The meeting’s most pressing topic arose from allegations of a potential violation of Massachusetts open meeting law. A complaint was lodged against Councilor Cologne Hayes, accusing her of engaging in serial deliberation with other council members outside a public meeting. This alleged breach pertained to discussions about an agenda item related to an appointment, with claims that Cologne Hayes had reached out to several members to influence their opinions ahead of an official council session. This pattern of communication was said to have constituted a quorum, prompting Councilor Seika to call for Cologne Hayes’ recusal from further deliberations on the matter.

In response, Cologne Hayes requested that the issue be referred to the city solicitor’s office for a formal investigation. Councilor McDonald supported this motion, emphasizing the importance of adhering to standard procedures for handling such complaints. The council debated the procedural path forward, considering whether to involve the attorney general’s office directly or to permit the city solicitor to conduct an initial review. Some council members advocated for open discussion to ensure transparency, while others urged caution, highlighting the potential complications of discussing the matter without legal guidance.

The decision to refer the complaint to the legal department was ultimately approved by a 9 to 2 vote. This move aimed to ensure that the allegations were thoroughly investigated while maintaining the integrity of the council’s proceedings. Councilors expressed differing opinions on how best to address the accusations, with some advocating for immediate transparency and others emphasizing the need to follow established legal processes.

In parallel to this contentious issue, the council deliberated on a resolution proposing an immediate hiring freeze across city departments. This measure was introduced in light of ongoing discussions surrounding a potential Proposition 2 and a half override, intended to manage fiscal constraints without resorting to increased taxpayer burdens. The proposed freeze sought to ensure that no new or vacant positions would be filled without explicit council approval, emphasizing fiscal responsibility during financially uncertain times.

Debate ensued over the practicality and implications of the hiring freeze. Councilors discussed the impact of such a measure on union contracts and departmental operations, with some expressing reservations about the resolution’s language. There were suggestions to amend the resolution to reflect a discretionary hiring pause rather than an outright freeze, with exemption clauses for positions critical to maintaining city functions. The council’s dialogue highlighted a tension between the need for fiscal prudence and the operational demands of city departments.

Amid these weighty topics, the council also engaged in routine matters, including license renewals and ordinance updates. Papers concerning Class 2 and 3 licenses for auto sales and amusement machines were discussed, with particular attention to compliance issues at certain establishments. Despite concerns about non-compliance, the council approved most license renewals, opting for conditional approvals in some cases.

In addition to regulatory and legal matters, the council addressed community-focused initiatives, including the Zanta Club of Malden’s 16 Days of Activism to End Domestic Violence.

The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming community events, including holiday celebrations and Thanksgiving-related activities.