MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
March 24, 2025
19 recorded votes, 7 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
Request for Quotes - Town Administrator
Retain Community Paradigm Associates, LLC. and to negotiate a one-year guarantee and written to provide written questions to applicants
John F. Carney moved to retain Community Paradigm Associates, LLC. and to negotiate a one-year guarantee and written to provide written questions to applicants. The award is contingent upon two reference checks by the Town Administrator or Town Counsel. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 6-1-0 with Douglas S. Butler voting against the motion.
Yes: Butt, Carney, Chines, Dombroski, McLane, VincentNo: Butler
From the minutes
“John F. Carney moved to retain Community Paradigm Associates, LLC. and to negotiate a one-year guarantee and written to provide written questions to applicants. The award is contingent upon two reference checks by the Town Administrator or Town Counsel. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 6-1-0 with Douglas S. Butler voting against the motion..” (Motion: Carney, second: Chines)
Fiscal Year 2026 Budgets
Approve the budget for $169,952.00, that Wakefield withdraw from the Intermunicipal Agreement with Melrose and Saugus and move $58,598.00 from Professional Services to Personal Services
Fiscal Year 2026 Budgets: Budget #24 Veterans Department - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved approve the budget for $169,952.00, that Wakefield withdraw from the Intermunicipal Agreement with Melrose and Saugus and move $58,598.00 from Professional Services to Personal Services. Robert E. Vincent II seconded. The motion passed 6-1-0 with Douglas S. Butler voting against the motion.
Yes: Butt, Carney, Chines, Dombroski, McLane, VincentNo: Butler
From the minutes
“Fiscal Year 2026 Budgets: Budget #24 Veterans Department - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved approve the budget for $169,952.00, that Wakefield withdraw from the Intermunicipal Agreement with Melrose and Saugus and move $58,598.00 from Professional Services to Personal Services. Robert E. Vincent II seconded. The motion passed 6-1-0 with Douglas S. Butler voting against the motion..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Vincent)
Approve the budget for $491,896.00
Budget #26 Health & Human Services Department - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the budget for $491,896.00. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Budget #26 Health & Human Services Department - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the budget for $491,896.00. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Approve the operating budget for $7,514,546.00; Snow & Ice for $850,000.00; Sewer for $9,536,482.00; and Water for $7,893,691.00
Budget #29 Department of Public Works - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the operating budget for $7,514,546.00; Snow & Ice for $850,000.00; Sewer for $9,536,482.00; and Water for $7,893,691.00. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Budget #29 Department of Public Works - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the operating budget for $7,514,546.00; Snow & Ice for $850,000.00; Sewer for $9,536,482.00; and Water for $7,893,691.00. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Approve the budget for $8,808,488.00
Budget #45 Retirement Department - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the budget for $8,808,488.00. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Budget #45 Retirement Department - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the budget for $8,808,488.00. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Approve the budget for $17,104,801.00
Budget #46 Human Resources Department - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the budget for $17,104,801.00. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Budget #46 Human Resources Department - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the budget for $17,104,801.00. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles
Approve the request that this item be tabled until the April 14, 2025 Town Council meeting so that the committee can discuss reallocating the $125,000.00 for the school radios which will be funded...
Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles: Capital - Capital Planning Committee Chair Renzi requested this item be tabled until the April 14, 2025 Town Council meeting so that the committee can discuss reallocating the $125,000.00 for the school radios which will be funded through the school. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. so moved. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles: Capital - Capital Planning Committee Chair Renzi requested this item be tabled until the April 14, 2025 Town Council meeting so that the committee can discuss reallocating the $125,000.00 for the school radios which will be funded through the school. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. so moved. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Approve the Eminent Domain article for $1.00
Eminent Domain - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the Eminent Domain article for $1.00. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motioned passed 5-0-0. Robert E. Vincent II and Douglas S. Butler were not present for the vote.
Yes: Butt, Carney, Chines, Dombroski, McLaneThe minutes say Robert E. Vincent and Douglas S. Butler were not present for the vote, so they are not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“Eminent Domain - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the Eminent Domain article for $1.00. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motioned passed 5-0-0. Robert E. Vincent II and Douglas S. Butler were not present for the vote..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Approve the Refuse/Recycling/Yard Waste article for $2,456,958.00, Salt Shed design & permitting article for $395,300.00, Fueling Island Replacement article for $2,600,000.00, Butler Avenue...
