MassVoter.com← DracutMunicipal votes · 2022–2023 Board
Dracut Board of Selectmen
How the Dracut Board of Selectmen voted, from the Board of Selectmen’s official minutes. 5 members elected townwide for three-year terms. Jennifer Kopcinski joined the board after the May 7, 2022 town election; Jesse Forcier was no longer on the board. On May 10, 2022 a nomination of Tony Archinski for Chairman failed 2-3, and the board chose Alison Genest as Chairman (3-2), Joseph DiRocco as Vice-Chairman (3-1, Heather Santiago-Hutchings voting “present”) and Jennifer Kopcinski as Clerk (unanimous). Covers 21 meetings, May 10 to April 25, 2023.
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.
Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budgetBoard years
Coming up
- Tue, Oct 13Board Of Selectmen Meeting Agenda (PDF) →
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
- Art. 1 Waive the reading of the warrant articles Passed “the Town voted to waive the reading · 247 to 19”
- Art. 2 New Joseph A. Campbell School Indefinitely postponed “the Town voted indefinitely postponed Article 2. · 239 to 55”
- Art. 3 Let the School Committee lease about 18,400 sq. ft. of the Parker Avenue School for up to 10 years Passed “the Town voted pursuant to G.L. c. 40, §3 · 224 to 80”
- Art. 4 Repeal of past articles from 2015 Indefinitely postponed “the Town voted to indefinitely postpone Article 4 · 231 to 80”
- Art. 5 Pay three prior-year unpaid bills ($96.76 and $10.98) Passed “the Town voted to transfer the sum of $96.76 · 298 to 14”
- Art. 6 Replace the Personnel, Wage and Salary Administration Bylaw and delete the out-of-state travel section Passed “the Town voted to delete Section 11 of Chapter 13 · 227 to 95”
- Art. 7 Amend General Bylaw Chapter 13, recreational boating on great ponds Passed “the Town voted to amend Chapter 13 · 295 to 24”
- Art. 8 Amend the drain layer license surety bond rule (General Bylaw Chapter 14) Passed “the Town voted to amend Chapter 14 · 307 to 7”
- Art. 9 Amend the Stormwater and Erosion Control Bylaw (Chapter 24) Passed “the Town voted to amend Chapter 24 · 248 to 43”
- Art. 10 Petition: zoning bylaw update for 275 Totman Road Failed “Article #10 failed. · 76 to 231”
- Art. 11 Transfer $25,000 for an operational audit of the Dracut Public Schools Passed “the Town voted to transfer $25,000 · 164 to 140”
- Art. 12 Zoning Map: place all of 1255 Bridge Street in the B-3 district Passed “the Town voted amend the Town of Dracut · 256 to 38”
- Art. 13 Zoning Map update: 65 Elizabeth Drive Indefinitely postponed “the Town voted to indefinitely postpone action on Article 13 · 259 to 27”
- Art. 14 Abandon and replace a sewer easement at Denby Place (Tax Map 50, Lot 1-1) Passed “the Town voted pursuant to G.L. c. 40, § 15A · 261 to 24”
- Art. 15 Petition: cut the B-3 district minimum lot area to 29,000 sq. ft. Failed “Town failed to vote to amend Section 4.4 · 156 to 130”
- Art. 16 Petition: change retiree benefits for a retired police officer Failed “Article #16 failed. · 137 to 139”
- Art. 17 Petition: have the town bid-results web page include Dracut Public Schools bid results Passed “clarify the intent of Chapter 6, Section 3 · 153 to 45”
- Art. 18 Petition: conduct of board and committee members Referred “the Town voted to refer Article 18 · 158 to 51”
Annual Town Meeting · June 2, 2025 31 votes: 27 passed, 4 failed
- Art. 27 Reconsider the MBTA Communities Overlay District zoning Failed “Article #27 failed. · Yes 156, No 669”
- Art. 28 Zoning: MBTA Communities Overlay District Failed “By Majority, Article #28 failed.”
