MassVoter.com← StowMunicipal votes · 2026–2027 Board
Stow Select Board
How the Stow Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. Brian Patuto joined the board after the May 2026 town election, succeeding Megan Birch-McMichael. On May 26, 2026 the board chose John “JT” Toole as Chair (4-0, Toole abstaining) and Ingeborg Hegemann as Clerk (5-0); the board has no Vice Chair. The end date is a placeholder. Covers 7 meetings so far, May 26 to August 25, 2026.
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 budgetVote Transparency Score
Stow Select Board: 7 out of 10 · Mostly open
How easy Stow makes it to see, online, how each member votes. It scores the town’s records, not any official. Checked October 12, 2026.
- Minutes postedMinutes are posted for every meeting more than three months old.Full points: 2/2
- Each vote namedSplit votes name the members who voted no; roll calls name every member when someone joins remotely.Part points: 2/3
- Posted quicklyMinutes usually go up within about a month, but the newest meeting is still missing.Part points: 1/2
- Past years onlineSelect Board minutes from 2016 to today are online.Full points: 1/1
- Readable textThe minutes are text you can search and copy.Full points: 1/1
- Member photosThe town’s website does not show photos of the members.No points: 0/1
How the town can raise its score
- Each vote named (+1): On any vote that isn’t unanimous, write how each member voted. For example: “Motion passed 3–2. Yes: Smith, Jones, Lee. No: Brown, Silva.” A roll call on split votes is the simplest way to do this.
- Posted quickly (+1): Post minutes within 30 days. If approval takes longer, post a draft marked “Draft – not yet approved” and replace it later.
- Member photos (+1): Show a photo of each member on the board’s web page, with their name, the date their term ends and how to contact them. A group photo of the members, with everyone named in the caption or on the same page, earns half a point.
How we score · Something wrong, or has the town made a change? Email info@massvoter.com and we’ll re-check.
A monthly email on its votes, starting in November. We'll also tell you if this score changes.
Board years
Coming up
- Tue, Oct 13Select Board Agenda →
From the agendas Stow posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.
What Town Meeting decided
In Stow, 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.
Annual Town Meeting · May 9, 2026 72 votes: 64 passed, 3 failed, 2 no action, 3 advisory
- Art. 1 Accept the reports of the Select Board and other officers and committees Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 2 Accept the reports of special committees Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 3 Adopt FY2027 salary and wage schedules Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 4 FY2027 town operating budget Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 5 Set FY2027 revolving fund spending limits (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 6 Fund the Stow Cultural Council (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 7 Fund the Smart911/RAVE emergency notification system (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 8 Fund weights and measures testing (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 9 Transfer to the Conservation Fund (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 10 Transfer from the Wetlands Protection Fund (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 11 Add to the Conservation Fund (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 12 Fund updates of property valuations (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 13 Fund DPW road machinery, private ways and municipal parking lots (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 14 Fund DPW engineering fees (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 15 Fund household hazardous waste collection (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 16 Fund municipal solid waste disposal (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 17 Fund Stow TV expenses (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 18 Fund holiday decorations and lighting (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 19 Fund the audit of financial records (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 20 Fund town water system expenses (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 21 Fund the Select Board's small purchases account (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 22 Fund construction and maintenance of firefighting water holes (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 23 Fund Lake Boon water quality remediation (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 24 Fund Planning Board engineering and consulting (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 25 Fund Community Preservation expenses (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 26 Set aside Community Preservation reserves (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 27 Fund online budgeting software (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 28 Fund traffic safety advisory expenses (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 29 Fund MS4 stormwater permit requirements (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 30 Fund legal services (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 31 Fund subscription services (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 32 Fund the Town Events account (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 33 Fund veterans' benefits (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 34 National Guard and reserve tax relief (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 35 Fund the Economic Development and Industrial Commission (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 36 Transfer to the OPEB (retiree benefits) trust fund (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 37 Transfer to the Stabilization Fund (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 38 Transfer to the Capital Stabilization Fund (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 39 Accept Chapter 90 state road funds (consent calendar) Passed “PASSED”
