MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2023–2024 Council · Regular meeting
November 13, 2023
25 recorded votes, 3 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, Julie Smith-Galvin, Robert E. Vincent
Absent: None
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 6:03 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. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote.
The minutes give the count as 6-0-0, but 7 members were at the meeting (Mehreen N. Butt, Jonathan P. Chines, Anne P. Danehy, Edward F. Dombroski, Michael J. McLane, Julie Smith-Galvin and Robert E. Vincent). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Executive Session: At 6:03 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. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Public Hearings
Open the Public Hearing for the Transfer of Stock application for KVP, Inc. d/b/a Jeffreys Liquors located at 354 Main Street
Public Hearings: KVP Inc. d/b/a Jeffreys Liquors: At 7:11 p.m., Michael J. McLane moved to open the Public Hearing for the Transfer of Stock application for KVP, Inc. d/b/a Jeffreys Liquors located at 354 Main Street. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Public Hearings: KVP Inc. d/b/a Jeffreys Liquors: At 7:11 p.m., Michael J. McLane moved to open the Public Hearing for the Transfer of Stock application for KVP, Inc. d/b/a Jeffreys Liquors located at 354 Main Street. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Approve the application submittal
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the application submittal. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the application submittal. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Close the Public Hearing
Michael J. McLane moved to close the Public Hearing. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to close the Public Hearing. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Open the Public Hearing for Fiscal Year 2024 Tax Classification
Michael J. McLane moved to open the Public Hearing for Fiscal Year 2024 Tax Classification. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to open the Public Hearing for Fiscal Year 2024 Tax Classification. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
A minimum residential factor of 0.904203
Michael J. McLane motioned for a minimum residential factor of 0.904203. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The 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 he supports the concept but not the policy.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, McLane, Smith-Galvin, VincentNo: Dombroski
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane motioned for a minimum residential factor of 0.904203. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The 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 he supports the concept but not the policy..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Not to offer an Open Space Discount
Michael J. McLane motioned not to offer an Open Space Discount. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane motioned not to offer an Open Space Discount. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Not to offer a Residential Exemption
Michael J. McLane motioned not to offer a Residential Exemption. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane motioned not to offer a Residential Exemption. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Not to grant a Small Commercial Exemption
Michael J. McLane motioned not to grant a Small Commercial Exemption. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane motioned not to grant a Small Commercial Exemption. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Close the Public Hearing at 7:51 p.m
Michael J. McLane motioned to close the Public Hearing at 7:51 p.m. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane motioned to close the Public Hearing at 7:51 p.m. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Presentations / Updates
Amend the motion by removing the no-bike lane on Main Street between Lowell Street and Church Street
Anne P. Danehy moved to amend the motion by removing the no-bike lane on Main Street between Lowell Street and Church Street. Edward F. Dombroski seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Anne P. Danehy moved to amend the motion by removing the no-bike lane on Main Street between Lowell Street and Church Street. Edward F. Dombroski seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Danehy, second: Dombroski)
Preserve all parking along the Main Street corridor from Lowell Street to Church Street and not to conduct a multi-season parking study
Michael J. McLane moved to preserve all parking along the Main Street corridor from Lowell Street to Church Street and not to conduct a multi-season parking study. Edward F. Dombroski seconded. Motion passed 4-3-0 with Michael J. McLane, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., Anne P. Danehy, and Robert E. Vincent II voting in favor. Julie Smith-Galvin, Mehreen N. Butt, and Jonathan P. Chines voted against the motion.
Yes: Danehy, Dombroski, McLane, VincentNo: Butt, Chines, Smith-Galvin
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to preserve all parking along the Main Street corridor from Lowell Street to Church Street and not to conduct a multi-season parking study. Edward F. Dombroski seconded. Motion passed 4-3-0 with Michael J. McLane, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., Anne P. Danehy, and Robert E. Vincent II voting in favor. Julie Smith-Galvin, Mehreen N. Butt, and Jonathan P. Chines voted against the motion..” (Motion: McLane, second: Dombroski)
Bonds
The sale of the $327,500 Sewer Bond of the Town dated December 4, 2023, to Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the "Authority") is hereby approved and the Town Treasurer or other appropriate...
