MassVoter.com← MiltonMunicipal votes · 2019–2020 Board
Milton Select Board
How the Milton Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Same five members. On May 29, 2019 the board chose Michael F. Zullas as Chair, Melinda Collins as Vice Chair and Anthony J. Farrington as Secretary. Covers 39 meetings, May 29 to June 8, 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.
Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budgetBoard years
Coming up
- Tue, Oct 13Select Board - Agenda - (PDF) →
- Wed, Oct 14Select Board - Agenda - (PDF) →
From the agendas Milton posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.
Members
"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 minutes (called the Board of Selectmen until 2019) from January 9, 2018 through August 25, 2026, from the town’s online Agenda Center, which holds minutes back to 2016 (MassVoter has loaded 2018 on). Joint meetings with other boards are included, but only the Select Board’s own votes. Not here: executive-session minutes; the separate minutes of the Select Board sitting as Trustees of the Governor Stoughton Fund; the March 11, 2020 minutes (the town posted the trustees’ minutes in their place); minutes the town has not posted for 121 other meeting dates listed in the Agenda Center (most of them from 2018 to 2022, many of them joint sessions, workshops or retreats); and every meeting after August 25, 2026. The minutes are typed (PDFs, and 27 Word files, most from 2018 and 2019). Milton’s minutes give the mover and seconder for each motion. Until 2020 they usually say the Board “voted unanimously” or give a count such as “voted 3-2, with Richard G. Wells, Jr. and Anthony J. Farrington in opposition”; from 2020 on most votes are roll calls listing each member’s vote by name (“Collins YES”, “DRISCOLL: NO”). When the minutes say the vote was unanimous or the count matches the members present, we show every member present as voting yes, and when the minutes name the members who voted no or abstained, everyone else present as voting yes. Where the minutes give only a split count without names, a roll call leaves out a member who was there or names one the attendance list does not show, or the count does not match the members present, we show the count only and add a note. Votes with no count written down, and officer elections recorded as a choice of names, are shown with the result only. Members who stepped aside (recused), had not yet arrived or had left are left out of that vote. 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 8Approve an application for temporary outdoor seating with an…Motion: To approve an application for temporary outdoor seating with an amended…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · see note
June 8, 2020 (Emergency meeting): Approve an application for temporary outdoor seating with an amended Common Victualler License for Newcomb Farms at 1139 Randolph Avenue subject to inspection approvals by the Building Department,...
To approve an application for temporary outdoor seating with an amended Common Victualler License for Newcomb Farms at 1139 Randolph Avenue subject to inspection approvals by the Building Department, Health Department, and Fire Department, and the submission of a hand-drawn diagram of outdoor seating to the Building Department, to terminate upon the earlier of the opening of Phase 3 or November 1, 2020.
Richard G. Wells, Jr. stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Ms. Conlon moved, Ms. Collins seconded, and the Board voted 3-0 to approve an application for temporary outdoor seating with an amended Common Victualler License for Newcomb Farms at 1139 Randolph Avenue subject to inspection approvals by the Building Department, Health Department, and Fire Department, and the submission of a hand-drawn diagram of outdoor seating to the Building Department, to terminate upon the earlier of the opening of Phase 3 or November 1, 2020. Roll call vote Collins YES Conlon YES Zullas YES.” (Motion: Conlon, second: Collins)
Apr 22Waive the reading of the following motion and approve…Motion: To waive the reading of the following motion and approve the…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
April 22, 2020: Waive the reading of the following motion and approve the motion as written, and to authorize the Chair of the Select Board to sign the Statement of Interest Form
To waive the reading of the following motion and approve the motion as written, and to authorize the Chair of the Select Board to sign the Statement of Interest Form.
Kathleen M. Conlon stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Mr. Wells moved, Ms. Collins seconded, and the Board voted 4-0 to waive the reading of the following motion and approve the motion as written, and to authorize the Chair of the Select Board to sign the Statement of Interest Form. Having convened in an open meeting on April 22, 2020, prior to the SOI submission closing date, the Select Board of Milton, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form to be submitted to the MSBA by no later than Wednesday, May 6, 2020 for consideration in 2020, for the Cunningham Elementary School, located at 44 Edge Hill Road, Milton, Massachusetts, which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority categories for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future: Priority 2 - Elimination of existing severe overcrowding Priority 4 - Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments The elementary enrollment in Milton Public Schools (MPS) has grown by 27% (513 students) over the past twelve years, since the last school building project was completed - from 1,873 students (in 2008) to 2,386 students (in 2020), far exceeding the capacity of Milton elementary school buildings; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the Town to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority; and hereby authorizes the Chair of the Select Board to sign the Statement of Interest Form. Roll call vote Collins YES Farrington YES Wells YES Zullas YES.” (Motion: Wells, second: Collins)
Apr 22Approve an amendment to the ABCC application for the…Motion: To approve an amendment to the ABCC application for the Change…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
April 22, 2020: Approve an amendment to the ABCC application for the Change of Officers/Directors at the Wollaston Golf Club
To approve an amendment to the ABCC application for the Change of Officers/Directors at the Wollaston Golf Club.
