MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2019–2020 Council · Regular meeting
March 23, 2020
22 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, Julie Smith-Galvin
Absent: Paul R. DiNocco, Peter J. May
During the meeting:
- Councilor Santos joined.
Every vote, in order
Approval of Minutes
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)
Approve the March 18 ,2020 Emergency Meeting of the Town Council Minutes as presented
Councilor Chines motioned to approve the March 18 ,2020 Emergency Meeting of the Town Council Minutes as presented. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Chines motioned to approve the March 18 ,2020 Emergency Meeting of the Town Council Minutes as presented. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Chines, second: Santos)
Fiscal Year 2021 Budgets
Approve Budget #35 Vocational Schools in the amount of $1,574,273.00 as presented
Coun cilor Santos motioned to approve Budget #35 Vocational Schools in the amount of $1,574,273.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by Budget #46 Group Health Insurance - Town Accountant Kevin Gill stated the total Fiscal Year 2021 request is $13,745,967.00.
From the minutes
“Coun cilor Santos motioned to approve Budget #35 Vocational Schools in the amount of $1,574,273.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by Budget #46 Group Health Insurance - Town Accountant Kevin Gill stated the total Fiscal Year 2021 request is $13,745,967.00..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
a roll call vote.
Approve Budget #46 Group Health Insurance in the amount of $13,745,967.00 as presented
Councilor Santos motioned to approve Budget #46 Group Health Insurance in the amount of $13,745,967.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0- 0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve Budget #46 Group Health Insurance in the amount of $13,745,967.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0- 0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
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)
Capital Planning
Approve the Capital Planning Committee request of $2,018,119.00 as presented
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Capital Planning Committee request of $2,018,119.00 as presented. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Capital Planning Committee request of $2,018,119.00 as presented. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Smith-Galvin)
Approve the Capital Planning Committee Sewer Department request of $112,500.00 as presented
Councilor Chines motioned to approve the Capital Planning Committee Sewer Department request of $112,500.00 as presented. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Chines motioned to approve the Capital Planning Committee Sewer Department request of $112,500.00 as presented. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Chines, second: Santos)
Approve the Capital Planning Committee Water Department request of $82,500.00 as presented
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Capital Planning Committee Water Department request of $82,500.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Capital Planning Committee Water Department request of $82,500.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles
Approve the Eminent Domain Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $1.00 as presented
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Eminent Domain Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $1.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Eminent Domain Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $1.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
Approve the Refuse/Recycling/Yard Waste Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $2,274,241.00 as presented
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Refuse/Recycling/Yard Waste Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $2,274,241.00 as presented. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Councilor Smith-Galvin questioned whether the Council should discuss bringing in a lower number at the next Town Council meeting. Town Administrator Maio stated that the Council should still vote this amount because we may be getting more fees to offset this. She further asked if this is a contact that is negotiated annually. DPW Director Conway answered that Refuse is one that was just entered into with JRM when the program switched and it is a five (5) year contract. Recycling contact is also with JRM and that is subject to end in 2021. Refuse Disposal, the third component, is also a five (5) year contact that would be beginning in Fiscal Year 2021 and up for re-negotiation five (5) years into that. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Refuse/Recycling/Yard Waste Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $2,274,241.00 as presented. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Councilor Smith-Galvin questioned whether the Council should discuss bringing in a lower number at the next Town Council meeting. Town Administrator Maio stated that the Council should still vote this amount because we may be getting more fees to offset this. She further asked if this is a contact that is negotiated annually. DPW Director Conway answered that Refuse is one that was just entered into with JRM when the program switched and it is a five (5) year contract. Recycling contact is also with JRM and that is subject to end in 2021. Refuse Disposal, the third component, is also a five (5) year contact that would be beginning in Fiscal Year 2021 and up for re-negotiation five (5) years into that. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Smith-Galvin)
Approve the Roadway Improvements Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $10,000,000.00 as presented
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Roadway Improvements Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $10,000,000.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0- 0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Roadway Improvements Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $10,000,000.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0- 0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
Amend the Warrant Article to allow for a maximum expenditure of $75,000.00
Councilor Chines motioned to amend the Warrant Article to allow for a maximum expenditure of $75,000.00. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed as amended 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Chines motioned to amend the Warrant Article to allow for a maximum expenditure of $75,000.00. Councilor Santos seconded. Motion passed as amended 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Chines, second: Santos)
Approve the New Salem Street Drainage Repairs Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $800,000.00 as presented
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the New Salem Street Drainage Repairs Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $800,000.00 as presented. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the New Salem Street Drainage Repairs Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $800,000.00 as presented. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Smith-Galvin)
Approve the Walter Lane Betterment Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $91,000.00 as presented
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Walter Lane Betterment Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $91,000.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motioned passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Walter Lane Betterment Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $91,000.00 as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motioned passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
Approve the Greenwood Elementary School Roof and Repairs Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $1,640,163.00 as presented
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Greenwood Elementary School Roof and Repairs Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $1,640,163.00 as presented. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Greenwood Elementary School Roof and Repairs Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article in the amount of $1,640,163.00 as presented. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Smith-Galvin)
Approve the Cable TV Public Access WCAT Enterprise Warrant Article as presented
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Cable TV Public Access WCAT Enterprise Warrant Article as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Cable TV Public Access WCAT Enterprise Warrant Article as presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
Review of Comment Period Submission, Town/Commu nity Projects
Accept the entryway gift from WCNA with thanks as previously presented
Councilor Santos motioned to accept the entryway gift from WCNA with thanks as previously presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to accept the entryway gift from WCNA with thanks as previously presented. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
Approve the Community Garden as previously presented
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Community Garden as previously presented. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Community Garden as previously presented. Councilor Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Smith-Galvin)
Licenses
Approve the Common Victualler license request for Carol's Café of Wakefield located at 39 Tuttle Street
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Common Victualler license request for Carol's Café of Wakefield located at 39 Tuttle Street. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Common Victualler license request for Carol's Café of Wakefield located at 39 Tuttle Street. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
Approve the Common Victualler license request for Hobbs Brooks Cafes with locations at 101, 201, 401, 500 and 701 Edgewater Place
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Common Victualler license request for Hobbs Brooks Cafes with locations at 101, 201, 401, 500 and 701 Edgewater Place. Councilor Butt seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Common Victualler license request for Hobbs Brooks Cafes with locations at 101, 201, 401, 500 and 701 Edgewater Place. Councilor Butt seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Butt)
Approve the Entertainment license request for Carol's Café of Wakefield located at 39 Tuttle Street
Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Entertainment license request for Carol's Café of Wakefield located at 39 Tuttle Street. Councilor Butt seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to approve the Entertainment license request for Carol's Café of Wakefield located at 39 Tuttle Street. Councilor Butt seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Butt)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Councilor Santos motioned to adjourn. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Santos motioned to adjourn. Councilor Chines seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
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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