MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
April 14, 2025
26 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
Executive Session
Go into Executive Session to discuss the Wakefield Massachusetts Laborers District Council, Local 272 because an open session may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the town...
Executive Session: At 6:02 p.m., Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to go into Executive Session to discuss the Wakefield Massachusetts Laborers District Council, Local 272 because an open session may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the town with the intent to 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 6:02 p.m., Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to go into Executive Session to discuss the Wakefield Massachusetts Laborers District Council, Local 272 because an open session may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the town with the intent to returning to open session immediately thereafter. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
North Avenue Bike Lane Configuration
The Town Council, in order to accommodate bicyclists traveling in the northbound and southbound lanes of North Avenue and in accordance with the recommendations of the Fire and Police Chiefs,...
North Avenue Bike Lane Configuration: Robert E. Vincent II moved that the Town Council, in order to accommodate bicyclists traveling in the northbound and southbound lanes of North Avenue and in accordance with the recommendations of the Fire and Police Chiefs, approve Councilor Vincent's Proposed Cross Section as set forth in Item 6A of the Town Council's April 14, 2025 Agenda. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. During discussion, Town Engineer Bill Renault presented a brief history of the project modifications requested by the council and Safe Streets group which led to the current configuration trial. The new configuration would remove the 5-foot northbound protected bike lane and the 3-foot buffer zone with flex posts. The current configuration provides no southbound accommodation for bicycles and reduced the width of the travel lanes down to 11.5 feet in each direction. Reiterated points about safety concerns (vehicle lane width, emergency access, flex post issues) versus the need for data and adherence to the approved plan/process were discussed. Concerns about safety implications of the proposed narrower southbound shoulder were raised. The motion passed 4-3-0 with Jonathan P. Chines, Mehreen N. Butt, and Douglas S. Butler voting against the motion.
Yes: Carney, Dombroski, McLane, VincentNo: Butler, Butt, Chines
From the minutes
“North Avenue Bike Lane Configuration: Robert E. Vincent II moved that the Town Council, in order to accommodate bicyclists traveling in the northbound and southbound lanes of North Avenue and in accordance with the recommendations of the Fire and Police Chiefs, approve Councilor Vincent's Proposed Cross Section as set forth in Item 6A of the Town Council's April 14, 2025 Agenda. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. During discussion, Town Engineer Bill Renault presented a brief history of the project modifications requested by the council and Safe Streets group which led to the current configuration trial. The new configuration would remove the 5-foot northbound protected bike lane and the 3-foot buffer zone with flex posts. The current configuration provides no southbound accommodation for bicycles and reduced the width of the travel lanes down to 11.5 feet in each direction. Reiterated points about safety concerns (vehicle lane width, emergency access, flex post issues) versus the need for data and adherence to the approved plan/process were discussed. Concerns about safety implications of the proposed narrower southbound shoulder were raised. The motion passed 4-3-0 with Jonathan P. Chines, Mehreen N. Butt, and Douglas S. Butler voting against the motion..” (Motion: Vincent, second: Dombroski)
Climate Leader Communities
The Climate Leader Communities Assessment and Evaluation Process document, which was unanimously approved by the Town Council on February 24, 2025, be added to the Policies/Trust section of the...
Climate Leader Communities: Robert E. Vincent moved that the Climate Leader Communities Assessment and Evaluation Process document, which was unanimously approved by the Town Council on February 24, 2025, be added to the Policies/Trust section of the Town Council website. John F. Carney seconded. The motion failed 2-5-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jonathan P. Chines, Mehreen N. Butt, Douglas S. Butler and John F. Carney voting against the motion.
Yes: McLane, VincentNo: Butler, Butt, Carney, Chines, Dombroski
From the minutes
“Climate Leader Communities: Robert E. Vincent moved that the Climate Leader Communities Assessment and Evaluation Process document, which was unanimously approved by the Town Council on February 24, 2025, be added to the Policies/Trust section of the Town Council website. John F. Carney seconded. The motion failed 2-5-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jonathan P. Chines, Mehreen N. Butt, Douglas S. Butler and John F. Carney voting against the motion..” (Motion: Vincent, second: Carney)
Soldiers and Sailors Rededication - Time Capsule Letter
Approve and sign the April 14th, 2025 letter from the Town Council to the Wakefield citizens in the year 2125 (for the time capsule)
Soldiers and Sailors Rededication - Time Capsule Letter: Robert E. Vincent moved that the Town Council approve and sign the April 14th, 2025 letter from the Town Council to the Wakefield citizens in the year 2125 (for the time capsule). John F. Carney seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Soldiers and Sailors Rededication - Time Capsule Letter: Robert E. Vincent moved that the Town Council approve and sign the April 14th, 2025 letter from the Town Council to the Wakefield citizens in the year 2125 (for the time capsule). John F. Carney seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Vincent, second: Carney)
Fishline and Disposal Stations at Lake Quannapowitt
Approve the four (4) locations defined as The Berm, Hall Park / Vet's Field, Lower Common, and Belanger Park
John F. Carney moved to approve the four (4) locations defined as The Berm, Hall Park / Vet's Field, Lower Common, and Belanger Park. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“John F. Carney moved to approve the four (4) locations defined as The Berm, Hall Park / Vet's Field, Lower Common, and Belanger Park. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Carney, second: Chines)
Letter of Engagement Agreement - Town Administrator Search
Accept the Letter of Engagement Agreement as presented and authorize the Town Council Chair to execute the Agreement
Letter of Engagement Agreement - Town Administrator Search: Community Paradigm Associates, LLC: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to accept the Letter of Engagement Agreement as presented and authorize the Town Council Chair to execute the Agreement. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Letter of Engagement Agreement - Town Administrator Search: Community Paradigm Associates, LLC: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to accept the Letter of Engagement Agreement as presented and authorize the Town Council Chair to execute the Agreement. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Town Administrator Search Committee Composition
Table the discussion on the composition
Town Administrator Search Committee Composition: John F. Carney moved to table the discussion on the composition. Douglas S. Butler seconded. Motion failed 1-4-2 with Jonathan P. Chines, Mehreen N. Butt, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and Douglas S. Butler voting against the motion. Michael J. McLane and Robert E. Vincent II abstaining.
