← Wakefield Town Council

Wakefield Town Council · 2019–2020 Council · Regular meeting

January 27, 2020

23 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda

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Attendance

Present: Edward F. Dombroski, Ann McGonigle Santos, Mehreen N. Butt, Jonathan P. Chines, Paul R. DiNocco, Peter J. May, Julie Smith-Galvin

Absent: None

Every vote, in order

Executive Session

Executive Session to discuss Woods Subdivision litigation, because an open meeting may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the Town, with the intent of returning to open session...

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · 6–0

Councilor Dombroski stated there is a need for Executive Session to discuss Woods Subdivision litigation, because an open meeting may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the Town, with the intent of returning to open session immediately after. Councilor DiNocco so motioned. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed on a roll call vote with all 6 councilors voting in the affirmative.

The minutes give the count as 6-0, but 7 members were at the meeting (Edward F. Dombroski, Ann McGonigle Santos, Mehreen N. Butt, Jonathan P. Chines, Paul R. DiNocco, Peter J. May and Julie Smith-Galvin). Showing the count only.

From the minutes

“Councilor Dombroski stated there is a need for Executive Session to discuss Woods Subdivision litigation, because an open meeting may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the Town, with the intent of returning to open session immediately after. Councilor DiNocco so motioned. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed on a roll call vote with all 6 councilors voting in the affirmative..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: May)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Approval of Minutes -January 13, 2020

Approve the January 13, 2020 Regular Town Council Meeting Minutes as presented

Minutes, page 2

Approve minutesPassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor DiNocco motioned to approve the January 13, 2020 Regular Town Council Meeting Minutes as presented. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor DiNocco motioned to approve the January 13, 2020 Regular Town Council Meeting Minutes as presented. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: Santos)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Public Hearing - Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department

Continue the Public Hearing to February 10, 2020 at 7:05 p.m

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor DiNocco motioned to continue the Public Hearing to February 10, 2020 at 7:05 p.m. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor DiNocco motioned to continue the Public Hearing to February 10, 2020 at 7:05 p.m. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: May)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Finance Committee -Presentation of Fiscal Year 2021 Budgets

Approve Budget #4 Treasurer Department in the amount of $219,929.00 as presented

Minutes, page 2

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor DiNocco motioned to approve Budget #4 Treasurer Department in the amount of $219,929.00 as presented. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor DiNocco motioned to approve Budget #4 Treasurer Department in the amount of $219,929.00 as presented. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: May)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Approve Budget #7 Tax Collector Department in the amount of $279,162.00 as presented

Minutes, page 2

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor Santos motioned to approve Budget #7 Tax Collector Department in the amount of $279,162.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor Santos motioned to approve Budget #7 Tax Collector Department in the amount of $279,162.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Approve Budget #8 Assessors Department in the amount of $242,671.00 as presented

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor DiNocco motioned to approve Budget #8 Assessors Department in the amount of $242,671.00 as presented. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor DiNocco motioned to approve Budget #8 Assessors Department in the amount of $242,671.00 as presented. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: Santos)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Approve Budget #9 Town Clerk in the amount of $224,462.00 as presented

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor May motioned to approve Budget #9 Town Clerk in the amount of $224,462.00 as presented. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor May motioned to approve Budget #9 Town Clerk in the amount of $224,462.00 as presented. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: May, second: Santos)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Poop" Pledge Form.

Approve Budget #10 Election & Registration in the amount of $37,700.00 as presented

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor Chines motioned to approve Budget #10 Election & Registration in the amount of $37,700.00 as presented. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor Chines motioned to approve Budget #10 Election & Registration in the amount of $37,700.00 as presented. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Chines, second: May)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Approve Budget #14 Planning Board in the amount of $12,975.00 as presented

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor Santos motioned to approve Budget #14 Planning Board in the amount of $12,975.00 as presented. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor Santos motioned to approve Budget #14 Planning Board in the amount of $12,975.00 as presented. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: May)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Approved Budget #26 Board of Health in the amount of $269,040.00 as presented

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor May motioned to approved Budget #26 Board of Health in the amount of $269,040.00 as presented. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor May motioned to approved Budget #26 Board of Health in the amount of $269,040.00 as presented. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: May, second: DiNocco)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

will be going out.

