City Council

Waltham City Council Minutes of the Meeting of May 27, 2025 President McLaughlin called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Vivian Ainomugisha of the Waltham Times was recognized as recording the meeting. Present: Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, LeBlanc, Logan, McMenimen, Stanley, Vidal and President McLaughlin. Absent: None. 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 Harris moved to suspend Rule 8 to take the 2024 Kevin M. Ritcey Award for Outstanding Public Service for Glenna Gelineau out of order. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to hear from off committee members. Ms. Gelineau and her family approached the lectern. Clerk Vizard read the Resolution. Councillor Harris spoke on the Resolution. Ms. Gelineau spoke. Councillor Harris made a motion for approval. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the 2024 Kevin M. Ritcey Award for Outstanding Public Service for Glenna Gelineau was approved. Councillor LeBlanc rose and moved to suspend Rule 8 to take the Bentley Pond Resolution out of order. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Clerk Vizard read the Resolution. Councillor LeBlanc, McMenimen and LaFauci spoke on the Resolution. Councillor LeBlanc made a request that was approved by a voice vote to have the Clerk request a Representative of Bentley University attend the next Public Works and Public Safety Committee Meeting on June 3, 2025. Referred to the Public Works and Public Safety Committee. Councillor LaCava moved approval of the regular meeting minutes of 5/12/25. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. Clerk Vizard read Rule 86. First Public Hearing: Special Permit application at 51 Hall Street for Hall Street Partners LLC Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Attorney Joseph Connors, 404 Main Street, Waltham 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 Logan spoke on the matter. With no further questions President McLaughlin recessed the public hearing until a date certain of June 9, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. President McLaughlin referred the matter to the Ordinances and Rules Committee. Second Public Hearing: Special Permit application at 1432 Main Street for Ferris Development Group, LLC (Recessed 4/28/25) Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice and gave an update on new information. Attorney Michael Connors, 689 Main Street, Waltham 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 1 petition President McLaughlin closed that part of the public hearing and opened the hearing up to questions from Councillors. Councillor Harris moved to close the public hearing. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Harris moved to suspend Rule 8 to take the Ordinances and Rules Committee recommendation of approval for the Special Permit application for Ferris Development Group, LLC at 1432 Main Street out of order. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Harris moved approval. 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 was approved 14-0-0-1. Third Public Hearing: Special Permit application at 1265 Main Street for 1265 Main Street LLC and J & Co. Clerk Vizard read the public hearing. Attorney Phillip McCourt, 272 Bacon Street, Waltham 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 Logan spoke on the matter. With no further questions President McLaughlin recessed the public hearing until a date certain of June 23, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Fourth Public Hearing: Special Permit application at 460 Totton Pond Road for ALP PHOP Manager, LLC. and NWALP TPOP Property Owner, LLC (Recessed 4/28/25) Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice and gave an update on new information. Attorney Joseph Connors, 404 Main Street, Waltham 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 moved to close the public hearing. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Harris moved to suspend Rule 8 to take the Ordinances and Rules Committee recommendation of approval for the Special Permit application for ALP PHOP Manager, LLC. and NWALP TPOP Property Owner, LLC. at 460 Totten Pond Road out of order. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Harris moved approval. 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 was approved 14-0-0-1. Communications from the Mayor 1. The Mayor respectfully requested acceptance of her recommendation that plaque be erected at the entrance of the area where the former Activity Center was located at 200 Trapelo Road for Jerry LeBlanc, the founding member of the Waltham Disability Services Commission. Councillor McMenimen recused herself. Referred to the Licenses and Franchises Committee. 2 2. The Mayor respectfully requested an appropriation in the total amount of $181,500 to relocate the Waltham Schools Facilities Department from 258 Trapelo Road to 617 Lexington Street. Referred to the Finance Committee. 3. The Mayor respectfully requested an appropriation in the total amount of $812,688 to fund numerous department requests for minor capital items for FY2025. Referred to the Finance Committee. Applications and Licenses Councillor Vidal moved to suspend Rule 39 to act on the matter without committee reference. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Vidal made a motion that approved by a voice vote to act collectively on matters numbered 1-5. Councillor Vidal moved approval of matters numbered 1-5. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the Tables and Chairs applications numbered 1 – 5 were approved. All Applications and Licenses referred to the Licenses and Franchises Committee. 1. Tables & Chairs Application – 366 Moody Street – Bistro781 2. Tables & Chairs Application – 469 Moody Street – Sweet Basil 3. Tables & Chairs Application – 424 Moody Street – Guanachapis Restaurant 4. Tables & Chairs Application – 434 Moody Street – LaChapincita 5. Tables & Chairs Application – 428 Moody Street – Chepe’s Bakery Resolutions, Orders and Ordinances • Resolution for Waltham Pride Day 2025 Clerk Vizard read the Resolution. Councillor Bradley-MacArthur spoke in favor of the Resolution. Referred to the Committee of the Whole. • Mental Health Awareness Resolution Clerk Vizard read the Resolution. Councillor Harris spoke on the matter. Councillor Harris moved to suspend Rule 39 to act on the matter without committee reference. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Harris moved approval. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the Resolution was approved. Committee of the Whole 1. The Committee of the Whole recommended the Communication to discuss a new Police Station at Lexington Street and Needs of Fire, Police and Public Works be approved. Councillor LaCava moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council. 