MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2025–2026 Council · Regular meeting
March 23, 2026
27 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
Discussion on 5-Year Capital Plan
Approve the capital budget of $1,998,141 for fiscal year 2027 as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the capital budget of $1,998,141 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the capital budget of $1,998,141 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approve the sewer enterprise capital budget of $435,000 for fiscal year 2027 as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the sewer enterprise capital budget of $435,000 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the sewer enterprise capital budget of $435,000 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approve the water enterprise capital budget of $320,600 for fiscal year 2027 as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the water enterprise capital budget of $320,600 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the water enterprise capital budget of $320,600 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Public Hearing
Moved to open the public hearing for Roger and German LLC DBA Sabatino's
MOTION: Moved to open the public hearing for Roger and German LLC DBA Sabatino's. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines at 7:05 p.m. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Moved to open the public hearing for Roger and German LLC DBA Sabatino's. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines at 7:05 p.m. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
The council was requested to approve several items
Approve the all alcohol liquor license for Roger and German LLC DBA Sabatino's, subject to ABCC approval and completion of the purchase transaction
MOTION: Move to approve the all alcohol liquor license for Roger and German LLC DBA Sabatino's, subject to ABCC approval and completion of the purchase transaction. And also subject to the town council's finding that the license is not detrimental to the churches located in the vicinity. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the all alcohol liquor license for Roger and German LLC DBA Sabatino's, subject to ABCC approval and completion of the purchase transaction. And also subject to the town council's finding that the license is not detrimental to the churches located in the vicinity. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approve the common victualler and entertainment licenses for Roger and German LLC
MOTION: Move to approve the common victualler and entertainment licenses for Roger and German LLC. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the common victualler and entertainment licenses for Roger and German LLC. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Close the public hearing
MOTION: Move to close the public hearing. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines at 7:18 p.m. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to close the public hearing. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines at 7:18 p.m. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Stormwater Bylaw Updates
Approve placing the following warrant articles on the warrant for the May 4, 2026 Town Meeting: Eminent domain; Drainage revolving fund; Refuse, recycling, and yard waste; Emerson Street and Cedar...
MOTION: Move to approve placing the following warrant articles on the warrant for the May 4, 2026 Town Meeting: Eminent domain; Drainage revolving fund; Refuse, recycling, and yard waste; Emerson Street and Cedar Street drainage; Retaining wall repair at Vernon Street and Pine Street; Sewer inflow and infiltration phase sixteen borrowing; Water service line inventory and replacement borrowing authorization; Parking lot construction for the Richard Richardson Street rail trail and Sullivan Park; Building space and capital needs assessment; and Drainage easements at 14 Eunice Circle, 336, 352 and 360 Salem Street. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve placing the following warrant articles on the warrant for the May 4, 2026 Town Meeting: Eminent domain; Drainage revolving fund; Refuse, recycling, and yard waste; Emerson Street and Cedar Street drainage; Retaining wall repair at Vernon Street and Pine Street; Sewer inflow and infiltration phase sixteen borrowing; Water service line inventory and replacement borrowing authorization; Parking lot construction for the Richard Richardson Street rail trail and Sullivan Park; Building space and capital needs assessment; and Drainage easements at 14 Eunice Circle, 336, 352 and 360 Salem Street. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Fiscal Year 2027 Budgets
Approve the Retirement Budget for $9,374,929 for fiscal year 2027 as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the Retirement Budget for $9,374,929 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Retirement Budget for $9,374,929 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Veteran mental health initiative
Approve the Veteran's Department budget for $171,158.34 for fiscal year 2027 as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the Veteran's Department budget for $171,158.34 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Veteran's Department budget for $171,158.34 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approve the Health and Human Services budget for $608,240.10 for fiscal year 2027 as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the Health and Human Services budget for $608,240.10 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Health and Human Services budget for $608,240.10 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Sewer & Water Budgets
Approve the Department of Public Works budget for $7,555,600; Snow & Ice budget for $850,000; Sewer budget for $9,731,894; Water budget for $8,096,382 for fiscal year 2027 as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the Department of Public Works budget for $7,555,600; Snow & Ice budget for $850,000; Sewer budget for $9,731,894; Water budget for $8,096,382 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Department of Public Works budget for $7,555,600; Snow & Ice budget for $850,000; Sewer budget for $9,731,894; Water budget for $8,096,382 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approve the Cable Television budget for $465,000 for fiscal year 2027 as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the Cable Television budget for $465,000 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Cable Television budget for $465,000 for fiscal year 2027 as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Regionalized costs split evenly between the three communities
