MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
May 18, 2026
19 recorded votes, 5 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · Agenda
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Present: Douglas S. Butler, John F. Carney, Jonathan P. Chines, Stacey Constas, John Crisley, Brian Fox, Ami Ruehrwein Wall
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Douglas S. Butler joined at 6:46 p.m.
- John Crisley joined.
- Brian Fox joined at 6:56 p.m.
Every vote, in order
Executive Session
Go into executive session to discuss the Collective Bargaining Agreements with the Police Superiors Union, Massachusetts Coalition of Police Union, and Supervisors Union, because an open session...
MOTION: Move to go into executive session to discuss the Collective Bargaining Agreements with the Police Superiors Union, Massachusetts Coalition of Police Union, and Supervisors Union, because an open session may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the Town, with the intent on returning to open session immediately thereafter. Moved by: John F. Carney at 6:35 p.m. Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (4-0) John F. Carney, Stacey Constas, Ami Ruehrwein Wall, and Jonathan P. Chines by roll
Yes: Carney, Chines, Constas, WallThe roll call does not list Douglas S. Butler, John Crisley and Brian Fox, who were at the meeting, so they are left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to go into executive session to discuss the Collective Bargaining Agreements with the Police Superiors Union, Massachusetts Coalition of Police Union, and Supervisors Union, because an open session may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the Town, with the intent on returning to open session immediately thereafter. Moved by: John F. Carney at 6:35 p.m. Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (4-0) John F. Carney, Stacey Constas, Ami Ruehrwein Wall, and Jonathan P. Chines by roll.” (Motion: Carney, second: Wall)
C. Licenses
Approve the liquor license for Bliss Point Meadery for the farmers market season, to include sales and sampling
MOTION: Move to approve the liquor license for Bliss Point Meadery for the farmers market season, to include sales and sampling. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the liquor license for Bliss Point Meadery for the farmers market season, to include sales and sampling. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Carney, second: Wall)
Approve the liquor license for Saltbox Cider Shop LLC for the farmers market season, to include sales and sampling
MOTION: Move to approve the liquor license for Saltbox Cider Shop LLC for the farmers market season, to include sales and sampling. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the liquor license for Saltbox Cider Shop LLC for the farmers market season, to include sales and sampling. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Carney, second: Wall)
Farmers Market Liquor License
Approve the liquor license for Time and Materials Beer Company for the farmers market season, to include sales and sampling
MOTION: Move to approve the liquor license for Time and Materials Beer Company for the farmers market season, to include sales and sampling. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the liquor license for Time and Materials Beer Company for the farmers market season, to include sales and sampling. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Carney, second: Wall)
2. Secondhand License: Upcycle Queen Creative Studio
Approve the secondhand license for Upcycle Queen Creative Studio
MOTION: Move to approve the secondhand license for Upcycle Queen Creative Studio. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the secondhand license for Upcycle Queen Creative Studio. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Carney, second: Wall)
Allow the Department of Public Works with the cooperation of the Friends of Lake Quannapowitt to replace the wooden kiosks "as is
MOTION: Move to allow the Department of Public Works with the cooperation of the Friends of Lake Quannapowitt to replace the wooden kiosks "as is". Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to allow the Department of Public Works with the cooperation of the Friends of Lake Quannapowitt to replace the wooden kiosks "as is". Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Carney, second: Wall)
Accept proposal and open the public comment period
MOTION: Move to accept proposal and open the public comment period. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to accept proposal and open the public comment period. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Carney, second: Wall)
G. Appointments
Appoint Benjamin Donovan to the Economic Development Council with a term ending October 31, 2026
MOTION: Move to appoint Benjamin Donovan to the Economic Development Council with a term ending October 31, 2026. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Benjamin Donovan to the Economic Development Council with a term ending October 31, 2026. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Carney, second: Wall)
Appoint Benjamin Beutel to the Historical Commission with a term ending April 30, 2029
MOTION: Move to appoint Benjamin Beutel to the Historical Commission with a term ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Benjamin Beutel to the Historical Commission with a term ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Carney, second: Wall)
Appoint Kathleen M. Beaulieu, Wesley A. Beckett, Barry D. Noyes, and Betsy Sheeran (Clerk to the Board of Registrars) to the Board of Registrars with terms ending April 30, 2029
MOTION: Move to appoint Kathleen M. Beaulieu, Wesley A. Beckett, Barry D. Noyes, and Betsy Sheeran (Clerk to the Board of Registrars) to the Board of Registrars with terms ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Kathleen M. Beaulieu, Wesley A. Beckett, Barry D. Noyes, and Betsy Sheeran (Clerk to the Board of Registrars) to the Board of Registrars with terms ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Carney, second: Wall)
Appoint Kristin Maria Weekley as the Planning Board Representative to the Housing Trust with a term ending October 31, 2027
MOTION: Move to appoint Kristin Maria Weekley as the Planning Board Representative to the Housing Trust with a term ending October 31, 2027. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: 6-0. Stacey Constas was not present for the vote.
