How the Mashpee Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. On June 3, 2019 three members present chose Andrew Gottlieb as Chair, John Cahalane as Vice Chair and John Cotton as Clerk (3-0). The same night the board honored John Cahalane for twenty years as a Selectman; he does not appear in later minutes, and on July 22, 2019 the board chose John Cotton as Vice Chair and Thomas O'Hara as Clerk (4-0). The seat stayed empty until David Weeden won the October 1, 2019 special election for the rest of the term; his first meeting in the minutes is October 7, 2019. Covers 36 meetings, June 3 to June 29, 2020.
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.
In Mashpee, 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.
Special Town Meeting · May 4, 2026 14 votes: 13 passed, 1 failed
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: Select Board (until 2022, Board of Selectmen) minutes from January 8, 2018 through July 13, 2026, from the Select Board folder of the town’s Laserfiche records archive, which holds minutes back to the 1950s (MassVoter has loaded 2018 on). Anyone can open these minutes page by page without signing in; the original files cannot be downloaded without an account, so MassVoter read the text the archive shows with each page. Most minutes from 2018 to early 2026 are scanned copies whose text was produced by text-recognition software, so names and numbers are sometimes damaged; we matched damaged names to members only when the match was clear. Not here: minutes the town has not posted, including February 23, 2026 and meetings after July 13, 2026; the minutes of April 8, 2019, April 12, 2021 and March 17, 2025, whose files in the archive hold other papers or have no readable text for the minutes pages; and executive-session minutes, except two released sets (April 11 and 17, 2018) that are the only minutes for those dates. Mashpee’s minutes record almost every vote as a roll call by name ("Roll Call Vote: Selectman O’Hara, yes ..."), and we show each member’s vote from it. Where the roll call cannot be fully read, leaves out a member who was there without a count that explains it, lists a member twice, or does not match the count, we show the count only, or the result only when no count can be read, and add a note. Votes taken by other boards at joint meetings (such as the Finance Committee or the Affordable Housing Trust) are not included; at joint votes we show only the Select Board members’ roll-call votes. Votes choosing between candidates show the result only. 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.
Jun 29Authorize the refinement of the language of the statement,…Motion: to authorize the refinement of the language of the statement, and…Passed 4–0 · see note
June 29, 2020: Authorize the refinement of the language of the statement, and authorize the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to execute the final draft of the statement regarding the Town of…
ApprovePassed · 4–0
To authorize the refinement of the language of the statement, and authorize the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to execute the final draft of the statement regarding the Town of Mashpee's continued support of the Land in Trust
Yes: Cotton, Gottlieb, O'Hara, ShermanThe roll call lists David Weeden as recused.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Selectman Sherman to authorize the refinement of the language of the statement, and authorize the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to execute the final draft of the statement regarding the Town of Mashpee's continued support of the Land in Trust. Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0-1. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara,yes Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Weeden, recused Opposed, none.” (Motion: Sherman, second: O'Hara)
May 18Replace the Fee Schedule adopted at the prior Board…Motion: to replace the Fee Schedule adopted at the prior Board of…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: O'Hara
May 18, 2020: Replace the Fee Schedule adopted at the prior Board of Selectmen's meeting, and adopt the revised Short Term Registration Fees; $25 per rental property and $75 per dwelling unit with…
ApprovePassed · 4–0
To replace the Fee Schedule adopted at the prior Board of Selectmen's meeting, and adopt the revised Short Term Registration Fees; $25 per rental property and $75 per dwelling unit with the directive for inspections as outlined
“Motion made by Selectman Sherman to replace the Fee Schedule adopted at the prior Board of Selectmen's meeting, and adopt the revised Short Term Registration Fees; $25 per rental property and $75 per dwelling unit with the directive for inspections as outlined. Motion seconded by Selectmen Weeden. VOTE: 4-0-1. Motion carries. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara, abstained Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Weeden,yes Opposed, none.” (Motion: Sherman, second: Weeden)
“Motion amended by Selectman Weeden to add: The Fee Schedule shall go into effect on May 18, 2020; a CY fee would apply to the balance of 2020. The mechanism is the time of registration. Motion seconded by Selectman Cotton. VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0-1. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara, abstained Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Weeden,yes Opposed, none.” (Motion: Weeden, second: Cotton)
Apr 6Move the Board.vote to maintain the date of May…Motion: to move the Board.vote to maintain the date of May 19,2020…Passed 4–1 · No: Weeden
April 6, 2020: Move the Board.vote to maintain the date of May 19,2020 for the Annual Town Election and relocate the polling place from the Quashnet School to the Mashpee Town Hall and…
ApprovePassed · 4–1
To move the Board.vote to maintain the date of May 19,2020 for the Annual Town Election and relocate the polling place from the Quashnet School to the Mashpee Town Hall and that the time for the opening and closing of the polls for said Annual Town Election be 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, respectively
Yes: Cotton, Gottlieb, O'Hara, ShermanNo: Weeden
From the minutes
“Motion made by Selectman Cotton to move the Board.vote to maintain the date of May 19,2020 for the Annual Town Election and relocate the polling place from the Quashnet School to the Mashpee Town Hall and that the time for the opening and closing of the polls for said Annual Town Election be 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, respectively. Motion seconded by Selectman Sherman. VOTE: 4-1. Motion carries. Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara,yes Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Weeden, no Opposed, (1).” (Motion: Cotton, second: Sherman)
Mar 23Approve the extension of the term of the Memorandum…Motion: to approve the extension of the term of the Memorandum of…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 23, 2020: Approve the extension of the term of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Mashpee and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe for the Provision of Fire Protection, Emergency Medical Services and...
