MassVoter.com← Needham Select Board
Needham Vice Chair
Elected townwide · 3 terms in this record
Josh Levy
A monthly email on how they voted, starting in November.
On split votes, Levy voted the same way as…
These numbers describe the record; they are not a grade. A no vote, an abstention or a minority vote is neither good nor bad. MassVoter never rates officials.
No recent stories found that name Joshua Levy in the headline or opening.
Stories that name Joshua Levy in the headline or opening, newest first, from 25 free news outlets (see the list). Headlines appear as each outlet published them; MassVoter does not write, choose or rate them. Only stories that are free to read are listed.
Disclosure: MassVoter’s founder, Michael Silvia, is the publisher of Fall River Reporter and New Bedford Guide.
At the start of 33 of 33 Select Board meetings in 2024–2025 Board.
Missed none.
April 1, 2025 (Special meeting): Appoint Katie King as Town Manager effective July 5, 2025 subject to successful negotiation of an employment contract; and further to appoint the Chair and Vice Chair as a subcommittee…
The Board vote to appoint Katie King as Town Manager effective July 5, 2025 subject to successful negotiation of an employment contract; and further to appoint the Chair and Vice Chair as a subcommittee to work with Town Counsel to conduct contract negotiations with Katie King. The final terms of employment shall be approved by the Board.
Voted: No
Yes: Cooley, Dowd, Frail, KeaneNo: Levy
“Motion by Ms. Dowd that the Board vote to appoint Katie King as Town Manager effective July 5, 2025 subject to successful negotiation of an employment contract; and further to appoint the Chair and Vice Chair as a subcommittee to work with Town Counsel to conduct contract negotiations with Katie King. The final terms of employment shall be approved by the Board. Second: Ms. Cooley. Discussion: There was discussion regarding the timeline for negotiations and allowing the existing team to stay on through the negotiation period. It was agreed that the Chair and Vice Chair for the negotiations subcommittee would be Mr. Keane and Ms. Frail. Approved 4-1 with Mr. Levy against..” (Motion: Dowd, second: Cooley)
March 25, 2025: Award the Town of Needham Babson Scholarships to the following applicants: 1. Alberto Colon* - Rising Senior, Renewal Recipient 2. Isabella Farese - Admitted Freshman 3. Danielle Friedline* -...
The Select Board votes to award the Town of Needham Babson Scholarships to the following applicants: 1. Alberto Colon* - Rising Senior, Renewal Recipient 2. Isabella Farese - Admitted Freshman 3. Danielle Friedline* - Rising Senior, Renewal Recipient 4. Rebecca Hwang - Admitted Freshman 5. Mark Khudisman - Rising Sophomore, Renewal Recipient 6. Henry London - Part-Time Graduate Student, Babson Alumnus 7. Isabella Reidy - Admitted Freshman *Conditional Pending Application Receipt by Babson
Voted: Yes
Heidi Frail stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
“Motion by Ms. Dowd that the Select Board votes to award the Town of Needham Babson Scholarships to the following applicants: 1. Alberto Colon* - Rising Senior, Renewal Recipient 2. Isabella Farese - Admitted Freshman 3. Danielle Friedline* - Rising Senior, Renewal Recipient 4. Rebecca Hwang - Admitted Freshman 5. Mark Khudisman - Rising Sophomore, Renewal Recipient 6. Henry London - Part-Time Graduate Student, Babson Alumnus 7. Isabella Reidy - Admitted Freshman *Conditional Pending Application Receipt by Babson Second: Ms. Cooley. Unanimously approved 4-0..” (Motion: Dowd, second: Cooley)
March 25, 2025: Delegate the authority to declare or rescind an emergency non-essential water use restriction as set forth in the General Bylaws 2.2.5.5.2 to the Town Manager in accordance with the Town's…
The Select Board delegate the authority to declare or rescind an emergency non-essential water use restriction as set forth in the General Bylaws 2.2.5.5.2 to the Town Manager in accordance with the Town's Water Management Act registration. The Town's compliance with the conditions of the registration will include all exemptions as allowed under the regulation including: irrigation of public parks and recreation fields outside the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM; irrigation to establish replanted or resodded lawn or plantings during the months of May and September; irrigation of newly planted lawns (seeded or sodded) in the current calendar year for homes or businesses newly constructed in the previous twelve months; and filling of privately owned outdoor pools. Discussion: In response to a question from Ms. Cooley, Ms. Fitzpatrick explained that this information would be released to the public using the Town website's active notification feature, the Town newsletter, posting on the website and social media, and alerting media. Mr. Levy stated that he does not see a reason to change the process that is currently in place and has been working for some time. Mr. Keane stated that he would have liked the Board to be able to hold a Zoom meeting in order to make these calls during times of drought, but that does not seem to be an option. He is torn on this item.
