[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6229029,"mediaKeyId","3465228-7cbb87d4c32c719746db0f64ea69ab37","parentId",3465228,"title","Council refers proposed ordinance to require remote public access by boards and commissions to rules committee","audioSeconds",386,"startMs",737000,"endMs",1123000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3465228-7cbb87d4c32c719746db0f64ea69ab37&start=737&end=1123","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3465228-7cbb87d4c32c719746db0f64ea69ab37/thumbnail_737000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6229029/Malden-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-refers-proposed-ordinance-to-require-remote-public-access-by-boards-and-commissions-to-rules-committee","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229029-6a3a65f839fb07742b43a4c5d9749479/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442914&Signature=VArjcvdR78ikFHUNaPeBzWmkJQka55-b6Oq-I4N40i1CMPojxMxCenllpiqHyY9pci1-va4-OzKZwOTsyN5GXFTE4H48i0eCfwD6myt1~XXnOSpwIT-2WJoPRugWJSiTZJudgpw8ikC2eh2YcZ-EQ5KzgpBf6KRleu84t3rmoIbRuCEU28xrHkm2N9Zgld2OzEqYLswxbBLvzhqOXZPfZBFm0cmIopJaUJypIBnEtElPLEvkeDFisi0pj34jTPSZeVa~UcaINEshaKjdYZDKlbg77kMmjlp75IMTuQtjSZzkWnBV9VC7ujX9-JHnT1JMAHXqgP-hwMiueiMZjQP0dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Malden City, MA","date","2025-05-23T16:23:08.177Z","article","Council President Patrick O’Malley introduced an ordinance on May 20 that would add a remote‑participation requirement for boards, commissions and multi‑member public bodies, directing each body to provide remote access to the public while allowing each board to set rules for remote participation by its own members.

O’Malley said the city’s experience with remote meetings during the COVID‑19 period showed the benefits of broader access and that many residents and volunteers cannot attend daytime meetings in person. The proposed amendment would require remote public access; decisions about whether board members themselves could attend remotely would be left to each body.

Councilors debated the language and scope. Councilor Crow asked whether the ordinance’s word “shall” would require boards to provide remote public participation in all cases; O’Malley clarified the proposal requires public remote access but leaves member participation rules up to each board. Councilor Simonelli suggested softening language from “shall” to “may” to give volunteer boards flexibility; O’Malley said the proposal as drafted mandates remote public access while preserving local control over members’ participation.

Practical concerns were raised: Councilor Winslow noted technical limitations at off‑site venues such as school cafeterias and community rooms (Wi‑Fi and acoustics) and urged attention to equity for participants who want to attend in person. Councilor McDonald recommended referral to committee so that staff, board chairs and IT can weigh in. The council agreed and referred the ordinance to the Rules and Ordinance Committee for detailed review.

Ending: The committee referral will allow staff and board representatives to develop workable rules and training plans before the council considers ordinance adoption.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Malden City Council 5-20-25","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council referred to committee an ordinance that would require Malden boards, commissions and multi‑member public bodies to provide remote access for members of the public to attend meetings, while letting each body set rules for its own members’ remote participation.","taxTitle","Malden City, Middlesex County, Massachusetts","taxId",5722,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229033,"Malden council orders exploration of increased financial access and reporting for council and finance committee",109,293000,402000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3465228-7cbb87d4c32c719746db0f64ea69ab37&start=293&end=402","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3465228-7cbb87d4c32c719746db0f64ea69ab37/thumbnail_293000.jpg","/articles/6229033/Malden-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Malden-council-orders-exploration-of-increased-financial-access-and-reporting-for-council-and-finance-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229033-8b56ea188276fe8beeff27ceb634a92a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442914&Signature=jRGN5IO~XrmCXoinSBIm-MUJJ61MFsw8xSNlydN0uVZqV7JsxxIROCeEru8f4d9i7jB93x7uLWataJz~EXurep9X5jp1NifEgyxXPklW7X3NebgJZCut3-0151AJyE5OZiilWM6qBbdMrsUiLP8Ahes7RC7006mQbeVm7k~0wixUHYn2Ye5LOrm4PXgye0Vl~f-QB083nym43RPILvMT-H5na0myU2RECPklKA-GcpMbsaMzhRJtS0K5fhxky-~yj~cxPwUftP7WuCBX9gBIvNTbr8q3vFD1y7QPpCmZWQMffDyPzQVnCfuzRCL8M-ZcJ8ekQWOmHdNazF3yaer9Fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Malden City Council on May 20 approved an order directing the council president to work with the chief financial officer, the finance chair and city finance staff to evaluate options for providing the council and other officials increased access and oversight of the city’s financial data.

