How the Middleborough Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Teresa Farley and William Pike Jr. joined the board after the April 2024 election (Pike for the one year left in the empty seat); Neil Rosenthal left. On April 8, 2024 the board re-elected Mark Germain as Chair and Brian Giovanoni as Vice Chair. Covers 34 meetings, April 8 to March 31, 2025.
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 Middleborough, 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 · October 6, 2025 14 votes: 13 passed, 1 indefinitely postponed
Art. 2Transfer $200,000 from free cash to the OPEB trust fundPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 3Use $800,000 from the Debt Stabilization Fund for the FY2026 Bristol-Plymouth school assessmentPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 4Appropriate $225,592 from free cash for MUNIS tax billing softwarePassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 5Appropriate $104,600 from free cash for EPA/DEP-required stormwater workPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 6Transfer $500,000 from sewer retained earnings for the inflow and infiltration control planPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 7Appropriate $138,620 from free cash for a FY2027 revaluation updatePassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 8Extend the North Carver Water District agreement by one yearPassed“Voted by majority vote”
Art. 10Approve a tax increment financing (TIF) agreement with Sealcoating, Inc. (Indus) and B&R Partners, LLCPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 11Increase the School Committee from 6 to 7 members starting with the 2026 election (amendment to cut it to 5 failed 54-66)Passed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 12Rescind the Oct 2024 $750,000 skatepark borrowing (re-voted in April 2025)Passed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 13Zoning: amend the 40R Smart Growth Overlay District and zoning mapPassed“Voted unanimously”
Annual Town Meeting · April 28, 2025 31 votes: 30 passed, 1 no action
Art. 2FY2026 budget: $110,708,199 from taxation/overlay plus transfers, and water, wastewater and sanitation enterprise budgetsPassed“The following was voted unanimously”
Art. 3Transfer $798,250 from gas and electric income to reduce the FY2026 tax ratePassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 4Set FY2026 spending limits for 10 revolving fundsPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 5Appropriate $392,789.29 from the PEG Access fund for the FY2026 cable access budgetPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 6Transfer $850,000 from free cash to the Debt Stabilization FundPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 7Appropriate $85,000 from free cash for FY2027 property revaluation inspectionsPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 8Appropriate $6,387.03 from free cash for the Pratt Farm Stony Brook Pond Dam projectPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 9Appropriate $10,000 from free cash for Council on Aging ceiling tilesPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 10Appropriate $300,000 from free cash as the grant match for a new fire tanker truckPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 11Appropriate $45,000 from free cash for a South Middleborough Fire Station feasibility studyPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 12Appropriate $45,000 from free cash for a Health Department vehiclePassed“Voted by majority vote”
Art. 13Appropriate $280,000 from free cash for a DPW front-end loaderPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 14Appropriate $30,000 from free cash for a DPW scissor liftPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 15Appropriate $100,000 from free cash for IT network infrastructurePassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 16Appropriate $38,500 from free cash for a Parks Department tractorPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 17Appropriate $280,000 from free cash to resurface asphalt at the Goode and Burkland schoolsPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 18Borrow $2,000,000 for supplemental wells at the Tispaquin well sitePassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 19Transfer $100,000 from water retained earnings to design a North Street water mainPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 20Authorize a water sale agreement with the Old Colony Regional School District in RochesterPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 21Amend the Lakeville water sale agreement to add a connection at 2 Main Street, LakevillePassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 22Community Preservation FY2026 budget and reserves: $560,000 totalPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 23Community Preservation: $750,000 ($438,000 reserve, $312,000 fund balance) for a park at 48 Wareham StreetPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 24Accept G.L. c.59 §5 cl.56: tax relief for National Guard and reservists serving abroadPassed“Voted unanimously”
Special Town Meeting · April 22, 2024 4 votes: 4 passed
Art. 1Pay a prior-year Law Department bill: $13,494.89 from free cashPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 2Rescind $3,383,022 of unneeded borrowing authority (school remodel, JA-MAR and Picone Farm land, John Glass Square water main)Passed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 3Borrow $1,000,000 for a new fire pumper truck; rescind the 2023 lease-purchase votePassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 4Transfer $25,000 from wastewater retained earnings to update the Comprehensive Wastewater Management PlanPassed“Voted unanimously”
Annual Town Meeting · April 22, 2024 31 votes: 29 passed, 1 failed, 1 indefinitely postponed