Voted: No
Yes: Cooley, Dowd, Frail, KeaneNo: Levy
“Motion by Ms. Dowd that the Select Board delegate the authority to declare or rescind an emergency non-essential water use restriction as set forth in the General Bylaws 2.2.5.5.2 to the Town Manager in accordance with the Town's Water Management Act registration. The Town's compliance with the conditions of the registration will include all exemptions as allowed under the regulation including: irrigation of public parks and recreation fields outside the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM; irrigation to establish replanted or resodded lawn or plantings during the months of May and September; irrigation of newly planted lawns (seeded or sodded) in the current calendar year for homes or businesses newly constructed in the previous twelve months; and filling of privately owned outdoor pools. Discussion: In response to a question from Ms. Cooley, Ms. Fitzpatrick explained that this information would be released to the public using the Town website's active notification feature, the Town newsletter, posting on the website and social media, and alerting media. Mr. Levy stated that he does not see a reason to change the process that is currently in place and has been working for some time. Mr. Keane stated that he would have liked the Board to be able to hold a Zoom meeting in order to make these calls during times of drought, but that does not seem to be an option. He is torn on this item. Second: Ms. Frail. Approved 4-1, with Mr. Levy voting no..” (Motion: Dowd, second: Frail)
March 25, 2025: Include the article entitled Amend General By- Laws - Plastic Food And Beverage Serviceware And Single-Use Items in the Special Town Meeting Warrant
Vote to include the article entitled Amend General By- Laws - Plastic Food And Beverage Serviceware And Single-Use Items in the Special Town Meeting Warrant.
Voted: No
Yes: Dowd, Frail, KeaneNo: Cooley, Levy
“Motion by Ms. Frail to vote to include the article entitled Amend General By- Laws - Plastic Food And Beverage Serviceware And Single-Use Items in the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Second: Ms. Dowd. Approved 3-2, with Mr. Levy and Ms. Cooley against..” (Motion: Frail, second: Dowd)
March 25, 2025: Not include the article entitled Amend General By-Laws - Black Plastic Kitchenware in the Special Town Meeting Warrant
Vote to not include the article entitled Amend General By-Laws - Black Plastic Kitchenware in the Special Town Meeting Warrant.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Cooley, LevyNo: Dowd, Frail, Keane
“Motion by Mr. Levy to vote to not include the article entitled Amend General By-Laws - Black Plastic Kitchenware in the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Second: Ms. Cooley. Failed 2-3, with Ms. Dowd, Mr. Keane, and Ms. Frail against..” (Motion: Levy, second: Cooley)
March 11, 2025: Approve the Appointment Calendar and Consent Agenda
The Board vote to approve the Appointment Calendar and Consent Agenda.
Voted: Yes
Kevin Keane stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
“Motion by Ms. Dowd that the Board vote to approve the Appointment Calendar and Consent Agenda. Second: Mr. Levy. Unanimously approved 3-0..” (Motion: Dowd, second: Levy)
February 11, 2025: Appoint Oscar Mertz as the Large House Study Group representative to the Tree Preservation Planning Committee for a term to expire on June 30, 2026
The Board vote to appoint Oscar Mertz as the Large House Study Group representative to the Tree Preservation Planning Committee for a term to expire on June 30, 2026.
Voted: No
Yes: Cooley, Dowd, Frail, KeaneNo: Levy
“Motion by Ms. Cooley that the Board vote to appoint Oscar Mertz as the Large House Study Group representative to the Tree Preservation Planning Committee for a term to expire on June 30, 2026. Second: Ms. Dowd. Approved 4-1, with Mr. Levy opposed..” (Motion: Cooley, second: Dowd)
December 3, 2024: Support the "yes" position on the ballot question and the ratification of the zoning adopted under Articles 8 and 9, including amendments in Articles 10 and 11, of the October…
The Board vote to support the "yes" position on the ballot question and the ratification of the zoning adopted under Articles 8 and 9, including amendments in Articles 10 and 11, of the October 21, 2024 Special Town Meeting.
Voted: No
Yes: Cooley, Dowd, Frail, KeaneNo: Levy
“Motion by Ms. Dowd that the Board vote to support the "yes" position on the ballot question and the ratification of the zoning adopted under Articles 8 and 9, including amendments in Articles 10 and 11, of the October 21, 2024 Special Town Meeting. Second: Ms. Frail. Approved 4-1, with Mr. Levy against..” (Motion: Dowd, second: Frail)
October 22, 2024: Support the Local Initiative Program application for the six-unit development at 339 Chestnut Street
The Board vote to support the Local Initiative Program application for the six-unit development at 339 Chestnut Street.
Voted: No
Yes: Cooley, Dowd, Frail, KeaneNo: Levy
“Motion by Ms. Dowd that the Board vote to support the Local Initiative Program application for the six-unit development at 339 Chestnut Street. Second: Ms. Cooley. Approved 4-1 with Mr. Levy against..” (Motion: Dowd, second: Cooley)
October 21, 2024 (Special meeting): Support the motion to amend Article 8 (the "Mulno Amendment")
The Board vote to support the motion to amend Article 8 (the "Mulno Amendment").
Voted: Yes
Yes: Frail, LevyNo: Cooley, Dowd, KeaneThe minutes name how each member voted ("Ms. Frail and Mr. Levy voting in the affirmative and Mr. Keane. Ms. Dowd, and Ms. Cooley voting in the negative, the motion failed to carry") but give no count.
“Motion: Ms. Frail moved that the Board vote to support the motion to amend Article 8 (the "Mulno Amendment"). Second: Mr. Levy. Ms. Frail and Mr. Levy voting in the affirmative and Mr. Keane. Ms. Dowd, and Ms. Cooley voting in the negative, the motion failed to carry..” (Motion: Frail, second: Levy)
From the Needham Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Archive Center. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Town of Needham, “Needham Select Board, April 2026–April 2027” member sheet.
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →