MassVoter.com← Sudbury Select BoardSudbury Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
January 20, 2026
19 recorded votes, 6 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Lisa V. Kouchakdjian, Janie W. Dretler, Daniel E. Carty, Charles G. Russo, Radha R. Gargeya
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
5. Vote to accept the Declaration of Restrictive Covenant and Grant of Easement regarding
Approve Consent Calendar items 1, 2 and 5, as presented in tonight's agenda packet
Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to approve Consent Calendar items 1, 2 and 5, as presented in tonight's agenda packet. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To approve Consent Calendar items 1, 2 and 5, as presented in tonight's agenda packet
From the minutes
“Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to approve Consent Calendar items 1, 2 and 5, as presented in tonight's agenda packet. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To approve Consent Calendar items 1, 2 and 5, as presented in tonight's agenda packet.” (Motion: Dretler, second: Carty)
6.Vote to determine if Earth Removal Board Member Bill Ray can act impartially in a matter in
Determine that Bill Ray can act impartially regarding the matter at hand at Cranberry Circle
Board Member Russo motioned to determine that Bill Ray can act impartially regarding the matter at hand at Cranberry Circle. Board Member Gargeya seconded the motion. It was on motion 3-1-1; Russo-aye, Gargeya-aye, Carty-no, Dretler-abstain, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To determine that Bill Ray can act impartially regarding the matter at hand at Cranberry Circle
Yes: Gargeya, Kouchakdjian, RussoNo: CartyAbstained: Dretler
From the minutes
“Board Member Russo motioned to determine that Bill Ray can act impartially regarding the matter at hand at Cranberry Circle. Board Member Gargeya seconded the motion. It was on motion 3-1-1; Russo-aye, Gargeya-aye, Carty-no, Dretler-abstain, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To determine that Bill Ray can act impartially regarding the matter at hand at Cranberry Circle.” (Motion: Russo, second: Gargeya)
7. Interview candidate for appointment to the Earth Removal Board. Following interview, vote to
Appoint Kirsten Roopenian of 45 Harness Lane, to the Earth Removal Board to serve the balance of a one-year term that expires on May 31, 2026
Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to appoint Kirsten Roopenian of 45 Harness Lane, to the Earth Removal Board to serve the balance of a one-year term that expires on May 31, 2026. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To appoint Kirsten Roopenian of 45 Harness Lane, to the Earth Removal Board to serve the balance of a one-year term that expires on May 31, 2026
From the minutes
“Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to appoint Kirsten Roopenian of 45 Harness Lane, to the Earth Removal Board to serve the balance of a one-year term that expires on May 31, 2026. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To appoint Kirsten Roopenian of 45 Harness Lane, to the Earth Removal Board to serve the balance of a one-year term that expires on May 31, 2026.” (Motion: Dretler, second: Carty)
8, Joint meeting with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission (DEIC). DEIC to provide
That the Select Board appropriate a certain amount of ARPA money up to $900.00 for the DEI essay contest, pursuant to it being legal
Board Member Gargeya motioned that the Select Board repurpose a certain amount of ARPA money up to $900.00 for the DEI essay contest, pursuant to it being legal. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 4-0-1; Dretler-abstain, Carty-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: That the Select Board appropriate a certain amount of ARPA money up to $900.00 for the DEI essay contest, pursuant to it being legal.
Yes: Carty, Gargeya, Kouchakdjian, RussoAbstained: Dretler
From the minutes
“Board Member Gargeya motioned that the Select Board repurpose a certain amount of ARPA money up to $900.00 for the DEI essay contest, pursuant to it being legal. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 4-0-1; Dretler-abstain, Carty-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: That the Select Board appropriate a certain amount of ARPA money up to $900.00 for the DEI essay contest, pursuant to it being legal..” (Motion: Gargeya, second: Carty)
Select Board Members were in agreement with the Select Board continuing to serve in the DEI advisory
Approve the amendment of the DEI Commission Mission Statement, as amended with seven (7) members and other language changes
Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to approve the amendment of the DEI Commission Mission Statement, as amended with seven (7) members and other language changes. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To approve the amendment of the DEI Commission Mission Statement, as amended with seven (7) members and other language changes.