Melinda A. Collins stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Ms. Conlon moved, Mr. Wells seconded, and the Board voted 4-0 to approve an amendment to the ABCC application for the Change of Officers/Directors at the Wollaston Golf Club. Roll call vote Conlon YES Farrington YES Wells YES Zullas YES.” (Motion: Conlon, second: Wells)
Mar 25Approve this motionMotion: To approve this motion.Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
March 25, 2020: Approve this motion
To approve this motion.
Richard G. Wells, Jr. stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Ms. Collins moved pursuant to section 1 of chapter 45 of the Acts of 2020 and because of the state of emergency declared by the governor pursuant to executive order 591, Declaration of a State of Emergency to Respond to COVID-19, Milton's town election scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2020 is hereby postponed to Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Ms. Conlon seconded and the Board voted 4-0 to approve this motion. Roll call vote Collins AYE Conlon AYE Farrington AYE Zullas AYE.” (Motion: Collins, second: Conlon)
Mar 16Waive all Town Employees' co-payments for the following, until…Motion: To waive all Town Employees' co-payments for the following, until further…Passed · see note
March 16, 2020: Waive all Town Employees' co-payments for the following, until further notice: COVID-19 test; Doctors office, urgent care and emergency room services for COVID-19 testing; and Telemedicine...
To waive all Town Employees' co-payments for the following, until further notice: COVID-19 test; Doctors office, urgent care and emergency room services for COVID-19 testing; and Telemedicine services (all telemedicine, including behavioral health).
The minutes say the board voted but do not give a count or say how each member voted.
From the minutes
“At that time, the Board voted to waive all Town Employees' co-payments for the following, until further notice: COVID-19 test; Doctors office, urgent care and emergency room services for COVID-19 testing; and Telemedicine services (all telemedicine, including behavioral health)..”
Mar 16Postpone the 2020 Annual Town Election; finally, the Board…Motion: To postpone the 2020 Annual Town Election; finally, the Board calls…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
March 16, 2020: Postpone the 2020 Annual Town Election; finally, the Board calls upon its legislative delegation to support the filing of this special legislation, and also wishes to provide direction to such...
To postpone the 2020 Annual Town Election; finally, the Board calls upon its legislative delegation to support the filing of this special legislation, and also wishes to provide direction to such delegation that it supports the filing of generally applicable legislation allowing for the postponement of municipal elections this fiscal year.
Richard G. Wells, Jr. stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Mr. Zullas moved: That, whereas the rapidly-evolving public health issues associated with coronavirus Covid-19, including the swift spread of the disease, present lack of containment, and the risk to the most vulnerable populations inherent in public gatherings; whereas various public and private entities, including professional sports leagues, universities, school districts, cultural institutions and events, and more, have been cancelled, closed, or temporarily suspended; whereas the World Health Organization has identified the current crisis as a pandemic; and whereas the Governor has declared a State of Emergency in the Commonwealth, the Town is taking action consistent with recommendations from federal and state agencies and officials to limit the spread of this disease amongst the residents and voters of the Town, its officials and employees, and visitors, including, closing or limiting the use of schools and public buildings, suspending in-person meetings and other gatherings in Town office buildings, and encouraging residents to communicate with Town staff by e-mail and telephone to the extent possible. For all of these reasons, the Board of Selectmen votes to immediately request the Governor to file emergency legislation on behalf of the Town, a so-called "Governor's bill", seeking authorization to delay and reschedule the Annual Town Election to a date to be determined by the Selectmen in consultation with the Town Clerk, Board of Health, and other public safety personnel, and authorizing early voting by mail in connection with such postponed election, provided, further, that all nominations, ballot preparation, absentee voting and the like be ratified, validated and confirmed as though it was undertaken consistent with the date of the postponed election; and, further, if such legislation is not passed prior to the date of scheduled Annual Town Election, to ratify, validate and confirm the Board's vote to postpone the 2020 Annual Town Election; finally, the Board calls upon its legislative delegation to support the filing of this special legislation, and also wishes to provide direction to such delegation that it supports the filing of generally applicable legislation allowing for the postponement of municipal elections this fiscal year. Ms. Collins seconded and the Board voted 4-0 in favor. Collins AYE Conlon AYE Farrington AYE Zullas AYE.” (Motion: Zullas)
Feb 26Vacate the judgment on 18 Taff RoadMotion: To vacate the judgment on 18 Taff Road.Passed 5–0 · see note
February 26, 2020: Vacate the judgment on 18 Taff Road
To vacate the judgment on 18 Taff Road.
