MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
February 10, 2025
17 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · Agenda
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Present: Douglas S. Butler, Mehreen N. Butt, John F. Carney, Jonathan P. Chines, Edward F. Dombroski, Michael J. McLane, Robert E. Vincent
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Executive Session
Go into executive session to discuss litigation of 40B developments because an Open Session may have detrimental effects on the position of the Town with the intent of returning to Open Session...
Executive Session: At 6:03 p.m., Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to go into executive session to discuss litigation of 40B developments because an Open Session may have detrimental effects on the position of the Town with the intent of returning to Open Session immediately thereafter. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Executive Session: At 6:03 p.m., Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to go into executive session to discuss litigation of 40B developments because an Open Session may have detrimental effects on the position of the Town with the intent of returning to Open Session immediately thereafter. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Public Hearing
Open the Public Hearing for a Section 12 Package Store Beer & Wine License
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to open the Public Hearing for a Section 12 Package Store Beer & Wine License. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to open the Public Hearing for a Section 12 Package Store Beer & Wine License. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Approve the Application for a New License with the sale of alcohol from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m
Jonathan P. Chines moved to approve the Application for a New License with the sale of alcohol from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 5-2-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and John F. Carney voting against the motion.
Yes: Butler, Butt, Chines, McLane, VincentNo: Carney, Dombroski
From the minutes
“Jonathan P. Chines moved to approve the Application for a New License with the sale of alcohol from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 5-2-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and John F. Carney voting against the motion..” (Motion: Chines, second: Butt)
Closed the Public Hearing
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to closed the Public Hearing. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to closed the Public Hearing. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
American Rescue Plan Act Update
Accept the Quarterly Report ending December 31, 2024
Jonathan P. Chines moved to accept the Quarterly Report ending December 31, 2024. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Jonathan P. Chines moved to accept the Quarterly Report ending December 31, 2024. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Chines, second: Dombroski)
Refer the proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw as required to the Planning Board
Referral - Accessory Dwelling Unit to the Planning Board: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to refer the proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw as required to the Planning Board. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Referral - Accessory Dwelling Unit to the Planning Board: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to refer the proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw as required to the Planning Board. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Accept the Grant of Sidewalk Easement for 18-20 Melvin Street with a modification to the date on the front page of the document
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to accept the Grant of Sidewalk Easement for 18-20 Melvin Street with a modification to the date on the front page of the document. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to accept the Grant of Sidewalk Easement for 18-20 Melvin Street with a modification to the date on the front page of the document. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Fiscal Year 2026 Budgets
Approve Budget #3 Information Technology Department for $465,614.00
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve Budget #3 Information Technology Department for $465,614.00. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0- 0.
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve Budget #3 Information Technology Department for $465,614.00. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0- 0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Approve Budget #16 Police Department as presented by Finance Officer Kevin Gill and Police Chief Steve Skory for $7,931,833.00
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve Budget #16 Police Department as presented by Finance Officer Kevin Gill and Police Chief Steve Skory for $7,931,833.00. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve Budget #16 Police Department as presented by Finance Officer Kevin Gill and Police Chief Steve Skory for $7,931,833.00. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Approve Budget #34 Library for $208,525.00 as presented by Library Director McDonald
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve Budget #34 Library for $208,525.00 as presented by Library Director McDonald. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve Budget #34 Library for $208,525.00 as presented by Library Director McDonald. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Town Administrator Succession Planning
Amend the motion: authorize the Town Administrator to issue a request for proposals for search firms, with the expectation that proposals be brought back to the Town Council in a month's time
Jonathan P. Chines amended his motion to authorize the Town Administrator to issue a request for proposals for search firms, with the expectation that proposals be brought back to the Town Council in a month's time. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Jonathan P. Chines amended his motion to authorize the Town Administrator to issue a request for proposals for search firms, with the expectation that proposals be brought back to the Town Council in a month's time. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Chines)
Annual Town Meeting
Set the date as May 5, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium at the Galvin Middle School for the Annual Town Meeting and to open the Warrant on February 10, 2025 and close the Warrant on March 7,...
Annual Town Meeting: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to set the date as May 5, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium at the Galvin Middle School for the Annual Town Meeting and to open the Warrant on February 10, 2025 and close the Warrant on March 7, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Annual Town Meeting: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to set the date as May 5, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium at the Galvin Middle School for the Annual Town Meeting and to open the Warrant on February 10, 2025 and close the Warrant on March 7, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Donations
Accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Council on Aging for $160.00 from various donors with thanks and $63.00 to the Health & Human Services from the Boys and Girls Club of Metro North with thanks
Donations: Library - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Council on Aging for $160.00 from various donors with thanks and $63.00 to the Health & Human Services from the Boys and Girls Club of Metro North with thanks. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Donations: Library - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Council on Aging for $160.00 from various donors with thanks and $63.00 to the Health & Human Services from the Boys and Girls Club of Metro North with thanks. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Police Department for $500.00 from various donors with thanks
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Police Department for $500.00 from various donors with thanks. John F. Carney seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Police Department for $500.00 from various donors with thanks. John F. Carney seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Carney)
Minutes
Approve the January 27, 2025 Town Council minutes as presented
Minutes: January 27, 2025: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the January 27, 2025 Town Council minutes as presented. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Minutes: January 27, 2025: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the January 27, 2025 Town Council minutes as presented. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Matters Not Anticipated for Agenda
Authorize the Town Council Chair to sign the Regulatory Agreement on behalf of the town for a project with Wrenly Residences at 62-76 Foundry Street as proposed
Matters Not Anticipated for Agenda: Town Counsel Mullen asked that the Town Council vote to authorize the Town Council Chair to sign the Regulatory Agreement on behalf of the town for a project with Wrenly Residences at 62-76 Foundry Street as proposed. Jonathan P. Chines so moved. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Matters Not Anticipated for Agenda: Town Counsel Mullen asked that the Town Council vote to authorize the Town Council Chair to sign the Regulatory Agreement on behalf of the town for a project with Wrenly Residences at 62-76 Foundry Street as proposed. Jonathan P. Chines so moved. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Chines, second: Dombroski)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Adjournment: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to adjourn at 11:05 p.m. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 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
“Adjournment: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to adjourn at 11:05 p.m. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed by acclamation..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
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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