The Finance Committee held the first of its in-depth FY2027 budget discussions with city department heads on May 12. Police Chief Glenn Cronin warned that the loss of three cadet positions would result in slower response times; overtime has risen 63 percent since 2019.
Malden City Council approved Order 262-26 to direct development of a citywide residential parking program. Sponsored by Councillors Ari Taylor, Chris Simonelli, and Jadeane Sica, the May 12 vote was unanimous, following discussion of parking inequities and potential municipal revenue.
License Committee unanimously recommended 17 business license petitions without noted issues. The committee, chaired by Jadeane Sica, voted to recommend 16 renewal petitions and one new Class II dealer license for Malden Auto Center LLC (35 vehicles at 189 Eastern Avenue) to the City Council.
The Economic Development Committee tabled an order to study data centers and recommend zoning restrictions, instead agreeing to first define "data center" in the zoning code. Councillor Ari Taylor led the committee, which voted unanimously to table the order pending completion of a definition.
Malden committee reviewed Salt Shed and Boathouse Phase 2 designs, finding two cost efficiencies. The designLAB and Landing Studios teams presented to six committee members, identifying savings through prefab trusses and cladded wood ceiling elements. Phase 1 construction wraps in June.
The City Council voted unanimously to impose a one-year ban on data center development while the Economic Development Committee studies the facilities' impacts on infrastructure, environment, health, and economy.
Malden's Rules & Ordinance Committee unanimously recommended ordinance 197-26 to establish a minimum of five marijuana retail licenses.
Malden Finance Committee reviewed the proposed FY2027 budget with $240.3 million in estimated revenue. CFO Charles Ranaghan presented the plan for Mayor Gary Christenson, noting property taxes comprise 50 percent of revenue, state aid 37 percent, and local receipts 8.8 percent.
Malden's School Committee voted to keep the district out of inter-district school choice for 2026-27 after a narrower 20-seat plan failed 5-3.
The Community Preservation Committee awarded $100,000 to Emmanuel Baptist Church for roof repair and membrane replacement.