The council will come to order. All rise and salute the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. Please remain standing for a moment of silence in honor of our veterans, service members, and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. We will now have a land acknowledgement. We honor and acknowledge the Massachusetts, Pinnacook, and Pucket peoples whose ancestral lands we now
call home and on which we gather today. We express gratitude to the indigenous peoples who have cared for this land for generations, predating European colonization and continuing to the present. Moving forward, we are committed to ensuring that the histories, voices, and contributions of
indigenous peoples are recognized and respected in the life of our city. The clerk will now call the role. Councelor Omali, will you please put your camera on for the roll call? Under the provisions of the open meeting law, for those of you in attendance,
please be informed that UMA Urban Media Arts will be recording this evening's meeting. So, just to be aware, there will be audio and video recordings of this meeting. >> Okay. Council Cologne Hayes >> here. >> Council Condan >> here. Council Crow,
>> yes. >> Council McDonald, >> here. >> Council Roman Ali, >> it appears that he's online, but he's not responding at the time. I'll come back to him. Councel Seca >> here. >> Council Simmonelli not here. Council Spataphora >> here. >> Council Taylor >> here.
>> Council Winsow. >> Council President Lahan >> here. >> Council Ali, are you with us this evening? Looks like he's unmuted but not off camera. What do you What do we need? What do we need to do?
We're ju just attempting to reach counselor Ali to see if we can resolve his technical issues before we finish the role. take attendance because we're muted. This happened last time, didn't it?
Ali, are you with us now? >> Uh, yes, I'm here. Um, >> so I'm here for it to be present. Um, and I just wanted to do a point of order. Uh, Council Lahan is not the legitimate council president, so I'll be abstaining from this meeting. Thank you. >> Council Ali, can you hear us now?
>> I can. >> Okay. Thank you. We had to turn the volume up on our end. We did not what you said. >> All right. So, I'm here. I'm present. Um, but my point of order is that councelor Lhan is not the legitimate council president. So, I'm abstaining from this meeting. Thank you.
>> Did he say he's abstaining from the meeting? >> I didn't really hear him. I don't know what he said. I'm sorry. >> Can you hear him? >> Okay. So what >> would you would you like me to state it again?
>> I can repeat it if you didn't hear me. So, >> if Council Ali is in attendance via video chat, um, open meeting law says that all of our votes need to be taken by roll call
vote. But if he is intending to abstain from the meeting, do we mark him down as here with and still do roll call votes? Do we mark him down as not here? to make to make it easy to make it
>> to make it easy for everyone. I can drop off and just watch on YouTube so that >> that's that's fine. >> That's fine. >> Thank you. >> Council is not in attendance this evening. Neither is Council Simelli. We have nine members in attendance. We have >> No, I am I am in attendance. I I I'm
here for the roll call. >> Okay. So, he marked him he he verbalized that he's present. He then stated that he is exiting the meeting. >> So >> at 710, >> right? Correct. At 710. Thank you, councelor Sika. So we will proceed to do
voice votes because we do not have a member >> on Zoom. Correct. >> I I believe that would be the handle it. >> Yep. No questions with anybody else. >> Everybody good? >> I'm okay with that, too. I'll drop off. Thank you. Yeah, I don't think he's
>> going off. >> It appears that he disconnected. >> It appears that he disconnected. >> If he rejoins, can he unmute himself or are will he have to request acknowledgement from us to be unmuted? >> No, he should be able to unmute himself. >> Okay.
>> Because he's in there as council member. >> Okay. >> Not just a visitor. >> Okay. Then we'll we'll just keep an eye if he comes back and otherwise assume that he'll be spectating as he stated he would. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Next order of business.
>> Um public comment. I don't believe we had anybody signed up for public comment and I haven't received anything. >> Okay. Then we can move on to approval of the minutes. >> Papers 327-25 minutes for the meeting of June 10th, 2025. Paper 328-25
minutes for the meeting of June 17, 2025. paper 329-25 minutes for the meeting of June 24th, 2025. >> Okay. Do I have a motion on any of these papers? >> Oh, I'm sorry, C. Councelor Winsel, you
did have a um I saw your question by email. Councelor Winsel. Um yeah, so just on uh paper 32825, the minutes of June 17, 2025, there just needed to be um a a correction to um the the the
minutes on paper 30525. Just um it just said 1.2 and it needs to have million after that. We were talking about the trash collection, so that just needs to be correct. >> Okay. So add million after 1.2. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's that would be my
amendment there. Thank you. >> Second. >> Okay. On Councelor Winsow's motion, seconded by Councelor Crow. All in favor? >> Okay. 1.2. >> Okay. Uh motion to approve as amended.
