MassVoter.com← TewksburyMunicipal votes · 2025–2026 Board
Tewksbury Select Board
How the Tewksbury Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. Richard (Rich) Russo, Jr. joined the board after the April 5, 2025 town election, filling the seat left by Jayne Wellman. On April 9, 2025 the board chose Mark Kratman as Chair (4-1, James Mackey voting nay; Patrick Holland declined a nomination), Eric Ryder as Vice-Chair and Rich Russo as Clerk (each 5-0-0, roll calls). Patrick Holland’s last meeting was April 1, 2026. Covers 25 meetings, April 9 to April 1, 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 budgetYour Tewksbury ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Board years
Coming up
No upcoming meeting is posted yet. Check the official calendar →
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. 1 Transfer $280,000 between FY2026 departmental budgets Passed “Article 1 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 2 Transfer $55,500 for salary adjustments and update the Personnel Bylaw pay plan Failed “Article 2 as Amended Failed by Secret Ballot · 34 Yes/55 No”
- Art. 3 Transfer $590,390.48 from free cash and $1,004,044.45 from the Stabilization Fund to the FY2026 snow and ice budget Passed “Article 3 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
- Art. 4 Pay $9,609.52 in prior-year bills from free cash Passed “Article 4 was Adopted Unanimously (9/10 Required)”
- Art. 5 Transfer $196,566 from sewer retained earnings for the Lowell sewer assessment Passed “Article 5 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 6 Use $363,000 from the PFAS Settlement Fund for listed purposes Passed “Article 6 was Adopted Unanimously”
Source: Town Clerk minutes: May 6, 2026 Special Town Meeting (PDF).
Annual Town Meeting · May 4, 2026 27 votes: 23 passed, 3 passed as amended, 1 no action
- Art. 1 Elect town officers (chosen at the Annual Town Election) No action “the Town Meeting does not vote on Article 1”
- Art. 2 Set FY2027 salaries of elected officials Passed “Article 2 was Adopted Unanimously”
- 3-26 Consent calendar: accept the annual reports of town officers Passed “Article 3-26 was Adopted Unanimously”
- 3-27 Consent calendar: allow lease/purchase agreements of up to five years for equipment Passed “Article 3-27 was Adopted Unanimously”
- 3-28 Consent calendar: reauthorize revolving fund spending caps Passed “Article 3-28 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 4 Adopt 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. 5 FY2027 Sewer Enterprise budget ($7,411,071) Passed “Article 5 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 6 Transfer $455,425 from the Water Stabilization Fund to the Water Enterprise Fund Passed “Article 6 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 7 FY2027 Water Enterprise budget ($10,923,042) Passed “Article 7 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 8 FY2027 Stormwater Enterprise budget ($780,600) Passed “Article 8 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 9 FY2027 Cable TV Enterprise budget ($606,292) Passed “Article 9 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 10 Transfer $27,044 from bond premiums to reduce exempt debt principal Passed “Article 10 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 11 Approve the FY2027 Affordable Housing Trust allocation plan Passed “Article 11 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 12 Appropriate or reserve Community Preservation Fund annual revenues Passed “Article 12 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 13 Appropriate $30,190 in CPA funds to design about 100 feet of boardwalk Passed “Article 13 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 14 Transfer $2,519,180 from the Stabilization Fund for capital equipment Passed “Article 14 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
- Art. 15 Transfer $227,800 from the Stabilization Fund for school capital equipment Passed “Article 15 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
- Art. 16 Transfer $1,280,000 from sewer retained earnings Passed “Article 16 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 17 Transfer $855,000 from water retained earnings Passed “Article 17 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 18 Appropriate $700,000 from the Stormwater Enterprise Fund for drainage improvements Passed “Article 18 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 19 Borrow $5,400,000 in the Water Enterprise Fund for water distribution improvements Passed “Article 19 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
- Art. 20 Borrow $1,500,000 in the Water Enterprise Fund for water meters and components Passed “Article 20 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
- Art. 21 Accept G.L. c.59 s.5 Clause 22I (yearly increase in certain property tax exemptions; HERO Act) Passed “Article 21 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 22 Authorize Chapter 90 state road and bridge funds ($1,394,960.27 as amended) Passed as amended “Article 22 was Adopted as Amended Unanimously”
- Art. 23 Citizen petition: general bylaw to prohibit use of indefinite postponement at Town Meeting Passed “Article 23 was Adopted”
- Art. 24 Allocate $405,650 from a stabilization fund for a Shawsheen Tech feasibility study (as amended) Passed as amended “Article 24 was Adopted as Amended · 35 Yes/31 No”
- Art. 25 Citizen petition: accept a sidewalk easement at 2131 Main Street (Paradise Place Condominium Trust) Passed “Article 25 was Adopted Unanimously”
Source: Town Clerk minutes: May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting (PDF).
