MassVoter.com← WakefieldMunicipal votes · 2022–2023 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. Robert E. Vincent joined after the April 2022 town election and Jonathan P. Chines was re-elected; Ann McGonigle Santos left (last meeting April 25, 2022). On May 9, 2022 the board chose Mehreen N. Butt as Chair and Jonathan P. Chines as Vice-Chair (each 7-0-0). Covers 24 meetings, May 9 to April 24, 2023.
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
Vice-ChairJonathan P. ChinesVice Chair · At-large · at 24 of 24 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.
Mar 27Move the question (end debate and vote)Motion: Jonathan P. Chines moved the question. The motion passed 5-2-0 with…Passed 5–2 · No: Dombroski, Vincent
March 27, 2023: Move the question (end debate and vote)
Jonathan P. Chines moved the question. The motion passed 5-2-0 with Jonathan P. Chines; Julie Smith-Galvin; Anne P. Danehy, Michael J. McLane; and Mehreen N. Butt voting in favor of the motion. Edward F. Dombrosk, Jr., and Robert E. Vincent II voted against the motion.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, McLane, Smith-GalvinNo: Dombroski, Vincent
From the minutes
“Jonathan P. Chines moved the question. The motion passed 5-2-0 with Jonathan P. Chines; Julie Smith-Galvin; Anne P. Danehy, Michael J. McLane; and Mehreen N. Butt voting in favor of the motion. Edward F. Dombrosk, Jr., and Robert E. Vincent II voted against the motion..” (Motion: Chines)
Jan 23Approve Budget 28 Veteran Services in the amount of…Motion: Jonathan P. Chines motioned to approve Budget 28 Veteran Services in…Passed 6–1 · No: Dombroski
January 23, 2023: Approve Budget 28 Veteran Services in the amount of $194,513.00
Jonathan P. Chines motioned to approve Budget 28 Veteran Services in the amount of $194,513.00. Julie Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 6-1-0 by roll call vote with Jonathan P. Chines, Julie Smith-Galvin, Anne P. Danehy, Michael J. McLane, Robert E. Vincent II and Mehreen N. Butt voting in favor of the motion. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the motion and made a commitment to work with Veteran Services to better understand how our veterans can be better served.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, McLane, Smith-Galvin, VincentNo: Dombroski
From the minutes
“Jonathan P. Chines motioned to approve Budget 28 Veteran Services in the amount of $194,513.00. Julie Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 6-1-0 by roll call vote with Jonathan P. Chines, Julie Smith-Galvin, Anne P. Danehy, Michael J. McLane, Robert E. Vincent II and Mehreen N. Butt voting in favor of the motion. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the motion and made a commitment to work with Veteran Services to better understand how our veterans can be better served..” (Motion: Chines, second: Smith-Galvin)
Dec 12Approve the amended policy dated December 7th, 2022Motion: Jonathan P. Chines motioned to approve the amended policy dated December…Passed 5–2 · No: Dombroski, McLane
December 12, 2022: Approve the amended policy dated December 7th, 2022
Jonathan P. Chines motioned to approve the amended policy dated December 7th, 2022. Julie Smith-Galvin seconded. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. renewed his position stating 2.5% should not be the starting point. Michael J. McLane stated he is not supportive of the amended policy as it should be a year-to-year basis. Motion passed 5-2-0 with Jonathan P. Chines, Julie Smith-Galvin, Anne P. Danehy, Robert E. Vincent II and Mehreen N. Butt voting in favor. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and Michael J. McLane voting against the motion.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, Smith-Galvin, VincentNo: Dombroski, McLane
From the minutes
“Jonathan P. Chines motioned to approve the amended policy dated December 7th, 2022. Julie Smith-Galvin seconded. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. renewed his position stating 2.5% should not be the starting point. Michael J. McLane stated he is not supportive of the amended policy as it should be a year-to-year basis. Motion passed 5-2-0 with Jonathan P. Chines, Julie Smith-Galvin, Anne P. Danehy, Robert E. Vincent II and Mehreen N. Butt voting in favor. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and Michael J. McLane voting against the motion..” (Motion: Chines, second: Smith-Galvin)
Nov 14A minimum residential factor of 0.910735 which will maintain…Motion: Jonathan P. Chines motioned for a minimum residential factor of 0.910735…Passed 6–1 · No: Dombroski
