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Municipal votes · 2022–2023 Board

Dunstable Select Board

How the Dunstable Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 3 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. Leah D. Basbanes was re-elected in May 2022. On May 24, 2022 the board made Kieran D. Meehan Chair and Ronald J. Mikol Vice Chair. An article asking the Legislature to rename the board the Select Board was on the November 14, 2022 Special Town Meeting warrant; the November 17, 2022 minutes record that it did not pass. Covers 41 meetings, May 24 to April 27, 2023.

A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.

What does the Select Board 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 Select Board, votes the town budget and town bylaws.

Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budget
Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

Your Dunstable ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.

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Board years

Coming up

MassVoter can’t read Dunstable’s meeting calendar automatically yet. See upcoming meetings on the official site →

What Town Meeting decided

In Dunstable, Town Meeting — not the Select Board — 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.

Annual Town Meeting · May 11, 2026 26 votes: 22 passed, 2 failed, 2 no action

Source: Town Clerk: Annual Town Meeting Minutes, May 11, 2026 (PDF, 23 pages).

Special Town Meeting · November 17, 2025 13 votes: 12 passed, 1 no action

Source: Town Clerk: Special Town Meeting Minutes, November 17, 2025 (PDF, 8 pages).

Annual Town Meeting · May 12, 2025 21 votes: 20 passed, 1 no action

Source: Town Clerk: Annual Town Meeting Minutes, May 12, 2025 (PDF, 18 pages).

Special Town Meeting · November 18, 2024 10 votes: 7 passed, 2 failed, 1 no action

Source: Town Clerk: Special Town Meeting Minutes, November 18, 2024 (PDF, 6 pages).

Annual Town Meeting · May 13, 2024 19 votes: 18 passed, 1 no action

Source: Town Clerk: Annual Town Meeting Minutes, May 13, 2024 (PDF, 15 pages; the cover heading says "Special").

Special Town Meeting · March 26, 2024 1 votes: 1 passed

Source: Town Clerk: Special Town Meeting Minutes, March 26, 2024 (PDF, 9 pages).

Not here yet: No Town Meeting after May 11, 2026 is posted.

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

Leah D. BasbanesMember · At-large · at 40 of 41 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: Dunstable Select Board minutes from January 2, 2018 through September 8, 2026: 289 meetings and 1,422 votes. The town’s Select Board minutes page lists the board’s minutes from 2017 on, and its older minutes archive (linked from that page) has Board of Selectmen minutes from 2010; MassVoter loaded 2018 on, including the December 18 and December 21, 2018 minutes, which are only in the older archive. The board was the Board of Selectmen (its 2018–2021 minutes call it the “Selectboard”) until the Legislature renamed it the Select Board (Chapter 208 of the Acts of 2024, signed September 20, 2024); its minutes are headed “Select Board” from September 24, 2024. The minutes are typed documents with searchable text. Not here: executive-session minutes; Insurance Advisory Committee minutes filed in the Select Board list; votes of the Advisory Board, Board of Health, Affordable Housing Committee, Groton boards and other bodies at joint meetings; meetings with an agenda but no posted minutes (March 25 and April 5, 2019; January 15, 2020; January 26, 2023, whose minutes the board approved on February 9, 2023; April 23, 2024, where the file posted is a second copy of the April 16, 2024 minutes; December 17, 2024; and September 30, 2025, whose minutes the board approved on October 15, 2025); and meetings after September 8, 2026 (the September 24 and October 8, 2026 minutes are not posted yet). Dunstable’s minutes have used several forms. From 2018 to mid-2022 a motion “passed unanimously,” “passed without objection” or “passed by majority vote,” sometimes naming a member who abstained, and votes to enter executive session list the members voting (“adopted by majority vote by Leah D. Basbanes, Ronald J. Mikol, and James E. Tully”). In fall 2022 the minutes gave counts (“Voted to approve 3-0”). Since late 2022 they read “it was VOTED … The vote was unanimous,” with roll calls by name for executive sessions and, in 2025–2026, for many other votes. Unanimous wording, or a count equal to the members present, is shown as every member present voting yes; a roll call or list of names is shown by name; on this three-member board, a vote that passed with one named member abstaining or voting no shows the other members voting yes. “Passed without objection” (313 votes), “passed by majority vote” with no names (135 votes) and “it was VOTED” or “the meeting was adjourned” with no count or names (39 votes) show the result only; one vote that passed with an unnamed abstention shows the count only. Members who recused themselves are left out of that vote, with a note. Where the attendance list leaves out a member who made or seconded a motion, that member is counted present, with a note. A motion with no recorded outcome is not counted as a vote. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.