>> Okay. All in favor? >> I. So that's for 328-25. Or do we do are we doing them all at once or is that just >> We can take one vote for all of them. >> Okay. Okay. Do I have a motion for the approval of all three sets of minutes?
>> Make a motion. >> Okay. On a motion by councelor Crow, seconded by councelor Winsow. All in favor? >> Okay. That motion carries. Next order of business. Paper 320-25. Order. The city council will vote on whether to engage in the process to change health insurance
benefits under MGL chapter 32B section 21 through 23. >> Okay. So, we we need a motion by councelor McDonald to receive the committee report. >> Yes, please. I apologize for not putting that in there. >> Okay. Do I have a second to that? Okay.
All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. And will the clerk please read the paper the order? >> Paper 320-25. Well, do you want to receive the report before you read the paper? >> I'm so sorry. We just did Well, we just voted the
>> You voted to receive it. Council McDonald is going to let us know what happened in the finance committee with the >> Okay. Councelor McDonald for the for the committee report. >> I can. I'm sorry. Thank you for bearing with me. >> Uh thank you. So, uh uh thank you so
much, Council President. So, as chair of the finance, I just want to report the finance committee. just want to report back on the discussion that we had. We had a really excellent and extended discussion two weeks ago about this proposal. Uh and a couple things I just want to highlight from our discussion.
Um the first is that the ability to join the group insurance commission uh is available to all cities and towns in Massachusetts and it includes about 45 other cities and towns as well as state employees in Massachusetts. So it's a big pool. Um, and the process for
joining is very is very clear and laid out in state law. So, it's kind of like the it's kind of like a track and we can vote to get on it. And once we're on the track, then we follow the process to determine whether we ultimately participate. And the trigger to get on
that track is endorsement by the city council um which is what we have um before us today. This vote by the city council is not an endorsement of any particular proposal. It's an endorsement to start the process of negotiating the proposal um to join the group insurance
commission. Um so we asked we asked a lot of questions about what are the differences between the group insurance commission and the current uh self-insured pool for city employees. and we talked uh about what happens in
the process of negotiating the proposal. Um a couple things I just want to highlight. First is that the um there are some there are some differences at the margins about what uh is currently offered under the city plan that would
not be brought over in an in a um in participation in the group insurance commission. However, the primary insurance product that we provide for our staff is available or a very comparable product through Harvard Pilgrim is available right now um to
city staff and would be one one of a few more choices that you would have based on cost and network and things like that. Second is that the agreements with um unions about and collective bargaining units about the percentage
that they pay or other things that are part of the agreement would certainly carry over. It's just that the healthcare provider would change. Um and this process is an engagement with the unions about the city administration submitting a proposal, getting feedback, and then there's actually a resolution
process that they can come to agreement. Um the third is that the uh the savings this is really a financially driven process and I want to make that clear. The reason the city is considering this is to save money uh and the ultimate uh
decision about whether to join the GIC is somewhat based on the savings that are available. So the city has to be able to demonstrate savings overall in the plan in order to move forward. And if that savings can you know if we can show those savings then the plan will
ultimately be approved and a percentage of the savings in the first year has to be directly returned to employees. Um the vote on the proposal is based on weighted membership uh of the you of the bargaining units um with 10% also for
our retirees. So that's the that's the initial review. The estimated savings that we discussed in the meeting was um over $2 million uh in terms of the cost that that would go down for the plan overall. So that's split between the
city and the and the participants. Um that is a substantial savings. The reason that we're having this conversation, as I think folks know, is that the city budget for fiscal year 26, which we're now in, used $8.5 million in onetime funds. There's no immediate we
can't do that again next year, right? So, as one of the things we're considering, this would be this could be potentially $2 million or more of helping to close that gap. And if this is not a path that we end up going down, we have to find that savings or that
income someplace else. Um, and I don't think that the choices, frankly, get any easier than this going forward. So, I just want to keep front and center that our goal is to um our our our our goal was at the city council was to review all of the details and what the process
looks like to provide that transparently to the public and to our city employees who would be directly affected. Um and uh speaking you know for just to speak for myself I think I observed us really trying to make sure that there were not um hidden benefit reductions somehow in
this and uh we asked a lot of questions about the comparability of the coverage going from the the current plan to the GIC. Um we were joined in that meeting by the city's consultant Sue Shaloo who is also available online right now to answer questions if there are questions
about this. Um and uh let me see if there's anything else. So I think that was I think that was uh it was a robust conversation. Um, I also just want to share that we did send a recording of that meeting as well as the initial a recording of the
initial meeting that the the mayor's staff had with the unions about this process and the current GIC benefits guide all to to all city employees so that they could take a look at that and and and directly apprise them that this meeting is happening for us to take a
vote. So, we really wanted to make sure that the city employ we said we would do that in the meeting. I just want to confir confirm with my colleagues we did in fact do that. You all received the same information so that it is uh again all transparent and on the table. Um so I think that covers my summary of our
discussions and happy to entertain questions and I'm sure we'll get to more of that in the discussion as we move forward. >> Okay. >> Thank you councelor McDonald. Just once again to read the paper into the um record. Paper 320-25.
