How the Mashpee Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Same five members after the May 2023 town election. On May 15, 2023 the board chose John Cotton as Chair (3-0-2, over David Weeden, 1-2-2), Thomas O'Hara as Vice Chair (3-0-2, over David Weeden, 1-0-4) and Carol Sherman as Clerk (5-0). Covers 28 meetings, May 15 to May 6, 2024.
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.
May 6Approve and recommend Article #10 of the Special Town…Motion: to approve and recommend Article #10 of the Special Town Meeting…Passed 3–1 · No: Sherman
May 6, 2024: Approve and recommend Article #10 of the Special Town Meeting Warrant for the sum of $2,821,000
ApprovePassed · 3–1
To approve and recommend Article #10 of the Special Town Meeting Warrant for the sum of $2,821,000
Yes: Cotton, Weeden, Wyman-ColomboNo: Sherman
From the minutes
“Motion made by Selectman Weeden to approve and recommend Article #10 of the Special Town Meeting Warrant for the sum of $2,821,000. Motion seconded by Selectman Wyman -Colombo. VOTE: 3-1. Motion carries. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman Sherman, no Selectman Weeden, yes Selectman Wyman -Colombo, yes Opposed, (1).” (Motion: Weeden, second: Wyman-Colombo)
“Motion made by Selectman Sherman to proclaim May 6, 2024 as Patrick J. Costello Day in the Town of Mashpee to honor this dedicated individual. Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. VOTE: 4-1. Motion carries. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara, yes Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Weeden, no Selectman Wyman -Colombo, yes Opposed, (1).” (Motion: Sherman, second: O'Hara)
Apr 1Approve the Ruck4HIT Cape Cod 2024 event as presentedMotion: to approve the Ruck4HIT Cape Cod 2024 event as presentedPassed 3–0 · see note
April 1, 2024: Approve the Ruck4HIT Cape Cod 2024 event as presented
ApprovePassed · 3–0
To approve the Ruck4HIT Cape Cod 2024 event as presented
Joint vote with another board (the minutes give the combined count as 5-0); only the Select Board members’ votes are shown. Part of the roll call cannot be read in the town's text of these minutes ("Selectman"). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Selectman Weeden to approve the Ruck4HIT Cape Cod 2024 event as presented. Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. VOTE: 5-0. Unanimous. Roll Call Vote: Selectman, yes- Selectman O'Hara, yes- ,SelectmawSherman, yes- Select- an Weeden, yes Selectman Wyman -Colombo, yes Opposed, none.” (Motion: Weeden, second: O'Hara)
Apr 1Madie by S61ectman Wymain-Cotombo to a1pprove the Temporary Sign…Motion: madie by S61ectman Wymain-Cotombo to a1pprove the Temporary Sign Applit,,'ation of…Passed · see note
April 1, 2024: Madie by S61ectman Wymain-Cotombo to a1pprove the Temporary Sign Applit,,'ation of the Native 1.11aind Conservancy as presented
ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes
Madie by S61ectman Wymain-Cotombo to a1pprove the Temporary Sign Applit,,'ation of the Native 1.11aind Conservancy as presented
Joint vote with another board (the minutes give the combined count as 5-0); only the Select Board members’ votes are shown. The roll call in the town's text does not list Carol Sherman, who was on the attendance line, and no count can be read. Showing the result only.