Thursday, April 27, 2023 · Regular meeting10 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 3 members presentThursday, April 13, 2023 · Regular meeting5 recorded votes, 1 with disagreementAll 3 members presentWednesday, April 5, 2023 · Regular meeting6 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 3 members presentThursday, March 30, 2023 · Regular meeting7 recorded votes, 1 with disagreementAbsent: Leah D. BasbanesThursday, March 23, 2023 · Regular meeting6 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 3 members present

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 13Approve the appointment of Dawn Theberge to serve on…Motion: Motion made by Selectmen Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes, it…Passed · see note

April 13, 2023: Approve the appointment of Dawn Theberge to serve on the Parks Commission for a term that expires on June 30, 2023

AppointPassed · No count or names in the minutes

Motion made by Selectmen Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes, it was VOTED to approve the appointment of Dawn Theberge to serve on the Parks Commission for a term that expires on June 30, 2023.

The minutes record the result (“it was VOTED”) but no count or names. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“Motion made by Selectmen Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes, it was VOTED to approve the appointment of Dawn Theberge to serve on the Parks Commission for a term that expires on June 30, 2023..” (Motion: Mikol, second: Basbanes)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Mar 9Appoint Leah Basbanes as a representative for the Commission…Motion: On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Chairman Meehan,…Passed · see note

March 9, 2023: Appoint Leah Basbanes as a representative for the Commission on the Dunstable Storm water Committee

AppointPassed · No count or names in the minutes

On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Chairman Meehan, it was VOTED: to move to appoint Leah Basbanes as a representative for the Commission on the Dunstable Storm water Committee.

The minutes record the result (“it was VOTED”) but no count or names. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Chairman Meehan, it was VOTED: to move to appoint Leah Basbanes as a representative for the Commission on the Dunstable Storm water Committee..” (Motion: Mikol, second: Meehan)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Mar 2Authorize the Chair to sign a contract between the…Motion: On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes,…Passed · see note

March 2, 2023: Authorize the Chair to sign a contract between the Town of Dunstable and Odyssey Advisors to provide the Town with Other Post-Employment Benefits ("OPEB") Actuarial and Consulting Services

ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes

On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes, it was VOTED: to move to authorize the Chair to sign a contract between the Town of Dunstable and Odyssey Advisors to provide the Town with Other Post-Employment Benefits ("OPEB") Actuarial and Consulting Services.

The minutes record the result (“it was VOTED”) but no count or names. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes, it was VOTED: to move to authorize the Chair to sign a contract between the Town of Dunstable and Odyssey Advisors to provide the Town with Other Post-Employment Benefits ("OPEB") Actuarial and Consulting Services..” (Motion: Mikol, second: Basbanes)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Mar 2Authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support…Motion: On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes,…Passed · see note

March 2, 2023: Authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support for the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program Regional Grant Application

ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes

On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes, it was VOTED: to move to authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support for the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program Regional Grant Application.

The minutes record the result (“it was VOTED”) but no count or names. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes, it was VOTED: to move to authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support for the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program Regional Grant Application..” (Motion: Mikol, second: Basbanes)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Mar 2Accept a donation of a historic photo of the…Motion: On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes,…Passed · see note

March 2, 2023: Accept a donation of a historic photo of the Town of Dunstable and townspeople from Stephen Hunt, and further move, that the Board send a letter of acceptance and thanks…

ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes

On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes, it was VOTED: to move to accept a donation of a historic photo of the Town of Dunstable and townspeople from Stephen Hunt, and further move, that the Board send a letter of acceptance and thanks to Mr. Hunt.

The minutes record the result (“it was VOTED”) but no count or names. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes, it was VOTED: to move to accept a donation of a historic photo of the Town of Dunstable and townspeople from Stephen Hunt, and further move, that the Board send a letter of acceptance and thanks to Mr. Hunt..” (Motion: Mikol, second: Basbanes)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Mar 2Invite MCO Associates to an interview with the Select…Motion: On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes,…Passed · see note

March 2, 2023: Invite MCO Associates to an interview with the Select Board in accordance with the requirements of the RFP issued for a Long-term Lease of Land for Rental Housing Development at…

ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes

On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes, it was VOTED: to move to invite MCO Associates to an interview with the Select Board in accordance with the requirements of the RFP issued for a Long-term Lease of Land for Rental Housing Development at 160-164 Pleasant Street, and further move, that we invite members of the Affordable Housing Committee, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Water Commission, and members of the public to the interview Local Initiative Program (LIP) Development Proposal: 41 Lowell Street Representatives from Brattle Development presented a Local Initiative Program (LIP) proposal, over 55 Community Development on land at 41 Lowell Street.

