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Municipal votes · 2023–2024 Board

Belmont Select Board

How the Belmont Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 3 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. On June 22, 2023 the board appointed Roy Epstein as Chair and Elizabeth Dionne as Vice-Chair from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 (3-0). Matthew Taylor joined the board after the April 2, 2024 town election, succeeding Mark Paolillo, whose last meeting was April 1, 2024; the officers stayed in place until July 1. Covers 51 meetings, July 10 to June 28, 2024.

A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.

What does the Select Board do? It is the town’s executive board. It prepares the Town Meeting warrant (the list of articles voters decide), appoints members of many town boards, hires the town’s top staff, signs warrants to pay town bills, and grants licenses and permits.

Town Meeting, not the Select Board, votes the town budget and town bylaws.

Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budget
Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

Your Belmont ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.

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Board years

Coming up

From the agendas Belmont posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.

What Town Meeting decided

In Belmont, Town Meeting — not the Select Board — votes the town budget, bylaws and zoning. Here is what it did with each article, in the Town Clerk’s own words. Town Meeting members are elected by precinct; counts are from the town’s electronic voting.

Special Town Meeting · October 20, 2025 16 votes: 13 passed, 1 failed, 2 no action

Sessions: October 20 and October 22, 2025

Source: Town of Belmont 2025 Annual Town Report, Appendix A: Special Town Meeting, October 20, 2025 - motions and votes (PDF pp. 396-402).

Special Town Meeting · July 23, 2025 3 votes: 3 passed

Sessions: July 23, 2025 (held by remote access)

Source: Town of Belmont 2025 Annual Town Report, Appendix A: Special Town Meeting, July 23, 2025 - motions and votes (PDF p. 378).

Special Town Meeting · May 21, 2025 4 votes: 2 passed, 1 indefinitely postponed, 1 no action

Source: Town of Belmont 2025 Annual Town Report, Appendix A: Special Town Meeting, May 21, 2025 - motions and votes (PDF pp. 352-353).

Annual Town Meeting · May 5, 2025 43 votes: 39 passed, 3 indefinitely postponed, 1 no action

Sessions: May 5, 7, 12, 19 and 21, 2025 (session dates as stated in the record)

Source: Town of Belmont 2025 Annual Town Report, Appendix A: Annual Town Meeting, May 2025 - motions and votes (PDF pp. 257-269).

Special Town Meeting · March 3, 2025 3 votes: 1 passed, 1 passed as amended, 1 no action

Sessions: March 3, 2025 (held by remote access)

Source: Town of Belmont 2025 Annual Town Report, Appendix A: Special Town Meeting, March 3, 2025 - motions and votes (PDF pp. 196-198).

Special Town Meeting · November 18, 2024 11 votes: 9 passed, 1 passed as amended, 1 indefinitely postponed

Sessions: Opened November 18, 2024; session dates after the first are not listed in the record

Source: Town of Belmont 2024 Annual Town Report, Appendix A: Special Town Meeting, November 18, 2024 - motions and votes (PDF pp. 334-388).

Special Town Meeting · June 26, 2024 2 votes: 1 passed, 1 no action

Sessions: June 26, 2024 (held by remote access)

Source: Town of Belmont 2024 Annual Town Report, Appendix A: Special Town Meeting, June 26, 2024 - motions and votes, attested by the Town Clerk (PDF pp. 275-276).

Special Town Meeting · June 5, 2024 3 votes: 2 passed, 1 no action

Source: Town of Belmont 2024 Annual Town Report, Appendix A: Special Town Meeting, June 5, 2024 - motions and votes (PDF p. 267).

Annual Town Meeting · April 29, 2024 48 votes: 44 passed, 2 passed as amended, 2 no action

Sessions: Opened April 29, 2024 (Segment A) with a later budget segment (Segment B); session dates are not listed in the record

Source: Town of Belmont 2024 Annual Town Report, Appendix A: Annual Town Meeting, April 29, 2024 - motions and votes (PDF pp. 249-262).

Special Town Meeting · January 22, 2024 2 votes: 2 passed

Sessions: January 22, 2024 (held by remote access)

Source: Town of Belmont 2024 Annual Town Report, Appendix A: Special Town Meeting, January 22, 2024 - motions and votes, attested by the Town Clerk (PDF p. 230).

Not here yet: Belmont's 2026 meetings (March 4 Special, May 4 Annual and May 18 Special Town Meetings) are not here because the Town Clerk has posted only electronic roll-call tallies for them, which do not say whether each motion passed; the November 16, 2026 Special Town Meeting has not happened yet.

Titles are short descriptions of each article from the official record; the quoted words are the Town Clerk’s. A vote at Town Meeting is not the final word on everything: some articles also need a ballot vote (such as a tax override) or the Attorney General’s approval (bylaws).

