The Week Ahead: May 27- 31

Good evening, Melrose,

This weekend, our community will mark Memorial Day with flag placing at veterans’ graves and ceremonies to retire American flags and dedicate solemn memorial spaces in our city. This weekend is an opportunity to remember the members of our armed forces who gave their lives in service to our country throughout its history, and to honor their loved ones – the Gold Star families who survive them. To those who have served: thank you. And to those who lost a loved one in service: please know that our community is here for you.

Community Memorial Day observances planned and led by our Veteran Services Advisory Board  and Veterans ’Services Department will take place at Wyoming Cemetery on Saturday and at The Knoll opposite Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School on Sunday. You can review the full schedule on the City website.

It’s a Good Week for…

Learning More about the Proposed Override: We’re still asking for your questions about the FY 25 City Budget and the proposed Proposition 2 ½ operating override. These questions will guide the City’s resident outreach ahead of the special election and the development of Frequently Asked Questions. Please take a look at our budget and override information page at cityofmelrose.org/fy25budget and then send your questions to MayorsOffice@cityofmelrose.org. 

Learning About the Impact of State Cannabis Law on City Finances: City revenues come from a variety of different sources and agreements, which constantly shift and change. City Solicitor Shannon Phillips joined Mayor Jen on the Melrose Minute this week to talk about recent changes to the city’s cannabis revenues related to changes in state law. Tune in to learn more at www.cityofmelrose.org/melrose-minute.

Getting Ready to Vote: The City Council approved the Mayor’s request to hold a special election on Tuesday, June 18, for voters to consider a $7.7M operational override to fund City and School services.  You can learn more about the override here: www.cityofmelrose.org/fy25budget. For voter information, polling schedules, and to see a sample ballot, visit the Special Election Hub here: www.cityofmelrose.org/special-municipal-election.

Saving on Your Property Taxes: This week, the City Council unanimously approved Mayor Jen’s recommendation to raise the maximum annual tax exemption of the City’s Property Tax Work-off Program to $2,000, the highest amount allowed under state law. The previous ceiling was $1,000, a figure adopted by the City Council in 2003. The new $2,000 maximum takes effect in 2025, but in the meantime, the $1,000 property tax reduction program is still available for the remainder of the 2024 calendar year! If you’re interested in the program, contact the Melrose Council on Aging at 781-665-4304.

Checking Your Mail for Information on the New Trash and Recycling Program: You’ve got mail! All Melrose residents will receive an educational postcard about the City’s new trash and recycling collection program that will begin July 1. Additional educational materials will also be physically attached to your new City-provided trash and recycling carts that will be delivered to every home or qualifying property (six or fewer units) between June 3 and June 14. Questions about the educational materials and the new program, which will be run by Casella Waste Management, can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 781-665-0142 and recycle@cityofmelrose.org. For more information, including Frequently Asked Questions about the new program, visit www.cityofmelrose.org/new-cc-program.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Tuesday, May 28 

Human Rights Commission (Regular Meeting) – Agenda Packet
7 p.m., Cassidy Conference Room, 2nd floor, City Hall, 562 Main Street

Wednesday, May 29 

Retirement Board (Regular Meeting) – Agenda Packet
9 a.m., Retirement Office, 1st floor, City Hall, 562 Main Street

Roosevelt School Site Council (Regular Meeting) – Agenda TBA
3:30 p.m., Roosevelt School, 253 Vinton Street

Thursday, May 30 

Protection and License Committee – Agenda Packet
7:20 p.m., City Council Chamber, 1st floor, City Hall, 562 Main Street

Appropriations and Oversight Committee – Agenda Packet
7:30 p.m., City Council Chamber, 1st floor, City Hall, 562 Main Street

City of Melrose Programming

Stay involved with the Council on Aging

Get news you can use from the Health & Human Services Department

See what’s taking place at Memorial Hall

Check out what’s to do at the Melrose Public Library

Get out and play with the Melrose Recreation Department