- 40-1 Free cash: $22,500 for DPW tire equipment Passed “Passed”
- 40-2 Free cash: $70,000 to resurface Evelyn Road Passed “Passed”
- 40-3 Free cash: $15,000 to add a winch to the DPW Morbark chipper Passed “Passed”
- 40-4 Free cash: $45,000 for DPW radio system upgrades Passed “Passed”
- 40-5 Free cash: $13,000 for a DPW windstorm blower Passed “Passed”
- 40-6 Free cash: $30,000 for card readers on interior doors at Pompositticut Failed “Did Not Pass”
- 40-7 Free cash: $45,000 for new and upgraded security cameras (facilities) Failed “Did Not Pass”
- 40-8 Free cash: $49,375 to paint the old town hall at 375 Great Road Passed “Passed”
- 40-9 Free cash: $41,000 for new fire department turnout gear Passed “Passed”
- 40-10 Free cash: $15,500 for a new Hale Middle School scoreboard No action “Moved No”
- 40-11 Free cash: $100,000 for a Hale School fire alarm control panel Passed “Passed”
- 40-12 Free cash: $165,000 to replace the Center School boiler plant Passed “Passed”
- 40-13 Free cash: $50,000 for a crosswalk at Great Road and Johnston Way Passed “Passed”
- 40-14 Free cash: $65,000 for a hybrid replacement police cruiser Passed “Passed”
- 40-15 Free cash: $35,000 for police station second-story design Passed “Passed”
- 40-16 Free cash: $52,000 for a shared utility task vehicle (UTV) Passed “Passed”
- 40-17 Free cash: $35,000 for a Pine Bluff well filter system Passed “Passed”
- 40-18 Free cash: $19,000 for Stow Community Park security cameras Passed “Passed”
- 41-1 Borrowing: $45,000 for a DPW Ford Maverick pickup truck Failed “Did Not Pass”
- 41-2 Borrowing: $100,000 to replace the DPW crew chief's pickup truck (S11) Passed “Passed”
- 41-3 Borrowing: $110,000 to replace the police station generator Passed “Passed”
- 41-4 Borrowing: $1,100,000 to replace Engine 12 Passed “Passed”
- 41-5 Borrowing: $143,850 to replace Center and Hale school network switches Passed “Passed”
- 41-6 Borrowing: $118,000 for a water system upgrade at Center School Passed “Passed”
- Art. 42 West School roof stabilization and masonry preservation (Community Preservation funds) No action “Moved No Action”
- Art. 43 Transfer free cash to cover the FY2026 snow and ice deficit Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 44 Fund archiving of permanent town records Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 45 Fund an update of the town's hazard mitigation plan Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 46 Seek special legislation to allow legal notices to be posted online instead of in a newspaper Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 47 Adopt a new general bylaw on stormwater management Passed “PASSED”
- Art. 48 Citizen petition: ask the Select Board to make Common Road two-way again Advisory “PASSED”
- Art. 49 Citizen petition: resolution supporting a change to the Massachusetts state flag and seal Advisory “PASSED”
- Art. 50 Citizen petition: July 4, 2026 Declaration for Democracy and the Rule of Law Advisory “PASSED”
Special Town Meeting · October 27, 2025 8 votes: 8 passed
- Art. 1 Rescind unissued debt authorizations no longer needed for past projects Passed “it was voted unanimously in favor to approve Article 1”
- Art. 2 Borrow $300,000 for PFAS contamination remediation services Passed “it was voted 311 in favor and 31 opposed · 311 in favor and 31 opposed”
- Art. 3 Transfer $10,000 from procurement wages to assistant town administrator wages Passed “it was voted 219 in favor and 138 opposed · 219 in favor and 138 opposed”
- Art. 4 Appropriate $150,000 in Community Preservation open space funds for Randall Woods Park wetland restoration design Passed “it was voted 341 in favor and 30 opposed · 341 in favor and 30 opposed”
- Art. 5 Add FY2027 Schedule A salary schedules to the Personnel bylaw Passed “it was voted in favor, as called by the Deputy Moderator”
- Art. 6 Amend the Personnel Administration bylaw (Sections 9, 10, 20 and 21) Passed “it was voted in favor, as called by the Moderator to approve Article 6”
- Art. 7 Create a Multifamily Housing Overlay District in the zoning bylaw and map (MBTA Communities) Passed “it was voted in favor 208 in favor and 74 opposed · 208 in favor and 74 opposed”
- Art. 8 Allow a duplex use in the Multifamily Housing Overlay District Passed “it was voted 259 in favor and 72 opposed · 259 in favor and 72 opposed”
Annual Town Meeting · May 10, 2025 61 votes: 60 passed, 1 no action
Sessions: May 10, 2025 (adjourned to the May 17, 2025 town election)
- Art. 1 Accept the reports of the Select Board and other officers and committees for 2024 Passed “it was voted in favor to accept the reports of the Select Board”
- Art. 2 Accept the reports of special committees for 2024 Passed “it was as voted in favor to accept the reports of special committees”
- Art. 3 Adopt FY2026 salary and wage schedules in the Personnel bylaw Passed “it was voted 124 in favor and 5 opposed · 124 in favor and 5 opposed”
- Art. 4 FY2026 town operating budget: $37,580,298 (items 1-82) Passed “it was voted in favor to raise and appropriate the sum of $37,580,298”
- Art. 5 Set FY2026 spending limits for two revolving funds (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c.44”
- Art. 6 Appropriate $1,500 for the Stow Cultural Council (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred”
- Art. 7 Appropriate $7,000 for the Smart911/RAVE emergency notification system (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Seven Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 8 Appropriate $4,000 for weights and measures testing (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000)”
- Art. 9 Transfer $3,530 from the Conservation Land Maintenance Account to the Conservation Fund (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to appropriate and transfer from the Conservation Land Maintenance”
- Art. 10 Transfer $6,854.50 from the Wetlands Protection Fund to the Conservation Commission (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to appropriate and transfer from the Wetlands Protection Fund”
- Art. 11 Appropriate $5,000 for the Conservation Fund (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000)”
