MassVoter.com← ChelmsfordMunicipal votes · 2017–2018 Board
Chelmsford Select Board
How the Chelmsford Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. Patricia Wojtas served as Chairman, Laura Merrill as Vice Chairman and Kenneth Lefebvre as Clerk. The board was then called the Board of Selectmen. MassVoter has loaded this board’s minutes from January 8, 2018 on. The start date is a placeholder. Covers 6 meetings, January 8 to March 26, 2018.
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 Chelmsford ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Board years
Coming up
No upcoming meeting is posted yet. Check the official calendar →
Under the state Open Meeting Law, boards post notice at least 48 hours ahead, not counting weekends and legal holidays.
Members
ChairPatricia WojtasChair · At-large · at 6 of 6 meetingsVice-ChairLaura MerrillVice Chair · At-large · at 6 of 6 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: Chelmsford Select Board minutes (the board was called the Board of Selectmen until August 2020) from January 8, 2018 through August 24, 2026: 282 meetings and 2,533 votes. The town’s Agenda Center holds the board’s minutes back to 2013 (MassVoter has loaded 2018 on). All the minutes are typed documents with searchable text. Joint meetings with other boards (School Committee, Finance Committee, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Health, Housing Authority and others) are included when they are in the board’s minutes; only the Select Board members’ votes are shown. Not here: executive-session minutes (released executive-session minutes attached to some files are left out, except February 15, 2024, where they are the only minutes posted); September 9, 2024 (the file posted for that date is the November 4, 2024 minutes); July 9, 2026 (a joint executive session with the Zoning Board of Appeals; agenda only); January 29, 2020 (a Vision and Values Committee public input session, not a board meeting); and meetings after August 24, 2026 (the September 14, September 28 and October 5, 2026 minutes are not posted yet). Chelmsford’s minutes record most votes as “Motion carries 5-0, unanimous” with the members present listed at the top, and since 2020 many votes as roll calls by name (“Roll call vote: Chair Wojtas-Y, Vice Chair Hardy-Y, Clerk Boisvert-Y, Board Member Cunningham-Y and Board Member Kurland-Y”). Split votes name the members who voted no or abstained. Where a count does not match the members present and the minutes do not say who voted which way, or a roll call does not match its count, we show the count only, with a note (21 votes). Two officer elections were a choice between two nominees (April 2023 and April 2024); they show the count, with the minutes’ record of who chose whom in the note. 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 26Vote to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the…Motion: Motion: by Selectman Lefebvre to vote to authorize the Superintendent to…Passed 4–1 · No: Merrill
March 26, 2018: Vote to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 21, 2018 for Chelmsford High School located at 200...
Motion: by Selectman Lefebvre to vote to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 21, 2018 for Chelmsford High School located at 200 Richardson Road which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future, including the elimination of existing severe overcrowding; prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments; replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in a school facility; and replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the Town of Chelmsford to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Seconded by Selectman Dixon. Selectman Merrill opposed, all others in favor.
Yes: Diggs, Dixon, Lefebvre, WojtasNo: Merrill
From the minutes
“Motion: by Selectman Lefebvre to vote to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 21, 2018 for Chelmsford High School located at 200 Richardson Road which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future, including the elimination of existing severe overcrowding; prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments; replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in a school facility; and replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the Town of Chelmsford to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Seconded by Selectman Dixon. Selectman Merrill opposed, all others in favor. Motion carries, 4-1..” (Motion: Lefebvre, second: Dixon)
Mar 12Appoint Richard Defreitas as a full member of the…Motion: Defreitas agreed he would support efforts to televise committee meetings. Roll…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
March 12, 2018: Appoint Richard Defreitas as a full member of the Nashoba Valley Technical High School Committee
Defreitas agreed he would support efforts to televise committee meetings. Roll Call Vote: Mazrch 12, 2018 Ms. Skaar: Aye Mr. Thomas: Aye Mr. King: Aye Selectman Diggs: Aye Selectman Merrill: Aye Selectman Lefebvre: Aye Chairman Wojtas: Aye
Joint vote with the School Committee; Ms. Skaar (School Committee) nominated Richard Defreitas and Chairman Wojtas seconded. This was a joint vote with another board; only the Select Board members’ votes are shown.
