City Council

Waltham City Council Minutes of the Meeting of August 4, 2025 President McLaughlin called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Arte Kronenfeld of the Waltham Times was recognized as recording the meeting. Present: Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, LeBlanc, Logan, McMenimen, Vidal and President McLaughlin. Absent: Stanley. Councillor Brasco moved approval of the edited regular City Council meeting minutes of 6/23/2025. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the minutes were approved. Councillor Brasco moved approval of the Special City Council meeting minutes of 7/16/2025. 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. City Clerk Vizard read Rule 86. First Public Hearing: Secondhand Dealers License at 88 Maple Street for La Boutiqua Ricardo Vasquez, 201 Main Street Waltham, MA the petitioner and Kathleen Davis 485 Common Street, Belmont, MA 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 Harris, Vidal, Dunn and Katz spoke asked questions. Mr. Ricardo and Ms. Davis provided answers. With no further questions President McLaughlin referred the matter to the Licenses and Franchises Committee. Councillor Vidal explained that the Licenses and Franchises Committee would be meeting later in the evening. Second Public Hearing: Secondhand Dealers License at 709 Main Street for Reclaim Chic dba Re/Chic Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Cassandra Falone, 42 Jennings Road, Waltham, MA the petitioner, spoke in favor of the petition. Four people stood 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 Durkee, LaFauci and Logan spoke on the matter. 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 approval. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the Secondhand Dealers License at 709 Main Street for Reclaim Chic dba Re/Chic was approved. Third Public Hearing: Secondhand Dealers License at 16 Elm Street for Big Dawg Sports Cards Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Attorney Philip McCourt, 272 Bacon Street Waltham, MA representing the petitioner and Edwin Torres, 33 Gale Street Waltham, MA 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 1 opened the hearing up to questions from Councillors. Councillors LaCava and McMenimen asked questions. Attorney McCourt and Mr. Torres provided answers. With no further questions President McLaughlin referred the matter to the Licenses and Franchises Committee. Councillor Vidal explained the Licenses and Franchises Committee would be meeting later in the evening. Fourth Public Hearing: Fuel Storage for BP Third Ave LLC at 180 Third Avenue Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Attorney Philip McCourt, 272 Bacon Street Waltham, MA representing the petitioner explained the petitioner had not provided notices to the abutters and asked the Council to allow a continuance. With no further questions President McLaughlin recessed the public hearing until a date certain of September 8, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Fifth Public Hearing: Grant of Location at Grant Street for Eversource Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Joanne Callender, 48 Cheyanne Road, Worcester, 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 Durkee, Vidal, Logan and LaFauci asked questions with Ms. Callender providing answers. With no further questions President McLaughlin referred the matter to the Licenses and Franchises Committee. Councillor Vidal explained the Licenses and Franchises Committee would be meeting later in the evening. Sixth Public Hearing: 17-25 Street Opening at 75 Greer Street for Scott Douglas and Callaghan McCarthy Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Attorney Brett Francis, 10 Hammer Street, Waltham, MA representing 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 Hanley, LeBlanc and Vidal asked questions. Attorney Francis, Scott Douglas, 61 Arcadia Avenue, Waltham, MA and Callaghan McCarthy, 71 Marlborough Road, Waltham, MA provided answers. With no further questions President McLaughlin referred the matter to the Public Works and Public Safety Committee. President McLaughlin explained the Public Works and Public Safety Committee would be meeting later in the evening. Seventh Public Hearing: Special Permit Application at 62 Fourth Avenue for MSPCA – Angell (recessed 6/23/24) Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Attorney Michael Connors, 689 Main Street, Waltham, MA representing 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. With no questions from Councillors President McLaughlin recessed the public hearing until a date certain of September 22, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Eighth Public Hearing: Modification of Special Permit Application at 196 Bear Hill Road for Uma Flowers Waltham LLC. Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Attorney Valerio Romano, 15 Brook Street, Cohassett, MA, representing 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 LaFauci, Katz and McMenimen asked questions. Attorney Romano provided answers. Councillor Harris made a 2 motion to close the public hearing. The motion was approved by a voice vote. President McLaughlin sent the matter to the Ordinances and Rules Committee. Ninth Public Hearing: Modification to Special Permit Application at 305 Second Avenue for Middlesex Integrated Medicine, Inc. Clerk Vizard read the public hearing notice. Attorney Phillip Silverman, 14 Rollins Road, North Easton, MA, representing the petitioner spoke on the matter explaining the company is in receivership and has a new owner David Angle. 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 LaFauci spoke on the matter. Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to recess the public hearing until a date certain of September 22, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. President McLaughlin referred the matter to the Ordinances and Rules Committee. Communications from the Mayor 1. The Mayor respectfully requested confirmation of the appointment of Emily Izzo as Assistant City Solicitor for a two-year term. Referred to the Committee of the Whole. 