November 14, 2022: A minimum residential factor of 0.910735 which will maintain a shift factor of 1.75
Jonathan P. Chines motioned for a minimum residential factor of 0.910735 which will maintain a shift factor of 1.75. Julie Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 6-1-0 with Jonathan P. Chines, Julie Smith-Galvin, Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy, Michael J. McLane and Robert E. Vincent II voting in favor of the motion. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the residential tax factor motion, citing his related underlying, ongoing concern generally over annual budgeting presumption to increase tax levy the full 2.5% in each budgeting cycle, which he believes is not appropriate.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, McLane, Smith-Galvin, VincentNo: Dombroski
From the minutes
“Jonathan P. Chines motioned for a minimum residential factor of 0.910735 which will maintain a shift factor of 1.75. Julie Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 6-1-0 with Jonathan P. Chines, Julie Smith-Galvin, Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy, Michael J. McLane and Robert E. Vincent II voting in favor of the motion. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the residential tax factor motion, citing his related underlying, ongoing concern generally over annual budgeting presumption to increase tax levy the full 2.5% in each budgeting cycle, which he believes is not appropriate..” (Motion: Chines, second: Smith-Galvin)
Nov 14Appoint Joseph Dorney to the Housing Authority to fill…Motion: Jonathan P. Chines motioned to appoint Joseph Dorney to the Housing…Passed 6–1 · No: Dombroski
November 14, 2022: Appoint Joseph Dorney to the Housing Authority to fill the State Appointee position with a term through June 24th, 2027
Jonathan P. Chines motioned to appoint Joseph Dorney to the Housing Authority to fill the State Appointee position with a term through June 24th, 2027. Julie Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 6-1-0 with Jonathan P. Chines, Julie Smith-Galvin, Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy, Michael J. McLane and Robert E. Vincent II voting in favor of the motion. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voted against the motion.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, McLane, Smith-Galvin, VincentNo: Dombroski
From the minutes
“Jonathan P. Chines motioned to appoint Joseph Dorney to the Housing Authority to fill the State Appointee position with a term through June 24th, 2027. Julie Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 6-1-0 with Jonathan P. Chines, Julie Smith-Galvin, Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy, Michael J. McLane and Robert E. Vincent II voting in favor of the motion. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voted against the motion..” (Motion: Chines, second: Smith-Galvin)
Oct 24Approve the October 12th, 2022 Town Council meeting minutes…Motion: Approval of Minutes: Jonathan P. Chines motioned to approve the October…Passed 6–0 · Abstained: McLane
October 24, 2022: Approve the October 12th, 2022 Town Council meeting minutes as proposed
Approval of Minutes: Jonathan P. Chines motioned to approve the October 12th, 2022 Town Council meeting minutes as proposed. Julie-Smith Galvin seconded. Motion passed 6-0-1 with Jonathan P. Chines, Julie Smith-Galvin, Anne P. Danehy, Edward F. Dombroski and Robert E. Vincent II voting in favor of the motion. Michael J. McLane abstained.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, Dombroski, Smith-Galvin, VincentAbstained: McLane
From the minutes
“Approval of Minutes: Jonathan P. Chines motioned to approve the October 12th, 2022 Town Council meeting minutes as proposed. Julie-Smith Galvin seconded. Motion passed 6-0-1 with Jonathan P. Chines, Julie Smith-Galvin, Anne P. Danehy, Edward F. Dombroski and Robert E. Vincent II voting in favor of the motion. Michael J. McLane abstained..” (Motion: Chines, second: Smith-Galvin)
Jun 27Amend the motion: set the Water Rate at a…Motion: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. amended the motion to set the Water…Failed 2–5 · No: Butt, Chines, Danehy, Smith-Galvin, Vincent
June 27, 2022: Amend the motion: set the Water Rate at a 3.0% increase
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. amended the motion to set the Water Rate at a 3.0% increase. Michael J. McLane seconded. Motion did not pass 2-5-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and Michael J. McLane voting in favor of the motion. Robert E. Vincent II, Anne P. Danehy, Jonathan P. Chines, Julie Smith-Galvin and Mehreen N. Butt voting against the motion.
