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Bridgewater Town Council
How the Bridgewater Town Council voted, from the Town Council’s official minutes. 9 members. Mark Linde, Bradford McKinnon and Susan Robinson were sworn in on January 10, 2023. Paul Murphy joined in May 2023 (Bill Wood’s last meeting was April 18, 2023), and Erik Moore was elected President. Covers 27 meetings, January 10 to April 9, 2024.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Town Council do? It is the town’s lawmaking body (this town has no Town Meeting). It passes local laws (bylaws or ordinances), votes on the yearly budget, and approves borrowing and zoning changes.
The council hires the town manager or administrator, who runs the town day to day and proposes the budget.
Sources: Mass. General Laws c. 44 § 32 (city budgets)Your Bridgewater ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Board years
Coming up
- Tue, Oct 20Town Council →
From the agendas Bridgewater posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.
Members
Fred ChaseTown Member · Town Council · at 26 of 27 meetingsDennis GallagherTown Member · Town Council · at 25 of 27 meetingsShawn GeorgeTown Member · Town Council · at 27 of 27 meetings
Mark LindeTown Member · Town Council · at 27 of 27 meetingsBradford McKinnonTown Member · Town Council · at 23 of 27 meetings
Dr. Paul MurphyTown Member · Town Council · at 20 of 20 meetings · from May 2023
Dr. Kevin PerryTown Member · Town Council · at 27 of 27 meetingsSusan RobinsonTown Member · Town Council · at 21 of 27 meetingsWilliam (Bill) WoodTown Member · Town Council · at 6 of 7 meetings · until Apr 2023"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
Not here yet: we have loaded the Town Council’s minutes from January 2020 on. The town has not posted minutes for March 15 to July 2022. Five meetings from early 2022 are scanned documents; we read them with text recognition. Almost every vote is recorded by name. Some votes in 2020 were recorded only as a count and are not listed. Where the names in the minutes do not match the recorded count, we show only the count and note it. 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.
Mar 12Amend Ordinance D-FY24-004 to change the height from 6…Motion: to amend Ordinance D-FY24-004 to change the height from 6 stories…Passed 6–1 · No: Linde · Abstained: Murphy, Robinson
March 12, 2024 · Item D-FY24-004: Amend Ordinance D-FY24-004 to change the height from 6 stories to 5 stories. Councilor Chase seconded this motion. Councilor Robinson noted that there was a joint meeting with CED and…
To amend Ordinance D-FY24-004 to change the height from 6 stories to 5 stories. Councilor Chase seconded this motion. Councilor Robinson noted that there was a joint meeting with CED and Planning. Then CED had a meeting. On 2/6 Pat Driscoll and Councilor Robinson met with the Town Manager and that was the version that went on the 2/26/24 agenda. 2/28/24 had an additional page, propose sticking with the version from 2/20/24. CED Director Rulli noted that the only difference is 9.9 and elimination of the Technical Review Committee. Councilor Chase noted that he has heard from people who are in favor and opposed. Agree to amend to 5 story. Only 2 sites 5 stories could be. Councilor Linde asked what Planning Board approved for height. Councilor Linde made a motion to suspend the council rules to allow Patrick Driscoll from the Planning Board to speak
Yes: Chase, Gallagher, George, McKinnon, Moore, PerryNo: LindeAbstained: Murphy, Robinson
From the minutes
“Councilor McKinnon made a motion to amend Ordinance D-FY24-004 to change the height from 6 stories to 5 stories. Councilor Chase seconded this motion. Councilor Robinson noted that there was a joint meeting with CED and Planning. Then CED had a meeting. On 2/6 Pat Driscoll and Councilor Robinson met with the Town Manager and that was the version that went on the 2/26/24 agenda. 2/28/24 had an additional page, propose sticking with the version from 2/20/24. CED Director Rulli noted that the only difference is 9.9 and elimination of the Technical Review Committee. Councilor Chase noted that he has heard from people who are in favor and opposed. Agree to amend to 5 story. Only 2 sites 5 stories could be. Councilor Linde asked what Planning Board approved for height. Councilor Linde made a motion to suspend the council rules to allow Patrick Driscoll from the Planning Board to speak. The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Robinson. results recorded as follows: Chase - Yea; Murphy - Abstained; George - Yea; Gallagher - Yea; Moore - Yea; Robinson - Abstained; Perry - Yea; McKinnon - Yea; Linde - No. Motion passed 6-1-2.” (Motion: McKinnon, second: Robinson)
Sep 5Remove “as a result of reprecincting or appointment” from…Motion: to remove “as a result of reprecincting or appointment” from (b)…Passed 7–1 · No: Linde
September 5, 2023 · Item D-FY22-007: Remove “as a result of reprecincting or appointment” from (b) paragraph (4)
To remove “as a result of reprecincting or appointment” from (b) paragraph (4)
Yes: Chase, Gallagher, George, McKinnon, Moore, Murphy, PerryNo: LindeAbsent: Robinson
From the minutes
