City Council
Regular MeetingWaltham, MA · March 10, 2025
Minutes
Waltham City Council
Minutes of the Meeting of
March 10, 2025
President McLaughlin called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Present: Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci,
LeBlanc, Logan, McMenimen, Stanley, Vidal and President McLaughlin.
Absent: None.
Christian Maitre of the Waltham Times was recognized as recording the meeting.
City Clerk Vizard recited the Council Prayer followed by President McLaughlin 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 asked for a moment of silence for
Ryan Shread.
President McLaughlin offered congratulations to Councillor Durkee on his promotion to Chief
Warrant Officer 4 in the Massachusetts Army National Guard on February 27, 2025 at the Joint
Forces Headquarters on Hanson Air Force Base.
Councillor LaCava moved approval of the regular meeting minutes of 2/24/25. The motion was
adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved.
Clerk Vizard read Rule 86.
First Public Hearing: Special Permit application for BP Third Avenue LLC at 180 Third Avenue
Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. With no one else in favor, no one 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. Councillor Harris made a
motion that was approved by a voice vote to have the public hearing be continued to a date and
time certain of March 24, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Second Public Hearing: Special Permit application for McDonalds Real Estate Company at 789
Main Street
Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Attorney Joseph Connors representing the petitioner
spoke in favor of the petition. With no one else in favor, no one 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. Councillor Harris spoke on the matter.
Councillor Harris made a motion to close the public hearing. The motion was approved by a
voice vote. Councillor Harris moved to suspend Rule 8 to take the matter out of order. The
motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Harris moved for approval of the matter. Roll
call required.
In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava,
LaFauci, LeBlanc, Logan, McMenimen, Stanley and Vidal.
Opposed: None.
Absent: None.
Presiding: McLaughlin.
The special permit application for McDonalds Real Estate Company at 789 Main Street was
approved 14-0-0-1.
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Communications from the Mayor
1. The Mayor respectfully requested approval of the Year 51 Community Development
Block Grant Program. Referred to the Economic and Community Development
Committee.
2. The Mayor respectfully requested that the City Council transfer the care, custody and
control of the Field Station Building at 240 Beaver Street to the Recreation Department.
Referred to the Committee of the Whole.
3. The Mayor respectfully requested an appropriation in the amount of $34,167 to purchase a
vehicle for the Building Inspection Department. The Current Vehicle is a 2007 and
requires constant maintenance and repair. Referred to the Finance Committee.
4. The Mayor respectfully requested an appropriation in the amount of $34,167 to purchase a
vehicle for the Building Inspection Department. The Current Vehicle is a 2012 and
requires constant maintenance and repair. Referred to the Finance Committee.
5. The Mayor respectfully requested acceptance of the Green Communities Competitive
Grant in the amount of $152,275. Referred to the Finance Committee.
6. The Mayor respectfully requested an appropriation in the amount of $61,301 from the
Unreserved Fund Balance to purchase a new passenger vehicle for the Recreation
Department. Referred to the Finance Committee.
7. The Mayor respectfully submitted information from the MWRA regarding its Tunnel
Project off Waverley Oaks Road. Referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Applications and Licenses
All Applications and Licenses referred to the Licenses and Franchises Committee.
1. Second Hand Dealers Renewal – 1250 Main Street – Clean Out Your House, Inc.
2. Second Hand Dealers Renewal – 108 C River Street – Mint Condition Sports, LLC.
3. Massport License– Ali Ihsan Yildiz – ALVE, LLC - 5514 Stearns Hill Road
Clerk Vizard spoke about Table and Chairs permit applications and the process for the 2025 season.
Resolutions, Orders and Ordinances
• Web-Based Reporting System Resolution
Clerk Vizard read the Resolution. Councillors Logan spoke on the matter. The matter was
referred to the Economic and Community Development Committee.
• An Ordinance Amending Chapter 1 of the General Ordinances of the City of Waltham Entitled
“General Provisions” – Enforcement of Noise Pollution Ordinance Amendment.
Councillors Logan, LaFauci and LeBlanc spoke on the matter. The matter was referred to the
Ordinances and Rules Committee.