- Art. 12 Appropriate $1,000 to control invasive water chestnut in the Assabet River (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000)”
- Art. 14 Appropriate $95,000 for the DPW road machinery account (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sums of money for Department of Public Works”
- Art. 15 Appropriate $4,000 for DPW engineering fees (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000)”
- Art. 16 Appropriate $6,000 for household hazardous waste collection (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000)”
- Art. 17 Appropriate $750 to dispose of solid waste dumped on town land (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars”
- Art. 18 Transfer $158,329 from the PEG Access and Cable Related Fund for Stow TV (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to appropriate and transfer from the PEG Access and Cable Related”
- Art. 19 Appropriate $8,000 for holiday decorations and lighting (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000)”
- Art. 20 Appropriate $30,000 for the audit of financial records (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 21 Appropriate $60,000 for town water system expenses (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Sixty Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 22 Appropriate $4,000 for the Select Board's small purchases fund (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000)”
- Art. 23 Appropriate $5,000 to build and maintain water holes for firefighting (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000)”
- Art. 24 Appropriate $9,000 to replace firefighter protective equipment (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Nine Thousand Dollars ($9,000)”
- Art. 25 Appropriate $15,000 for Lake Boon weed control (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 26 Appropriate $15,000 for Planning Board engineering and consulting (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 27 Appropriate $53,000 from Community Preservation revenues for CPA expenses (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to appropriate and transfer from FY2026 Community Preservation”
- Art. 28 Set aside Community Preservation reserves for later use (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to appropriate and reserve the following sums”
- Art. 29 Appropriate $22,000 for online budgeting software (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-Two Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 30 Appropriate $10,000 for traffic safety signs and equipment (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000)”
- Art. 31 Appropriate $50,000 for MS4 stormwater permit requirements (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000)”
- Art. 32 Appropriate $75,000 for legal services (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 33 Transfer $235,000 from free cash to the OPEB (retiree benefits) trust fund (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to transfer Two Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Dollars ($235,000)”
- Art. 34 Transfer $200,000 from free cash to the Stabilization Fund (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to transfer Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000)”
- Art. 35 Transfer $100,000 from free cash to the Capital Stabilization Fund (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to transfer One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000)”
- Art. 13 Appropriate $39,900 to update property valuations Passed “it was voted that the Town approve Article 13”
- 36-1 Transfer $68,500 from free cash for Flagg Hill garage repairs Passed “it was voted 104 in favor and 14 opposed · 104 in favor and 14 opposed”
- 36-2 Transfer $200,000 from free cash for engineering of the Sudbury Road bridge repair Passed “it was voted in favor to transfer from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $200,000”
- 36-3 Transfer $70,000 from free cash for a DPW truck lift Passed “it was voted in favor to transfer from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $70,000”
- 36-4 Transfer $50,000 from free cash to resurface Treaty Elm Lane Passed “it was voted in favor to transfer from Free Cash, the sum of $50,000”
- 36-5 Transfer $25,000 from free cash for a DPW generator transfer switch Passed “it was voted in favor to transfer from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $25,000”
- 36-6 Transfer $125,000 from free cash to replace the police station roof Passed “it was voted 114 in favor and 8 opposed · 114 in favor and 8 opposed”
- 36-7 Transfer $10,000 from free cash to replace exterior doors at the Town Building Passed “it was voted to transfer from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $10,000”
- 36-8 Transfer $275,000 from free cash to rebuild the Town Building front walkway Passed “it was voted 140 in favor and 16 opposed · 140 in favor and 16 opposed”
- 36-9 Transfer $97,000 from free cash to refinish the fire station apparatus floor Passed “it was voted in favor to transfer from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $97,000”
- 36-10 Transfer $80,000 from free cash to refurbish Forestry Engine 18 Passed “it was voted unanimously in favor to transfer from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $80,000”
- 36-11 Transfer $25,000 from free cash to paint the Hale School water storage tank Passed “it was voted 87 in favor and 60 opposed · 87 in favor and 60 opposed”
- 36-12 Free cash for Center School exterior painting No action “it was voted in favor to take NO ACTION on article 36-12”
- 36-13 Transfer $12,260 from free cash for Hale School auditorium carpeting Passed “it was voted 96 in favor and 14 opposed · 96 in favor and 14 opposed”
- 36-14 Transfer $22,500 from free cash to replace the school security camera server Passed “it was voted 73 in favor and 19 opposed · 73 in favor and 19 opposed”
- 36-15 Transfer $83,000 from free cash for a new police cruiser and equipment Passed “it was voted 131 in favor and 17 opposed · 131 in favor and 17 opposed”
- 36-16 Transfer $600,000 from free cash for the Lake Boon Dam replacement Passed “it was voted 129 in favor and 12 opposed · 129 in favor and 12 opposed”
