City Council

Waltham City Council Minutes of the Meeting of June 23, 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, Logan, McMenimen, Stanley, Vidal and President McLaughlin. Absent: LeBlanc. Councillor LaCava moved approval of the meeting minutes of 6/16/2025. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the minutes were approved. 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. First Public Hearing: Special Permit application at 1265 Main Street for 1265 Main Street LLC and J & Co. (Recessed 5/27/25) Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to waive the reading of the atlas locations. 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 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 Special Permit application for 1265 Main Street LLC and J & Co. at 1265 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, McMenimen, Stanley and Vidal. Opposed: Logan. Absent: LeBlanc. Presiding: McLaughlin. The special permit was approved 12-1-1-1. Second Public Hearing: Special Permit application at 61 Hall Street for Hall Street Partners LLC. (Recessed 6/9/25) 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 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 Special Permit application for Hall Street Partners LLC at 61 Hall Street out of order. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Harris moved approval. Roll call required. 1 In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, Logan, McMenimen, Stanley and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: LeBlanc. Presiding: McLaughlin. The special permit was approved 13-0-1-1. Third Public Hearing: Grant of Location at Totten Pond Road and Winter Street for Eversource Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Emily McSweeney, 1165 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA representing the petitioner, spoke in favor of the petition. With no one 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. Councillors Dunn and LaFauci asked questions. Ms. McSweeney provided answers. Councillor LaFauci moved to suspend Rule 39 to act on the matter without Committee reference. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor LaFauci moved to approve the application. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the Grant of Location at Totten Pond Road and Winter Street for Eversource was approved. Fourth Public Hearing: Grant of Location for an Installation of Cathodic protection equipment on Main Street for Eversource Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Anthony Aidriak, 108 Easton Street, New Bedford, MA, Jerry Popp, 7 Filo Road, Dudley, MA, Ross Doty, 71 Forest Hills St Boston, MA and Glenn Muur, 5 Princess Pine Way, Westport, MA 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. Councillors LaFauci, Logan and Katz asked questions with Mr. Aidriak, Mr. Popp, Mr. Doty, and Mr. Muur providing answers. President McLaughlin referred the matter to the Licenses and Franchises Committee. The Licenses and Franchises Committee meeting was scheduled for later in the evening. Fifth Public Hearing: Special Permit Application at 62 Fourth Avenue for MSPCA-Angell Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. 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 petition President McLaughlin closed that part of the public hearing and opened the hearing up to questions from Councillors. Councillors LaFauci, Katz, McMenimen, Bradley Mac-Arthur, Hanley, Dunn and Harris asked questions with Attorney Connors, Caty Sumner, 50 Woodleigh Road, Dedham, MA, Robert Nagi, 8 Edmund Brigham Way, Westborough, MA and Nick Skoly, 17 Cambria Rd, Newton, MA providing answers. With no further questions President McLaughlin recessed the public hearing until a date certain of August 4, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. President McLaughlin referred the matter to the Ordinances and Rules Committee. Sixth Public Hearing: Second Hand Dealers License at 487 Moody Street for Milano Gold Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Gevorg Melikyan, 11 Bartlett Ave., Belmont, MA, the petitioner spoke on the matter. 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. Councillors Harris and Logan asked questions. Mr. Melikyan provided answers. President McLaughlin referred the matter to the Licenses and Franchises Committee. 2 Communications from the Mayor 1. The Mayor respectfully requested acceptance of a donation of a time capsule from 1957 that was discovered on a facade renovation project at Boston Children’s Hospital Waltham facility. Referred to the Finance Committee. 2. The Mayor respectfully requested an appropriation in the amount of $51,000 for the unanticipated expenses of the lighting and municipal lots and credit card fees for the Parking Meter Program for the remainder of FY2025. Referred to the Finance Committee. 3. The Mayor respectfully requested an appropriation in the amount of $350,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance to the Stabilization Fund-General. Referred to the Finance Committee. 4. The Mayor respectfully requested approval of a loan authorization in the amount of $2,904,575 for the abatement and demolition of three buildings and related expenses. Referred to the Long Term Debt & Capital Planning Committee. 5. The Mayor respectfully requested a transfer of funds totaling $9,000 for the construction and administration of the roof repair project at the Malone Archives Center. Referred to the Finance Committee. 6. The Mayor respectfully requested a transfer of funds totaling $6,200 for the owner’s title insurance related to the property located at 66 Brewster Road. Referred to the Finance Committee. 7. The Mayor respectfully requested a transfer of funds totaling $29,402 towards the replacement of Police Cruiser #438 that was deemed totaled as the result of a crash that occurred on December 6, 2023. Referred to the Finance Committee. 8. The Mayor respectfully requested the City Council’s authorization for the Waltham Community Fields request to build an addition to the existing farm stand. Referred to the Committee of the Whole. 9. The Mayor respectfully requested acceptance of an email regarding 23 Aft Keach Street from Carol Watts. Referred to the Committee of the Whole. 10. The Mayor respectfully requested approval of a financing plan totaling $6,240,000 for street resurfacing. Referred to the Finance Committee. 11. The Mayor respectfully requested the confirmation of the appointment of Lisa Limonciello as a member of the Conservation Commission to fill a vacancy. Referred to the Committee of the Whole. 