• Chapter 10 of the General Ordinances of the City of Waltham Entitled “Offenses –
Miscellaneous” Noise Pollution Ordinance Amendment,
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Councillor Logan spoke on the matter. This ordinance amendment is in conjunction with the
“Chapter 10” Resolution The matter was referred to the Ordinances and Rules Committee.
Committee Reports
Committee of the Whole
1. The Committee of the Whole recommended the confirmation of the appointment of John
Everett White as a member of the Waltham Biosafety Committee to fill a vacancy for a
three-year term expiring 12/31/2028 be approved. Councillor LaCava moved that the action
of the Committee be the action of the Council. Roll call required.
In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz,
LaCava, LaFauci, LeBlanc, Logan, McMenimen, Stanley and Vidal.
Opposed: None.
Absent: None.
Presiding: McLaughlin.
The matter was approved 14-0-0-1.
Ordinances and Rules
1. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended that the Special Permit application for
McDonalds Real Estate Company at 789 Main Street be approved. This matter was handled
earlier in the meeting.
2. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended that the zoning amendment for
marijuana retail hours and to allow ownership to be transferrable be scheduled for a Joint
Public Hearing with the Board of Survey and Planning. Councillor Harris moved that the
action of the Committee be the action of the Council. The motion was approved by a voice
vote and the matter was approved. Councillor Harris moved to table the matter on the
Council floor. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was tabled.
3. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended amending Chapter 7 of the General
Ordinances of the City of Waltham, entitled “Garbage, Trash and Refuse” be approved for
a first reading. Councillor Harris moved that the action of the Committee be the action of
the Council. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was approved for a
first reading. Councillor Harris made a motion to table the matter. The motion was
approved by a voice vote and the Chapter 7 of the General Ordinances of the City of
Waltham, entitled “Garbage, Trash and Refuse” amendment was tabled.
4. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended that the Chapter 1 of the General
Ordinances of the City of Waltham, entitled “GENERAL PROVISIONS,” Section 1-13
entitled “Enforcement of municipal ordinances, by-laws and regulations,” as most recently
amended, is hereby amended by adding the following after the provisions for Sec. 7-18 be
approved for a first reading. Councillor Harris moved that the action of the Committee be
the action of the Council. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was
approved for a first reading. Councillor Harris made a motion to table the matter. The
motion was approved by a voice vote and the Chapter 1 of the General Ordinances of the
City of Waltham, entitled “GENERAL PROVISIONS,” Section 1-13 entitled
“Enforcement of municipal ordinances, by-laws and regulations,” amendment was tabled.
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Economic and Committee Development
1. The Economic and Community Development Committee recommended approval of a
request be sent to the Traffic Commission to come up with the best solution for removing
the granite curbing and stopping the train horns at the Elm and Moody Street crossings.
This was matter mistakenly placed on the docket and currently remains in Committee.
2. The Economic and Community Development Committee recommended the approval of the
updated Bike Rack Plan and to have it sent to the Mayor and Director Chiasson for a
funding request. Councillor Brasco moved that the action of the Committee be the action of
the Council. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was approved
Finance
1. The Finance Committee recommended the acceptance of a Waltham Public Schools
Manual from 1999-2000 from Sue Kavaleski for the City Hall Museum be approved.
Councillor LaFauci moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council.
The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was approved.
2. The Finance Committee recommended the acceptance of a donation in the amount of
$1,500 from the Waltham Lions Charitable Foundation for the Council on Aging be
approved. Councillor LaFauci moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the
Council. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was approved.
3. The Finance Committee recommended the acceptance of a shovel from the Leland House
Groundbreaking from Jeannette A. McCarthy for the City Hall Museum Room be
approved. Councillor LaFauci moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the
Council. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was approved.
4. The Finance Committee recommended the approval of a transfer in the amount of
$1,458,378 for the projected deficit in the snow overtime and snow general expenses
accounts be approved. Councillor LaFauci moved that the action of the Committee be the
action of the Council. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the matter was
approved.
5. The Finance Committee recommended the approval of an appropriation in the amount of
$257,825 from Unreserved Fund Balance, for design services for improvements to 200
Trapelo Road. – Phase 2 be approved. Councillor McMenimen recused herself. Councillor
LaFauci moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council. The motion
was approved by a voice vote and the matter was approved.
