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Municipal votes · 2023–2024 Board

Oak Bluffs Select Board

How the Oak Bluffs Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Dion Alley and Tom Hallahan joined the board after the April 2023 town election; Brian Packish and Ryan Ruley left. Emma Green-Beach chaired the board. Covers 32 meetings, April 25 to March 26, 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.

Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budget
Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

Your Oak Bluffs ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.

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Board years

Coming up

From the agendas Oak Bluffs posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.

What Town Meeting decided

In Oak Bluffs, 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 · November 4, 2025 14 votes: 13 passed, 1 passed as amended

Source: Town Clerk's Town Meeting report in the 2025 Annual Town Report.

Special Town Meeting · April 8, 2025 9 votes: 9 passed

Source: Town Clerk's Town Meeting report in the 2025 Annual Town Report.

Annual Town Meeting · April 8, 2025 68 votes: 63 passed, 4 passed as amended, 1 other

Source: Town Clerk's Town Meeting report in the 2025 Annual Town Report.

Special Town Meeting · October 29, 2024 8 votes: 8 passed

Source: Town Clerk's Town Meeting report in the 2024 Annual Town Report.

Special Town Meeting · June 25, 2024 2 votes: 2 passed
  • Art. 1 Borrow up to $6,900,000 as cost share to stabilize the East Chop Bluff Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 2 Borrow up to $26,000,000 to design and upgrade the wastewater treatment facility (reconfirmation) Passed “seconded and voted”

Source: Town Clerk's Town Meeting report in the 2024 Annual Town Report.

Special Town Meeting · April 9, 2024 15 votes: 15 passed
  • Art. 1 Appropriate $11,985.90 from the transportation surcharge account for wayfinding signage on North Bluff Sea View Ave Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 2 Transfer $25,000 from Free Cash to offset FY2024 general fund shortfalls Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 3 Transfer $200,000 from Free Cash for FY2024 shortfalls in building maintenance and self-insurance accounts Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 4 Appropriate $400,000 from Free Cash to replenish the Municipal Housing Trust Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 5 Transfer $50,000 from Free Cash for the August fireworks Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 6 Transfer up to $57,000 from Free Cash as cost share for the Hospital Roads Resilience Assessment grant Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 7 Transfer $25,000 from Free Cash to replace two shellfish upwellers Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 8 Transfer $300,000 from Free Cash for unanticipated building repairs and renovations Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 9 Transfer $25,000 from Free Cash to remove abandoned boiler equipment at the library Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 10 Transfer $20,000 from Free Cash to dispose of old equipment and metal debris at the Highway Barn Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 11 Transfer $30,000 from Free Cash to re-establish the Town Hall archive system and buy a shredder Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 12 Transfer $25,000 from Free Cash for trash cans, bike racks and other equipment Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 13 Transfer $15,000 from Free Cash for Senior Center furniture Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 14 Transfer $17,523 from Free Cash to replace iPads and laptops for Fire/EMS Passed “seconded and voted”
  • Art. 15 Borrow up to $1,600,000 for additional wastewater treatment facility components Passed “seconded and voted”

Source: Town Clerk's Town Meeting report in the 2024 Annual Town Report.

Annual Town Meeting · April 9, 2024 67 votes: 59 passed, 2 passed as amended, 4 failed, 2 withdrawn

Source: Town Clerk's Town Meeting report in the 2024 Annual Town Report.

Not here yet: the April 14, 2026 Special and Annual Town Meetings (the 2026 Annual Town Report is not out yet and the Town Clerk posts only the warrants online).

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).

Members

Dion AlleyMember · Elected townwide · at 26 of 32 meetingsJason BalboniMember · Elected townwide · at 29 of 32 meetingsGail BarmakianMember · Elected townwide · at 27 of 32 meetingsTom HallahanMember · Elected townwide · at 32 of 32 meetings

"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 (Board of Selectmen until 2021) minutes from January 12, 2021 through September 22, 2026, from the town’s Agenda Center. Executive session minutes and subcommittee meetings are not included; many minutes are scanned, so we read them with text recognition and checked the votes. Nearly every vote is a roll call naming each member, such as “Roll Call Vote: Cleary - Aye, Leonard - Nay, Alley - Nay… (1 - Aye, 4 - Nay)”. In 2022 some votes give only a count such as “(4 - Aye)”; when the count equals the members present, each is shown voting yes. When a roll call leaves out a member who was at the meeting (for example after they left the room or recused), we show the votes as recorded and say who is not listed. Counts that don’t match the members present show the count only. A few motions with no vote recorded are left out. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 · Regular meeting21 recorded votes, 1 with disagreementAll 5 members presentTuesday, March 12, 2024 · Regular meeting8 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAbsent: Dion Alley, Jason BalboniTuesday, March 5, 2024 · Regular meeting12 recorded votes, 2 with disagreementAll 5 members presentTuesday, February 27, 2024 · Regular meeting17 recorded votes, 4 with disagreementAll 5 members presentTuesday, February 20, 2024 · Regular meeting6 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 5 members present

Votes where members disagreed

Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.

