The Week Ahead: May 20-24

Good evening, Melrose,

This week, the City Council unanimously advanced the Mayor’s recommendation to hold an election for an operational override of $7.7 million, which will include funding for both City and School Departments, starting July 1, 2024. The Special Election is now set for June 18, 2024, and in the weeks ahead, City Hall will provide Melrose voters with as much information as we can on the City website and through community outreach. Voters have a choice to make, and we hope that the information we furnish will equip you with the facts to help you decide.

For the latest on the status of the budget and the City’s budget options, please read this message from Mayor Jen and Interim Superintendent John Macero.

We’re seeking residents’ 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 send your questions to MayorsOffice@cityofmelrose.org.

It’s a Good Week for…

Learning About Free Cash: When the city budget is being discussed, you probably hear the words “Free Cash” used, but many people don’t really know what it is! Assistant City Auditor Kerri Golden joined Mayor Jen on this week’s episode of the Melrose Minute to demystify this important topic! 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.

Supporting the Ride for Wounded Vets: The Annual Boston Wounded Vets Run will pass through Melrose on Sunday, May 19, between approximately 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. and will impact traffic in the areas of Main Street, Lynn Fells Parkway, and Pond Street. Participating motorcycle riders will enter Melrose from Wakefield around 1 p.m. via Main Street and will turn onto Lynn Fells Parkway. Riders will continue towards Stoneham via Pond Street. During the ride, traffic is usually stopped for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, and no regular traffic is let through except for emergency vehicles. Please plan accordingly!

Planning for Memorial Day: The City of Melrose has announced its official Memorial Day Weekend Ceremonies schedule. We hope that you can take some time next weekend to honor members of the military who lost their lives in service to our country and their families. Observances span the whole long weekend! Get the full schedule on the City website.

Paper Shredding & Waste Disposal Event at DPW: On Saturday, May 18,  S the Melrose DPW is hosting a Paper Shredding and Waste Disposal Day from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the City Yard on Tremont Street. Your first box of paper is free, then $5 per box. Payment is accepted by cash or check. For more information, call (781) 655-0142 or email recycling@cityofmelrose.org.

Learning to Fish: Please join the Cities of Malden and Melrose for the annual Malden/Melrose Fishing Derby at Pine Banks Park on Saturday, May 18^th, from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Pine Banks Pond, 1087 Main Street, Malden. Catch and release; staff onsite to assist and bait provided.

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.

...and now, for some Good News from Melrose Public Schools

Catch up with our ever-learning students, teachers, and administrators by reading edition 33 of Superintendent Macero’s Good News Fridays newsletter, highlighting how and what students are learning and more, by clicking here.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Saturday, May 18

Melrose DPW Paper Shredding Event
8 a.m. – 12 p.m., DPW City Yard, 72 Tremont Street

Malden/Melrose Fishing Derby at Pine Banks Park
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Pine Banks Pond, 1087 Main Street, Malden

Monday, May 20

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

Commission on Women (Regular Meeting) – Agenda Packet 
7 p.m., Basement Conference Room, City Hall, 562 Main Street

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

City Council (Regular Meeting) – Agenda Packet
7:45 p.m., City Council Chamber, 1st floor, City Hall, 562 Main Street

Tuesday, May 21

Horace Mann School Site Council (Regular Meeting) – Agenda Packet 
5:30 p.m., Art/Music Room, Horace Mann School, 40 Damon Avenue

School Committee (Regular Meeting) –  Agenda Packet
7 p.m., City Council Chamber, 1st floor, City Hall, 562 Main Street

Veterans Services Advisory Board (Regular Meeting) – Agenda Packet 
7:30 p.m., Milano Center, 201 W Foster Street

Thursday, May 23

Park Commission (Regular Meeting) – Agenda TBA
7 p.m.

Appropriations and Oversight (Budget Hearing) – 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