Special Town Meeting · October 7, 2025 15 votes: 12 passed, 1 passed as amended, 1 withdrawn, 1 no action
- Art. 1 Raise and appropriate $165,005 for FY2026 departmental budgets Passed “Article 1 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 2 Transfer $2,469,640 from free cash for various purposes Passed “Article 2 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 3 Pay $18,761 in prior-year bills from free cash Passed “Article 3 was Adopted Unanimously (9/10 Required)”
- Art. 4 Transfer $4,552,639 from free cash to the Stabilization Fund Passed “Article 4 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 5 Create a Town Debt Stabilization Fund Passed “Article 5 was Adopted · 53 Yes/1 No”
- Art. 6 Transfer $2,500,000 from free cash to the Town Debt Stabilization Fund Passed “Article 6 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 7 Transfer $1,490,000 from water retained earnings for various purposes Passed “Article 7 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 8 Use $400,000 from the PFAS Settlement Fund for an operational study of the water treatment plant Passed “Article 8 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 9 Appropriate CPA open space funds to rehabilitate the high school varsity infield ($25,000 as amended) Passed as amended “Article 9 was Adopted as Amended Unanimously”
- Art. 10 Authorize the Select Board to lease the North Street Elementary School for up to 30 years Passed “Article 10 was Adopted”
- Art. 11 Home rule petition to allow a lease of the North Street Elementary School for up to 99 years Passed “Article 11 was Adopted”
- Art. 12 Authorize a ground lease of about 5,625 sq. ft. at 199 Shawsheen Street Withdrawn “Article 12 was Withdrawn Unanimously”
- Art. 13 Amend Town Code Chapter 19, stormwater management and erosion control Passed “Article 13 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 14 Petition: accept a sidewalk easement at 2131 Main Street (Paradise Place Condominium Trust) No action “No Action Was Taken on Article 14”
- Art. 15 Accept a new easement and abandon the current easement at 19 Bemis Circle Passed “Article 15 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
Source: Town Clerk minutes: October 7, 2025 Special Town Meeting (PDF).
Special Town Meeting · May 7, 2025 3 votes: 3 passed
- Art. 1 Transfer funds between FY2025 departmental budgets Passed “Article 1 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 2 Transfer $586,046.35 from free cash to the FY2025 DPW snow and ice budget Passed “Article 2 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 3 Pay $13,953.65 in prior-year bills from free cash Passed “Article 3 was Adopted Unanimously (9/10 Required)”
Source: Town Clerk minutes: May 7, 2025 Special Town Meeting (PDF).
