How the Tewksbury Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. Mark Kratman returned to the board after the April 2022 town election, succeeding Anne Marie Stronach. On April 5, 2022 the board unanimously chose Todd R. Johnson as Chair, James F. Mackey, III as Vice-Chair and Mark Kratman as Clerk. On November 22, 2022 the board approved the home rule petition language changing “Board of Selectmen” to “Select Board”; on January 10, 2023 the Chair reported the legislation had passed. Jay Kelly’s last meeting was February 15, 2023 (he missed his final meeting, March 21, 2023). Covers 26 meetings, April 5 to March 21, 2023.
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.
Under the state Open Meeting Law, boards post notice at least 48 hours ahead, not counting weekends and legal holidays.
What Town Meeting decided
In Tewksbury, 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 · May 6, 2026 6 votes: 5 passed, 1 failed
Art. 4Adopt the FY2027 operating budget, amended to set Shawsheen Tech at $3,750,000 (general fund total $145,494,765)Passed as amended“Article 4 was Adopted as Amended”
Art. 15Transfer $300,000 from overlay surplus for a school facilities studyPassed“Article 15 was Adopted”
Art. 16Transfer from sewer retained earnings for sewer improvements and a vehicle ($785,000 as amended)Passed as amended“Article 16 was Adopted Unanimously”
Art. 17Transfer from water retained earnings for water improvements, projects and vehicles ($835,000 as amended)Passed as amended“Article 17 was Adopted Unanimously”
Art. 12Home rule petition to let charter appointees live within 50 miles of town (amended from 10 miles)Passed as amended“Article 12 was Adopted as Amended”
Art. 22Appropriate $30,000 in CPA open space funds to remove former pump station structures on town open spacePassed“Article 22 was Adopted Unanimously”
Art. 23Appropriate $200,000 in CPA funds to design upgrades and renovations to the Ella Flemings SchoolPassed“Article 23 was Adopted Unanimously”
Art. 32Home rule petition to change the deed restriction on Chandler Street Little League fields to allow pickleballPassed“Article 32 was Adopted · 84 Yes/25 No”
Art. 33Replace the Conservation Commission wetland protection bylaw (Town Code Chapter 18.04)Passed“Article 33 was Adopted”
Art. 34Citizen petition: require property owners to clear snow from abutting sidewalks ($10 fine)Failed“Article 34 Failed”
Art. 35Citizen petition: authorize the Select Board to accept an easement from East Street Tewksbury, LLCPassed“Article 35 was Adopted Unanimously”
Not here yet: The October 6, 2026 Special Town Meeting is not here yet because the Town Clerk has not posted its minutes.
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).
"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: Tewksbury Select Board minutes from January 9, 2018 through July 14, 2026: 214 meetings and 2,477 votes. The town’s Agenda Center holds the board’s minutes back to January 2017; MassVoter has loaded 2018 on. Until 2022 the board was the Board of Selectmen; Town Meeting asked the Legislature to rename it, the board approved the home rule petition’s wording on November 22, 2022, and on January 10, 2023 the Chair reported that the law had passed. The minutes use “Select Board” from then on. Most minutes are typed documents with searchable text; 12 sets from 2019 to 2025 are scanned images, which MassVoter read with text recognition and checked against the page images where the Town Clerk’s stamp covers a roll call. The May 16, 2023 minutes are posted as a Word file. Not here: executive-session minutes (some are posted beside the open-session minutes) and votes the board reported taking in executive session; cancelled meetings; votes of the Planning Board, School Committee, Board of Health and Library Trustees at joint meetings; meetings with an agenda but no posted minutes (among them June 24, 2019 (the file posted there is the July 1, 2019 minutes), September 4, 2019 (joint meeting with the School Committee), October 6, 2020, November 4, 2024, October 7, 2025, May 19, 2026 and June 23, 2026, and several short meetings before Town Meeting); and meetings after July 14, 2026 (the August 11, September 15, September 22, September 29 and October 6, 2026 minutes are not posted yet). Tewksbury’s minutes end each motion with the count, “MOTION CARRIED: 4 – 0 – 0,” and name the members who vote no or abstain (“MOTION CARRIED: 3 – 1 – 0. (Nay – Board Member Mackey)”); older minutes read “the motion unanimously carried 4-0.” When the count matches the members present, every member present is shown voting yes; when it names the no votes or abstentions, the other members present are shown voting yes. Whenever a member takes part remotely the board votes by roll call (“Yea: … Nay: …”), shown by name. Where a count does not match the members present, or a split count names no one, we show the count only, with a note (64 votes); where a failed motion’s count does not show which side had the votes, or members chose between two nominees, we show the result only (3 votes). Members who arrived late or left early are shown only in the votes they were there for. A motion with no recorded outcome is not counted as a vote. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
Mar 7Authorize the removal of the trees located at Parker…Motion: MOTION: As there were no appeals made, Board Member Kratman a…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
March 7, 2023: Authorize the removal of the trees located at Parker Avenue, two on Towanda Road, and others (no appeals made)
ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present
MOTION: As there were no appeals made, Board Member Kratman a motion to authorize the removal of the trees located at Parker Avenue, two on Towanda Road, and 1424 Whipple Road. Board Member Wellman seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“MOTION: As there were no appeals made, Board Member Kratman a motion to authorize the removal of the trees located at Parker Avenue, two on Towanda Road, and 1424 Whipple Road. Board Member Wellman seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0..” (second: Wellman)
Feb 15Approve the request for a Change of Manager applicationMotion: MOTION: Vice-Chair Mackey made a motion to approve the request for…Passed 4–0 · see note
February 15, 2023: Approve the request for a Change of Manager application
ApprovePassed · 4–0
MOTION: Vice-Chair Mackey made a motion to approve the request for a Change of Manager application. Board Member Kelly seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 0 - 0.
