MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
June 8, 2026
24 recorded votes, 12 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:
- Ami Ruehrwein Wall joined at 7:23 p.m.
- Ami Ruehrwein Wall left the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Every vote, in order
Executive Session
Go into executive session to discuss the Collective Bargaining Agreements with the Wakefield Municipal, Administrative, Supervisory and Professional Employees Association and Wakefield Mass...
MOTION: Move to go into executive session to discuss the Collective Bargaining Agreements with the Wakefield Municipal, Administrative, Supervisory and Professional Employees Association and Wakefield Mass Laborers District Council, Local 272, 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: Stacey Constas at 6:33 p.m. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) Douglas S. Butler, John F. Carney, Jonathan P. Chines, Stacey Constas, John Crisley, and Brian Fox by roll call.
Yes: Butler, Carney, Chines, Constas, Crisley, FoxThe roll call does not list Ami Ruehrwein Wall, who was at the meeting, so that member is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to go into executive session to discuss the Collective Bargaining Agreements with the Wakefield Municipal, Administrative, Supervisory and Professional Employees Association and Wakefield Mass Laborers District Council, Local 272, 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: Stacey Constas at 6:33 p.m. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) Douglas S. Butler, John F. Carney, Jonathan P. Chines, Stacey Constas, John Crisley, and Brian Fox by roll call..” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Public Hearing
Open the public hearing for the Fiscal year 2027 Water and Sewer Rates
MOTION: Move to open the public hearing for the Fiscal year 2027 Water and Sewer Rates. Moved by: Stacey Constas at 7:08 p.m. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) Douglas S. Butler, John F. Carney, Jonathan P. Chines, Stacey Constas, John Crisley, and Brian Fox by roll call.
Yes: Butler, Carney, Chines, Constas, Crisley, FoxThe roll call does not list Ami Ruehrwein Wall, who was at the meeting, so that member is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to open the public hearing for the Fiscal year 2027 Water and Sewer Rates. Moved by: Stacey Constas at 7:08 p.m. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0) Douglas S. Butler, John F. Carney, Jonathan P. Chines, Stacey Constas, John Crisley, and Brian Fox by roll call..” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Discussion
Approve the water rate service charge and tiered volumetric rate as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the water rate service charge and tiered volumetric rate as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the water rate service charge and tiered volumetric rate as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Approve the sewer rate service charge and tiered volumetric rate as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the sewer rate service charge and tiered volumetric rate as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the sewer rate service charge and tiered volumetric rate as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Approve the manual read meter fee of $50.00 as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the manual read meter fee of $50.00 as presented. Discussion: Clarification was asked regarding the manual read meter fee. Mr. Conway explained this fee is for accounts where the DPW cannot gain access after multiple attempts and serves as an encouragement tool that has never had to be used. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the manual read meter fee of $50.00 as presented. Discussion: Clarification was asked regarding the manual read meter fee. Mr. Conway explained this fee is for accounts where the DPW cannot gain access after multiple attempts and serves as an encouragement tool that has never had to be used. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Approve the septic disposal formula as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the septic disposal formula as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the septic disposal formula as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Approve the final read fee of $100.00 as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the final read fee of $100.00 as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the final read fee of $100.00 as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Close the public hearing
MOTION: Move to close the public hearing. Moved by: Stacey Constas at 7:54 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: Stacey Constas at 7:54 p.m. Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Housing Trust
Accept the Affordable Housing Trust report as presented
MOTION: Move to accept the Affordable Housing Trust report as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: 6-0. Ami Ruehrwein was not available for the vote.
Yes: Butler, Carney, Chines, Constas, Crisley, FoxThe minutes say Ami Ruehrwein Wall was not present for the vote, so that member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to accept the Affordable Housing Trust report as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: 6-0. Ami Ruehrwein was not available for the vote..” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Economic Development Council (EDC)
Accept the ARPA report from the Economic Development Council
MOTION: Move to accept the ARPA report from the Economic Development Council. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to accept the ARPA report from the Economic Development Council. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Key functions include
Approve the Intermunicipal Agreement for the Metro North Regional Housing Services Office
MOTION: Move to approve the Intermunicipal Agreement for the Metro North Regional Housing Services Office. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Intermunicipal Agreement for the Metro North Regional Housing Services Office. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Approve a one-day liquor permit for Caitlin Sartori for Wakefield Youth, Football and Cheer
MOTION: Move to approve a one-day liquor permit for Caitlin Sartori for Wakefield Youth, Football and Cheer. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve a one-day liquor permit for Caitlin Sartori for Wakefield Youth, Football and Cheer. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Approve the Plaza Jazz entertainment license for the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library
MOTION: Move to approve the Plaza Jazz entertainment license for the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Plaza Jazz entertainment license for the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Approve an entertainment license for Howie's Bar and Vinson's Kitchen
MOTION: Move to approve an entertainment license for Howie's Bar and Vinson's Kitchen. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve an entertainment license for Howie's Bar and Vinson's Kitchen. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Bench and Structure Policy
Approve the Bench and Structure Policy with the proposed amendment
MOTION: Move to approve the Bench and Structure Policy with the proposed amendment. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Bench and Structure Policy with the proposed amendment. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Appointments
Appoint Willy Chung to the Environmental Sustainability Committee with a term ending April 30, 2029
MOTION: Move to appoint Willy Chung to the Environmental Sustainability Committee with a term ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
Yes: Butler, Carney, Chines, Constas, Crisley, FoxThe minutes say “Ami Ruehrwein Wall joined at 7:23 p.m.”; “Ami Ruehrwein Wall left the meeting at 8:50 p.m.”. The count (6-0) matches the 6 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Ami Ruehrwein Wall is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Willy Chung to the Environmental Sustainability Committee with a term ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Human Rights Commission
Appoint Jillian Arcari and Laila Atoui as the student members to the Human Rights Commission with a term ending June 30, 2027
MOTION: Move to appoint Jillian Arcari and Laila Atoui as the student members to the Human Rights Commission with a term ending June 30, 2027. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
Yes: Butler, Carney, Chines, Constas, Crisley, FoxThe minutes say “Ami Ruehrwein Wall joined at 7:23 p.m.”; “Ami Ruehrwein Wall left the meeting at 8:50 p.m.”. The count (6-0) matches the 6 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Ami Ruehrwein Wall is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Jillian Arcari and Laila Atoui as the student members to the Human Rights Commission with a term ending June 30, 2027. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Appoint Isabella Melo and Marlene Veldwisch to the Human Rights Commission with terms ending April 30, 2029
MOTION: Move to appoint Isabella Melo and Marlene Veldwisch to the Human Rights Commission with terms ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
Yes: Butler, Carney, Chines, Constas, Crisley, FoxThe minutes say “Ami Ruehrwein Wall joined at 7:23 p.m.”; “Ami Ruehrwein Wall left the meeting at 8:50 p.m.”. The count (6-0) matches the 6 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Ami Ruehrwein Wall is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Isabella Melo and Marlene Veldwisch to the Human Rights Commission with terms ending April 30, 2029. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Temporary Animal Control Officer
Appoint Anthony Chui as the Temporary Animal Control Officer
MOTION: Move to appoint Anthony Chui as the Temporary Animal Control Officer Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
Yes: Butler, Carney, Chines, Constas, Crisley, FoxThe minutes say “Ami Ruehrwein Wall joined at 7:23 p.m.”; “Ami Ruehrwein Wall left the meeting at 8:50 p.m.”. The count (6-0) matches the 6 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Ami Ruehrwein Wall is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to appoint Anthony Chui as the Temporary Animal Control Officer Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Donations
Approve the library donation for $20,670.68 from various donors with thanks
MOTION: Move to approve the library donation for $20,670.68 from various donors with thanks. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
Yes: Butler, Carney, Chines, Constas, Crisley, FoxThe minutes say “Ami Ruehrwein Wall joined at 7:23 p.m.”; “Ami Ruehrwein Wall left the meeting at 8:50 p.m.”. The count (6-0) matches the 6 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Ami Ruehrwein Wall is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the library donation for $20,670.68 from various donors with thanks. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Approve the Council on Aging for $225.00 from various donors with thanks
MOTION: Move to approve the Council on Aging for $225.00 from various donors with thanks. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
Yes: Butler, Carney, Chines, Constas, Crisley, FoxThe minutes say “Ami Ruehrwein Wall joined at 7:23 p.m.”; “Ami Ruehrwein Wall left the meeting at 8:50 p.m.”. The count (6-0) matches the 6 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Ami Ruehrwein Wall is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the Council on Aging for $225.00 from various donors with thanks. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Approval of Minutes
Approve the May 18, 2026, Town Council minutes
MOTION: Move to approve the May 18, 2026, Town Council minutes. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0)
Yes: Butler, Carney, Chines, Constas, Crisley, FoxThe minutes say “Ami Ruehrwein Wall joined at 7:23 p.m.”; “Ami Ruehrwein Wall left the meeting at 8:50 p.m.”. The count (6-0) matches the 6 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Ami Ruehrwein Wall is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the May 18, 2026, Town Council minutes. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (6-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Approve the May 18, 2026, Town Council executive minutes
MOTION: Move to approve the May 18, 2026, Town Council executive minutes. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: 5-0-1. Brian Fox abstained.
Yes: Butler, Carney, Chines, Constas, CrisleyAbstained: FoxThe minutes say “Ami Ruehrwein Wall joined at 7:23 p.m.”; “Ami Ruehrwein Wall left the meeting at 8:50 p.m.”. The count (5-0-1) matches the 6 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Ami Ruehrwein Wall is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the May 18, 2026, Town Council executive minutes. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: 5-0-1. Brian Fox abstained..” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Adjournment
Adjourn
MOTION: Move to adjourn the meeting. Moved by: Stacey Constas 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: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: The motion passed by acclamation.” (Motion: Constas, 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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