MassVoter.com← Dedham Select BoardDedham Former Select Board member
Sarah MacDonald
Elected townwide · 3 terms in this record
Sarah E. MacDonald
A monthly email on how they voted, starting in November.
Board years
Record at a glance · 2021–2022 Board
How these numbers work
- Counted from the official minutes, for 2021–2022 Board only. Committee meetings and routine votes (adjourning, approving minutes) are not counted.
- Attendance counts the meetings where the minutes list Sarah MacDonald as present or absent at the start.
- Only votes the minutes record member by member are counted. Voice votes and votes given only as a count (for example 6-3 with no names) are not.
- Percentages are shown only when there are at least 10 meetings or votes to count.
- A split vote is one where at least one member voted yes and another voted no. “In the minority” means on the side with fewer votes; ties are not counted.
- “Whole board” combines every member’s record for the same term.
These numbers describe the record; they are not a grade. A no vote, an abstention or a minority vote is neither good nor bad. MassVoter never rates officials.
Attendance
At the start of 19 of 20 Select Board meetings in 2021–2022 Board.
Missed
- Mar 30, 2022 · Regular: Absent
Every meeting (20)
- Apr 6, 2022 · Regular: Present
- Mar 30, 2022 · Regular: Absent
- Mar 24, 2022 · Regular: Present
- Mar 10, 2022 · Regular: Present
- Feb 17, 2022 · Regular: Present
- Jan 11, 2022 · Regular: Present
- Jan 6, 2022 · Regular: Present
- Dec 16, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Dec 2, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Nov 4, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Oct 21, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Oct 19, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Oct 7, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Sep 23, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Sep 9, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Aug 12, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Jul 20, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Jul 7, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Jun 3, 2021 · Regular: Present
- May 26, 2021 · Regular: Present
Votes where members disagreed · 2021–2022 Board
Mar 24Approve the recommendation of outdoor dining of the outdoor…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald it was resolved to…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · Sarah MacDonald: Yes
March 24, 2022: Approve the recommendation of outdoor dining of the outdoor dining working group to begin outdoor dining on April 15, 2022 and that the installation and costs of the ramps be…
A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald it was resolved to approve the recommendation of outdoor dining of the outdoor dining working group to begin outdoor dining on April 15, 2022 and that the installation and costs of the ramps be the cost of the business owner to meet the requirements of the health department. The motion was seconded by Mr. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes James A. MacDonald Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Voted: Yes
The minutes name James MacDonald as both the mover and the seconder, so no seconder is shown.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald it was resolved to approve the recommendation of outdoor dining of the outdoor dining working group to begin outdoor dining on April 15, 2022 and that the installation and costs of the ramps be the cost of the business owner to meet the requirements of the health department. The motion was seconded by Mr. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes James A. MacDonald Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 5-0..” (Motion: James MacDonald)
Mar 10Approve the entertainment licenses for Blue Ribbon BBQ and…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the entertainment…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes
March 10, 2022: Approve the entertainment licenses for Blue Ribbon BBQ and the Liberty Main Bistro
A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the entertainment licenses for Blue Ribbon BBQ and the Liberty Main Bistro. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the entertainment licenses for Blue Ribbon BBQ and the Liberty Main Bistro. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Coughlin, second: Sarah MacDonald)
Mar 10Approve the Juneteenth Event on June 18, 2022 at…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the Juneteenth…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes
March 10, 2022: Approve the Juneteenth Event on June 18, 2022 at the Endicott Estate from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The motion was
A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the Juneteenth Event on June 18, 2022 at the Endicott Estate from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the Juneteenth Event on June 18, 2022 at the Endicott Estate from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Coughlin, second: Sarah MacDonald)
Mar 10Approve the One Day Beer and Wine for James…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the One…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes
March 10, 2022: Approve the One Day Beer and Wine for James Joyce Ramble and Take a Walk occurring on April 4, 2022
A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the One Day Beer and Wine for James Joyce Ramble and Take a Walk occurring on April 4, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the One Day Beer and Wine for James Joyce Ramble and Take a Walk occurring on April 4, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Coughlin, second: Sarah MacDonald)
Mar 10Approve the change of date for Big Dan's Kids…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the change…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes
March 10, 2022: Approve the change of date for Big Dan's Kids Mile to March 26, 2022