Art. 2FY2025 budget: $105,291,130 from taxation plus transfers, and water, wastewater and sanitation enterprise budgetsPassed“The following was voted unanimously”
Art. 3Transfer $798,250 from gas and electric income to reduce the FY2025 tax ratePassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 4Set FY2025 spending limits for 10 revolving fundsPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 5Appropriate $424,716.90 from the PEG Access fund for the FY2025 Permanent Cable Committee budgetPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 6Appropriate $10,806.98 from free cash as the 20% match for a MassTrails equipment grant (Conservation Commission)Passed“Voted unanimously vote”
Art. 7Borrow $500,000 for the septic system repair loan programPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 8Transfer $350,000 from water retained earnings for pumping station evaluations and pilot study for emerging contaminant treatmentPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 9Borrow $33,000,000 to build the East Grove Street Water Treatment PlantPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 10Transfer $208,765 from wastewater retained earnings for the asset management programPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 12Transfer $200,000 from wastewater retained earnings to replace secondary clarifier gatesPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 13Transfer $50,000 from water retained earnings for water system cybersecurity upgradesPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 14Borrow $1,500,000 to replace the Public Library HVAC systemPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 15Appropriate $400 from the Weston trust fund for the Weston Forest Committee secretary stipendPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 16Acquire a 5.68-acre Marion Road parcel for water supply protection; $167,000 from water retained earningsPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 17Land swap off Wareham Street: convey 0.39 acres of town land and acquire two parcels totaling 1.98 acresPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 18Accept by gift parking easements on Center Street parcelsPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 19Let the Select Board lease the Peirce building at 99 North Main Street for up to 99 yearsPassed“Voted by majority vote”
Art. 20Transfer $5,500 from free cash for a conservation restriction plan for Picone FarmPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 21Transfer $17,170.81 from free cash for a Wildlands Trust stewardship endowment for the Picone Farm restrictionPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 22Community Preservation FY2025 budget and reserves: $540,000 totalPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 23Amend the Oct 2023 land purchase vote: $2,200,000 in Community Preservation funds (including $1,430,000 borrowed) for conservation land off Plymouth, Vernon and Pleasant StreetsPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 24Community Preservation: $15,000 for gravestone repairs at Reed/Peirce and Tack cemeteriesPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 25Community Preservation: $50,000 for the Housing Authority Nemasket Apartments roofPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 26Community Preservation: $50,000 for first-time homebuyer down payment helpPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 27Community Preservation: $75,000 for the West Side lacrosse fieldPassed“Voted unanimously”
Art. 31General bylaw: bar heavy commercial vehicles over 2½ tons from Old Centre Street between Bedford and Pleasant StreetsFailed“Article fails to pass by a majority vote.”
Art. 32Rezone listed parcels from General Use, Development Opportunities and Cannabis Business districts to Residence Rural (later disapproved by the Attorney General)Passed“Voted by counted vote 139 yes, 36 no · 139 yes, 36 no”
Not here yet: the Special and Annual Town Meetings of June 1, 2026 and the Special Town Meeting of June 16, 2026. The town posts only warrants for these; results will come in the 2026 Annual Town Report. The Town Meeting Warrants & Minutes page stops at 2021, so 2024-2025 results come from the 2024 and 2025 Annual Town Reports.
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 September 21, 2026, as posted in the town’s Agenda Center. Not here yet: minutes from 2015 and 2017 (posted, not loaded), minutes after September 21, 2026, and meetings the town lists without minutes. Some posted files are incomplete: the July 23, October 15 and October 22, 2018 files are a single page with no attendance list, and the March 14, 2022 file has no first page; votes in those files show the count or result only. Most minutes from 2018 to 2026 are scans, which we read with text recognition (OCR) and checked against the page images where they were unclear. Middleborough’s minutes usually say “the Board voted unanimously” (shown as every member present voting yes), give a roll call (“polled vote”, most votes from 2020 to 2021 and since late 2025), or give a count with the names of those voting no or abstaining. Votes recorded only as “the Board voted to …” or “Motion carries” show the result only and are not treated as unanimous; counts without names (common in 2018–2019) show the count only. Where the names or count do not match the members the minutes show present, or a member who had left or stepped off the Board is named in the vote, we show the count only and add a note. The Select Board also sits as the Board of Health, the Water and Sewer Commissioners and the Rent Control Board; those votes are included. Votes by other boards at joint meetings are not. 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.