- Art. 1 Waive the reading of the warrant articles Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to waive the reading”
- Art. 2 Hear reports of the Town Accountant, Board of Selectmen and committees Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to hear the report”
- Art. 3 Authorize compensating balance agreements for FY2026 Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to authorize the Town Treasurer”
- Art. 4 Set FY2026 pay of elected officials (Moderator $550; Selectmen $2,000; School Committee $2,000) Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to fix the salaries and compensation”
- Art. 5 · motion 1 Motion A: use $118,613 from technology and Town Hall stabilization funds to reduce the FY2026 tax levy Passed “the Town voted to transfer the sum of $118,613 · Yes 648, No 75”
- Art. 5 · motion 2 Motion B: FY2026 operating budget ($132,179,115) Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds, the sum of”
- Art. 6 Use $3,833,571 in free cash to reduce the FY2026 tax levy Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to transfer from free cash the sum of $3,833,571”
- Art. 7 FY2026 enterprise budgets: Kenwood Water $2,409,576; Sewer $8,263,321; Stormwater $423,805 Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to appropriate the following sums”
- Art. 8 Spend $480,000 from the PEG Access and Cable-Related Fund in FY2026 Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to appropriate $480,000”
- Art. 9 Use $45,000 in Recreation Revolving receipts for the FY2026 Recreation budget Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to appropriate the sum of $45,000”
- Art. 10 Pay $1,806 in prior-year unpaid bills Passed “the Town voted to raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds, a sum of $1,806 · Yes 504, No 30”
- Art. 11 FY2026 Community Preservation budget, reserves and CPA debt service Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to act on the recommendations”
- Art. 12 Rescind unused borrowing authority from past Town Meetings Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to rescind the unused borrowing authority”
- Art. 13 Transfer $3,000,000 in CPA housing funds to the Greenmont Senior Housing Project Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to transfer from the Community Housing Reserve Fund”
- Art. 14 Appropriate $750,000 in CPA funds to buy about 41 acres (Brox Wood Lot, 461 Methuen Road) as open space Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to appropriate Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand dollars”
- Art. 15 Add a bylaw establishing revolving funds under G.L. c.44 s.53E1/2 Passed “By Majority, the Town voted pursuant to the provisions of G.L. Chapter 44”
- Art. 16 Transfer $100,000 from retained earnings for FY2025 water service contract costs Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to transfer from Retained Earnings the sum of $100,000”
- Art. 17 Grant utility easements at 144 Greenmont Avenue/1530 Bridge Street Passed “the Town voted to authorize the Board of Selectmen to grant · Yes 352, No 57”
- Art. 18 Authorize the Selectmen to acquire easements for roads, sidewalks, utilities and access Passed “the Town voted to authorize the Selectmen to acquire · Yes 286, No 127”
- Art. 19 Amend the Community Preservation bylaw (Chapter 20, s.20.1(a)) Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to amend Chapter 20”
- Art. 20 Exempt the town from Section 124(k)(2)(i) of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 (firearms law) Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to exempt itself”
- Art. 21 Replace the Floodplain and Floodway Overlay District zoning text (Section 5.1) Passed “the Town voted to remove the text within Section 5.1 · Yes 320, No 39”
- Art. 22 Replace the Accessory Dwelling Unit zoning rules (Section 7.4) Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to amend the Zoning Bylaw by replacing Section 7.4”
- Art. 23 Zoning: accessory uses - animals Failed “Article #23 failed. · Yes 54, No 639”
- Art. 24 Allow other ways to publish legal notices of public hearings (Bylaw Chapter 2, ss.4-5) Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to amend the Town Bylaw Chapter 2”
- Art. 25 Raise the Sewer Department inspection fee from $22 to $50 per hour (2-hour minimum) Passed “By Majority, the Town vote to increase the Sewer Department Inspection Fee”
- Art. 26 Raise the Sewer Department impact fee rate Failed “By Majority, Article #26 failed.”
- Art. 29 Zoning designation: 10 Dinley Street Passed “the Town vote to approve Article #29 · Yes, 302, No 39”
- Art. 30 Zoning designation: 14 Dinley Street Passed “the Town voted to approve Article #30 · Yes 302, No 25”
Source: Town Clerk: Annual Town Meeting Vote, June 2, 2025 (PDF).