From the minutes
“Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to approve the amendment of the DEI Commission Mission Statement, as amended with seven (7) members and other language changes. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To approve the amendment of the DEI Commission Mission Statement, as amended with seven (7) members and other language changes..” (Motion: Dretler, second: Carty)
Hearing Reports Article
Sponsor the Hearing Reports Article
Vice-Chair Carty motioned to sponsor the Hearing Reports Article. Board Member Russo seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To sponsor the Hearing Reports Article
From the minutes
“Vice-Chair Carty motioned to sponsor the Hearing Reports Article. Board Member Russo seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To sponsor the Hearing Reports Article.” (Motion: Carty, second: Russo)
FY27 Stabilization Fund
Sponsor the FY27 Stabilization Fund
Board Member Carty motioned to sponsor the FY27 Stabilization Fund. Board Member Russo seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To sponsor the FY27 Stabilization Fund
From the minutes
“Board Member Carty motioned to sponsor the FY27 Stabilization Fund. Board Member Russo seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To sponsor the FY27 Stabilization Fund.” (Motion: Carty, second: Russo)
General Bylaw Article Chapter 11
Place the General Bylaw Chapter 11 on the Town Warrant
Board Member Russo motioned to place the General Bylaw Chapter 11 on the Town Warrant. Vice-Chair Dretler seconded the motion. It was on motion 4-1; Carty-no, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To place the General Bylaw Chapter 11 on the Town Warrant
Yes: Dretler, Gargeya, Kouchakdjian, RussoNo: Carty
From the minutes
“Board Member Russo motioned to place the General Bylaw Chapter 11 on the Town Warrant. Vice-Chair Dretler seconded the motion. It was on motion 4-1; Carty-no, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To place the General Bylaw Chapter 11 on the Town Warrant.” (Motion: Russo, second: Dretler)
Transportation Article
Place the Transportation Article on the Town Warrant
Board Member Carty motioned to place the Transportation Article on the Town Warrant. Board Member Dretler seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To place the Transportation Article on the Town Warrant
From the minutes
“Board Member Carty motioned to place the Transportation Article on the Town Warrant. Board Member Dretler seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To place the Transportation Article on the Town Warrant.” (Motion: Carty, second: Dretler)
Vocational Education Fund
Place the Vocational Education Fund Article on the Town Warrant
Board Member Carty motioned to place the Vocational Education Fund Article on the Town Warrant. Board Member Russo seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To place the Vocational Education Fund Article on the Town Warrant
From the minutes
“Board Member Carty motioned to place the Vocational Education Fund Article on the Town Warrant. Board Member Russo seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To place the Vocational Education Fund Article on the Town Warrant.” (Motion: Carty, second: Russo)
Place the Funding for Liberty Ledge/Sewataro Study Article on the Town Warrant
Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to place the Funding for Liberty Ledge/Sewataro Study Article on the Town Warrant. Board Member Gargeya seconded the motion. It was on motion 3-2; Carty-no, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-no, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To place the Funding for Liberty Ledge/Sewataro Study Article on the Town Warrant
Yes: Dretler, Gargeya, KouchakdjianNo: Carty, Russo
From the minutes
“Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to place the Funding for Liberty Ledge/Sewataro Study Article on the Town Warrant. Board Member Gargeya seconded the motion. It was on motion 3-2; Carty-no, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-no, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To place the Funding for Liberty Ledge/Sewataro Study Article on the Town Warrant.” (Motion: Dretler, second: Gargeya)
Sidewalk Stabilization Fund (Proposed by Board Member Russo)
Add the Sidewalk Stabilization Fund Article to the Town Warrant
Board Member Russo motioned to add to the Sidewalk Stabilization Fund Article to the Town Warrant. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. Vice-Chair Dretler asked Board Member Russo if he worked with Town Manager and Finance Director regarding the proposed article. Board Member Russo responded not. Vice-Chair Dretler recommended that discussion continue regarding the proposed article. Board Member Carty commented that voting the article could be used as a placeholder. It was on motion 2-3; Carty-aye, Dretler-no, Gargeya-no, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-no VOTED: To not add the Sidewalk Stabilization Fund Article to the Town Warrant
Yes: Carty, RussoNo: Dretler, Gargeya, KouchakdjianThe minutes record the decision as “To not add the Sidewalk Stabilization Fund Article to the Town Warrant”; this page shows the motion as made, which failed.
