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Wakefield Town Council
How the Wakefield Town Council voted, from the Town Council’s official minutes. 7 members elected townwide for three-year terms. Same seven members. On May 8, 2023 the board chose Jonathan P. Chines as Chair and Michael J. McLane as Vice-Chair (the minutes say the nominations were closed unanimously, 7-0-0). Covers 24 meetings, May 8 to April 22, 2024.
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
ChairJonathan P. ChinesChair · At-large · at 24 of 24 meetingsVice-ChairMichael J. McLaneVice 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.
Apr 22Amend the motion: include use of the outside of…Motion: Michael J. McLane amended the motion to include use of the…Passed Unanimous, 7 present · see note
April 22, 2024: Amend the motion: include use of the outside of Veteran's Field on Thursday, July 4, 2024 for the food concession location that will begin just prior to the Fireworks Display
Michael J. McLane amended the motion to include use of the outside of Veteran's Field on Thursday, July 4, 2024 for the food concession location that will begin just prior to the Fireworks Display. Mehreen N. But seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote.
It was seconded by Mehreen N. But, who is not a Town Council member.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane amended the motion to include use of the outside of Veteran's Field on Thursday, July 4, 2024 for the food concession location that will begin just prior to the Fireworks Display. Mehreen N. But seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane)
Apr 22Approve the request of the Wakefield Independence Day Committee…Motion: Independence Day Committee: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the request…Passed 6–0 · see note
April 22, 2024: Approve the request of the Wakefield Independence Day Committee to use the public ways on North Avenue, Church Street, and Main Street for the 4th of July parade
Independence Day Committee: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the request of the Wakefield Independence Day Committee to use the public ways on North Avenue, Church Street, and Main Street for the 4th of July parade. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 with Michael J. McLane, Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., and Jonathan P. Chines voting in favor of the motion.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, Dombroski, McLane, Smith-GalvinThe roll call does not list Robert E. Vincent, who was at the meeting, so that member is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Independence Day Committee: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the request of the Wakefield Independence Day Committee to use the public ways on North Avenue, Church Street, and Main Street for the 4th of July parade. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 with Michael J. McLane, Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., and Jonathan P. Chines voting in favor of the motion..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Apr 22Approve the Library Union Contract beginning July 1, 2024…Motion: Library Contract: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Library Union…Passed 6–0 · see note
April 22, 2024: Approve the Library Union Contract beginning July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027, 2.5% cost of living increases each year, performance language is included in the contract, addition of steps…
Library Contract: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Library Union Contract beginning July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027, 2.5% cost of living increases each year, performance language is included in the contract, addition of steps and upgrades, cost of the contract is $50,453.90 as presented by Town Administrator Maio. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 with Michael J. McLane, Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., and Jonathan P. Chines voting in favor of the motion.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, Dombroski, McLane, Smith-GalvinThe roll call does not list Robert E. Vincent, who was at the meeting, so that member is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Library Contract: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Library Union Contract beginning July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027, 2.5% cost of living increases each year, performance language is included in the contract, addition of steps and upgrades, cost of the contract is $50,453.90 as presented by Town Administrator Maio. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 6-0-0 with Michael J. McLane, Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., and Jonathan P. Chines voting in favor of the motion..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Apr 22Approve the April 8, 2024 Town Council meeting minutesMotion: Approval of Minutes: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the April…Passed · see note
April 22, 2024: Approve the April 8, 2024 Town Council meeting minutes
Approval of Minutes: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the April 8, 2024 Town Council meeting minutes. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The minutes were approved by acclamation.
The minutes say the motion passed “by acclamation” (a voice vote with no count or names). Showing the result only.
From the minutes
“Approval of Minutes: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the April 8, 2024 Town Council meeting minutes. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The minutes were approved by acclamation..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Apr 8Approve Budget #46 Group Health Insurance for $15,917,161.00, as…Motion: Fiscal Year 2025 Budgets: Michael J. McLane moved to approve Budget…Passed 5–2 · No: Dombroski, McLane
April 8, 2024: Approve Budget #46 Group Health Insurance for $15,917,161.00, as presented by Town Accountant Gill and Amy Forziati
Fiscal Year 2025 Budgets: Michael J. McLane moved to approve Budget #46 Group Health Insurance for $15,917,161.00, as presented by Town Accountant Gill and Amy Forziati. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 5-2-0 with Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, Robert E. Vincent II and Jonathan P. Chines voting in favor. Michael J. McLane and Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the motion.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, Smith-Galvin, VincentNo: Dombroski, McLane
From the minutes
“Fiscal Year 2025 Budgets: Michael J. McLane moved to approve Budget #46 Group Health Insurance for $15,917,161.00, as presented by Town Accountant Gill and Amy Forziati. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 5-2-0 with Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, Robert E. Vincent II and Jonathan P. Chines voting in favor. Michael J. McLane and Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the motion..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Apr 8Approve Budget #1 Town Council for $706,455.00Motion: Michael J. McLane moved to approve Budget #1 Town Council for…Passed 6–1 · No: McLane