Fall Annual Town Meeting · November 18, 2024 15 votes: 11 passed, 1 failed, 2 withdrawn, 1 no action
- Art. 1 Waive the reading of the warrant articles Passed “Unanimously, the Town Voted waive the reading”
- Art. 2 Hear reports of the Town Accountant, Board of Selectmen and committees Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to hear the report”
- 2-1 Deferred from June 3, 2024 (Art. 30): accept G.L. c.140 s.139 No action “Unanimously, the Town voted to dismiss Article #30”
- Art. 3 Retirement of bond authorization Withdrawn “Unanimously, the Town voted to withdraw Article #3”
- Art. 4 Free cash transfer to the general fund Withdrawn “Unanimously, the Town voted to withdraw Article #4”
- Art. 5 Pay $8,988.10 in prior-year bills from free cash Passed “the Town voted to appropriate from Free Cash · Yes 295, No 28”
- Art. 6 Reimburse the School Department $288,940.41 for capital expenditures Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to transfer from available funds”
- Art. 7 Add $285,306 in Chapter 70 school aid to the FY2025 budget Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to supplement the sums appropriated”
- Art. 8 Add enforcement procedures and fines to the wetland bylaws (Chapters 18 and 19) Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to amend Chapter 18 and Chapter 19”
- Art. 9 Zoning: MBTA Communities Overlay District Failed “By Majority, (Yes 168, No 175) Article #9 failed. · Yes 168, No 175”
- Art. 10 Accept Spruce Lane and the Parcel 13 detention area Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to accept Spruce Lane”
- Art. 11 Acquire the Honeybee Road sewer pump station and a related utility easement Passed “the Town voted to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire · Yes 216, No 42”
- Art. 12 Petition: accept Honeybee Road and acquire Lot 72 on Honeybee Road Passed “the Town voted to accept Honeybee Road · Yes 224, No 30”
- Art. 13 Acquire the Sunset Hill open space parcel (Lot 21) for the Conservation Commission Passed “the Town voted to acquire for no consideration · Yes 214, No 24”
- Art. 14 Acquire the Berube Farms open space parcel (Lot 39) for the Conservation Commission Passed “the Town voted to acquire for no consideration · Yes 218, No 29”
Source: Town Clerk: Fall Annual Town Meeting Vote, November 18, 2024 (PDF).
Annual Town Meeting · June 3, 2024 31 votes: 27 passed, 1 failed, 2 no action, 1 other
- Art. 1 Waive the reading of the warrant articles Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to waive the reading”
- Art. 2 Hear reports of the Town Accountant, Board of Selectmen and committees Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to hear the report”
- 2023 #24 Referred article from Nov. 13, 2023 Town Meeting: commercial property dumpsters No action “Unanimously, the Town voted to dismiss Article 24 of the November 13, 2023 Town Meeting.”
- Art. 3 Authorize compensating balance agreements for FY2025 Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to authorize the Town Treasurer”
- Art. 4 Set FY2025 pay of elected officials (Moderator $550; Selectmen $2,000; School Committee $2,000) Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to fix the salaries and compensation”
- Art. 5 Appropriate $100,098,845 for FY2025 operating budgets Passed “By 2/3rds Majority Voice Vote (clearly heard and so called by the Moderator), the Town voted to”
- Art. 6 FY2025 Sewer Enterprise budget ($7,792,276) Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to raise and appropriate”
- Art. 7 FY2025 Kenwood Water Department budget ($2,063,026) Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to raise and appropriate”
- Art. 8 Add $200,000 to the FY2024 Sewer Enterprise budget Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to amend the FY2024 Sewer Enterprise Budget”
- Art. 9 Add $200,000 to the FY2024 Water Enterprise budget Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to amend the FY2024 Water Enterprise Budget”
- Art. 10 FY2025 Stormwater Enterprise budget ($394,808) Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to raise and appropriate”
- Art. 11 FY2025 PEG Access Enterprise budget ($511,934) Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to raise and appropriate”
- Art. 12 Transfer $818,362 for the Chapter 90 road and sidewalk program Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to transfer from available funds”
- Art. 13 FY2025 Community Preservation budget ($797,950) Passed “Unanimously, Town voted to appropriate the sum of $797,950”
- Art. 14 Appropriate $978,000 in CPA funds for Beaver Brook Farm driveway, parking and trail Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to appropriate $978,000”
- Art. 15 Appropriate $2,547,435 (CPA funds and borrowing) for tennis and pickleball courts Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to appropriate $2,547,435”
- Art. 16 Appropriate offset receipts for FY2025 departments Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to appropriate a sum of money from available”
- Art. 17 Appropriate $500,000 for sewer pipe relining (phases 2-6) and flow reduction Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to appropriate the sum of $500,000”
- Art. 18 Fund a sewer flow metering study ($225,000) Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to appropr”
- Art. 19 Accept G.L. c.40 s.38 (purchase, development and use of public water supply) Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to accept Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 38”
- Art. 20 Acquire a temporary easement at 46 Sladen Street and 1064 Lakeview Ave No action “Unanimously, the Town voted to dismiss Article 20.”
