MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2019–2020 Council · Regular meeting
October 28, 2019
24 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Edward F. Dombroski, Ann McGonigle Santos, Mehreen N. Butt, Jonathan P. Chines, Paul R. DiNocco, Peter J. May, Julie Smith-Galvin
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Councilor Mehreen N. Butt arrived at 6:38 p.m.
Every vote, in order
Executive Session to discuss Woods Subdivision litigation and DPW Laborers contract because an open meeting may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the Town, with the intent of...
Councilor Dombroski called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and stated there is a need for Executive Session to discuss Woods Subdivision litigation and DPW Laborers contract because an open meeting may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the Town, with the intent of returning to open session. Councilor Santos so motioned. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed on a roll call vote with all six councilors voting in the affirmative.
Yes: Chines, DiNocco, Dombroski, May, Santos, Smith-GalvinThe minutes say “Councilor Mehreen N. Butt arrived at 6:38 p.m.”. The count (6-0) matches the 6 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Mehreen N. Butt is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Dombroski called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and stated there is a need for Executive Session to discuss Woods Subdivision litigation and DPW Laborers contract because an open meeting may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the Town, with the intent of returning to open session. Councilor Santos so motioned. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed on a roll call vote with all six councilors voting in the affirmative..” (Motion: Santos, second: DiNocco)
Approve of Minutes -October 07, 2019
Approve the October 07, 2019 Minutes as presented
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the October 07, 2019 Minutes as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the October 07, 2019 Minutes as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
Approve the October 07, 2019 Executive Session Minutes as presented
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the October 07, 2019 Executive Session Minutes as presented. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the October 07, 2019 Executive Session Minutes as presented. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: Smith-Galvin)
Public Hearing
Open the Public Hearing for Tax Classification
Councilor Chines motioned to open the Public Hearing for Tax Classification. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed on a Roll Call vote with all 7 Councilor's voting in the affirmative.
From the minutes
“Councilor Chines motioned to open the Public Hearing for Tax Classification. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed on a Roll Call vote with all 7 Councilor's voting in the affirmative..” (Motion: Chines, second: Santos)
Councilor Dombroski sought to use $400,000 in free cash thereby lowering the tax levy in that same amount, to realize a savings on residential and commercial tax bills
Councilor Dombroski sought to use $400,000 in free cash thereby lowering the tax levy in that same amount, to realize a savings on residential and commercial tax bills. Councilor May so motioned to advance Councilor Dombroski's request for a Tax Levy $400,000.00 less, yielding an estimated residential tax rate of $12.77 and an estimated commercial rate of $24.91. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 4-3-0 with Councilor Dombroski, Councilor Santos, Councilor DiNocco and Councilor May voting in favor. Councilor Chines, Councilor Butt and Councilor Smith-Galvin voting against the motion.
Yes: DiNocco, Dombroski, May, SantosNo: Butt, Chines, Smith-Galvin
From the minutes
“Councilor Dombroski sought to use $400,000 in free cash thereby lowering the tax levy in that same amount, to realize a savings on residential and commercial tax bills. Councilor May so motioned to advance Councilor Dombroski's request for a Tax Levy $400,000.00 less, yielding an estimated residential tax rate of $12.77 and an estimated commercial rate of $24.91. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 4-3-0 with Councilor Dombroski, Councilor Santos, Councilor DiNocco and Councilor May voting in favor. Councilor Chines, Councilor Butt and Councilor Smith-Galvin voting against the motion..” (Motion: May, second: Santos)
Set the Minimum Residential Factor of .896750
Councilor Chines motioned to set the Minimum Residential Factor of .896750. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor Chines motioned to set the Minimum Residential Factor of .896750. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Chines, second: Santos)
Not grant a discount for Open Space
Councilor Santos motioned to not grant a discount for Open Space. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7- 0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to not grant a discount for Open Space. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7- 0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: May)
Not grant a residential exemption
Councilor Chines motioned to not grant a residential exemption. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor Chines motioned to not grant a residential exemption. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Chines, second: DiNocco)
Not grant a commercial exemption
Councilor Chines motioned to not grant a commercial exemption. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor Chines motioned to not grant a commercial exemption. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Chines, second: Santos)
Close the Public Hearing
Councilor DiNocco motioned to close the Public Hearing. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 on a Roll Call vote with all 7 Councilor's voting in the affirmative.