2. The Mayor respectfully requested acceptance of the State 911 Department Training Grant renewal) in the amount of $123,462.96. Referred to the Finance Committee. 3. The Mayor respectfully requested acceptance of the State 911 Department Support and Incentive Grant Program for E911 (renewal) in the amount of $271,871. Referred to the Finance Committee. 4. The Mayor respectfully requested acceptance of the State 911 Dept. Emergency Medical Dispatch Grant Program (Renewal Reward) in the amount of $20,186.19. Referred to the Finance Committee. 5. The Mayor respectfully requested approval of a loan in the amount of $6,420,000 for the exterior renovations to the Howe & Administration Buildings located at 200 Trapelo Road. Referred to the Long Term Debt and Capital Planning Committee. 6. The Mayor respectfully requested acceptance of a grant in the amount of $8,500 from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) to support our Ugandan & Latino outreach efforts. Referred to the Finance Committee. 7. The Mayor respectfully requested approval of the easement from 2Life Ground Lessor LLC and 2Life Leland LLC to the City of Waltham. Referred to the Committee of the Whole. 8. The Mayor respectfully requested a transfer of traffic funds totaling $9,700 to purchase a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) to be installed on Stow St at the intersection of Milton Street and Ravenswood Road. Referred to the Finance Committee. 9. The Mayor respectfully requested acceptance of her recommendation for Officer Harry Michel. Referred to the Ordinances and Rules Committee. 3 10. The Mayor respectfully requested approval of a financing plan totaling $7,400,000 which includes a loan authorization of $6,753,695 and existing funds totaling $646,305 for a water service replacement project to remove lead gooseneck connections within City. Referred to the Finance Committee. 11. The Mayor respectfully requested the acceptance of a draft ordinance for regulating Cryptocurrency ATMs. Referred to the Ordinances and Rules Committee. 12. The Mayor respectfully requested a transfer of funds totaling $20,000 to add a flashing yellow arrow (four section head) on Lexington Street northbound at the new Waltham High School. Referred to the Finance Committee. 13. The Mayor respectfully requested a transfer of funds in the amount of $165,000 to upgrade the Microsoft Office applications for City Departments and the School Business Office. Referred to the Finance Committee. 14. The Mayor respectfully requested an opportunity to go into Executive Session on the request of the Ward Councillor regarding 23 Aft Keach Street. Referred to the Committee of the Whole. Applications and Licenses Resolutions, Orders and Ordinances • Martin & Flora Appel 50th Wedding Anniversary Resolution Clerk Vizard read the Resolution. Councillor Logan spoke on the Resolution. Councillor Logan moved approval. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the Martin & Flora Appel 50th Wedding Anniversary Resolution was approved. Unfinished Business & Other Business • Reappointment of CPC at-large members for the current fiscal year: Erika Oliver Jerram, Loretta McClary, Amanda Thibodeau. Referred to the Committee of the Whole. • CPC recommendation of an allocation of CPA funds for structural repairs at 88 Lexington Street (St. Mary’s apartments) totaling $270,000. Referred to the Long Term Debt & Capital Planning Committee Tabled Items • 995 Main Street • Kevin M. Ritcey Award for Outstanding Public Service Resolution – Jack Cox (Tabled 5/12/25) • 66 Brewster Road (Tabled 6/9/25) • Floodplains and Floodways Draft Ordinance (Tabled 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 second reading. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Harris moved to suspend Rule 45 for a third and final reading. Roll call required. In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, LeBlanc, Logan, McMenimen, and Vidal. 4  Opposed: None. Absent: Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The Ordinance was approved 13-0-1-1. • Loan authorization in the amount of $2,904,575 for the abatement and demolition of three buildings and related expenses 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 moved for a second and final reading. Roll call required. In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, LeBlanc, Logan, and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: Stanley. Recused: McMenimen. Presiding: McLaughlin. The Ordinance was approved 12-0-1-1-1. • Loan authorization totaling $2,861,967 for street resurfacing Councillor LaFauci made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off the table. Councillor LaFauci moved for a second and final reading. Roll call required. In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, LeBlanc, Logan, McMenimen, and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The Ordinance was approved 13-0-1-1. • 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 Councillor Harris made a motion that was approved by a voice vote to take the matter off the table. Councillor Harris moved for a second reading. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Harris moved to suspend Rule 45 for a third and final reading. Roll call required. In favor: Councillors Bradley-MacArthur, Brasco, Dunn, Durkee, Hanley, Harris, Katz, LaCava, LaFauci, LeBlanc, Logan, McMenimen, and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The Ordinance was approved 13-0-1-1. Rule 58 • Mayors Communication regarding the Police Station • Policing Methods Petition 5 Clerk Vizard made an announcement about the upcoming Election on November 4, 2025 and stated there would not be a Preliminary Election in September. Clerk Vizard gave congratulations to Assistant City Clerk Kara Rooney Wilson on her graduation from the New England Municipal Clerk’s Institute and Academy. Assistant Clerk Wilson is a now a Certified Municipal Clerk. Assistant City Clerk Wilson received a standing ovation from the Council. President McLaughlin announced the times and locations for the Committee Meetings. President McLaughlin recessed the meeting at 9:06 p.m. to break into Committees. President McLaughlin reconvened the City Council meeting at 11:39 p.m. Committee Reports Long Term Debt & Capital Planning 1. The Long Term Debt & Capital Planning Committee recommended the loan in the amount of $6,420,000 for the exterior renovations to the Howe & Administration Buildings located at 200 Trapelo Road be approved for a 1st reading. Councillor McMenimen recused herself. Councillor Durkee moved that the action of the Committee be the action of the Council. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor Durkee 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. 2. The Long Term Debt & Capital Planning Committee recommended allocation of CPA funds for structural repairs at 88 Lexington Street (St. Mary’s apartments) totaling $270,000 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. Public Works and Public Safety 1. The Public Works and Public Safety Committee recommended Street Opening at 75 Greer Street for Scott Douglas and Callaghan McCarthy be approved with conditions. Councillor LeBlanc 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. Licenses and Franchises 1. The Licenses and Franchises Committee recommended Secondhand Dealers License at 88 Maple Street for La Boutiqua be approved. Councillor Logan 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 Secondhand Dealers License at 16 Elm Street for Big Dawg Sports Cards be approved. Councillor Logan 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 at Grant Street for Eversource be approved. Councillor Logan moved that the action of the 6  Committee be the action of the Council. The motion was adopted by a voice vote and the matter was approved with conditions. Ordinances and Rules 1. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the Mayor’s Traffic Ordinance 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. 2. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the Special Permit at 196 Bear Hill Road for Uma Flowers Waltham LLC. be approved. Councillor Harris 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, and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The Ordinance was approved 13-0-1-1. 3. The Ordinances and Rules Committee recommended the acceptance of a draft ordinance for regulating Cryptocurrency ATMs 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. Councillor Harris moved that the matter be tabled 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 the acceptance of the State 911 Department Training Grant (renewal) in the amount of $123,462.96 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 acceptance of the State 911 Department Support and Incentive Grant Program for E911 (renewal) in the amount of $271,871 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 acceptance of the State 911 Dept. Emergency Medical Dispatch Grant Program (renewal reward) in the amount of $20,186.19 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 acceptance of a grant in the amount of $8,500 from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) to support our Ugandan & Latino outreach efforts 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 traffic funds totaling $9,700 to purchase a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) to be installed on Stow St at the 7  intersection of Milton Street and Ravenswood 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 approval of existing funds totaling $646,305 for a water service replacement project to remove lead gooseneck connections within the City 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 approval of a loan authorization of $6,753,695 for a water service replacement project to remove lead gooseneck connections within the City 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 transfer of funds totaling $20,000 to add a flashing yellow arrow (four section head) on Lexington Street northbound at the new Waltham High School 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 the transfer of funds in the amount of $165,000 to upgrade the Microsoft Office applications for City Departments and the School Business Office 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 the confirmation of the appointment of Emily Izzo as Assistant City Solicitor for a two-year term be approved. Councillor LaCava moved to suspend Rule 41 and 42. The motion was approved by a voice vote. Councillor LaCava moved to suspend Rule 39 to act without Committee reference. The motion was approved by a voice vote. 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, and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The Ordinance was approved 13-0-1-1. 2. The Committee of the Whole recommended the easement from 2Life Ground Lessor LLC and 2Life Leland LLC to the City of Waltham 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, and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: Stanley. 8  Presiding: McLaughlin. The Ordinance was approved 13-0-1-1. 3. The Committee of the Whole recommended the reappointment of CPC at-large member for the current fiscal year; Erika Oliver Jerram 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, and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The Ordinance was approved 13-0-1-1. 4. The Committee of the Whole recommended the reappointment of CPC at-large member for the current fiscal year; Loretta McClary 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, and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The Ordinance was approved 13-0-1-1. 5. The Committee of the Whole recommended the reappointment of CPC at-large member for the current fiscal year; Amanda Thibodeau 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, and Vidal. Opposed: None. Absent: Stanley. Presiding: McLaughlin. The Ordinance was approved 13-0-1-1. 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 11:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted by: Cathy Magliarditi Executive Assistant to the City Clerk August 15, 2025 9