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Municipal votes · 2025–2026 Board

Dennis Select Board

How the Dennis Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Same five members. On May 20, 2025 the board chose Chris Lambton as Chair, Carlyn Carey as Vice Chair, Jim Plath as Licensing Chair, John Terrio as Licensing Vice Chair and Paul McCormick as Clerk (each 5-0). Covers 29 meetings, May 20 to April 28, 2026.

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

Paul McCormickClerk · Elected townwide · at 26 of 29 meetingsJim PlathLicensing Chair · Elected townwide · at 29 of 29 meetingsJohn TerrioLicensing Vice Chair · Elected townwide · at 26 of 29 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, April 28, 2026 · Regular meeting24 recorded votes, 18 with disagreementAll 5 members presentTuesday, April 7, 2026 · Regular meeting18 recorded votes, 13 with disagreementAll 5 members presentTuesday, April 7, 2026 · Special meeting21 recorded votes, 6 with disagreementAbsent: Carlyn CareyTuesday, March 31, 2026 · Regular meeting7 recorded votes, 2 with disagreementAbsent: John TerrioTuesday, March 24, 2026 · Regular meeting91 recorded votes, 13 with disagreementAll 5 members present

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 28Approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse…Motion: to approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

April 28, 2026: Approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn for the Transfer of a Seasonal All Alcohol License on Weekdays for the hours of 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM…

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

To approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn for the Transfer of a Seasonal All Alcohol License on Weekdays for the hours of 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM and Sundays for the hours of 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM

Paul McCormick stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.

From the minutes

“Chris Lambton moved to approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn for the Transfer of a Seasonal All Alcohol License on Weekdays for the hours of 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM and Sundays for the hours of 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Carlyn Carey seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 4-0-0.” (Motion: Lambton, second: Carey)

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

Apr 28Approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse…Motion: to approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

April 28, 2026: Approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn for the Transfer of a Seasonal All Alcohol License

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

To approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn for the Transfer of a Seasonal All Alcohol License. The manager on site will be Theodore Zambelis

Paul McCormick stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.

From the minutes

“Chris Lambton moved to approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn for the Transfer of a Seasonal All Alcohol License. The manager on site will be Theodore Zambelis. Carlyn Carey seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 4-0-0.” (Motion: Lambton, second: Carey)

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

Apr 28Approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse…Motion: to approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

April 28, 2026: Approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn for an Alteration to Premise

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

To approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn for an Alteration to Premise

Paul McCormick stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.

From the minutes

“Chris Lambton moved to approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn for an Alteration to Premise. Carlyn Carey seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 4-0-0.” (Motion: Lambton, second: Carey)

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

Apr 28Approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse…Motion: to approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

April 28, 2026: Approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn for a Weekday Entertainment License Monday through Saturday for the hours of 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM indoors; and Monday…

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

To approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn for a Weekday Entertainment License Monday through Saturday for the hours of 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM indoors; and Monday through Saturday for the hours of 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM outdoors; and Sunday Entertainment License for the hours of 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM indoors and 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM outdoors; including the special condition for all speakers to face away from eastward neighborhoods

Paul McCormick stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.

From the minutes

“Chris Lambton moved to approve the application of Brodie Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Lighthouse Inn for a Weekday Entertainment License Monday through Saturday for the hours of 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM indoors; and Monday through Saturday for the hours of 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM outdoors; and Sunday Entertainment License for the hours of 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM indoors and 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM outdoors; including the special condition for all speakers to face away from eastward neighborhoods. Carlyn Carey seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously.” (Motion: Lambton, second: Carey)

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

Apr 28Approve the installation of (1) Joint Owned Pole #60/8.5…Motion: to approve the installation of (1) Joint Owned Pole #60/8.5 in…Passed 4–0 · see note

April 28, 2026: Approve the installation of (1) Joint Owned Pole #60/8.5 in the public way of Inman Road to replace the existing decaying pole on the private property at 65 Inman Road

