Chertok v. City of Medford Litigation

At a glance

• What: Council action on the lawsuit Chertok et al. v. City of Medford et al. The Council adopted a declaration supporting intervention by a resident or the Attorney General to ensure an effective defense of a City ordinance.
• Where it stands: Resolution 26-161 adopted September 15, 2026, 6-1; the declaration is authorized for submission to the Court.
• Why it matters: The Council says an August 27, 2026 stipulation asked the court to enter permanent injunctive relief against enforcement of an ordinance the Council had enacted, and that the Council was not adequately consulted.
• Gap: The minutes do not name the ordinance at issue and do not reproduce the declaration text.

What the resolution says

• Offered by President Bears. It states concern about the legal advice and representation the Council has received, the City's litigation posture, and the stipulation, and says the Mayor and KP Law did not adequately consult or inform the Council. It says the issues may affect municipal authority across the Commonwealth.
• The Council adopts and executes the declaration and authorizes its submission to the Court.

Vote

• President Bears moved to adopt and execute the declaration, seconded by Councilor Callahan. Approved 6-1; Councilor Scarpelli opposed.

Public comment

Twenty-five people addressed the Council, including Senator Jehlen and Robert Carney. The record lists names only; positions are not summarized.

Related

See Law Department Budget for the Council's wider dispute with the Administration over legal costs and information.

Sources

• City Council regular meeting minutes, September 15, 2026: https://medfordma.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetMeetingFileStream(fileId=981,plainText=false)

Log

2026-09-15 - City Council

Resolution 26-161 adopted 6-1 (Councilor Scarpelli opposed). Declaration to be submitted to the Court.