Members

Mark PaolilloMember · At-large · at 34 of 36 meetings · until Apr 2024Matthew TaylorMember · At-large · at 15 of 15 meetings · from Apr 2024

"At X of Y meetings" counts the members the minutes list as present at the start of each meeting in this record. Members who step out are listed on each meeting page.

Meetings

About missing minutes

Loaded: Belmont Select Board minutes from January 8, 2018 through September 21, 2026: 400 meetings and 3,612 votes. The town’s Agenda Center holds the board’s minutes back to 2012; MassVoter has loaded 2018 on. The board was the Board of Selectmen; the minutes switch to the name Select Board in the fall of 2019 (first on September 16, 2019), with both names used until the end of that year. Minutes from 2022 on are typed documents with searchable text; the 2018 to 2021 minutes are copier scans, and 219 of them had little or no text, so MassVoter read them with text recognition and checked where names or counts were unclear. Joint meetings with the School Committee, Warrant Committee, Board of Assessors and other boards are loaded when the Select Board voted as a board; only the Select Board’s votes are shown, and joint meetings where it took no vote of its own are left out. Not here: executive-session minutes; cancelled meetings and meetings without a quorum; site visits; meetings with an agenda but no posted minutes, among them May 11, June 3 and June 8, 2026; dates where the file posted belongs to another meeting or board (several 2018 Belmont High School Building Committee files, the April 30, 2018 evening slot, and repeated 2024 postings, each loaded once under its own date); and meetings after September 21, 2026 other than that one: the July 13, July 20, August 10, August 12 (with the Board of Assessors), August 31, September 9, September 28 and October 5, 2026 minutes are not posted yet. Belmont’s minutes usually say a motion “was seconded and passed unanimously” or “unanimously by roll call vote,” with an attendance list at the top (present, remote, absent); split votes give a count and name the member voting no or abstaining (“passed 2-1 with Ms. Berberian voting in opposition”). On a three-member board, a named no or abstention with the others voting yes names every vote. A count equal to the members present, or unanimous wording, is shown as every member present voting yes. Where the count and the names in the minutes disagree, or a split count names no one, we show the count only (17 votes), and where the minutes give no count or names (mostly 2018’s “The BOS voted in favor”) we show the result only (68 votes). Members who recused themselves or were out of the room are not shown in that vote; members who arrived late or left early are shown only in the votes they were there for. A motion with no recorded outcome is not counted as a vote. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.

Friday, June 28, 2024 · Regular meeting11 recorded votes, 10 with disagreementAll 4 members presentWednesday, June 26, 2024 · Regular meeting3 recorded votes, 3 with disagreementAll 4 members presentMonday, June 17, 2024 · Regular meeting1 recorded votes, 1 with disagreementAbsent: Elizabeth DionneMonday, June 10, 2024 · Regular meeting9 recorded votes, 9 with disagreementAll 4 members presentWednesday, June 5, 2024 · Regular meeting3 recorded votes, 3 with disagreementAll 4 members present

Votes where members disagreed

Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.

Jun 28Approve the request from the Town Engineer for the…Motion: A Motion was made approve the request from the Town Engineer…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · see note

June 28, 2024: Approve the request from the Town Engineer for the installation of a disabled parking spot at 16 Temple Street

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 3 present

A Motion was made approve the request from the Town Engineer for the installation of a disabled parking spot at 16 Temple Street. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote.

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“A Motion was made approve the request from the Town Engineer for the installation of a disabled parking spot at 16 Temple Street. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Jun 28Approve the request from the Town Engineer for the…Motion: A Motion was made to approve the request from the Town…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · see note

June 28, 2024: Approve the request from the Town Engineer for the Installation of a Disabled Parking Spot at 30-32 Grove Street

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 3 present

A Motion was made to approve the request from the Town Engineer for the Installation of a Disabled Parking Spot at 30-32 Grove Street. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote.

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“A Motion was made to approve the request from the Town Engineer for the Installation of a Disabled Parking Spot at 30-32 Grove Street. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Jun 28Accept the donations from Belmont Youth Soccer, Belmont Youth…Motion: A Motion was made to accept the donations from Belmont Youth…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · see note

June 28, 2024: Accept the donations from Belmont Youth Soccer, Belmont Youth Activities & D.A.R.E, the Conley League T-Ball Program, and Belmont residents to support Recreation programming

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 3 present

A Motion was made to accept the donations from Belmont Youth Soccer, Belmont Youth Activities & D.A.R.E, the Conley League T-Ball Program, and Belmont residents to support Recreation programming. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote.

