MassVoter.com← BoxboroughMunicipal votes · 2019–2020 Board
Boxborough Select Board
How the Boxborough Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. The same five members served after the May 2019 town election. Maria Neyland served as Chair and Wesley Fowlks as Clerk (from the June 13, 2019 minutes; the reorganization meeting itself, probably June 3, 2019, has no posted minutes). Susan Bak’s last meeting was June 1, 2020. Covers 20 meetings, June 13 to June 1, 2020.
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 budgetYour Boxborough ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Board years
Coming up
- Tue, Oct 13Select Board Joint Meeting with Acton-Boxborough Tri-Board →
- Wed, Oct 14Select Board Meeting →
From the agendas Boxborough posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.
Members
Susan BakMember · At-large · at 19 of 20 meetings
Wesley FowlksClerk · At-large · at 19 of 20 meetingsLeslie FoxMember · At-large · at 18 of 20 meetings
Robert StempleMember · At-large · at 17 of 20 meetings"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: Boxborough Select Board minutes from January 8, 2018 through August 24, 2026: 260 meetings and 2,201 votes. The town’s Agenda Center has Select Board minutes from 2017 on; MassVoter loaded 2018 on. Sixteen files posted as 2018-2020 minutes are blank (every page is empty), so those meetings are not here: January 22, February 26 (pre-Town Meeting session), February 27 and April 2, 2018; February 2, March 4, March 18, April 1, April 22, May 6, July 8, July 29, October 11, November 4 and November 18, 2019; and January 6, 2020. A few other files in the minutes slot are the agenda or another meeting’s minutes (January 12, 2018; March 29, June 21, 2021; May 14, 2026). Five scanned files were read by text recognition. The minutes call the board the Board of Selectmen until August 2018 and the Select Board after that. Not here: executive-session minutes (including released ones posted in 2023); subcommittee meetings; votes of the Finance Committee, Planning Board and other boards at joint meetings; Boxborough Leadership Forum and Acton-Boxborough tri-board sessions; meetings with an agenda but no posted minutes (among them October 14, November 24, December 1, December 8 and December 22, 2025, and May 12 and May 28, 2025); and meetings after August 24, 2026 (the September 14 and 28, 2026 minutes are not posted yet). Boxborough’s minutes name the mover and seconder and give the count as yes-no-abstain (“Vote: Approved 5-0-0”); a count that matches the members present with no no votes is shown as every member present voting yes. When a member takes part remotely, and through the Zoom years 2020-2022, the board votes by roll call (“Hilberg – aye; Stemple – aye …”), shown by name. Splits usually name the members who voted no (“Approved 3-2-0 (Fowlks, Anderson)”, “4-1-0, with Member Fowlks against”); where a split count names no one, or the count and the names disagree, we show the count only, with a note (28 votes), and where the minutes give no count or names we show the result only (8 votes). A count printed as “Approved 2-3-0” is shown as failed. Members who recused themselves are not shown in that vote; members who arrived late, left early or were out of the room are shown only in the votes they were there for, and some 2020-2022 minutes give separate attendance lists for the executive-session start and the open session. A motion with no recorded outcome is not counted as a vote. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
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 1Approve the Order of Taking for a Permanent Easement…Motion: Member Fowlks moved to approve the Order of Taking for a…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Bak
June 1, 2020: Approve the Order of Taking for a Permanent Easement for the property adjacent to 211 Massachusetts Avenue to allow for the construction of a sidewalk as endorsed by Town Meeting…
Member Fowlks moved to approve the Order of Taking for a Permanent Easement for the property adjacent to 211 Massachusetts Avenue to allow for the construction of a sidewalk as endorsed by Town Meeting at the December 10, 2019, Special Town Meeting, and further to authorize Chair Maria Neyland to sign on behalf of the Select Board. Seconded by Member Stemple. Approved: 4-0-1 by Roll Call Fox "aye," Stemple "aye," Fowlks "aye," and Neyland "aye." (Bak abstained)
Yes: Fowlks, Fox, Neyland, StempleAbstained: Bak
From the minutes
“Member Fowlks moved to approve the Order of Taking for a Permanent Easement for the property adjacent to 211 Massachusetts Avenue to allow for the construction of a sidewalk as endorsed by Town Meeting at the December 10, 2019, Special Town Meeting, and further to authorize Chair Maria Neyland to sign on behalf of the Select Board. Seconded by Member Stemple. Approved: 4-0-1 by Roll Call Fox "aye," Stemple "aye," Fowlks "aye," and Neyland "aye." (Bak abstained).” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Stemple)
Jun 1Notify Maria Neyland, that the Board has determined that…Motion: Member Stemple moved to notify Maria Neyland, that the Board has…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Neyland
June 1, 2020: Notify Maria Neyland, that the Board has determined that the financial interest that she disclosed is not so substantial as to be deemed likely to affect the integrity of the…
Member Stemple moved to notify Maria Neyland, that the Board has determined that the financial interest that she disclosed is not so substantial as to be deemed likely to affect the integrity of the services which the municipality may expect from them. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-1 by Roll Call Bak "aye," Fox "aye," Stemple "aye," and Fowlks "aye." (Neyland abstained)
Yes: Bak, Fowlks, Fox, StempleAbstained: Neyland
From the minutes
“Member Stemple moved to notify Maria Neyland, that the Board has determined that the financial interest that she disclosed is not so substantial as to be deemed likely to affect the integrity of the services which the municipality may expect from them. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-1 by Roll Call Bak "aye," Fox "aye," Stemple "aye," and Fowlks "aye." (Neyland abstained).” (Motion: Stemple, second: Fowlks)
May 11Approve the Side Letter of Agreement between the Boxborough…Motion: Member Fowlks moved to approve the Side Letter of Agreement between…Passed 5–0 · see note
May 11, 2020: Approve the Side Letter of Agreement between the Boxborough Professional Firefighters, Local 4601 and the Town of Boxborough; and further authorize Chair Maria Neyland to sign on behalf of the...
Member Fowlks moved to approve the Side Letter of Agreement between the Boxborough Professional Firefighters, Local 4601 and the Town of Boxborough; and further authorize Chair Maria Neyland to sign on behalf of the Select Board. Seconded by Member Bak. Approved: 5-0 by Roll Call - Bak "aye," Fowlks "aye," Fox "aye," and Neyland "aye." Member Stemple Abstained.
The minutes give the count as 5-0 but name Robert Stemple (abstained), Susan Bak (yes), Wesley Fowlks (yes), Leslie Fox (yes) and Maria Neyland (yes), which does not add up with the 5 members present. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Member Fowlks moved to approve the Side Letter of Agreement between the Boxborough Professional Firefighters, Local 4601 and the Town of Boxborough; and further authorize Chair Maria Neyland to sign on behalf of the Select Board. Seconded by Member Bak. Approved: 5-0 by Roll Call - Bak "aye," Fowlks "aye," Fox "aye," and Neyland "aye." Member Stemple Abstained..” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Bak)
Apr 27Approve the Order of Taking for a Temporary Construction…Motion: Member Stemple moved to approve the Order of Taking for a…Passed 5–0 · see note
April 27, 2020: Approve the Order of Taking for a Temporary Construction Easement for property adjacent to 329 Massachusetts Avenue to allow for the construction of a sidewalk as endorsed by Town Meeting…
Member Stemple moved to approve the Order of Taking for a Temporary Construction Easement for property adjacent to 329 Massachusetts Avenue to allow for the construction of a sidewalk as endorsed by Town Meeting at the December 10, 2019, Special Town Meeting, and to designate Chair Neyland to sign on behalf of the Board, given the COVID 19 situation. Member Bak initially seconded but then removed same as she had received an abutter's notice. Subsequently seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 5-0 by Roll Call Stemple "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," and Neyland "aye." Member Bak abstained.
The minutes give the count as 5-0 but name Susan Bak (abstained), Robert Stemple (yes), Leslie Fox (yes), Wesley Fowlks (yes) and Maria Neyland (yes), which does not add up with the 5 members present. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Member Stemple moved to approve the Order of Taking for a Temporary Construction Easement for property adjacent to 329 Massachusetts Avenue to allow for the construction of a sidewalk as endorsed by Town Meeting at the December 10, 2019, Special Town Meeting, and to designate Chair Neyland to sign on behalf of the Board, given the COVID 19 situation. Member Bak initially seconded but then removed same as she had received an abutter's notice. Subsequently seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 5-0 by Roll Call Stemple "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," and Neyland "aye." Member Bak abstained..” (Motion: Stemple, second: Fowlks)
Mar 30Approve the regular session minutes of March 2, 2020…Motion: Member Fowlks moved to approve the regular session minutes of March…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: Fox, Stemple
March 30, 2020: Approve the regular session minutes of March 2, 2020 as written
Member Fowlks moved to approve the regular session minutes of March 2, 2020 as written. Seconded by Member Bak. Approved: 3-0-2 Roll Call," Bak "aye," Fowlks "aye and Neyland "aye." Members Stemple and Fox abstained
Yes: Bak, Fowlks, NeylandAbstained: Fox, Stemple
From the minutes
“Member Fowlks moved to approve the regular session minutes of March 2, 2020 as written. Seconded by Member Bak. Approved: 3-0-2 Roll Call," Bak "aye," Fowlks "aye and Neyland "aye." Members Stemple and Fox abstained.” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Bak)
Mar 30Change the date of the Boxborough Annual Town Meeting…Motion: Member Bak moved to change the date of the Boxborough Annual…Passed 4–1 · see note
March 30, 2020: Change the date of the Boxborough Annual Town Meeting from May 11, 2020 to June 15, 2020
Member Bak moved to change the date of the Boxborough Annual Town Meeting from May 11, 2020 to June 15, 2020. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-1 by Roll Call Fowlks "aye," Stemple "aye," Fox "aye," Fox "aye," and Neyland "nay."
