MassVoter.com← GrotonMunicipal votes · 2021–2022 Board
Groton Select Board
How the Groton Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. Peter Cunningham joined the board after the 2021 town election (first meeting June 7, 2021); John Giger left it (his last meeting was May 24, 2021). On June 7, 2021 the board chose Becky Pine as Chair (unanimously), Alison Manugian as Vice Chair (three votes: Cunningham, Manugian and Pine) and Peter Cunningham as Clerk (unanimously). This was the board’s first meeting in person in 15 months. Covers 38 meetings, June 7 to May 23, 2022.
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 budgetBoard years
Coming up
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Members
ChairBecky PineChair · At-large · at 38 of 38 meetingsVice-ChairAlison ManugianVice Chair · At-large · at 37 of 38 meetings
Peter CunninghamClerk · At-large · at 38 of 38 meetingsJoshua DegenMember · At-large · at 35 of 38 meetings
John ReillyMember · At-large · at 37 of 38 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: Groton Select Board minutes (the board was called the Board of Selectmen until the 2018 Spring Town Meeting renamed it) from January 16, 2018 through August 31, 2026: 315 meetings and 2,132 votes. The town’s meeting portal holds the board’s minutes back to June 2001; MassVoter has loaded 2018 on. Nearly all the minutes are typed documents with searchable text; five files are scans, which we read with text recognition. Not here: executive-session minutes; about 100 dates on the portal that have an agenda but no minutes (many are executive-session-only sessions, Saturday budget sessions with the Finance Committee, joint meetings in neighboring towns and meetings held at Town Meeting); the December 15, 2025 file, which holds only the meeting’s attachments; the April 4, 2023 file, which holds the School Committee’s minutes; and meetings after August 31, 2026 (the September 14 and 28 and October 3, 2026 minutes are not posted yet). Groton’s minutes give the mover, the seconder and the result. About two votes in five are roll calls by name (“Roll Call: Pine-aye; Degaitas-aye; Reilly-aye; Cunningham-aye; Pisani-aye”), most of all during the remote meetings of 2020 and 2021; other votes read “The motion carried unanimously,” shown as every member present voting yes, or give the count and name the member who voted no or abstained (“4 in Favor, 1 Against- Manugian”), shown member by member when the count matches the members present. Where the count does not match the members present or a split names no one, we show the count only, with a note (5 votes); 11 votes record the result only (“The motion carried”). When members chose between two nominees for Chair or Vice Chair, we show the result only and quote who chose whom. Members who stepped aside (recused) or left the room are not shown as voting. At joint meetings (the Finance Committee, School Committee, Park, Planning and other boards) only the Select Board’s own votes are shown; when the Select Board voted together with another board to fill a vacancy, only the Select Board members’ votes are shown. Select Board positions on Town Meeting articles that the minutes list without a motion are not shown as votes. 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.
May 23Through June 30, 2022Motion: Haddad respectfully requested that the Board consider making this appointment. Mr.…Passed · see note
May 23, 2022: Through June 30, 2022
Haddad respectfully requested that the Board consider making this appointment. Mr. Cunningham made the motion through June 30, 2022.
The minutes record the result but no count.
From the minutes
“Mr. Cunningham made the motion through June 30, 2022. Mr. Degen seconded the motion. Roll Call: all ayes.” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Degen)
May 23Grant permission for the building name to be changed…Motion: Mr. Degen moved that the Select Board grant permission for the…Failed 2–3 · No: Cunningham, Manugian, Reilly
May 23, 2022: Grant permission for the building name to be changed from Prescott School to Prescott Community Center subject to a formal application and HDC approval
Mr. Degen moved that the Select Board grant permission for the building name to be changed from Prescott School to Prescott Community Center subject to a formal application and HDC approval.
Yes: Degen, PineNo: Cunningham, Manugian, ReillyThe minutes write the count as 3-2 ("The motion failed 3-2."); the roll call shows 2 yes and 3 no.