From the minutes
“Board Member Russo motioned to add to the Sidewalk Stabilization Fund Article to the Town Warrant. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. Vice-Chair Dretler asked Board Member Russo if he worked with Town Manager and Finance Director regarding the proposed article. Board Member Russo responded not. Vice-Chair Dretler recommended that discussion continue regarding the proposed article. Board Member Carty commented that voting the article could be used as a placeholder. It was on motion 2-3; Carty-aye, Dretler-no, Gargeya-no, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-no VOTED: To not add the Sidewalk Stabilization Fund Article to the Town Warrant.” (Motion: Russo, second: Carty)
Board Member Gargeya reviewed the "Sudbury 250 Committee," "Sudbury 250 Resolution" and a
Place the Sudbury 250 Resolution on the Town Warrant
Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to place the Sudbury 250 Resolution on the Town Warrant. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To place the Sudbury 250 Resolution on the Town Warrant
From the minutes
“Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to place the Sudbury 250 Resolution on the Town Warrant. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To place the Sudbury 250 Resolution on the Town Warrant.” (Motion: Dretler, second: Carty)
14. Liberty Ledge/Sewataro Subcommittee update and discussion regarding next steps
Allow public comment at the Subcommittee meetings
Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to allow public comment at the Subcommittee meetings. Board Member Gargeya seconded the motion. It was on motion 3-2; Carty-no, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-no, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To allow public comment at the Subcommittee meetings
Yes: Dretler, Gargeya, KouchakdjianNo: Carty, Russo
From the minutes
“Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to allow public comment at the Subcommittee meetings. Board Member Gargeya seconded the motion. It was on motion 3-2; Carty-no, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-no, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To allow public comment at the Subcommittee meetings.” (Motion: Dretler, second: Gargeya)
10/22/25
Approve the 10/22/25 minutes, as edited
Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to approve the 10/22/25 Minutes, as edited. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To approve the 10/22/25 minutes, as edited
From the minutes
“Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to approve the 10/22/25 Minutes, as edited. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To approve the 10/22/25 minutes, as edited.” (Motion: Dretler, second: Carty)
11/4/25
Approve the 11/4/25 minutes, as edited
Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to approve the 11/4/25 Minutes, as edited. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To approve the 11/4/25 minutes, as edited
From the minutes
“Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to approve the 11/4/25 Minutes, as edited. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To approve the 11/4/25 minutes, as edited.” (Motion: Dretler, second: Carty)
11/12/25
Approve the 11/12/25 minutes, as presented
Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to approve the 11/12/25 Minutes, as presented. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To approve the 11/12/25 minutes, as presented
From the minutes
“Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to approve the 11/12/25 Minutes, as presented. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To approve the 11/12/25 minutes, as presented.” (Motion: Dretler, second: Carty)
12/9/25
Approve the 12/9/25 minutes, as edited
Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to approve the 12/9/25 Minutes, as edited. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To approve the 12/9/25 minutes, as edited
From the minutes
“Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to approve the 12/9/25 Minutes, as edited. Board Member Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To approve the 12/9/25 minutes, as edited.” (Motion: Dretler, second: Carty)
Adjourn
Adjourn
Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to adjourn the Select Board meeting. Board Member Carty seconded the motion It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To adjourn the Select Board meeting
From the minutes
“Vice-Chair Dretler motioned to adjourn the Select Board meeting. Board Member Carty seconded the motion It was on motion 5-0; Carty-aye, Dretler-aye, Gargeya-aye, Russo-aye, Kouchakdjian-aye VOTED: To adjourn the Select Board meeting.” (Motion: Dretler, second: Carty)
From the Sudbury Select Board’s official minutes, posted on the town’s Select Board meetings page. 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): League of Women Voters of Sudbury voters’ guides (candidate-supplied photos) — Charles Russo (2026), Radha Gargeya and Lisa Kouchakdjian (2025), Janie Dretler and Daniel Carty (2024). Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.
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