ApprovePassed · 4–0
To approve the extension of the term of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Mashpee and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe for the Provision of Fire Protection, Emergency Medical Services and Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Assistance until September 1, 2020
Yes: Cotton, Gottlieb, O'Hara, ShermanThe roll call lists David Weeden as recused.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Selectman O'Hara to approve the extension of the term of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Mashpee and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe for the Provision of Fire Protection, Emergency Medical Services and Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Assistance until September 1, 2020. Motion seconded by Selectman Cotton. VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara,yes Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Weeden, recused Opposed, none.” (Motion: O'Hara, second: Cotton)
“Motion made by Selectman Sherman to not support Article 32 at this time. Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. VOTE: 2-3. Motion fails. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Gottlieb, no Selectman Cotton, no Selectman O'Hara,yes Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Weeden, no Opposed, (3).” (Motion: Sherman, second: O'Hara)
Mar 2Approve the proposed changes to the Shellfish Regulations; specifically,…Motion: to approve the proposed changes to the Shellfish Regulations; specifically, a…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Weeden
March 2, 2020: Approve the proposed changes to the Shellfish Regulations; specifically, a proposal to designate 1.9 acres of area at Mashpee Neck Landing as a non-commercial, family shellfishing area effective;...
ApprovePassed · 4–0
To approve the proposed changes to the Shellfish Regulations; specifically, a proposal to designate 1.9 acres of area at Mashpee Neck Landing as a non-commercial, family shellfishing area effective; March 2, 2020
“Motion made by Selectman Sherman to approve the proposed changes to the Shellfish Regulations; specifically, a proposal to designate 1.9 acres of area at Mashpee Neck Landing as a non-commercial, family shellfishing area effective; March 2, 2020. Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0-1. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara,yes Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Weeden, abstained Opposed, none.” (Motion: Sherman, second: O'Hara)
Mar 2Increase the lst Household Sticker to $175, all other…Motion: to increase the lst Household Sticker to $175, all other costs…Failed 1–4 · No: Gottlieb, O'Hara, Sherman, Weeden
March 2, 2020: Increase the lst Household Sticker to $175, all other costs would remain the same
ApproveFailed · 1–4
To increase the lst Household Sticker to $175, all other costs would remain the same
Yes: CottonNo: Gottlieb, O'Hara, Sherman, Weeden
From the minutes
“Motion made by Selectman Cotton to increase the lst Household Sticker to $175, all other costs would remain the same. Motion seconded by Selectman Gottlieb. VOTE: 1-4. Motion fails. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Gottlieb, no Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara, no Selectman Sherman, no Selectman Weeden, no Opposed, (4).” (Motion: Cotton, second: Gottlieb)
Mar 2Increase the 1st Household Sticker to $185,with additional costs…Motion: to increase the 1st Household Sticker to $185,with additional costs set…Passed 3–2 · No: Gottlieb, Weeden
March 2, 2020: Increase the 1st Household Sticker to $185,with additional costs set as presented
ApprovePassed · 3–2
To increase the 1st Household Sticker to $185,with additional costs set as presented
Yes: Cotton, O'Hara, ShermanNo: Gottlieb, Weeden
From the minutes
“Motion made by Selectman O'Hara to increase the 1st Household Sticker to $185,with additional costs set as presented. Motion seconded by Selectman Sherman. VOTE: 3-2. Motion carries. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Gottlieb, no Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara,yes Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Weeden, no Opposed, (2).” (Motion: O'Hara, second: Sherman)
From the Mashpee Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Laserfiche records archive (linked as “View Most Recent Minutes” on the town’s Select Board page). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Town of Mashpee (Select Board page)