← Dedham Select Board

Dedham 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

Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

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Record at a glance · 2020–2021 Board

25 of 25meetings attended (100%) · whole board 99%
125votes cast by name (yes, no or abstain)
0no votes (0% of votes cast) · whole board <1%
0 of 1split votes where Sarah MacDonald was in the minority
0abstained
3terms in this record
How these numbers work
  • Counted from the official minutes, for 2020–2021 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 25 of 25 Select Board meetings in 2020–2021 Board.

Missed none.

Every meeting (25)

Votes where members disagreed · 2020–2021 Board

May 13Approve the petition for a new pole on Harris…Motion: A motion was made by Ms. Sullivan to approve the petition…Passed 4–1 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes

May 13, 2021: Approve the petition for a new pole on Harris Street

ApprovePassed · 4–1

A motion was made by Ms. Sullivan to approve the petition for a new pole on Harris Street. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Kevin Coughlin: Yes Jim McDonald: Yes Sarah MacDonald: Yes Dimitria Sullivan: Yes Dennis Teehan: No Motion passed by majority, 4-1.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Coughlin, James MacDonald, Sarah MacDonald, SullivanNo: Teehan

From the minutes

“A motion was made by Ms. Sullivan to approve the petition for a new pole on Harris Street. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Kevin Coughlin: Yes Jim McDonald: Yes Sarah MacDonald: Yes Dimitria Sullivan: Yes Dennis Teehan: No Motion passed by majority, 4-1..” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Sarah MacDonald)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Feb 4The sale of the $290,000 sewer bonds for the…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. McDonald that the sale of…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Not recorded

February 4, 2021: The sale of the $290,000 sewer bonds for the town dated March 1, 2021 to the MWRA herby be approved and the town treasurer or other appropriate town official is…

ApprovePassed · 4–0

A motion was made by Mr. McDonald that the sale of the $290,000 sewer bonds for the town dated March 1, 2021 to the MWRA herby be approved and the town treasurer or other appropriate town official is authorized to execute on behalf of the town a loan agreement in a financial assistance agreement with the authority with respect to the bond. The bond shall be payable without interest on February 15 in the years in which the principle amounts are due as follows: from 2022 to 2031. It is further voted that each Select Board members, the town clerk and the town treasurer be in hereby to take any and all actions and execute and deliver such certificates, receipts and documents as may be determined by them or any of them to be necessary to carry into effect or revisions of the foregoing vote. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Kevin Coughlin: Yes Jim McDonald: Yes Sarah MacDonald: Yes Dimitria Sullivan: Yes Dennis Teehan: Yes Motion passed, 4-0 with 1 abstained.

The minutes give the count as 4-0, but the roll call names 5 yes and 0 no. Showing the count only.

From the minutes

“A motion was made by Mr. McDonald that the sale of the $290,000 sewer bonds for the town dated March 1, 2021 to the MWRA herby be approved and the town treasurer or other appropriate town official is authorized to execute on behalf of the town a loan agreement in a financial assistance agreement with the authority with respect to the bond. The bond shall be payable without interest on February 15 in the years in which the principle amounts are due as follows: from 2022 to 2031. It is further voted that each Select Board members, the town clerk and the town treasurer be in hereby to take any and all actions and execute and deliver such certificates, receipts and documents as may be determined by them or any of them to be necessary to carry into effect or revisions of the foregoing vote. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Kevin Coughlin: Yes Jim McDonald: Yes Sarah MacDonald: Yes Dimitria Sullivan: Yes Dennis Teehan: Yes Motion passed, 4-0 with 1 abstained..” (Motion: James MacDonald, second: Sarah MacDonald)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Nov 5Accept the land gift at 205 Providence Highway (tax…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald to accept the land…Passed 5–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Not recorded

November 5, 2020: Accept the land gift at 205 Providence Highway (tax parcel 57-1), as outlined in the assessors' map

ApprovePassed · 5–0

A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald to accept the land gift at 205 Providence Highway (tax parcel 57-1), as outlined in the assessors' map. The motion was seconded by Ms. Sullivan. A roll call vote was taken Dennis Teehan Yes Dimitria Sullivan Yes James A. MacDonald Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

The roll call lists Kevin Coughlin, who the minutes do not show as present. Showing the count only.

