MassVoter.com← Dracut Board of SelectmenDracut Board of Selectmen · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
October 8, 2024
35 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Tony Archinski, Heather Santiago-Hutchings, Jennifer Kopcinski, Alison Genest, Josh Taylor
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Agenda Item
Appointment Captain Michael Cunha as the Dracut Fire Chief effective October 31, 2024
Motion made by Ms. Genest to Appointment Captain Michael Cunha as the Dracut Fire Chief effective October 31, 2024. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to Appointment Captain Michael Cunha as the Dracut Fire Chief effective October 31, 2024. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Genest, second: Kopcinski)
Public Hearings
Open the public hearing
Motion made by Ms. Genest to open the public hearing. Motion seconded by Mr. Taylor. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to open the public hearing. Motion seconded by Mr. Taylor. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Genest, second: Taylor)
Close the Public Hearing
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Close the Public Hearing. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Close the Public Hearing. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Kopcinski)
Open the public hearing
Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to open the public hearing. Motion seconded by Mr. Taylor. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to open the public hearing. Motion seconded by Mr. Taylor. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Kopcinski, second: Taylor)
Close the Public Hearing
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Close the Public Hearing. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Close the Public Hearing. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Kopcinski)
Agenda Items (Cont'd)
Allow the Mattress/Boxspring Fee Proposed by the Interim Town Manager
Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to Allow the Mattress/Boxspring Fee Proposed by the Interim Town Manager. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Under Discussion: Mrs. Kopcinski asked if the number of dumped mattresses/boxsprings have gone up since UTEC started the Town's collection? Mr. Patenaude stated yes, there are currently 32 mattresses in the DPW yard as of today. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings asked how does now charging a fee stop people from dumping? Mr. Patenaude discussed people brining their mattress/boxsprings to Dracut. Ms. Genest stated that she would be voting in favor of the fee as the Town should no longer be paying for the collections, as it is now up to a full-time employee salary. Mr. Archinski discussed the Town By-Law in regards to littering and illegal dumping, stated a user fee pertains to the people that use and encouraging residents to have the company that they purchase a new mattress/boxspring from dispose of the old one. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to Allow the Mattress/Boxspring Fee Proposed by the Interim Town Manager. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Under Discussion: Mrs. Kopcinski asked if the number of dumped mattresses/boxsprings have gone up since UTEC started the Town's collection? Mr. Patenaude stated yes, there are currently 32 mattresses in the DPW yard as of today. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings asked how does now charging a fee stop people from dumping? Mr. Patenaude discussed people brining their mattress/boxsprings to Dracut. Ms. Genest stated that she would be voting in favor of the fee as the Town should no longer be paying for the collections, as it is now up to a full-time employee salary. Mr. Archinski discussed the Town By-Law in regards to littering and illegal dumping, stated a user fee pertains to the people that use and encouraging residents to have the company that they purchase a new mattress/boxspring from dispose of the old one. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Kopcinski, second: Santiago-Hutchings)
Accept and Sign the November 5, 2024, Town of Dracut State Election Warrant
Motion made by Ms. Genest to Accept and Sign the November 5, 2024, Town of Dracut State Election Warrant. Motion seconded by Mr. Taylor. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to Accept and Sign the November 5, 2024, Town of Dracut State Election Warrant. Motion seconded by Mr. Taylor. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Genest, second: Taylor)
Accept and Sign the November 18, 2024, Town of Dracut Town Meeting Warrant
Motion made by Ms. Genest to Accept and Sign the November 18, 2024, Town of Dracut Town Meeting Warrant. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to Accept and Sign the November 18, 2024, Town of Dracut Town Meeting Warrant. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Genest, second: Kopcinski)
Adopt the Housing Production Plan
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Adopt the Housing Production Plan. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Adopt the Housing Production Plan. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Genest)
Approve a Stop Sign and Associated Painted Stop Line on Dean Avenue at the Intersection of Desrosiers Street
Motion made by Ms. Genest to Approve a Stop Sign and Associated Painted Stop Line on Dean Avenue at the Intersection of Desrosiers Street. Motion seconded by Mr. Taylor. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to Approve a Stop Sign and Associated Painted Stop Line on Dean Avenue at the Intersection of Desrosiers Street. Motion seconded by Mr. Taylor. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Genest, second: Taylor)
Approve the Two "No Parking Between Sign" Locations on Robbins Avenue
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Approve the Two "No Parking Between Sign" Locations on Robbins Avenue. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Approve the Two "No Parking Between Sign" Locations on Robbins Avenue. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Kopcinski)
Grant the Approval of (5) One-Day Beer & Wine Licenses for October 13th, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., October 26th, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., November 9th, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to...
