MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2025–2026 Council · Regular meeting
December 8, 2025
17 recorded votes, 3 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
Every vote, in order
Continued Public Hearings
Open the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. for a petition from Verizon for the relocation of a pole to accommodate road construction at 193-199 Nahant Street
MOTION: Move to open the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. for a petition from Verizon for the relocation of a pole to accommodate road construction at 193-199 Nahant Street. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to open the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. for a petition from Verizon for the relocation of a pole to accommodate road construction at 193-199 Nahant Street. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approve the request to relocate the utility pole at 193-199 Nahant Street subject to the following conditions: 1
MOTION: Move to approve the request to relocate the utility pole at 193-199 Nahant Street subject to the following conditions: 1. Prior to commencing the pole relocation work, the applicant's contractor shall file a right-of-way utility permit with the Department of Public Works Engineering Division and provide the associated bonds and insurance. 2. The relocated utility pole shall not be placed within the limits of any existing or proposed driveway apron. The final location must maintain clear access for vehicles and pedestrians and avoid conflicts for the driveway use. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the request to relocate the utility pole at 193-199 Nahant Street subject to the following conditions: 1. Prior to commencing the pole relocation work, the applicant's contractor shall file a right-of-way utility permit with the Department of Public Works Engineering Division and provide the associated bonds and insurance. 2. The relocated utility pole shall not be placed within the limits of any existing or proposed driveway apron. The final location must maintain clear access for vehicles and pedestrians and avoid conflicts for the driveway use. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Close the public hearing at 7:11 p.m
MOTION: Move to close the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to close the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Open the public hearing for the installation of one pole on the southerly side of Hemlock Road to provide service to new school at 100 Hemlock Road at 7:11 p.m
MOTION: Move to open the public hearing for the installation of one pole on the southerly side of Hemlock Road to provide service to new school at 100 Hemlock Road at 7:11 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to open the public hearing for the installation of one pole on the southerly side of Hemlock Road to provide service to new school at 100 Hemlock Road at 7:11 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Close the public hearing at 7:13 p.m
MOTION: Move to close the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to close the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Authorize the Department of Public Works to continue with design, bidding, and ultimately construction for the Green Street, Greenwood Street, Oak Street intersection as presented in the revised...
MOTION: Move to authorize the Department of Public Works to continue with design, bidding, and ultimately construction for the Green Street, Greenwood Street, Oak Street intersection as presented in the revised layout. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: The motion passed 6-1-0 with Brian Fox voting against the motion
Yes: Butler, Butt, Carney, Chines, Constas, CrisleyNo: Fox
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to authorize the Department of Public Works to continue with design, bidding, and ultimately construction for the Green Street, Greenwood Street, Oak Street intersection as presented in the revised layout. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: The motion passed 6-1-0 with Brian Fox voting against the motion.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Accept the Housing Trust 2025 quarterly report for the quarter ending September 30, 2025
MOTION: Move to accept the Housing Trust 2025 quarterly report for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to accept the Housing Trust 2025 quarterly report for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Licenses
Approve the attached 2026 retail license renewals covering common victual licenses, entertainment licenses, liquor licenses, lodging house licenses, fortune teller license, automated device...
MOTION: Move to approve the attached 2026 retail license renewals covering common victual licenses, entertainment licenses, liquor licenses, lodging house licenses, fortune teller license, automated device licenses, class one licenses, class two licenses, hotels, and inn holders. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the attached 2026 retail license renewals covering common victual licenses, entertainment licenses, liquor licenses, lodging house licenses, fortune teller license, automated device licenses, class one licenses, class two licenses, hotels, and inn holders. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Appointments
Appoint Erin Demerjian, Marc Moccio, Philip Renzi, and Charles Tarbell to the Permanent Building Committee for a three-year term expiring December 31, 2028
MOTION: Move to appoint Erin Demerjian, Marc Moccio, Philip Renzi, and Charles Tarbell to the Permanent Building Committee for a three-year term expiring December 31, 2028. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Erin Demerjian, Marc Moccio, Philip Renzi, and Charles Tarbell to the Permanent Building Committee for a three-year term expiring December 31, 2028. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Economic Development Council
Appoint Dan Benjamin and Tanya Walker to the Economic Development Council for three- year terms expiring on October 31, 2028
MOTION: Move to appoint Dan Benjamin and Tanya Walker to the Economic Development Council for three- year terms expiring on October 31, 2028. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Dan Benjamin and Tanya Walker to the Economic Development Council for three- year terms expiring on October 31, 2028. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Flag Policy Update
Approve the flag policy changes as outlined in the packet
MOTION: Move to approve the flag policy changes as outlined in the packet. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: Stacey Constas Vote: The motion passed 6-1. (Councilor Carney noted his opposition during discussion).
The minutes give the count as 6-1 and add “(Councilor Carney noted his opposition during discussion)”, but they do not record who voted no. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the flag policy changes as outlined in the packet. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: Stacey Constas Vote: The motion passed 6-1. (Councilor Carney noted his opposition during discussion)..” (Motion: Chines, second: Constas)
Library Donation
Accept and expend with thanks gifts totaling $1,710.00 from various donors to the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library
MOTION: Move to accept and expend with thanks gifts totaling $1,710.00 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 $1,710.00 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)
Senior Center Donation
Accept and expend with thanks gifts totaling $100.00 from various donors to the Senior Center
MOTION: Move to accept and expend with thanks gifts totaling $100.00 from various donors to the Senior Center. 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 $100.00 from various donors to the Senior Center. 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 November 10, 2025
MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council meeting minutes from November 10, 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 November 10, 2025. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approve the Town Council Executive meeting minutes from November 10, 2025
MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council Executive meeting minutes from November 10, 2025. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: (6-0-1) with Jonathan P. Chines abstaining
Yes: Butler, Butt, Carney, Constas, Crisley, FoxAbstained: Chines
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council Executive meeting minutes from November 10, 2025. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: (6-0-1) with Jonathan P. Chines abstaining.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Approve the Tri-Board meeting minutes from November 17, 2025
MOTION: Move to approve the Tri-Board meeting minutes from November 17, 2025. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: Stacey Constas Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Tri-Board meeting minutes from November 17, 2025. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: Stacey Constas Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Constas)
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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