Annual Town Meeting · May 5, 2025 32 votes: 26 passed, 3 passed as amended, 3 no action
Sessions: May 5 and May 7, 2025
- Art. 1 Elect town officers (chosen at the Annual Town Election) No action “the Town Meeting does not vote on Article 1”
- Art. 2 Set FY2026 salaries of elected officials Passed “Article 2 was Adopted Unanimously”
- 3-22 Consent calendar: accept the annual reports of town officers Passed “Article 3-22 was Adopted Unanimously”
- 3-23 Consent calendar: allow lease/purchase agreements of up to five years for equipment Passed “Article 3-23 was Adopted Unanimously”
- 3-24 Consent calendar: authorize Chapter 90 state road and bridge funds Passed “Article 3-24 was Adopted Unanimously”
- 3-25 Consent calendar: reauthorize revolving fund spending caps Passed “Article 3-25 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 4 Adopt the FY2026 operating budget Passed “Article 4 was Adopted”
- Art. 5 FY2026 Sewer Enterprise budget ($7,205,030) Passed “Article 5 was Adopted”
- Art. 6 Transfer $400,000 from overlay surplus to the Water Stabilization Fund Passed “Article 6 was Adopted”
- Art. 7 FY2026 Water Enterprise budget ($9,712,020) Passed “Article 7 was Adopted”
- Art. 8 FY2026 Stormwater Enterprise budget ($779,800) Passed “Article 8 was Adopted”
- Art. 9 FY2026 Cable TV Enterprise budget ($484,120) Passed “Article 9 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 10 Transfer $31,750 from bond premiums to reduce exempt debt principal Passed “Article 10 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 11 Approve the FY2026 Affordable Housing Trust allocation plan Passed “Article 11 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 12 Appropriate or reserve Community Preservation Fund annual revenues Passed “Article 12 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 13 Transfer $1,985,066 from the Stabilization Fund for town capital equipment and projects Passed “Article 13 was Adopted · 78 Yes/18 No”
- Art. 14 Transfer $123,178 from the Stabilization Fund for school capital equipment and projects Passed “Article 14 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 15 Transfer $300,000 from overlay surplus for a school facilities study Passed “Article 15 was Adopted”
- Art. 16 Transfer from sewer retained earnings for sewer improvements and a vehicle ($785,000 as amended) Passed as amended “Article 16 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 17 Transfer from water retained earnings for water improvements, projects and vehicles ($835,000 as amended) Passed as amended “Article 17 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 18 Appropriate $400,000 in the Stormwater Enterprise Fund for drainage improvements Passed “Article 18 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 19 Borrow $5,400,000 in the Water Enterprise Fund for water distribution improvements Passed “Article 19 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
- Art. 20 Borrow $1,500,000 in the Water Enterprise Fund for water meters and components Passed “Article 20 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
- Art. 21 Amend the dog bylaw (General Bylaw Chapter 6.04) Passed “Article 21 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 26 Add an MBTA Communities Multifamily Overlay District to the Zoning Bylaw No action “fail to meet the statutory minimum requirement to be eligible for a Town Meeting Vote”
- Art. 27 Add the MBTA Communities Multifamily Overlay District to the Zoning Map No action “fail to meet the statutory minimum requirement to be eligible for a Town Meeting Vote”
- Art. 28 Amend the Zoning Bylaw floodplain rules to meet FEMA flood insurance program requirements Passed “Article 28 was Adopted · 123 Yes/1 No”
- Art. 29 Amend the Floodplain District as provided by FEMA Passed “Article 29 was Adopted · 120 Yes/2 No”
- Art. 30 Amend the Zoning Bylaw to add banquet, event or conference facility definitions and rules Passed “Article 30 was Adopted · 111 Yes/18 No”
- Art. 31 Amend the Zoning Bylaw to allow electronic drive-through menu board signs within set limits Passed “Article 31 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 32 Amend the Zoning Bylaw to require fencing or elevation for swimming pools Passed “Article 32 was Adopted · 100 Yes/4 No”
- Art. 33 Amend the Zoning Map: move outlined parcels from the Town Center District to Residence 40, with exceptions (as amended) Passed as amended “Article 33 was Adopted Adopted as Amended · 109 Yes/4 No”
Source: Town Clerk minutes: May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting (PDF).