Tabled Items
• WCAC reimbursement for PEG Salary/Expenses/Equipment for a total of $134,273.68.
Referred to the Cable Access Committee.
Councillor Katz made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the Resolution to
Improve Traffic & Safety Technology in Waltham off the table. Councillor Katz moved to file
the matter without prejudice. The motion was approved by voice vote and the Resolution to
Improve Traffic & Safety Technology in Waltham was filed without prejudice.
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Tabled Items
• 995 Main Street
• Dumpster Ordinance
• Outside Dining Ordinance Amendment (2nd reading 2/24/25)
Councillor LaCava recused himself. Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by
a voice vote to take the matter off the table. Councillor Harris made a motion for a third
and final reading of the matter. Roll call required.
In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz,
LaFauci, LeBlanc, Logan, McMenimen, Stanley and Vidal.
Opposed: None.
Absent: None.
Recused: LaCava.
Presiding: McLaughlin.
The Outside Dining Ordinance Amendment was approved 13-0-0-1-1.
• Executive Meeting minutes of February 10, 2025
Councillor LaCava made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off
the table. Councillor LaCava made a motion for approval. Roll call requested.
In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz,
LaCava, LaFauci, LeBlanc, Logan, McMenimen, Stanley and Vidal.
Opposed: None.
Absent: None.
Presiding: McLaughlin.
The matter was approved 14-0-0-1.
Councillor LaCava made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to send the minutes to
the Law Department for review.
With no further matters Councillor Brasco made a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved
by a voice vote. President McLaughlin declared the meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cathy Magliarditi
Executive Assistant to the City Clerk
March 17, 2025
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Agenda
City Council Docket
March 10, 2025
The Waltham City Council will meet in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 610 Main Street,
Waltham, MA on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. The following matters and others may be
considered.
Approval of Minutes
Regular Meeting of February 27, 2025
Public Hearing
Special Permit (Recessed 2/24/25)
BP Third Avenue LLC c/o Boston Properties, 800 Boylston Street, Suite #1900, Boston, MA
02199-8103, the Petitioner and Owner of 180 Third Avenue, hereby petitions the City Council to
modify a previously granted special permit that permitted the construction of the existing building
with an increased Floor Area Ration (FAR) of 1.18 pursuant to § 3.511 and § 3.521 of the Zoning
Ordinance of the City of Waltham. The proposed modification will permit the Petitioner to install
one pad and delineate a “reserve area” for a general location area for pads that would support
subsequently installed, exterior, “on grade” generators and to install bollards or fencing, if needed,
as shown on the Project Plans. Neither the existing footprint nor height of the building will change
as a result of the project.
The subject premises are the parcels of land known and numbered as 180 Third Avenue, shown in
the “Atlas City of Waltham, Massachusetts” as follows:
• Map 039, Block 003, Lot 0002 180 Third Avenue
The above property is located entirely in a Commercial Zoning District.
Public Hearing
Special Permit (Recessed 2/24/25)
McDonald’s Real Estate Company, 110 N. Carpenter Street, Chicago, IL 60607, as Petitioner,
hereby petitions the City Council for a Special Permit pursuant to §3.5 and Article III, § 3.620 and
3.635 of the Zoning Ordinance, to operate a fast-food establishment as defined by § 3.229 of the
Zoning Ordinance and further to provide drive-in customer services as defined at § 3.225. The
Petitioner is also requesting an amendment to the existing special permit granted in Order No. 27124
to reflect the proposed site plan changes herein and further to amend condition S which limited the
hours of operation to 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The Petitioner is seeking to amend the existing special
permit to allow for extended hours of operation and/or 24 hour services.
The locus is known and numbered as 789 Main Street and is shown in the “Atlas, City of
Waltham, Massachusetts 1988”, as Map 59 Block 8 Lots 8, 9, 10 and 12.
The property is situated in a Business B and Residence C Zoning District.
The Legal Owner of the locus is McDonald’s Real Estate Company, 110 N. Carpenter Street,
Chicago, IL 60607.
Communications from the Mayor
1. The Mayor respectfully requests approval of the Year 51 Community Development Block
Grant Program.
2. The Mayor respectfully requests that the City Council transfer the care, custody and control
of the Field Station Building at 240 Beaver Street to the Recreation Department.
