MassVoter.com← GrotonMunicipal votes · 2022–2023 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. Matt Pisani joined the board after the May 2022 town election (first meeting June 6, 2022); Joshua Degen left it (his last meeting was May 23, 2022). On June 13, 2022 the board chose John Reilly as Chair (three members for him, two for Becky Pine), Becky Pine as Vice Chair and Matt Pisani as Clerk (all five in favor). Becky Pine chaired the June 6, 2022 meeting. Covers 34 meetings, June 6 to June 5, 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 budgetBoard years
Coming up
MassVoter can’t read Groton’s meeting calendar automatically yet. See upcoming meetings on the official site →
Members
ChairJohn ReillyChair · At-large · at 31 of 34 meetings
Vice-ChairBecky PineVice Chair · At-large · at 32 of 34 meetings
Peter CunninghamMember · At-large · at 32 of 34 meetingsAlison ManugianMember · At-large · at 31 of 34 meetingsMatt PisaniClerk · At-large · at 33 of 34 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.
Jun 5Enter an Option to Buy Agreement with the Department…Motion: Ms. Pine moved that the Board enter an Option to Buy…Failed 1–3 · No: Cunningham, Pisani, Reilly
June 5, 2023: Enter an Option to Buy Agreement with the Department of Fish and Game to grant a conservation restriction over the Brown Loaf property for the sum of $103,000, and authorize…
Ms. Pine moved that the Board enter an Option to Buy Agreement with the Department of Fish and Game to grant a conservation restriction over the Brown Loaf property for the sum of $103,000, and authorize the Town Conservation Administrator and Town Manager to sign any documents necessary to carry out the sale or taking of the conservation restriction contemplated in the Option to Buy Agreement. Furthermore, to empower the Conservation Commission and the Trails Committee to work with the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife on a trail management plan and a Baseline Report such that an application can be made in the future to reevaluate the uses of the trails.
Yes: PineNo: Cunningham, Pisani, ReillyThe minutes name only the members in favor (Becky Pine); the other members present are shown voting no, which matches the count.
From the minutes
“Ms. Pine moved that the Board enter an Option to Buy Agreement with the Department of Fish and Game to grant a conservation restriction over the Brown Loaf property for the sum of $103,000, and authorize the Town Conservation Administrator and Town Manager to sign any documents necessary to carry out the sale or taking of the conservation restriction contemplated in the Option to Buy Agreement. Furthermore, to empower the Conservation Commission and the Trails Committee to work with the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife on a trail management plan and a Baseline Report such that an application can be made in the future to reevaluate the uses of the trails. Mr. Cunningham seconded the motion. Mr. Haddad wanted to clarify, Fisheries and Wildlife would still have to agree to allow equestrian and non-motorized bikes on the trails and did not want anyone leaving the room thinking it was a done deal if the Board approved the motion. The motion was defeated by a majority vote, 3 Against, 1 in Favor- Pine..” (Motion: Pine, second: Cunningham)
Apr 10Appoint Mr. Russ Harris as an Associate Member of…Motion: Ms. Cunningham made a motion to appoint Mr. Russ Harris as…Passed 4–1 · No: Manugian
April 10, 2023: Appoint Mr. Russ Harris as an Associate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals with term to expire on June 30, 2023
Ms. Cunningham made a motion to appoint Mr. Russ Harris as an Associate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals with term to expire on June 30, 2023.
Yes: Cunningham, Pine, Pisani, ReillyNo: Manugian
From the minutes
“Ms. Cunningham made a motion to appoint Mr. Russ Harris as an Associate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals with term to expire on June 30, 2023. Mr. Pisani seconded the motion. Motion approved by a majority vote of 4 in Favor, 1 Against- Manugian..” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Pisani)
Apr 3Endorse proceeding with the Dunstable/Pepperell/Groton SolutionMotion: Mr. Cunningham moved to endorse proceeding with the Dunstable/Pepperell/Groton Solution.Passed 3–1 · No: Pisani
April 3, 2023: Endorse proceeding with the Dunstable/Pepperell/Groton Solution
Mr. Cunningham moved to endorse proceeding with the Dunstable/Pepperell/Groton Solution.
Yes: Cunningham, Pine, ReillyNo: Pisani
From the minutes
“Mr. Cunningham moved to endorse proceeding with the Dunstable/Pepperell/Groton Solution. Ms. Pine seconded the motion. Roll Call: Cunningham-aye; Pine-aye; Pisani- nay; Reilly- aye.” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Pine)
Mar 6Authorize the Town Manager to write a Letter of…Motion: Ms. Pine made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Manugian
March 6, 2023: Authorize the Town Manager to write a Letter of Support that the Select Board would work with the Department of Fish and Game for a conservation restriction on the Brownloaf…
Ms. Pine made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to write a Letter of Support that the Select Board would work with the Department of Fish and Game for a conservation restriction on the Brownloaf Property and to grant permission to agents of Fish and Game to access the property for the purpose of conducting an appraisal.
