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Municipal votes · 2023–2024 Board

Dennis Select Board

How the Dennis Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Carlyn Carey joined the board after the May 2023 town election; Chris Flanagan, by then a state representative, left. On May 16, 2023 "the Board voted unanimously" to make Paul McCormick Vice Chair and John Terrio Clerk; Chris Lambton stayed on as Chair and Jim Plath as Licensing Chair. Covers 27 meetings, May 16 to May 21, 2024.

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 budget
Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

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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.

What Town Meeting decided

In Dennis, Town Meeting — not the Select Board — votes the town budget, bylaws and zoning. Here is what it did with each article, in the Town Clerk’s own words. Any registered voter can take part, and most votes are by voice or show of hands, so there is no list of who voted which way.

Annual Town Meeting · May 5, 2026 47 votes: 44 passed, 2 failed, 1 indefinitely postponed

Source: Town Clerk's Annual Town Meeting results (quantum of vote), May 5, 2026.

Special Town Meeting · October 21, 2025 21 votes: 17 passed, 3 indefinitely postponed, 1 other

Source: Town Clerk's Special Town Meeting results (quantum of vote), October 21, 2025.

Annual Town Meeting · May 6, 2025 37 votes: 33 passed, 2 failed, 1 indefinitely postponed, 1 no action

Source: Town Clerk's minutes of the May 6, 2025 Annual Town Meeting.

Special Town Meeting · October 1, 2024 19 votes: 18 passed, 1 failed

Source: Town Clerk's minutes of the October 1, 2024 Special Town Meeting.

Annual Town Meeting · May 7, 2024 28 votes: 25 passed, 1 failed, 2 no action

Source: Town Clerk's minutes of the May 7, 2024 Annual Town Meeting.

Special Town Meeting · February 29, 2024 5 votes: 5 passed

Source: Town Clerk's minutes of the February 29, 2024 Special Town Meeting.

Not here yet: the October 6, 2026 Special Town Meeting (results not posted yet).

Titles are short descriptions of each article from the official record; the quoted words are the Town Clerk’s. A vote at Town Meeting is not the final word on everything: some articles also need a ballot vote (such as a tax override) or the Attorney General’s approval (bylaws).

Members

Carlyn CareyMember · Elected townwide · at 24 of 27 meetingsJim PlathLicensing Chair · Elected townwide · at 26 of 27 meetingsJohn TerrioClerk · Elected townwide · at 21 of 27 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: Select Board minutes from January 9, 2018 through September 8, 2026. Minutes from February 28, 2023 on come from the town’s online Agenda Center; earlier minutes come from the Select Board folder of the town’s Laserfiche records archive, which holds minutes back to the 1960s (MassVoter has loaded 2018 on). Not here: executive-session minutes; minutes the town has not posted online, including February 7 to November 5, 2018, June 26 to September 23, 2019, October 22, 2019, June 13 to August 10, 2020, 18 meetings from 2023 to 2025 that have an agenda but no minutes online (mostly workshops and joint sessions), and meetings after September 8, 2026 (the August 11, 2026 minutes are not posted yet either). The 2018 to 2022 minutes are scanned copies, which MassVoter read with text-recognition software; a few unclear numbers were checked against the page images. Dennis’s minutes usually give a count such as “The Board voted 4-1-0 (McMahon)” or “VOTE: 4-0-1 (Paul McCormick abstained)”, and many votes, especially in 2020 and 2021, are roll calls listing each member’s vote. When the count matches the members present, we show every member present as voting yes, and when the minutes name the members who voted no or abstained, everyone else present as voting yes. Members the minutes say stepped aside (recused), left or had not yet arrived are left out of those votes. Where the minutes give only a split count without names, the count does not match the members present, a roll call lists a member the minutes do not show as present, or the names and the count do not match, we show the count only and add a note. A few votes have no count written down; we show those as passed with no count. Votes taken by other boards at joint meetings (such as the Finance Committee) are not included. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 · Regular meeting13 recorded votes, 1 with disagreementAbsent: Paul McCormickTuesday, May 7, 2024 · Regular meeting6 recorded votes, 1 with disagreementAbsent: John TerrioTuesday, April 23, 2024 · Regular meeting10 recorded votes, 2 with disagreementAll 5 members presentTuesday, April 9, 2024 · Regular meeting25 recorded votes, 18 with disagreementAbsent: John TerrioTuesday, March 26, 2024 · Regular meeting27 recorded votes, 2 with disagreementAbsent: Chris Lambton

Votes where members disagreed

Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.