Special Town Meeting · October 1, 2024 16 votes: 10 passed, 3 passed as amended, 1 indefinitely postponed, 2 withdrawn
- Art. 1 Raise and appropriate $733,084 for FY2025 departmental budgets Passed “Article 1 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 2 Transfer $536,362 from free cash for various purposes Passed “Article 2 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 3 Pay prior-year bills ($25,203.69 as amended) Passed as amended “Article 3 was Adopted as Amended Unanimously (9/10 vote Required)”
- Art. 4 Fund the police patrolmen (NEPBA) collective bargaining agreement ($166,237) Passed “Article 4 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 5 Fund the firefighters (IAFF) collective bargaining agreement ($221,014) Passed “Article 5 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 6 Transfer $160,000 from sewer retained earnings for various purposes Passed “Article 6 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 7 Transfer $160,000 from water retained earnings for various purposes Passed “Article 7 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 8 Add to the Stabilization Fund: raise $797,035 and transfer $5,996,154 from free cash (as amended) Passed as amended “Article 8 was Adopted as Amended Unanimously”
- Art. 9 Appropriate $3,800,000 in CPA funds and borrowing to rehabilitate the historic Ella Flemings School Passed “Article 9 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 vote Required)”
- Art. 10 Rescind unused borrowing authority from past Town Meetings Passed “Article 10 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 11 Accept a sidewalk easement from Andover North Estates, LLC Passed “Article 11 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 12 Home 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. 13 Add a Municipal Equity Bylaw (General Bylaws Chapter 5.12) Withdrawn “Article 13 was Withdrawn”
- Art. 14 Amend the Zoning Map dated October 2023 Passed “Article 14 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
- Art. 15 Amend Zoning Bylaw Section 5.3.3 front setbacks for non-major projects Withdrawn “Article 15 was Withdrawn Unanimously”
- Art. 16 Petition: amend the Zoning Bylaw use table to allow diverse housing by special permit in the Town Center District Indefinitely postponed “The motion for Indefinite Postponement was Adopted”
Source: Town Clerk minutes: October 1, 2024 Special Town Meeting (PDF).
Special Town Meeting · May 8, 2024 5 votes: 4 passed, 1 passed as amended
- Art. 1 Transfer $783,387 between FY2024 departmental budgets Passed “Article 1 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 2 Transfer $137,017.79 from free cash for one-time capital expenses Passed “Article 2 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 3 Transfer $447,551 from free cash to the FY2024 DPW snow and ice budget (as amended) Passed as amended “Article 3 was Adopted as Amended Unanimously”
- Art. 4 Pay $15,431.21 in prior-year bills from free cash Passed “Article 4 was Adopted Unanimously (9/10 Required)”
- Art. 5 Close the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund Passed “Article 5 was Adopted Unanimously”
Source: Town Clerk minutes: May 8, 2024 Special Town Meeting (PDF).
Annual Town Meeting · May 6, 2024 41 votes: 32 passed, 3 passed as amended, 2 failed, 3 withdrawn, 1 no action
Sessions: May 6 and May 8, 2024
- Art. 1 Elect town officers (chosen at the April 6, 2024 Annual Town Election) No action “the Town Meeting does not vote on Article 1”
- Art. 2 Set FY2025 salaries of elected officials Passed “Article 2 was Adopted Unanimously”
- 3-37 Consent calendar: accept the annual reports of town officers Passed “Article 3-37 was Adopted Unanimously”
- 3-38 Consent calendar: allow lease/purchase agreements of up to five years for equipment Passed “Article 3-38 was Adopted Unanimously”
- 3-39 Authorize Chapter 90 state road and bridge funds (held from consent calendar) Passed “Article 3-39 was Adopted Unanimously”
- 3-40 Consent calendar: reauthorize revolving fund spending caps Passed “Article 3-40 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 4 Adopt the FY2025 operating budget Passed “Article 4 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 5 Fund the police patrolmen (NEPBA) collective bargaining agreement Withdrawn “Article 5 was Withdrawn Unanimously”
- Art. 6 Fund the police superior officers collective bargaining agreement ($86,862 as amended) Passed as amended “Article 6 was Adopted as Amended Unanimously”
- Art. 7 Fund the firefighters (IAFF Local 1647) collective bargaining agreement Withdrawn “Article 7 was Withdrawn Unanimously”
- Art. 8 Fund the AFSCME Local 833 collective bargaining agreement ($129,283 as amended) Passed as amended “Article 8 was Adopted as Amended Unanimously”
