MassVoter.com← Dennis Select BoardDennis Select Board · 2026–2027 Board · Regular meeting
May 19, 2026
26 recorded votes, 5 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Note on these minutes: First meeting after the May 2026 town election; the board chose its officers.
Present: Chris Lambton, Jim Plath, Paul McCormick, John Terrio, Carlyn Carey
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Paul McCormick stepped aside (recused) for at least one item.
Every vote, in order
Nominate Carlyn Carey as Chair
To nominate Carlyn Carey as Chair
From the minutes
“Chris Lambton moved to nominate Carlyn Carey as Chair. Paul McCormick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: Lambton, second: McCormick)
Nominate Chris Lambton as Vice Chair
To nominate Chris Lambton as Vice Chair
From the minutes
“Paul McCormick moved to nominate Chris Lambton as Vice Chair. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: McCormick, second: Terrio)
Nominate Jim Plath as Licensing Chair
To nominate Jim Plath as Licensing Chair
From the minutes
“Chris Lambton moved to nominate Jim Plath as Licensing Chair. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: Lambton, second: Terrio)
Nominate John Terrio as Vice Licensing Chair
To nominate John Terrio as Vice Licensing Chair
From the minutes
“Paul McCormick moved to nominate John Terrio as Vice Licensing Chair. Chris Lambton seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: McCormick, second: Lambton)
Nominate Paul McCormick as Clerk
To nominate Paul McCormick as Clerk
From the minutes
“Chris Lambton moved to nominate Paul McCormick as Clerk. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: Lambton, second: Terrio)
Approve the application of Wychmere Franks, LLC d/b/a Doghouse located at 1 &5 Glendon Road, Dennis Port for a new Seasonal All Alcohol Liquor License
To approve the application of Wychmere Franks, LLC d/b/a Doghouse located at 1 &5 Glendon Road, Dennis Port for a new Seasonal All Alcohol Liquor License. The manager on site will be Steven McCabe
Yes: Carey, Lambton, Plath, TerrioAbstained: McCormick
From the minutes
“Chris Lambton moved to approve the application of Wychmere Franks, LLC d/b/a Doghouse located at 1 &5 Glendon Road, Dennis Port for a new Seasonal All Alcohol Liquor License. The manager on site will be Steven McCabe. Carlyn Carey seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0-1 (Paul McCormick abstained).” (Motion: Lambton, second: Carey)
Allow Public Works provide a grinding pump system (pump, pump chamber, control panel, unilateral valve) at no cost to each qualified Phase 1 residence connected to the low-pressure sewer system,...
To allow Public Works provide a grinding pump system (pump, pump chamber, control panel, unilateral valve) at no cost to each qualified Phase 1 residence connected to the low-pressure sewer system, with homeowners remaining responsible for installation, maintenance, and future replacement
From the minutes
“Chris Lambton moved to allow Public Works provide a grinding pump system (pump, pump chamber, control panel, unilateral valve) at no cost to each qualified Phase 1 residence connected to the low-pressure sewer system, with homeowners remaining responsible for installation, maintenance, and future replacement. Paul McCormick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously.” (Motion: Lambton, second: McCormick)
Allow Public Works to issue an RFP to procure the professional operations and maintenance firm for the new wastewater infrastructure
To allow Public Works to issue an RFP to procure the professional operations and maintenance firm for the new wastewater infrastructure
From the minutes
“Chris Lambton moved to allow Public Works to issue an RFP to procure the professional operations and maintenance firm for the new wastewater infrastructure. Paul McCormick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: Lambton, second: McCormick)
Close the meeting as Sewer Commissioners
To close the meeting as Sewer Commissioners
From the minutes
“John Terrio moved to close the meeting as Sewer Commissioners. Chris Lambton seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: Terrio, second: Lambton)
Approve the issuance and sale of $1,797,705 in General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes to Fidelity Capital Markets
To approve the issuance and sale of $1,797,705 in General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes to Fidelity Capital Markets. The borrowing includes $1,500,000 for Phase 1 wastewater system improvements and $297,705 for the purchase of a new wastewater collection department loader; he further moved to approve all associated bond documents, disclosure certificates, tax compliance procedures, and related authorizations