- Art. 21 Acquire temporary easements at 5, 7, 8 and 9 Pagona Way Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire”
- Art. 22 Close the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund and move its money to a special revenue fund Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to transfer the funds dedicated to the Opioid”
- Art. 23 Tax increment financing plan with J&J Heating and Air Conditioning Failed “By Majority Voice Vote (clearly heard and so called by the Moderator), Article 23 failed.”
- Art. 24 Buy the 26-acre Proper (Brox) Farm at 1363 Broadway Road for $940,000 from ARPA funds Passed “By 2/3rd’s Majority Voice Vote (clearly heard and so called by the Moderator), the Town voted to”
- Art. 25 Zoning Map update: 1100 Merrimack Avenue and 1351 Methuen Street Passed “By 2/3rds Majority Voice Vote (clearly heard and so called by the Moderator), the Town voted to”
- Art. 26 General Bylaw Chapter 24: Stormwater and Erosion Control bylaw Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to approve Article 26”
- Art. 27 General Bylaw Chapter 25: Illicit Discharge bylaw Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to approve Article 27”
- Art. 28 General Bylaw: Wetlands bylaw Passed “Unanimously, the Town voted to approve Article 28”
- Art. 29 Accept Douglas Road as a public way Passed “By Majority, the Town voted to approve Article 29”
- Art. 30 Accept G.L. c.140 s.139 Other “Unanimously, the Town voted to defer Article 30 to Fall Town Meeting.”
Source: Town Clerk: Annual Town Meeting Vote, June 3, 2024 (PDF).
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).
Members
Tony ArchinskiMember · At-large · at 20 of 21 meetingsJennifer KopcinskiClerk · At-large · at 21 of 21 meetings
Heather Santiago-HutchingsMember · At-large · at 21 of 21 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: 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.
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 25Approve the Minutes of March 21, 2023Motion: Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to Approve the Minutes of March…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: Genest
April 25, 2023: Approve the Minutes of March 21, 2023
Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to Approve the Minutes of March 21, 2023. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed 3 to 0. Mrs. Genest abstained from voting.
Yes: DiRocco, Kopcinski, Santiago-HutchingsAbstained: Genest
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to Approve the Minutes of March 21, 2023. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed 3 to 0. Mrs. Genest abstained from voting..” (Motion: DiRocco, second: Kopcinski)
Apr 25Approve the Minutes of March 28, 2023Motion: Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to Approve the Minutes of March…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: Genest
April 25, 2023: Approve the Minutes of March 28, 2023
Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to Approve the Minutes of March 28, 2023. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed 3 to 0. Mrs. Genest abstained from voting.
Yes: DiRocco, Kopcinski, Santiago-HutchingsAbstained: Genest
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to Approve the Minutes of March 28, 2023. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed 3 to 0. Mrs. Genest abstained from voting..” (Motion: DiRocco, second: Kopcinski)
Apr 11Approve Setting the Hours for Election Day Voting from…Motion: Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to Approve Setting the Hours for…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: Genest, Santiago-Hutchings
April 11, 2023: Approve Setting the Hours for Election Day Voting from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 6th, 2023
Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to Approve Setting the Hours for Election Day Voting from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 6th, 2023. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Under Discussion: Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings stated she would be recusing herself from voting on this as she is on the ballot for the May 6th Election. Mr. Archinski discussed not wanting it to look like they are suppressing voting and he has seen how many people come out to vote after 6:00 p.m., it's not many. Mrs. Genest asked Town Counsel if she should recuse herself as well, as she is also on the ballot for the May 6th Election? Attorney Deluca stated that she could recuse herself as they still would have a quorum. Mrs. Genest stated that she would be recusing herself from voting as well. Mrs. Boissonneault explained that she has had comments about having the Election hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., an hour earlier start. Mr. DiRocco Amended his Motion to Approve Setting the Hours for Election Day Voting from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 6th, 2023. Mrs. Kopcinski seconded the Amended Motion. Motion passed 3 to 0. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings and Mrs. Genest abstained from voting.
