MassVoter.com← Bridgewater Town CouncilBridgewater Town Council · 2025–2026 Council · Regular meeting
February 17, 2026
23 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
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Present: Adelene Ellenberg, Marilee Hunt, Sean Kennedy, Mark Linde, Johnny Loreti, Mary McGrath, Dr. Paul Murphy, Dr. Kevin Perry
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Approve the meeting minutes of the January 21, 2026 General Public meeting
To approve the meeting minutes of the January 21, 2026 General Public meeting
From the minutes
“Councilor Kennedy made a motion to approve the meeting minutes of the January 21, 2026 General Public meeting, which was duly seconded by Councilor Linde. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Kennedy, second: Linde)
To approve the meeting minutes of the January 21, 2026 General Public meeting
From the minutes
“Councilor Perry made a motion to approve the meeting minutes of the January 21, 2026 General Public meeting, which was duly seconded by Councilor Linde. results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Perry, second: Linde)
Take F. Hearings out of order
To take F. Hearings out of order
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to take F. Hearings out of order. This was duly second by Councilor Kennedy. results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Kennedy)
O-FY26-048 Ratify Kevin Bloomquist for the Board of Health
To ratify Kevin Bloomquist for the Board of Health
From the minutes
“Councilor NAME made a motion to ratify Kevin Bloomquist for the Board of Health, which was duly seconded by Councilor NAME. results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.”
P-2026-016 Approve Petition P-2026-016
To approve Petition P-2026-016
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to approve Petition P-2026-016, which was duly second by Councilor Perry. results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Perry)
D-FY26-007 Amend Ordinance D-FY26-007 by removing “Council” after Town and before Clerk in Section 4
To amend Ordinance D-FY26-007 by removing “Council” after Town and before Clerk in Section 4
From the minutes
“Councilor Kennedy made a motion to amend Ordinance D-FY26-007 by removing “Council” after Town and before Clerk in Section 4. This was duly second by Councilor Linde. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Kennedy, second: Linde)
D-FY26-007 Amend Ordinance D-FY26-007 by removing Section 3 all together. This failed for a lack of a second. Council Linde notes that the Rules & Procedures Committee should be discussing that, should not be wo
To amend Ordinance D-FY26-007 by removing Section 3 all together. This failed for a lack of a second. Council Linde notes that the Rules & Procedures Committee should be discussing that, should not be wordsmithing at the meeting. Councilor Loreti noted that he was not going to vote to approve this when there is vague language. Councilor Murphy noted that they followed the process outlined up until Section 6 which would trigger a special election which would require a special election. Councilor Loreti noted that his concern was the we do not even get to section 6 unless we vote yes. Councilor Kennedy noted that there is no changes in the Charter from this, has the same vague language. You could add the 90 day requirement in there as well. Councilor Perry noted that the Charter gets into specifics about the seat involved. The line is saying if the seat is not voted it will remain vacant u
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 Loreti made a motion to amend Ordinance D-FY26-007 by removing Section 3 all together. This failed for a lack of a second. Council Linde notes that the Rules & Procedures Committee should be discussing that, should not be wordsmithing at the meeting. Councilor Loreti noted that he was not going to vote to approve this when there is vague language. Councilor Murphy noted that they followed the process outlined up until Section 6 which would trigger a special election which would require a special election. Councilor Loreti noted that his concern was the we do not even get to section 6 unless we vote yes. Councilor Kennedy noted that there is no changes in the Charter from this, has the same vague language. You could add the 90 day requirement in there as well. Councilor Perry noted that the Charter gets into specifics about the seat involved. The line is saying if the seat is not voted it will remain vacant until the next election if the next election is close or a special election. Leaving a little bit of room for the Council to make that call gives the council the ability to make that call. But goes back to the vote if the council wants to fill the seat or not. Councilor Loreti asked if Section 6 #2, is this a majority of those present or the full council and Councilor Perry noted as long as there is a quorum of the council. Councilor Kennedy noted that if we have a situation where there are two out at a time it still allows this process to move forward, still need to reach a majority of who is present. Councilor Ellenberg noted that maybe add special election cannot be called 120 days prior to an election. Councilor Perry noted that say something happened in May we could add to a November election. The council would be more inclined to fill the seat so it is not empty for a long period time. The only issue is when it is right after an election. 90 days would be sufficient time for a special election. Councilor Linde asked about the Charter and the next candidate in line and Councilor Perry noted it all depends on when the councilor vacates the seat. Council President Loreti closed the public hearing at 7:44pm. Councilor Kennedy made a motion to approve Ordinance D-FY26-007, which was duly second by Councilor Ellenberg. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - No Perry - Yea Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 7-1.” (Motion: Loreti, second: Ellenberg)
D-FY26-007 Take L. Legislation for Action out of order