A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the change of date for Big Dan's Kids Mile to March 26, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes . Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Lo Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the change of date for Big Dan's Kids Mile to March 26, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes . Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Lo Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Coughlin, second: Sarah MacDonald)
Mar 10Approve the Great Strikes Walk at the Endicott Estate…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the Great…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes
March 10, 2022: Approve the Great Strikes Walk at the Endicott Estate on May 22, 2022
A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the Great Strikes Walk at the Endicott Estate on May 22, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the Great Strikes Walk at the Endicott Estate on May 22, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Coughlin, second: Sarah MacDonald)
Mar 10Approve the signage for Fairbanks Garden Club Plant Sale…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the signage…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes
March 10, 2022: Approve the signage for Fairbanks Garden Club Plant Sale on March 7, 2022
A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the signage for Fairbanks Garden Club Plant Sale on March 7, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan , Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the signage for Fairbanks Garden Club Plant Sale on March 7, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan , Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Coughlin, second: Sarah MacDonald)
Mar 10Submit to the general court the special legislation to…Motion: motion made by Ms. MacDonald moved to submit to the general…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes
March 10, 2022: Submit to the general court the special legislation to address the specific situation created by the town's 2003 acceptance of Mass general law chapter 31, section 58a, where a qualified…
Motion made by Ms. MacDonald moved to submit to the general court the special legislation to address the specific situation created by the town's 2003 acceptance of Mass general law chapter 31, section 58a, where a qualified candidate would otherwise be prohibited from being eligible for original appointment as a police officer and in connection therewith to request that the Governor submit such bill in accordance with the provisions of section 8 of the home rule amendment where this matters of great import to the town and requires immediate action and to authorize the town manager to take such action to effectuate this vote. The motion was seconded by Dr. Teehan. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“motion made by Ms. MacDonald moved to submit to the general court the special legislation to address the specific situation created by the town's 2003 acceptance of Mass general law chapter 31, section 58a, where a qualified candidate would otherwise be prohibited from being eligible for original appointment as a police officer and in connection therewith to request that the Governor submit such bill in accordance with the provisions of section 8 of the home rule amendment where this matters of great import to the town and requires immediate action and to authorize the town manager to take such action to effectuate this vote. The motion was seconded by Dr. Teehan. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Sarah MacDonald, second: Teehan)
Mar 10Resolved to approve the alteration to the layout for…Motion: A motion was made by Ms. MacDonald resolved to approve the…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes
March 10, 2022: Resolved to approve the alteration to the layout for 116 Bonham Road as laid out in the Revised Right of Way plan dated March 4, 2022
A motion was made by Ms. MacDonald resolved to approve the alteration to the layout for 116 Bonham Road as laid out in the Revised Right of Way plan dated March 4, 2022. The motion was seconded by Dr. Teehan. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes , Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Ms. MacDonald resolved to approve the alteration to the layout for 116 Bonham Road as laid out in the Revised Right of Way plan dated March 4, 2022. The motion was seconded by Dr. Teehan. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes , Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Sarah MacDonald, second: Teehan)
Mar 10Approve an increase to income limits for the senior…Motion: A motion was made by Ms. MacDonald it was resolved to…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes
March 10, 2022: Approve an increase to income limits for the senior tax work off program to $45,000 for an individual and $55,000 for ) married couples
A motion was made by Ms. MacDonald it was resolved to approve an increase to income limits for the senior tax work off program to $45,000 for an individual and $55,000 for ) married couples. The motion was seconded by Mr. Coughlin. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes . Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Ms. MacDonald it was resolved to approve an increase to income limits for the senior tax work off program to $45,000 for an individual and $55,000 for ) married couples. The motion was seconded by Mr. Coughlin. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes . Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Sarah MacDonald, second: Coughlin)
Votes with no disagreement (143)
From the Dedham Select Board’s official minutes, posted on the town’s Agendas and Minutes page. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Stephen Acosta from Dedham Public Schools (School Committee page); Dimitria Sullivan and Erin Boles Welsh from Dedham Patch (2022 candidate profiles); Michelle Persson Reilly from her campaign website; James MacDonald from the Massachusetts School Building Authority staff page.
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