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Grant the Approval of (5) One-Day Beer & Wine Licenses for October 13th, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., October 26th, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., November 9th, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., November 16, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and December 7th, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at 1734 Lakeview Avenue, Unit 24, Contingent upon an Updated Liquor Liability Insurance Binder. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Grant the Approval of (5) One-Day Beer & Wine Licenses for October 13th, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., October 26th, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., November 9th, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., November 16, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and December 7th, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at 1734 Lakeview Avenue, Unit 24, Contingent upon an Updated Liquor Liability Insurance Binder. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Genest)
Appoint Marianne Blanchet as an At-Large Member of the Town Charter Review Committee
Motion made by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings to Appoint Marianne Blanchet as an At-Large Member of the Town Charter Review Committee. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings to Appoint Marianne Blanchet as an At-Large Member of the Town Charter Review Committee. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Santiago-Hutchings, second: Kopcinski)
Appoint Matt Barrett to the Planning Board as the 2 nd Alternate
Motion made by Ms. Genest to Appoint Matt Barrett to the Planning Board as the 2 nd Alternate. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to Appoint Matt Barrett to the Planning Board as the 2 nd Alternate. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Genest, second: Kopcinski)
Rebecca White - Requesting Appointment to the Community Preservation Committee
Appoint Rebecca White to the Community Preservation Committee
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Appoint Rebecca White to the Community Preservation Committee. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Appoint Rebecca White to the Community Preservation Committee. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Santiago-Hutchings)
Edward Chien - Requesting Appointment to the Affordable Housing Partnership
Appoint Edward Chien to the Affordable Housing Partnership Committee
Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to Appoint Edward Chien to the Affordable Housing Partnership Committee. Motion seconded by Mr. Taylor. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to Appoint Edward Chien to the Affordable Housing Partnership Committee. Motion seconded by Mr. Taylor. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Kopcinski, second: Taylor)
For the Board of Selectmen to Not Exercise the Town's Right of First Refusal for 290 Salem Road
Motion made by Mr. Taylor for the Board of Selectmen to Not Exercise the Town's Right of First Refusal for 290 Salem Road. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor for the Board of Selectmen to Not Exercise the Town's Right of First Refusal for 290 Salem Road. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Genest)
Schedule Halloween Trick or Treating on October 31, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., rain or shine
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Schedule Halloween Trick or Treating on October 31, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., rain or shine. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Under Discussion: Mr. Taylor asked in moving forward, can the Board officially set Halloween Trick or Treating on October 31st of every year from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.? Mr. Archinski stated that this Board cannot set dates/times for future Boards. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Schedule Halloween Trick or Treating on October 31, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., rain or shine. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Under Discussion: Mr. Taylor asked in moving forward, can the Board officially set Halloween Trick or Treating on October 31st of every year from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.? Mr. Archinski stated that this Board cannot set dates/times for future Boards. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Genest)
Board of Selectmen - Schedule and Vote on Holiday Meeting Schedule
Set the Holiday Meeting Schedule for November 12th, 2024, and December 17th, 2024
Motion made by Ms. Genest to Set the Holiday Meeting Schedule for November 12th, 2024, and December 17th, 2024. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to Set the Holiday Meeting Schedule for November 12th, 2024, and December 17th, 2024. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Genest, second: Kopcinski)
Agenda Item (Cont'd)
Recommend Warrant Article #1
Motion made by Ms. Genest to Recommend Warrant Article #1. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to Recommend Warrant Article #1. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Genest, second: Kopcinski)
Recommend Warrant Article #2
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Recommend Warrant Article #2. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Recommend Warrant Article #2. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Genest)
Defer Warrant Article #2-1
Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to Defer Warrant Article #2-1. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to Defer Warrant Article #2-1. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Kopcinski, second: Genest)
Recommend Article 14, ATM 2022
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Recommend Article 14, ATM 2022. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago- Hutchings. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Recommend Article 14, ATM 2022. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago- Hutchings. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Santiago-Hutchings)
Defer Article 40, ATM 2023
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Defer Article 40, ATM 2023. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Defer Article 40, ATM 2023. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Santiago-Hutchings)
Take No Action on Warrant Article #4
Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to Take No Action on Warrant Article #4. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to Take No Action on Warrant Article #4. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Kopcinski, second: Genest)
Recommend Warrant Article #5
Motion made by Ms. Genest to Recommend Warrant Article #5. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to Recommend Warrant Article #5. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Genest, second: Kopcinski)
Recommend Warrant Article #6
Motion made by Ms. Genest to Recommend Warrant Article #6. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago- Hutchings. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to Recommend Warrant Article #6. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago- Hutchings. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Genest, second: Santiago-Hutchings)
Recommend Warrant Article #7
Motion made by Ms. Genest to Recommend Warrant Article #7. Motion seconded by Mr. Taylor. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to Recommend Warrant Article #7. Motion seconded by Mr. Taylor. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Genest, second: Taylor)
Recommend Warrant Article #8
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Recommend Warrant Article #8. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Recommend Warrant Article #8. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Kopcinski)
Continue Warrant Article #9 until October 29th, 2024
Motion made by Ms. Genest to Continue Warrant Article #9 until October 29th, 2024. Motion seconded by Mr. Taylor. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to Continue Warrant Article #9 until October 29th, 2024. Motion seconded by Mr. Taylor. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Genest, second: Taylor)
Recommend Warrant Article #10
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Recommend Warrant Article #10. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Recommend Warrant Article #10. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Genest)
Recommend Warrant Article #11
Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to Recommend Warrant Article #11. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mrs. Kopcinski to Recommend Warrant Article #11. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Kopcinski, second: Genest)
Recommend Warrant Article #12
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Recommend Warrant Article #12. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Recommend Warrant Article #12. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Kopcinski)
Recommend Warrant Article #13
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Recommend Warrant Article #13. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Recommend Warrant Article #13. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Genest)
Recommend Warrant Article #14
Motion made by Ms. Genest to Recommend Warrant Article #14. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to Recommend Warrant Article #14. Motion seconded by Mrs. Kopcinski. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Genest, 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.
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →