MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2025–2026 Council · Regular meeting
October 20, 2025
19 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · Agenda
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Present: Mehreen N. Butt, John F. Carney, Jonathan P. Chines, Stacey Constas, Brian Fox
Absent: Douglas S. Butler, John Crisley
Every vote, in order
Public Hearings
Open the public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 Tax Classification at 7:06 p.m
MOTION: Move to open the public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 Tax Classification at 7:06 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: Stacey Constas Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to open the public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 Tax Classification at 7:06 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: Stacey Constas Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Constas)
Small Commercial Exemption
Set the residential factor at 0.911909 for fiscal year 2026
MOTION: Move to set the residential factor at 0.911909 for fiscal year 2026. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to set the residential factor at 0.911909 for fiscal year 2026. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Not adopt the open space discount for fiscal year 2026
MOTION: Move to not adopt the open space discount for fiscal year 2026. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney. Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to not adopt the open space discount for fiscal year 2026. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney. Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Not adopt the residential exemption for fiscal year 2026
MOTION: Move to not adopt the residential exemption for fiscal year 2026. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to not adopt the residential exemption for fiscal year 2026. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Not adopt the small commercial exemption for fiscal year 2026
MOTION: Move to not adopt the small commercial exemption for fiscal year 2026. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Discussion: Councilor Chines noted that the $1 million value limit makes this exemption impractical for most communities. Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to not adopt the small commercial exemption for fiscal year 2026. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Discussion: Councilor Chines noted that the $1 million value limit makes this exemption impractical for most communities. Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Close the tax classification hearing at 7:25 p.m
MOTION: Move to close the tax classification hearing at 7:25 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to close the tax classification hearing at 7:25 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Open the public hearing for a new All-Alcohol Liquor License, Common Victualler License, and Entertainment License for Bao's Kitchen, LLC at 109 Water Street at 7:30 p.m
MOTION: Move to open the public hearing for a new All-Alcohol Liquor License, Common Victualler License, and Entertainment License for Bao's Kitchen, LLC at 109 Water Street at 7:30 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to open the public hearing for a new All-Alcohol Liquor License, Common Victualler License, and Entertainment License for Bao's Kitchen, LLC at 109 Water Street at 7:30 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approve the All-Alcohol Liquor License for Bao's Kitchen at 109 Water Street
MOTION: Move to approve the All-Alcohol Liquor License for Bao's Kitchen at 109 Water Street. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Discussion: The Council welcomed the new business owner to Wakefield. Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the All-Alcohol Liquor License for Bao's Kitchen at 109 Water Street. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Discussion: The Council welcomed the new business owner to Wakefield. Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approve a Common Victualler License and an Entertainment License for Bao's Kitchen at 109 Water Street
MOTION: Move to approve a Common Victualler License and an Entertainment License for Bao's Kitchen at 109 Water Street. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve a Common Victualler License and an Entertainment License for Bao's Kitchen at 109 Water Street. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Close the public hearing at 7:37 p.m
MOTION: Move to close the public hearing at 7:37 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to close the public hearing at 7:37 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Adopt the vote prepared by bond counsel in connection with the approval of a $1,356,000 loan through the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority Local Water System Assistance Program
MOTION: Move to adopt the vote prepared by bond counsel in connection with the approval of a $1,356,000 loan through the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority Local Water System Assistance Program. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: Stacey Constas Discussion: Stacey Constas asked about the scope of the project. Mr. Dombroski confirmed it is for capital improvements, specifically about two miles of water main replacements. Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to adopt the vote prepared by bond counsel in connection with the approval of a $1,356,000 loan through the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority Local Water System Assistance Program. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: Stacey Constas Discussion: Stacey Constas asked about the scope of the project. Mr. Dombroski confirmed it is for capital improvements, specifically about two miles of water main replacements. Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Constas)
Approve the WCAT community media day resolution with deep gratitude to Mr. McDermott and the entire team at WCAT for all the work that they do
MOTION: Move to approve the WCAT community media day resolution with deep gratitude to Mr. McDermott and the entire team at WCAT for all the work that they do. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: Stacey Constas Discussion: The Council expressed their appreciation for WCAT's constant presence at town meetings and events. Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the WCAT community media day resolution with deep gratitude to Mr. McDermott and the entire team at WCAT for all the work that they do. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: Stacey Constas Discussion: The Council expressed their appreciation for WCAT's constant presence at town meetings and events. Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Constas)
The Council affirm and adopt the citation for the Wakefield Scholarship Foundation's 65th Anniversary
MOTION: Move that the Council affirm and adopt the citation for the Wakefield Scholarship Foundation's 65th Anniversary. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: Jonathan P. Chines Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move that the Council affirm and adopt the citation for the Wakefield Scholarship Foundation's 65th Anniversary. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: Jonathan P. Chines Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Constas, second: Chines)
Appoint the following individuals to two-year terms on the Housing Trust board ending October 31, 2027: Gail Severt (At-Large), Kevin York (Planning Board Representative), Sarah Fowler (Wakefield...