Apr 23Place and support Article 21 to raise and appropriate…Motion: to place and support Article 21 to raise and appropriate or…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note

April 23, 2024: Place and support Article 21 to raise and appropriate or transfer from free cash $144,000 for security improvements and upgrades or any other action relative thereto

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present

To place and support Article 21 to raise and appropriate or transfer from free cash $144,000 for security improvements and upgrades or any other action relative thereto

The minutes name Paul McCormick as both the mover and the seconder, so no seconder is shown.

From the minutes

“Paul McCormick moved to place and support Article 21 to raise and appropriate or transfer from free cash $144,000 for security improvements and upgrades or any other action relative thereto. Paul McCormick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously.” (Motion: McCormick)

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

Apr 23Approve the amendments to The Sea View Entertainment License…Motion: to approve the amendments to The Sea View Entertainment License to…Passed 4–0 · see note

April 23, 2024: Approve the amendments to The Sea View Entertainment License to include outdoor entertainment Monday through Sunday between 10am and 10pm, limited to 4 instruments with live music

ApprovePassed · 4–0

To approve the amendments to The Sea View Entertainment License to include outdoor entertainment Monday through Sunday between 10am and 10pm, limited to 4 instruments with live music

The minutes give only the count (4-0-1), not how each member voted.

From the minutes

“Jim Plath moved to approve the amendments to The Sea View Entertainment License to include outdoor entertainment Monday through Sunday between 10am and 10pm, limited to 4 instruments with live music. John Terrio seconded. The Board voted unanimously in favor. VOTE: 4-0-1.” (Motion: Plath, second: Terrio)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Apr 9Continue the 5pm Licensing Hearing until June 4, 2024Motion: to continue the 5pm Licensing Hearing until June 4, 2024Passed 5–0 · see note

April 9, 2024: Continue the 5pm Licensing Hearing until June 4, 2024

ApprovePassed · 5–0

To continue the 5pm Licensing Hearing until June 4, 2024

The minutes give the count as 5-0-0, but 4 members were present for this vote (Chris Lambton, Paul McCormick, Jim Plath and Carlyn Carey). Showing the count only.

From the minutes

“Carlyn Carey moved to continue the 5pm Licensing Hearing until June 4, 2024. Jim Plath seconded. The Board voted unanimously in favor. VOTE: 5-0-0.” (Motion: Carey, second: Plath)

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

Apr 9Continue the 5:05pm Licensing Hearing until June 4, 2024Motion: to continue the 5:05pm Licensing Hearing until June 4, 2024Passed 5–0 · see note

April 9, 2024: Continue the 5:05pm Licensing Hearing until June 4, 2024

ApprovePassed · 5–0

To continue the 5:05pm Licensing Hearing until June 4, 2024

The minutes give the count as 5-0-0, but 4 members were present for this vote (Chris Lambton, Paul McCormick, Jim Plath and Carlyn Carey). Showing the count only.

From the minutes

“Carlyn Carey moved to continue the 5:05pm Licensing Hearing until June 4, 2024. Jim Plath seconded. The Board voted unanimously in favor. VOTE: 5-0-0.” (Motion: Carey, second: Plath)

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

Apr 9Appoint Adam Dunn as a full-time member of the…Motion: to appoint Adam Dunn as a full-time member of the Planning…Passed 5–0 · see note

April 9, 2024: Appoint Adam Dunn as a full-time member of the Planning Board with a term to expire on 3-31-2027

AppointPassed · 5–0

To appoint Adam Dunn as a full-time member of the Planning Board with a term to expire on 3-31-2027

The minutes give the count as 5-0-0, but 4 members were present for this vote (Chris Lambton, Paul McCormick, Jim Plath and Carlyn Carey). Showing the count only. The minutes name John Terrio as the seconder, but John Terrio is not on the attendance line, so no seconder is shown.

From the minutes

“Paul McCormick moved to appoint Adam Dunn as a full-time member of the Planning Board with a term to expire on 3-31-2027. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. VOTE: 5-0-0.” (Motion: McCormick)

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

Apr 9Appoint Carol Terrio as a full-time member to the…Motion: to appoint Carol Terrio as a full-time member to the Board…Passed 4–0 · see note

April 9, 2024: Appoint Carol Terrio as a full-time member to the Board of Health with a term to expire 3-31-27

AppointPassed · 4–0

To appoint Carol Terrio as a full-time member to the Board of Health with a term to expire 3-31-27

The minutes give only the count (4-0-1), not how each member voted. 4 members were present.

