Melrose Select Board Approves Interim Finance Contract, Road Bid Amid Mural Uproar

MELROSE — August 15, 2024 — Melrose residents slam downtown aerosol murals as city approves interim finance contract and road bid. The Melrose Select Board fielded sharp public criticism at its August 15 meeting over aerosol murals painted on several downtown buildings the weekend of July 27-28, with Melrose Area Arts Council board members Liz Pittman and Mary Laken stating their organization "was not involved" and "was not asked" about the work. A letter from resident Lauren T. Meyer, read aloud at the meeting, called building owners "hornswaggled," while a second resident, Judy, said the "majority of people" she had spoken to opposed the murals. On city business, the board approved an interim contract with ABDO to cover finance director duties following the resignation of Finance Director Ryan Meyer, at an estimated cost of $12,000 to $15,000 per month, with former Finance Manager Tessa Boing set to lead the engagement. The board also awarded the Highland Boulevard extension to a low bidder whose $371,000 bid came in roughly $15,000 over the city's estimate, approved a police vehicle purchase not to exceed $55,000, and deferred action on tornado disaster relief fund proposals pending a September report.