From the minutes
“Mr. Degen moved that the Select Board grant permission for the building name to be changed from Prescott School to Prescott Community Center subject to a formal application and HDC approval. Ms. Pine seconded the motion. Mr. Cunningham said he was going to vote against this adding he didn't see any issue with leaving it further adding people knew that it was the Prescott School and that the Community Center was also well known. Mr. Reilly said he had a little issue with it as the landowner was not making the request but the tenant. Ms. Pine said that the tenant was advertising who they were adding that was common practice. Ms. Pine gave examples of other properties around town where the tenant was not the owner of a particular property but the signage represented the tenant's business. She said she saw no issue changing the name of the building. Ms. Pine asked if anyone had registered a comment about this. Mr. Haddad said he received one call in opposition of this proposed change. Mr. Degen said that the Board had no input into the restaurant at the Country Club when they named the restaurant and put signage out by the street. He said that the legacy of the Prescott School was still there. Ms. Manugian said that the signs at the Country Club were out by the road and not on the building which was different. Mr. Cunningham said that the Tarbell School was still named the Tarbell School even though there was housing there. He said that the Community Center had a beautiful sign out front that told people what they were and did there and didn't see it as confusing. Mr. Steve Lane said that the Friends of Prescott voted to drop the word school from their name and call it Prescott Community Center. He said people were afraid of change but wanted to change it to what it was. Mr. Cunningham said that the Friends had done a great job identifying themselves but didn't think the building name was going to confuse people. Roll Call: Reilly-nay; Degen-aye; Pine-aye; Cunningham-nay; Manugian-nay - The motion failed 3-2..” (Motion: Degen, second: Pine)
May 16Grant the Juneteenth holiday, that all town buildings would…Motion: Ms. Manugian moved to grant the Juneteenth holiday, that all town…Passed 4–1 · No: Degen
May 16, 2022: Grant the Juneteenth holiday, that all town buildings would be closed on June 20, 2022 and employees paid for this day
Ms. Manugian moved to grant the Juneteenth holiday, that all town buildings would be closed on June 20, 2022 and employees paid for this day.
Yes: Cunningham, Manugian, Pine, ReillyNo: Degen
From the minutes
“Ms. Manugian moved to grant the Juneteenth holiday, that all town buildings would be closed on June 20, 2022 and employees paid for this day. Mr. Cunningham seconded the motion. Ms. Pine said that the Commonwealth had made it a holiday and was glad they were also. Mr. Degen said he could not support this adding the unions had had their agreements ratified and creating holiday pay for this day without opening the contracts was not something he could support adding he fully supported the closure of the buildings in recognition of the Juneteenth Holiday. He suggested that they eliminate the last sentence of the press release and vote separately on the holiday pay. Ms. Pine said that they had discussed this and thought some things carried over from previous negotiation years adding this would be no different. Mr. Cunningham said he couldn't see this being difficult to add this to the contracts. Mr. Haddad said that if this was voted that evening, they would reach out to the unions and add side letters to the contracts. Mr. Degen said that he didn't agree with the process. The motion carried 4-1 with Mr. Degen opposed..” (Motion: Manugian, second: Cunningham)
Apr 11Increase the budget number for the pool deck at…Motion: Mr. Cunningham moved that they increase the budget number for the…Passed 4–1 · No: Degen
April 11, 2022: Increase the budget number for the pool deck at the Country Club to $110,000 to come from the capital stabilization fund
Mr. Cunningham moved that they increase the budget number for the pool deck at the Country Club to $110,000 to come from the capital stabilization fund.
Yes: Cunningham, Manugian, Pine, ReillyNo: Degen
From the minutes
“Mr. Cunningham moved that they increase the budget number for the pool deck at the Country Club to $110,000 to come from the capital stabilization fund. Ms. Pine seconded the motion. Mr. Degen said he was tired of numbers coming forward for projects that were not correct. He said it was important to have the correct numbers before them the first time. Ms. Pine said she couldn't dispute this adding the pandemic and world events were still impacting the costs of everything with numbers changing dramatically every week. Mr. Haddad said that with regard to this, this was put into the capital budget 5 years ago and took responsibility for not updating this. Mr. Haddad said that they had always gone to Town Meeting with bids in hand but couldn't control what the CPC required as they came to him after they had gone through their process. Mr. Haddad said that they had always done a good job with bidding out projects. Ms. Pine suggested scheduling a meeting with the CPC to discuss improvements to their process. The motion carried 4-1 with Mr. Degen opposed..” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Pine)
Apr 11Require masks at Town MeetingMotion: Ms. Manugian moved that they require masks at Town Meeting.Passed 3–2 · No: Degen, Reilly
April 11, 2022: Require masks at Town Meeting
Ms. Manugian moved that they require masks at Town Meeting.
Yes: Cunningham, Manugian, PineNo: Degen, Reilly
From the minutes
“Ms. Manugian moved that they require masks at Town Meeting. Ms. Pine seconded the motion. Ms. Pine said she didn't think they would require masks but with the recent uptick thought they should consider it. Ms. Collette said that the Board of Health wasn't aware of this discussion but said she had been at three different forums recently where masks were required. She said that when you get in an indoor situation, where it could be crowded it seemed prudent to ask people to wear masks. She said that this was her own opinion. The motion carried 3-2 with Mr. Reilly and Mr. Degen not in favor..” (Motion: Manugian, second: Pine)
Mar 28Approve the $15,000 FY22 request for a line-item transfer…Motion: Mr. Cunningham moved that they approve the $15,000 FY22 request for…Passed 3–2 · No: Degen, Manugian
March 28, 2022: Approve the $15,000 FY22 request for a line-item transfer for the Destination Groton Committee
Mr. Cunningham moved that they approve the $15,000 FY22 request for a line-item transfer for the Destination Groton Committee.