12. The Mayor respectfully requested the City Council’s authorization for the Waltham Community Fields request to build a handicap ramp for the Learning Garden. Referred to the Committee of the Whole. 3 Applications and Licenses Councillor LaCava moved to suspend Rule 43 to accept a late filed communication for a second hand dealer’s renewal application at 709 Main Street Neighbors Who Care Thrift. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Referred to the Licenses and Franchises Committee. Resolutions, Orders and Ordinances • Resolution to Declare Waltham a Welcoming City for Transgender and Gender Diverse People Emily Saperia 308 Lake Street, Apt 1, Waltham, MA was recognized as recording. Clerk Vizard read the Resolution. Councillors Bradley-MacArthur and Stanley spoke on the Resolution. Referred to the Committee of the Whole. Committee Reports Ordinances and Rules 1. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the Special Permit application for 1265 Main Street LLC and J & Co at 1265 Main Street be approved. This was approved earlier in the evening. 2. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the Special Permit application for Hall Street Partners LLC at 61 Hall Street be approved. This was approved earlier in the evening. 3. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the Update Special Permit Ordinance Resolution be filed. Councillor Harris 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 filed. 4. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the Outside Dining in Waltham Resolution be filed. Councillor Harris 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 filed. 5. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the request to amend Sec. 2 – 187 of General Ordinances – Building Permit Fees be filed. Councillor Harris 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 filed. 6. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the request to amend the General Ordinance to Increase Gas and Permit Plumbing Fees be filed. Councillor Harris 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 filed. 7. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the request to amend the General Ordinance to Increase Annual Inspection Fees be filed. Councillor Harris 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 filed. 8. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the Fast Food Establishment Zoning Ordinance Amendment be sent to the full Council to schedule 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 adopted by a voice vote and the 4  matter was approved. Councillor Harris moved to table the matter on the Council floor. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the Fast Food Establishment Zoning Ordinance Amendment was tabled on the Council floor. 9. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the Compensation Ordinance Amendment for the Program Coordinator for the Council on Aging Administrative Assistant for $3000, the Human Resources Director for services as Workers Compensation Agent stipend from 6,000 to 9,000, and the Purchasing Agent for services as an Insurance Advisor stipend from 2,700 to 5,000 be approved for a first reading. Councillor Harris 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 for a first reading. Councillor Harris moved to table the matter on the Council floor. The motion was approved 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 $35,000 to fund the increase in utility costs for the traffic lights and street lights 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 a grant for $29,460 from the Department of Mental Health for the Jail Diversion program 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 an appropriation in the total amount of $170,000 to pay overtime expenses and general expenses (medical) to the Fire Department for the remainder of the fiscal year 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. The Finance Committee recommended a transfer in the amount of $20,000 to fund the expected deficit in the Pre-Employment Services account for FY2025 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 $3,700 to fund the cost of the promotional exam for Dispatch Supervisors 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. 6. The Finance Committee recommended an appropriation in the amount of $250,000 to fund the expected deficit in the Worker’s Compensation account for FY2025 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 the acceptance of photos of Nutting on the Charles donated by Karen O’Brien for the City Hall Museum Room be approved. Councillor 5  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 a transfer in the amount of $110,700 to provide additional funding for the overnight patrol and security camera monitoring at the property located at 200 Trapelo Road 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. 9. The Finance Committee recommended funding in the total amount of $394,200 for the retaining wall project at the property located at 48 Chestnut Street 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 Grant of Location at South Street and other related Streets for NationalGrid be withdrawn without prejudice. Councillor Vidal 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 withdrawn without prejudice. 2. The Licenses and Franchises Committee recommended the Grant of Location for NationalGrid at Bolton Street from Newton Street to Clinton Street be approved with conditions. Councillor Logan made a request that was approved by a voice vote to have the Grant of Location amended with conditions added that work can only be done during the hours of 9am – 5pm and no work on Sunday’s. Councillor Vidal 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 the Grant of Location for NationalGrid at Cutter Street from Newton Street to Cedar Street be approved with conditions. Councillor Logan made a request that was approved by a voice vote to have the Grant of Location amended with conditions added that work can only be done during the hours of 9am – 5pm and no work on Sunday’s. Councillor Vidal 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. Kevin M. Ritcey Award Committee 1. The Kevin M. Ritcey Award Committee recommended that the City Council grant the 2025 Kevin M. Ritcey Award to Joanne Raymond. Councillor Harris 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. Unfinished Business & Other Business • CPC Recommendation of $472,660 for CPA Funds for the Roof Replacement at 260 Grove Street. Referred to the Long Term Debt & Capital Planning Committee. Tabled Items • 995 Main Street 6 • Kevin M. Ritcey Award for Outstanding Public Service Resolution – Jack Cox (Tabled 5/12/25) • City Ordinance for Building Inspections Department (1st reading 5/27/25 2nd reading 6/9/25) Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off the table. 