The council meeting was marked by an update on the city’s lead line replacement program, a project of great importance given the public health implications. The city engineer, along with Maria Louise, provided insights into the progress made with the help of a $1.4 million grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. This grant facilitated the hiring of consultants to assist with inventory updates and Geographic Information System (GIS) enhancements. The city submitted a plan in October 2023 to address lead lines, reaching out to approximately 800 residents with unknown connections to guide them on potential lead concerns. Notably, the city had already surpassed its consent order requirements by removing 301 lead lines, an achievement given the goal of 370 replacements annually. The total estimated cost for the entire project stands at $25 million, with $4 million in assistance already secured from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Council members voiced their appreciation for the progress while also delving into the financial and logistical hurdles of meeting the accelerated timeline set by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). The MWRA has urged the city to hasten its efforts, offering a 205% grant and a 75% loan at 0% interest, repayable over a decade. Questions arose about whether the MWRA was contributing additional financial support and whether the $25 million estimate included both public and private lead lines. It was clarified that the city is responsible for lines from the water main to the sidewalk, with homeowners accountable for the private section. Assistance options for income-eligible residents were also discussed.

A debate ensued about the effectiveness of employing contractors versus city staff for the replacements. Most replacements were reportedly handled by contractors, with a suggestion that increasing city staff might enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on external services. The council also discussed the responsibilities of homeowners, emphasizing the need for compliance within a decade and contemplating penalties for noncompliance. Suggestions were made about revising ordinances to include lead pipe replacement contingencies tied to property sales, potentially strengthening the city’s efforts.

The council also addressed several financial orders. A notable appropriation was $500,000 from free cash for Maplewood Park turf rehabilitation. Councilor McDonald highlighted the importance of the project for ensuring the safety of youth sports facilities, with Malden Catholic as a primary user needing to negotiate post-rehabilitation agreements. The council unanimously supported the financial order, recognizing the urgency of addressing the deteriorating turf.

Another discussion centered on a $300,000 appropriation for traffic calming initiatives. This funding aims to address widespread concerns about traffic safety on residential streets and to potentially hire a transportation planner. Councilor McDonald emphasized the importance of these measures, while Councilor Ali supported leveraging these funds to secure additional grants.

Additionally, the council approved a $2 million appropriation for road construction, acknowledging that while this represents a fraction of the $37 million needed to repave all roads, it is important for maintaining a steady improvement pace. Councilor McDonald noted the escalating costs of delayed maintenance.

The council also considered a $1.5 million allocation for improvements to city-owned parking garages, previously managed by the Malden Redevelopment Authority. This funding is deemed essential to prevent further deterioration of these facilities. In another measure, $500,000 was set aside for the Salemwood School Plaza restoration, addressing a trip hazard due to the sinking plaza area.