The roll call names Leslie Fox twice. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Member Bak moved to change the date of the Boxborough Annual Town Meeting from May 11, 2020 to June 15, 2020. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-1 by Roll Call Fowlks "aye," Stemple "aye," Fox "aye," Fox "aye," and Neyland "nay.".” (Motion: Bak, second: Fowlks)
Mar 30Move the Town election date to June 2, 2020Motion: Member Fowlks moved to move the Town election date to June…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Fox
March 30, 2020: Move the Town election date to June 2, 2020
Member Fowlks moved to move the Town election date to June 2, 2020. Seconded by Member Stemple. Approved: 4-0-1 by Roll Call Fowlks "aye," Bak "aye," Stemple "aye," and Neyland "aye." Member Fox abstained.
Yes: Bak, Fowlks, Neyland, StempleAbstained: Fox
From the minutes
“Member Fowlks moved to move the Town election date to June 2, 2020. Seconded by Member Stemple. Approved: 4-0-1 by Roll Call Fowlks "aye," Bak "aye," Stemple "aye," and Neyland "aye." Member Fox abstained..” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Stemple)
Mar 16Approve the regular session minutes of February 27, 2020…Motion: Member Fowlks moved to approve the regular session minutes of February…Passed 3–0 · see note
March 16, 2020: Approve the regular session minutes of February 27, 2020 as written
Member Fowlks moved to approve the regular session minutes of February 27, 2020 as written. Seconded by Member Stemple. Approved: 3-0-2
The minutes give the count as 3-0-2 but do not say who voted no or abstained. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Member Fowlks moved to approve the regular session minutes of February 27, 2020 as written. Seconded by Member Stemple. Approved: 3-0-2.” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Stemple)
Mar 16Add Article 199-2: Sustainability Committee Household Hazardous Waste to…Motion: Member Fowlks moved to add Article 199-2: Sustainability Committee Household Hazardous…Passed 3–2 · No: Bak, Neyland
March 16, 2020: Add Article 199-2: Sustainability Committee Household Hazardous Waste to the 2020 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Member Fowlks moved to add Article 199-2: Sustainability Committee Household Hazardous Waste to the 2020 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Seconded by Member Stemple. Approved: 3-2 (Neyland and Bak)
Yes: Fowlks, Fox, StempleNo: Bak, NeylandThe minutes list Maria Neyland and Susan Bak in brackets after the count (3-2), which has 2 no votes; they are shown voting no.
From the minutes
“Member Fowlks moved to add Article 199-2: Sustainability Committee Household Hazardous Waste to the 2020 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Seconded by Member Stemple. Approved: 3-2 (Neyland and Bak).” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Stemple)
Mar 16Add Article 220-6 to the 2020 Annual Town Meeting…Motion: Member Fowlks moved to add Article 220-6 to the 2020 Annual…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Stemple
March 16, 2020: Add Article 220-6 to the 2020 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Member Fowlks moved to add Article 220-6 to the 2020 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Seconded by Member Bak. Approved: 4-0-1 Stemple abstained.
Yes: Bak, Fowlks, Fox, NeylandAbstained: Stemple
From the minutes
“Member Fowlks moved to add Article 220-6 to the 2020 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Seconded by Member Bak. Approved: 4-0-1 Stemple abstained..” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Bak)
From the Boxborough 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: Town of Boxborough Select Board page (named group photo, LCTV) — Sam Anderson, Priya Sundaram, Wes Fowlks, Bob Stemple and Kristin Hilberg. Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.
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