Bonds: Michael J. McLane voted: that the sale of the $327,500 Sewer Bond of the Town dated December 4, 2023, 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 November 15 of the years and in the principal amounts as follows: Year Installment Year Installment 2024 $32,750 2029 $32,750 2025 32,750 2030 32,750 2026 32,750 2031 32,750 2027 32,750 2032 32,750 2028 32,750 2033 32,750 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. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Bonds: Michael J. McLane voted: that the sale of the $327,500 Sewer Bond of the Town dated December 4, 2023, 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 November 15 of the years and in the principal amounts as follows: Year Installment Year Installment 2024 $32,750 2029 $32,750 2025 32,750 2030 32,750 2026 32,750 2031 32,750 2027 32,750 2032 32,750 2028 32,750 2033 32,750 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. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Appointments
Appoint the following to the Economic Development Council: Chris Barrett of 31 Pine Hill Circle, three-year term through October 31, 2026; Rocco Cammaratta, Vice President Wakefield Cooperative...
Appointments: Economic Development Council: Michael J. McLane moved to appoint the following to the Economic Development Council: Chris Barrett of 31 Pine Hill Circle, three-year term through October 31, 2026; Rocco Cammaratta, Vice President Wakefield Cooperative Bank, two-year term through October 31, 2025; Ali Choueri of 9 Byron Street, two-year term through October 31, 2025; Ann Hadley, President of JC Marketing, one- year term through October 31, 2024; Allyson Houghton of 20 Morgan Avenue, three-year term through October 31, 2026; Kimberlee Meserve of 30 Charles Street, two-year term through October 31, 2025; Julianne Orsino of 25 Summer Street, three-year term through October 31, 2026; Nithya Ramakrishnan of 8 Raven Road, one-year term through October 31, 2024; Will Strong of 4 Edwards Avenue, one-year term through October 31, 2024. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Appointments: Economic Development Council: Michael J. McLane moved to appoint the following to the Economic Development Council: Chris Barrett of 31 Pine Hill Circle, three-year term through October 31, 2026; Rocco Cammaratta, Vice President Wakefield Cooperative Bank, two-year term through October 31, 2025; Ali Choueri of 9 Byron Street, two-year term through October 31, 2025; Ann Hadley, President of JC Marketing, one- year term through October 31, 2024; Allyson Houghton of 20 Morgan Avenue, three-year term through October 31, 2026; Kimberlee Meserve of 30 Charles Street, two-year term through October 31, 2025; Julianne Orsino of 25 Summer Street, three-year term through October 31, 2026; Nithya Ramakrishnan of 8 Raven Road, one-year term through October 31, 2024; Will Strong of 4 Edwards Avenue, one-year term through October 31, 2024. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Dombroski, Jr. as Town Council liaisons. Housing Trust Trustees
Appoint the following as Trustees to the Housing Trust: Housing Authority member Sarah Fowler, 2-year term through October 31, 2025; Gail Severt of 35 Outlook Road, 2-year term through October 31,...