- Art. 9 FY2025 Sewer Enterprise budget ($7,152,397) Passed “Article 9 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 10 FY2025 Water Enterprise budget ($8,744,543) Passed “Article 10 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 11 FY2025 Stormwater Enterprise budget ($722,225) Passed “Article 11 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 12 FY2025 Cable TV Enterprise budget ($424,523) Passed “Article 12 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 13 Transfer $1,354,223 from the Stabilization Fund for town capital equipment and projects Passed “Article 13 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
- Art. 14 Transfer $5,568,000 from the Stabilization Fund for school capital equipment and projects Passed “Article 14 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
- Art. 15 Transfer $525,000 from sewer retained earnings for sewer system improvements and a vehicle Passed “Article 15 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 16 Transfer $625,000 from water retained earnings for water system improvements, projects and vehicles Passed “Article 16 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 17 Appropriate $425,000 in the Stormwater Enterprise Fund for drainage improvements Passed “Article 17 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 18 Borrow $5,400,000 in the Water Enterprise Fund for water distribution improvements Passed “Article 18 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
- Art. 19 Borrow $1,500,000 in the Water Enterprise Fund for water meters and components Passed “Article 19 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
- Art. 20 Transfer $36,283 from bond premiums to reduce exempt debt principal Passed “Article 20 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 21 Appropriate $500,000 in CPA open space funds for boardwalks at Chandler Well Field Passed “Article 21 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 22 Appropriate $30,000 in CPA open space funds to remove former pump station structures on town open space Passed “Article 22 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 23 Appropriate $200,000 in CPA funds to design upgrades and renovations to the Ella Flemings School Passed “Article 23 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 24 Approve the FY2025 Affordable Housing Trust Fund allocation plan Passed “Article 24 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 25 Appropriate or reserve Community Preservation Fund annual revenues Passed “Article 25 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 26 Authorize the Select Board to sell town land on Delaware Road and Georgia Road Passed “Article 26 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 27 Authorize easements for DPW projects (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025) Passed “Article 27 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 28 Accept an easement for the Chandler Well Field boardwalk Passed “Article 28 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 29 Transfer certain town parcels to the Conservation Commission Passed “Article 29 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 30 Transfer care and control of the North Street Elementary School from the School Committee to the town Passed “Article 30 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
- Art. 31 Approve a Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District stabilization fund Passed “Article 31 was Adopted Unanimously (2/3 Required)”
- Art. 32 Home rule petition to change the deed restriction on Chandler Street Little League fields to allow pickleball Passed “Article 32 was Adopted · 84 Yes/25 No”
- Art. 33 Replace the Conservation Commission wetland protection bylaw (Town Code Chapter 18.04) Passed “Article 33 was Adopted”
- Art. 34 Citizen petition: require property owners to clear snow from abutting sidewalks ($10 fine) Failed “Article 34 Failed”
- Art. 35 Citizen petition: authorize the Select Board to accept an easement from East Street Tewksbury, LLC Passed “Article 35 was Adopted Unanimously”
- Art. 36 Fund non-union salary increases under the Personnel Bylaw ($157,666 as amended) Passed as amended “Article 36 was Adopted as Amended by Secret Ballot · 92 Yes/13 No”
- Art. 41 Add an MBTA Communities Multifamily Overlay District to the Zoning Bylaw Failed “Article 41 Failed · 142 Yes/565 No”
- Art. 42 Add the MBTA Communities Multifamily Overlay District to the Zoning Map Withdrawn “Article 42 was Withdrawn”
Source: Town Clerk minutes: May 6, 2024 Annual Town Meeting (PDF).
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).