From the minutes

“A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald to accept the land gift at 205 Providence Highway (tax parcel 57-1), as outlined in the assessors' map. The motion was seconded by Ms. Sullivan. A roll call vote was taken Dennis Teehan Yes Dimitria Sullivan Yes James A. MacDonald Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Motion passed unanimously, 5-0..” (Motion: James MacDonald, second: Sullivan)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Oct 29Approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald to approve the Memorandum…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes

October 29, 2020: Approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Dedham and the Town Hall Unit for the periods of July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 and July 1, 2020…

ApprovePassed · 4–0

A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald to approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Dedham and the Town Hall Unit for the periods of July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 and July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dennis Teehan Yes Dimitria Sullivan Abstained James A. MacDonald Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Motion passed, 4-0.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Coughlin, James MacDonald, Sarah MacDonald, TeehanAbstained: Sullivan

From the minutes

“A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald to approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Dedham and the Town Hall Unit for the periods of July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 and July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dennis Teehan Yes Dimitria Sullivan Abstained James A. MacDonald Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Motion passed, 4-0..” (Motion: James MacDonald, second: Sarah MacDonald)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Sep 24That, subject to issuing a temporary occupancy permit, the…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald that, subject to issuing…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes

September 24, 2020: That, subject to issuing a temporary occupancy permit, the polling location for Precinct 1 be changed from the former Town Hall at 26 Bryant Street to the site of the…

ApprovePassed · 4–0

A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald that, subject to issuing a temporary occupancy permit, the polling location for Precinct 1 be changed from the former Town Hall at 26 Bryant Street to the site of the new Town Hall at the Ames Building located at 450 Washington Street. The motion was seconded by Mr. Coughlin. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes James A. MacDonald Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Coughlin, James MacDonald, Sarah MacDonald, SullivanDennis Teehan joined the meeting at 6:25 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 6:25 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.

From the minutes

“A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald that, subject to issuing a temporary occupancy permit, the polling location for Precinct 1 be changed from the former Town Hall at 26 Bryant Street to the site of the new Town Hall at the Ames Building located at 450 Washington Street. The motion was seconded by Mr. Coughlin. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes James A. MacDonald Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: James MacDonald, second: Coughlin)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Sep 24The Board adopt the Order of Taking acquiring interest…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin that the Board adopt…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes

September 24, 2020: The Board adopt the Order of Taking acquiring interest in land to carry out the Elm Street and Rustcraft Road improvement project in the form presented and award damages to…

Adopt orderPassed · 4–0

A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin that the Board adopt the Order of Taking acquiring interest in land to carry out the Elm Street and Rustcraft Road improvement project in the form presented and award damages to affected owners as stated in the schedule provided. 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 Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Coughlin, James MacDonald, Sarah MacDonald, SullivanDennis Teehan joined the meeting at 6:25 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 6:25 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.

From the minutes

“A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin that the Board adopt the Order of Taking acquiring interest in land to carry out the Elm Street and Rustcraft Road improvement project in the form presented and award damages to affected owners as stated in the schedule provided. 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 Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Coughlin, second: James MacDonald)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Aug 18Refer the 6 Zoning Articles to the Planning Board…Motion: Mr. MacDonald moved to refer the 6 Zoning Articles to the…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Not recorded

August 18, 2020: Refer the 6 Zoning Articles to the Planning Board for further review as well as Public Hearings for the Articles

ApprovePassed · 4–0

Mr. MacDonald moved to refer the 6 Zoning Articles to the Planning Board for further review as well as Public Hearings for the Articles; Seconded by Mr. Coughlin. On the Vote Ms. MacDonald - Yes Dr. Teehan - Yes Mr. Coughlin - Yes Mr. MacDonald - Yes

The roll call does not give a vote for Dimitria Sullivan. Showing the count only.