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, Stanley and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: LeBlanc. Presiding: McLaughlin. The Ordinance was approved 13-0-1-1. • 66 Brewster Road (Tabled 6/9/25) • Floodplains and Floodways Draft Ordinance (Tabled 6/9/25) President McLaughlin announced the times and locations for the Committee Meetings. President McLaughlin recessed the meeting at 9:24 p.m. to break into Committees. President McLaughlin reconvened the City Council meeting at 11:51 p.m. Committee Reports Licenses and Franchises 1. The Licenses and Franchises Committee recommended the secondhand dealers licenses at 139 Moody Street for Levron Terzian & Varden Aghajanyan be approved. Councillor Vidal 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 along Main Street Eversource for Cathodic protection equipment be approved with conditions. Councillor Vidal 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 with conditions. 3. The Licenses and Franchises Committee recommended the secondhand dealers license at 487 Moody Street for Milano Gold be approved with conditions. Councillor Vidal 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 with conditions. 4. The Licenses and Franchises Committee recommended the secondhand dealers license at 709 Main Street for Neighbors Who Care Thrift be approved with conditions. Councillor Vidal 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 with conditions. Finance 1. The Finance Committee recommended acceptance of a donation of a time capsule from 1957 that was discovered on a facade renovation project at Boston Children’s Hospital Waltham facility be approved. Councillor LaFauci moved that the action of the Committee 7  be the action of the Council. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. 2. The Finance Committee recommended an appropriation in the amount of $51,000 for the unanticipated expenses of the lighting and municipal lots and credit card fees for the Parking Meter program for the remainder of FY2025 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 an appropriation in the amount of $350,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance to the Stabilization Fund-General 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. The Finance Committee recommended a transfer of funds totaling $9,000 for the construction and administration of the roof repair project at the Malone Archives Center 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 of funds totaling $6,200 for the owner’s title insurance related to the property located at 66 Brewster Road 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. 6. The Finance Committee recommended a transfer of funds totaling $29,402 towards the replacement of Police Cruiser #438 that was deemed totaled as the result of a crash that occurred on December 6, 2023 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 the approval of a financing plan totaling $2,861,967 for street resurfacing be approved for a first reading. 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 for a first reading. Councillor LaFauci made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to table the matter on the Council floor. 8. The Finance Committee recommended the approval of a transfer totaling $3,378,033 for street resurfacing 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. Committee of the Whole 1. The Committee of the Whole recommended authorization for the Waltham Community Fields request to build an addition to the existing farm stand be approved. Councillor LaCava 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 Committee of the Whole recommended the confirmation of the appointment of Lisa Limonciello as a member of the Conservation Commission to fill a vacancy be approved. 8  Councillor LaCava 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 Committee of the Whole recommended an authorization for the Waltham Community Fields request to build a handicap ramp for the Learning Garden be approved. Councillor LaCava 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. The Committee of the Whole recommended the Resolution to Declare Waltham a Welcoming City for Transgender and Gender Diverse People be approved. Councillor LaCava 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. Long Term Debt & Capital Planning 1. The Long Term Debt & Capital Planning Committee recommended the CPC Recommendation of $472,660 for CPA Funds for the Roof Replacement at 260 Grove Street be approved. Councillor McMenimen 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 Long Term Debt & Capital Planning Committee recommended the requested approval of a loan authorization in the amount of $2,904,575 for the abatement and demolition of three buildings and related expenses be approved for a first reading. Councillor McMenimen recused herself. Councillor Stanley took the chair. Councillor Stanley 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 for a first reading. Councillor Stanley made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to table the matter on the Council floor. Councillor Bradley-MacArthur made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to suspend Rule 2 to have the City Council meeting go beyond midnight. Councillor Brasco rose and spoke about the Paul Tracey Memorial Scholarship. This year two scholarships for $1,600 each that were given to Waltham High School students furthering their education in the field of Public Safety. Also the Paul Tracey Memorial Golf Tournament being held on June 27, 2025 and that there would be a gathering at the Lexington Elks Lodge starting at 7:00 p.m. All are invited. In addition, he asked that everyone “Light the Night in Blue” on June 27, 2024 in memory of Paul Tracey on his 60th birthday. Councillor LaCava moved approval of the Citizens Zoning Input meeting minutes of 6/5/25. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. Councillor LaCava moved approval of the special meeting-budget minutes of 6/9/2025. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved. With no further matters Councillor McMenimen made a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved by a voice vote. President McLaughlin wished everyone a safe and happy summer and declared the meeting adjourned at 12:01 a.m. Respectfully submitted by: Cathy Magliarditi | Executive Assistant to the City Clerk | July 7, 2025 9