- 37-1 Borrow $3,400,000 for the Lake Boon Dam replacement Passed “it was voted 137 votes in favor, 20 votes opposed, more than the 2/3rds required · 137 votes in favor, 20 votes opposed”
- Art. 38 Appropriate $930,427 in Community Preservation funds to restore the historic Randall Library building Passed “it was voted 115 in favor and 15 opposed · 115 in favor and 15 opposed”
- Art. 39 Appropriate $28,000 for subscription services formerly paid with COVID funds Passed “it was voted in favor to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-Eight Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 40 Appropriate $1,000 for a Town Events fund (renaming the Springfest account) Passed “it was voted unanimously in favor to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 41 Accept state law (Clause 22I) for yearly cost-of-living increases in veterans' property tax exemptions Passed “it was voted unanimously to accept Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59”
- Art. 42 Acquire easements for the Lake Boon Dam repair and improvement project Passed “it was voted 72 votes in favor, 5 votes opposed, more than the 2/3rds required · 72 votes in favor, 5 votes opposed”
- Art. 43 Amend the general bylaw on posting Town Meeting warrants (replace Section 3) Passed “it was voted unanimously in favor to approve Article 43”
- Art. 44 Amend the general bylaw on government of Town Meeting (replace Section 7) Passed “it was voted unanimously to approve Article 44”
- Art. 45 Add an EV charging station revolving fund to the general bylaw, with a $30,000 FY2026 limit Passed “it was voted 91 in favor and 3 opposed · 91 in favor and 3 opposed”
- Art. 46 Adopt a new general bylaw on single-use plastic bags Passed “it was voted 78 in favor and 7 opposed · 78 in favor and 7 opposed”
Special Town Meeting · December 2, 2024 7 votes: 7 passed
- Art. 1 Borrow $300,000 for PFAS contamination remediation services Passed “it was voted clearly more than the 2/3rds required, as called by the Moderator”
- Art. 2 Approve departmental budget transfers as printed in the warrant Passed “it was voted unanimously, as called by the Moderator, to approve Article 2.”
- Art. 3 Grant a public water supply easement at 323 Great Road for a First Parish Unitarian Church well Passed “it was voted unanimously, as called by the Moderator to approve Article 3”
- Art. 4 Transfer town-owned open space parcels from the Select Board to the Conservation Commission Passed “it was voted unanimously as called by the Moderator to approve Article 4”
- Art. 5 Amend the zoning sign bylaw to name the Director of Public Works for directional sign approvals Passed “it was voted unanimously as called by the Moderator to approve Article 5”
- Art. 6 Amend zoning bylaw sections on accessory apartments Passed “it was voted unanimously, as called by the Moderator, to satisfy both the threshold”
- Art. 7 Acquire easements for the Great Road at Hudson Road pedestrian improvement project Passed “it was voted clearly by the 2/3rds required as called by the Moderator”
Annual Town Meeting · May 11, 2024 62 votes: 56 passed, 2 passed as amended, 2 failed, 2 no action
Sessions: May 11, 2024 (adjourned to the May 18, 2024 town election and dissolved when the polls closed)
- Art. 1 Accept the reports of the Select Board and other officers and committees for 2023 Passed “it was voted in favor to accept the reports of the Select Board”
- Art. 2 Accept the reports of special committees for 2023 Passed “it was voted in favor to accept the reports of special committees”
- Art. 3 Adopt FY2025 salary and wage schedules in the Personnel bylaw Passed “it was voted in favor to amend Article 11 of the General Bylaws”
- Art. 4 FY2025 town operating budget: $34,778,145 (items 1-80) Passed “it was voted in favor to raise and appropriate the sum of $34,778,145”
- Art. 5 Set FY2025 spending limits for two revolving funds (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c.44”
- Art. 6 Appropriate $1,500 for the Stow Cultural Council (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred”
- Art. 8 Appropriate $3,500 for weights and measures testing (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand Five Hundred”
- Art. 9 Transfer $3,745.50 from the Conservation Land Maintenance Account to the Conservation Fund (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to appropriate and transfer from the Conservation Land Maintenance”
- Art. 10 Transfer $19,247 from the Wetlands Protection Fund to the Conservation Commission (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to appropriate and transfer from the Wetlands Protection Fund”
- Art. 11 Appropriate $5,000 for the Conservation Fund (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000)”
- Art. 12 Appropriate $23,200 to update property valuations (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-Three Thousand Two”
- Art. 14 Appropriate $4,000 for highway engineering fees (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000)”
- Art. 15 Appropriate $5,000 for household hazardous waste collection (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000)”
- Art. 16 Appropriate $750 to dispose of solid waste dumped on town land (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars”
- Art. 17 Transfer $147,280 from the PEG Access and Cable Related Fund for Stow TV (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to appropriate and transfer from the PEG Access and Cable Related”
- Art. 18 Appropriate $8,000 for holiday decorations and lighting (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000)”
- Art. 19 Appropriate $30,000 for the audit of financial records (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 21 Appropriate $3,000 for the Select Board's small purchases fund (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000)”
- Art. 22 Appropriate $8,000 to build and maintain water holes for firefighting (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000)”
- Art. 23 Appropriate $6,000 to replace firefighter protective equipment (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000)”
