MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2025–2026 Council · Regular meeting
November 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, Stacey Constas, John Crisley, Brian Fox
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Jonathan P. Chines recused himself and left the meeting.
- Jonathan P. Chines rejoined the meeting at 7:41 p.m.
Every vote, in order
Possible Executive Session
Go into executive session to confer with counsel for Town in connection with Dhingra v
MOTION: Move to go into executive session to confer with counsel for Town in connection with Dhingra v. Wakefield, et al., MCAD No. 24BEM01060; discuss and possibly vote on proposed settlement, with the expectation of returning to open session immediately thereafter. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to go into executive session to confer with counsel for Town in connection with Dhingra v. Wakefield, et al., MCAD No. 24BEM01060; discuss and possibly vote on proposed settlement, with the expectation of returning to open session immediately thereafter. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Dhingra v. Wakefield, et al., MCAD No. 24BEM01060
Authorize the Chair of the Town Council to sign the settlement agreement that was discussed in Executive Session on behalf of the Town, noting that the settlement agreement was recommended by the...
MOTION: Move to authorize the Chair of the Town Council to sign the settlement agreement that was discussed in Executive Session on behalf of the Town, noting that the settlement agreement was recommended by the Town's insurance company, is being 100% funded by the insurance company, and includes no admission of wrongdoing by the Town. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
Yes: Butler, Butt, Carney, Constas, Crisley, FoxThe minutes say “Jonathan P. Chines recused himself and left the meeting”; “Jonathan P. Chines rejoined the meeting at 7:41 p.m.”. The count (6-0) matches the 6 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Jonathan P. Chines is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to authorize the Chair of the Town Council to sign the settlement agreement that was discussed in Executive Session on behalf of the Town, noting that the settlement agreement was recommended by the Town's insurance company, is being 100% funded by the insurance company, and includes no admission of wrongdoing by the Town. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Public Hearings
Continue the public hearing for the Verizon petition at 193-199 Nahant Street to Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:03 p.m
MOTION: Move to continue the public hearing for the Verizon petition at 193-199 Nahant Street to Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:03 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to continue the public hearing for the Verizon petition at 193-199 Nahant Street to Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:03 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Continue the public hearing for the Verizon petition at 100 Hemlock Road to Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:04 p.m
MOTION: Move to continue the public hearing for the Verizon petition at 100 Hemlock Road to Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:04 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney. Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to continue the public hearing for the Verizon petition at 100 Hemlock Road to Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:04 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney. Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Voting Matters
Accept the contract with Seagrave Fire Apparatus, LLC for the procurement of a new pumper truck at a cost of $1,324,930
MOTION: Move to accept the contract with Seagrave Fire Apparatus, LLC for the procurement of a new pumper truck at a cost of $1,324,930. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Jonathan P. Chines Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to accept the contract with Seagrave Fire Apparatus, LLC for the procurement of a new pumper truck at a cost of $1,324,930. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Jonathan P. Chines Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Carney, second: Chines)
B. Fire Department
Approve the contract for emergency ambulance service with Cataldo Ambulances as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the contract for emergency ambulance service with Cataldo Ambulances as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the contract for emergency ambulance service with Cataldo Ambulances as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
C. North Avenue License Agreement
Approve the License Agreement between 0 North Avenue Wakefield, LLC and the Town of Wakefield as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the License Agreement between 0 North Avenue Wakefield, LLC and the Town of Wakefield as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: Stacey Constas Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the License Agreement between 0 North Avenue Wakefield, LLC and the Town of Wakefield as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: Stacey Constas Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Constas)
Southbound (627-649 Main St)
Approve only the "No Parking" restrictions (6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m
MOTION: Move to approve only the "No Parking" restrictions (6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Northbound and 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Southbound) and to not approve the 1-hour parking restrictions at this time, to see if the morning restrictions solve the issues. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve only the "No Parking" restrictions (6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Northbound and 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Southbound) and to not approve the 1-hour parking restrictions at this time, to see if the morning restrictions solve the issues. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
E. Department of Public Works
Authorize the Department of Public Works to auction the retired surplus equipment as presented
MOTION: Move to authorize the Department of Public Works to auction the retired surplus equipment as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to authorize the Department of Public Works to auction the retired surplus equipment as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
F. Cowdrey Fund
Authorize the transfer of accumulated interest from the Cowdrey Fund to the Wakefield Garden Club, consisting of $210.70 (from 2022), $1,040.96 (from 2023), and $1,659.26 (from 2024), for a total...
MOTION: Move to authorize the transfer of accumulated interest from the Cowdrey Fund to the Wakefield Garden Club, consisting of $210.70 (from 2022), $1,040.96 (from 2023), and $1,659.26 (from 2024), for a total of $2,910.92. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to authorize the transfer of accumulated interest from the Cowdrey Fund to the Wakefield Garden Club, consisting of $210.70 (from 2022), $1,040.96 (from 2023), and $1,659.26 (from 2024), for a total of $2,910.92. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
G. Health and Human Services Donation
Accept and expend with thanks a gift of $250.00 from The Savings Bank to the Health and Human Services Department for the Great Wakefield Recovery & Remembrance event
MOTION: Move to accept and expend with thanks a gift of $250.00 from The Savings Bank to the Health and Human Services Department for the Great Wakefield Recovery & Remembrance event. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to accept and expend with thanks a gift of $250.00 from The Savings Bank to the Health and Human Services Department for the Great Wakefield Recovery & Remembrance event. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
H. Library Donation
Accept and expend with thanks gifts totaling $937.99 from various donors to the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library
MOTION: Move to accept and expend with thanks gifts totaling $937.99 from various donors to the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to accept and expend with thanks gifts totaling $937.99 from various donors to the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
I. Culvert Asset Management Project
Authorize Town Administrator Denise Casey as the certifying authority for the Culvert Asset Management Project grant
MOTION: Move to authorize Town Administrator Denise Casey as the certifying authority for the Culvert Asset Management Project grant. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to authorize Town Administrator Denise Casey as the certifying authority for the Culvert Asset Management Project grant. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
License
Approve a new 2025 Common Victualler and Entertainment License for Candarellas Bakeshop located at 139 Albion Street
MOTION: Move to approve a new 2025 Common Victualler and Entertainment License for Candarellas Bakeshop located at 139 Albion Street. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve a new 2025 Common Victualler and Entertainment License for Candarellas Bakeshop located at 139 Albion Street. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approval of Minutes
Approve the Town Council meeting minutes from October 15, 2025
MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council meeting minutes from October 15, 2025. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council meeting minutes from October 15, 2025. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approve the Town Council meeting minutes from October 20, 2025
MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council meeting minutes from October 20, 2025. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: (5-0-2) with John Crisley and Douglas S. Butler abstaining
Yes: Butt, Carney, Chines, Constas, FoxAbstained: Butler, Crisley
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council meeting minutes from October 20, 2025. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: (5-0-2) with John Crisley and Douglas S. Butler abstaining.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Adjournment
Adjourn
MOTION: Move to adjourn the meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to adjourn the meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (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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