MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2023–2024 Council · Regular meeting
April 8, 2024
28 recorded votes, 5 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
Fiscal Year 2025 Budgets
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)
Approve Budget #26 Health and Human Services for $507,762.00 as presented by Town Accountant Gill, Health and Human Services Director Chui and Board of Health member Elaine Silva
Michael J. McLane moved to approve Budget #26 Health and Human Services for $507,762.00 as presented by Town Accountant Gill, Health and Human Services Director Chui and Board of Health member Elaine Silva. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve Budget #26 Health and Human Services for $507,762.00 as presented by Town Accountant Gill, Health and Human Services Director Chui and Board of Health member Elaine Silva. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Approve Budget #35 Vocational Schools for $2,558,485.00 as presented by Town Accountant Gill
Michael J. McLane moved to approve Budget #35 Vocational Schools for $2,558,485.00 as presented by Town Accountant Gill. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve Budget #35 Vocational Schools for $2,558,485.00 as presented by Town Accountant Gill. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Authorizing Town Administrator Maio and Dr. Lyons to write a letter to advocacy letter to the Wakefield Delegation as well as the leadership in the legislature around some of the Chapter 70 challenges
Jonathan P. Chines entertained a motion authorizing Town Administrator Maio and Dr. Lyons to write a letter to advocacy letter to the Wakefield Delegation as well as the leadership in the legislature around some of the Chapter 70 challenges. Michael J. McLane so moved. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Jonathan P. Chines entertained a motion authorizing Town Administrator Maio and Dr. Lyons to write a letter to advocacy letter to the Wakefield Delegation as well as the leadership in the legislature around some of the Chapter 70 challenges. Michael J. McLane so moved. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
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)
Public Hearing - Zagsun LLC d/b/a Bossmama
Open the Public Hearing for the liquor license for Zagsun LLC d/b/a Bossmama located at 963 Main Street
Michael J. McLane moved to open the Public Hearing for the liquor license for Zagsun LLC d/b/a Bossmama located at 963 Main Street. 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 the liquor license for Zagsun LLC d/b/a Bossmama located at 963 Main Street. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Approve the liquor license application for Zagsun LLC d/b/a Bossmama as presented by Attorney Robert Bell and his client Wendy Golini
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the liquor license application for Zagsun LLC d/b/a Bossmama as presented by Attorney Robert Bell and his client Wendy Golini. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the liquor license application for Zagsun LLC d/b/a Bossmama as presented by Attorney Robert Bell and his client Wendy Golini. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (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)
Licenses
Approve the Common Victualler License for Zagsun LLC d/b/a Bossmama located at 963 Main Street
Licenses: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Common Victualler License for Zagsun LLC d/b/a Bossmama located at 963 Main Street. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Licenses: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Common Victualler License for Zagsun LLC d/b/a Bossmama located at 963 Main Street. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Approve the Entertainment License for Zagsun LLC d/b/a Bossmama located 963 Main Street
Mehreen N. Butt moved to approve the Entertainment License for Zagsun LLC d/b/a Bossmama located 963 Main Street. Michael J. McLane seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mehreen N. Butt moved to approve the Entertainment License for Zagsun LLC d/b/a Bossmama located 963 Main Street. Michael J. McLane seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Butt, second: McLane)
Approve the One Day Liquor License for the Wakefield High School Music Boosters event
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the One Day Liquor License for the Wakefield High School Music Boosters event. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the One Day Liquor License for the Wakefield High School Music Boosters event. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Annual Town Meeting
Approve $80,000.00 from free cash for Police and Fire Indemnification Warrant Article
Annual Town Meeting: Michael J. McLane moved to approve $80,000.00 from free cash for Police and Fire Indemnification Warrant Article. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Annual Town Meeting: Michael J. McLane moved to approve $80,000.00 from free cash for Police and Fire Indemnification Warrant Article. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Approve $350,000.00 from free cash for Supplemental Warrant Article
Michael J. McLane moved to approve $350,000.00 from free cash for Supplemental Warrant Article. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve $350,000.00 from free cash for Supplemental Warrant Article. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Approve $5,359,880.00 for Debt Service Warrant Article
Michael J. McLane moved to approve $5,359,880.00 for Debt Service Warrant Article. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve $5,359,880.00 for Debt Service Warrant Article. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Approve the Right of Way Wall Easement Article
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Right of Way Wall Easement Article. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0- 0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Right of Way Wall Easement Article. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0- 0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Approve the Warrant for the Annual Town Election and Annual Town Meeting
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Warrant for the Annual Town Election and Annual Town Meeting. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the Warrant for the Annual Town Election and Annual Town Meeting. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Presentations / Updates
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)
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...
