MassVoter.com← Bridgewater Town CouncilBridgewater Town Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
April 22, 2025
38 recorded votes, 12 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
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Present: Fred Chase, Adelene Ellenberg, Mark Linde, Mary McGrath, Dr. Paul Murphy, Dr. Kevin Perry, Sonya Striggles, Johnny Loreti
Absent: Bradford McKinnon
Every vote, in order
Approve the meeting minutes of April 8, 2025
To approve the meeting minutes of April 8, 2025
From the minutes
“Councilor Murphy made a motion to approve the meeting minutes of April 8, 2025, which was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Murphy, second: Striggles)
Suspend the Council rules and allow an out of town person to speak
To suspend the Council rules and allow an out of town person to speak
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to suspend the Council rules and allow an out of town person to speak. This was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Striggles)
Approve the appointment of Joshua Earley to the DEIB Committee
To approve the appointment of Joshua Earley to the DEIB Committee
Yes: Chase, Linde, Loreti, McGrath, Murphy, Perry, StrigglesNo: Ellenberg
From the minutes
“Councilor Chase made a motion to approve the appointment of Joshua Earley to the DEIB Committee, which was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - No; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 7-1.” (Motion: Chase, second: Striggles)
Approve the appointment of Kathleen Reid to the SAVE Committee
To approve the appointment of Kathleen Reid to the SAVE Committee
From the minutes
“Councilor Striggles made a motion to approve the appointment of Kathleen Reid to the SAVE Committee, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Striggles, second: Chase)
Approve the appointment of Amanda Metell to the Zoning Boards of Appeals
To approve the appointment of Amanda Metell to the Zoning Boards of Appeals
From the minutes
“Councilor Striggles made a motion to approve the appointment of Amanda Metell to the Zoning Boards of Appeals, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Striggles, second: Chase)
Approve the appointment of Jane Marochino to the Elder Affairs Commission
To approve the appointment of Jane Marochino to the Elder Affairs Commission
From the minutes
“Councilor McGrath made a motion to approve the appointment of Jane Marochino to the Elder Affairs Commission, which was duly seconded by Councilor Linde. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: McGrath, second: Linde)
Approve the appointment of Stephen Dempsey to the Tree Committee
To approve the appointment of Stephen Dempsey to the Tree Committee
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to approve the appointment of Stephen Dempsey to the Tree Committee, which was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Striggles)
Approve the appointment of Thomas Pratti to the Planning Board
To approve the appointment of Thomas Pratti to the Planning Board
From the minutes
“Councilor Striggles made a motion to approve the appointment of Thomas Pratti to the Planning Board, which was duly seconded by Councilor McGrath. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Striggles, second: McGrath)
O-FY25-036 That the laying out of Firefly Lane is required by common convenience and necessity
That the laying out of Firefly Lane is required by common convenience and necessity
From the minutes
“Councilor Striggles made a motion that the laying out of Firefly Lane is required by common convenience and necessity, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Striggles, second: Chase)
O-FY25-036 Approve Order O-FY25-036
To approve Order O-FY25-036
From the minutes
“Councilor Striggles made a motion to approve Order O-FY25-036, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Striggles, second: Chase)
P-2025-020 Approve Petition P-2025-020
To approve Petition P-2025-020
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to approve Petition P-2025-020, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Chase)
D-FY25-014 Change “800” to “900” on page 67
To change “800” to “900” on page 67
From the minutes
“Councilor Murphy made an amendment to change “800” to “900” on page 67, which was duly seconded by Councilor Linde. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Murphy, second: Linde)
D-FY25-014 Approve Zonin Ordinance D-FY25-014 with the amendment
To approve Zonin Ordinance D-FY25-014 with the amendment
From the minutes
“Councilor Striggles made a motion to approve Zonin Ordinance D-FY25-014 with the amendment, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Striggles, second: Chase)
O-FY25-048 Approve Order O-FY25-048
To approve Order O-FY25-048
Yes: Chase, Ellenberg, Loreti, McGrath, Murphy, Perry, StrigglesNo: Linde