The minutes give the count as 4-0, but 5 members were at the meeting (Todd R. Johnson, James F. Mackey, Jay Kelly, Jayne E. Wellman and Mark Kratman). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Vice-Chair Mackey made a motion to approve the request for a Change of Manager application. Board Member Kelly seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 0 - 0..” (Motion: Mackey, second: Kelly)
Jan 25Approve the Alteration of Premises to Expand the On-Premises…Motion: MOTION: Board Member Kelly made a motion to approve the Alteration…Passed 5–0 · see note
January 25, 2023: Approve the Alteration of Premises to Expand the On-Premises Consumption Areas
ApprovePassed · 5–0
MOTION: Board Member Kelly made a motion to approve the Alteration of Premises to Expand the On-Premises Consumption Areas. Board Member Wellman seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0.
The minutes give the count as 5-0, but 4 members were at the meeting (Todd R. Johnson, Jay Kelly, Jayne E. Wellman and Mark Kratman). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Board Member Kelly made a motion to approve the Alteration of Premises to Expand the On-Premises Consumption Areas. Board Member Wellman seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0..” (Motion: Kelly, second: Wellman)
Jan 25Approve the Alteration of Premises (2) Pouring of Distilled…Motion: MOTION: Board Member Kelly made a motion to approve the Alteration…Passed 5–0 · see note
January 25, 2023: Approve the Alteration of Premises (2) Pouring of Distilled Spirits and Malt Beverages throughout the premise
ApprovePassed · 5–0
MOTION: Board Member Kelly made a motion to approve the Alteration of Premises (2) Pouring of Distilled Spirits and Malt Beverages throughout the premise. Board Member Kratman seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0.
The minutes give the count as 5-0, but 4 members were at the meeting (Todd R. Johnson, Jay Kelly, Jayne E. Wellman and Mark Kratman). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Board Member Kelly made a motion to approve the Alteration of Premises (2) Pouring of Distilled Spirits and Malt Beverages throughout the premise. Board Member Kratman seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0..” (Motion: Kelly, second: Kratman)
Jan 25Approve the Common Victualler License with the stipulation that…Motion: MOTION: Board Member Kratman made a motion to approve the Common…Passed 5–0 · see note
January 25, 2023: Approve the Common Victualler License with the stipulation that the Health Department provided positive approval
ApprovePassed · 5–0
MOTION: Board Member Kratman made a motion to approve the Common Victualler License with the stipulation that the Health Department provided positive approval. Board Member Wellman seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0.
The minutes give the count as 5-0, but 4 members were at the meeting (Todd R. Johnson, Jay Kelly, Jayne E. Wellman and Mark Kratman). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Board Member Kratman made a motion to approve the Common Victualler License with the stipulation that the Health Department provided positive approval. Board Member Wellman seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0..” (Motion: Kratman, second: Wellman)
Jan 25Approve the Entertainment License for live acoustic music, recorded…Motion: MOTION: Board Member Wellman made a motion to approve the Entertainment…Passed 5–0 · see note
January 25, 2023: Approve the Entertainment License for live acoustic music, recorded music, and recorded sports programming for the Treehouse Brewing Company, from Sunday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. through 11:00...
