MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2025–2026 Council · Regular meeting
March 9, 2026
23 recorded votes, 2 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, John Crisley, Brian Fox
Absent: Douglas S. Butler
Every vote, in order
Opening of Hearing (7:03 PM)
Moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:03 p.m
MOTION: Moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:03 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:03 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Public Comment
Approve all alcohol liquor license for Howie's Bar and Vincent's Kitchen at 963 Main Street as proposed
MOTION: Move to approve all alcohol liquor license for Howie's Bar and Vincent's Kitchen at 963 Main Street as proposed. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve all alcohol liquor license for Howie's Bar and Vincent's Kitchen at 963 Main Street as proposed. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Instruct the Town Administrator to issue a finding in writing that this alcohol license will not be detrimental to the educational and spiritual mission of the church located within the 500-foot...
MOTION: Move to instruct the Town Administrator to issue a finding in writing that this alcohol license will not be detrimental to the educational and spiritual mission of the church located within the 500-foot radius, pursuant to M.G.L. c.138, §16C. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to instruct the Town Administrator to issue a finding in writing that this alcohol license will not be detrimental to the educational and spiritual mission of the church located within the 500-foot radius, pursuant to M.G.L. c.138, §16C. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approve the Common Victualler License and Entertainment License for Howie's Bar and Vincent's Kitchen, as proposed
MOTION: Move to approve the Common Victualler License and Entertainment License for Howie's Bar and Vincent's Kitchen, as proposed. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Common Victualler License and Entertainment License for Howie's Bar and Vincent's Kitchen, as proposed. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Close the public hearing at 7:17 p.m
MOTION: Move to close the public hearing at 7:17 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to close the public hearing at 7:17 p.m. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Council Comments
We declare March 8-14, 2026, as The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield Annual Appeal Week and further move that we congratulate and recognize The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield for the...
MOTION: Move that we declare March 8-14, 2026, as The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield Annual Appeal Week and further move that we congratulate and recognize The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield for the incredible work they've done to support Wakefield students over the last 60 plus years. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Seconded: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move that we declare March 8-14, 2026, as The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield Annual Appeal Week and further move that we congratulate and recognize The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield for the incredible work they've done to support Wakefield students over the last 60 plus years. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Seconded: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
General Insurance
Approve the general insurance budget for $640,000 for fiscal year 2027, as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the general insurance budget for $640,000 for fiscal year 2027, as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the general insurance budget for $640,000 for fiscal year 2027, as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Workers' Compensation
Approve the Workers' Compensation budget for $431,417 for fiscal year 2027, as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the Workers' Compensation budget for $431,417 for fiscal year 2027, as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Workers' Compensation budget for $431,417 for fiscal year 2027, as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Fire Department
Approve the Fire Department budget for $7,966,688.09 for fiscal year 2027, as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the Fire Department budget for $7,966,688.09 for fiscal year 2027, as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Fire Department budget for $7,966,688.09 for fiscal year 2027, as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Conservation Commission
Moved to approve the Conservation Commission budget for $77,516.70 for fiscal year 2027, as presented
MOTION: Moved to approve the Conservation Commission budget for $77,516.70 for fiscal year 2027, as presented. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Moved to approve the Conservation Commission budget for $77,516.70 for fiscal year 2027, as presented. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (second: Carney)
Emergency Management
Approve the emergency management budget for $95,250.60 fiscal year 2027, as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the emergency management budget for $95,250.60 fiscal year 2027, as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the emergency management budget for $95,250.60 fiscal year 2027, as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Accounting Department
Approve the accounting department budget for $504,496 for fiscal year 2027, as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the accounting department budget for $504,496 for fiscal year 2027, as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the accounting department budget for $504,496 for fiscal year 2027, as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Human Resources Department
Approve the new human resources budget for $327,750.90 for fiscal year 2027, as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the new human resources budget for $327,750.90 for fiscal year 2027, as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the new human resources budget for $327,750.90 for fiscal year 2027, as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Council Discussion
Refer the zoning article(s) as proposed, with the change that the definition of 'Board' on page 12 of the Stormwater Bylaw designates the Town Council in place of the Advisory Board of Public...
MOTION: Move to refer the zoning article(s) as proposed, with the change that the definition of 'Board' on page 12 of the Stormwater Bylaw designates the Town Council in place of the Advisory Board of Public Works, to the Planning Board for a public hearing prior to Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to refer the zoning article(s) as proposed, with the change that the definition of 'Board' on page 12 of the Stormwater Bylaw designates the Town Council in place of the Advisory Board of Public Works, to the Planning Board for a public hearing prior to Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Presenters
Moved to accept the reports from the Economic Development Council for Quarter 2, 2025; Quarter 3, 2025; and Quarter 4, 2025
MOTION: Moved to accept the reports from the Economic Development Council for Quarter 2, 2025; Quarter 3, 2025; and Quarter 4, 2025." Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Moved to accept the reports from the Economic Development Council for Quarter 2, 2025; Quarter 3, 2025; and Quarter 4, 2025." Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Annual Policy Review - Asset Naming Policy
Approve the Asset Naming Policy as revised
MOTION: Move to approve the Asset Naming Policy as revised. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Asset Naming Policy as revised. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Appointments
Appoint Drew Kanouff to the Conservation Commission for a term ending April 30, 2029
MOTION: Move to appoint Drew Kanouff to the Conservation Commission for a term ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Drew Kanouff to the Conservation Commission for a term ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Appoint David Frye to the Veterans Advisory Board for a term ending April 30, 2029
MOTION: Move to appoint David Frye to the Veterans Advisory Board for a term ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint David Frye to the Veterans Advisory Board for a term ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Proclamations
Approve a proclamation commemorating Holocaust Memorial Week as presented in the packet
MOTION: Move to approve a proclamation commemorating Holocaust Memorial Week as presented in the packet. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve a proclamation commemorating Holocaust Memorial Week as presented in the packet. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approve a proclamation recognizing Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month as presented
MOTION: Move to approve a proclamation recognizing Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve a proclamation recognizing Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Donations - Beebe Library
Accept donations totaling $570 for the Beebe Library from various donors with thanks
MOTION: Move to accept donations totaling $570 for the Beebe Library from various donors with thanks. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to accept donations totaling $570 for the Beebe Library from various donors with thanks. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approval of Minutes
Approve the Town Council meeting minutes from February 23, 2026
MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council meeting minutes from February 23, 2026. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council meeting minutes from February 23, 2026. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Adjournment
Adjourn
MOTION: Move to adjourn the meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: 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
“MOTION: Move to adjourn the meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: The motion passed by acclamation.” (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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