Melrose Council Approves Brush Pit Deal, Ambulance Officer Hire in Busy Session

MELROSE — July 17, 2025 — Melrose council approves brush pit license and new ambulance training officer in unanimous session. The city council voted unanimously Thursday on four action items, including a license agreement with Mayer's Excavating allowing public works staff to use the company's gravel pit year-round for debris disposal and on an emergency basis for residents following severe weather — an arrangement prompted by elevated hauling costs after a tornado struck August 3, 2024. The council also unanimously approved hiring Melissa Welli as the ambulance department training officer for a four-year term, effective July 27, following a competitive interview process that included incumbent Santina Lovelace and a third candidate; the interview panel recommended Welli unanimously. Two financing documents — a Small Business Administration mortgage subordination for the completed Carson's Industries project and a collateral assignment consent for GCRE Melrose LLC's Wabagon Crossings development, reviewed by new City Attorney Joe Krueger of Kunliv and Hughes — also cleared without dissent.