From the minutes
“Paul McCormick moved to approve the issuance and sale of $1,797,705 in General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes to Fidelity Capital Markets. The borrowing includes $1,500,000 for Phase 1 wastewater system improvements and $297,705 for the purchase of a new wastewater collection department loader; he further moved to approve all associated bond documents, disclosure certificates, tax compliance procedures, and related authorizations. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: McCormick, second: Terrio)
Endorse the auditor's recommendation to eliminate cash transactions and transition to electronic payments at the Transfer Station in the near future
To endorse the auditor's recommendation to eliminate cash transactions and transition to electronic payments at the Transfer Station in the near future
From the minutes
“Chris Lambton moved to endorse the auditor's recommendation to eliminate cash transactions and transition to electronic payments at the Transfer Station in the near future. Paul McCormick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: Lambton, second: McCormick)
Schedule the Fall Special Town Meeting for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Dennis-Yarmouth Intermediate Middle School
To schedule the Fall Special Town Meeting for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Dennis-Yarmouth Intermediate Middle School
From the minutes
“Jim Plath moved to schedule the Fall Special Town Meeting for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Dennis-Yarmouth Intermediate Middle School. Chris Lambton seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: Plath, second: Lambton)
Appoint Sara McDonald as Acting Town Clerk, with an effective date of July 1, 2026 and to expire after the May 11, 2027 Annual Town Election; and directed that a compensation level pertaining to...
To appoint Sara McDonald as Acting Town Clerk, with an effective date of July 1, 2026 and to expire after the May 11, 2027 Annual Town Election; and directed that a compensation level pertaining to the role come back from the Town Administrator for Select Board approval
From the minutes
“Paul McCormick moved to appoint Sara McDonald as Acting Town Clerk, with an effective date of July 1, 2026 and to expire after the May 11, 2027 Annual Town Election; and directed that a compensation level pertaining to the role come back from the Town Administrator for Select Board approval. Chris Lambton seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: McCormick, second: Lambton)
Appoint Sara McDonald as a Records Access Officer with an effective date of July 1, 2026 and for the duration of her employment
To appoint Sara McDonald as a Records Access Officer with an effective date of July 1, 2026 and for the duration of her employment
From the minutes
“Paul McCormick moved to appoint Sara McDonald as a Records Access Officer with an effective date of July 1, 2026 and for the duration of her employment. Chris Lambton seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: McCormick, second: Lambton)
Appoint Sara McDonald as a Board of Registrar, with an effective date of July 1, 2026 and to expire March 31, 2027
To appoint Sara McDonald as a Board of Registrar, with an effective date of July 1, 2026 and to expire March 31, 2027
From the minutes
“Paul McCormick moved to appoint Sara McDonald as a Board of Registrar, with an effective date of July 1, 2026 and to expire March 31, 2027. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: McCormick, second: Terrio)
Appoint Sara McDonald as Liaison for the Conflict of Interest to the State Ethics Division for the duration of her employment
To appoint Sara McDonald as Liaison for the Conflict of Interest to the State Ethics Division for the duration of her employment
From the minutes
“Paul McCormick moved to appoint Sara McDonald as Liaison for the Conflict of Interest to the State Ethics Division for the duration of her employment. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: McCormick, second: Terrio)
Extend the Licensing Agreement with A. A. Will Corporation to the date of June 19, 2026
To extend the Licensing Agreement with A. A. Will Corporation to the date of June 19, 2026
From the minutes
“Paul McCormick moved to extend the Licensing Agreement with A. A. Will Corporation to the date of June 19, 2026. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: McCormick, second: Terrio)
Extend the licensing agreement with Robert B. Our Co. Inc. to the date of June 26, 2026
To extend the licensing agreement with Robert B. Our Co. Inc. to the date of June 26, 2026
