MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2025–2026 Council · Regular meeting
April 13, 2026
27 recorded votes, 4 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
Absent: Brian Fox
Every vote, in order
Public Hearing
Open the Public Hearing for the Change of Ownership Interest - Circle K, located at 448 Salem Street
MOTION: Move to open the Public Hearing for the Change of Ownership Interest - Circle K, located at 448 Salem Street. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines at 7:08 p.m. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to open the Public Hearing for the Change of Ownership Interest - Circle K, located at 448 Salem Street. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines at 7:08 p.m. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Public Comment
Approve the change of ownership interest with the corrected hours
MOTION: Move to approve the change of ownership interest with the corrected hours. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the change of ownership interest with the corrected hours. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Close the public hearing
MOTION: Move to close the public hearing. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines at 7:16 p.m. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to close the public hearing. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines at 7:16 p.m. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Fiscal Year 2027 Town Meeting Warrant Articles
Approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: 5-0-1 with John Crisley abstaining.
Yes: Butler, Butt, Carney, Chines, ConstasAbstained: Crisley
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: 5-0-1 with John Crisley abstaining..” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Greenwood School Feasibility Study
Approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0). John Crisley was not present for the vote.
Yes: Butler, Butt, Carney, Chines, ConstasThe minutes say John Crisley was not present for the vote, so that member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (5-0). John Crisley was not present for the vote..” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Revaluation of Personal Property
Approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Revaluation of Real Properties
Approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Fire Pumper Supplemental Appropriation
Approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Emergency Management and Drainage Improvements Revolving Accounts
Approve the Emergency Management Revolving Account and Drainage Improvements Revolving Account for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve the Emergency Management Revolving Account and Drainage Improvements Revolving Account for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Emergency Management Revolving Account and Drainage Improvements Revolving Account for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Revolving Amounts
Approve the Revolving Amounts: Road Repair, Surplus Equipment, Emergency Management, Drainage Improvements for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve the Revolving Amounts: Road Repair, Surplus Equipment, Emergency Management, Drainage Improvements for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Revolving Amounts: Road Repair, Surplus Equipment, Emergency Management, Drainage Improvements for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Stormwater Bylaw
Approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Zoning Bylaw Modification
Approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Debt Service
Approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department Pilot
Approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Supplemental Appropriations
Approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Indemnification
Approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town meeting
MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Rationale
Approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: 5-1-0. Douglas S. Butler voted against the motion
Yes: Butt, Carney, Chines, Constas, CrisleyNo: Butler
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: 5-1-0. Douglas S. Butler voted against the motion.” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Approve the Vocational Schools budget for $3,097,721 for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve the Vocational Schools budget for $3,097,721 for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Vocational Schools budget for $3,097,721 for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Budget 46
Approve the Wakefield Schools budget for 58,601,611 for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve the Wakefield Schools budget for 58,601,611 for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Wakefield Schools budget for 58,601,611 for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Budget 40
Approve the Medicare budget for $1,166,719.13 for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve the Medicare budget for $1,166,719.13 for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Medicare budget for $1,166,719.13 for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Budget 1
Approve the Town Council budget for $919,351.46 for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting
MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council budget for $919,351.46 for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Town Council budget for $919,351.46 for presentation at the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Annual Town Meeting
Approve the Annual Town Meeting warrant for May 4, 2026, as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the Annual Town Meeting warrant for May 4, 2026, as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Annual Town Meeting warrant for May 4, 2026, as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Appointments
Appoint the following
MOTION: Move to appoint the following. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint the following. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Reappointment
Accept and expend the donation for $350.00 to the Council on Aging from various donors, with thanks
MOTION: Move to accept and expend the donation for $350.00 to the Council on Aging 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 and expend the donation for $350.00 to the Council on Aging from various donors, with thanks. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Chines, second: Carney)
Accept and expend the donation for $1,055.00 to the Library from various donors, with thanks
MOTION: Move to accept and expend the donation for $1,055.00 to the 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 and expend the donation for $1,055.00 to the 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 March 23, 2026, Town Council meeting minutes as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the March 23, 2026, Town Council meeting minutes as presented. Moved by: Jonathan P. Chines Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the March 23, 2026, Town Council meeting minutes as presented. 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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