Yes: Archinski, DiRocco, KopcinskiAbstained: Genest, Santiago-Hutchings
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to Approve Setting the Hours for Election Day Voting from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 6th, 2023. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Under Discussion: Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings stated she would be recusing herself from voting on this as she is on the ballot for the May 6th Election. Mr. Archinski discussed not wanting it to look like they are suppressing voting and he has seen how many people come out to vote after 6:00 p.m., it's not many. Mrs. Genest asked Town Counsel if she should recuse herself as well, as she is also on the ballot for the May 6th Election? Attorney Deluca stated that she could recuse herself as they still would have a quorum. Mrs. Genest stated that she would be recusing herself from voting as well. Mrs. Boissonneault explained that she has had comments about having the Election hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., an hour earlier start. Mr. DiRocco Amended his Motion to Approve Setting the Hours for Election Day Voting from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 6th, 2023. Mrs. Kopcinski seconded the Amended Motion. Motion passed 3 to 0. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings and Mrs. Genest abstained from voting..” (Motion: DiRocco, second: Kopcinski)
Apr 11Approve the Adoption of Chapter 269 of the Acts…Motion: Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to Approve the Adoption of Chapter…Passed 4–0 · see note
April 11, 2023: Approve the Adoption of Chapter 269 of the Acts of 2022 to Make a One-Time Cost of Living Adjustment for Retirees
Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to Approve the Adoption of Chapter 269 of the Acts of 2022 to Make a One-Time Cost of Living Adjustment for Retirees. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Motion passed unanimously.
Yes: DiRocco, Genest, Kopcinski, Santiago-HutchingsTony Archinski had stepped out of the meeting at 8:14 p.m. and returned after this vote, so is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to Approve the Adoption of Chapter 269 of the Acts of 2022 to Make a One-Time Cost of Living Adjustment for Retirees. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Kopcinski, second: Santiago-Hutchings)
Dec 13Remove the Board of Health Member and replace with…Motion: Motion made Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings to remove the Board of Health Member…Passed 4–1 · No: DiRocco
December 13, 2022: Remove the Board of Health Member and replace with an At-Large Member on the Zoning By-Law Review Committee Charter
Motion made Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings to remove the Board of Health Member and replace with an At-Large Member on the Zoning By-Law Review Committee Charter. Motion seconded by Mr. Archinski. Motion passed 4 to 1. Mr. DiRocco voted no.
Yes: Archinski, Genest, Kopcinski, Santiago-HutchingsNo: DiRocco
From the minutes
“Motion made Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings to remove the Board of Health Member and replace with an At-Large Member on the Zoning By-Law Review Committee Charter. Motion seconded by Mr. Archinski. Motion passed 4 to 1. Mr. DiRocco voted no..” (Motion: Santiago-Hutchings, second: Archinski)
Dec 13Appoint Phil Thibault to the Zoning By-Law Review Committee…Motion: Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Appoint Phil Thibault to the…Failed 2–3 · No: DiRocco, Genest, Kopcinski
December 13, 2022: Appoint Phil Thibault to the Zoning By-Law Review Committee as the At-Large Member
Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Appoint Phil Thibault to the Zoning By-Law Review Committee as the At-Large Member. Under discussion: Mrs. Kopcinski discussed the ultimate responsibility falling on the Board, Mr. Thibault resigning from the Planning Board after speaking with the Ethics Commission and stated that in good conscience, she could not vote for the candidate. Mr. Archinski stated that Mr. Thibault was been on the Permanent Building Committee for 18 years, NMCOG for 20 years, was on the Planning Board for 14 years, Master Plan Committee for 3 years, Capital Planning Committee, etc. Mr. Archinski stated that to turn Mr. Thibault away is despicable and will discourage volunteerism. Mrs. Genest discussed the appointment process and the Board having the appointing authority. Mrs. Genest stated that she would not be voting for Mr. Thibault as he had an admitted Conflict of Interest in 2016 and she is worried about potential conflicts as Mr. Thibault would be on the Committee that is re-writing and voting on Zoning By-Law Rules. Mrs. Genest stated that she is ! trying to promote professionalism and on social media and on cable television, the applicant does not show that. Mrs. Kopcinski stated that she did not mean to imply that Mr. Thibault had any ethics violations, : he stepped down from the Planning Board on his own. Mr. DiRocco stated that Mr. Thibault is a local architect and being on the Committee could be self-serving. Mr. DiRocco stated that Mr. Thibault does a he
Yes: Archinski, Santiago-HutchingsNo: DiRocco, Genest, Kopcinski