Order that the city council will vote on whether to engage in the process to change health insurance benefits under MGL chapter 32B section 21 through 23. Can I see? >> Yeah, of course. One second. There you go. >> Yeah, I apologize for not clarifying this. The committee did unanimously vote
to recommend passage of this order back to the full council. That was specified. >> Thank you, Councelor McDonald. Okay. I do see one light. Councelor Cologne Hayes. >> Thank you. Uh so I just wanted to add thank you. That was a very uh thorough um description of the meeting and for
anyone watching that this process was going to be very open. That that was one of the questions and I like to hear that the members um at city hall will be involved in all processes before um this decision is made to switch to healthcare. And the other was that um my daughter has we have some health issues.
So, I was listening about whether or not they would have to change doctors because that's a very big point for someone. Um, and it looks like there's eight option plans for health care. Um, there was like nuances in the difference that they could choose and um, it sounded like there's a lot to choose from. Um, so I'm hoping that's the case
because I know how important it is uh, to keep your doctors especially for those who have um, you know, long-term health issues. So, I feel confident that this will go um and have some open discussions and hopefully you'll be able to keep your doctor or at least find one
that's um comparable. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councelor Cologne Hayes. And I I just wanted to point out we do have a a hand raise, a member of the public, I think I just wanted to reiterate at this point we're not taking public comment or interaction on the
negotiations, the plan. The next phase after the council takes our vote, we'll be authorizing the mayor to engage the process of beginning discussing and negotiating with the unions and their leadership. Um, so that would be the point where, you know, questions, comments, and engagement would be
appropriate. Um, so apologies that we're not able to take those raised hands from the public at this time. Um, but that next phase will be starting up at the conclusion of our vote tonight. Um, do I have any other questions from the council or does anybody from the city
staff want to address the council if or if we have questions or if there's anything that you want to clarify or add? Folks are good. >> Okay. >> It's it's just I'll talk. >> Okay. Councelor Seca, if you want me on.
Thank you. I I think that this um agenda item this evening, it's a no-brainer. Um if we have the ability to kind of keep a comparable insurance plan that we are all currently on and save two to what Chuck told me could be 5 million. It's
not it might not just be 2 million. It could be upwards of $5 million instead of us having to make some extremely hard and important cuts next year to the budget. I think this is a way that we can keep everybody here employed while
saving a a ton of money. So, I think I think this is an important thing for us to do. It's just to allow them to entertain the idea and to do the research to see if this is something that we want to do. I it's a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned. So, thank you so much. Thank you, Councelor Sika.