Yes: Butler, Carney, Chines, Crisley, Fox, WallThe minutes say Stacey Constas was not present for the vote, so that member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Kristin Maria Weekley as the Planning Board Representative to the Housing Trust with a term ending October 31, 2027. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: 6-0. Stacey Constas was not present for the vote..” (Motion: Carney, second: Wall)
Council on Aging
Appoint Edward Cutting to the Council on Aging with a term ending April 30, 2029
MOTION: Move to appoint Edward Cutting to the Council on Aging with a term ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Edward Cutting to the Council on Aging with a term ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Carney, second: Wall)
Approve the library donation for $15,315.00 and Council on Aging for $1,220.00 from various donors with thanks
MOTION: Move to approve the library donation for $15,315.00 and Council on Aging for $1,220.00 from various donors with thanks. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the library donation for $15,315.00 and Council on Aging for $1,220.00 from various donors with thanks. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Carney, second: Wall)
Approve the duplicate street lists and town reports donations to the Historical Society from the Town
MOTION: Move to approve the duplicate street lists and town reports donations to the Historical Society from the Town. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: John Crisley Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the duplicate street lists and town reports donations to the Historical Society from the Town. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: John Crisley Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Carney, second: Crisley)
Nominate Jonathan P. Chines Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
I. Reorganization Chair: John F. Carney nominates Jonathan P. Chines Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“I. Reorganization Chair: John F. Carney nominates Jonathan P. Chines Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Carney)
Nominate Stacey Constas Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
Vice-Chair: John F. Carney nominates Stacey Constas Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“Vice-Chair: John F. Carney nominates Stacey Constas Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Carney)
Approve the April 27, 2026, Town Council minutes
MOTION: Move to approve the April 27, 2026, Town Council minutes. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Brian Fox Vote: 6-0-1. Ami Ruehrwein Wall abstained.
Yes: Butler, Carney, Chines, Constas, Crisley, FoxAbstained: Wall
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the April 27, 2026, Town Council minutes. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Brian Fox Vote: 6-0-1. Ami Ruehrwein Wall abstained..” (Motion: Carney, second: Fox)
May 4, 2026, Town Council Minutes
Approve the May 4, 2026, Town Council minutes
MOTION: Move to approve the May 4, 2026, Town Council minutes. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Brian Fox Vote: 5-0-2. Douglas S. Butler and John Crisley abstained.
Yes: Carney, Chines, Constas, Fox, WallAbstained: Butler, Crisley
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the May 4, 2026, Town Council minutes. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Brian Fox Vote: 5-0-2. Douglas S. Butler and John Crisley abstained..” (Motion: Carney, second: Fox)
Adjournment
Adjourn
MOTION: Move to adjourn the meeting. Moved by: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall 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: John F. Carney Second: Ami Ruehrwein Wall Vote: The motion passed by acclamation.” (Motion: Carney, second: Wall)
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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