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. Approved 14-0-0-1. Economic and Community Development 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee recommended the McDevitt Student Civic Project Resolution be approved. Councillor Brasco moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. 3 Ordinances and Rules 1. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the Special Permit application for ALP PHOP Manager, LLC. and NWALP TPOP Property Owner, LLC. at 460 Totten Pond Road be approved. This matter was taken out of order and handled earlier in the meeting. 2. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the Special Permit application for Ferris Development Group, LLC at 1432 Main Street be approved. This matter was taken out of order and handled earlier in the meeting. 3. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the Ordinance for the Building Inspections Department be approved for a 1st reading. Councillor Harris moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Harris moved to table the matter on the Council floor. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was tabled on the Council floor. Finance 1. The Finance Committee recommended a transfer in the amount of $20,000 from the Library State Aid Special Revenue account to the Library-Educational Supplies account be approved. Councillor LaFauci moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. 2. The Finance Committee recommended approval of a gift from Donna Laswell of various historical items 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 adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. 3. The Finance Committee recommended approval of a gift from Robert DiGregorio, Sr. of two Statues: a boy jumping rope and a girl running with a balloon for the 200 Trapelo Road Recreation Area be approved. Councillor McMenimen recused herself. Councillor LaFauci moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council. Roll call requested. In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, LeBlanc, Logan, , Stanley and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: None. Recused: McMenimen. Presiding: McLaughlin. The special permit was approved 13-0-0-1-1. 4. The Finance Committee recommended approval of items regarding John J. Claffey from Councillor Randall J. LeBlanc 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 adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. 5. The Finance Committee recommended a transfer in the amount of $12,800 between the Assessor Salary account and the Assessor Operating account be approved. Councillor LaFauci moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. 4 6. The Finance Committee recommended a transfer in the amount of $130,251.93 between two existing Public Works accounts be approved. Councillor LaFauci moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. 7. The Finance Committee recommended acceptance of a donation from Waltham Girls Softball to install a softball batting cage at Veterans Memorial Athletic Complex be approved. Councillor LaFauci rose to speak about the fundraising efforts of the Waltham Girls Softball League. Councillor LaFauci moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. 8. The Finance Committee recommended the funding in the amount of $20,643.80 for the purchase of a new vehicle to be used by the water meter reading staff to replace the 2019 Ford Fusion be approved. Councillor LaFauci moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. Licenses and Franchises 1. The Licenses and Franchises Committee recommended the Class Two License name change for Lehnen & Restvov Enterprise LLC dba Waltham Auto Gallery at 712 Moody Street be approved. Councillor Hanley moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. 2. The Licenses and Franchises Committee recommended the Grant of Location for Eversource at Ash Street be approved. Councillor Hanley moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. 3. The Licenses and Franchises Committee recommended that a small black and gold plaque be placed on one of the benches at 200 Trapelo Road in the field area for the Waltham City Council be approved. Councillor McMenimen recused herself. Councillor Hanley moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. Councillor Hanley made a motion that approved by a voice vote to act collectively on matters numbered 4-8. Councillor Hanley moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council on matters numbered 4-8. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the Licenses and Franchises Committee matters numbered 4-8 were approved. 4. The Licenses and Franchises Committee recommended the Tables & Chairs permit at 361 Moody Street for Vinotta Resaurant be approved. 5. The Licenses and Franchises Committee recommended the Tables & Chairs permit at 286 Moody Street for Ponzu be approved. 6. The Licenses and Franchises Committee recommended the Tables & Chairs permit at 482 Moody Street for DaVinci Ristrorante be approved. 5 7. The Licenses and Franchises Committee recommended the Tables & Chairs permit at 434 Moody Street for Peppinos Dosa be approved. 8. The Licenses and Franchises Committee recommended the Tables & Chairs permit at 388 Moody Street for Solea & Tapas Bar be approved. Unfinished Business & Other Business • CPC Recommendation for an allocation of CPA funds in the amount of $2,842,612 for the Development of a Community Residence at 15 Fiske Avenue. Referred to Long Term Debt and Capital Planning Committee. Tabled Items • 995 Main Street • Kevin M. Ritcey Award for Outstanding Public Service Resolution – Jack Cox • Kevin M. Ritcey Award for Outstanding Public Service Resolution – Genna Gelineau This matter was taken out of order and handled earlier in the meeting. Councillor LaCava moved to suspend Rule 43 to accept a late filed communication from Mayor McCarthy regarding the Joseph and Harriet Kingsbury Temperance Fund Scholarship. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Referred to the Finance Committee. Councillor LaFauci rose and gave the dates of the upcoming Finance Committee meetings: Special Meeting of the Finance Committee Wednesday, May 28, 2025 @ 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025 @ 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 9, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. Special Meeting of the City Council Monday, June 9, 2025 @ 7:00 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 8:36 p.m. Respectfully submitted by: Cathy Magliarditi Executive Assistant to the City Clerk June 4, 2025 6