ApprovePassed · 5–0
MOTION: Board Member Wellman made a motion to approve the Entertainment License for live acoustic music, recorded music, and recorded sports programming for the Treehouse Brewing Company, from Sunday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. with an exclusion on exterior amplification for live music to include: dancing by patrons, live music, use of an amplification system, theater exhibition or play, a light show of any description, radio, any dynamic audio or video show whether live or recorded, recorded music, dancing by entertainers or performers, floor show of any description, moving picture shows, jukebox, television, and any open flame devices or performances. Board Member Kelly seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0.
The minutes give the count as 5-0, but 4 members were at the meeting (Todd R. Johnson, Jay Kelly, Jayne E. Wellman and Mark Kratman). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Board Member Wellman made a motion to approve the Entertainment License for live acoustic music, recorded music, and recorded sports programming for the Treehouse Brewing Company, from Sunday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. with an exclusion on exterior amplification for live music to include: dancing by patrons, live music, use of an amplification system, theater exhibition or play, a light show of any description, radio, any dynamic audio or video show whether live or recorded, recorded music, dancing by entertainers or performers, floor show of any description, moving picture shows, jukebox, television, and any open flame devices or performances. Board Member Kelly seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0..” (Motion: Wellman, second: Kelly)
Dec 20Approve 30 one-day beer and wine licenses for the…Motion: MOTION: Board Member Wellman made a motion to approve 30 one-day…Passed 3–1 · No: Kratman
December 20, 2022: Approve 30 one-day beer and wine licenses for the Tree House Brewing Company with the hours of operation being Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sundays from…
ApprovePassed · 3–1
MOTION: Board Member Wellman made a motion to approve 30 one-day beer and wine licenses for the Tree House Brewing Company with the hours of operation being Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. beginning January 6, 2023, and to terminate on February 9, 2023, excluding Tuesday's contingent upon complying with the town department's regulations and requests. Vice-Chair Mackey seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 3 - 1 - 0. (Nay - Board Member Kratman)
Yes: Johnson, Mackey, WellmanNo: Kratman
From the minutes
“MOTION: Board Member Wellman made a motion to approve 30 one-day beer and wine licenses for the Tree House Brewing Company with the hours of operation being Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. beginning January 6, 2023, and to terminate on February 9, 2023, excluding Tuesday's contingent upon complying with the town department's regulations and requests. Vice-Chair Mackey seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 3 - 1 - 0. (Nay - Board Member Kratman).” (Motion: Wellman, second: Mackey)
Dec 20Waive the requirement for an Entertainment License for establishments…Motion: MOTION: made a motion to waive the requirement for an Entertainment…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
December 20, 2022: Waive the requirement for an Entertainment License for establishments with a single television or radio
ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present
MOTION: made a motion to waive the requirement for an Entertainment License for establishments with a single television or radio. Board Member Wellman seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 0 - 0.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“MOTION: made a motion to waive the requirement for an Entertainment License for establishments with a single television or radio. Board Member Wellman seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 0 - 0..” (second: Wellman)
Dec 6Approve the minutes of the November 10, 2020, meeting,…Motion: MOTION: Board Member Wellman made a motion to approve the minutes…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Johnson
December 6, 2022: Approve the minutes of the November 10, 2020, meeting, as presented
Approve minutesPassed · 4–0
MOTION: Board Member Wellman made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 10, 2020, meeting, as presented. Board Member Kratman seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 - 1. (Abstained - Chair Johnson)
Yes: Kelly, Kratman, Mackey, WellmanAbstained: Johnson
From the minutes
“MOTION: Board Member Wellman made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 10, 2020, meeting, as presented. Board Member Kratman seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 - 1. (Abstained - Chair Johnson).” (Motion: Wellman, second: Kratman)
Dec 6Approve the minutes of the February 4, 2021, meeting,…Motion: MOTION: Board Member Kratman made a motion to approve the minutes…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Johnson
December 6, 2022: Approve the minutes of the February 4, 2021, meeting, as presented
Approve minutesPassed · 4–0
MOTION: Board Member Kratman made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 4, 2021, meeting, as presented. Board Member Wellman seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 - 1. (Abstained - Chair Johnson)
Yes: Kelly, Kratman, Mackey, WellmanAbstained: Johnson
From the minutes
“MOTION: Board Member Kratman made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 4, 2021, meeting, as presented. Board Member Wellman seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 - 1. (Abstained - Chair Johnson).” (Motion: Kratman, second: Wellman)
From the Tewksbury Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center (Select Board). 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): The Lowell Sun — John Lombardo (Peter Currier, April 2026), Richard Russo Jr. (Aaron Curtis, April 2025), Eric Ryder (courtesy photo, April 2024); Tewksbury Town Crier courtesy photos — Mark Kratman (March 2025) and James F. Mackey III (March 2024). Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.