Malden council adopts 2025 strategic plan and city-center master plan, approves solid waste ordinance and amphitheater funding

The Malden City Council unanimously approved the 2025 city strategic plan and the City Center Village master plan and took several other unanimous actions at its February meeting, including approving changes to the city's solid waste ordinance on second reading and authorizing a funding plan and contractor for a new amphitheater stage cover at the Malden Cultural Center.

The council approved the 2025 strategic plan and the City Center Village master plan by voice vote after considering both items via the council's informal method. Council also authorized revisions to the City of Malden solid waste ordinance on second reading. In separate motions the council approved a funding plan for a new amphitheater stage cover that relies on a PAR grant, state accommodation tax and H&A tax funds and other local grants and contributions (including a staff request for $30,000), and selected Hogan Construction Group as the lowest responsive bidder for design and construction.

Why it matters: the strategic and master plans set the city's near-term policy and development priorities; the solid waste ordinance revision changes the city's regulatory framework for refuse and collection; and the amphitheater decision commits local funding and identifies a contractor for a visible cultural facility improvement.

Key actions and context

Strategic plan and City Center Village master plan: Council moved to consider the two items by the informal method and then approved both plans as presented. The motion to consider the items via the informal method carried, and subsequent motions to approve the 2025 city strategic plan and the City Center Village master plan were passed by voice vote.

Solid waste ordinance (second reading): Public Works presented the proposed revisions and council approved the changes on second reading. The ordinance was discussed as an item forwarded from Public Works; legal staff had provided highlighted updates for council review prior to the vote. The motion to adopt the changes passed unanimously.

Amphitheater stage cover: Council approved a funding plan that combines a PAR grant, state accommodation "a tax" funds, H&A tax funds and additional local grant and nonprofit requests, including a $30,000 ask that staff will pursue. Council also selected Hogan Construction Group as the lowest responsive bidder for the design and construction of the stage cover. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

No-parking designation on Gateway Boulevard and Park Plaza: At the request of council, Public Works moved to designate areas along Gateway Boulevard and Park Plaza as no-parking zones; council voted unanimously to adopt the designation.

Capital lease proceeds: Council approved using remaining capital lease proceeds to purchase an additional administrative vehicle rather than a police vehicle. Finance staff explained that the FY2025 capital lease appropriation (about $1,400,000) accounted for six police vehicles in the original budget but rising prices meant only five police vehicles would be purchased; the remaining funds will be used for an admin vehicle. The motion carried unanimously.

Executive session and report out: The council entered executive session to consider negotiations, proposed contractual arrangements and the proposed sale/purchase of property under the code citations read into the record. On reconvening, Councilmember Matney reported: "Coming out of executive session at 08:12, no decisions were made. No votes were taken." No action items were reported following executive session.

Other routine items

Council accepted prior meeting minutes (January 20, 2025 and other listed meetings) by unanimous consent and heard administrative reports, including a report from City Administrator Duncan that Public Works and the contractor Belmore had completed storm debris pickup operations and that the city expects to submit its FEMA reimbursement request by March 31.

What to watch next

Staff will pursue the additional grant and nonprofit funding described for the amphitheater stage cover and will proceed with contracting with Hogan Construction Group per the council's selection. Council indicated it will provide a final debris report when outstanding invoices have been settled and will post updates about the Highway 276 resurfacing project and related lane closures as SCDOT crews approach the city.

Ending: Council adjourned at 8:14 p.m. after a final unanimous vote to adjourn.