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Appoint Phil Thibault to the Zoning By-Law Review Committee as the At-Large Member. Under discussion: Mrs. Kopcinski discussed the ultimate responsibility falling on the Board, Mr. Thibault resigning from the Planning Board after speaking with the Ethics Commission and stated that in good conscience, she could not vote for the candidate. Mr. Archinski stated that Mr. Thibault was been on the Permanent Building Committee for 18 years, NMCOG for 20 years, was on the Planning Board for 14 years, Master Plan Committee for 3 years, Capital Planning Committee, etc. Mr. Archinski stated that to turn Mr. Thibault away is despicable and will discourage volunteerism. Mrs. Genest discussed the appointment process and the Board having the appointing authority. Mrs. Genest stated that she would not be voting for Mr. Thibault as he had an admitted Conflict of Interest in 2016 and she is worried about potential conflicts as Mr. Thibault would be on the Committee that is re-writing and voting on Zoning By-Law Rules. Mrs. Genest stated that she is ! trying to promote professionalism and on social media and on cable television, the applicant does not show that. Mrs. Kopcinski stated that she did not mean to imply that Mr. Thibault had any ethics violations, : he stepped down from the Planning Board on his own. Mr. DiRocco stated that Mr. Thibault is a local architect and being on the Committee could be self-serving. Mr. DiRocco stated that Mr. Thibault does a hell of a job on the Permanent Building Committee but he would not be voting in favor of the appointment. Mts. Santiago-Hutchings stated that there is a local builder currently on the Zoning By-Law Review Committee and asked why that is not a problem? Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings stated that this is very disappointing. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Mrs. Genest called for a Roll Call Vote: Mts. Santiago-Hutchings - Yes, Mr. Archinski - Yes, Mrs. Kopcinski - No, Mr. DiRocco - No and Mrs. Genest - No. The motion failed 2 to 3..” (Motion: Archinski, second: Santiago-Hutchings)
Nov 22Accept the submission from Dish WirelessMotion: Mr. Archinski made a motion to accept the submission from Dish…Passed 4–0 · see note
November 22, 2022: Accept the submission from Dish Wireless
Mr. Archinski made a motion to accept the submission from Dish Wireless. Ms. Kopcinski seconded the motion. The motion carried with all four members voting in favor.
Yes: Archinski, DiRocco, Kopcinski, Santiago-HutchingsThe minutes say Alison Genest recused herself from this item, so Alison Genest is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“Mr. Archinski made a motion to accept the submission from Dish Wireless. Ms. Kopcinski seconded the motion. The motion carried with all four members voting in favor..” (Motion: Archinski, second: Kopcinski)
Nov 22Waive the site plan review for Dish Wireless telecommunications…Motion: Mr. Archinski made a motion to accept the submission and waive…Failed 3–1 · No: Santiago-Hutchings
November 22, 2022: Waive the site plan review for Dish Wireless telecommunications equipment on the existing smokestack at 76 Pleasant Street
Mr. Archinski made a motion to accept the submission and waive the site plan review. Ms. Kopcinski seconded the motion. The motion moved to a vote with three members voting in favor and Ms. Santiago-Hutchings voting against. The motion failed.
Yes: Archinski, DiRocco, KopcinskiNo: Santiago-HutchingsThe minutes say Alison Genest recused herself from this item, so Alison Genest is not shown voting. Alison Genest had recused herself from the Dish Wireless items, leaving four members; the minutes record “three members voting in favor and Ms. Santiago-Hutchings voting against. The motion failed.” Shown as failed, as the minutes record (the minutes do not say why three votes were not enough).
From the minutes
“Mr. Archinski made a motion to accept the submission and waive the site plan review. Ms. Kopcinski seconded the motion. The motion moved to a vote with three members voting in favor and Ms. Santiago-Hutchings voting against. The motion failed..” (Motion: Archinski, second: Kopcinski)
Oct 25Recommend Warrant Article #13Motion: Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Recommend Warrant Article #13. Motion…Passed 3–2 · No: DiRocco, Genest
October 25, 2022: Recommend Warrant Article #13
Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Recommend Warrant Article #13. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Motion passed 3 to 2. Mr. DiRocco and Mrs. Genest voted No.
Yes: Archinski, Kopcinski, Santiago-HutchingsNo: DiRocco, Genest
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Recommend Warrant Article #13. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Motion passed 3 to 2. Mr. DiRocco and Mrs. Genest voted No..” (Motion: Archinski, second: Santiago-Hutchings)
Oct 25Recommend Warrant Article #14Motion: Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to Recommend Warrant Article #14. Motion…Passed 3–2 · No: Archinski, Santiago-Hutchings
October 25, 2022: Recommend Warrant Article #14
Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to Recommend Warrant Article #14. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed 3 to 2. Mr. Archinski and Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings voted No.
Yes: DiRocco, Genest, KopcinskiNo: Archinski, Santiago-Hutchings
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. DiRocco to Recommend Warrant Article #14. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed 3 to 2. Mr. Archinski and Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings voted No..” (Motion: DiRocco, second: Kopcinski)
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.
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