MOTION: Move to appoint the following individuals to two-year terms on the Housing Trust board ending October 31, 2027: Gail Severt (At-Large), Kevin York (Planning Board Representative), Sarah Fowler (Wakefield Housing Authority Representative), and Marie Ray (Commission on Disabilities Representative). Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Discussion: The Chair noted there are still two open at-large positions on the trust. Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint the following individuals to two-year terms on the Housing Trust board ending October 31, 2027: Gail Severt (At-Large), Kevin York (Planning Board Representative), Sarah Fowler (Wakefield Housing Authority Representative), and Marie Ray (Commission on Disabilities Representative). Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Discussion: The Chair noted there are still two open at-large positions on the trust. Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Adjust the terms for the seats occupied by Bill Boodry, Maureen Hickey, and Stacey Constas on the Wakefield Housing Trust to end on October 31, 2026, to correct a clerical error from a previous...
MOTION: Move to adjust the terms for the seats occupied by Bill Boodry, Maureen Hickey, and Stacey Constas on the Wakefield Housing Trust to end on October 31, 2026, to correct a clerical error from a previous appointment. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to adjust the terms for the seats occupied by Bill Boodry, Maureen Hickey, and Stacey Constas on the Wakefield Housing Trust to end on October 31, 2026, to correct a clerical error from a previous appointment. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
The Council table the appointments to the Economic Development Council to a future meeting to allow the EDC leadership to speak with the new candidate
MOTION: Move that the Council table the appointments to the Economic Development Council to a future meeting to allow the EDC leadership to speak with the new candidate. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: Jonathan P. Chines Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move that the Council table the appointments to the Economic Development Council to a future meeting to allow the EDC leadership to speak with the new candidate. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: Jonathan P. Chines Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Constas, second: Chines)
Correct the amount voted on for a donation to the Council on Aging at the October 6, 2025, meeting to $782.83
MOTION: Move to correct the amount voted on for a donation to the Council on Aging at the October 6, 2025, meeting to $782.83. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Discussion: The Council clarified that the donation was for the Council on Aging, not the Beebe Library as initially misstated in the motion. Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to correct the amount voted on for a donation to the Council on Aging at the October 6, 2025, meeting to $782.83. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Discussion: The Council clarified that the donation was for the Council on Aging, not the Beebe Library as initially misstated in the motion. Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approve the Town Council meeting minutes from October 6, 2025
MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council meeting minutes from October 6, 2025. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: (4-0-1) by roll call with Stacey Constas abstaining.
Yes: Butt, Carney, Chines, FoxAbstained: Constas
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council meeting minutes from October 6, 2025. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: (4-0-1) by roll call with Stacey Constas abstaining..” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Adjournment
Adjourn
MOTION: Move to adjourn the meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to adjourn the meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
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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