Yes: Cunningham, Pine, ReillyNo: Degen, Manugian
From the minutes
“Mr. Cunningham moved that they approve the $15,000 FY22 request for a line-item transfer for the Destination Groton Committee. Mr. Reilly seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-2 in favor with Ms. Manugian and Mr. Degen opposed..” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Reilly)
Mar 28Authorize the Town Manager to put out an RFP…Motion: Mr. Degen moved that they authorize the Town Manager to put…Passed 4–1 · No: Manugian
March 28, 2022: Authorize the Town Manager to put out an RFP for engineering services to correct flooding issues on Broadmeadow Road using ARPA funds and to bring back cost proposals for the…
Mr. Degen moved that they authorize the Town Manager to put out an RFP for engineering services to correct flooding issues on Broadmeadow Road using ARPA funds and to bring back cost proposals for the Select Board to discuss.
Yes: Cunningham, Degen, Pine, ReillyNo: Manugian
From the minutes
“Mr. Degen moved that they authorize the Town Manager to put out an RFP for engineering services to correct flooding issues on Broadmeadow Road using ARPA funds and to bring back cost proposals for the Select Board to discuss. Mr. Cunningham seconded the motion. Ms. Manugian asked what the ultimate goal was for Broadmeadow. The motion carried 4-1 with Ms. Manugian opposed..” (Motion: Degen, second: Cunningham)
Mar 7Rescind the engineering study money of $320k for the…Motion: Mr. Degen moved to rescind the engineering study money of $320k…Failed 1–3 · No: Manugian, Pine, Reilly
March 7, 2022: Rescind the engineering study money of $320k for the Nod Road sewer improvements and limit it to remaining $200k
Mr. Degen moved to rescind the engineering study money of $320k for the Nod Road sewer improvements and limit it to remaining $200k.
Yes: DegenNo: Manugian, Pine, Reilly
From the minutes
“Mr. Degen moved to rescind the engineering study money of $320k for the Nod Road sewer improvements and limit it to remaining $200k. Ms. Manugian seconded the motion. Ms. Manugian asked what would happen if they did this. Mr. Haddad said that the Town would need to come up with the funds to perform the engineering study and didn't have an issue with this motion. Mr. Reilly said he recalled that it needed to be a shovel ready project. Mr. Haddad said that they would. Ms. Manugian said that to get the design work done was in their best interest and didn't support this. Mr. Haddad said that he would come back to the Board before spending any of this money. Roll Call: Reilly-nay; Manugian-nay; Pine-nay; Degen-aye.” (Motion: Degen, second: Manugian)
Feb 28Approve the request for a one day all alcohol…Motion: Mr. Cunningham moved to approve the request for a one day…Passed 4–0 · see note
February 28, 2022: Approve the request for a one day all alcohol license to the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce for Taste of Nashoba to be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Mr. Cunningham moved to approve the request for a one day all alcohol license to the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce for Taste of Nashoba to be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
Yes: Cunningham, Manugian, Pine, ReillyJoshua Degen stepped aside (recused) and is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“Mr. Cunningham moved to approve the request for a one day all alcohol license to the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce for Taste of Nashoba to be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Ms. Manugian seconded the motion. Roll Call: Pine-aye; Manugian-aye; Reilly-aye; Cunningham-aye; Degen-recused.” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Manugian)
Feb 14Authorize the Chair, Becky Pine, to sign the warrants…Motion: Mr. Degen moved that the Board authorize the Chair, Becky Pine,…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: Pine
February 14, 2022: Authorize the Chair, Becky Pine, to sign the warrants in conjunction with the Town Manager until March 20, 2022 or until the Board meets again in person sooner
Mr. Degen moved that the Board authorize the Chair, Becky Pine, to sign the warrants in conjunction with the Town Manager until March 20, 2022 or until the Board meets again in person sooner.
Yes: Cunningham, Degen, ManugianAbstained: Pine
From the minutes
“Mr. Degen moved that the Board authorize the Chair, Becky Pine, to sign the warrants in conjunction with the Town Manager until March 20, 2022 or until the Board meets again in person sooner. Mr. Cunningham seconded. Roll Call: Manugian-aye; Cunningham-aye; Degen-aye; Pine-abstain.” (Motion: Degen, second: Cunningham)
From the Groton Select Board’s official minutes, posted on the town’s public meeting portal (Select Board). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Town of Groton, Select Board page (Peter Cunningham, Becky Pine, John Reilly).
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