Yes: CarneyNo: Butler, Butt, Chines, DombroskiAbstained: McLane, Vincent
From the minutes
“Town Administrator Search Committee Composition: John F. Carney moved to table the discussion on the composition. Douglas S. Butler seconded. Motion failed 1-4-2 with Jonathan P. Chines, Mehreen N. Butt, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and Douglas S. Butler voting against the motion. Michael J. McLane and Robert E. Vincent II abstaining..” (Motion: Carney, second: Butler)
Authorize the Town Council Clerk to post a request for applicants interested in being a part of the search committee for the next Town Administrator with a deadline of May 5, 2025
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to authorize the Town Council Clerk to post a request for applicants interested in being a part of the search committee for the next Town Administrator with a deadline of May 5, 2025. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. Councilors previously stated the committee will be comprised of 7 individuals and would like to the firm's feedback on the composition by roles of the search committee. The motion passed 6-1-0 with Michael J. McLane voting against the motion.
Yes: Butler, Butt, Carney, Chines, Dombroski, VincentNo: McLane
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to authorize the Town Council Clerk to post a request for applicants interested in being a part of the search committee for the next Town Administrator with a deadline of May 5, 2025. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. Councilors previously stated the committee will be comprised of 7 individuals and would like to the firm's feedback on the composition by roles of the search committee. The motion passed 6-1-0 with Michael J. McLane voting against the motion..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Open the Public Hearing
Public Hearing - Liquor License Sahajanand Inc d/b/a Mobil Mart (950 Main Street): - At 7:03 p.m., John F. Carney moved to open the Public Hearing. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Public Hearing - Liquor License Sahajanand Inc d/b/a Mobil Mart (950 Main Street): - At 7:03 p.m., John F. Carney moved to open the Public Hearing. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Carney, second: Chines)
Approve the license for Sahajanand Inc d/b/a Mobile Mart at 950 Main Street for the sale of Wine & Malt Beverages not to be drunk on the premises, with hours of operation from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM...
John F. Carney moved to approve the license for Sahajanand Inc d/b/a Mobile Mart at 950 Main Street for the sale of Wine & Malt Beverages not to be drunk on the premises, with hours of operation from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday through Sunday. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. 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 approve the license for Sahajanand Inc d/b/a Mobile Mart at 950 Main Street for the sale of Wine & Malt Beverages not to be drunk on the premises, with hours of operation from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday through Sunday. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. Motion passed 6-1-0 with Douglas S. Butler voting against the motion..” (Motion: Carney, second: Chines)
Granting the license is not detrimental to the educational and spiritual activity of any school or church with 500 feet of the business
Jonathan P. Chines moved that granting the license is not detrimental to the educational and spiritual activity of any school or church with 500 feet of the business. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Jonathan P. Chines moved that granting the license is not detrimental to the educational and spiritual activity of any school or church with 500 feet of the business. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Chines, second: Dombroski)
Close the Public Hearing
At 7:38 p.m., Jonathan P. Chines moved to close the Public Hearing. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“At 7:38 p.m., Jonathan P. Chines moved to close the Public Hearing. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Chines, second: Dombroski)
Budget #35 Vocational Schools
Approve Budget 35 Vocational School for $2,659,327.00 as presented by Financial Officer Gill
Budget #35 Vocational Schools: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve Budget 35 Vocational School for $2,659,327.00 as presented by Financial Officer Gill. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Budget #35 Vocational Schools: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve Budget 35 Vocational School for $2,659,327.00 as presented by Financial Officer Gill. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Budget #40 Medicare
Approve Budget 40 Medicare for $1,087,850.00 as presented by Financial Office Gill
Budget #40 Medicare: John F. Carney moved to approve Budget 40 Medicare for $1,087,850.00 as presented by Financial Office Gill. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Budget #40 Medicare: John F. Carney moved to approve Budget 40 Medicare for $1,087,850.00 as presented by Financial Office Gill. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Carney, second: Chines)
Budget #1 Town Council
Approve Budget 1 Town Council for $896,226.00
Budget #1 Town Council: Jonathan P. Chines moved to approve Budget 1 Town Council for $896,226.00. John F. Carney seconded. The motion passed 5-2-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and Michael J. McLane voting against the motion.
