The controversy centered around a lawsuit initiated by Ali against the library board of trustees, which many council members argued was filed without the council’s knowledge or approval. The lawsuit, which sought injunctive relief, was perceived by several council members as an overreach and a breach of trust. The situation was exacerbated by the fact that the lawsuit had proceeded without a formal council vote, leading to a unanimous decision by the council to oppose it after the fact. Ali’s actions were criticized for lacking transparency, with some members asserting that the lawsuit’s existence had only been revealed to them via email.

Amidst the discussions, allegations were raised concerning Ali’s leadership, with some councilors arguing that the lawsuit had been filed in contradiction to the collective decision-making process. A council member expressed frustration at Ali’s unilateral approach. Another member questioned the legitimacy of Ali’s decision to proceed with the lawsuit, pointing out procedural lapses and the absence of proper authorization as per council rules.

The assistant city solicitor provided clarity on the legal standing of the lawsuit, explaining that once an answer had been filed by the defendants, the lawsuit could not be dismissed unilaterally by Ali without mutual consent or a court order. This technicality further complicated the situation, raising questions about the council’s ability to navigate legal challenges and the importance of collective governance.

In the wake of Ali’s removal, the council moved swiftly to nominate and elect a new president. Councilor Lahan was nominated and subsequently elected as the new council president, with a decisive 10 to 1 vote in favor. This leadership change aimed to restore order and unity within the council, as members emphasized the need for transparent communication and adherence to procedural norms.

In addition to the leadership change, the meeting touched on several other issues. A proposed zoning amendment led by a council member was discussed, with concerns about its timeline and the necessity for public hearings. The amendment aimed to address zoning regulations with potential implications for affordable housing and quality of life in Malden. A suggestion was made to refer the proposal to the community engagement and rules and ordinance committees for further discussion.

The council also addressed fiscal matters, receiving a report from the finance committee regarding the fiscal year 2026 budget. The budget was approved with a 10 to 1 vote, highlighting ongoing discussions about sustainable financial planning and the need to address long-term fiscal challenges, particularly in areas like school funding and solid waste management.

Further, the council passed several ordinances related to city zoning and parking regulations, all of which were approved unanimously. These ordinances included amendments to parking requirements, floodplain district regulations, and usable open space requirements.

The meeting concluded with a resolution honoring His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, recognizing his contributions to compassion and environmental sustainability. The council also discussed upcoming community events, including a Juneteenth celebration, and adjourned with a motion approved by all members present.