MassVoter.com← WakefieldMunicipal votes · 2019–2020 Council
Wakefield Town Council
How the Wakefield Town Council voted, from the Town Council’s official minutes. 7 members elected townwide for three-year terms. Jonathan P. Chines joined after the April 2019 town election; Anthony Longo left (last meeting April 22, 2019). On May 13, 2019 Edward F. Dombroski was unanimously elected Chair and Ann McGonigle Santos was chosen Vice-Chair over Mehreen N. Butt. Covers 23 meetings, May 13 to April 27, 2020.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Town Council 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 Town Council, votes the town budget and town bylaws.
Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budgetYour Wakefield ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
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From the agendas Wakefield posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.
Members
Jonathan P. ChinesMember · At-large · at 23 of 23 meetingsPaul R. DiNoccoMember · At-large · at 19 of 23 meetingsPeter J. MayMember · At-large · at 16 of 23 meetingsJulie Smith-GalvinMember · At-large · at 23 of 23 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: Wakefield Town Council minutes from January 8, 2018 through September 14, 2026: 199 meetings and 2,587 votes. Wakefield’s new town charter replaced the seven-member Board of Selectmen with the seven-member Town Council after the April 2018 town election; the January–April 2018 meetings are the Board of Selectmen’s and are shown as the 2017–2018 board. The town’s Agenda Center holds minutes back to 2012; MassVoter has loaded 2018 on. Not here: ten 2018 meetings (May 14, June 11, June 25, July 16, August 16, September 10, September 27, October 15, October 29 and November 15, 2018), where the file posted as the minutes is a copy of the agenda; a few other meetings with an agenda but no minutes online (among them the October 2, 2019 council retreat, the October 17, 2019 and October 21, 2020 Tri-Board meetings and the May 5, 2020 regional summit); meetings of council subcommittees (the 40A Subcommittee and the Town Administrator Contract Subcommittee); executive-session minutes; informal office hours and coffee hours; and meetings after September 14, 2026 (the September 28, 2026 minutes are not posted yet). Nine sets of minutes are scanned images or have an unreadable text layer (April 24 and May 8, 2023; August 11, 12, 14, 18 and 26 and December 8, 2025); MassVoter read them with text recognition, so quoted words may keep small reading errors. Wakefield’s minutes give the mover, the seconder and a count (“Motion passed 7-0-0,” “Vote: Unanimous (7-0)”). When the count equals the members present, each is shown voting yes; when the minutes name the members who voted no or abstained, or list how each voted, they are shown by name. When the minutes say a member arrived late, left early or stepped out and the count matches the others present, that member is left out of the vote, with a note. Where a count does not match the members present, we show the count only (9 votes); where the minutes give no count or names, including motions that “passed by acclamation” (mostly adjournments), we show the result only (42 votes). Joint meetings with the School Committee, Board of Health, Library Trustees, Gas & Light Commissioners and the Tri-Board meetings are included, but only the members’ votes are shown. Three sets of minutes leave a member off the attendance list who moved, seconded or voted (February 22 and March 8, 2021; June 24, 2024); that member is counted present, with a note. 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 13Re-appoint Warren Lasky and appoint Kenneth Alepidis to the…Motion: Member DiNocco motioned to re-appoint Warren Lasky and appoint Kenneth Alepidis…Passed 4–3 · No: Butt, Chines, Smith-Galvin
April 13, 2020: Re-appoint Warren Lasky and appoint Kenneth Alepidis to the Conservation Commission, both for three-year terms ending April 30, 2023
Councilor DiNocco motioned to re-appoint Warren Lasky and appoint Kenneth Alepidis to the Conservation Commission, both for three-year terms ending April 30, 2023. Councilor May seconded. Councilor Butt asked Madam Clerk Dalton if there was a recommendation from the Conservation Commission. Madam Clerk Dalton answered yes. Chairman Dombroski read the recommendation in favor of Jim Luciani and Mickey Lasky. Councilor Chines stated in light of the recommendations from the Commission he is reluctant in voting Mr. Luciani off of the Conservation Commission and asked if there could be an associate member. Chairman Dombroski and Town Counsel Mullen stated that the Conservation Commission is statutorily set and is reflected in the Town of Wakefield's Charter. The Town Council does not have the power to change the number. Motion passed 4-3-0 by a roll call vote with 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 DiNocco motioned to re-appoint Warren Lasky and appoint Kenneth Alepidis to the Conservation Commission, both for three-year terms ending April 30, 2023. Councilor May seconded. Councilor Butt asked Madam Clerk Dalton if there was a recommendation from the Conservation Commission. Madam Clerk Dalton answered yes. Chairman Dombroski read the recommendation in favor of Jim Luciani and Mickey Lasky. Councilor Chines stated in light of the recommendations from the Commission he is reluctant in voting Mr. Luciani off of the Conservation Commission and asked if there could be an associate member. Chairman Dombroski and Town Counsel Mullen stated that the Conservation Commission is statutorily set and is reflected in the Town of Wakefield's Charter. The Town Council does not have the power to change the number. Motion passed 4-3-0 by a roll call vote with Councilor Chines, Councilor Butt and Councilor Smith-Galvin voting against the motion..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: May)