From the minutes
“Councilor Chase made a motion to approve Order O-FY25-048, which was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - No; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 7-1.” (Motion: Chase, second: Striggles)
O-FY25-050 Approve Order O-FY25-050
To approve Order O-FY25-050
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to approve Order O-FY25-050, which was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Striggles)
O-FY25-051 Approve Order O-FY25-051
To approve Order O-FY25-051
Yes: Chase, Linde, McGrath, Murphy, Perry, StrigglesNo: Ellenberg, Loreti
From the minutes
“Councilor Striggles made a motion to approve Order O-FY25-051, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. results as follows: Loretti - No; Ellenberg - No; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 6-2.” (Motion: Striggles, second: Chase)
O-FY25-052 Approve Order O-FY25-052
To approve Order O-FY25-052
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to approve Order O-FY25-052, which was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Striggles)
O-FY25-053 Approve Order O-FY25-053
To approve Order O-FY25-053
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to approve Order O-FY25-053, which was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Striggles)
O-FY25-054 Approve Order O-FY25-054
To approve Order O-FY25-054
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to approve Order O-FY25-054, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Chase)
O-FY25-055 Change the dollar amount on the “Fund Critical Roadway Repairs” line item to $1M
To change the dollar amount on the “Fund Critical Roadway Repairs” line item to $1M
Yes: Chase, PerryNo: Ellenberg, Linde, Loreti, McGrath, Murphy, Striggles
From the minutes
“Councilor Chase made a motion to change the dollar amount on the “Fund Critical Roadway Repairs” line item to $1M, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - No; Ellenberg - No; Murphy - No; Perry - Yea; Linde - No; Chase - Yea; Striggles - No; McGrath - No, Motion failed 2-6.” (Motion: Chase, second: Chase)
Change the dollar amount on the “Fund Critical Roadway Repairs” line item to $500k
To change the dollar amount on the “Fund Critical Roadway Repairs” line item to $500k
Yes: Chase, Linde, McGrath, Murphy, Perry, StrigglesNo: Ellenberg, Loreti
From the minutes
“Councilor Striggles made a motion to change the dollar amount on the “Fund Critical Roadway Repairs” line item to $500k, which was duly seconded by Councilor Murphy. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - No; Ellenberg - No; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 6-2.” (Motion: Striggles, second: Murphy)
Suspend the Council Rules to allow Tim Fitzgibbons to speak
To suspend the Council Rules to allow Tim Fitzgibbons to speak
Yes: Chase, Linde, Loreti, Murphy, Perry, StrigglesNo: Ellenberg, McGrath
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to suspend the Council Rules to allow Tim Fitzgibbons to speak, which was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - No; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - No, Motion Passed 6-2.” (Motion: Linde, second: Striggles)
Approve the amount of $6,034,614.95 for the School
To approve the amount of $6,034,614.95 for the School
Yes: Chase, Linde, McGrath, Murphy, Perry, StrigglesNo: Ellenberg, Loreti
From the minutes
“Councilor Striggles made a motion to approve the amount of $6,034,614.95 for the School, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - No; Ellenberg - No; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea Motion Passed 6-2.” (Motion: Striggles, second: Chase)
Change the dollar amount on the “Restore Budgetary Cuts Services FY2026” line item to $422,658.33
To change the dollar amount on the “Restore Budgetary Cuts Services FY2026” line item to $422,658.33
Yes: Chase, Linde, McGrath, Murphy, Perry, StrigglesNo: Ellenberg, Loreti
From the minutes
“Councilor Murphy made a motion to change the dollar amount on the “Restore Budgetary Cuts Services FY2026” line item to $422,658.33, which was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - No; Ellenberg - No; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 6-2.” (Motion: Murphy, second: Striggles)
Change the dollar amount on the “Add Services to Meet Community Demands” line item to $1,050,999.05
To change the dollar amount on the “Add Services to Meet Community Demands” line item to $1,050,999.05
From the minutes
“Councilor Perry made a motion to change the dollar amount on the “Add Services to Meet Community Demands” line item to $1,050,999.05, which was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 8-0.” (Motion: Perry, second: Striggles)
Amend the override number to $8,008,272.33
To amend the override number to $8,008,272.33