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)
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)
Accept and expend a gift or gift to the Council on Aging for $270.00 from various donors with thanks
Michael J. McLane moved to accept and expend a gift or gift to the Council on Aging for $270.00 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 gift or gift to the Council on Aging for $270.00 from various donors with thanks. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Accept the donation of the Americal Division Flag with a monetary value of $263.00 from Robert E. Vincent II with thanks
Michael J. McLane moved to accept the donation of the Americal Division Flag with a monetary value of $263.00 from Robert E. Vincent II with thanks. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to accept the donation of the Americal Division Flag with a monetary value of $263.00 from Robert E. Vincent II with thanks. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Library for $25,550.00 from various donors with thanks
Michael J. McLane moved to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Library for $25,550.00 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 gift or gifts to the Library for $25,550.00 from various donors with thanks. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Approve the request from the Library to donate library discards to the Friends of the Library
Michael J. McLane moved to approve the request from the Library to donate library discards to the Friends of the Library. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to approve the request from the Library to donate library discards to the Friends of the Library. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Youth Council for $100.00 from various donors with thanks
Michael J. McLane moved to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Youth Council for $100.00 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 gift or gifts to the Youth Council for $100.00 from various donors with thanks. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Appointments
The following with three-year terms beginning May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2027: Christopher Tarr to the Advisory Board of Public Works; Lori Dupuis and Rumiana Bardarova to the Arts Council;...
Appointments: Michael J. McLane moved to the following with three-year terms beginning May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2027: Christopher Tarr to the Advisory Board of Public Works; Lori Dupuis and Rumiana Bardarova to the Arts Council; Daniel Lieber and Shane McCarthy to the Cable Advisory Committee; Frank Conte, Shane McCarthy, and Garrett Murphy to the Capital Planning Committee; Janice Mirabassi and Marie Rej to the Commission on Disabilities; Eleanor Axelrod to the Conservation Commission; Carol Plotkin and Maureen Hickey to the Council on Aging; Melissa Eusden and Lillian Guinther to the Environmental Sustainability Committee; Holly Lenhardt to the Fence Viewers Committee; Marc DiBella to the Historical Commission; Rev. Bret Johnson to the Human Rights Commission; Charles Ciccone; Christine M. Gargano; and Michelle Yu to the Recreation Commission; Michelle McAdams to the Sweetser Lecture Advisory Committee; Joseph Dellilio and Robert Ettinger to the Veteran's Advisory Board. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Appointments: Michael J. McLane moved to the following with three-year terms beginning May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2027: Christopher Tarr to the Advisory Board of Public Works; Lori Dupuis and Rumiana Bardarova to the Arts Council; Daniel Lieber and Shane McCarthy to the Cable Advisory Committee; Frank Conte, Shane McCarthy, and Garrett Murphy to the Capital Planning Committee; Janice Mirabassi and Marie Rej to the Commission on Disabilities; Eleanor Axelrod to the Conservation Commission; Carol Plotkin and Maureen Hickey to the Council on Aging; Melissa Eusden and Lillian Guinther to the Environmental Sustainability Committee; Holly Lenhardt to the Fence Viewers Committee; Marc DiBella to the Historical Commission; Rev. Bret Johnson to the Human Rights Commission; Charles Ciccone; Christine M. Gargano; and Michelle Yu to the Recreation Commission; Michelle McAdams to the Sweetser Lecture Advisory Committee; Joseph Dellilio and Robert Ettinger to the Veteran's Advisory Board. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Appoint the following to the Zoning Board of Appeals with three-year terms beginning May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025: Charles Tarbell as a voting member; Kasumi Humphries, Greg Demerjian, and...
Michael J. McLane moved to appoint the following to the Zoning Board of Appeals with three-year terms beginning May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025: Charles Tarbell as a voting member; Kasumi Humphries, Greg Demerjian, and Kirstin Brown as alternate members. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Michael J. McLane moved to appoint the following to the Zoning Board of Appeals with three-year terms beginning May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025: Charles Tarbell as a voting member; Kasumi Humphries, Greg Demerjian, and Kirstin Brown as alternate members. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: McLane, second: Butt)
Approval of Minutes
Approve the March 25, 2024 Town Council meeting minutes
Approval of Minutes: Michael J. McLane moved to approve the March 25, 2024 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 March 25, 2024 Town Council 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 10:24 p.m. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Adjournment: Michael J. McLane motioned to adjourn at 10:24 p.m. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed unanimously..” (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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