April 8, 2024: Approve Budget #1 Town Council for $706,455.00
Michael J. McLane moved to approve Budget #1 Town Council for $706,455.00. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. Councilors questioned the proposal for the Town Administrator's succession and expected an update on how this actually plays out and the financial impact. The motion passed 6-1-0 with Michael J. McLane voting against the motion.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, Dombroski, Smith-Galvin, VincentNo: McLane
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve Budget #1 Town Council for $706,455.00. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. Councilors questioned the proposal for the Town Administrator's succession and expected an update on how this actually plays out and the financial impact. The motion passed 6-1-0 with Michael J. McLane voting against the motion..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Apr 8Approve the proposed amendment to the Flag Policy with…Motion: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the proposed amendment to the…Passed 6–1 · No: Dombroski
April 8, 2024: Approve the proposed amendment to the Flag Policy with the additional language for flags at Landrigan Field
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the proposed amendment to the Flag Policy with the additional language for flags at Landrigan Field. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 6-1-0 with Michael J. McLane, Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, Robert E. Vincent II and Jonathan P. Chines voting in favor. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the motion.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, McLane, Smith-Galvin, VincentNo: Dombroski
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the proposed amendment to the Flag Policy with the additional language for flags at Landrigan Field. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 6-1-0 with Michael J. McLane, Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, Robert E. Vincent II and Jonathan P. Chines voting in favor. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the motion..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Apr 8Approve the request to fly the Americal Flag from…Motion: Flag Request: Robert E. Vincent II moved to approve the request…Passed 6–1 · No: Dombroski
April 8, 2024: Approve the request to fly the Americal Flag from April 12th through June 2nd, June 14th and July 1st through December 31st; Pride Flag from June 3rd through June 13th,…
Flag Request: Robert E. Vincent II moved to approve the request to fly the Americal Flag from April 12th through June 2nd, June 14th and July 1st through December 31st; Pride Flag from June 3rd through June 13th, June 15th through June 18th and June 26th through June 30th; , and Juneteenth Flag from June 19th through June 25th, 2024. Michael J. McLane seconded. The motion passed 6-1-0 with Robert E. Vincent II, Michael J. McLane, Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, and Jonathan P. Chines voting in favor. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the motion.
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, McLane, Smith-Galvin, VincentNo: Dombroski
From the minutes
“Flag Request: Robert E. Vincent II moved to approve the request to fly the Americal Flag from April 12th through June 2nd, June 14th and July 1st through December 31st; Pride Flag from June 3rd through June 13th, June 15th through June 18th and June 26th through June 30th; , and Juneteenth Flag from June 19th through June 25th, 2024. Michael J. McLane seconded. The motion passed 6-1-0 with Robert E. Vincent II, Michael J. McLane, Mehreen N. Butt, Anne P. Danehy, Julie Smith-Galvin, and Jonathan P. Chines voting in favor. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the motion..” (Motion: Vincent, second: McLane)
Apr 8Instruct Town Administrator Maio to apply for the Climate…Motion: Julie Smith-Galvin moved to instruct Town Administrator Maio to apply for…Passed 5–2 · No: Dombroski, McLane
April 8, 2024: Instruct Town Administrator Maio to apply for the Climate Leaders Community Technical Assistance Planning Grant
Julie Smith-Galvin moved to instruct Town Administrator Maio to apply for the Climate Leaders Community Technical Assistance Planning Grant. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 5-2-0 with Julie Smith-Galvin, Mehreen N. Butt, Jonathan P. Chines, Anne P. Danehy, and Robert E. Vincent II voting in favor. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and Michael J. McLane voting against the motion Donations:
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, Smith-Galvin, VincentNo: Dombroski, McLane
From the minutes
“Julie Smith-Galvin moved to instruct Town Administrator Maio to apply for the Climate Leaders Community Technical Assistance Planning Grant. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 5-2-0 with Julie Smith-Galvin, Mehreen N. Butt, Jonathan P. Chines, Anne P. Danehy, and Robert E. Vincent II voting in favor. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and Michael J. McLane voting against the motion Donations:.” (Motion: Smith-Galvin, second: Butt)
Mar 25Remove $220,000.00 from the Fuel Assistance Fund and add…Motion: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to remove $220,000.00 from the Fuel…Passed 5–2 · No: Chines, Smith-Galvin
March 25, 2024: Remove $220,000.00 from the Fuel Assistance Fund and add that amount to the General Fund
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to remove $220,000.00 from the Fuel Assistance Fund and add that amount to the General Fund. Michael J. McLane seconded. Jonathan P. Chines made a friendly amendment to return the unspent funds allocated from the Fuel Assistance Fund for this current heating season. The motion passed 5-2-0 with Robert E. Vincent II, Anne P. Danehy, Michael J. McLane, Mehreen N. Butt, and Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting in favor. Julie Smith-Galvin and Jonathan P. Chines voting against the motion.
Yes: Butt, Danehy, Dombroski, McLane, VincentNo: Chines, Smith-Galvin
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to remove $220,000.00 from the Fuel Assistance Fund and add that amount to the General Fund. Michael J. McLane seconded. Jonathan P. Chines made a friendly amendment to return the unspent funds allocated from the Fuel Assistance Fund for this current heating season. The motion passed 5-2-0 with Robert E. Vincent II, Anne P. Danehy, Michael J. McLane, Mehreen N. Butt, and Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting in favor. Julie Smith-Galvin and Jonathan P. Chines voting against the motion..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: McLane)
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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