The item, introduced by Council President Patrick O’Malley, asked the administration to examine possible measures including read‑only access to the city’s financial software and production of regular financial reports for the finance committee and other interested officials. O’Malley said the step is intended to help the council and appointed officials stay informed during challenging budget seasons.

Councilor Zach McDonald offered a friendly amendment to explicitly add the finance chair to the order; McDonald said the finance chair should be part of the work with the CFO. The amendment was accepted and carried by voice vote. Councilors also asked that the city’s information‑technology staff be involved after Councilor Wenzel raised cybersecurity concerns and suggested including IT Director Anthony Rodriguez in planning.

O’Malley said read‑only access was one option but that producing regular, standardized financial reports may be more practical. Several councilors expressed support for increased transparency and requested that the finance committee be the primary funnel for the information, with other officials allowed access as appropriate.

The council adopted the amended order by roll call following the friendly amendment and recorded no objections. The measures direct the council president to consult with the chief financial officer, controller Chuck Ranaghan, the finance chair and the treasurer and report back with recommended options.

Ending: Councilors asked the city to return with a proposed approach that addresses cybersecurity, training, and clarity about which officials or committees would receive generated reports.","The City Council approved an order directing the council president to work with the chief financial officer, finance chair and city finance team to evaluate options for read‑only access to financial software and for regular financial reports shared with the finance committee and interested officials.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229038,"Malden Council votes to sell two tax-title properties after Land Court judgments; 30-day hold for owner redemption",818,1490000,2308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3465228-7cbb87d4c32c719746db0f64ea69ab37&start=1490&end=2308","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3465228-7cbb87d4c32c719746db0f64ea69ab37/thumbnail_1490000.jpg","/articles/6229038/Malden-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Malden-Council-votes-to-sell-two-tax-title-properties-after-Land-Court-judgments-30-day-hold-for-owner-redemption","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229038-fb5cdb5ce32f5c0d39d19cb41f72d24f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442914&Signature=UXco6keurq2iGtUJINEnp2dhj6Fo25AYEPwKIqwYghv6QcFx1qAte7NVspgqzkm~5qf~wxivDRanf0tzPB9WAYmYzOfnNdWW0uXXFS1TCESjfMCP55CenS3~5hS9wNUgxxKWnpLQqyg2x4u11Kr7hjJu7RuBavwk3u3bvIrxSFPGL9Tfukrqv9~yW-lfwM6aTzR6HunWKC6nRhhfft8m2Em3zHE4H9OBnfjie6nBjwZI6H9MFOaSEl6fa-me7MElLjmcO6dJFluN7mSxwxVnY-D~LZvF~rHp~nIcioEKEcBAn1Er7oAiqelRTUrz--BsQW~KpioXmfLfRhI0NWVTaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Malden City Council voted on May 20 to sell two properties the Massachusetts Land Court awarded to the city in recent tax-title judgments, authorizing a 30-day delay before listing the houses to give owners an opportunity to redeem the titles.

The action followed a presentation from City Treasurer Dan Grover, who told the council the court judgments started a 14‑day clock under the revised state tax‑title law requiring municipalities to decide whether to retain or sell land‑court‑awarded properties. Grover said the city lacks funds to retain either property and recommended selling both while allowing attorneys to continue negotiations with the owners during a short hold period.

Why it matters: the council’s votes trigger a statutory process with tight deadlines under updated Massachusetts tax‑title law; the council also discussed how proceeds and any excess equity would be handled if owners later claim them.

Grover explained the legal timeline and options. Under the state changes, a municipality deciding to retain a tax‑title property must obtain appraisals, pay any excess equity to the former owner, and comply with statutory notice and redemption windows. If the city chooses to sell, it must list the property with a realtor for up to 180 days before alternative sale methods are permitted; auctioning becomes available only after a full year without a sale. Grover recommended a 30‑day hold on listing while tax‑title attorneys continue to negotiate.