From the minutes
“Motion madie by S61ectman Wymain-Cotombo to a1pprove the Temporary Sign Applit,,'ation of the Native 1.11aind Conservancy as presented. Motion seconded by Selectman Weeden. VOTF: 5-0. 1 " I'nanimous. F4071 i-i"'all Vote: Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara; yes Selft4mawShermaram, yes, Selectman Weeden, yes Selectinan Wynian-Collombo, yes Opposed, none.” (Motion: Wyman-Colombo, second: Weeden)
“Motion made by Selectman Wyman -Colombo to maintain time regular ar voting hours of time May 11, 20,24 AnnualTown Election from 7:00 a.m. to -00 p.m. Motion seconded by Selectman Weeden. VOTE: 4 1. Motion carries. 70i uu1lVote: Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara, no Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Weeden, yes Selectman Wyman -Colombo, yes Opposed, (1).” (Motion: Wyman-Colombo, second: Weeden)
Mar 18Authorize the Town Manager to draft a letter of…Motion: to authorize the Town Manager to draft a letter of support…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: Cotton
March 18, 2024: Authorize the Town Manager to draft a letter of support for the proposed indoor pickleball facility for execution by the Select Board at their next meeting
ApprovePassed · 3–0
To authorize the Town Manager to draft a letter of support for the proposed indoor pickleball facility for execution by the Select Board at their next meeting
“Motion made by Selectman Sherman to authorize the Town Manager to draft a letter of support for the proposed indoor pickleball facility for execution by the Select Board at their next meeting. Motion seconded by Selectman Wyman -Colombo. VOTE: 3-0-1. Unanimous. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Cotton, abstained Selectman O'Hara, yes Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Wyman -Colombo, yes Opposed, none.” (Motion: Sherman, second: Wyman-Colombo)
Jan 22Appoint Ted Schmuhl to the Community Preservation Committee as…Motion: to appoint Ted Schmuhl to the Community Preservation Committee as an…Passed 4–1 · No: Sherman
January 22, 2024: Appoint Ted Schmuhl to the Community Preservation Committee as an At -Large Member for a term to expire; June 30, 2024
AppointPassed · 4–1
To appoint Ted Schmuhl to the Community Preservation Committee as an At -Large Member for a term to expire; June 30, 2024
“Motion made by Selectman Wyman -Colombo to appoint Ted Schmuhl to the Community Preservation Committee as an At -Large Member for a term to expire; June 30, 2024. Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. VOTE: 4-1. Motion carries. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara, yes Selectman Sherman, no Selectman Weeden, yes Selectman Wyman -Colombo, yes Opposed, (1).” (Motion: Wyman-Colombo, second: O'Hara)
Dec 4Authorize the additional expenditure of $7,000 from the Affordable…Motion: authorize the additional expenditure of $7,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
December 4, 2023: Authorize the additional expenditure of $7,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust reserves to purchase 12 Cypress Circle, Mashpee for a total price of $107,000; property is identified on Assessor's...
ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present
Authorize the additional expenditure of $7,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust reserves to purchase 12 Cypress Circle, Mashpee for a total price of $107,000; property is identified on Assessor's Map as Map 21, Block 33, and direct Town Counsel to re-engage with the property owners' counsel to convey the property
Moved by Mr. McKelvey to of another board. Joint vote with another board (the minutes give the combined count as 9-0); only the Select Board members’ votes are shown.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. McKelvey to authorize the additional expenditure of $7,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust reserves to purchase 12 Cypress Circle, Mashpee for a total price of $107,000; property is identified on Assessor's Map as Map 21, Block 33, and direct Town Counsel to re-engage with the property owners' counsel to convey the property. Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. VOTE: 9-0. Unanimous. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara, yes Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Weeden, yes Selectman Wyman -Colombo, yes Mr. Isbitz, yes Mr. McKelvey, yes Mr. Klein, yes Mr. Cayer, yes Opposed, none.” (second: O'Hara)
Dec 4Authorize a Real Estate Appraisal for 46 Main Street,…Motion: authorize a Real Estate Appraisal for 46 Main Street, Mashpee for…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
December 4, 2023: Authorize a Real Estate Appraisal for 46 Main Street, Mashpee for a sum not to exceed $5,000
ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present
Authorize a Real Estate Appraisal for 46 Main Street, Mashpee for a sum not to exceed $5,000
Moved by Mr. McKelvey to of another board. Seconded by Mr. Klein of another board. Joint vote with another board (the minutes give the combined count as 9-0); only the Select Board members’ votes are shown.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. McKelvey to authorize a Real Estate Appraisal for 46 Main Street, Mashpee for a sum not to exceed $5,000. Motion seconded by Mr. Klein. VOTE: 9-0. Unanimous. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara, yes Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Weeden, yes Selectman Wyman -Colombo, yes Mr. Isbitz, yes Mr. McKelvey, yes Mr. Klein, yes Mr. Cayer, yes Opposed, none.”
Nov 13Move that the Town of Mashpee adopt a factor…Motion: to move that the Town of Mashpee adopt a factor of…Passed 4–1 · No: O'Hara
November 13, 2023: Move that the Town of Mashpee adopt a factor of "1" for all Classes of Property with No discount for Open Space, No Small Commercial Exemption and a Residential Exemption…
ApprovePassed · 4–1
To move that the Town of Mashpee adopt a factor of "1" for all Classes of Property with No discount for Open Space, No Small Commercial Exemption and a Residential Exemption no higher than 15%
“Motion made by Selectman Sherman to move that the Town of Mashpee adopt a factor of "1" for all Classes of Property with No discount for Open Space, No Small Commercial Exemption and a Residential Exemption no higher than 15%. Motion seconded by Selectman Wyman -Colombo. VOTE: 4-1. Motion carries. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara, no Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Weeden, yes Selectman Wyman -Colombo, yes Opposed, (1).” (Motion: Sherman, second: Wyman-Colombo)
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)