Members
ChairMark KratmanChair · At-large · at 25 of 25 meetings
Vice-ChairEric RyderVice Chair · At-large · at 21 of 25 meetings
James F. MackeyMember · At-large · at 23 of 25 meetings
Richard RussoClerk · At-large · at 23 of 25 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: 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.
Votes where members disagreed
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
Apr 1Authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit a Statement…Motion: MOTION: Board Member Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to authorize the…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
April 1, 2026 (Joint meeting): Authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for the Loella F. Dewing Elementary School, prioritizing categories...
MOTION: Board Member Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for the Loella F. Dewing Elementary School, prioritizing categories 5 and 7. Vice-Chair Ryder seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken, which resulted as follows: Yea: Vice-Chair Ryder, Board Member Holland, 5 Board Member Mackey, Board Member Russo, & Chair Kratman Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0.
The minutes name Eric Ryder as both the mover and the seconder, so no seconder is shown.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Board Member Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for the Loella F. Dewing Elementary School, prioritizing categories 5 and 7. Vice-Chair Ryder seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken, which resulted as follows: Yea: Vice-Chair Ryder, Board Member Holland, 5 Board Member Mackey, Board Member Russo, & Chair Kratman Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0..” (Motion: Ryder)
Mar 23Approve the Common Victualler License for Melmark, Inc. d/b/a…Motion: MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to approve the Common Victualler…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 23, 2026: Approve the Common Victualler License for Melmark, Inc. d/b/a Elaina's Donuts at 910 Andover Street
MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to approve the Common Victualler License for Melmark, Inc. d/b/a Elaina's Donuts at 910 Andover Street. Board Member Russo seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 0 - 0.
The minutes give the count as 4-0, but 5 members were at the meeting (Mark Kratman, Eric Ryder, Patrick Holland, Richard Russo and James F. Mackey). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to approve the Common Victualler License for Melmark, Inc. d/b/a Elaina's Donuts at 910 Andover Street. Board Member Russo seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 0 - 0..” (Motion: Ryder, second: Russo)
Mar 23Extend the option-to-lease period by three monthsMotion: MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to extend the option-to-lease period…Passed 4–1 · No: Mackey
March 23, 2026: Extend the option-to-lease period by three months
MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to extend the option-to-lease period by three months. Board Member Holland seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 1 - 0. (Nay: Board Member Mackey)
Yes: Holland, Kratman, Russo, RyderNo: Mackey
From the minutes
“MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to extend the option-to-lease period by three months. Board Member Holland seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 1 - 0. (Nay: Board Member Mackey).” (Motion: Ryder, second: Holland)
Nov 4Approve the documents and execute the option to leaseMotion: MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to approve the documents and…Passed 4–1 · No: Mackey
November 4, 2025: Approve the documents and execute the option to lease
MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to approve the documents and execute the option to lease. Board Member Holland seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 1 - 0. (Nay: Board Member Mackey)
Yes: Holland, Kratman, Russo, RyderNo: Mackey
From the minutes
“MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to approve the documents and execute the option to lease. Board Member Holland seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 1 - 0. (Nay: Board Member Mackey).” (Motion: Ryder, second: Holland)
Oct 21(the minutes do not state the motion; item: Debt…Motion: Debt Stabilization Policy Mr. Curran reviewed the Debt Stabilization Policy and…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
October 21, 2025: (the minutes do not state the motion; item: Debt Stabilization Policy)
Debt Stabilization Policy Mr. Curran reviewed the Debt Stabilization Policy and noted that a section was added on page 3, item IV, which stated "At least twenty-five percent of the remaining certified free cash will be placed into the Debt Stabilization Fund or $1 Million, whichever is greater." MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0.
The minutes record “MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0.” after the Town Manager reviewed the Debt Stabilization Policy, without saying what the motion was or who made it.
From the minutes
“Debt Stabilization Policy Mr. Curran reviewed the Debt Stabilization Policy and noted that a section was added on page 3, item IV, which stated "At least twenty-five percent of the remaining certified free cash will be placed into the Debt Stabilization Fund or $1 Million, whichever is greater." MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0 - 0..”