Yes: Butler, Butt, Carney, Chines, VincentNo: Dombroski, McLane
From the minutes
“Budget #1 Town Council: Jonathan P. Chines moved to approve Budget 1 Town Council for $896,226.00. John F. Carney seconded. The motion passed 5-2-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. and Michael J. McLane voting against the motion..” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Annual Town Meeting
Approve the Capital Planning budget as presented ($2,152,966 Tax Levy; $307,000 Water Enterprise; $358,000 Sewer Enterprise)
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the Capital Planning budget as presented ($2,152,966 Tax Levy; $307,000 Water Enterprise; $358,000 Sewer Enterprise). Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the Capital Planning budget as presented ($2,152,966 Tax Levy; $307,000 Water Enterprise; $358,000 Sewer Enterprise). Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., moved to approve Article 3
Approve Article 3: Debt Service Fund - $9,548,150.00; Article 5: Supplemental - $650,000.00; Article 6: Indemnification - $125,000.00; Article 9: Fire Pumper Truck - $1,300,000.00; Article 16:...
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., moved to approve Article 3: Debt Service Fund - $9,548,150.00; Article 5: Supplemental - $650,000.00; Article 6: Indemnification - $125,000.00; Article 9: Fire Pumper Truck - $1,300,000.00; Article 16: Hemlock Road / Farm Street Intersection. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., moved to approve Article 3: Debt Service Fund - $9,548,150.00; Article 5: Supplemental - $650,000.00; Article 6: Indemnification - $125,000.00; Article 9: Fire Pumper Truck - $1,300,000.00; Article 16: Hemlock Road / Farm Street Intersection. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Approve the Annual Town Meeting Warrant of May 5, 2025
Annual Town Meeting Warrant: May 5, 2025 - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the Annual Town Meeting Warrant of May 5, 2025. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Annual Town Meeting Warrant: May 5, 2025 - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the Annual Town Meeting Warrant of May 5, 2025. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Licenses
Approve the Farmers Market License Agreement for 2025 for the period from June 14, 2025 to October 25, 2025, November 22, 2025 and December 13, 2025; and for 2026 for the period from June 13, 2026...
Licenses: Farmers Market: License Agreement - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the Farmers Market License Agreement for 2025 for the period from June 14, 2025 to October 25, 2025, November 22, 2025 and December 13, 2025; and for 2026 for the period from June 13, 2026 through October 31, 2026, November 21, 2026, and December 12, 2026. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Licenses: Farmers Market: License Agreement - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the Farmers Market License Agreement for 2025 for the period from June 14, 2025 to October 25, 2025, November 22, 2025 and December 13, 2025; and for 2026 for the period from June 13, 2026 through October 31, 2026, November 21, 2026, and December 12, 2026. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Common Victualler License
Approve the 2025 license
Common Victualler License: Hobbs Brook Real Estate, 601 Edgewater Drive - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the 2025 license. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Common Victualler License: Hobbs Brook Real Estate, 601 Edgewater Drive - Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the 2025 license. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Appointments
Appoint members as proposed
Appointments: Annual Committee Appointments: John F. Carney moved to appoint members as proposed. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Appointments: Annual Committee Appointments: John F. Carney moved to appoint members as proposed. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Carney, second: Chines)
Housing Trust
Appoint Marie Rej as the Commission on Disabilities Representative, and Theo Noell as the Planning Board Representative with terms ending October 31, 2028
Housing Trust: Jonathan P. Chines moved to appoint Marie Rej as the Commission on Disabilities Representative, and Theo Noell as the Planning Board Representative with terms ending October 31, 2028. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Housing Trust: Jonathan P. Chines moved to appoint Marie Rej as the Commission on Disabilities Representative, and Theo Noell as the Planning Board Representative with terms ending October 31, 2028. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Chines, second: Butt)
Donation
Accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Council on Aging for $275.00 from various donors with thanks
Donation: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Council on Aging for $275.00 from various donors with thanks. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Donation: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to accept and expend a gift or gifts to the Council on Aging for $275.00 from various donors with thanks. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Minutes
Approve the March 24, 2025 Town Council meeting minutes as presented
Minutes: March 24, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the March 24, 2025 Town Council meeting minutes as presented. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Minutes: March 24, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to approve the March 24, 2025 Town Council meeting minutes as presented. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Matters Not Anticipated for Agenda
Nominate Mehreen N. Butt as the provisional chair for the April 28, 2025 meeting
Matters Not Anticipated for Agenda: Jonathan P. Chines moved to nominate Mehreen N. Butt as the provisional chair for the April 28, 2025 meeting. John F. Carney seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0.
From the minutes
“Matters Not Anticipated for Agenda: Jonathan P. Chines moved to nominate Mehreen N. Butt as the provisional chair for the April 28, 2025 meeting. John F. Carney seconded. The motion passed 7-0-0..” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Adjournment
Adjourn
Adjournment: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. moved to adjourn at 10:49 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 10:49 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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