MassVoter.com← GrotonMunicipal votes · 2025–2026 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. The board reorganized on June 9, 2025, but the minutes of that meeting are not posted. From June 23, 2025 on, the minutes list Matt Pisani as Chair, Becky Pine as Vice Chair and Alison Manugian as Clerk. The same five members served all year. Covers 36 meetings, June 10 to May 18, 2026.
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
Vice-ChairBecky PineVice Chair · At-large · at 34 of 36 meetings
Peter CunninghamMember · At-large · at 32 of 36 meetingsAlison ManugianClerk · At-large · at 34 of 36 meetings
John ReillyMember · At-large · at 33 of 36 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 18Direct the Town Manager and the Police Department to…Motion: Ms. Pine moved to direct the Town Manager and the Police…Failed 1–4 · No: Cunningham, Manugian, Pisani, Reilly
May 18, 2026: Direct the Town Manager and the Police Department to terminate the FY2027 contract with the Flock Camera company
Ms. Pine moved to direct the Town Manager and the Police Department to terminate the FY2027 contract with the Flock Camera company.
Yes: PineNo: Cunningham, Manugian, 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 to direct the Town Manager and the Police Department to terminate the FY2027 contract with the Flock Camera company. Ms. Manugian seconded the motion. Discussion Mr. Cunningham believes it's a mistake to base public policy on social media. He said they've heard from the Police Department that the cameras are a valuable tool. Mr. Reilly said the Town Meeting approved the contract the first time it was brought forward. Ms. Manugian believes there is a need for public discussion to address concerns, but she supports the cameras. Ms. Pine believes they need to explore the cameras further. The motion was defeated by a majority vote: 4 Against, 1 in Favor - Pine..” (Motion: Pine, second: Manugian)
May 4Explore grants and investigate the removal of the Squannacook…Motion: Ms. Manugian moved to explore grants and investigate the removal of…Passed 4–1 · No: Pine
May 4, 2026: Explore grants and investigate the removal of the Squannacook River Dam
Ms. Manugian moved to explore grants and investigate the removal of the Squannacook River Dam.
Yes: Cunningham, Manugian, Pisani, ReillyNo: Pine
From the minutes
“Ms. Manugian moved to explore grants and investigate the removal of the Squannacook River Dam. Mr. Cunningham seconded the motion. Discussion Mr. Cunningham said every grant he has explored included some local share contribution. Mr. Haddad said that if there is an appropriation, they will return to Town Meeting. The motion carried 4 in Favor, 1 Against- Pine..” (Motion: Manugian, second: Cunningham)
Apr 13Authorize the Town Manager to submit the out-of-cycle CPC…Motion: Ms. Pine made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to…Passed 3–1 · No: Manugian
April 13, 2026: Authorize the Town Manager to submit the out-of-cycle CPC application for the repair of the dam
Ms. Pine made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to submit the out-of-cycle CPC application for the repair of the dam.
Yes: Pine, Pisani, ReillyNo: Manugian
From the minutes
“Ms. Pine made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to submit the out-of-cycle CPC application for the repair of the dam. Mr. Reilly seconded the motion. Roll Call: Pine - aye; Manugian - nay; Reilly - aye; Pisani - aye.” (Motion: Pine, second: Reilly)
Mar 23Approve the Squannacook River Dam Public Hearing of March…Motion: Approval of the Squannacook River Dam Public Hearing of March 3,…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: Cunningham
March 23, 2026: Approve the Squannacook River Dam Public Hearing of March 3, 2026
Approval of the Squannacook River Dam Public Hearing of March 3, 2026 Ms. Manugian made a motion to approve the Squannacook River Dam Public Hearing of March 3, 2026.
Yes: Manugian, Pisani, ReillyAbstained: Cunningham
From the minutes
“Approval of the Squannacook River Dam Public Hearing of March 3, 2026 Ms. Manugian made a motion to approve the Squannacook River Dam Public Hearing of March 3, 2026. Mr. Reilly seconded the motion. The motion carried 3 in favor, 1 abstained- Cunningham..” (Motion: Manugian, second: Reilly)
Mar 2Appoint Jack Petropolous to the Park CommissionMotion: Mr. Cunningham made a motion to appoint Jack Petropolous to the…Failed 2–3 · No: Manugian, Pisani, Reilly
March 2, 2026: Appoint Jack Petropolous to the Park Commission
Mr. Cunningham made a motion to appoint Jack Petropolous to the Park Commission.
Yes: Cunningham, PineNo: Manugian, Pisani, ReillyThis was a joint vote with another board (to fill a vacancy or as a joint meeting); only the Select Board members’ votes are shown.
From the minutes
“Mr. Cunningham made a motion to appoint Jack Petropolous to the Park Commission. Ms. Pine seconded the motion. Roll Call: Manugian-nay; Pisani-nay; Reilly-nay; Cunningham-aye; Pine-aye; Jennings-aye; Presti-aye; Eliot-nay; Ohringer-aye.” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Pine)
Feb 9Authorize the Town Manager to sign the letter of…Motion: Mr. Cunningham made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to…Passed 3–1 · No: Manugian
February 9, 2026: Authorize the Town Manager to sign the letter of support to the CPA for the Affordable Housing Trust application, on behalf of the Select Board
Mr. Cunningham made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to sign the letter of support to the CPA for the Affordable Housing Trust application, on behalf of the Select Board.
Yes: Cunningham, Pine, PisaniNo: Manugian
From the minutes
“Mr. Cunningham made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to sign the letter of support to the CPA for the Affordable Housing Trust application, on behalf of the Select Board. Ms. Manugian seconded the motion. Discussion Mr. Haddad stated that the request is for $300,000. Ms. Pine believes they currently have approximately $800,000 in the Affordable Housing Trust account at this time. The motion carried 3 in Favor, 1 Against-Manugian..” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Manugian)
Oct 28Provide the following guidance from the Finance Committee to…Motion: The Select Board Vote Ms. Pine moved to provide the following…Passed 4–1 · No: Manugian
October 28, 2025: Provide the following guidance from the Finance Committee to the Town Manager: A. The Town Manager shall provide a Balanced Budget with no consideration of an Override for Fiscal Year…
The Select Board Vote Ms. Pine moved to provide the following guidance from the Finance Committee to the Town Manager: A. The Town Manager shall provide a Balanced Budget with no consideration of an Override for Fiscal Year 2027. Any Municipal Spending Increase shall be kept to no more than forty (40%) percent of anticipated new revenues for Fiscal Year 2027. The remaining new revenues shall be set aside for the Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Operating Assessment of the Groton Dunstable Regional School District. B. The Town Manager shall provide a complete listing/summary of any reductions to the Budget to comply with this Guidance.
Yes: Cunningham, Pine, Pisani, ReillyNo: Manugian
From the minutes
“The Select Board Vote Ms. Pine moved to provide the following guidance from the Finance Committee to the Town Manager: A. The Town Manager shall provide a Balanced Budget with no consideration of an Override for Fiscal Year 2027. Any Municipal Spending Increase shall be kept to no more than forty (40%) percent of anticipated new revenues for Fiscal Year 2027. The remaining new revenues shall be set aside for the Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Operating Assessment of the Groton Dunstable Regional School District. B. The Town Manager shall provide a complete listing/summary of any reductions to the Budget to comply with this Guidance. Mr. Cunningham seconded the motion, subject to change. The motion carried 4 in Favor, 1 AgainstManugian..” (Motion: Pine, second: Cunningham)
Oct 18Approve a One-Day Wine and Malt Beverages License for…Motion: Mr. Cunningham made a motion to approve a One-Day Wine and…Passed 4–1 · No: Manugian
October 18, 2025: Approve a One-Day Wine and Malt Beverages License for the Friends of Prescott's Paint to Sip to be held at the Prescott Community Center on Friday, October 24, 2025, from…
Mr. Cunningham made a motion to approve a One-Day Wine and Malt Beverages License for the Friends of Prescott's Paint to Sip to be held at the Prescott Community Center on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Yes: Cunningham, Pine, Pisani, ReillyNo: Manugian
From the minutes
“Mr. Cunningham made a motion to approve a One-Day Wine and Malt Beverages License for the Friends of Prescott's Paint to Sip to be held at the Prescott Community Center on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ms. Pine seconded the motion. The motion carried 4 in Favor, 1 Against- Manugian..” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Pine)
Sep 8Appoint Leslie Colt to the elected seat until the…Motion: Elected Seat Mr. Cunningham made a motion to appoint Leslie Colt…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
September 8, 2025: Appoint Leslie Colt to the elected seat until the May 2026 Election
Elected Seat Mr. Cunningham made a motion to appoint Leslie Colt to the elected seat until the May 2026 Election.
This was a joint vote with another board (to fill a vacancy or as a joint meeting); only the Select Board members’ votes are shown.
From the minutes
“Elected Seat Mr. Cunningham made a motion to appoint Leslie Colt to the elected seat until the May 2026 Election. Ms. Manugian seconded the motion. Roll call: Pine-aye; Manugian-aye; Pisani-aye; Cunningham-aye; Emerson-aye; Murray- aye; Sopka-aye.” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Manugian)
Jun 16Reduce the quorum to 50 for the Special Town…Motion: Mr. Cunningham made a motion to reduce the quorum to 50…Passed 4–1 · No: Reilly
June 16, 2025: Reduce the quorum to 50 for the Special Town Meeting on June 23, 2025
Mr. Cunningham made a motion to reduce the quorum to 50 for the Special Town Meeting on June 23, 2025.
Yes: Cunningham, Manugian, Pine, PisaniNo: Reilly
From the minutes
“Mr. Cunningham made a motion to reduce the quorum to 50 for the Special Town Meeting on June 23, 2025. Ms. Pine seconded the motion. Discussion Ms. Manugian asked if it had to be reduced to the low number of 50. Mr. Haddad said 50 was just his recommendation, and the lowest that they could go was 18 up to 178. Ms. Manugian said it would have to be in the ballpark of 125 to 150 to recommend the reduction. Mr. Haddad asked the Moderator if the Select Board approves this motion, would he be required to accept it. Mr. Kauppi stated that the Moderator has the ability to make the final decision. Mr. Kauppi stated that he respects the Select Board and their decisions, so he is paying close attention to their recommendation. Mr. Cunningham amended the motion to reduce the quorum to 125 for the Special Town Meeting on June 23, 2025. Ms. Pine seconded the motion. Discussion Mr. Cunningham emphasized the importance of getting this done. The motion was approved by a majority vote, with 4 in Favor, 1 Against -Reilly..” (Motion: Cunningham, second: Pine)
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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