The minutes say "Mr. Wells moved, Mr. Farrington seconded, and the Board voted 5-0 to vacate the judgment on 18 Taff Road.", but 4 members were present for this vote (Michael F. Zullas, Melinda A. Collins, Kathleen M. Conlon and Richard G. Wells, Jr.). Showing the count only. The minutes name Anthony J. Farrington as the seconder, but Anthony J. Farrington is not on the attendance line, so no seconder is shown.
From the minutes
“Mr. Wells moved, Mr. Farrington seconded, and the Board voted 5-0 to vacate the judgment on 18 Taff Road..” (Motion: Wells)
Feb 26Include the referendum on the 2020 Annual Election ballotMotion: To include the referendum on the 2020 Annual Election ballot.Passed 5–0 · see note
February 26, 2020: Include the referendum on the 2020 Annual Election ballot
To include the referendum on the 2020 Annual Election ballot.
The minutes say "Discussion - Appointed Treasurer Referendum Following discussion, Mr. Wells moved, Mr. Farrington seconded, and the Board voted 5-0 not to include the referendum on the 2020 Annual Election ballot.", but 4 members were present for this vote (Michael F. Zullas, Melinda A. Collins, Kathleen M. Conlon and Richard G. Wells, Jr.). Showing the count only. The minutes name Anthony J. Farrington as the seconder, but Anthony J. Farrington is not on the attendance line, so no seconder is shown.
From the minutes
“Mr. Wells moved, Mr. Farrington seconded, and the Board voted 5-0 not to include the referendum on the 2020 Annual Election ballot..” (Motion: Wells)
Feb 26Recommend a total appropriation of $3,757,000 for capital improvement…Motion: To recommend a total appropriation of $3,757,000 for capital improvement projects…Passed 5–0 · see note
February 26, 2020: Recommend a total appropriation of $3,757,000 for capital improvement projects for Fiscal Year 2021
To recommend a total appropriation of $3,757,000 for capital improvement projects for Fiscal Year 2021.
The minutes say "Discussion/Approval - Capital Improvement Planning Committee Recommendation Mr. Wells moved, Ms. Collins seconded, and the Board voted 5-0 to recommend a total appropriation of $3,757,000 for capital improvement projects for Fiscal Year 2021.", but 4 members were present for this vote (Michael F. Zullas, Melinda A. Collins, Kathleen M. Conlon and Richard G. Wells, Jr.). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Mr. Wells moved, Ms. Collins seconded, and the Board voted 5-0 to recommend a total appropriation of $3,757,000 for capital improvement projects for Fiscal Year 2021..” (Motion: Wells, second: Collins)
Feb 26Approve the index page of the May 2020 Annual…Motion: To approve the index page of the May 2020 Annual Town…Passed 5–0 · see note
February 26, 2020: Approve the index page of the May 2020 Annual Town Meeting Warrant as written
To approve the index page of the May 2020 Annual Town Meeting Warrant as written.
The minutes say "Approval - May 2020 Town Meeting Warrant Index Page Mr. Wells moved, Ms. Conlon seconded, and the Board voted 5-0 to approve the index page of the May 2020 Annual Town Meeting Warrant as written.", but 4 members were present for this vote (Michael F. Zullas, Melinda A. Collins, Kathleen M. Conlon and Richard G. Wells, Jr.). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Mr. Wells moved, Ms. Conlon seconded, and the Board voted 5-0 to approve the index page of the May 2020 Annual Town Meeting Warrant as written..” (Motion: Wells, second: Conlon)
From the Milton 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: the members’ campaign websites (Winston Daley, Meghan Haggerty), The Milton Scene (Peter Obersheimer) and the Milton Times (Megan Nolan, photo by Jose Zamora; John Driscoll).
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