How the Dracut Board of Selectmen voted, from the Board of Selectmen’s official minutes. 5 members elected townwide for three-year terms. Joseph DiRocco was re-elected at the May 8, 2021 town election; the same five members served. On May 11, 2021 the board unanimously chose Alison Genest as Chairman, Joseph DiRocco as Vice-Chairman and Heather Santiago-Hutchings as Clerk. The December 21, 2021 meeting was also held remotely. Jesse Forcier’s last meeting was April 26, 2022. Covers 25 meetings, May 11 to April 26, 2022.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Board of Selectmen 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 Board of Selectmen, votes the town budget and town bylaws.
From the agendas Dracut posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.
What Town Meeting decided
In Dracut, Town Meeting — not the Board of Selectmen — 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.
Fall Annual Town Meeting · November 10, 2025 18 votes: 11 passed, 3 failed, 3 indefinitely postponed, 1 referred
Not here yet: The June 1, 2026 Annual Town Meeting is not here because no official vote record for it is posted yet; the Fall Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for November 9, 2026.
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).
"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: Dracut Board of Selectmen minutes from January 12, 2021 through August 25, 2026: 144 meetings and 1,539 votes. The town’s Agenda Center has the board’s minutes only from January 2021 on; no earlier minutes are online. The minutes from January 2021 to March 2023 are scanned images, which MassVoter read with text recognition and checked where names or counts were unclear; minutes from April 2023 on are typed documents with searchable text. Not here: executive-session minutes; cancelled meetings; the minutes of other committees filed in the same Agenda Center category (Town Charter Review Committee, Education, Public Safety, DATV Contract and other sub-committees, Town Manager Screening Committee); votes of the School Committee, Planning Board, Zoning By-Law Review Committee, Finance Committee and other boards at joint meetings (three joint meetings are recorded only in another body’s minutes); meetings with an agenda but no posted minutes (November 16, 2021 joint meeting with the Open Space Committee, Community Preservation Committee and Friends of Beaver Brook Farm; May 3, 2022 joint site visit with the Permanent Building Committee; February 29, 2024 Zoom MBTA information session; March 16, 2024 town border perambulation; May 28, 2024 joint meeting with the Conservation Commission (the file posted is the minutes of the executive session that followed it); April 29, 2026 joint meeting with the School Committee); and meetings after August 25, 2026 (the August 11, September 8 and September 22, 2026 minutes are not posted yet). Dracut’s minutes usually read “Motion made by … Motion seconded by … Motion passed unanimously,” which is shown as every member present voting yes. When members disagree the minutes give the count and name them (“Motion passed 3 to 2. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings and Mr. Taylor voted no.”), which is shown by name; remote meetings in 2021 and some votes since then are roll calls by name. Members who abstained, “did not vote” or “voted present” are shown as abstaining, with a note. Members who recused themselves or stepped out are not shown in those votes. Where the minutes give only the result, we show the result only (1 vote). A motion with no recorded outcome, or one that died for lack of a second, is not counted as a vote. The board voted on June 11, 2024 to appoint a committee to review the Town Charter and later appointed its members; that committee’s own meetings are not part of this page. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Waive the Site Plan Review. Motion seconded by Mr. DiRocco. Under Discussion: Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings stated that one of her goals for FY22 was to have a spreadsheet of Special Permits with their expiration dates, which she asked for six months ago. Mr. Archinski confirmed that the Board was only waiving the Site Plan Review portion of the Special Permit process. Motion passed 4 to 1. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings voted no.
“Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Waive the Site Plan Review. Motion seconded by Mr. DiRocco. Under Discussion: Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings stated that one of her goals for FY22 was to have a spreadsheet of Special Permits with their expiration dates, which she asked for six months ago. Mr. Archinski confirmed that the Board was only waiving the Site Plan Review portion of the Special Permit process. Motion passed 4 to 1. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings voted no..” (Motion: Forcier, second: DiRocco)
Apr 26Approve All Five One-Day Outdoor Beer & Wine License…Motion: Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Approve All Five One-Day Outdoor…Passed 4–1 · No: DiRocco
April 26, 2022: Approve All Five One-Day Outdoor Beer & Wine License Requests
ApprovePassed · 4–1
Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Approve All Five One-Day Outdoor Beer & Wine License Requests. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Motion passed 4 to 1. Mr. DiRocco voted no.
“Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Approve All Five One-Day Outdoor Beer & Wine License Requests. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Motion passed 4 to 1. Mr. DiRocco voted no..” (Motion: Archinski, second: Santiago-Hutchings)
Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Approve the Minutes of April 12, 2022. Motion seconded by Mr. Archinski. Motion passed 4 to 0. Mr. DiRocco abstained from voting.
“Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Approve the Minutes of April 12, 2022. Motion seconded by Mr. Archinski. Motion passed 4 to 0. Mr. DiRocco abstained from voting..” (Motion: Forcier, second: Archinski)
Mar 8Waive the Rules of Community InputMotion: Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Waive the Rules of Community…Passed 3–2 · No: Archinski, Santiago-Hutchings
Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Waive the Rules of Community Input. Motion seconded by Mr. DiRocco. Motion passed 3 to 2 with a Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings - No, Mr. Archinski - No, Mr. DiRocco - Yes, Mr. Forcier - Yes and Mrs. Genest - Yes.
“Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Waive the Rules of Community Input. Motion seconded by Mr. DiRocco. Motion passed 3 to 2 with a Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings - No, Mr. Archinski - No, Mr. DiRocco - Yes, Mr. Forcier - Yes and Mrs. Genest - Yes..” (Motion: Forcier, second: DiRocco)
Feb 22Expand the Economic Development Committee to a 9 Member…Motion: Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Expand the Economic Development Committee…Passed 4–1 · No: Santiago-Hutchings
February 22, 2022: Expand the Economic Development Committee to a 9 Member Committee with 5 Community Members being At-Large Members
ApprovePassed · 4–1
Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Expand the Economic Development Committee to a 9 Member Committee with 5 Community Members being At-Large Members. Motion seconded by Mr. Forcier. Motion passed 4 to 1. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings voted no.
“Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Expand the Economic Development Committee to a 9 Member Committee with 5 Community Members being At-Large Members. Motion seconded by Mr. Forcier. Motion passed 4 to 1. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings voted no..” (Motion: Archinski, second: Forcier)
Feb 22Approve the Minutes of November 9, 2021Motion: Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Approve the Minutes of November…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: DiRocco, Forcier
Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Approve the Minutes of November 9, 2021. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Motion passed 3 to 0. Mr. Forcier and Mr. DiRocco abstained from voting.
“Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Approve the Minutes of November 9, 2021. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Motion passed 3 to 0. Mr. Forcier and Mr. DiRocco abstained from voting..” (Motion: Archinski, second: Santiago-Hutchings)
Jan 25Approve the Name Change on Special Permit #19-4Motion: Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Approve the Name Change on…Passed 4–0 · see note
January 25, 2022: Approve the Name Change on Special Permit #19-4
ApprovePassed · 4–0
Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Approve the Name Change on Special Permit #19-4. Motion seconded by Mr. DiRocco. Motion passed unanimously.
Yes: DiRocco, Forcier, Genest, Santiago-HutchingsThe minutes say Tony Archinski recused himself from this item, so Tony Archinski is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Approve the Name Change on Special Permit #19-4. Motion seconded by Mr. DiRocco. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Forcier, second: DiRocco)
Jan 25Approve the Name Change on the License to OperateMotion: Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Approve the Name Change on…Passed 4–0 · see note
January 25, 2022: Approve the Name Change on the License to Operate
ApprovePassed · 4–0
Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Approve the Name Change on the License to Operate. Motion seconded by Mr. DiRocco. Motion passed unanimously.