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“A Motion was made to accept the donations from Belmont Youth Soccer, Belmont Youth Activities & D.A.R.E, the Conley League T-Ball Program, and Belmont residents to support Recreation programming. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Jun 28Accept the donation from the Friends of the Council…Motion: A Motion was made to accept the donation from the Friends…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · see note

June 28, 2024: Accept the donation from the Friends of the Council on Aging to support Council on Aging programming

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 3 present

A Motion was made to accept the donation from the Friends of the Council on Aging to support Council on Aging programming. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote.

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“A Motion was made to accept the donation from the Friends of the Council on Aging to support Council on Aging programming. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Jun 28Accept the resignation of John Davis from the Diversity,…Motion: Discussion and possible vote to accept the following committee resignations: Diversity,…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · see note

June 28, 2024: Accept the resignation of John Davis from the Diversity, Equity, and Implementation Committee

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 3 present

Discussion and possible vote to accept the following committee resignations: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Implementation Committee - J. Davis A Motion was made to accept the resignation of John Davis from the Diversity, Equity, and Implementation Committee. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote.

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“Discussion and possible vote to accept the following committee resignations: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Implementation Committee - J. Davis A Motion was made to accept the resignation of John Davis from the Diversity, Equity, and Implementation Committee. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Jun 28Accept the resignation of Macharia Waruingi from the Diversity,…Motion: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Implementation Committee - M. Waruingi A Motion was…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · see note

June 28, 2024: Accept the resignation of Macharia Waruingi from the Diversity, Equity, and Implementation Committee

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 3 present

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Implementation Committee - M. Waruingi A Motion was made to accept the resignation of Macharia Waruingi from the Diversity, Equity, and Implementation Committee. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote.

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Implementation Committee - M. Waruingi A Motion was made to accept the resignation of Macharia Waruingi from the Diversity, Equity, and Implementation Committee. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Jun 28Accept the resignation of Anthony Ferrante from the Recreation…Motion: Recreation Commission - A. Ferrante A Motion was made to accept…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · see note

June 28, 2024: Accept the resignation of Anthony Ferrante from the Recreation Commission

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 3 present

Recreation Commission - A. Ferrante A Motion was made to accept the resignation of Anthony Ferrante from the Recreation Commission. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote.

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“Recreation Commission - A. Ferrante A Motion was made to accept the resignation of Anthony Ferrante from the Recreation Commission. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Jun 28Appoint Sarah Augood as an Alternate Member of the…Motion: Local Emergency Planning Committee - A Motion was made to appoint…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · see note

June 28, 2024: Appoint Sarah Augood as an Alternate Member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee for a term expiring June 30, 2025

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 3 present

Local Emergency Planning Committee - A Motion was made to appoint Sarah Augood as an Alternate Member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee for a term expiring June 30, 2025. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote.

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“Local Emergency Planning Committee - A Motion was made to appoint Sarah Augood as an Alternate Member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee for a term expiring June 30, 2025. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 vote..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Jun 28Approve the May 20, 2024, May 29, 2024, May…Motion: A Motion was made to approve the May 20, 2024, May…Passed 2–0 · Abstained: Epstein

June 28, 2024: Approve the May 20, 2024, May 29, 2024, May 31, 2024, and June 3, 2024 minutes of the Select Board meeting as amended

Approve minutesPassed · 2–0

A Motion was made to approve the May 20, 2024, May 29, 2024, May 31, 2024, and June 3, 2024 minutes of the Select Board meeting as amended. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously with Mr. Epstein abstaining from the May 29, 2024 vote.

Yes: Dionne, TaylorAbstained: EpsteinThe minutes say Roy Epstein abstained and record the motion as passed; the other members present are shown voting yes. The minutes call the vote unanimous; the member who abstained is shown abstaining. The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“A Motion was made to approve the May 20, 2024, May 29, 2024, May 31, 2024, and June 3, 2024 minutes of the Select Board meeting as amended. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously with Mr. Epstein abstaining from the May 29, 2024 vote..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Jun 26Approve the amended and restated Traffic Monitoring and Mitigation…Motion: A Motion was made that the Select Board approve the amended…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · see note

June 26, 2024: Approve the amended and restated Traffic Monitoring and Mitigation Agreement dated June 26, 2024 by and between the Town of Belmont acting by and through its Select Board and the…

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 3 present

A Motion was made that the Select Board approve the amended and restated Traffic Monitoring and Mitigation Agreement dated June 26, 2024 by and between the Town of Belmont acting by and through its Select Board and the McLean Hospital Corporation. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 roll call vote.

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“A Motion was made that the Select Board approve the amended and restated Traffic Monitoring and Mitigation Agreement dated June 26, 2024 by and between the Town of Belmont acting by and through its Select Board and the McLean Hospital Corporation. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by 3-0 roll call vote..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

From the Belmont Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center (Select Board). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the town’s website has no Select Board photos): The Belmontonian — Matthew Taylor and Carol Berberian (April 2026); Yates for Belmont campaign website — Taylor Yates. Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.

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