From the minutes
“Defreitas agreed he would support efforts to televise committee meetings. Roll Call Vote: Mazrch 12, 2018 Ms. Skaar: Aye Mr. Thomas: Aye Mr. King: Aye Selectman Diggs: Aye Selectman Merrill: Aye Selectman Lefebvre: Aye Chairman Wojtas: Aye Motion passes, unanimous, 7-0.”
Mar 12Appoint Maria Karafelis as an alternate member of the…Motion: She would support televised committee meetings, if the process could be…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
March 12, 2018: Appoint Maria Karafelis as an alternate member of the Nashoba Valley Technical High School Committee
She would support televised committee meetings, if the process could be coordinated. Roll Call Vote: Ms. Skaar: Aye Mr. Thomas: Aye Mr. King: Aye Selectman Diggs: Aye Selectman Merrill: Aye Selectman Lefebvre: Aye Chairman Wojtas: Aye
Joint vote with the School Committee; Ms. Skaar (School Committee) nominated Maria Karafelis and Selectman Merrill seconded. This was a joint vote with another board; only the Select Board members’ votes are shown.
From the minutes
“She would support televised committee meetings, if the process could be coordinated. Roll Call Vote: Ms. Skaar: Aye Mr. Thomas: Aye Mr. King: Aye Selectman Diggs: Aye Selectman Merrill: Aye Selectman Lefebvre: Aye Chairman Wojtas: Aye Motion passes, unanimous, 7-0.”
Mar 12Approve the layout of Elm St. as a public…Motion: Motion: by Selectman Merrill to approve the layout of Elm St.…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: Wojtas
March 12, 2018: Approve the layout of Elm St. as a public way known as "Elm Street" as shown on a plan entitled "Street Acceptance Elm Street Chelmsford, Mass.", dated January 1, 2018,…
Motion: by Selectman Merrill to approve the layout of Elm St. as a public way known as "Elm Street" as shown on a plan entitled "Street Acceptance Elm Street Chelmsford, Mass.", dated January 1, 2018, prepared by the Town of Chelmsford Department of Public Works, Engineering Division and to forward the proposed layout as shown on said plan to the Planning Board for its comments and recommendations pursuant to G.L.c. 41, ss81I. Seconded by Selectman Lefebvre.
Yes: Diggs, Lefebvre, MerrillAbstained: Wojtas
From the minutes
“Motion: by Selectman Merrill to approve the layout of Elm St. as a public way known as "Elm Street" as shown on a plan entitled "Street Acceptance Elm Street Chelmsford, Mass.", dated January 1, 2018, prepared by the Town of Chelmsford Department of Public Works, Engineering Division and to forward the proposed layout as shown on said plan to the Planning Board for its comments and recommendations pursuant to G.L.c. 41, ss81I. Seconded by Selectman Lefebvre. Motion carries, unanimous, 3-0, with Chairman Wojtas abstaining..” (Motion: Merrill, second: Lefebvre)
Feb 26Authorize the Town Manager to begin the disposition process…Motion: Motion: by Selectman Lefebvre to authorize the Town Manager to begin…Failed 2–2 · No: Diggs, Merrill
February 26, 2018: Authorize the Town Manager to begin the disposition process for the 101 Mill Rd. property before Spring 2018 Town Meeting with the understanding that the deadline for bids can be…
Motion: by Selectman Lefebvre to authorize the Town Manager to begin the disposition process for the 101 Mill Rd. property before Spring 2018 Town Meeting with the understanding that the deadline for bids can be extended, or the bid request can be cancelled. Seconded by Chairman Wojtas. Selectmen Merrill and Diggs opposed, Selectmen Wojtas and Lefebvre in favor.