Yes: Dombroski, McLaneNo: Butt, Chines, Danehy, Smith-Galvin, Vincent
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. amended the motion to set the Water Rate at a 3.0% increase. Michael J. McLane seconded. Motion did not pass 2-5-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and Michael J. McLane voting in favor of the motion. Robert E. Vincent II, Anne P. Danehy, Jonathan P. Chines, Julie Smith-Galvin and Mehreen N. Butt voting against the motion..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: McLane)
Jun 27Main motion: Accept the Advisory Board of Public Works…Motion: Original motion stands and passed 5-2-0 with Robert E. Vincent II,…Passed 5–2 · No: Dombroski, McLane
June 27, 2022: Main motion: Accept the Advisory Board of Public Works recommendation for Water Rates for Fiscal Year 2023 set at a 3.50% increase above Fiscal Year 2022 as presented
Original motion stands and passed 5-2-0 with Robert E. Vincent II, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, Jonathan P. Chines and Mehreen N. Butt voting in favor of the motion. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and Michael J. McLane voting against the motion.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, Smith-Galvin, VincentNo: Dombroski, McLane
From the minutes
“Original motion stands and passed 5-2-0 with Robert E. Vincent II, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, Jonathan P. Chines and Mehreen N. Butt voting in favor of the motion. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and Michael J. McLane voting against the motion..” (Motion: Chines, second: Smith-Galvin)
Jun 27Amend the motion: set the Sewer Rate for Fiscal…Motion: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. amended the motion to set the Sewer…Failed 1–6 · No: Butt, Chines, Danehy, McLane, Smith-Galvin, Vincent
June 27, 2022: Amend the motion: set the Sewer Rate for Fiscal Year 2023 at a 1.0% increase
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. amended the motion to set the Sewer Rate for Fiscal Year 2023 at a 1.0% increase. Robert E. Vincent II seconded. Motion did not pass 1-6-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting in favor of the motion. Robert E. Vincent II, Michael J. McLane, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, Jonathan P. Chines and Mehreen N. Butt voting against the motion.
Yes: DombroskiNo: Butt, Chines, Danehy, McLane, Smith-Galvin, Vincent
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. amended the motion to set the Sewer Rate for Fiscal Year 2023 at a 1.0% increase. Robert E. Vincent II seconded. Motion did not pass 1-6-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting in favor of the motion. Robert E. Vincent II, Michael J. McLane, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, Jonathan P. Chines and Mehreen N. Butt voting against the motion..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Vincent)
Jun 27Main motion: Approve an increase to the Sewer Rate…Motion: Original motion stands and passed 6-1-0 with Robert E. Vincent II,…Passed 6–1 · No: Dombroski
June 27, 2022: Main motion: Approve an increase to the Sewer Rate for Fiscal Year 2023 of 2.15%
Original motion stands and passed 6-1-0 with Robert E. Vincent II, Michael J. McLane, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, Jonathan P. Chines and Mehreen N. Butt voting in favor of the motion. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the motion.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, McLane, Smith-Galvin, VincentNo: Dombroski
From the minutes
“Original motion stands and passed 6-1-0 with Robert E. Vincent II, Michael J. McLane, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, Jonathan P. Chines and Mehreen N. Butt voting in favor of the motion. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the motion..” (Motion: Chines, second: Smith-Galvin)
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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