- Art. 24 Appropriate $32,000 for Lake Boon weed control (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty-Two Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 25 Appropriate $15,000 for Planning Board engineering and consulting (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 26 Appropriate $50,834 from Community Preservation funds for CPA administration (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to appropriate from FY 2025 Community Preservation Fund Annual”
- Art. 27 Set aside Community Preservation reserves: $101,668 each for history, open space and housing (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to appropriate and reserve the following sums”
- Art. 28 Appropriate $15,000 for veterans' benefits (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 29 Appropriate $20,000 for online budgeting software (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 30 Appropriate $10,000 for traffic safety signs and equipment (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000)”
- Art. 31 Appropriate $50,000 for MS4 stormwater permit requirements (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000)”
- Art. 32 Appropriate $100,000 for legal services (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to raise and appropriate the sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars”
- Art. 33 Transfer $235,000 from free cash to the OPEB (retiree benefits) trust fund (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to transfer Two Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Dollars ($235,000)”
- Art. 34 Transfer $200,000 from free cash to the Stabilization Fund (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to transfer Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000)”
- Art. 35 Transfer $100,000 from free cash to the Capital Stabilization Fund (consent calendar) Passed “Town Meeting voted to transfer One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000)”
- Art. 7 Appropriate $6,000 for the Smart911/RAVE emergency notification system Passed “it was voted in favor to raise and appropriate the sum of Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000)”
- Art. 13 Appropriate $115,000 for road machinery ($90,000), private ways ($15,000) and municipal parking lots ($10,000) Passed “it was voted in favor to raise and appropriate the sums of money for Highway Department purposes”
- Art. 20 Appropriate $60,000 for town water system expenses Passed “it was voted in favor to raise and appropriate the sum of Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000)”
- 36-1 Transfer $60,000 from free cash for a replacement building inspections vehicle Passed “it was voted in favor to transfer from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $60,000”
- 36-2 Transfer $30,000 from free cash to finish painting the exterior of 380 Great Road Passed “it was voted in favor to transfer from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $30,000”
- 36-3 Free cash for an escape and rescue window in the fire station bunk room ($25,000 in warrant) No action “it was voted in favor to move NO ACTION on this article.”
- 36-4 Transfer $50,000 from free cash to refurbish Engine 12 Passed “it was voted in favor to transfer from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $50,000”
- 36-5 Transfer $110,000 from free cash to replace the highway mechanic's service truck (S-15) Passed “it was voted in favor to transfer from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $110,000”
- 36-6 Transfer $241,000 from free cash to replace the Volvo loader (L70C) Passed “it was voted in favor to transfer from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $241,000”
- 36-7 Transfer $50,000 from free cash to resurface and crackseal Apple Blossom Lane Passed “it was voted in favor to transfer from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $50,000”
- 36-8 Transfer $55,000 from free cash for Center School booster pump upgrades Passed “it was voted in favor to from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $55,000”
- 36-9 Transfer $32,015 from free cash to replace the Hale Middle School stage wheelchair lift Passed “it was voted in favor to transfer from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $32,015”
- 36-10 Transfer $100,000 from free cash to replace Hale School interior doors (phase 2) Passed “it was voted in favor to from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $100,000”
- 36-11 Transfer $75,000 from free cash for a Center School existing conditions assessment Failed “The vote on the main motion DID NOT PASS.”
- 36-12 Transfer $73,000 from free cash for a Hale Middle School existing conditions assessment Failed “The motion DID NOT PASS.”
- 36-13 Free cash for police body-worn cameras No action “it was voted in favor to take NO ACTION on Article 36-13.”
- 36-14 Transfer $81,000 from free cash for a police cruiser and equipment Passed “it was voted in favor to transfer from Certified Free Cash, the sum of $81,000”
- 37-1 Borrow $990,000 to replace the 2000 fire engine and related equipment Passed “it was voted by more than the 2/3rds required as called by the Moderator to borrow $990,000”
- Art. 38 Appropriate $200,000 in Community Preservation housing funds to the Affordable Housing Trust for Bird Meadow housing Passed “it was voted in favor to approve Article 38”
- Art. 39 Appropriate $4,660 in Community Preservation historic funds to restore the John Randall portrait Passed “it was voted in favor to approve Article 39”
- Art. 40 Transfer $160,045 from free cash to the FY2024 group insurance account Passed “it was voted in favor to approve Article 40”
- Art. 41 Transfer $50,000 from free cash for a Lake Boon Dam project manager Passed “it was voted in favor to approve Article 41”
- Art. 42 Transfer $100,000 from free cash for comprehensive plan technical assistance Passed “it was voted in favor to approve Article 42”
- Art. 43 Appropriate $15,000 for construction administration of Complete Streets sidewalk work on Crescent Street Passed “it was voted in favor to approve Article 43”
- Art. 44 Raise the minimum taxable value of personal property to $10,000 (warrant: $7,500) Passed as amended “The vote on the main motion as amended to $10,000 passed clearly by more than the majority required.”