Apr 6Pursuant to Section 1 of Chapter 45 of the…Motion: Member DiNocco moved that pursuant to Section 1 of Chapter 45…Passed 5–0 · Abstained: Butt, Dombroski
April 6, 2020: Pursuant to Section 1 of Chapter 45 of the Acts of 2020 and because of the Governor's Declaration of a State of Emergency to Respond to COVID-19, the Town election…
Councilor DiNocco moved that pursuant to Section 1 of Chapter 45 of the Acts of 2020 and because of the Governor's Declaration of a State of Emergency to Respond to COVID-19, the Town election scheduled for April 28, 2020 be postponed to Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 5-0-2 by a roll call vote with Councilor Butt and Councilor Dombroski abstaining, as both indicated they were on this election's ballot.
Yes: Chines, DiNocco, May, Santos, Smith-GalvinAbstained: Butt, Dombroski
From the minutes
“Councilor DiNocco moved that pursuant to Section 1 of Chapter 45 of the Acts of 2020 and because of the Governor's Declaration of a State of Emergency to Respond to COVID-19, the Town election scheduled for April 28, 2020 be postponed to Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 5-0-2 by a roll call vote with Councilor Butt and Councilor Dombroski abstaining, as both indicated they were on this election's ballot..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: Santos)
Mar 23Approve the March 09, 2020 Regular Town Council Meeting…Motion: Member Chines motioned to approve the March 09, 2020 Regular Town…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 23, 2020: Approve the March 09, 2020 Regular Town Council Meeting Minutes as presented
Councilor Chines motioned to approve the March 09, 2020 Regular Town Council Meeting Minutes as presented. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 4-0-0 by a roll call vote.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Dombroski, Smith-GalvinThe minutes say “Councilor Santos joined”. The count (4-0-0) matches the 4 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Ann McGonigle Santos is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Chines motioned to approve the March 09, 2020 Regular Town Council Meeting Minutes as presented. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 4-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Chines, second: Smith-Galvin)
Mar 23Approve Budget #47 Cable TV Public Access Enterprise in…Motion: Member Santos motioned to approve Budget #47 Cable TV Public Access…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Smith-Galvin
March 23, 2020: Approve Budget #47 Cable TV Public Access Enterprise in the amount of $577,120.00 as presented
Councilor Santos motioned to approve Budget #47 Cable TV Public Access Enterprise in the amount of $577,120.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 4-0-1 by a roll call vote with Councilor Smith-Galvin abstaining.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Dombroski, SantosAbstained: Smith-Galvin
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve Budget #47 Cable TV Public Access Enterprise in the amount of $577,120.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 4-0-1 by a roll call vote with Councilor Smith-Galvin abstaining..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
Mar 9Set the date of April 13, 2020 at 7:05…Motion: Member Chines motioned to set the date of April 13, 2020…Passed 5–0 · see note
March 9, 2020: Set the date of April 13, 2020 at 7:05 p.m. at WCAT Studios as the Public Hearing for Ben 123, Inc. d/b/a Bamboo House located at 21 Broadway for an…
Councilor Chines motioned to set the date of April 13, 2020 at 7:05 p.m. at WCAT Studios as the Public Hearing for Ben 123, Inc. d/b/a Bamboo House located at 21 Broadway for an All Alcohol Liquor License. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Dombroski, Santos, Smith-GalvinThe minutes say “Councilor DiNocco left the meeting at 9:51 p.m.”. The count (5-0-0) matches the 5 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Paul R. DiNocco is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Chines motioned to set the date of April 13, 2020 at 7:05 p.m. at WCAT Studios as the Public Hearing for Ben 123, Inc. d/b/a Bamboo House located at 21 Broadway for an All Alcohol Liquor License. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Chines, second: Santos)
Mar 9Continue the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department Public…Motion: Member Santos motioned to continue the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light…Passed 5–0 · see note