From the minutes

“Paul McCormick moved to appoint Carol Terrio as a full-time member to the Board of Health with a term to expire 3-31-27. Carlyn Carey seconded the motion. John Terrio was recused from the vote. The Board voted 4-0-1.” (Motion: McCormick, second: Carey)

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

Apr 9Renew the Seasonal All Alcohol Restaurant Licenses for Chapin's…Motion: to renew the Seasonal All Alcohol Restaurant Licenses for Chapin's Bayside,…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

April 9, 2024: Renew the Seasonal All Alcohol Restaurant Licenses for Chapin's Bayside, Chapin's Fish and Chips, Ebb Tide Restaurant, Joey's Pizzeria, Kream N' Kone, Sailing Cow Deli & Café, The Sea View,…

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

To renew the Seasonal All Alcohol Restaurant Licenses for Chapin's Bayside, Chapin's Fish and Chips, Ebb Tide Restaurant, Joey's Pizzeria, Kream N' Kone, Sailing Cow Deli & Café, The Sea View, South Side Cantina, The Restaurant and Pub Next Door, Summer Shanty Inc., Swan River Restaurant, Wee Packet, West Dennis Sand Bar and Wooden Shoe Restaurant until November 30, 2024

The minutes name John Terrio as the seconder, but John Terrio is not on the attendance line, so no seconder is shown.

From the minutes

“Carlyn Carey moved to renew the Seasonal All Alcohol Restaurant Licenses for Chapin's Bayside, Chapin's Fish and Chips, Ebb Tide Restaurant, Joey's Pizzeria, Kream N' Kone, Sailing Cow Deli & Café, The Sea View, South Side Cantina, The Restaurant and Pub Next Door, Summer Shanty Inc., Swan River Restaurant, Wee Packet, West Dennis Sand Bar and Wooden Shoe Restaurant until November 30, 2024. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. VOTE: 4-0-0.” (Motion: Carey)

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

Apr 9Renew the Seasonal All Alcohol Package Store Licenses for…Motion: to renew the Seasonal All Alcohol Package Store Licenses for Dennis…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

April 9, 2024: Renew the Seasonal All Alcohol Package Store Licenses for Dennis Food & Package Store, Dennis Public Market, Northside Liquors and Paradise Liquors until November 30, 2024

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

To renew the Seasonal All Alcohol Package Store Licenses for Dennis Food & Package Store, Dennis Public Market, Northside Liquors and Paradise Liquors until November 30, 2024

The minutes name John Terrio as the seconder, but John Terrio is not on the attendance line, so no seconder is shown.

From the minutes

“Carlyn Carey moved to renew the Seasonal All Alcohol Package Store Licenses for Dennis Food & Package Store, Dennis Public Market, Northside Liquors and Paradise Liquors until November 30, 2024. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. VOTE: 4-0-0.” (Motion: Carey)

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

Apr 9Authorize the Town Administrator to execute Sea Street and…Motion: to authorize the Town Administrator to execute Sea Street and Sea…Passed 5–0 · see note

April 9, 2024: Authorize the Town Administrator to execute Sea Street and Sea Street Beach Parking lot construction contract in the amount of $923,634.24

ApprovePassed · 5–0

To authorize the Town Administrator to execute Sea Street and Sea Street Beach Parking lot construction contract in the amount of $923,634.24

The minutes give the count as 5-0-0, but 4 members were present for this vote (Chris Lambton, Paul McCormick, Jim Plath and Carlyn Carey). Showing the count only.

From the minutes

“Paul McCormick moved to authorize the Town Administrator to execute Sea Street and Sea Street Beach Parking lot construction contract in the amount of $923,634.24. Jim Plath seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. VOTE: 5-0-0.” (Motion: McCormick, second: Plath)

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

Apr 9Approve the request to apply for a CPC grant…Motion: to approve the request to apply for a CPC grant to…Passed 5–0 · see note

April 9, 2024: Approve the request to apply for a CPC grant to fund restoration of facilities at Johnny Kelley Park

ApprovePassed · 5–0

To approve the request to apply for a CPC grant to fund restoration of facilities at Johnny Kelley Park

The minutes give the count as 5-0-0, but 4 members were present for this vote (Chris Lambton, Paul McCormick, Jim Plath and Carlyn Carey). Showing the count only.

From the minutes

“Jim Plath moved to approve the request to apply for a CPC grant to fund restoration of facilities at Johnny Kelley Park. Paul McCormick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. VOTE: 5-0-0.” (Motion: Plath, second: McCormick)

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

From the Dennis Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center (2023 on) and its Laserfiche records archive (earlier years). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Town of Dennis (Select Board page)

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