- Art. 45 Accept state law (Clause 56) allowing property tax relief for National Guard members and reservists on active duty Passed “it was voted in favor to approve Article 45”
- Art. 46 Authorize leases of land on Barton Road for parking and construction for the Lake Boon Dam project Passed “it was voted in favor to approve Article 46”
- Art. 47 Accept Joanne Drive as a town way Passed “it was voted in favor to approve Article 47”
- Art. 48 Amend zoning Section 3.2.2.8 on setbacks for animal buildings (residential special permit uses) Passed “it was voted in favor by more than the 2/3rds required”
- Art. 49 Adopt a zoning bylaw regulating firearms business uses Passed as amended “The vote on the main motion as amended was 89 in favor and 20 opposed. · 89 in favor and 20 opposed”
Not here yet: The full Town Clerk record of the May 9, 2026 Annual Town Meeting is not posted yet (it usually appears in the next Annual Town Report), so 2026 rows use the town's one-page results list; no Town Meeting after May 9, 2026 is posted.
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
Hector ConstantzosMember · At-large · at 7 of 7 meetings
Ingeborg HegemannClerk · At-large · at 7 of 7 meetings✓ Every meeting 2026Brian PatutoMember · At-large · at 7 of 7 meetings✓ Every meeting 2026
Dan PetersenMember · At-large · at 7 of 7 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.
Attendance
16 full-board meetings so far this year, through August 25. Ties share a rank.
1Dan Petersen16 of 16 meetings Every meeting100%1Megan Birch-McMichael9 of 9 meetings · served until May Every meeting100%1Brian Patuto7 of 7 meetings · served from May Every meeting100%4John Toole15 of 16 meetings94%5Hector Constantzos13 of 16 meetings81%5Ingeborg Hegemann13 of 16 meetings81%22 full-board meetings in 2025. Ties share a rank.
1Dan Petersen12 of 13 meetings · served from May92%2Hector Constantzos20 of 22 meetings91%3Cortni Frecha8 of 9 meetings · served until May89%4Megan Birch-McMichael19 of 22 meetings86%5John Toole18 of 22 meetings82%6Ingeborg Hegemann17 of 22 meetings77%23 full-board meetings in 2024. Ties share a rank.
1Hector Constantzos23 of 23 meetings Every meeting100%1John Toole23 of 23 meetings Every meeting100%3Cortni Frecha21 of 23 meetings91%4Megan Birch-McMichael19 of 23 meetings83%5Ingeborg Hegemann18 of 23 meetings78%25 full-board meetings in 2023. Ties share a rank.
1Ellen Sturgis10 of 10 meetings · served until May Every meeting100%2Cortni Frecha24 of 25 meetings96%3John Toole14 of 15 meetings · served from May93%4Megan Birch-McMichael23 of 25 meetings92%4Hector Constantzos23 of 25 meetings92%6Ingeborg Hegemann21 of 25 meetings84%25 full-board meetings in 2022. Ties share a rank.
1Megan Birch-McMichael25 of 25 meetings Every meeting100%1James Salvie10 of 10 meetings · served until May Every meeting100%3Ellen Sturgis24 of 25 meetings96%4Ingeborg Hegemann14 of 15 meetings · served from May93%5Cortni Frecha23 of 25 meetings92%6Hector Constantzos7 of 8 meetings · served from Sep88%7Zack Burns4 of 6 meetings · served until Mar67%27 full-board meetings in 2021. Ties share a rank.
1Megan Birch-McMichael27 of 27 meetings Every meeting100%1Ellen Sturgis27 of 27 meetings Every meeting100%1Thomas Ryan11 of 11 meetings · served until May Every meeting100%4James Salvie26 of 27 meetings96%5Zack Burns15 of 16 meetings · served from May94%6Cortni Frecha25 of 27 meetings93%31 full-board meetings in 2020. Ties share a rank.
1Cortni Frecha31 of 31 meetings Every meeting100%1Thomas Ryan31 of 31 meetings Every meeting100%1James Salvie31 of 31 meetings Every meeting100%1Brian Burke17 of 17 meetings · served until Jun Every meeting100%1Ellen Sturgis14 of 14 meetings · served from Jun Every meeting100%6Megan Birch-McMichael13 of 14 meetings · served from Jun93%24 full-board meetings in 2019. Ties share a rank.