Approve Budget #40 Medicare in the amount of $793,000.00 as presented

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor May motioned to approve Budget #40 Medicare in the amount of $793,000.00 as presented. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor May motioned to approve Budget #40 Medicare in the amount of $793,000.00 as presented. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: May, second: Santos)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Licenses

Approve the 2020 Class II License Application for Fahey Auto Sales located at 28 New Salem Street

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor DiNocco motioned to approve the 2020 Class II License Application for Fahey Auto Sales located at 28 New Salem Street. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor DiNocco motioned to approve the 2020 Class II License Application for Fahey Auto Sales located at 28 New Salem Street. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: Santos)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Approve the 2020 Class II License Application for J&A Auto Body located at 1273 New Salem Street

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor May motioned to approve the 2020 Class II License Application for J&A Auto Body located at 1273 New Salem Street. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor May motioned to approve the 2020 Class II License Application for J&A Auto Body located at 1273 New Salem Street. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: May, second: Santos)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Approve the Class I License Application for Albrecht Buick GMC of Wakefield, Inc. located at 614 North Avenue

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Class I License Application for Albrecht Buick GMC of Wakefield, Inc. located at 614 North Avenue. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Class I License Application for Albrecht Buick GMC of Wakefield, Inc. located at 614 North Avenue. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: DiNocco)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Amend the motion for a 30-day license from April 5, 2020 through May 5, 2020

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor DiNocco motioned to amend the motion for a 30-day license from April 5, 2020 through May 5, 2020. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor DiNocco motioned to amend the motion for a 30-day license from April 5, 2020 through May 5, 2020. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: Chines)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

MWRA Sewer Bond

The sale of the $188,397.50 Sewer Bond of the Town dated February 24, 2020, to Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the "Authority") is hereby approved and the Town Treasurer or other...

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor May motioned that the sale of the $188,397.50 Sewer Bond of the Town dated February 24, 2020, to Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the "Authority") is hereby approved and the Town Treasurer or other appropriate Town official is authorized to execute on behalf of the Town a Loan Agreement and a Financial Assistance Agreement with the Authority with respect to the bond. The bond shall be payable without interest on February 15 of the years and in the principal amounts as follows: Year Installment Year Installment 2021 $18,839.75 2026 $18,839.75 2022 18,839.75 2027 18,839.75 2023 18,839.75 2028 18,839.75 2024 18,839.75 2029 18,839.75 2025 18,839.75 2030 18,839.75 Further Voted: that each member of the Town Council, the Town Clerk and the Town Treasurer be and hereby are, authorized to take any and all such actions, and execute and deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be determined by them, or any of them, to be necessary or convenient to carry into effect the provisions of the foregoing vote. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor May motioned that the sale of the $188,397.50 Sewer Bond of the Town dated February 24, 2020, to Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the "Authority") is hereby approved and the Town Treasurer or other appropriate Town official is authorized to execute on behalf of the Town a Loan Agreement and a Financial Assistance Agreement with the Authority with respect to the bond. The bond shall be payable without interest on February 15 of the years and in the principal amounts as follows: Year Installment Year Installment 2021 $18,839.75 2026 $18,839.75 2022 18,839.75 2027 18,839.75 2023 18,839.75 2028 18,839.75 2024 18,839.75 2029 18,839.75 2025 18,839.75 2030 18,839.75 Further Voted: that each member of the Town Council, the Town Clerk and the Town Treasurer be and hereby are, authorized to take any and all such actions, and execute and deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be determined by them, or any of them, to be necessary or convenient to carry into effect the provisions of the foregoing vote. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: May, second: DiNocco)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Referral to Planning Board

Refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw change affecting 102 New Salem Street to the Planning Board

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor DiNocco motioned to refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw change affecting 102 New Salem Street to the Planning Board. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor DiNocco motioned to refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw change affecting 102 New Salem Street to the Planning Board. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: Chines)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw change affecting Main Street, Avon Street and Chestnut Street to the Planning Board

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · 6–0

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Refer the applicant's request for zoning bylaw change to Sections 190-31 L and M to the Planning Board

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · 6–0

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Annual Town Meeting

Set the Annual Town Meeting date of May 4, 2020

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor DiNocco motioned to set the Annual Town Meeting date of May 4, 2020. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor DiNocco motioned to set the Annual Town Meeting date of May 4, 2020. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: DiNocco, second: May)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor Santos motioned to open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor Santos motioned to open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Councilor DiNocco seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: DiNocco)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Set the close date of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant as March 26, 2020 at 4:30 p.m

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor Santos motioned to set the close date of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant as March 26, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor Santos motioned to set the close date of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant as March 26, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Adjournment

Adjourn

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 7 present

Councilor Smith-Galvin motioned to adjourn. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.

From the minutes

“Councilor Smith-Galvin motioned to adjourn. Councilor May seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Smith-Galvin, second: May)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

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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