Mar 26Reconsider the location of the ceremonial flagpoleMotion: reconsider the location of the ceremonial flagpoleFailed 2–3 · No: Alley, Balboni, Barmakian

March 26, 2024: Reconsider the location of the ceremonial flagpole

ApproveFailed · 2–3

Reconsider the location of the ceremonial flagpole

Yes: Green-Beach, HallahanNo: Alley, Balboni, Barmakian

From the minutes

“Select Person Hallahan made a motion to reconsider the location of the ceremonial flagpole Vote: Hallahan - Aye, Barmakian - Nay, Balboni - Nay, Alley - Nay, Green-Beach - Aye (3 - Nay, 2 - Aye) Discussion and possible vote regarding the location and styl.” (Motion: Hallahan, second: Green-Beach)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Mar 5Remove article 11 from the ATM warrantMotion: remove article 11 from the ATM warrantPassed 3–2 · No: Alley, Balboni

March 5, 2024: Remove article 11 from the ATM warrant

ApprovePassed · 3–2

Remove article 11 from the ATM warrant

Yes: Barmakian, Green-Beach, HallahanNo: Alley, Balboni

From the minutes

“Select Person Barmakian made a motion to remove article 11 from the ATM warrant Vote: Hallahan - Aye, Barmakian - Aye, Balboni - Nay, Alley - Nay, Green-Beach - Aye (3 - Aye, 2 - Nay) Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to fix the compensa.” (Motion: Barmakian, second: Alley)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Mar 5Remove article 47 from the ATM warrantMotion: remove article 47 from the ATM warrantPassed 3–2 · No: Balboni, Barmakian

March 5, 2024: Remove article 47 from the ATM warrant

ApprovePassed · 3–2

Remove article 47 from the ATM warrant

Yes: Alley, Green-Beach, HallahanNo: Balboni, Barmakian

From the minutes

“Select Person Alley made a motion to remove article 47 from the ATM warrant Vote: Hallahan - Aye, Barmakian - Nay, Balboni - Nay, Alley - Aye, Green-Beach - Aye (3 - Aye, 2 - Nay) TOWN OF OAK BLUFFS OAK BLUFFS SELECT BOARD SPECIAL MEETING M.” (Motion: Alley, second: Hallahan)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Feb 27Approve a $200.00 resident fee for boat slip use…Motion: approve a $200.00 resident fee for boat slip use during the…Failed 0–5 · No: Alley, Balboni, Barmakian, Green-Beach, Hallahan

February 27, 2024: Approve a $200.00 resident fee for boat slip use during the MV striped Bass and Bluefish fishing derby, this does not apply to the eight residents who were approved for…

ApproveFailed · 0–5

Approve a $200.00 resident fee for boat slip use during the MV striped Bass and Bluefish fishing derby, this does not apply to the eight residents who were approved for the lottery slip program

No: Alley, Balboni, Barmakian, Green-Beach, Hallahan

From the minutes

“Select Person Balboni made a motion to approve a $200.00 resident fee for boat slip use during the MV striped Bass and Bluefish fishing derby, this does not apply to the eight residents who were approved for the lottery slip program Roll Call Vote: Hallahan - Nay, Green-Beach - Nay, Balboni - Nay, Alley - Nay, Barmakian - Nay (5 - Nay) 4 TOWN OF OAK BLUFFS OAK BLUFFS SELECT BOARD MINUTES Tuesday February.” (Motion: Balboni, second: Alley)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Feb 27Approve a $200.00 resident fee for boat slip use…Motion: approve a $200.00 resident fee for boat slip use during the…Passed 3–2 · No: Alley, Balboni

February 27, 2024: Approve a $200.00 resident fee for boat slip use during the MV striped Bass and Bluefish fishing derby with proof of derby registration, this does not apply to the eight…

ApprovePassed · 3–2

Approve a $200.00 resident fee for boat slip use during the MV striped Bass and Bluefish fishing derby with proof of derby registration, this does not apply to the eight residents who approved for the lottery slip program

Yes: Barmakian, Green-Beach, HallahanNo: Alley, Balboni

From the minutes

“Select Person Balboni made a motion to approve a $200.00 resident fee for boat slip use during the MV striped Bass and Bluefish fishing derby with proof of derby registration, this does not apply to the eight residents who approved for the lottery slip program Roll Call Vote: Hallahan - Aye, Green-Beach - Aye, Balboni - Nay, Alley - Nay, Barmakian - Aye (3 - Aye, 2 - Nay) Chair Santoro advised the Select Board of Shellfish Constabl.” (Motion: Balboni, second: Alley)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Feb 27Ratify and accept Unit A and B contracts as…Motion: ratify and accept Unit A and B contracts as presentedPassed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

February 27, 2024: Ratify and accept Unit A and B contracts as presented

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

Ratify and accept Unit A and B contracts as presented

The roll call does not list Gail Barmakian.