1James Salvie24 of 24 meetings Every meeting100%1Cortni Frecha15 of 15 meetings · served from May Every meeting100%3Brian Burke22 of 24 meetings92%4Ingeborg Hegemann8 of 9 meetings · served until May89%5Donald Hawkes20 of 24 meetings83%6Thomas Ryan19 of 24 meetings79%22 full-board meetings in 2018. Ties share a rank.
1Thomas Ryan21 of 22 meetings95%2Brian Burke20 of 22 meetings91%3Donald Hawkes19 of 22 meetings86%4James Salvie18 of 22 meetings82%5Ingeborg Hegemann17 of 22 meetings77%From the official minutes: full-board meetings only (committee meetings are not counted). Members are counted only for meetings held while they served, and arriving late counts as attending. The minutes rarely say why a member was absent.
A monthly email on its votes and who was there, starting in November.
Meetings
About missing minutes
Loaded: Stow Select Board minutes from January 9, 2018 through August 25, 2026: 215 meetings and 1,946 votes. Minutes from 2014 to 2024 are in the town’s Document Center (Select Board year folders); since January 2025 they are in the Agenda Center. MassVoter has loaded 2018 on. Until May 2021 the board was the Board of Selectmen; the May 22, 2021 Annual Town Meeting changed the name to Select Board (the board had voted 4-1 on May 11, 2021 to support the article), and the minutes use “Select Board” from May 25, 2021. Most minutes are typed documents with searchable text; 26 minutes files from December 2018 to July 2020 are scanned images, which MassVoter read with text recognition and checked against the page images where votes were split. Not here: executive-session minutes; cancelled meetings; votes of other boards at joint meetings (Board of Assessors, Library Trustees, Finance Committee, the Stow members of the Nashoba Regional School Committee); meetings with an agenda but no posted minutes (among them April 28, 2020; the February 16, 2021 special meeting; the February 9, 2022 joint meeting with the Planning Board; the January 3, 2024 open session; and the board’s sessions at the May 14, 2022 and May 11, 2024 Town Meetings, if it met); and meetings after August 25, 2026 (September 8, 2026 and the September 22, 2026 work session have agendas but no posted minutes yet). Stow’s minutes name the mover and seconder. Most votes read “Mr. Hawkes moved … Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously” or “The motion carried unanimously (5-0)”, shown as every member present voting yes. When a member takes part remotely the board votes by roll call, naming each member (“Salvie -aye; Burns -no; Frecha -aye”), shown as each member’s vote. Split votes give a count with the members who voted no or abstained named (“it passed 4-1 with Chair Toole opposed”), shown with the other members present voting yes. Members who recused themselves, left the room or arrived late are not shown in the votes they missed. Votes recorded only as “it was passed” (sometimes naming one abstainer) show the result only (16 votes), and one roll call that does not match its count shows the count only. Where the minutes first summarize a vote (“The Board voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Putnam”) and then record the formal motion, the vote is counted once. A motion with no recorded outcome is not counted as a 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.
Aug 25Approve the alteration of premises for Wedgewood Country Club…Motion: Select Board Member Ingeborg Hegemann moved to approve the alteration of…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
August 25, 2026: Approve the alteration of premises for Wedgewood Country Club of Stow, Inc., as described in the application received July 13, 2026, to include the addition of outdoor areas including the…
Select Board Member Ingeborg Hegemann moved to approve the alteration of premises for Wedgewood Country Club of Stow, Inc., as described in the application received July 13, 2026, to include the addition of outdoor areas including the patio, snack shack, tiki bar, pool area, and all 154 acres of the 18-hole golf course to the existing licensed premises. Select Board Member Brian Patuto seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Hector Constantzos - Aye; Ingeborg Hegemann - Aye; Dan Petersen - Aye; Brian Patuto - Aye; Chair - Aye. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
The roll call lists “Chair - Aye”; the Chair at this meeting was John Toole.
From the minutes
“Select Board Member Ingeborg Hegemann moved to approve the alteration of premises for Wedgewood Country Club of Stow, Inc., as described in the application received July 13, 2026, to include the addition of outdoor areas including the patio, snack shack, tiki bar, pool area, and all 154 acres of the 18-hole golf course to the existing licensed premises. Select Board Member Brian Patuto seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Hector Constantzos - Aye; Ingeborg Hegemann - Aye; Dan Petersen - Aye; Brian Patuto - Aye; Chair - Aye. The motion carried unanimously (5-0)..” (Motion: Hegemann, second: Patuto)
Aug 25Sign the licensing authority certification for submission to the…Motion: Select Board Member Ingeborg Hegemann moved to sign the licensing authority…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
August 25, 2026: Sign the licensing authority certification for submission to the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission
Select Board Member Ingeborg Hegemann moved to sign the licensing authority certification for submission to the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Select Board Member Brian Patuto seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Hector Constantzos - Aye; Ingeborg Hegemann - Aye; Dan Petersen - Aye; Brian Patuto - Aye; Chair - Aye. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
The roll call lists “Chair - Aye”; the Chair at this meeting was John Toole.