Councilors questioned process details and potential community impacts. Councilor Simonelli urged caution and reminded colleagues that proceeds from sales of public land historically required specific accounting steps (a home‑rule petition in past practice) before funds could be moved into the general fund. Grover said the tax‑title statute differs from other public‑property sales and that the legislature’s recent changes govern the tax‑title process.

Council discussion included the properties’ condition and equity. Grover said 42 Crescent Ave is a rental property whose owners nonetheless pay taxes on a separate residence; he described 4042 Wentworth as having unpaid taxes since fiscal 2017 and owing in excess of $100,000. He also gave assessor values in the staff presentation: 42 Crescent Ave was described as assessed at more than $900,000 and the Wentworth property as roughly $700,000 (figures characterizing assessment values discussed during the meeting and described by Grover as estimates).

The council moved to sell each property with a 30‑day hold to allow the owners a final opportunity to redeem. On 42 Crescent Ave (Land Court case 24TL000383, parcel 072824410) the roll call recorded yes votes from Councilors Condon, Crow, Linehan, McDonald, Cica, Simonelli, Spadafore, Taylor, Winslow and Council President O’Malley. The motion to sell 4042 Wentworth St. (Land Court case 22TL000343, parcel 029145418) carried on a roll call after Councilor Colon Hayes recused from that matter because of a potential conflict; the roll call recorded yes votes from the remaining members.

What the council directed next: the council authorized staff and the city’s tax‑title attorneys to pause listing for 30 days while attempting post‑judgment redemptions, and to return with any development or ordinance changes needed to align city procedures with the state law. Treasurer Grover recommended the council consider appointing a tax‑title custodian under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 60, §77B and updating the city ordinance for selling tax‑title property to reflect the new statutory procedure.

The council president also said the body would ratify the emergency vote at its next meeting to address the open‑meeting notice timing.

Ending: Councilors asked staff to return with proposed ordinance changes and with additional detail on potential fiscal and administrative steps should the properties move to sale.","The Malden City Council voted to sell two properties — 42 Crescent Ave and 4042 Wentworth St. — that the Massachusetts Land Court awarded to the city in tax-title judgments, authorizing a 30-day stay before listing to allow owners a chance to redeem. Councilor Colon Hayes recused from the votes on the Wentworth property; both measures passed.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229021,"Council adopts updated police superior salary schedule and approves $200,000 appropriation to cover retroactive pay",267,5323000,5590000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3465228-7cbb87d4c32c719746db0f64ea69ab37&start=5323&end=5590","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3465228-7cbb87d4c32c719746db0f64ea69ab37/thumbnail_5323000.jpg","/articles/6229021/Malden-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-adopts-updated-police-superior-salary-schedule-and-approves-200000-appropriation-to-cover-retroactive-pay","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229021-23477735886a855a80f3dc06b0e0004a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442914&Signature=cq5YIYGV12tBA4Bl1~5nOBbI3D2nIB5yrKET9YUCJjksmBj4ICHJ2S7QF3K9wWC4GDnpuyD-1jlXzIDSNlJBlIk3WsSFvpyR5NGCoMc7ib~k0mved~~uhk7~apOqxMCbWKhBba1ldCXFvg9axIHrohzVBeys77t8KPbJZMioylwZx3irv6g3WIDc5NKxfF~tw9wPG55qwU3wUcy9LINgl9aw2xPs9lBlofKCOHrFjCrJ3G0Fa6Un4Hc-byfbr~hURhUEeFzXdfVRpOYSAKYKA3TSOKMW70BqooSdAz5e-Lp-fK2fqjrK2Fp63iLtMK30mUM1~uqwkIQbqQIhRQ9Oxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Malden City Council on May 20 enrolled and ordained an updated Police Superior Officer salary schedule and approved a $200,000 appropriation to cover the financial effect of the negotiated schedule.

Councilor Winslow explained the salary‑schedule update aligns supervisory pay (sergeants, lieutenants, captains and senior captains) with the negotiated contract and preserves ratios to the patrol pay scale. The changes cover a multiyear contract effective July 1, 2023; the appropriation funds the retroactive and current fiscal‑year costs.