From the minutes
“Paul McCormick moved to extend the licensing agreement with Robert B. Our Co. Inc. to the date of June 26, 2026. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: McCormick, second: Terrio)
Approve the Race Cancer Foundation's Special Event application for the Tour de Barnstable bicycle event passing through Dennis on May 31, 2026; subject to receipt of Certificate of Insurance
To approve the Race Cancer Foundation's Special Event application for the Tour de Barnstable bicycle event passing through Dennis on May 31, 2026; subject to receipt of Certificate of Insurance
From the minutes
“Chris Lambton moved to approve the Race Cancer Foundation's Special Event application for the Tour de Barnstable bicycle event passing through Dennis on May 31, 2026; subject to receipt of Certificate of Insurance. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: Lambton, second: Terrio)
Approve the request from Sports Pub of Dennis, LLC d/b/a The Den, to amend its liquor license hours Monday through Saturday from 8:00am to 12:00am; and Sunday from 10:00am to 12:00am
To approve the request from Sports Pub of Dennis, LLC d/b/a The Den, to amend its liquor license hours Monday through Saturday from 8:00am to 12:00am; and Sunday from 10:00am to 12:00am
Yes: Carey, Lambton, Plath, TerrioAbstained: McCormick
From the minutes
“Jim Plath moved to approve the request from Sports Pub of Dennis, LLC d/b/a The Den, to amend its liquor license hours Monday through Saturday from 8:00am to 12:00am; and Sunday from 10:00am to 12:00am. John Terrio seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0-1 (Paul McCormick abstained).” (Motion: Plath, second: Terrio)
Direct the Planning Board and Zoning Bylaw Study Committee to determine bylaws that will be needed in order to meet the requirements of the Seasonal Communities Act, and to report back to Select...
To direct the Planning Board and Zoning Bylaw Study Committee to determine bylaws that will be needed in order to meet the requirements of the Seasonal Communities Act, and to report back to Select Board by November 17, 2026
From the minutes
“Chris Lambton moved to direct the Planning Board and Zoning Bylaw Study Committee to determine bylaws that will be needed in order to meet the requirements of the Seasonal Communities Act, and to report back to Select Board by November 17, 2026. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: Lambton, second: Terrio)
Adopt the resolution as presented by the Mid-Cape Immigrant Rights Coalition
To adopt the resolution as presented by the Mid-Cape Immigrant Rights Coalition
Yes: Carey, Lambton, McCormickNo: Plath, Terrio
From the minutes
“Chris Lambton moved to adopt the resolution as presented by the Mid-Cape Immigrant Rights Coalition. Paul McCormick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 3-2-0 (John Terrio and Jim Plath opposed).” (Motion: Lambton, second: McCormick)
Accept the committee liaison assignments as they remain, with no changes
To accept the committee liaison assignments as they remain, with no changes
From the minutes
“Chris Lambton moved to accept the committee liaison assignments as they remain, with no changes. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously.” (Motion: Lambton, second: Terrio)
Approve the April 7, 2026; 3:30pm Select Board meeting minutes as presented
To approve the April 7, 2026; 3:30pm Select Board meeting minutes as presented
Yes: Lambton, McCormick, Plath, TerrioAbstained: Carey
From the minutes
“Paul McCormick moved to approve the April 7, 2026; 3:30pm Select Board meeting minutes as presented. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 4-0-1 (Carlyn Carey abstained).” (Motion: McCormick, second: Terrio)
Approve the April 28, 2026 Select Board meeting minutes as presented
To approve the April 28, 2026 Select Board meeting minutes as presented
From the minutes
“Paul McCormick moved to approve the April 28, 2026 Select Board meeting minutes as presented. John Terrio seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: McCormick, second: Terrio)
Adjourn to executive session at 7:21pm and to not return
To adjourn to executive session at 7:21pm and to not return
The minutes give the count as 5-0-0, but the roll call reads: John Terrio yes, Chris Lambton yes, Carlyn Carey yes, Jim Plath yes. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Paul McCormick moved to adjourn to executive session at 7:21pm and to not return. John Terrio seconded the motion. Terrio aye, Lambton aye, Carey aye, Plath aye. Vote: 5-0-0.” (Motion: McCormick, second: Terrio)
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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