Councelor Winsow. >> Yeah. No, I I definitely say we had a very great presentation in finance committee and had asked a lot of questions. Um I think that um those were answered and I I I do think that it is um the potential to save upwards of $2
million in a very tight budget uh future is is very something very important we need to explore with um in the city and within our employees. So um you know the process is a firm process but I think it's a fair process and um it also the
employees benefit and has as someone just you know my family situation is I was a state employee my wife is a state was a state employee our insurance has always been group insurance commission we've been very satisfied with the choices we have. So um it's it's great that uh we're doing that. Um so I think
it is um this makes the most financial sense for the city. We we really need to explore this. So, uh, I'm very supportive of this. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councelor Winslow. Councelor Condan. >> Thank you, uh, Madame President, with
the, uh, people that were in that room and the people that I know who will be doing the negotiating. I feel very comfortable that they'll come out with a a good product for employees, and I'm sure they'll be happy. So, I look forward to seeing what
they bring back to us. Uh, and wish them luck. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councelor Condan. Councelor Spataphora. >> Without the uh trying not to be repetitive, but I will. Uh, I want the public, especially the people came out uh to hear this as well as the people on
online. While this debate might seem very efficient for a city council meeting, uh there was a lot of great questions both in terms of facts and information uh from the city from the city resources. Um that was debate and I think mo everybody here at the council
first of all wanted to know how it affected the end user meaning our employees and this is just step one and we always want to make sure that their voice is heard too. While certainly cost is is the prim is the primary factor, we also have to realize that this is
changing uh coverage to some degree and we want to make sure that somebody doesn't lose coverage. That's probably the biggest asset people get in their plans now. So that will be uh met. We've heard there's some great opportunities. There's probably some things we have to make sure we dot our eyes and cross our tees. But um if you didn't get an
opportunity to see that last meeting, I think there was a lot of great questions that I was able I was able to at least feel a little relief knowing there'll be a longer process and a lot of the steps along the way will have input. So um this might be a fast meeting, but it's it's not something that we weren't
prepared for. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councelor Spataphora. Um before I go to Councelor McDonald, who I suspect is going to make a motion, I I just want to speak quickly um from the chair without wanting to be the fly in the ointment. I think I'm probably the only outlier here. I am having trouble supporting this. I understand the
reasons why we need to do it. Um I recently switched to the city insurance from over 15 years on the GIC. My experience wasn't as positive. Um I'm a big believer in the self- insurance model that we have. I talk up our benefits a lot to prospective employees.
I particularly hear from young women who are coming into the city looking to build their career here. And I'm always very proud to talk about the things that we offer. um access to different hospitals, the access to, you know, just having having a baby here, being able to have lactation services, and being able
to find a pediatrician within the city, and just things that I think are going to be a different experience moving forward that are unique to um people who identify as women, people who have children, people who have chronic conditions. I have concerns about those things. Not saying you can't get great coverage under the GIC, and I have full
faith in the negotiation process and the folks that are going to be in the room. I'm not going to be supporting this tonight. I think I'll probably be the only no vote. I have full confidence that we can craft a good plan and I think the right people are going to be in the room and will get us the best thing that we can have of all the
options available. I hope that as we move forward in the process recognizing that the trade-off is likely jobs. I'm fully aware of that. I hope that we can find a way to keep some of the really attractive and positive wellness benefits that the city offers right now, such as the diabetes plan, such as the
wellness benefit that allows people to have money in their pocket to offset things like co-pays, um like those out-of- pocket things that can really add up if you do have, like I said, a chronic condition, a child with a chronic illness, just those things that really make a difference of what people pay out of pocket. Um those are things
that I think are unique to Malden and really make us a great place to work. So if we can find ways to retain those as we move into the GIC, I think they will help us to become still a place that we can be really proud of to offer great benefits. Um so with that or councelor Clone Hazes, did you want to speak again as well?
>> Okay, one second. Let me get your light on. >> Hi. No, I think I I thank you for bringing that up brought up question. Um, so just to be clear, this we're going to vote to enter into a process that will go through all this at
the end. We can still vote or they can still vote no, they don't want it and choose. So, um, we're not voting tonight on this. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, I think Council I know that's what we're doing. I just wanted to be clear out there just for anyone else because you you had brought
up a good point. And I just wanted to make sure that we know that we're voting only to move into the process and not um that this definitely will move this way, although it probably likely will. >> Yeah. I think it's not coming back to us though. That's why I just want it's hard for me to not vote my conscience on this because I feel very torn on it and I we
are we're putting it out into the world and trusting others to take it past this point. So >> Okay. No, that that makes sense. Thank you. >> Sure. Okay. Councelor McDonald. >> Yeah. Thank you. So I want to say I want to make sure I state this correctly. So, I'm looking to Maria and Ally like please tell me if I'm not saying this
correctly, but my understanding is that yes, we don't vote on that's correct. We don't vote again, but and also um this is not a standard bargaining table situation where it's just about coming to agreement. If the city can
demonstrate certain factors, then the state will approve moving forward. The state's not going to allow that to happen until there is negotiation with the unions. But the bargaining units do not have a veto vote over whether the process moves forward or not. Am I saying that correctly?