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City Council Docket
March 10, 2025
3. The Mayor respectfully requests an appropriation in the amount of $34,167 to purchase a
vehicle for the Building Inspection Department. The Current Vehicle is a 2007 and requires
constant maintenance and repair.
4. The Mayor respectfully requests an appropriation in the amount of $34,167 to purchase a
vehicle for the Building Inspection Department. The Current Vehicle is a 2012 and requires
constant maintenance and repair.
5. The Mayor respectfully requests acceptance of the Green Communities Competitive Grant
in the amount of $152,275.
6. The Mayor respectfully requests an appropriation in the amount of $61,301 from the
Unreserved Fund Balance to purchase a new passenger vehicle for the Recreation
Department.
7. The Mayor respectfully submits information from the MWRA regarding its Tunnel Project
off Waverley Oaks Road.
Applications and Licenses
1. Second Hand Dealers Renewal – 1250 Main Street – Clean Out Your House, Inc.
2. Second Hand Dealers Renewal – 108 C River Street – Mint Condition Sports, LLC.
3. Massport License– Ali Ihsan Yildiz – ALVE, LLC - 5514 Stearns Hill Road
Resolutions, Orders and Ordinances
• Web-Based Reporting System Resolution
Committee Reports
Committee of the Whole
1. The Committee of the Whole recommends the confirmation of the appointment of John
Everett White as a member of the Waltham Biosafety Committee to fill a vacancy for a three-
year term expiring 12/31/2028 be approved.
Ordinances and Rules
1. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommends that the Special Permit application for
McDonalds Real Estate Company at 789 Main Street be approved.
2. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommends that the zoning amendment for marijuana
retail hours and to allow ownership to be transferrable be scheduled for a Joint Public
Hearing with the Board of Survey and Planning.
3. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommends amending Chapter 7 of the General
Ordinances of the City of Waltham, entitled “Garbage, Trash and Refuse” be approved for a
first reading.
4. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommends that the Chapter 1 of the General
Ordinances of the City of Waltham, entitled “GENERAL PROVISIONS,” Section 1-13
2
City Council Docket
March 10, 2025
entitled “Enforcement of municipal ordinances, by-laws and regulations,” as most recently
amended, is hereby amended by adding the following after the provisions for Sec. 7-18 be
approved for a first reading.
Economic and Community Development
1. The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends approval of a request
be sent to the Traffic Commission to come up with the best solution for removing the granite
curbing and stopping the train horns at the Elm and Moody Street crossings.
2. The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends the approval of the
updated Bike Rack Plan and to have it sent to the Mayor and Director Chiasson for a funding
request.
Finance
1. The Finance Committee recommends the acceptance of a Waltham Public Schools Manual
from 1999-2000 from Sue Kavaleski for the City Hall Museum be approved.
2. The Finance Committee recommends the acceptance of a donation in the amount of $1,500
from the Waltham Lions Charitable Foundation for the Council on Aging be approved.
3. The Finance Committee recommends the acceptance of a shovel from the Leland House
Groundbreaking from Jeannette A. McCarthy for the City Hall Museum Room be approved.
4. The Finance Committee recommends the approval of a transfer in the amount of $1,458,378
for the projected deficit in the snow overtime and snow general expenses accounts be
approved.
5. The Finance Committee recommends the approval of an appropriation in the amount of
$257,825 from Unreserved Fund Balance, for design services for improvements to 200
Trapelo Road. – Phase 2 be approved.
Unfinished Business & Other Business
• WCAC reimbursement for PEG Salary/Expenses/Equipment for a total of $134,273.68
Tabled Items
• 995 Main Street
• Dumpster Ordinance
• Outside Dining Ordinance Amendment (2nd reading 2/24/25)
• Executive Meeting minutes of February 10, 2025
Rule 58
Recessed Public Hearings
• SP Application 1432 Main Street to be continued date certain of 3/24/25 at 7:30 p.m. (2/24/25)
• SP Application at 1265 Main Street to be continued date certain of 4/28/25 at 7:30 p.m. (2/24/25)
• SP Application 460 Totten Pond Road to be continued date certain of 3/24/25 at 7:30 p.m. (2/24/25)
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