March 9, 2020: Continue the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department Public Hearing from the January 27, 2020 Town Council meeting for Petition For Pole Locations at 4 Delcarmine Street to March 23,…
Councilor Santos motioned to continue the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department Public Hearing from the January 27, 2020 Town Council meeting for Petition For Pole Locations at 4 Delcarmine Street to March 23, 2020 at 7:05 p.m. at the Greenwood Elementary School. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Dombroski, Santos, Smith-GalvinThe minutes say “Councilor DiNocco left the meeting at 9:51 p.m.”. The count (5-0-0) matches the 5 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Paul R. DiNocco is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to continue the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department Public Hearing from the January 27, 2020 Town Council meeting for Petition For Pole Locations at 4 Delcarmine Street to March 23, 2020 at 7:05 p.m. at the Greenwood Elementary School. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
Mar 9Set the date of March 23, 2020 at 7:15…Motion: Member Santos motioned to set the date of March 23, 2020…Passed 5–0 · see note
March 9, 2020: Set the date of March 23, 2020 at 7:15 p.m. at the Greenwood Elementary School as the Public Hearing for the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department for Petition For…
Councilor Santos motioned to set the date of March 23, 2020 at 7:15 p.m. at the Greenwood Elementary School as the Public Hearing for the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department for Petition For Pole Locations at 1 Murray Street. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Dombroski, Santos, Smith-GalvinThe minutes say “Councilor DiNocco left the meeting at 9:51 p.m.”. The count (5-0-0) matches the 5 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Paul R. DiNocco is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to set the date of March 23, 2020 at 7:15 p.m. at the Greenwood Elementary School as the Public Hearing for the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department for Petition For Pole Locations at 1 Murray Street. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
Mar 9Approve the request of the Library to accept and…Motion: Member Santos motioned to approve the request of the Library to…Passed 5–0 · see note
March 9, 2020: Approve the request of the Library to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the library in the amount of $1,100.00 from various donors with thanks
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the request of the Library to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the library in the amount of $1,100.00 from various donors with thanks. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Dombroski, Santos, Smith-GalvinThe minutes say “Councilor DiNocco left the meeting at 9:51 p.m.”. The count (5-0-0) matches the 5 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Paul R. DiNocco is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the request of the Library to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the library in the amount of $1,100.00 from various donors with thanks. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
Jan 27Refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw change affecting…Motion: Member DiNocco motioned to refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw…Passed 6–0 · Abstained: Smith-Galvin
January 27, 2020: Refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw change affecting Main Street, Avon Street and Chestnut Street to the Planning Board
Councilor DiNocco motioned to refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw change affecting Main Street, Avon Street and Chestnut Street to the Planning Board. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 6-0-1 with Councilor Smith- Galvin abstaining.
Yes: Butt, Chines, DiNocco, Dombroski, May, SantosAbstained: Smith-Galvin
From the minutes
“Councilor DiNocco motioned to refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw change affecting Main Street, Avon Street and Chestnut Street to the Planning Board. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 6-0-1 with Councilor Smith- Galvin abstaining..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: Chines)
Jan 27Refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw change to…Motion: Member Santos motioned to refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw…Passed 6–0 · Abstained: Smith-Galvin
January 27, 2020: Refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw change to Sections 190-31 L and M to the Planning Board
Councilor Santos motioned to refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw change to Sections 190-31 L and M to the Planning Board. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 6-0-1 with Councilor Smith-Galvin abstaining.
Yes: Butt, Chines, DiNocco, Dombroski, May, SantosAbstained: Smith-Galvin
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw change to Sections 190-31 L and M to the Planning Board. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 6-0-1 with Councilor Smith-Galvin abstaining..” (Motion: Santos, second: May)
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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