Dec 16Approve 2025, Class I, Class I, Class III Car…Motion: to approve 2025, Class I, Class I, Class III Car Licensing…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Pike
December 16, 2024: Approve 2025, Class I, Class I, Class III Car Licensing with the exception of: Exit 3 Truck Center, Leonard's Auto and United Middleboro Petroleum contingent upon payment of any outstanding…
ApprovePassed · 4–0
To approve 2025, Class I, Class I, Class III Car Licensing with the exception of: Exit 3 Truck Center, Leonard's Auto and United Middleboro Petroleum contingent upon payment of any outstanding taxes owed to the Town and all required documentation filed with the Town Clerk
“Upon motion made by Select Board Member B. Giovanoni and seconded by Select Board Member T. Farley. The Board voted unanimously to approve 2025, Class I, Class I, Class III Car Licensing with the exception of: Exit 3 Truck Center, Leonard's Auto and United Middleboro Petroleum contingent upon payment of any outstanding taxes owed to the Town and all required documentation filed with the Town Clerk. Motion carries. 4-0-1 (Select Board Member B. Pike abstains)..” (Motion: Giovanoni, second: Farley)
Nov 18Approve the Water System Connection and Application PolicyMotion: to approve the Water System Connection and Application PolicyPassed · see note
November 18, 2024: Approve the Water System Connection and Application Policy
ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes
To approve the Water System Connection and Application Policy
The minutes say the Board voted to do this but do not give a count or say it was unanimous.
From the minutes
“Upon motion made by Select Board Member B. Pike and seconded by Select Board Member T. White. Town Manager J. McGrail stated this policy was presented last month at the Water and Sewer Commissioners Meeting. This policy would essentially make it fair for new customers to pay the cost of some of the upgrades that existing customers have paid in present value dollars. Meeting Minutes November 18, 2024 Select Board Member B. Giovanoni stated the wording regarding irrigation (Item B, Page 3) needs more clarification on regulations. Town Manager J. McGrail was in agreement. Select Board Member B. Pike inquired if policy would cover accessory dwelling units (ADU's). Town Manager J. McGrail stated policy would require property owner to cover each additional connection as applicable at the applicable rate. He stated the town should be covered; however, the Select Board can amend the regulation at any time. Select Board Member B. Giovanoni felt the Board should move forward with policy as is and change as potentially needed. The Board voted to approve the Water System Connection and Application Policy..” (Motion: Pike, second: White)
The minutes say the Board voted to do this but do not give a count or say it was unanimous.
From the minutes
“Upon motion made by Select Board Member B. Pike and seconded by Select Board Member T. Farley. Discussion: Select Board Chair M. Germain stated this was a procedural agreement to be in compliance with the state code. The Board voted:.” (Motion: Pike, second: Farley)
Nov 4Counter sue all parties involved should a suit be…Motion: To counter sue all parties involved should a suit be filed…Passed 3–2 · No: Farley, White
November 4, 2024: Counter sue all parties involved should a suit be filed against town
ApprovePassed · 3–2
To counter sue all parties involved should a suit be filed against town
Yes: Germain, Giovanoni, PikeNo: Farley, White
From the minutes
“Select Board Member B. Giovanoni made a motion to counter sue all parties involved personally and professionally should a suit be filed against town. Seconded by T. Farley for discussion. Select Board Member B. Giovanni stated his reason for motion was he didn't agree with anyone threatening a lawsuit when they are not a party in the matter. Select Board T. White stated he heard an opinion and not a threat. Meeting Minutes November 4, 2024 Board voted: 3 YEA (B. Pike, B. Giovanoni, M. Germain) /2 NAY (T. White, T Farley) To counter sue all parties involved should a suit be filed against town..” (Motion: Giovanoni, second: Farley)
Oct 28Approve an "Internet Only" Class II Used Automobile Dealers…Motion: to approve an "Internet Only" Class II Used Automobile Dealers License…Failed 0–4 · No: Farley, Giovanoni, Pike, White · Abstained: Germain
October 28, 2024: Approve an "Internet Only" Class II Used Automobile Dealers License for Danilo Martinez, 164 Everett Street, Assessors May 040, Lot 4022 d
ApproveFailed · 0–4
To approve an "Internet Only" Class II Used Automobile Dealers License for Danilo Martinez, 164 Everett Street, Assessors May 040, Lot 4022 d
“Upon motion by Select Board Member T. Farley and seconded by Select Board B. Pike. Discussion: Town Manager J. McGrail stated that on the agenda back in March, concerns on the property were looked into. Building Commissioner B. Whalen issued a letter citing violation concerns, hazard materials, automobile graveyard and impervious more than 25%. B. Whalen and O. Thompson went out to reinspect site. Hazard materials were taken care of. Progress had been made on the auto graveyard and no confirming lot on impervious. Applicant was looking to be back on agenda for approval. Select Board Member B. Pike stated he looked at area today, there were a significant number of automobiles still there and the area should be checked again. Select Board Member T. Farley asked what were B. Whalen's thoughts and what if it were written in agreement to keep cars off the lot. Town Manager J. McGrail stated significant progress had been made. Select Board Member T. White stated he might vote to approve if license is contingent upon improvement. Select Board Member B. Giovanoni stated this is a possible town lawsuit. The car graveyard is not approved or legal. He has no ability to say there are good improvements. Applicant needs to get rid of all unregistered vehicles on the property and get the license after they get in compliance. Cannot vote at this time. The Board voted 4 Nays, 1 Abstain (Select Board Chair Germain) to approve an "Internet Only" Class II Used Automobile Dealers License for Danilo Martinez, 164 Everett Street, Assessors May 040, Lot 4022 d..” (Motion: Farley)
Oct 28Approve the 2024 Christmas Parade route, use of roads…Motion: to approve the 2024 Christmas Parade route, use of roads and…Passed · see note
October 28, 2024: Approve the 2024 Christmas Parade route, use of roads and authorize the request to reach out to the Fire Department to use their truck for Mr. & Mrs. Claus as…
ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes
To approve the 2024 Christmas Parade route, use of roads and authorize the request to reach out to the Fire Department to use their truck for Mr. & Mrs. Claus as indicated
The minutes say the Board voted to do this but do not give a count or say it was unanimous.