From the minutes

“Select Person Balboni made a motion to ratify and accept Unit A and B contracts as presented Roll Call Vote: Hallahan - Aye, Green-Beach - Aye, Balboni - Aye, Alley - Aye (4-Aye) Discussion and possible vote regarding location and style of ceremonial.” (Motion: Balboni, second: Alley)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Feb 6Accept the ACO findings with the stipulations set forth…Motion: accept the ACO findings with the stipulations set forth with Dewey…Passed 3–1 · No: Hallahan

February 6, 2024: Accept the ACO findings with the stipulations set forth with Dewey classified as a dangerous dog, Mr. Lowe will work with the ACO, and his homeowners associate in relation to…

ApprovePassed · 3–1

Accept the ACO findings with the stipulations set forth with Dewey classified as a dangerous dog, Mr. Lowe will work with the ACO, and his homeowners associate in relation to the installation of the fence

Yes: Alley, Barmakian, Green-BeachNo: Hallahan

From the minutes

“Select Person Alley made a motion to accept the ACO findings with the stipulations set forth with Dewey classified as a dangerous dog, Mr. Lowe will work with the ACO, and his homeowners associate in relation to the installation of the fence Vote: Hallahan - Nay, Barmakian - Aye, Alley - Aye, Green-Beach - Aye (3 - Aye, 1 - Nay) 5:12 pm .” (Motion: Alley, second: Barmakian)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Jan 23Amend deed restriction 28 Sunset Road Map 7 Parcel…Motion: amend deed restriction 28 Sunset Road Map 7 Parcel 164-2 specifically…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

January 23, 2024: Amend deed restriction 28 Sunset Road Map 7 Parcel 164-2 specifically on page 18 paragraph 6 which reduces the duration of the deed rider from 30 to 20 years with…

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

Amend deed restriction 28 Sunset Road Map 7 Parcel 164-2 specifically on page 18 paragraph 6 which reduces the duration of the deed rider from 30 to 20 years with the stipulation that final confirmation will be made upon review by our Town Legal

The roll call does not list Gail Barmakian.

From the minutes

“Select Person Hallahan made a motion amend deed restriction 28 Sunset Road Map 7 Parcel 164-2 specifically on page 18 paragraph 6 which reduces the duration of the deed rider from 30 to 20 years with the stipulation that final confirmation will be made upon review by our Town Legal Roll Call Vote: Alley - Aye, Balboni - Aye, Hallahan - Aye, Green-Beach - Aye, (4 - Aye) 5:08 pm Select Person Barmakian rejoined the meeting TOWN OF OAK BLU.” (Motion: Hallahan, second: Alley)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Jan 11Deny any further funding of litigation involving or relating…Motion: deny any further funding of litigation involving or relating to Land…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · see note

January 11, 2024: Deny any further funding of litigation involving or relating to Land Court Case docket number 22 misc. 00294

DenyPassed · Unanimous, 3 present

Deny any further funding of litigation involving or relating to Land Court Case docket number 22 misc. 00294

The roll call does not list Emma Green-Beach, Gail Barmakian.

From the minutes

“Select Person Hallahan made a motion to deny any further funding of litigation involving or relating to Land Court Case docket number 22 misc. 00294 Vote: Hallahan - Aye, Balboni - Aye, Alley - Aye, Barmakian - Ney, Green-Beach - Ney (3 - Aye, 2 - Ney) Chair Green-Beach thanke.” (Motion: Hallahan, second: Alley)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Dec 12Vote to send a letter of support for County…Motion: vote to send a letter of support for County of Dukes…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

December 12, 2023: Vote to send a letter of support for County of Dukes County regarding changing the Treasurer to an appointed position

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 4 present

Vote to send a letter of support for County of Dukes County regarding changing the Treasurer to an appointed position

The roll call does not list Gail Barmakian.

From the minutes

“Select Person Balboni made a motion to vote to send a letter of support for County of Dukes County regarding changing the Treasurer to an appointed position Roll Call Vote: Balboni - Aye, Alley - Aye, Barmakian - Ney, Green-Beach - Aye, Hallahan - Aye (4 - Aye, 1 - Ney) Discussion and possible vote to send a letter of support for.” (Motion: Balboni, second: Alley)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

From the Oak Bluffs Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center. We check every vote against the members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Dion Alley, Mark Leonard and Sean DeBettencourt (Ray Ewing) and Tom Hallahan (Jeanna Shepard), Vineyard Gazette; William Cleary and Emma Green-Beach (2024 election day) and Gail Barmakian, The Martha’s Vineyard Times.

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