ApprovePassed · 4–0

To approve the installation of (1) Joint Owned Pole #60/8.5 in the public way of Inman Road to replace the existing decaying pole on the private property at 65 Inman Road

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

From the minutes

“Carlyn Carey moved to approve the installation of (1) Joint Owned Pole #60/8.5 in the public way of Inman Road to replace the existing decaying pole on the private property at 65 Inman Road. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 4-0-0.” (Motion: Carey, second: Terrio)

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

Apr 28Authorize the Town Administrator to execute contract for Pound…Motion: to authorize the Town Administrator to execute contract for Pound Pond…Passed 4–0 · see note

April 28, 2026: Authorize the Town Administrator to execute contract for Pound Pond project in the amount of $3,319,644.25

ApprovePassed · 4–0

To authorize the Town Administrator to execute contract for Pound Pond project in the amount of $3,319,644.25

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

From the minutes

“Carlyn Carey moved to authorize the Town Administrator to execute contract for Pound Pond project in the amount of $3,319,644.25. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 4-0-0.” (Motion: Carey, second: Terrio)

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

Apr 28Authorize that the Town Administrator to execute contract for…Motion: to authorize that the Town Administrator to execute contract for Dennis…Passed 4–0 · see note

April 28, 2026: Authorize that the Town Administrator to execute contract for Dennis Highlands Golf Course Cart Barn Renovation in the amount of $505,000.00

ApprovePassed · 4–0

To authorize that the Town Administrator to execute contract for Dennis Highlands Golf Course Cart Barn Renovation in the amount of $505,000.00

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

From the minutes

“Jim Plath moved to authorize that the Town Administrator to execute contract for Dennis Highlands Golf Course Cart Barn Renovation in the amount of $505,000.00. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 4-0-0.” (Motion: Plath, second: Terrio)

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

Apr 28Amend the existing Buy Recycled Policy and replace it…Motion: to amend the existing Buy Recycled Policy and replace it with…Passed 4–0 · see note

April 28, 2026: Amend the existing Buy Recycled Policy and replace it with the new Sustainable Purchase Policy

ApprovePassed · 4–0

To amend the existing Buy Recycled Policy and replace it with the new Sustainable Purchase Policy

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

From the minutes

“John Terrio moved to amend the existing Buy Recycled Policy and replace it with the new Sustainable Purchase Policy. Carlyn Carey seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 4-0-0.” (Motion: Terrio, second: Carey)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Apr 28Approve the extension of the Community Preservation Committee Grant…Motion: to approve the extension of the Community Preservation Committee Grant Agreement…Passed 4–0 · see note

April 28, 2026: Approve the extension of the Community Preservation Committee Grant Agreement to the Dennis Housing Authority with an end date of December 31, 2028

ApprovePassed · 4–0

To approve the extension of the Community Preservation Committee Grant Agreement to the Dennis Housing Authority with an end date of December 31, 2028

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

From the minutes

“Carlyn Carey moved to approve the extension of the Community Preservation Committee Grant Agreement to the Dennis Housing Authority with an end date of December 31, 2028. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 4-0-0.” (Motion: Carey, second: Terrio)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Apr 28Endorse the Town Engineer's application for CPC funding for…Motion: the Select Board endorse the Town Engineer's application for CPC funding…Passed 4–0 · see note

April 28, 2026: Endorse the Town Engineer's application for CPC funding for the development of Port Side Community Park located at 187 Upper County Road

ApprovePassed · 4–0

The Select Board endorse the Town Engineer's application for CPC funding for the development of Port Side Community Park located at 187 Upper County Road

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

From the minutes

“John Terrio moved that the Select Board endorse the Town Engineer's application for CPC funding for the development of Port Side Community Park located at 187 Upper County Road. Carlyn Carey seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 4-0-0.” (Motion: Terrio, second: Carey)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (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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