MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2023–2024 Council · Regular meeting
October 2, 2023
23 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Mehreen N. Butt, Jonathan P. Chines, Anne P. Danehy, Edward F. Dombroski, Michael J. McLane, Robert E. Vincent
Absent: Julie Smith-Galvin
During the meeting:
- Mehreen N. Butt took part remotely.
- Robert E. Vincent took part remotely.
Every vote, in order
Executive Session
Go into the executive session to discuss Contracts because an Open Session may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the Town, with the intent of returning to the open session...
Executive Session: At 6:04 p.m., Michael J. McLane moved to go into the executive session to discuss Contracts because an Open Session may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the Town, with the intent of returning to the open session immediately after that. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0- 0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Executive Session: At 6:04 p.m., Michael J. McLane moved to go into the executive session to discuss Contracts because an Open Session may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the Town, with the intent of returning to the open session immediately after that. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0- 0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Public Hearings
Open the Public Hearing for the Transfer of an All Alcoholic Beverage License and Alteration of Licensed Premises
Public Hearings: WXSS LLC d/b/a Wei Asian Cuisine - At 7:07 p.m., Michael J. McLane moved to open the Public Hearing for the Transfer of an All Alcoholic Beverage License and Alteration of Licensed Premises. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Public Hearings: WXSS LLC d/b/a Wei Asian Cuisine - At 7:07 p.m., Michael J. McLane moved to open the Public Hearing for the Transfer of an All Alcoholic Beverage License and Alteration of Licensed Premises. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Approve the licenses as presented and to set the alcohol license hours from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m., seven days a week
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the licenses as presented and to set the alcohol license hours from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m., seven days a week. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the licenses as presented and to set the alcohol license hours from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m., seven days a week. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
The issuance of an All Alcoholic Beverage License to WXSS LLC d/b/a Wei Asian Cuisine, located at 21 Broadway Street, Wakefield, Massachusetts, is not detrimental to the educational and spiritual...
Michael J. McLane moved that the issuance of an All Alcoholic Beverage License to WXSS LLC d/b/a Wei Asian Cuisine, located at 21 Broadway Street, Wakefield, Massachusetts, is not detrimental to the educational and spiritual activities of schools or churches within 500 feet of the licensed premises. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved that the issuance of an All Alcoholic Beverage License to WXSS LLC d/b/a Wei Asian Cuisine, located at 21 Broadway Street, Wakefield, Massachusetts, is not detrimental to the educational and spiritual activities of schools or churches within 500 feet of the licensed premises. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Close the Public Hearing
At 7:22 p.m., Michael J. McLane moved to close the Public Hearing. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“At 7:22 p.m., Michael J. McLane moved to close the Public Hearing. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Schedule a Public Hearing on October 16, 2023, at 7:03 p.m. for a Transfer of Stock application for KVP, Inc. d/b/a Jeffrey's Liquors holder of a Package Store License located at 354 Main Street
KVP, Inc d/b/a Jeffrey's Liquors: Michael J. McLane moved to schedule a Public Hearing on October 16, 2023, at 7:03 p.m. for a Transfer of Stock application for KVP, Inc. d/b/a Jeffrey's Liquors holder of a Package Store License located at 354 Main Street. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“KVP, Inc d/b/a Jeffrey's Liquors: Michael J. McLane moved to schedule a Public Hearing on October 16, 2023, at 7:03 p.m. for a Transfer of Stock application for KVP, Inc. d/b/a Jeffrey's Liquors holder of a Package Store License located at 354 Main Street. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Schedule a Public Hearing on October 16, 2023, at 7:15 p.m. for a Transfer of Stock and Change of Officers/Directors applications for D&M Liquor Corp d/b/a S&M Liquors holder of a Package Store...
