How the Dracut Board of Selectmen voted, from the Board of Selectmen’s official minutes. 5 members elected townwide for three-year terms. Don Plummer joined the board after the May 3, 2025 town election; Jennifer Kopcinski was no longer on the board. At a reorganization meeting on May 13, 2025 the board chose Josh Taylor as Chairman (4-1, Don Plummer voting no), Heather Santiago-Hutchings as Vice-Chairman and Alison Genest as Clerk (both unanimous). Alison Genest’s last meeting was April 28, 2026. Covers 25 meetings, May 13 to April 28, 2026.
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.
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
Feb 10Approve the Minutes of January 13, 2026Motion: Motion made by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings to Approve the Minutes of January…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: Genest
Motion made by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings to Approve the Minutes of January 13, 2026. Motion seconded by Mr. Plummer. Motion passed with Ms. Genest abstaining from voting.
Yes: Plummer, Santiago-Hutchings, TaylorAbstained: GenestThe minutes say Alison Genest abstained and record the motion as passed; the other members present are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings to Approve the Minutes of January 13, 2026. Motion seconded by Mr. Plummer. Motion passed with Ms. Genest abstaining from voting..” (Motion: Santiago-Hutchings, second: Plummer)
Feb 10Endorse MBTA Communities zones 2 and 8 chosen by…Motion: Motion made by Mr. Plummer to endorse zones 2 & 8.…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
February 10, 2026: Endorse MBTA Communities zones 2 and 8 chosen by the Zoning By-Law Review Committee
ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present
Motion made by Mr. Plummer to endorse zones 2 & 8. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Under Discussion: Ms. Genest stated that she agrees with the zones that the ZBRC have looked at, she is not in favor of the law but knows the need to get into compliance. Mr. Taylor stated that he was not in favor of the law either. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings asked if zones 2 & 8 meet all requirements? Mrs. Manugian stated they believe they will. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings questioned that this was already voted down at Town Meeting, how would they be able to bring it up again? Mrs. Manugian explained that it would need to go to the Planning Board again, then Town Meeting. Motion made by Mr. Plummer to suspend the rules and see if anyone in the audience would like to speak on this. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously. Christine Therrien, 25 Jefferson Road, appeared before the Board with questions on how many units are there now, etc., and stated that she would bring those questions to the next ZBRC meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
The motion to suspend the rules for public comment and the comment itself come between this motion and its result (“Motion passed unanimously.”) in the minutes.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Plummer to endorse zones 2 & 8. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Under Discussion: Ms. Genest stated that she agrees with the zones that the ZBRC have looked at, she is not in favor of the law but knows the need to get into compliance. Mr. Taylor stated that he was not in favor of the law either. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings asked if zones 2 & 8 meet all requirements? Mrs. Manugian stated they believe they will. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings questioned that this was already voted down at Town Meeting, how would they be able to bring it up again? Mrs. Manugian explained that it would need to go to the Planning Board again, then Town Meeting. Motion made by Mr. Plummer to suspend the rules and see if anyone in the audience would like to speak on this. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed unanimously. Christine Therrien, 25 Jefferson Road, appeared before the Board with questions on how many units are there now, etc., and stated that she would bring those questions to the next ZBRC meeting. Motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Plummer, second: Genest)
Motion made by Mr. Plummer to Approve the Minutes of October 28, 2025. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed 4 to 0. Mr. Taylor abstained from voting.
Yes: Archinski, Genest, Plummer, Santiago-HutchingsAbstained: Taylor
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Plummer to Approve the Minutes of October 28, 2025. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed 4 to 0. Mr. Taylor abstained from voting..” (Motion: Plummer, second: Genest)
Nov 17Authorize the Town Manager to Appoint Members to the…Motion: Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Authorize the Town Manager to…Passed 4–1 · No: Genest
November 17, 2025: Authorize the Town Manager to Appoint Members to the School Building Committee Moving Forward to Fill Vacancies
AppointPassed · 4–1
Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Authorize the Town Manager to Appoint Members to the School Building Committee Moving Forward to Fill Vacancies. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Under Discussion: Mrs. Hodges explained that she would be replacing vacant seats only. Motion passed 4 to 1. Ms. Genest voted no.
“Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Authorize the Town Manager to Appoint Members to the School Building Committee Moving Forward to Fill Vacancies. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Under Discussion: Mrs. Hodges explained that she would be replacing vacant seats only. Motion passed 4 to 1. Ms. Genest voted no..” (Motion: Archinski, second: Santiago-Hutchings)
Nov 17Declare the Document Titled Naming of Parks, Amenities and…Motion: Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Declare the Document Titled Naming…Passed 4–1 · No: Santiago-Hutchings
November 17, 2025: Declare the Document Titled Naming of Parks, Amenities and Facilities, Adopted by the Dracut Board of Selectmen April of 1992, Null and Void, due to lack of Minutes or Agenda…
Approve minutesPassed · 4–1
Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Declare the Document Titled Naming of Parks, Amenities and Facilities, Adopted by the Dracut Board of Selectmen April of 1992, Null and Void, due to lack of Minutes or Agenda Items Referencing it's Vote or Approval. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed 4 to 1. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings voted no.