From the minutes
“Select Board Member Ingeborg Hegemann moved to sign the licensing authority certification for submission to the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Select Board Member Brian Patuto seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Hector Constantzos - Aye; Ingeborg Hegemann - Aye; Dan Petersen - Aye; Brian Patuto - Aye; Chair - Aye. The motion carried unanimously (5-0)..” (Motion: Hegemann, second: Patuto)
Jul 15Provisionally amend the premises of the liquor license for…Motion: Select Board Member Brian Patuto moved to provisionally amend the premises…Passed 4–1 · No: Hegemann
July 15, 2026: Provisionally amend the premises of the liquor license for Wedgewood Country Club to include outdoor sales and consumption of alcohol, until the public hearing on the amendment occurs, conditioned...
Select Board Member Brian Patuto moved to provisionally amend the premises of the liquor license for Wedgewood Country Club to include outdoor sales and consumption of alcohol, until the public hearing on the amendment occurs, conditioned upon adherence to all town and state laws, bylaws, special permits, permits, rules, and regulations, and subject to the condition that no further illegal activity occur. The motion was seconded by Member Hegemann. The vote was 4-1 in favor, with Member Hegemann voting in opposition.
Yes: Constantzos, Patuto, Petersen, TooleNo: Hegemann
From the minutes
“Select Board Member Brian Patuto moved to provisionally amend the premises of the liquor license for Wedgewood Country Club to include outdoor sales and consumption of alcohol, until the public hearing on the amendment occurs, conditioned upon adherence to all town and state laws, bylaws, special permits, permits, rules, and regulations, and subject to the condition that no further illegal activity occur. The motion was seconded by Member Hegemann. The vote was 4-1 in favor, with Member Hegemann voting in opposition..” (Motion: Patuto, second: Hegemann)
Jul 14Approve a Special Event Permit for the Assabet Craft…Motion: Member Hegemann made a motion to approve a Special Event Permit…Passed 4–0 · see note
July 14, 2026: Approve a Special Event Permit for the Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival, to be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley, Event Manager Scott Feldhusen,…
Member Hegemann made a motion to approve a Special Event Permit for the Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival, to be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley, Event Manager Scott Feldhusen, on Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 12 noon until 4 PM. She further moved to approve a One-Day Liquor License for the Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival, Scott Feldhusen, Event Manager, to serve beer from various breweries in a delineated area at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley on Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 12 noon until 5 PM. And to approve an Entertainment Permit for the Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival, to be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley on Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 12 noon until 4 PM. The motion was seconded by Member Patuto. The motion passed unanimously (4-0), with Member Constantzos recused.
Yes: Hegemann, Patuto, Petersen, TooleThe minutes say Hector Constantzos recused himself, so Hector Constantzos is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“Member Hegemann made a motion to approve a Special Event Permit for the Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival, to be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley, Event Manager Scott Feldhusen, on Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 12 noon until 4 PM. She further moved to approve a One-Day Liquor License for the Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival, Scott Feldhusen, Event Manager, to serve beer from various breweries in a delineated area at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley on Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 12 noon until 5 PM. And to approve an Entertainment Permit for the Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival, to be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley on Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 12 noon until 4 PM. The motion was seconded by Member Patuto. The motion passed unanimously (4-0), with Member Constantzos recused..” (Motion: Hegemann, second: Patuto)
May 26Elect JT Toole as Chair of the Select BoardMotion: Select Board Member Hector Constantzos made a motion to elect JT…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Toole
May 26, 2026: Elect JT Toole as Chair of the Select Board
Select Board Member Hector Constantzos made a motion to elect JT Toole as Chair of the Select Board and it was seconded by Select Board Member Brian Patuto. The motion carried 4-0, with all members voting in favor. (Chair Toole abstained)
Yes: Constantzos, Hegemann, Patuto, PetersenAbstained: TooleAt the next meeting (June 9, 2026) the board corrected the record to say that Dan Petersen, not Hector Constantzos, made the nomination for Chair; the posted minutes still name Hector Constantzos as making the motion.
From the minutes
“Select Board Member Hector Constantzos made a motion to elect JT Toole as Chair of the Select Board and it was seconded by Select Board Member Brian Patuto. The motion carried 4-0, with all members voting in favor. (Chair Toole abstained).” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Patuto)
From the Stow Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Document Center (Agendas/Minutes > Minutes > Select Board, 2014–2024) and Agenda Center (Select Board, 2025 on). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the town’s website has no Select Board photos): Stow TV meeting videos — Hector Constantzos (May 2026), JT Toole (July 2026) and Ingeborg Hegemann (August 2026); Stow TV and The Stow Independent Candidates Night — Dan Petersen (May 2025). Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.
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