From the minutes
“Upon motion by Select Board Member B. Giovanoni and seconded by Select Board T. Farley. Saturday November 30" rain date, December 1. Select Board Chair M. Germain read the request letter. Event is Saturday, November 30" and rain date is Sunday, December 1". Town Manager J. McGrail will reach out to Middleborough Fire Department. The Board voted to approve the 2024 Christmas Parade route, use of roads and authorize the request to reach out to the Fire Department to use their truck for Mr. & Mrs. Claus as indicated..” (Motion: Giovanoni)
Oct 21Approve Road Salt, Agricultural By-Product De-Icer Bids FY-2025 as…Motion: to approve Road Salt, Agricultural By-Product De-Icer Bids FY-2025 as recommended…Passed · see note
October 21, 2024: Approve Road Salt, Agricultural By-Product De-Icer Bids FY-2025 as recommended by DPW through the Town of Plymouth Regional Salt Bid #22421
ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes
To approve Road Salt, Agricultural By-Product De-Icer Bids FY-2025 as recommended by DPW through the Town of Plymouth Regional Salt Bid #22421
The minutes say the Board voted to do this but do not give a count or say it was unanimous.
From the minutes
“Upon motion by Select Board Member B. Giovanoni and seconded by Select Board Member T. White. Road Salt bid – Eastern Minerals $57.56 per ton Alternate Road Salt bid – Morton Salt, Inc. $60.26 per ton Agricultural By-Product De-Icer – Innovative Municipal Products, Inc. - $1.75 per gallon The Board voted to approve Road Salt, Agricultural By-Product De-Icer Bids FY-2025 as recommended by DPW through the Town of Plymouth Regional Salt Bid #22421..” (Motion: Giovanoni, second: White)
The minutes say the Board voted to do this but do not give a count or say it was unanimous.
From the minutes
“Upon motion by Select Board Member B. Pike and seconded by Select Board Member T. Farley voted to continue this hearing to Monday, November 4" at 7:50 p.m. 7:45 P.M. - TRANSFER OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE RETAIL LICENSE HEARING - for the purpose of discussing an application filed by MB Provisions, Inc. d.b.a. Brack's Grille & Tap for a Transfer of an All-Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant Liquor License property located at 58 East Grove Street, Assessors Map 58, Lot 5557. Select Board Chair M. Germain read the legal notice as required. Discussion: Atty. M. Porter for MB Provisions, Inc., Frank Brack and Christopher Mather present to discuss Transfer of license of Boston tavern. Brack and Mather are alcohol tip certified. Mather will be manager. No changes to business. Should be a seamless transition. Rockland Trust is helping to finance. Select Board Member B. Pike inquired if the sale should fall through would Select Board vote be null/void..” (Motion: Pike, second: Farley)
The minutes say the Board voted to do this but do not give a count or say it was unanimous.
From the minutes
“Upon motion by Select Board Member B. Giovanoni and seconded by Select Board Member T. Farley the Board voted to approve transfer and pledge of license..” (Motion: Giovanoni, second: Farley)
The minutes say the Board voted to do this but do not give a count or say it was unanimous.
From the minutes
“Article 2 –Upon motion made by Select Board Member B. Pike and seconded by T. White, the Board voted to recommend favorable action of Article 2..” (Motion: Pike, second: White)
From the Middleborough Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos of current members: Nemasket Week candidate profiles (Teresa Farley 2024; Brian Giovanoni and William Pike 2025; Thomas White and Tracie Craig-McGee 2026). Former members show initials.