>> Okay. All right. >> Sue. Yes. And Sue Shaloo is on. Sue >> that. Yes. Sue, if you have um let me just say one other thing and then I would love to have you, you know, correct anything I've mischaracterized.
>> We also cl we to to Council President Lahan's point, we also clarified in the meeting that um we retain the ability to offer additional benefits or for bargaining units to negotiate additional benefits. They may not be through the GIC, but they can be in addition to or
in other formats. I think particularly if we're seeing more cost savings than we anticipate then that will be a fruitful area of discussion. I have no doubt. Um because if you all watched the meeting that we are already talked about that. So um I just I want to say I I to me it matters that we retain that
flexibility. Um and I will be supporting this uh because as you state the trade-off here is is pretty directly jobs. um the only way to close this budget gap um is to uh increase our revenue or reduce costs and costs pretty
much come from jobs. And so um uh I that's the bottom line for me and so I will be supporting this paper. Sue, do you have anything you want to add that's important for us to consider? >> I don't think there's much more to add. I think you did a great recap of the
meeting that we have with the finance committee. Um everything you've stated is accurate. The vote tonight is simply to enter the process of negotiations. Um it's not to go into the GIC, although
it does sound like that will be the most likely outcome. Um, I can't remember if somebody mentioned, but as part of the process, the city does have to give back up to 25% of the first year of savings
back to the employees and retirees in mitigation for the change. So, how that money is given back to the employees is also part of that negotiation. >> Thanks, Sue. I just want to repeat back what you said, this last piece to make
sure everybody heard that. So this 25% of savings in the first year that needs to go back to employees. The format or how that goes um how that sharing happens that is definitely subject to any negotiations with bargaining units or other policies. So there there are
multiple ways to do that. One final thing I'll just add it is possible to come back out of the GIC and and self-insure. I believe there's a waiting period of is it three years Sue? >> It's three years. >> That's a great point. >> Yes. >> Okay. So so you know you got to give us some time. um this would this would be
on a trajectory to take effect in July 1 of 2026. So fiscal year 27 if we move forward and um so it is possible to get out of to get out of the GIC. And I think that just one other piece to this is about the the savings and I want to
clarify this really come from sharing the risk in large claims with a much larger pool and right now the city's bearing that risk and it's not working to our advantage financially even though we retain more control to do some of these things. So I think that just to be clear is the is the trade-off that's on
the table is reducing that risk reducing the cost. we were able to, you know, look at the savings and see like it is actually cheaper, right? If we were in it, it would be cheaper for employees right now by, you know, some amount of dollars per month. Um, but there are trade-offs and I think it's important to recognize that. Thank you. Um, I would
like to make a motion to approve this order. >> Second. >> Okay. On a motion by councelor McDonald's, uh, seconded by councelor Sika. All in favor? >> I >> I'm going to vote no. And I'm gonna actually ask for >> real call.
>> Okay, that sounds like a good idea. >> Council Hayes. >> Thank you. Council Cologne Hayes said yes. Council Condan, >> yes. >> Yes. Council Crowe, >> yes. >> Yes. Council McDonald, >> yes. >> Yes. Council Sega, >> yes. >> Yes. Council Sphapora,
>> yes. Council Taylor, >> yes. Council Winslow, >> yes. >> Yes. Council President Lahan, >> no. >> No. So that paper has been adopted. Okay, next 8 to1 vote. >> Council President Lahan will communicate
to the body the appointments of those who will serve on the ad hoc library and code of conduct committees as was outlined in her memo during the council meeting of June 24th, 2025. >> No. >> Do I have a motion to receive the communication?
>> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> Okay. the mot the communication is received. So I want to thank everyone um especially in light of the fact that I wasn't able to be in in attendance at the last meeting in June. Um so just to
review these are the two ad hoc committees that I had put forth um in my memo but more importantly um these are committees that we had decided to implement prior to that um both because counselors had filed legislation indicating a desire to have a code of
conduct initiative of some sort and then earlier in June we actually had voted as a body um to create a committee to dig into the library issue. So, as we probably remember in mid June, we discussed having a committee to really look at how the com how the council and
the library function together um and how the trustees and the council can work better together. So, tonight what I'm going to be announcing is an ad hoc library committee that I would like to be chaired by councelor Winslow. Vice
chair will be councelor Taylor. Members will be councelor Lahan and councelor Condan. My hope is that this committee can produce a report with some recommendations and action items in the coming months. Um, Councelor Winslow and I have chatted briefly about what this
might entail. We're going to be talking obviously a lot more um as we get this effort started about timeline and specifics and we will be reporting back as the process gets started. But this is important work that I am excited about and want to thank councelor Winsow for
being willing to take on. Um, the next committee is the code of conduct ad hoc committee. Um, which as I had outlined in my memo is something that many of you have identified over the years. Something that we want to dig into as a group. I'm hoping it will be something that we can come to an agreement on
together in a collaborative manner. Again, because it's arisen from the group as a desire and something that we want to come up with amongst ourselves to govern things like boundaries, behavior, and things that would be in supplement to what's already in our rule book, but that can help us work together
more effectively and govern behavior that pops up and is troublesome to ourselves and gets us off track and that we would like to avoid happening in the future and keep us more productive. Um, so as I said, this is a goal that many of us have identified in light of that. I've looked back to see who has filed
legislation about this. I know we've tried to move it forward. We have for various reasons not been successful. Um I've asked councelor McDonald to chair this committee. I would love to have councelor Cologne Hayes be the vice chair and for the members I would love
to have councelor Crowe and councelor Sika join this committee. Um so I want to thank everybody for being so willing to join these two committees. This is really important work. Um, I think there's, again, if we can be open-minded
to this, I think there's going to be some positives that will come out of this. We can talk more over the coming weeks about schedule, about outcomes. Um, but I'm excited for this. I really want to thank everybody for being willing to step up. And if folks have any questions or comments, I would
welcome discussion. And I somehow zoomed way out on my screen, so give me one moment to get everyone back. Councelor Winsow. >> Yeah. I know I I thank you um for advancing uh the plan for the committee and I I am willing to chair it. I mean
one of the things um I just want to emphasize is my focus is really wants to create a dialogue between the council um and the trustees um really educate ourselves. Um I think the passion that
we saw about what happened um in June shows that a lot of people care about the institution and I think that um that's actually an opportunity we have to understand. So but I think it uh the way it came about was was wrong way. So I think having a dialogue um confident
the the members that uh council has f has chosen are going to really be focused on dialogue and um that's you know really to educate ourselves and just uh you know the library has been a great institution for um the city for over hundred years and what we want to
do is have that discussion so that we can make sure that it's uh on its way for the next hundred years. So that's really the spirit I want to bring. Thank you. Great. Thank you, Councelor Winsow. Councelor McDonald. >> Thank you so much, Council President,
and uh I'm happy to agree to serve in this role, work with my good colleagues. Um, what I want to say about this is that even though we've we're calling this the uh the code of conduct committee, what I really see this as about is one norms and practices that we
don't just assume but we state explicitly about how we show up with our best selves and best capacity in our meetings and our work. Um, and two that we really talk about how we disagree and how we engage in appropriate and
productive conflict. We are elected officials. It is not assumed that we would all agree about anything. That's why we vote. But we do not have to disagree and take votes in ways that tear each other tear each other down, impugn one another's humanity, and make it difficult for our communities to
trust us. We want to build trust in our leadership even when we disagree because no one is going to agree on everything across this diverse community. And so my guiding light in this is, you know, my kids tend to watch these meetings >> um like many of our like many of our
residents and I want the discussion up here to be something that they can uh look up to and think that's th those are adults who are conducting themselves in ways I want to be a part of and and I want to see for my community. So I want us to be proud about what we do at this table, proud enough to share it with our