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to amend the override number to $8,008,272.33, which was duly seconded by Councilor Murphy. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Murphy)
Put forth the override question as one question
To put forth the override question as one question
From the minutes
“Councilor Chase made a motion to put forth the override question as one question, which was duly seconded by Councilor Murphy. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 8-0.” (Motion: Chase, second: Murphy)
Extend the Town Council meeting past 10:00pm
To extend the Town Council meeting past 10:00pm
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to extend the Town Council meeting past 10:00pm, which was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Striggles)
O-FY25-056 Approve Order O-FY25-056
To approve Order O-FY25-056
From the minutes
“Councilor Chase made a motion to approve Order O-FY25-056, which was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 8-0.” (Motion: Chase, second: Striggles)
O-FY25-055 Approve Order O-FY25-055 with the amendment
To approve Order O-FY25-055 with the amendment
From the minutes
“Councilor Chase made a motion to approve Order O-FY25-055 with the amendment. This was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 8-0.” (Motion: Chase, second: Striggles)
R-FY25-009 Amend 1) in paragraph 2 change “haven” to “town”; 2) in paragraph 2 delete the word “all” between where and individuals; and 3) in paragraph 5, remove “for all” at the end
To amend 1) in paragraph 2 change “haven” to “town”; 2) in paragraph 2 delete the word “all” between where and individuals; and 3) in paragraph 5, remove “for all” at the end
Yes: Ellenberg, Loreti, McGrathNo: Chase, Linde, Murphy, Perry, Striggles
From the minutes
“Councilor McGrath made a motion to amend 1) in paragraph 2 change “haven” to “town”; 2) in paragraph 2 delete the word “all” between where and individuals; and 3) in paragraph 5, remove “for all” at the end. This was duly seconded by Councilor Loreti. results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - No; Perry - No; Linde - No; Chase - No; Striggles - No; McGrath - Yea, Motion failed 3-5.” (Motion: McGrath, second: Loreti)
R-FY25-009 Approve Resolution R-FY25-009
To approve Resolution R-FY25-009
Yes: Chase, Linde, McGrath, Murphy, Perry, StrigglesNo: Ellenberg, Loreti
From the minutes
“Councilor Chase made a motion to approve Resolution R-FY25-009, which was duly seconded by Councilor Striggles. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - No; Ellenberg - No; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 6-2.” (Motion: Chase, second: Striggles)
R-FY25-010 Approve Resolution R-FY25-010
To approve Resolution R-FY25-010
Yes: Chase, Linde, Loreti, McGrath, Murphy, Perry, StrigglesNo: Ellenberg
From the minutes
“Councilor Striggles made a motion to approve Resolution R-FY25-010, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - No; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 7-1.” (Motion: Striggles, second: Chase)
To approve Resolution R-FY25-010
Yes: Chase, Linde, Loreti, McGrath, Murphy, Perry, StrigglesNo: Ellenberg
From the minutes
“Councilor Striggles made a motion to approve Resolution R-FY25-010, which was duly seconded by Councilor Linde. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - No; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 7-1.” (Motion: Striggles, second: Linde)
O-FY25-057 Refer Order O-FY25-057 to Budget & Finance and Finance Committee
To refer Order O-FY25-057 to Budget & Finance and Finance Committee
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to refer Order O-FY25-057 to Budget & Finance and Finance Committee, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Chase)
O-FY25-058 Refer Order O-FY25-058 to Budget & Finance and Finance Committee
To refer Order O-FY25-058 to Budget & Finance and Finance Committee
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to refer Order O-FY25-058 to Budget & Finance and Finance Committee, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Chase)
O-FY25-059 Refer Order O-FY25-059 to Budget & Finance and Finance Committee
To refer Order O-FY25-059 to Budget & Finance and Finance Committee
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to refer Order O-FY25-059 to Budget & Finance and Finance Committee, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Chase)
Enter into Executive Session
To enter into Executive Session
From the minutes
“Councilor Murphy made a motion to enter into Executive Session, which was duly seconded by Councilor Chase. results as follows: Loretti - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Perry - Yea; Linde - Yea; Chase - Yea; Striggles - Yea; McGrath - Yea, Motion passes 8-0.” (Motion: Murphy, second: 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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