Housing Trust Trustees: Michael J. McLane moved to appoint the following as Trustees to the Housing Trust: Housing Authority member Sarah Fowler, 2-year term through October 31, 2025; Gail Severt of 35 Outlook Road, 2-year term through October 31, 2025; Charlie Ticotsky of 17 Myrtle Avenue, 2-year term through October 31, 2025; Planning Board member Matthew Lowry, 2-year term through October 31, 2025; Harold Mateo of 35 Avon Street, 2-year term through October 31, 2025; Commission on Disabilities member Paula Thompson, 2-year term through October 31, 2025; Finance Committee member William Boodry, 1-year term through October 31, 2024; Council on Aging member Maureen Hickey, 1-year term through October 31, 2024; Town Council member Michael J. McLane, 1-year term through October 31, 2024. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Housing Trust Trustees: Michael J. McLane moved to appoint the following as Trustees to the Housing Trust: Housing Authority member Sarah Fowler, 2-year term through October 31, 2025; Gail Severt of 35 Outlook Road, 2-year term through October 31, 2025; Charlie Ticotsky of 17 Myrtle Avenue, 2-year term through October 31, 2025; Planning Board member Matthew Lowry, 2-year term through October 31, 2025; Harold Mateo of 35 Avon Street, 2-year term through October 31, 2025; Commission on Disabilities member Paula Thompson, 2-year term through October 31, 2025; Finance Committee member William Boodry, 1-year term through October 31, 2024; Council on Aging member Maureen Hickey, 1-year term through October 31, 2024; Town Council member Michael J. McLane, 1-year term through October 31, 2024. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0. Arts Council
Appoint the following to the Arts Council: Gaetano Zagami of 32 Pitman Avenue with a term through April 30, 2025; Beatrice A. Flammia of 16 Mount Pleasant Avenue with a term through April 30, 2026
Arts Council: Michael J. McLane moved to appoint the following to the Arts Council: Gaetano Zagami of 32 Pitman Avenue with a term through April 30, 2025; Beatrice A. Flammia of 16 Mount Pleasant Avenue with a term through April 30, 2026. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7- 0-0.
From the minutes
“Arts Council: Michael J. McLane moved to appoint the following to the Arts Council: Gaetano Zagami of 32 Pitman Avenue with a term through April 30, 2025; Beatrice A. Flammia of 16 Mount Pleasant Avenue with a term through April 30, 2026. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7- 0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Contracts
Approve the Fire Contract as negotiated by Town Administrator Maio and ratified by the Fire Union
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Fire Contract as negotiated by Town Administrator Maio and ratified by the Fire Union. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Fire Contract as negotiated by Town Administrator Maio and ratified by the Fire Union. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Approve the Police Patrolman Contract as negotiated by Town Administrator Maio and ratified by the Police Patrolman Union
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Police Patrolman Contract as negotiated by Town Administrator Maio and ratified by the Police Patrolman Union. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Police Patrolman Contract as negotiated by Town Administrator Maio and ratified by the Police Patrolman Union. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Approve the Police Superior Officer Contract as negotiated by Town Administrator Maio and ratified by the Police Superior Officer Union
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Police Superior Officer Contract as negotiated by Town Administrator Maio and ratified by the Police Superior Officer Union. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Police Superior Officer Contract as negotiated by Town Administrator Maio and ratified by the Police Superior Officer Union. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Donations
Accept and expend a donation of $25.00 to the Senior Center from various donors with thanks
Donations: Michael J. McLane moved to accept and expend a donation of $25.00 to the Senior Center from various donors with thanks. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Donations: Michael J. McLane moved to accept and expend a donation of $25.00 to the Senior Center from various donors with thanks. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Accept and expend a donation of $1,310.00 to the Library from various donors with thanks
Michael J. McLane moved to accept and expend a donation of $1,310.00 to the Library from various donors with thanks. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to accept and expend a donation of $1,310.00 to the Library from various donors with thanks. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
License
Approve the request from John Smolinsky for a One Day Liquor License for an event on November 30, 2023 at Albion Cultural Exchange
License: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the request from John Smolinsky for a One Day Liquor License for an event on November 30, 2023 at Albion Cultural Exchange. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7- 0-0.
From the minutes
“License: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the request from John Smolinsky for a One Day Liquor License for an event on November 30, 2023 at Albion Cultural Exchange. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7- 0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Approval of Minutes
Approve the October 16, 2023 Town Council meeting minutes
Approval of Minutes: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the October 16, 2023 Town Council meeting minutes. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Approval of Minutes: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the October 16, 2023 Town Council meeting minutes. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Approve the October 26, 2023 Tri-Board meeting minutes
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the October 26, 2023 Tri-Board meeting minutes. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the October 26, 2023 Tri-Board meeting minutes. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Adjournment: Michael J. McLane motioned to adjourn at 10:38 p.m. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Adjournment: Michael J. McLane motioned to adjourn at 10:38 p.m. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
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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