Yes: Cunningham, Pine, Pisani, ReillyAbstained: Manugian
From the minutes
“Ms. Pine made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to write a Letter of Support that the Select Board would work with the Department of Fish and Game for a conservation restriction on the Brownloaf Property and to grant permission to agents of Fish and Game to access the property for the purpose of conducting an appraisal. Mr. Cunningham seconded the motion. The motion approved by a majority vote, 4 in Favor, 1 Abstain - Manugian..” (Motion: Pine, second: Cunningham)
Mar 6Ratify the new three year Agreement between the Town…Motion: Education Incentive- Educational Incentive Payments to the employee shall be made…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 6, 2023: Ratify the new three year Agreement between the Town and Chief Steel McCurdy
Education Incentive- Educational Incentive Payments to the employee shall be made in accordance with the following: Master's Degree in Fire Science $2,000 Mr. Cunningham made a motion that the Board ratify the new three year Agreement between the Town and Chief Steel McCurdy.
The count (The motion carried 4-0.) does not match the 5 members shown at the meeting at that point, and the minutes do not say who did not vote. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Education Incentive- Educational Incentive Payments to the employee shall be made in accordance with the following: Master's Degree in Fire Science $2,000 Mr. Cunningham made a motion that the Board ratify the new three year Agreement between the Town and Chief Steel McCurdy. Ms. Pine seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0..” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Pine)
Feb 27Approve the DPW Director-In-Training Program and to have a…Motion: Mr. Cunningham made a motion to approve the DPW Director-In-Training Program…Passed 4–1 · No: Pine
February 27, 2023: Approve the DPW Director-In-Training Program and to have a Select Board Member attend the interview
Mr. Cunningham made a motion to approve the DPW Director-In-Training Program and to have a Select Board Member attend the interview.
Yes: Cunningham, Manugian, Pisani, ReillyNo: Pine
From the minutes
“Mr. Cunningham made a motion to approve the DPW Director-In-Training Program and to have a Select Board Member attend the interview. Mr. Pisani seconded the motion. Motion approved by a majority vote, 4 In favor, 1 Against - Pine..” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Pisani)
Feb 13Approve the letter of support to the Community Preservation…Motion: Mr. Cunningham made a motion to approve the letter of support…Passed · see note
February 13, 2023: Approve the letter of support to the Community Preservation Committee on Affordable Housing Trust Application
Mr. Cunningham made a motion to approve the letter of support to the Community Preservation Committee on Affordable Housing Trust Application.
The minutes record the result but no count.
From the minutes
“Mr. Cunningham made a motion to approve the letter of support to the Community Preservation Committee on Affordable Housing Trust Application. Mr. Pisani seconded the motion. The motion was carried..” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Pisani)
Jan 23Authorize the Town Manager and the Chair of the…Motion: Ms. Pine made a motion to authorize the Town Manager and…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Reilly
January 23, 2023: Authorize the Town Manager and the Chair of the Select Board permission to sign the expense warrant
Ms. Pine made a motion to authorize the Town Manager and the Chair of the Select Board permission to sign the expense warrant.
Yes: Cunningham, Manugian, Pine, PisaniAbstained: Reilly
From the minutes
“Ms. Pine made a motion to authorize the Town Manager and the Chair of the Select Board permission to sign the expense warrant. Mr. Cunningham seconded. The motion carried. Roll Call: Pine-aye, Cunningham-aye, Pisani-aye, Manugian- aye, Reilly- Abstain.” (Motion: Pine, second: Cunningham)
Jan 9Call for the 2023 Town Spring Meeting to be…Motion: Mr. Cunningham made a motion to call for the 2023 Town…Passed 4–0 · see note
January 9, 2023: Call for the 2023 Town Spring Meeting to be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023
Mr. Cunningham made a motion to call for the 2023 Town Spring Meeting to be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023.
Yes: Manugian, Pine, Pisani, ReillyThe roll call lists "Cunningham" with no vote next to the name. The roll call does not list Peter Cunningham, who was at the meeting; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“Mr. Cunningham made a motion to call for the 2023 Town Spring Meeting to be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Ms. Manugian seconded the motion. The motion carried. Roll call: Pine-aye, Manugian-aye, Pisani- aye, Cunningham, Reilly- aye.” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Manugian)
Nov 21Enter into contract negotiations into a new three-year agreementMotion: Mr. Cunningham made a motion to enter into contract negotiations into…Passed 4–0 · see note
November 21, 2022: Enter into contract negotiations into a new three-year agreement
Mr. Cunningham made a motion to enter into contract negotiations into a new three-year agreement.
Yes: Cunningham, Manugian, Pine, ReillyMatt Pisani recused himself from this item, so he is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“Mr. Cunningham made a motion to enter into contract negotiations into a new three-year agreement. Ms. Manugian seconded the motion. The vote carried unanimous..” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Manugian)
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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