Happy St. Patrick’s Day H Vol. 20, No. 11 -FREEwww.advoca atene City Council approves new rules for executive sessions By Barbara Taormina T he City Council has taken some significant steps to ensure government transparency with new rules on executive sessions. At a meeting on March 5, City Council President Jadeane Sica read a long list of the dates and topics discussed during executive sessions held over several years. The minutes of those meetings are being reviewed by councillors and the city’s legal department to see if they should be released to the public. And this week, the City Council approved new rules for the review, approval and release of executive session records moving forward. Executive sessions are closed-door meetings that public bodies like the City Council can hold to discuss certain issues, such as personnel matters, complaints against public employees, collective bargaining strategies, security measures, strategies in lawsuits and the purchase and value of land and buildings. Although some argue that no municipal business should take place behind closed doors, most agree that Our 80th Year EDUCATION Next Classes DRIVER 2 Week Night Classes MARCH 18 One Week Day Class APRIL 1 School Vacation CALL - ENROLL or Register Online 617-387-9121 HENRYSAUTOSCHOOL.COM AUTO SCHOOL E EVERETT A “Successful Key To Driving” Since 1938 Gift Certificates Available $2.59 GALLON .net riday Published E 617-387-2200 Friday, March 15, 2019 rida March 15, 2019 Malden RotarMalden Rotary Halfy Half open discussions of lawsuits, contracts and other types of negotiations are counterproductive and put the interests of the community at a disadvantage. The state’s Open Meeting Law requires that executive session minutes be reviewed at “reasonable intervals” to determine if the need for confi dentiality still exists or whether the records can be made public. Since some of the city’s executive session minutes now under review date back 16 years, it’s clear the City Council has, in the past, had a very loose relationship with the Open Meeting Law. “This is a huge portion of the minutes that go back to 2003,” said Sica after listing dozens of meetings with minutes that are up for review. “We have minutes from 2016, 2017 and 2018 to do, but this is a start,” she added. “I hope we can get these minutes released as soon as possible.” The City Council’s latest bout with executive sessions started with Brian DeLacey’s request for minutes from a 2015 closed-door meeting held to discuss the city’s appraisal of the Malden Hospital site. That request was denied since the development of the hospital site is an ongoing issue and releasing the minutes from an executive session about the appraisal would compromise RULES | SEE PAGE 19 Marathon & 5K Road Race Marathon & 5K Road Race COOL RUNNERS: Shown from left to right, Marcia Vitale, Jennifer Pichard and Rosemary O’Callahan – part of the Sole Sisters Running Club – were dressed for the occasion during the Malden Rotary Half Marathon & 5K Road Race last Sunday. See photo highlights on page 15. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) City Councilor John Matheson explores run for mayor’s offi ce Special to Th e Advocate ohn Matheson, four term Ward 3 Councilor, has formed an exploratory committee for Mayor of Malden. In a statement this week, Matheson explained: “Malden is a great place that I am proud to call home. I have heard from a number of supporters, notable Maldonians, and others encouraging me to run. This outpouring of support has caused me to refl ect, and come to the conclusion that the time might be right to serve the unanswered needs of all our People. I was born, raised and educated in Malden, and I cannot think of a better way to serve my community.” As the current Ward 3 City J John Matheson Exploring mayoral run Councilor and local attorney, Matheson holds a strong base in the largest voting Ward in the City. Matheson also has a citywide presence through his previous service as Councilor AtLarge, his race for State Representative, and his tenure as President of the Malden City Council. Matheson has also been active in many charitable groups such as Bread of Life, Malden Rotary Club, Malden Masons and The Shriners. Matheson is a formidable candidate that would give the City only its second Mayor race in 24 years. The Matheson Committee had this to add: “Despite the many growth opportunities of a strong economy, this administration has primarily focused on the expansion of apartment buildings. As much we love Malden, there is no doubt that our CITY | SEE PAGE 16
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