kids. And uh I really believe we can do that and do more of that and not that we'll get it right or perfect. This is not about policing conduct, but it is about trying to more clearly state our goals um for doing well together um and building one another up and building trust in our leadership. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Council McDonald. Councelor Colon Hayes, thank you. Um just wondering if do you have something in writing? I was starting to take notes on who's what and then I just didn't. Um that you can send us afterwards maybe. >> Absolutely. >> Okay, great. And um thank you for um I was one of the ones who I think I might
have put it up twice um for to review this norms over the years. So I'm very excited this move forward um happy to share that lead with uh my colleague because I think it is very important. I've said it over and over that we shouldn't all agree. That's why we're
all here. We shouldn't all agree. Um but we shouldn't Yeah. act. Um we should act professionally when we do and leave it all here and walk out that door and come back in the next time. Um just ready to get to work. So I'm really um hoping
that we can get that done. So thank you very much and um sorry. Did you did you want to say something? Oh, okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. And I do just want to acknowledge your leadership in bringing this up before. I think what I observed looking back through a lot of our minutes is
that when this has come up before, it's been really in the wake of like something has happened where we've all been very upset and we've tried to address it and we've been, you know, I think folks get tired or burnt out or we ready for a break and it's like it never gets addressed because people are
focused on having the recess and moving past whatever happened that folks were disagreeing on. And I'm I'm hoping that this is the time that we can really dig into it. I've seen a lot of great examples from around the country where other elected bodies have developed norms. There's good examples out there. I know a lot of us have professional
expertise that we can bring to the table. I really am hoping that this is something that we can find to be a positive experience. I think this is these committees are intentionally small with really defined scopes so that I'm hoping that this is just we can get specific work done and it'll be a
positive experience. So again, I just want to thank everybody for being willing to take on these leadership roles with a tight turnaround time. Um, so with that, I think we can move on to the next order of business. The docket is clear. >> All right. Does anybody have personal
privilege? >> I do. >> Okay. Councelor Seca, might as well take advantage of it since we're on television. Um, tomorrow night is August 13th from 6:00 to 7:30 down Lynen Park Council Spataphora and myself
along with the Malden Rec Department have our annual color potty for the kids. It's a lot of fun. The kids come dressed in white and they receive colorful little packets of powder that when the DJ announces one, two, three, they throw it up in the air and at the
end of it, everyone is all these beautiful pastel colors. It's a lot. It's a it's a messy event, but it it is a fun event that the kids enjoy. So, tomorrow from 6:00 to 7:30 down Lynen Park for that. And I had the pleasure of
spending the afternoon at the teen center today filling backpacks for annual backpack drive that's going to be held next Wednesday, August 20th. I can't believe we're already talking about back to school and school supplies. I feel like I just finished
4th of July yesterday, but um 2:30 to 4:30 is the backpack drive down Lynen Park in the parking lot. If you um or your child if your any of your children need a backpack, they you need to register for this particular event on
the Malden Wreck website just so we um have enough backpacks for everybody that shows up. So, make sure if you need um are in need of a backpack or supplies to please go on to the Malden Recre website and sign up for the backpack drive next Wednesday, August 20th, 2:30 to 4:30.
Thank you. Thank you, Councelor Sika. Councelor Winsow. >> Yeah. Um just wanted to announce to take advantage of the opportunity of the summer meeting. Um, uh, school committee Joe member Joe Gray and the Maplewood Association is sponsoring a movie night
in Trafton Park. So, this is the first movie night we're having since the park's been redone. So, that's exciting. That'll be um this Saturday um, starting right after 8:00. So, come down uh, you know, bring a chair to sit if you need to or blanket, have a little picnic, and
uh, we'll the movie is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. So, it should be fun. Um, so come on down to Trafton Park on Saturday evening. Um, thank you. >> Thank you, Councelor Winsow. Councelor Taylor. >> Thank you. So, we have a a few things that I want to mention. Um, on Thursday
at 4:00 at the Forestdale Cemetery, we'll be planting a Liberty Tree. Um, so I invite everybody to come down and share this experience. Um, also on Thursday at the BB school, the Malden
Wreck did a theater camp this summer. And if you they're doing their final performance, um, A Wrinkle in Time. That's at 6 o'clock. Um, starts at 6:30, doors open at 6:00. So, I invite everybody to come down and check that
out. The WC did an amazing job this summer. So excited for the programs that they did. Um, >> and I know the kids are really excited to perform this show. Um, and then September 5th, um, we are doing a back to school night, counselor Simelli and
I. So, there'll be more, um, information on that coming out soon, but just to save that date in your calendar, we're going to do a back to school movie night um, on the 5th. Thanks. Sounds fantastic. Okay, seeing no other lights, do I have
a motion to adjurnn? Okay. >> A second by Council McDonald. All in favor? >> I Okay, we are adjourned at 7:46. Thank you everyone. >> That's why