To take L. Legislation for Action out of order
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to take L. Legislation for Action out of order. This was duly second by Councilor Perry. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Perry)
P-2026-017 Approve Petition P-2026-017
To approve Petition P-2026-017
From the minutes
“Councilor Perry made a motion to approve Petition P-2026-017, which was duly second by Councilor Linde. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Perry, second: Linde)
O-FY26-048 Approve Order O-FY26-048
To approve Order O-FY26-048
Yes: Kennedy, LoretiNo: Ellenberg, Hunt, Linde, McGrath, Murphy, Perry
From the minutes
“Councilor Kennedy made a motion to approve Order O-FY26-048, which was duly second by Councilor Loreti. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - No; McGrath - No; Loreti - Yea; Perry - No; Murphy - No; Hunt - No; Linde - No. Motion failed 2-6.” (Motion: Kennedy, second: Loreti)
D-FY26-004 Add page 129 and the first two paragraphs on page 130 of the agenda to Ordinance D-FY26-004
To add page 129 and the first two paragraphs on page 130 of the agenda to Ordinance D-FY26-004
From the minutes
“Councilor Kennedy made an amendment to add page 129 and the first two paragraphs on page 130 of the agenda to Ordinance D-FY26-004. This was duly seconded by Councilor Loreti. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Kennedy, second: Loreti)
D-FY26-004 Replace page 136 with what is noted on Ordinance D- FY26-004
To replace page 136 with what is noted on Ordinance D- FY26-004
From the minutes
“Councilor Kennedy made an amendment to replace page 136 with what is noted on Ordinance D- FY26-004. This was duly seconded by Councilor Loreti. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Kennedy, second: Loreti)
D-FY26-004 Refer Ordinance D-FY26-004 back to Rules and Procedures
To refer Ordinance D-FY26-004 back to Rules and Procedures
From the minutes
“Councilor Perry made a motion to refer Ordinance D-FY26-004 back to Rules and Procedures. This was duly seconded by Councilor Hunt. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Perry, second: Hunt)
Call the question
To call the question
From the minutes
“Councilor Kennedy made a motion to call the question which was duly seconded by Councilor Linde. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Kennedy, second: Linde)
R-FY26-007 Approve Resolution R-FY26-007
To approve Resolution R-FY26-007
Yes: Ellenberg, Hunt, LindeNo: Kennedy, Loreti, McGrath, Murphy, Perry
From the minutes
“Councilor Ellenberg made a motion to approve Resolution R-FY26-007, which was duly seconded by Councilor Linde. results as follows: Kennedy - No; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - No; Loreti - No; Perry - No; Murphy - No; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion failed 3-5.” (Motion: Ellenberg, second: Linde)
O-FY26-050 Refer Order O-FY26-050 t0 Budget and Finance and Finance Committee
To refer Order O-FY26-050 t0 Budget and Finance and Finance Committee
From the minutes
“Councilor Perry made a motion to refer Order O-FY26-050 t0 Budget and Finance and Finance Committee. This was duly seconded by Councilor Linde. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Perry, second: Linde)
O-FY26-051 Amend Order O-FY26-051 by adding “as shown on Exhibit A” at the end of the paragraph starting with Therefore
To amend Order O-FY26-051 by adding “as shown on Exhibit A” at the end of the paragraph starting with Therefore
From the minutes
“Councilor McGrath made a motion to amend Order O-FY26-051 by adding “as shown on Exhibit A” at the end of the paragraph starting with Therefore. This was duly seconded by Councilor Perry. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: McGrath, second: Perry)
O-FY26-051 Refer Order O-FY26-051 to Downtown Revitalization Ad Hoc Committee
To refer Order O-FY26-051 to Downtown Revitalization Ad Hoc Committee
From the minutes
“Councilor Perry made a motion to refer Order O-FY26-051 to Downtown Revitalization Ad Hoc Committee which was duly seconded by Councilor McGrath. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Perry, second: McGrath)
O-FY26-052 Refer Order O-FY26-052 to Budget and Finance and Finance Committee
To refer Order O-FY26-052 to Budget and Finance and Finance Committee
From the minutes
“Councilor Perry made a motion to refer Order O-FY26-052 to Budget and Finance and Finance Committee. This was duly seconded by Councilor Hunt. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Perry, second: Hunt)
D-FY26-011 Refer Ordinance D-FY26-011 to Rules and Procedures
To refer Ordinance D-FY26-011 to Rules and Procedures
From the minutes
“Councilor Linde made a motion to refer Ordinance D-FY26-011 to Rules and Procedures. This was duly seconded by Councilor Perry. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Linde, second: Perry)
D-FY26-012 Refer Ordinance D-FY26-012 to Rules and Procedures
To refer Ordinance D-FY26-012 to Rules and Procedures
From the minutes
“Councilor Perry made a motion to refer Ordinance D-FY26-012 to Rules and Procedures. This was duly seconded by Councilor Linde. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Perry, second: Linde)
O-FY26-040 Refer Order O-FY26-040 to Downtown Revitalization
To refer Order O-FY26-040 to Downtown Revitalization
From the minutes
“Councilor Perry made a motion to refer Order O-FY26-040 to Downtown Revitalization. This was duly seconded by Councilor McGrath. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Perry, second: McGrath)
O-FY26-040 Adjourn (O-FY26-040)
To adjourn
From the minutes
“Councilor Perry made a motion to adjourn, which was duly seconded by Councilor Hunt. A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Kennedy - Yea; Ellenberg - Yea; McGrath - Yea; Loreti - Yea; Perry - Yea; Murphy - Yea; Hunt - Yea; Linde - Yea. Motion passed 8-0.” (Motion: Perry, second: Hunt)
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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