The appointment of Mr. Pratt as the new Community Development Director was a focal point of discussion. Mr. Pratt, who was confirmed unanimously, outlined his extensive experience with the Malden Redevelopment Authority since 2018, where he managed the Community Development Block Grant program and responded to increased demands during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of maximizing federal funds and fostering relationships with council members. His promotion was supported by council members who praised his communication skills and commitment to maintaining open lines of communication. Councilor Simonelli noted the importance of listening to councilors and adapting to changes, while Councilor Colon Hayes emphasized transparency and the inclusion of diverse voices.

However, some council members expressed concerns about ensuring balanced representation and avoiding favoritism. They urged Mr. Pratt to be fair and impartial in his dealings with council members. The legacy of Debbie, the previous director, was referenced as a model for diplomacy and inclusivity. Council members highlighted the need for Mr. Pratt to maintain strong working relationships and to balance input from both long-standing and newer staff members.

The discussion also touched on the necessity of retaining staff and promoting from within to encourage longer tenure. The challenges of managing a diverse team and ensuring staff feel valued were acknowledged as significant aspects of Mr. Pratt’s new role. The council emphasized the importance of building trust and maintaining open communication for the success of city initiatives.

In addition to the appointment debate, the council also focused on improving emergency communication for the deaf and hard of hearing. The Disability Commission, represented by Amanda Bellis and others, introduced emergency cards designed to facilitate communication between first responders and individuals with hearing impairments. These cards, created in partnership with the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, aim to improve communication during emergencies. The initiative received support from the Chiefs of Police and Fire, who highlighted its potential to enhance safety outcomes and strengthen relationships with vulnerable communities.

Another topic was the “Voices of Malden Banner” program, introduced by Mark Lenan from the Malden 375th Anniversary Committee. This initiative aims to celebrate Malden’s history by featuring portable banners with QR codes that share the stories of historical figures. The project seeks to capture the diverse narratives that shape Malden’s identity and plans to place these banners in public spaces, allowing for continuous updates as more stories are discovered. Councilor Simonelli commended the project for its creativity and effort, encouraging the community to engage with the recordings.

Community events were also a notable item of discussion. A councilor announced the distribution of 136 turkeys for the Bread of Life’s annual Thanksgiving dinner and a street hockey tournament in honor of fallen police officer Sergeant Michael Jano. The tournament will take place at a newly redesigned rink, with a dedication ceremony planned. Another councilor mentioned an upcoming holiday celebration and lighting ceremony at Lincoln Commons, featuring hot chocolate, cookies, and appearances by holiday characters. The event aims to engage the community and spread holiday cheer.

The council also discussed the new climate action and sustainability commission, which is accepting applications until December 11th. This commission will focus on implementing the climate action plan, with an emphasis on resiliency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The inclusion of youth members was highlighted as an effort to engage local high school students in climate initiatives. Additionally, the finance committee is preparing for a busy December with multiple appropriations and financial papers to review.

In a separate discussion, the council addressed the complexities of appointments to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). Some council members expressed a desire to reopen the search for candidates, emphasizing the need for expertise in affordable housing. Concerns were raised about the suitability of the current candidates, with council members debating the balance between community representation and the expertise needed to address issues facing Malden.