“Motion made by Mr. Taylor to Declare the Document Titled Naming of Parks, Amenities and Facilities, Adopted by the Dracut Board of Selectmen April of 1992, Null and Void, due to lack of Minutes or Agenda Items Referencing it's Vote or Approval. Motion seconded by Ms. Genest. Motion passed 4 to 1. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings voted no..” (Motion: Taylor, second: Genest)
Oct 28Allow two, 9th through 12th graders to participate on…Motion: Motion made by Ms. Genest to allow two, 9th through 12th…Passed 3–1 · No: Santiago-Hutchings
October 28, 2025: Allow two, 9th through 12th graders to participate on the Dracut Cultural Council, they must be Dracut residents and cannot vote on monetary issues
ApprovePassed · 3–1
Motion made by Ms. Genest to allow two, 9th through 12th graders to participate on the Dracut Cultural Council, they must be Dracut residents and cannot vote on monetary issues. Motion seconded by Mr. Archinski. Under Discussion: Mr. Plummer thanked Mrs. Hodges for her memorandum and stated that the Dracut Cultural Council is not a Regional Council, it is a Local Council and suggested maybe allowing up to one non-resident member. Mrs. McGary discussed her concerns with the residency requirement and suggested a majority of the members would need to be Dracut residents. Mr. Archinski stated that he was o.k. with having youth members but they have never appointed an out of Town person to a Committee. Mrs. Hodges stated that per the Town Charter, Committee members must be registered voters, and the youth members could be non-advisory members. Mr. Phil Thibault appeared before the Board and explained that section of the Town Charter only references elected officials and the need for the wording to be cleaned up. Mrs. Hodges explained how she interprets the Town Charter. Mrs. McGary discussed excluding youth members from voting on grants and allowing non-resident members. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings stated that based on the current Town Charter, the youth members would need to be non-voting members. Mrs. Hodges explained that they could have youth members appointed by the Dracut Cultural Council. Mrs. McGary discussed the information provided by previous Town Counsel. Motion passed 3 t
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to allow two, 9th through 12th graders to participate on the Dracut Cultural Council, they must be Dracut residents and cannot vote on monetary issues. Motion seconded by Mr. Archinski. Under Discussion: Mr. Plummer thanked Mrs. Hodges for her memorandum and stated that the Dracut Cultural Council is not a Regional Council, it is a Local Council and suggested maybe allowing up to one non-resident member. Mrs. McGary discussed her concerns with the residency requirement and suggested a majority of the members would need to be Dracut residents. Mr. Archinski stated that he was o.k. with having youth members but they have never appointed an out of Town person to a Committee. Mrs. Hodges stated that per the Town Charter, Committee members must be registered voters, and the youth members could be non-advisory members. Mr. Phil Thibault appeared before the Board and explained that section of the Town Charter only references elected officials and the need for the wording to be cleaned up. Mrs. Hodges explained how she interprets the Town Charter. Mrs. McGary discussed excluding youth members from voting on grants and allowing non-resident members. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings stated that based on the current Town Charter, the youth members would need to be non-voting members. Mrs. Hodges explained that they could have youth members appointed by the Dracut Cultural Council. Mrs. McGary discussed the information provided by previous Town Counsel. Motion passed 3 to 1. Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings voted no..” (Motion: Genest, second: Archinski)
Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Recommend Warrant Article #10. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago- Hutchings. Motion failed 2 to 2. Mr. Archinski and Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings voted yes with Mr. Plummer and Ms. Genest voting no.
“Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Recommend Warrant Article #10. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago- Hutchings. Motion failed 2 to 2. Mr. Archinski and Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings voted yes with Mr. Plummer and Ms. Genest voting no..” (Motion: Archinski, second: Santiago-Hutchings)
Motion made by Ms. Genest to Take No Position on Warrant Article #16. Motion seconded by Mr. Plummer. Motion passed 3 to 0. Mr. Archinski voted present.
Yes: Genest, Plummer, Santiago-HutchingsAbstained: ArchinskiThe minutes say Tony Archinski “voted present”; Tony Archinski is shown as abstaining.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to Take No Position on Warrant Article #16. Motion seconded by Mr. Plummer. Motion passed 3 to 0. Mr. Archinski voted present..” (Motion: Genest, second: Plummer)
Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Approve the Minutes of September 23, 2025. Motion seconded by Mr. Plummer. Motion passed 4 to 0. Ms. Genest abstained from voting.
“Motion made by Mr. Archinski to Approve the Minutes of September 23, 2025. Motion seconded by Mr. Plummer. Motion passed 4 to 0. Ms. Genest abstained from voting..” (Motion: Archinski, second: Plummer)
Oct 14Appoint Elizabeth Foster to the Zoning By-Law Review Committee,…Motion: Motion made by Ms. Genest to Appoint Elizabeth Foster to the…Passed 4–1 · No: Archinski
October 14, 2025: Appoint Elizabeth Foster to the Zoning By-Law Review Committee, 4th Alternate
AppointPassed · 4–1
Motion made by Ms. Genest to Appoint Elizabeth Foster to the Zoning By-Law Review Committee, 4th Alternate. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Motion passed 4 to 1. Mr. Archinski voted no.
“Motion made by Ms. Genest to Appoint Elizabeth Foster to the Zoning By-Law Review Committee, 4th Alternate. Motion seconded by Mrs. Santiago-Hutchings. Motion passed 4 to 1. Mr. Archinski voted no..” (Motion: Genest, second: Santiago-Hutchings)
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.