Yes: DiRocco, Forcier, Genest, Santiago-HutchingsThe minutes say Tony Archinski recused himself from this item, so Tony Archinski is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Approve the Name Change on the License to Operate. Motion seconded by Mr. DiRocco. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Forcier, second: DiRocco)
Jan 25Approve the Name Change on the Host Community AgreementMotion: Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Approve the Name Change on…Passed 4–0 · see note
January 25, 2022: Approve the Name Change on the Host Community Agreement
ApprovePassed · 4–0
Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Approve the Name Change on the Host Community Agreement. Motion seconded by Mr. DiRocco. Motion passed unanimously.
Yes: DiRocco, Forcier, Genest, Santiago-HutchingsThe minutes say Tony Archinski recused himself from this item, so Tony Archinski is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Forcier to Approve the Name Change on the Host Community Agreement. Motion seconded by Mr. DiRocco. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Forcier, second: DiRocco)
Jan 25Put the Cable Programming Out to BidMotion: Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to put the Cable Programming Out…Passed 3–2 · No: Archinski, Santiago-Hutchings
Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to put the Cable Programming Out to Bid. Motion seconded by Mr. Forcier. Under Discussion: Mr. Forcier stated that DATV has had a reasonable amount of time to review the contract. Mr. Archinski stated that the Board received a letter from DATV and the Board should take the letter at face value. Mr. Archinski stated that the Board should hear from their appointee. Mr. Forcier stated that the Board's appointee is not allowed to speak with them through DATV's confidentiality agreement. Mrs. Genest discussed DATV's confidentiality clause and the Board cannot ask the appointee questions. Attorney Hall stated that Attorney Solomon did not think the DATV Board of Directors would enforce the confidentiality agreement. Mr. Archinski discussed asking DATV members and stated that he thinks Cable Access does a great job. Mr. DiRocco stated that he did ask the Board's appointee and he was told by the appointee that he could not speak with the Board of Selectmen. Mr. DiRocco stated that he believes the letter is just a stall tactic and would like to put the cable programming out to bid. Mr. Archinski stated that putting it out to bid could cause an issue. Attorney Hall explained that the Board could put it out to bid and also could receive a lawsuit. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings asked if the Board ever set a firm contract due date? Mrs. Santiago- Hutchings stated that the Board did not set expectations and thinks they could wait another three weeks. Mrs. Genest stated
“Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to put the Cable Programming Out to Bid. Motion seconded by Mr. Forcier. Under Discussion: Mr. Forcier stated that DATV has had a reasonable amount of time to review the contract. Mr. Archinski stated that the Board received a letter from DATV and the Board should take the letter at face value. Mr. Archinski stated that the Board should hear from their appointee. Mr. Forcier stated that the Board's appointee is not allowed to speak with them through DATV's confidentiality agreement. Mrs. Genest discussed DATV's confidentiality clause and the Board cannot ask the appointee questions. Attorney Hall stated that Attorney Solomon did not think the DATV Board of Directors would enforce the confidentiality agreement. Mr. Archinski discussed asking DATV members and stated that he thinks Cable Access does a great job. Mr. DiRocco stated that he did ask the Board's appointee and he was told by the appointee that he could not speak with the Board of Selectmen. Mr. DiRocco stated that he believes the letter is just a stall tactic and would like to put the cable programming out to bid. Mr. Archinski stated that putting it out to bid could cause an issue. Attorney Hall explained that the Board could put it out to bid and also could receive a lawsuit. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings asked if the Board ever set a firm contract due date? Mrs. Santiago- Hutchings stated that the Board did not set expectations and thinks they could wait another three weeks. Mrs. Genest stated that it is irresponsible to not move forward, there has been no progress and if DATV was serious about the contract they would be moving along in good faith. . Motion passed 3 to 2 with a roll call vote: Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings - No, Mr. Archinski- No, Mr. Forcier - Yes, Mr. DiRocco - Yes and Mrs. Genest - Yes..” (Motion: DiRocco, second: Forcier)
From the Dracut Board of Selectmen’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center (Board of Selectmen). We check every vote against the members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the town’s website has no Board of Selectmen photos): The Lowell Sun — Kristie Wohlander and Heather Santiago-Hutchings (courtesy photos, April 2026), Don Plummer and Josh Taylor (courtesy photos, May 2024), Tony Archinski (Cameron Morsberger, May 2023). Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.