Approve the Inter-Municipal Agreement with Melrose, Stoneham, and Wakefield for Animal Control Services as proposed
MOTON: Move to approve the Inter-Municipal Agreement with Melrose, Stoneham, and Wakefield for Animal Control Services as proposed. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTON: Move to approve the Inter-Municipal Agreement with Melrose, Stoneham, and Wakefield for Animal Control Services as proposed. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Overdraft
Moved to approve the Snow and Ice overdraft request for $663,890.70
MOTION: Moved to approve the Snow and Ice overdraft request for $663,890.70. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Moved to approve the Snow and Ice overdraft request for $663,890.70. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Town Election Warrant
Approve the April 28, 2026 Town Election Warrant
MOTION: Move to approve the April 28, 2026 Town Election Warrant. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the April 28, 2026 Town Election Warrant. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
This year, the MMA commissioned two reports
Authorize the Town Administrator to execute License Agreements with businesses that want to participate
MOTION: Move to authorize the Town Administrator to execute License Agreements with businesses that want to participate. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to authorize the Town Administrator to execute License Agreements with businesses that want to participate. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Licenses
Approve the Secondhand Dealer License for J'Adore, LLC
MOTION: Move to approve the Secondhand Dealer License for J'Adore, LLC. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Secondhand Dealer License for J'Adore, LLC. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Livery
Approve the Livery license for Star Luxe Transport
MOTION: Move to approve the Livery license for Star Luxe Transport. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Livery license for Star Luxe Transport. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Fortune Teller
Approve the Fortune Teller license for Dvora Intuitive for a mobile license only
MOTION: Move to approve the Fortune Teller license for Dvora Intuitive for a mobile license only. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: 6-0-1 with Douglas S. Butler abstaining
Yes: Butt, Carney, Chines, Constas, Crisley, FoxAbstained: Butler
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Fortune Teller license for Dvora Intuitive for a mobile license only. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: 6-0-1 with Douglas S. Butler abstaining.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Appoint Elizabeth Rourke as the Town Council appointment for the Ex-officio member to the Wakefield Retirement Board
MOTION: Move to appoint Elizabeth Rourke as the Town Council appointment for the Ex-officio member to the Wakefield Retirement Board. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Elizabeth Rourke as the Town Council appointment for the Ex-officio member to the Wakefield Retirement Board. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Conservation Commission
Appoint Barbara Rose to the Conservation Commission with a term ending April 30, 2029
MOTION: Move to appoint Barbara Rose to the Conservation Commission with a term ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Barbara Rose to the Conservation Commission with a term ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Metropolitan Area Planning Council
Appoint Town Planner, Marissa Meany as the representative to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council for a three-year term ending March 23, 2029, and to appoint Town Engineer, William Renault as...
MOTION: Move to appoint Town Planner, Marissa Meany as the representative to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council for a three-year term ending March 23, 2029, and to appoint Town Engineer, William Renault as the alternate representative for a three-year term ending March 23, 2029. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Town Planner, Marissa Meany as the representative to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council for a three-year term ending March 23, 2029, and to appoint Town Engineer, William Renault as the alternate representative for a three-year term ending March 23, 2029. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Zoning Board of Appeals
Appoint Christopher McNamara to the Zoning Board of Appeals with a term ending April 30, 2029
MOTION: Move to appoint Christopher McNamara to the Zoning Board of Appeals with a term ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Christopher McNamara to the Zoning Board of Appeals with a term ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Accept the donation totaling $6,816 from The Friends of Mapleway Park with thanks
MOTION: Move to accept the donation totaling $6,816 from The Friends of Mapleway Park with thanks. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to accept the donation totaling $6,816 from The Friends of Mapleway Park with thanks. 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 March 9, 2026
MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council meeting minutes from March 9, 2026. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: 6-0-1 with Douglas S. Butler abstaining
Yes: Butt, Carney, Chines, Constas, Crisley, FoxAbstained: Butler
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council meeting minutes from March 9, 2026. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: 6-0-1 with 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: 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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