The council suspended its rules to ordain the ordinance and then voted to adopt the updated schedule. The accompanying transfer order moved $200,000 from Salary Reserve (account 00109965110) to Police Salaries (account 00102105120). The roll calls on both the suspension/ordination and the appropriation recorded unanimous support.

Why it matters: the vote authorizes city accounting and payroll staff to implement contractually negotiated pay adjustments for police superior officers and ensures the appropriation is in place to process back pay and updated salaries.

Ending: Councilors noted the need to track collective‑bargaining financial impacts as the city enters tight budget seasons and to coordinate ordinance updates with future financial planning.","The council enrolled and ordained an updated Police Superior Officer salary schedule effective July 1, 2023, and approved a $200,000 transfer from salary reserve to police salaries to cover retroactive payments tied to the negotiated contract.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229026,"Council accepts planning board recommendations and tables floodplain ordinance changes ahead of new FEMA maps",465,4750000,5215000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3465228-7cbb87d4c32c719746db0f64ea69ab37&start=4750&end=5215","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3465228-7cbb87d4c32c719746db0f64ea69ab37/thumbnail_4750000.jpg","/articles/6229026/Malden-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-accepts-planning-board-recommendations-and-tables-floodplain-ordinance-changes-ahead-of-new-FEMA-maps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229026-fe06f23478cc1e163ad0939b6b1296b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442914&Signature=VUqHtwsEBBgDEbUkln~rkR6xEGQSY6Ix~gAuQINqwV9GXta3jqb75jUWUG~Mu27uhFfqOyUczrarDg0YGFzNJaB2Gb-Y8mOhhlvqfNGgIZqa0SJ9cwckkGzUU2AdOcz-g-dTuhSPr2cxMAfFYmAoMcc4syB5ihd-OgNhWM4pkzBR-VUnpM04pdN8NvKj1qX~6~7BhtL7vSvOwUR9pc82jr05uWNeL-~nsbQP69x~MbMuezV8jf3DKXtXtr8WGMaTO35RLUFIDUPE7oPn0dVNcs8VdjUVzVhX~U00CiTr~17YrS6L9rolvqj5Kp9YzbHbgZdxkOSoMUoy82kVJ3bH7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Malden City Council accepted recommended amendments from the Planning Board on May 20 to update the city’s floodplain zoning language so properties remain eligible for FEMA‑sponsored flood insurance under new federal maps scheduled to take effect July 8.

Councilor Winslow, presenting the planning board communication, said the Department of Conservation and Recreation and FEMA recommended formatting and definition changes to the city’s zoning ordinance to ensure continued eligibility for flood insurance programs once new FEMA flood maps take effect. The proposed changes add required definitions and clarify that the definitions apply to the floodplain district only.

Winslow asked the council to send the amended ordinance to the city solicitor and building commissioner for review and then to table the paper so those offices can provide comments before the council enrolls the ordinance. The council approved the recommendation and tabled the item to permit legal and building‑department review.

Why it matters: FEMA’s new maps have a July 8 effective date. Municipal zoning must meet certain regulatory standards to preserve property owners’ eligibility for federal flood insurance programs; the Planning Board recommended a limited set of technical ordinance edits to meet those standards.

The council’s action was procedural: it accepted the Planning Board’s recommended text changes, instructed staff to forward the draft to the city solicitor and building commissioner for technical review, and tabled the paper pending that review. The paper will return for enrollment after the solicitor and building official submit any comments.

Ending: City staff and legal counsel will review the draft language and return to the council so the city can meet FEMA’s timeline if edits are necessary to maintain eligibility for federal flood insurance.","The council accepted planning board recommendations to update Malden’s floodplain zoning definitions to conform with FEMA requirements and voted to table the ordinance for review by the city solicitor and building commissioner before enrollment. New FEMA maps take effect July 8, prompting the timeline.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council refers proposed ordinance to require remote public access by boards and commissions to rules committee

Malden council orders exploration of increased financial access and reporting for council and finance committee

Malden Council votes to sell two tax-title properties after Land Court judgments; 30-day hold for owner redemption

Council adopts updated police superior salary schedule and approves $200,000 appropriation to cover retroactive pay

Council accepts planning board recommendations and tables floodplain ordinance changes ahead of new FEMA maps