MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2023–2024 Council · Regular meeting
May 22, 2023
14 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Jonathan P. Chines, Edward F. Dombroski, Michael J. McLane, Julie Smith-Galvin, Robert E. Vincent, Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Anne P. Danehy took part remotely.
Every vote, in order
Public Participation Policy
Amend the proposed Public Participation Policy by removing the words "not less than two-thirds" in paragraph one and substituting the words "the majority." Julie Smith-Galvin seconded
Robert E. Vincent II moved to amend the proposed Public Participation Policy by removing the words "not less than two-thirds" in paragraph one and substituting the words "the majority." Julie Smith-Galvin seconded. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. suggested "a simple majority, or in the discretion of the chair" to Robert E. Vincent, II motion. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Robert E. Vincent II moved to amend the proposed Public Participation Policy by removing the words "not less than two-thirds" in paragraph one and substituting the words "the majority." Julie Smith-Galvin seconded. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. suggested "a simple majority, or in the discretion of the chair" to Robert E. Vincent, II motion. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Vincent, second: Smith-Galvin)
Amend the proposed Public Participation Policy by adding the words "commissions" in the third sentence of paragraph two, immediately after the word committees and immediately preceding the word...
Robert E. Vincent II moved to amend the proposed Public Participation Policy by adding the words "commissions" in the third sentence of paragraph two, immediately after the word committees and immediately preceding the word departments. Julie Smith-Galvin seconded. The Council discussed adding "councils" to that sentence so that it reads, "Background data shall be prepared by the boards, committees, commissions, councils, and departments concerned prior to the scheduled appointment with the council insofar as possible." Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. suggested adding "and/or" before departments to Robert E. Vincent, II motion. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Robert E. Vincent II moved to amend the proposed Public Participation Policy by adding the words "commissions" in the third sentence of paragraph two, immediately after the word committees and immediately preceding the word departments. Julie Smith-Galvin seconded. The Council discussed adding "councils" to that sentence so that it reads, "Background data shall be prepared by the boards, committees, commissions, councils, and departments concerned prior to the scheduled appointment with the council insofar as possible." Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. suggested adding "and/or" before departments to Robert E. Vincent, II motion. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Vincent, second: Smith-Galvin)
Main motion as amended: adopt the Public Participation Policy
All councilors favored the main motion vote to adopt the Public Participation Policy as amended by a roll call vote of 7-0-0.
The minutes say all councilors favored the main motion, by a roll call vote of 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“All councilors favored the main motion vote to adopt the Public Participation Policy as amended by a roll call vote of 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Outdoor Dining
Authorize the Town Administrator with input from Health Agent and Emergency Management Director to approve alteration of liquor license and food service footprints for both public and private...
Outdoor Dining: Michael J. McLane moved to authorize the Town Administrator with input from Health Agent and Emergency Management Director to approve alteration of liquor license and food service footprints for both public and private spaces, allow retail to enter the public way provided access is sufficient and require uniformity of barriers. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Outdoor Dining: Michael J. McLane moved to authorize the Town Administrator with input from Health Agent and Emergency Management Director to approve alteration of liquor license and food service footprints for both public and private spaces, allow retail to enter the public way provided access is sufficient and require uniformity of barriers. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Licenses
Approve the Bowling Alley License for Wakefield Bowladrome
Licenses: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Bowling Alley License for Wakefield Bowladrome. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Licenses: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Bowling Alley License for Wakefield Bowladrome. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Approve the Pool Table License for Lakeside Tavern
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Pool Table License for Lakeside Tavern. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Pool Table License for Lakeside Tavern. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Approve the Entertainment License for the Library to have Plaza Jazz
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Entertainment License for the Library to have Plaza Jazz. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Entertainment License for the Library to have Plaza Jazz. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Approve the Farmer's Market Liquor License for Aaronap Cellars with the condition that no sampling be provided
Michael J. McLane motioned to approve the Farmer's Market Liquor License for Aaronap Cellars with the condition that no sampling be provided. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane motioned to approve the Farmer's Market Liquor License for Aaronap Cellars with the condition that no sampling be provided. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Donations
Accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Council on Aging for $125.00 from various donors with thanks
Donations: Michael J. McLane moved to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Council on Aging for $125.00 from various donors with thanks. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Donations: Michael J. McLane moved to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Council on Aging for $125.00 from various donors with thanks. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
State Funding Letter Request
Authorize the Town Administrator to send a letter seeking support from the legislative bodies to modernize funding for community media programming and in support of the pending streaming bills
State Funding Letter Request: Michael J. McLane moved to authorize the Town Administrator to send a letter seeking support from the legislative bodies to modernize funding for community media programming and in support of the pending streaming bills. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“State Funding Letter Request: Michael J. McLane moved to authorize the Town Administrator to send a letter seeking support from the legislative bodies to modernize funding for community media programming and in support of the pending streaming bills. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Approval of Minutes
Approve May 8, 2023, Town Council Site Visit meeting minutes as presented
Approval of Minutes: Michael J. McLane moved to approve May 8, 2023, Town Council Site Visit meeting minutes as presented. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Approval of Minutes: Michael J. McLane moved to approve May 8, 2023, Town Council Site Visit meeting minutes as presented. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Approve May 8, 2023, Town Council meeting minutes as presented
Michael J. McLane moved to approve May 8, 2023, Town Council meeting minutes as presented. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve May 8, 2023, Town Council meeting minutes as presented. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Matters Not Anticipated for Agenda
Approve the One Day Liquor License on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Wakefield Bowladrome for Happy Hostess at Your Service
Matters Not Anticipated for Agenda: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the One Day Liquor License on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Wakefield Bowladrome for Happy Hostess at Your Service. Julie Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Matters Not Anticipated for Agenda: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the One Day Liquor License on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Wakefield Bowladrome for Happy Hostess at Your Service. Julie Smith-Galvin seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Smith-Galvin)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Adjournment: Michael J. McLane motioned to adjourn at 8:08 p.m. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Adjournment: Michael J. McLane motioned to adjourn at 8:08 p.m. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
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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