The minutes record the result (“it was VOTED”) but no count or names. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“On a motion by Selectman Mikol and seconded by Selectwoman Basbanes, it was VOTED: to move to invite MCO Associates to an interview with the Select Board in accordance with the requirements of the RFP issued for a Long-term Lease of Land for Rental Housing Development at 160-164 Pleasant Street, and further move, that we invite members of the Affordable Housing Committee, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Water Commission, and members of the public to the interview Local Initiative Program (LIP) Development Proposal: 41 Lowell Street Representatives from Brattle Development presented a Local Initiative Program (LIP) proposal, over 55 Community Development on land at 41 Lowell Street..” (Motion: Mikol, second: Basbanes)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Jan 19Approve a proclamation recognizing the retirement of Police Chief…Motion: On a motion by Ron Mikol and seconded by Leah Basbanes,…Passed · see note

January 19, 2023: Approve a proclamation recognizing the retirement of Police Chief James Dow

ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes

On a motion by Ron Mikol and seconded by Leah Basbanes, it was VOTED: to approve a proclamation recognizing the retirement of Police Chief James Dow.

The minutes record the result (“it was VOTED”) but no count or names. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“On a motion by Ron Mikol and seconded by Leah Basbanes, it was VOTED: to approve a proclamation recognizing the retirement of Police Chief James Dow..” (Motion: Mikol, second: Basbanes)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Dec 20Create a Union Building Rehabilitation Committee to adopt the…Motion: On a motion by Ron Mikol and seconded by Leah Basbanesl,…Passed · see note

December 20, 2022: Create a Union Building Rehabilitation Committee to adopt the charge of the Committee and with the changes noted above

ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes

On a motion by Ron Mikol and seconded by Leah Basbanesl, it was VOTED: To create a Union Building Rehabilitation Committee to adopt the charge of the Committee and with the changes noted above.

The minutes record the result (“it was VOTED”) but no count or names. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“On a motion by Ron Mikol and seconded by Leah Basbanesl, it was VOTED: To create a Union Building Rehabilitation Committee to adopt the charge of the Committee and with the changes noted above..” (Motion: Mikol, second: Basbanes)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Dec 20Allow Erin Cielakie to hold her wedding ceremony at…Motion: On a motion by Ron Mikol and seconded by Leah Basbanes,…Passed 2–1 · No: Meehan

December 20, 2022: Allow Erin Cielakie to hold her wedding ceremony at the Town Gazebo on Sunday, April 16, 2023

ApprovePassed · 2–1

On a motion by Ron Mikol and seconded by Leah Basbanes, it was VOTED: To allow Erin Cielakie to hold her wedding ceremony at the Town Gazebo on Sunday, April 16, 2023. The vote was 2 to 1, with Selectman Kieran Meehan objecting.

Yes: Basbanes, MikolNo: MeehanThe minutes give the vote as 2 to 1 with Kieran Meehan objecting; the other members present are shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“On a motion by Ron Mikol and seconded by Leah Basbanes, it was VOTED: To allow Erin Cielakie to hold her wedding ceremony at the Town Gazebo on Sunday, April 16, 2023. The vote was 2 to 1, with Selectman Kieran Meehan objecting..” (Motion: Mikol, second: Basbanes)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Nov 17Offer a proposal to Mr. SilvaMotion: On a motion made by Ron Mikol and seconded by Leah…Passed · see note

November 17, 2022: Offer a proposal to Mr. Silva

ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes

On a motion made by Ron Mikol and seconded by Leah Basbanes, it was VOTED: To offer a proposal to Mr. Silva.

The minutes record the result (“it was VOTED”) but no count or names. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Ron Mikol and seconded by Leah Basbanes, it was VOTED: To offer a proposal to Mr. Silva..” (Motion: Mikol, second: Basbanes)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

From the Dunstable Select Board’s official minutes, posted on the town’s Select Board minutes page and in its older minutes archive. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the town’s website has no Select Board photos): Town of Dunstable Select Board meeting video — Ron Mikol (May 2026). Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.

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