“Councilor George made a motion to remove “as a result of reprecincting or appointment” from (b) paragraph (4), which was duly seconded. results recorded as follows: Perry - Yea; Linde - No; George - Yea; Moore - Yea; Chase - Yea; Gallagher - Yea; McKinnon -Yea; Murphy - Yea; Robinson - Absent. Motion passed 7-1-0.” (Motion: George)
Sep 5Amend Ordinance D-FY22-008 by adding after receive in 1.…Motion: to amend Ordinance D-FY22-008 by adding after receive in 1. “an…Passed 5–3 · No: George, Murphy, Perry
September 5, 2023 · Item D-FY22-008: Amend Ordinance D-FY22-008 by adding after receive in 1. “an annual stipend of $5,000 for a Town Councilor and $7,500 for the Council President for their services, and from time…
To amend Ordinance D-FY22-008 by adding after receive in 1. “an annual stipend of $5,000 for a Town Councilor and $7,500 for the Council President for their services, and from time to time be adjusted by Ordinance”
Yes: Chase, Gallagher, Linde, McKinnon, MooreNo: George, Murphy, PerryAbsent: Robinson
From the minutes
“Councilor Gallagher made a motion to amend Ordinance D-FY22-008 by adding after receive in 1. “an annual stipend of $5,000 for a Town Councilor and $7,500 for the Council President for their services, and from time to time be adjusted by Ordinance”. This was duly seconded. results recorded as follows: Perry - No; Linde - Yea; George - No; Moore - Yea; Chase - Yea; Gallagher - Yea; McKinnon -Yea; Murphy - No; Robinson - Absent. Motion passed 5-3-0.” (Motion: Gallagher)
Sep 5Refer Ordinance D-FY22-008 back to Rules and ProceduresMotion: to refer Ordinance D-FY22-008 back to Rules and ProceduresPassed 7–1 · No: George
September 5, 2023 · Item D-FY22-008: Refer Ordinance D-FY22-008 back to Rules and Procedures
To refer Ordinance D-FY22-008 back to Rules and Procedures
Yes: Chase, Gallagher, Linde, McKinnon, Moore, Murphy, PerryNo: GeorgeAbsent: Robinson
From the minutes
“Councilor Perry made a motion to refer Ordinance D-FY22-008 back to Rules and Procedures. This was duly seconded. results recorded as follows: Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; George - No; Moore - Yea; Chase - Yea; Gallagher - Yea; McKinnon -Yea; Murphy - Yea; Robinson - Absent. Motion passed 7-1-0.” (Motion: Perry)
Sep 5Insert the following proposed text to immediately follow the…Motion: to insert the following proposed text to immediately follow the first…Passed 6–2 · No: Gallagher, George
September 5, 2023: Insert the following proposed text to immediately follow the first sentence of paragraph (b): An allegation of offenses which shall constitute a basis for recall of an elected official under…
To insert the following proposed text to immediately follow the first sentence of paragraph (b): An allegation of offenses which shall constitute a basis for recall of an elected official under this section shall include, but not be limited to, the following transgressions: (1) conviction of a felony or conviction of the following misdemeanors as defined by Massachusetts General Laws: domestic violence, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the illegal manufacture, distribution or dispensing of controlled substances, assault or criminal harassment, while presently in office; or (2) admission of facts, while presently in office, sufficient to be convicted of a felony or sufficient to be convicted of the following misdemeanors as defined in Massachusetts General Laws: domestic violence, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the illegal manufacture, distribution or dis
Yes: Chase, Linde, McKinnon, Moore, Murphy, PerryNo: Gallagher, GeorgeAbsent: Robinson
From the minutes
“Council Chase made a motion to insert the following proposed text to immediately follow the first sentence of paragraph (b): An allegation of offenses which shall constitute a basis for recall of an elected official under this section shall include, but not be limited to, the following transgressions: (1) conviction of a felony or conviction of the following misdemeanors as defined by Massachusetts General Laws: domestic violence, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the illegal manufacture, distribution or dispensing of controlled substances, assault or criminal harassment, while presently in office; or (2) admission of facts, while presently in office, sufficient to be convicted of a felony or sufficient to be convicted of the following misdemeanors as defined in Massachusetts General Laws: domestic violence, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the illegal manufacture, distribution or dispensing of controlled substances, assault or criminal harassment; or (3) violation of the conflict of interest law (M.G.L. c. 268A) while presently in office, as determined by the State Ethics Commission or the Attorney General; (4) attendance at less than fifty (50%) of the posted public meetings of the board or office of which the official was an elected member or to which he/she has been elected or appointed as part of his/her elected position during the previous twelve (12) months; (5) lack of fitness, insobriety while performing official functions, involuntary commitment of a mental health facility, being placed under guardianship or conservatorship by a probate court; or (6) corruption, conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude, conviction o bribery, or extortion or (7) violation of law, regulation, bylaw or other abdication of the applicable requirements of the elected position. The elected official's vote on a matter (other than in connection with a conflict of interest violation reference above) shall not be grounds for a recall petition. results recorded as follows: Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; George - No; Moore - Yea; Chase - Yea; Gallagher - No; McKinnon -Yea; Murphy - Yea; Robinson - Absent. Motion passed 6-2-0.” (Motion: Chase)