From the minutes
“Councilor DiNocco motioned to close the Public Hearing. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 on a Roll Call vote with all 7 Councilor's voting in the affirmative..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: Santos)
Regular Town Meeting Warrant
Approve the article as presented for placement on the Regular Town Meeting Warrant
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the article as presented for placement on the Regular Town Meeting Warrant. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the article as presented for placement on the Regular Town Meeting Warrant. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: DiNocco)
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the article as presented for placement on the Regular Town Meeting Warrant. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the article as presented for placement on the Regular Town Meeting Warrant. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: DiNocco)
After discussion Councilor Dombroski suggested the issue be tabled and the Fees Article not be included on the Regular Town Meeting Warrant
After discussion Councilor Dombroski suggested the issue be tabled and the Fees Article not be included on the Regular Town Meeting Warrant. Councilor Chines so motioned. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“After discussion Councilor Dombroski suggested the issue be tabled and the Fees Article not be included on the Regular Town Meeting Warrant. Councilor Chines so motioned. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Chines, second: Santos)
Approve the Regular Town Meeting Warrant of November 18, 2019 subject to deleting Article 6 - Fees
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Regular Town Meeting Warrant of November 18, 2019 subject to deleting Article 6 - Fees. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Regular Town Meeting Warrant of November 18, 2019 subject to deleting Article 6 - Fees. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: Smith-Galvin)
Licenses
Approve the Common Victualler license application for Mayara's Restaurant located at 61 New Salem Street
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Common Victualler license application for Mayara's Restaurant located at 61 New Salem Street. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Common Victualler license application for Mayara's Restaurant located at 61 New Salem Street. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: DiNocco)
Approve the Entertainment license application for Mayara's Restaurant located at 61 New Salem Street
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Entertainment license application for Mayara's Restaurant located at 61 New Salem Street. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Entertainment license application for Mayara's Restaurant located at 61 New Salem Street. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: DiNocco)
Approve the One Day Liquor License application for the Wakefield Food Pantry for a private event at the Americal Civic Center
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the One Day Liquor License application for the Wakefield Food Pantry for a private event at the Americal Civic Center. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the One Day Liquor License application for the Wakefield Food Pantry for a private event at the Americal Civic Center. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: May)
Appointments
Sherri Dalton/Town Administrator's office to advertise for a new commissioner to fill the remainder of a three-year term ending April 30, 2021 with the Human Rights Commission
Councilor DiNocco motioned for Sherri Dalton/Town Administrator's office to advertise for a new commissioner to fill the remainder of a three-year term ending April 30, 2021 with the Human Rights Commission. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor DiNocco motioned for Sherri Dalton/Town Administrator's office to advertise for a new commissioner to fill the remainder of a three-year term ending April 30, 2021 with the Human Rights Commission. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: Santos)
Sherri Dalton/Town Administrator's office to advertise for a new member to fill the remainder of a three-year term ending April 21, 2020 with the Board of Health
Councilor DiNocco motioned for Sherri Dalton/Town Administrator's office to advertise for a new member to fill the remainder of a three-year term ending April 21, 2020 with the Board of Health. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7- 0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor DiNocco motioned for Sherri Dalton/Town Administrator's office to advertise for a new member to fill the remainder of a three-year term ending April 21, 2020 with the Board of Health. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7- 0-0..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: Santos)
Election
Authorize Chairman Dombroski to vote for Yvonne M. Spicer as the Metro West Region representative on the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization election
Councilor Santos motioned to authorize Chairman Dombroski to vote for Yvonne M. Spicer as the Metro West Region representative on the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization election. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to authorize Chairman Dombroski to vote for Yvonne M. Spicer as the Metro West Region representative on the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization election. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: DiNocco)
Holiday Stroll
Approve the request as presented by the Wakefield Community Partnership to conduct the Holiday Stroll on December 7, 2019
Councilor May motioned to approve the request as presented by the Wakefield Community Partnership to conduct the Holiday Stroll on December 7, 2019. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor May motioned to approve the request as presented by the Wakefield Community Partnership to conduct the Holiday Stroll on December 7, 2019. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: May, second: DiNocco)
Banner Request
Approve the request of the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence to hang a banner on Main Street from December 16, 2019 through December 30, 2019
Councilor May motioned to approve the request of the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence to hang a banner on Main Street from December 16, 2019 through December 30, 2019. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor May motioned to approve the request of the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence to hang a banner on Main Street from December 16, 2019 through December 30, 2019. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: May, second: DiNocco)
Gift Acceptance
Accept and expend a gift or gifts to the library in the amount of $546.59 from various donors with thanks
Councilor May motioned to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the library in the amount of $546.59 from various donors with thanks. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor May motioned to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the library in the amount of $546.59 from various donors with thanks. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: May, second: DiNocco)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Councilor May motioned to adjourn. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Councilor May motioned to adjourn. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: May, second: DiNocco)
From the Wakefield Town Council’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center (Town Council). We check every vote against the members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the town’s website has no member photos): Jonathan Chines from his own Wakefield Patch posts (2026); Stacey Constas (2025), John Crisley (2025, captioned group photo) and Ami Ruehrwein Wall (April 2026 WCAT candidate forum screenshot) from the Wakefield Daily Item; Douglas Butler and John Carney from WCAT’s 2024 candidate interview photos (Barbara Worley); Brian Fox from WCAT’s board page (2021). All cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.
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