Yes: Lefebvre, WojtasNo: Diggs, Merrill
From the minutes
“Motion: by Selectman Lefebvre to authorize the Town Manager to begin the disposition process for the 101 Mill Rd. property before Spring 2018 Town Meeting with the understanding that the deadline for bids can be extended, or the bid request can be cancelled. Seconded by Chairman Wojtas. Selectmen Merrill and Diggs opposed, Selectmen Wojtas and Lefebvre in favor. Motion fails, 2-2..” (Motion: Lefebvre, second: Wojtas)
Jan 29Joint Meeting With Board Of Health To Fill VacancyMotion: Joint Meeting With Board Of Health To Fill VacancyPassed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
January 29, 2018: Joint Meeting With Board Of Health To Fill Vacancy
Joint Meeting With Board Of Health To Fill Vacancy
This was a joint vote with another board; only the Select Board members’ votes are shown. The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Roll Call Vote in Support of Appointing Dr. Eric Meikle to the Board of Health until the April 3, 2018 Annual Town election: Mr. Parlee: Aye Selectman Diggs: Aye Selectman Merrill: Aye Selectman Dixon: Aye Selectman LeFebvre: Aye Chairman Wojtas: Aye.”
Jan 29Accept the draft Advisory Ballot Questions Regarding Tax Classification…Motion: Motion: by Selectman Diggs to accept the draft Advisory Ballot Questions…Passed 3–2 · No: Lefebvre, Wojtas
January 29, 2018: Accept the draft Advisory Ballot Questions Regarding Tax Classification from the Board of Selectmen
Motion: by Selectman Diggs to accept the draft Advisory Ballot Questions Regarding Tax Classification from the Board of Selectmen. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Selectmen Lefebvre and Wojtas opposed, all others in favor.
Yes: Diggs, Dixon, MerrillNo: Lefebvre, Wojtas
From the minutes
“Motion: by Selectman Diggs to accept the draft Advisory Ballot Questions Regarding Tax Classification from the Board of Selectmen. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Selectmen Lefebvre and Wojtas opposed, all others in favor. Motion carries, 3-2..” (Motion: Diggs, second: Merrill)
Jan 8Support the Proposed Resolution in Opposition to the Ballot…Motion: Motion: by Selectman Diggs to support the Proposed Resolution in Opposition…Passed 4–1 · No: Lefebvre
January 8, 2018: Support the Proposed Resolution in Opposition to the Ballot Question that would reduce the Sales and Use Tax Rate
Motion: by Selectman Diggs to support the Proposed Resolution in Opposition to the Ballot Question that would reduce the Sales and Use Tax Rate. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Selectmen Lefebvre opposed, all others in favor.
Yes: Diggs, Dixon, Merrill, WojtasNo: Lefebvre
From the minutes
“Motion: by Selectman Diggs to support the Proposed Resolution in Opposition to the Ballot Question that would reduce the Sales and Use Tax Rate. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Selectmen Lefebvre opposed, all others in favor. Motion carries, 4-1..” (Motion: Diggs, second: Merrill)
Jan 8Approve the Tri-Board Meeting Minutes of December 11, 2018,…Motion: Motion: by Selectman Merrill to approve the Tri-Board Meeting Minutes of…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Dixon
January 8, 2018: Approve the Tri-Board Meeting Minutes of December 11, 2018, as presented
Motion: by Selectman Merrill to approve the Tri-Board Meeting Minutes of December 11, 2018, as presented. Seconded by Selectman Lefebvre. Selectman Dixon abstained.
Yes: Diggs, Lefebvre, Merrill, WojtasAbstained: Dixon
From the minutes
“Motion: by Selectman Merrill to approve the Tri-Board Meeting Minutes of December 11, 2018, as presented. Seconded by Selectman Lefebvre. Selectman Dixon abstained. Motion carries, 4-0..” (Motion: Merrill, second: Lefebvre)
From the Chelmsford Select Board’s official minutes in the town’s Agenda Center. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Town of Chelmsford, Select Board page (official board photo, captioned by name; cropped by MassVoter).
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →