or intended to protect or operate said
mains and accomplish the objects of said Company; and the digging up and opening the ground to
lay or place same: As part of the CIMNRPL Nationalgrid recommends the relay of:
Approximately 1270 feet of 4-inch, Cast Iron (1914), approximately 30 feet of 4 -inch, Plastic
(2003), Approximately 20 feet of 4- inch, Plastic (2004) and approximately 10 feet of 4- inch,
Plastic (2006) with approximately 1330 feet of 8- inch, Plastic in Church St from #106 Church St
to Main St,
approximately 480 feet of 8- inch, Cast Iron (1916) with approximately 215 feet of 8- inch, Plastic
in Park Pl from #23 Church St to School St,
approximately 215 feet of 6 -inch, Cast Iron (1929) and approximately 215 feet of 3- inch, Cast
Iron (1922) with approximately 430 feet of 6- inch, Plastic in Orchard Av from Church St to
Warren Av,
1
City Council Docket
January 13, 2025
approximately 375 feet of 4- inch, Cast Iron (1922), with approximately 375 feet of 6- inch, Plastic
in Mt Pleasant St from Liberty St to School St, and approximately 170 feet of 8- inch, Cast Iron
(1928), approximately 10 feet of 8- inch, Plastic (2012), approximately 10 feet of 6- inch, Plastic
(2013), and approximately 700 feet of 6 -inch, Cast Iron (1915) with approximately 890 feet of 8-
inch, Plastic in School St from #34 School St to #101 School St.
Public Hearing
Special Permit (Recessed 12/9/24)
Ferris Development Group, LLC, 118 Turnpike Road, Suite 300, Southborough, Massachusetts
01772, as Petitioner; and FD Special Opportunities II-A, LLC c/o Ferris Development Group,
LLC, 118 Turnpike Road, Suite 300, Southborough, Massachusetts 01772, as the Owner, hereby
petition the City Council of the City of Waltham to grant a special permit for an increase in Floor
Area Ratio (FAR) to 0.6 pursuant to § 3.511 and § 3.521 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of
Waltham.
The subject premises are shown in the “Atlas City of Waltham, Massachusetts” as:
• Page 56, Block 2, Lot 13 1432 Main Street
The above property is located entirely in a Commercial Zoning District.
Public Hearing
Special Permit (Recessed 11/25/24)
The Wilder Companies, LTD, 800 Boylston Street, Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02199, as
Petitioner; and TA Waltham, LLC, c/o The Wilder Companies, LTD, 800 Boylston Street, Suite 1300,
Boston, Massachusetts 02199, as the Owner, hereby petition the City Council of the City of Waltham to
grant a special permit for a Fast-food establishment pursuant to § 3.512 and § 3.620 of the Zoning
Ordinance of the City of Waltham.
The subject premises are shown in the “Atlas City of Waltham, Massachusetts” as:
• Page 14, Block 4, Lot 14A 1074 Lexington Street
The above property is located entirely in a Business A Zoning District.
Communications from the Mayor
1. The Mayor respectfully submits a request for the Council’s recommended locations for
benches on Main and Moody Street.
2. The Mayor respectfully requests the acceptance of the FFY 2024 EMPG Grant in the
amount of $25,600 from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
3. The Mayor respectfully requests acceptance of a donation to the Waltham Fire Department
from the New Light Korean Church in the amount of $300.
4. The Mayor respectfully requests the acceptance of an Empowering the African American
booklet donated by Tony Kinaalwa.
5. The Mayor respectfully requests an appropriation in the amount of $225,000 for the
“Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Map Update” services.
2
City Council Docket
January 13, 2025
6. The Mayor respectfully requests to go into an executive session regarding a confidential
matter related to the property at 995 Main Street.
Applications and Licenses
1. Class 2 License Renewal – 712 Moody Street – Jofi Enterprise, Inc.
Resolutions, Orders and Ordinances
Committee Reports
Unfinished Business & Other Business
• Request to withdraw without prejudice the Special Permit application at 1074 Lexington Street
Tabled Items
• Preferential Veterans Housing Ordinance Amendment (First reading 12/23/24)
• MBTA Communities Zoning (First reading 12/23/24)
• Dumpster Ordinance
• Loan Authorization in the amount of $1,031,710 for Howe/Administration at 200 Trapelo Road
(First reading 12/23/24)
Rule 58
• Mayor’s Communication on Capital Improvement Plan
Recessed Public Hearings
• SP Application at 1265 Main Street to be continued date certain of 1/27/25 at 7:30 p.m. (11/12)
• SP Application at 789 Main Street to be continued date certain of 1/27/25 at 7:30 p.m. (12/9/24)
• SP Application 460 Totten Pond Road to be continued date certain of 1/27/25 at 7:30 p.m. (12/23/24)
3
Get email alerts for Waltham
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.