From the minutes

“Mr. MacDonald moved to refer the 6 Zoning Articles to the Planning Board for further review as well as Public Hearings for the Articles; Seconded by Mr. Coughlin. On the Vote Ms. MacDonald - Yes Dr. Teehan - Yes Mr. Coughlin - Yes Mr. MacDonald - Yes.” (Motion: James MacDonald, second: Coughlin)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Jul 30Approve the request from IAGB (Indian Association of Greater…Motion: Mr. MacDonald moved approval of the request from IAGB (Indian Association…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes

July 30, 2020: Approve the request from IAGB (Indian Association of Greater Boston) to hoist the Indian Flag on August 14 or 15, 2020, commemorating India's 74th Independence Day, at Dedham Town Hall,…

ApprovePassed · 4–0

Mr. MacDonald moved approval of the request from IAGB (Indian Association of Greater Boston) to hoist the Indian Flag on August 14 or 15, 2020, commemorating India's 74th Independence Day, at Dedham Town Hall, that in accordance with proper protocol, the Indian Flag be flown in a separate flagpole to be provided by the proponent; Seconded by Ms. Sullivan. On the Vote Ms. MacDonald - Yes Dr. Teehan - Yes Ms. Sullivan - Yes Mr. Coughlin - absent Mr. MacDonald - Yes

Voted: Yes

Yes: James MacDonald, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanThe roll call lists Kevin Coughlin as absent or not present for this vote, so he is not counted.

From the minutes

“Mr. MacDonald moved approval of the request from IAGB (Indian Association of Greater Boston) to hoist the Indian Flag on August 14 or 15, 2020, commemorating India's 74th Independence Day, at Dedham Town Hall, that in accordance with proper protocol, the Indian Flag be flown in a separate flagpole to be provided by the proponent; Seconded by Ms. Sullivan. On the Vote Ms. MacDonald - Yes Dr. Teehan - Yes Ms. Sullivan - Yes Mr. Coughlin - absent Mr. MacDonald - Yes.” (Motion: James MacDonald, second: Sullivan)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Jul 30Approve the request by Ms. Basu that the Town…Motion: Mr. MacDonald moved approval of the request by Ms. Basu that…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes

July 30, 2020: Approve the request by Ms. Basu that the Town prepare a proclamation to be read at the event

ApprovePassed · 4–0

Mr. MacDonald moved approval of the request by Ms. Basu that the Town prepare a proclamation to be read at the event; Seconded by Ms. Sullivan. On the Vote Ms. MacDonald - Yes Dr. Teehan - Yes Ms. Sullivan - Yes Mr. Coughlin - absent Mr. MacDonald - Yes

Voted: Yes

Yes: James MacDonald, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanThe roll call lists Kevin Coughlin as absent or not present for this vote, so he is not counted.

From the minutes

“Mr. MacDonald moved approval of the request by Ms. Basu that the Town prepare a proclamation to be read at the event; Seconded by Ms. Sullivan. On the Vote Ms. MacDonald - Yes Dr. Teehan - Yes Ms. Sullivan - Yes Mr. Coughlin - absent Mr. MacDonald - Yes.” (Motion: James MacDonald, second: Sullivan)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Jul 30Approve the Transfer of the Alcohol Restaurant License issued…Motion: Ms. Sullivan moved approval of the Transfer of the Alcohol Restaurant…Passed 4–0 · Sarah MacDonald: Yes

July 30, 2020: Approve the Transfer of the Alcohol Restaurant License issued to GC Friday's, Inc. d/b/a TGI Friday's, 750 Providence Highway, Dedham to TGI Friday's, Inc. d/b/a TGI Friday's, 750 Providence...

ApprovePassed · 4–0

Ms. Sullivan moved approval of the Transfer of the Alcohol Restaurant License issued to GC Friday's, Inc. d/b/a TGI Friday's, 750 Providence Highway, Dedham to TGI Friday's, Inc. d/b/a TGI Friday's, 750 Providence Highway, Dedham; Seconded by Ms. MacDonald. On the Vote Ms. MacDonald - Yes Dr. Teehan - Yes Ms. Sullivan - Yes Mr. Coughlin - absent Mr. MacDonald - Yes

Voted: Yes

Yes: James MacDonald, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanThe roll call lists Kevin Coughlin as absent or not present for this vote, so he is not counted.

From the minutes

“Ms. Sullivan moved approval of the Transfer of the Alcohol Restaurant License issued to GC Friday's, Inc. d/b/a TGI Friday's, 750 Providence Highway, Dedham to TGI Friday's, Inc. d/b/a TGI Friday's, 750 Providence Highway, Dedham; Seconded by Ms. MacDonald. On the Vote Ms. MacDonald - Yes Dr. Teehan - Yes Ms. Sullivan - Yes Mr. Coughlin - absent Mr. MacDonald - Yes.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Sarah MacDonald)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Votes with no disagreement (115)

    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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