Refuse/Recycling/Yard Waste, Salt Shed, Fueling Island Replacement, Butler Avenue Remediation, and Easement Relocations for 39 Grafton Street and 70 Butler Avenue: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the Refuse/Recycling/Yard Waste article for $2,456,958.00, Salt Shed design & permitting article for $395,300.00, Fueling Island Replacement article for $2,600,000.00, Butler Avenue Remediation article for $1,300,000.00, and Easement Relocations for 39 Grafton Street and 70 Butler Avenue. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Refuse/Recycling/Yard Waste, Salt Shed, Fueling Island Replacement, Butler Avenue Remediation, and Easement Relocations for 39 Grafton Street and 70 Butler Avenue: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the Refuse/Recycling/Yard Waste article for $2,456,958.00, Salt Shed design & permitting article for $395,300.00, Fueling Island Replacement article for $2,600,000.00, Butler Avenue Remediation article for $1,300,000.00, and Easement Relocations for 39 Grafton Street and 70 Butler Avenue. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Discussions
Authorize the Town Administrator to sign the ninety-nine (99) year Lease Agreement
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the ninety-nine (99) year Lease Agreement. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the ninety-nine (99) year Lease Agreement. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Accept and expend a donation to the Rail to Trail for $500.00 with thanks
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to accept and expend a donation to the Rail to Trail for $500.00 with thanks. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to accept and expend a donation to the Rail to Trail for $500.00 with thanks. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Approve a search committee composed of seven (7) members to be identified at the April 14, 2025 Town Council meeting
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve a search committee composed of seven (7) members to be identified at the April 14, 2025 Town Council meeting. John F. Carney seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve a search committee composed of seven (7) members to be identified at the April 14, 2025 Town Council meeting. John F. Carney seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Carney)
Table the discussions of the Petition for Municipal Trash Pickup Service for 239 Nahant Street, Units A-H and the North Avenue - Reconfiguration and restriping of bike and travel lanes to a future...
Petition for Municipal Trash Pickup Service: 239 Nahant Street, Units A-H; and North Avenue - Reconfiguration and restriping of bike and travel lanes - Jonathan P. Chines moved to table the discussions of the Petition for Municipal Trash Pickup Service for 239 Nahant Street, Units A-H and the North Avenue - Reconfiguration and restriping of bike and travel lanes to a future Town Council meeting. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 4-3-0 with Robert E. Vincent II, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., and Michael J. McLane voting against the motion.
Yes: Butler, Butt, Carney, ChinesNo: Dombroski, McLane, Vincent
From the minutes
“Petition for Municipal Trash Pickup Service: 239 Nahant Street, Units A-H; and North Avenue - Reconfiguration and restriping of bike and travel lanes - Jonathan P. Chines moved to table the discussions of the Petition for Municipal Trash Pickup Service for 239 Nahant Street, Units A-H and the North Avenue - Reconfiguration and restriping of bike and travel lanes to a future Town Council meeting. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 4-3-0 with Robert E. Vincent II, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., and Michael J. McLane voting against the motion..” (Motion: Chines, second: Butt)
Authorize the Town Administrator to execute the Settlement Agreement
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the Settlement Agreement. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the Settlement Agreement. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Appointment
Appoint the position of the Town Planner to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and to appoint the position of the Town Engineer as an alternate
Appointment: Metropolitan Area Planning Council: John F. Carney moved to appoint the position of the Town Planner to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and to appoint the position of the Town Engineer as an alternate. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Appointment: Metropolitan Area Planning Council: John F. Carney moved to appoint the position of the Town Planner to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and to appoint the position of the Town Engineer as an alternate. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: Carney, second: Chines)
Town Election Warrant
Approve the April 22, 2025 Annual Town Election Warrant as presented
Town Election Warrant: John F. Carney moved to approve the April 22, 2025 Annual Town Election Warrant as presented. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 5-0-2 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and Michael J. McLane abstaining.
Yes: Butler, Butt, Carney, Chines, VincentAbstained: Dombroski, McLane
From the minutes
“Town Election Warrant: John F. Carney moved to approve the April 22, 2025 Annual Town Election Warrant as presented. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 5-0-2 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and Michael J. McLane abstaining..” (Motion: Carney, second: Chines)
Minutes
Approve the March 10, 2025 Town Council executive meeting minutes as presented
Minutes: March 10, 2025 Town Council Executive Meeting Minutes: Jonathan P. Chines moved to approve the March 10, 2025 Town Council executive meeting minutes as presented. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-1 by roll call vote Douglas S. Butler abstaining.
Yes: Butt, Carney, Chines, Dombroski, McLane, VincentAbstained: Butler
From the minutes
“Minutes: March 10, 2025 Town Council Executive Meeting Minutes: Jonathan P. Chines moved to approve the March 10, 2025 Town Council executive meeting minutes as presented. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 6-0-1 by roll call vote Douglas S. Butler abstaining..” (Motion: Chines, second: Dombroski)
Approve the March 10, 2025 Town Council meeting minutes
March 10, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes: Jonathan P. Chines moved to approve the March 10, 2025 Town Council meeting minutes. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“March 10, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes: Jonathan P. Chines moved to approve the March 10, 2025 Town Council meeting minutes. 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 11:54 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 11:54 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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