Sep 5Approve the amendments to Ordinance D-FY22-010Motion: to approve the amendments to Ordinance D-FY22-010Failed 4–4 · No: Gallagher, Linde, McKinnon, Moore
September 5, 2023 · Item D-FY22-010: Approve the amendments to Ordinance D-FY22-010
To approve the amendments to Ordinance D-FY22-010
Yes: Chase, George, Murphy, PerryNo: Gallagher, Linde, McKinnon, MooreAbsent: Robinson
From the minutes
“Councilor George made a motion to approve the amendments to Ordinance D-FY22-010, which was duly seconded. results recorded as follows: Perry - Yea; Linde - No; George - Yea; Moore - No; Chase - Yea; Gallagher - No; McKinnon -No; Murphy - Yea; Robinson - Absent. Motion failed: 4-4-0.” (Motion: George)
Sep 5Table Ordinance D-FY22-010Motion: to table Ordinance D-FY22-010Passed 7–1 · No: George
September 5, 2023 · Item D-FY22-010: Table Ordinance D-FY22-010
To table Ordinance D-FY22-010
Yes: Chase, Gallagher, Linde, McKinnon, Moore, Murphy, PerryNo: GeorgeAbsent: Robinson
From the minutes
“Councilor Gallagher made a motion to table Ordinance D-FY22-010, which was duly seconded. results recorded as follows: Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; George - No; Moore - Yea; Chase - Yea; Gallagher - Yea; McKinnon -Yea; Murphy - Yea; Robinson - Absent. Motion passed 7-1-0.” (Motion: Gallagher)
Sep 5Refer Ordinance D-FY24-001 to Rules and Procedures but it…Motion: to refer Ordinance D-FY24-001 to Rules and Procedures but it failed…Passed 7–1 · see note
September 5, 2023 · Item D-FY24-001: Refer Ordinance D-FY24-001 to Rules and Procedures but it failed for lack of a second. Councilor McKinnon made a motion to table Ordinance D-FY24-001
To refer Ordinance D-FY24-001 to Rules and Procedures but it failed for lack of a second. Councilor McKinnon made a motion to table Ordinance D-FY24-001
The minutes record the result as 7–1, but the list of names does not match that count, so individual votes are not shown.
From the minutes
“Councilor Perry made a motion to refer Ordinance D-FY24-001 to Rules and Procedures but it failed for lack of a second. Councilor McKinnon made a motion to table Ordinance D-FY24-001, which was duly seconded. results recorded as follows: Perry - No; Linde - Yea; George - No; Moore - Yea; Chase - Yea; Gallagher - Yea; McKinnon -Yea; Murphy - Yea; Robinson - Absent. Motion passed 7-1-0.” (Motion: Perry)
Jul 11Approve Order O-FY23-066Motion: to approve Order O-FY23-066Passed 6–3 · see note
July 11, 2023 · Item O-FY23-066: Approve Order O-FY23-066
To approve Order O-FY23-066
The minutes record the result as 6–3, but the list of names does not match that count, so individual votes are not shown.
From the minutes
“Councilor Chase made a motion to approve Order O-FY23-066 , which was duly seconded. A voice vote was taken on the motion to approve with the results recorded as follows: Perry - Yea; Linde - No George - Yea; Moore - Yea; Chase - Yea; Gallagher - No; McKinnon -Yea; Murphy - Yea; Robinson - No. Motion passed 6-3.” (Motion: Chase)
Jun 20Amend the second paragraph to change the address of…Motion: to amend the second paragraph to change the address of “233…Passed 7–0 · see note
June 20, 2023 · Item P-2023-033: Amend the second paragraph to change the address of “233 Broad Street” to “905 Plymouth Street”
To amend the second paragraph to change the address of “233 Broad Street” to “905 Plymouth Street”
The minutes record the result as 7–0, but the list of names does not match that count, so individual votes are not shown.
From the minutes
“Councilor Chase made a motion to amend the second paragraph to change the address of “233 Broad Street” to “905 Plymouth Street”. The amendment was duly seconded. A voice vote was taken with the results recorded as follows: Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; George - Absent at the time of the vote; Moore - Yea; Chase - Yea; Gallagher - Absent; McKinnon - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Robinson - Absent. Motion passed 7-0-0.” (Motion: Chase)
From the Bridgewater Town Council’s official minutes, posted on the town’s CivicClerk portal. We check every roll call against the recorded count and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades officials; votes and attendance are shown exactly as the minutes record them. Member photos: Town of Bridgewater Town Council page (bridgewaterma.gov); Paul Murphy from his MIT staff page. Mark Linde from a BTV (Bridgewater access TV) “Candidate’s Corner” video. Mary McGrath and Michaela Spagone from the Town of Bridgewater video of the September 15, 2026 Town Council meeting (identified by the nameplate in front of each member).
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