D&M Liquor Corp d/b/a S&M Liquors: Michael J. McLane moved to schedule a Public Hearing on October 16, 2023, at 7:15 p.m. for a Transfer of Stock and Change of Officers/Directors applications for D&M Liquor Corp d/b/a S&M Liquors holder of a Package Store License located at 258 Water Street. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“D&M Liquor Corp d/b/a S&M Liquors: Michael J. McLane moved to schedule a Public Hearing on October 16, 2023, at 7:15 p.m. for a Transfer of Stock and Change of Officers/Directors applications for D&M Liquor Corp d/b/a S&M Liquors holder of a Package Store License located at 258 Water Street. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Eagle Scout Projects
Approve the project as presented and to waive any town permit fees
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the project as presented and to waive any town permit fees. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the project as presented and to waive any town permit fees. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the project as presented and to waive any town permit fees. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the project as presented and to waive any town permit fees. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Traffic Advisory Recommendations
Approve the proposed recommendation
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the proposed recommendation. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the proposed recommendation. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Surplus Equipment
Authorize the proposed request from Department of Public Works Director Conway to auction retired surplus equipment and all funds to be deposited into the general fund account
Surplus Equipment: Michael J. McLane moved to authorize the proposed request from Department of Public Works Director Conway to auction retired surplus equipment and all funds to be deposited into the general fund account. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Surplus Equipment: Michael J. McLane moved to authorize the proposed request from Department of Public Works Director Conway to auction retired surplus equipment and all funds to be deposited into the general fund account. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Special Municipal Employee
Appoint Mark Bobrowski as Special Municipal Counsel
Special Municipal Employee: Michael J. McLane moved to appoint Mark Bobrowski as Special Municipal Counsel. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Special Municipal Employee: Michael J. McLane moved to appoint Mark Bobrowski as Special Municipal Counsel. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Grant consent for Mark Bobrowski to continue recodifying Wakefield's Zoning Bylaw
Michael J. McLane moved to grant consent for Mark Bobrowski to continue recodifying Wakefield's Zoning Bylaw. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to grant consent for Mark Bobrowski to continue recodifying Wakefield's Zoning Bylaw. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Appointments
Appoint Lindsay Riordan to the Arts Council to fill an unexpired term through April 30, 2025
Appointments: Arts Council: Michael J. McLane moved to appoint Lindsay Riordan to the Arts Council to fill an unexpired term through April 30, 2025. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Appointments: Arts Council: Michael J. McLane moved to appoint Lindsay Riordan to the Arts Council to fill an unexpired term through April 30, 2025. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Table the Affordable Housing Trustee appointments until the November 13, 2023 Town Council meeting when all applications for applicants will be proposed
Affordable Housing Trustees: Robert E. Vincent II moved to table the Affordable Housing Trustee appointments until the November 13, 2023 Town Council meeting when all applications for applicants will be proposed. Michael J. McLane seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Affordable Housing Trustees: Robert E. Vincent II moved to table the Affordable Housing Trustee appointments until the November 13, 2023 Town Council meeting when all applications for applicants will be proposed. Michael J. McLane seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: Vincent, second: McLane)
The late application be included with all applications
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved that the late application be included with all applications. Michael J. McLane seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved that the late application be included with all applications. Michael J. McLane seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: McLane)
Donations
Accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Council on Aging for $75.00 from various donors with thanks
Donations: Council on Aging: Michael J. McLane moved to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Council on Aging for $75.00 from various donors with thanks. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Donations: Council on Aging: Michael J. McLane moved to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Council on Aging for $75.00 from various donors with thanks. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Accept and expend a gift or gifts to the library for $29,370.00 from various donors with thanks
Beebe Library: Michael J. McLane moved to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the library for $29,370.00 from various donors with thanks. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Beebe Library: Michael J. McLane moved to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the library for $29,370.00 from various donors with thanks. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
License
Approve the Common Victualler License application and the Entertainment License application for Mojo Sushi located at 316 Main Street
License: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Common Victualler License application and the Entertainment License application for Mojo Sushi located at 316 Main Street. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“License: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Common Victualler License application and the Entertainment License application for Mojo Sushi located at 316 Main Street. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Approve the One Day Liquor License application for Idle Hands Craft Ales for Town Day event on October 7, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the One Day Liquor License application for Idle Hands Craft Ales for Town Day event on October 7, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the One Day Liquor License application for Idle Hands Craft Ales for Town Day event on October 7, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Flag Request
Consider the resident request to fly the Christopher Columbus Christian Flag the month of October at the Americal Civic Center
Flag Request: Michael J. McLane moved to consider the resident request to fly the Christopher Columbus Christian Flag the month of October at the Americal Civic Center. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Mr. Dombroski, Jr. stated he continues to maintain his policy of not approving any flag requests and will be voting against this as he will do with all other flag requests. Michael J. McLane stated he hopes to have at the next Town Council meeting a revised Flag Policy for consideration. The motion failed 0-6-0 by roll call vote.
No: Butt, Chines, Danehy, Dombroski, McLane, Vincent
From the minutes
“Flag Request: Michael J. McLane moved to consider the resident request to fly the Christopher Columbus Christian Flag the month of October at the Americal Civic Center. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. Mr. Dombroski, Jr. stated he continues to maintain his policy of not approving any flag requests and will be voting against this as he will do with all other flag requests. Michael J. McLane stated he hopes to have at the next Town Council meeting a revised Flag Policy for consideration. The motion failed 0-6-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Approval of Minutes
Approve the September 11, 2023 Town Council meeting minutes
Approval of Minutes: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the September 11, 2023 Town Council meeting minutes. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Approval of Minutes: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the September 11, 2023 Town Council meeting minutes. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Adjournment: Michael J. McLane motioned to adjourn at 9:37 p.m. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Adjournment: Michael J. McLane motioned to adjourn at 9:37 p.m. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (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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