Oct 21Approve up to $140,000 for traffic improvements at the…Motion: MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to approve up to $140,000…Passed 4–1 · No: Mackey
October 21, 2025: Approve up to $140,000 for traffic improvements at the Whipple Road and Pine Street intersection
MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to approve up to $140,000 for traffic improvements at the Whipple Road and Pine Street intersection. Board Member Holland seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 1 - 0. (Nay - Board Member Mackey)
Yes: Holland, Kratman, Russo, RyderNo: Mackey
From the minutes
“MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to approve up to $140,000 for traffic improvements at the Whipple Road and Pine Street intersection. Board Member Holland seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 1 - 0. (Nay - Board Member Mackey).” (Motion: Ryder, second: Holland)
Sep 9Approve the minutes from the July 15, 2025, regular…Motion: MOTION: Board Member Russo made a motion to approve the minutes…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Ryder
September 9, 2025: Approve the minutes from the July 15, 2025, regular meeting, as presented
MOTION: Board Member Russo made a motion to approve the minutes from the July 15, 2025, regular meeting, as presented. Board Member Mackey seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 0 - 1. (Abstained - Vice-Chair Ryder)
Yes: Holland, Kratman, Mackey, RussoAbstained: Ryder
From the minutes
“MOTION: Board Member Russo made a motion to approve the minutes from the July 15, 2025, regular meeting, as presented. Board Member Mackey seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 0 - 1. (Abstained - Vice-Chair Ryder).” (Motion: Russo, second: Mackey)
Aug 12Deem that there were substantial changes in the proposed…Motion: MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to deem that there were…Passed 4–1 · No: Mackey
August 12, 2025: Deem that there were substantial changes in the proposed application
MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to deem that there were substantial changes in the proposed application. Board Member Russo seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 1 - 0. (Nay - Board Member Board Member Mackey)
Yes: Holland, Kratman, Russo, RyderNo: Mackey
From the minutes
“MOTION: Vice-Chair Ryder made a motion to deem that there were substantial changes in the proposed application. Board Member Russo seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 1 - 0. (Nay - Board Member Board Member Mackey).” (Motion: Ryder, second: Russo)
Aug 12Accept the donation of $200.00 from the Friends of…Motion: MOTION: Board Member Russo made a motion to accept the donation…Passed 4–0 · see note
August 12, 2025: Accept the donation of $200.00 from the Friends of the Elderly for the Ice Cream Social (Tewksbury Senior Center) that was held on August 11, 2025, with the Select Board's…
MOTION: Board Member Russo made a motion to accept the donation of $200.00 from the Friends of the Elderly for the Ice Cream Social (Tewksbury Senior Center) that was held on August 11, 2025, with the Select Board's sincere appreciation. Vice-Chair Ryder seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 0 - 0.
The minutes give the count as 4-0, but 5 members were at the meeting (Mark Kratman, Eric Ryder, Richard Russo, James F. Mackey and Patrick Holland). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Board Member Russo made a motion to accept the donation of $200.00 from the Friends of the Elderly for the Ice Cream Social (Tewksbury Senior Center) that was held on August 11, 2025, with the Select Board's sincere appreciation. Vice-Chair Ryder seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 0 - 0..” (Motion: Russo, second: Ryder)
Jun 24For a vote of confidence to approve the working…Motion: MOTION: Board Member Mackey made a motion for a vote of…Passed 3–1 · No: Kratman
June 24, 2025: For a vote of confidence to approve the working group to address the items on the timeline
MOTION: Board Member Mackey made a motion for a vote of confidence to approve the working group to address the items on the timeline. Board Member Holland seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 3 - 1 - 0. (Nay - Chair Kratman)
Yes: Holland, Mackey, RussoNo: Kratman
From the minutes
“MOTION: Board Member Mackey made a motion for a vote of confidence to approve the working group to address the items on the timeline. Board Member Holland seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED: 3 - 1 - 0. (Nay - Chair Kratman).” (Motion: Mackey, second: Holland)
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.
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