The Malden City Council took multiple procedural steps and then unanimously ordained Paper 158-25 to amend the city code (Title 2 chapters 12 and 16; Title 9 chapter 16) related to reorganizing public health and human services functions.

Councilors first voted to unenroll the paper because its original preamble tied the ordinance’s effective date to the successful passage of a home rule petition; councilors said that linkage would unnecessarily delay filling the imminent vacancy created by the health director's departure. Councilor Winslow described the practical point: "Right now, that responsibility goes with the Board of Health," he said, and the ordinance would move hiring responsibility into the reorganized structure.

After unenrolling, the council voted to amend the ordinance so it takes effect immediately upon passage, enrolled the amended text, suspended rules under Rule 40.3 by the required threshold, and then ordained the paper by roll call. All votes on unenrollment, the amendment, the suspension and the ordaining passed unanimously. The council recorded the ordainment by roll-call vote.

Councilors said the package clarifies which inspectors and services will fall under the new Health & Human Services department and moves administrative authority so the mayor, with council approval, will participate in hiring the department director rather than leaving that responsibility with the Board of Health. The change is timed to minimize any leadership gap while the city proceeds with hiring. The ordinance will take effect immediately as amended.