MassVoter.com← Wakefield Town CouncilWakefield Town Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
August 17, 2026
15 recorded votes, 1 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
Every vote, in order
Possible Executive Session
Go into Executive Session to discuss the following with the intent to returning to open session immediately thereafter, because an open session may have detrimental effects on the bargaining...
MOTION: Move to go into Executive Session to discuss the following with the intent to returning to open session immediately thereafter, because an open session may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the town: A. Strategy with respect to collective bargaining unit (Firefighters'), pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3). B. Discussion with respect to litigation regarding the 40B development, to wit: 32 Nahant Street LLC v. Wakefield ZBA, Housing Appeals Court No. 2023-09. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call vote
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to go into Executive Session to discuss the following with the intent to returning to open session immediately thereafter, because an open session may have detrimental effects on the bargaining position of the town: A. Strategy with respect to collective bargaining unit (Firefighters'), pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3). B. Discussion with respect to litigation regarding the 40B development, to wit: 32 Nahant Street LLC v. Wakefield ZBA, Housing Appeals Court No. 2023-09. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call vote.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Public Hearing
Moved to open the public hearing at 7:06 p.m. for the Town-owned Asset, Proposed Naming of Wakefield Memorial High School Basketball Court
MOTION: Moved to open the public hearing at 7:06 p.m. for the Town-owned Asset, Proposed Naming of Wakefield Memorial High School Basketball Court. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call vote
From the minutes
“MOTION: Moved to open the public hearing at 7:06 p.m. for the Town-owned Asset, Proposed Naming of Wakefield Memorial High School Basketball Court. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0) by roll call vote.” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Approve the proposed naming of the Wakefield Memorial High School Basketball Court for Coach Brad Simpson
MOTION: Move to approve the proposed naming of the Wakefield Memorial High School Basketball Court for Coach Brad Simpson. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the proposed naming of the Wakefield Memorial High School Basketball Court for Coach Brad Simpson. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Close the public hearing at 7:15 p.m
MOTION: Move to close the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to close the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Recommendation
Authorize the town administrator to issue the proposed letter for homeowner access
MOTION: Move to authorize the town administrator to issue the proposed letter for homeowner access. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to authorize the town administrator to issue the proposed letter for homeowner access. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Appointment
Moved to appoint James Cerone to the Conservation Commission with a term ending April 30, 2027
MOTION: Moved to appoint James Cerone to the Conservation Commission with a term ending April 30, 2027. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Moved to appoint James Cerone to the Conservation Commission with a term ending April 30, 2027. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Town Council Policies & Regulations
Approve the policy as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the policy as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the policy as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
MOTION: Move to approve the policy as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the policy as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
MOTION: Move to approve the policy as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the policy as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Approve the sale of $3,069,000 4.625 percent General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes, Series A (Subject to Federal and Massachusetts Income Taxation) (the "Series A Notes") of the Town dated...
MOTION: Voted: to approve the sale of $3,069,000 4.625 percent General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes, Series A (Subject to Federal and Massachusetts Income Taxation) (the "Series A Notes") of the Town dated August 19, 2026, and payable August 19, 2027 to Oppenheimer & Co. at par and accrued interest, if any, plus a premium of $276.21. Further Voted: to approve the sale of $395,300 4.75 percent General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes, Series B (the "Series B Notes" and together with the Series A Notes, the "Notes") of the Town dated August 19, 2026 and payable August 19, 2027 to Oppenheimer & Co. at par and accrued interest, if any, plus a premium of $110.00. Further Voted: that in connection with the marketing and sale of the Notes, the preparation and distribution of a Notice of Sale and Preliminary Official Statement dated July 28, 2026 and a final Official Statement dated August 5, 2026, each in such form as may be approved by the Town Treasurer, be and hereby are ratified, confirmed, approved and adopted. Further Voted: that the Town Treasurer and the Town Council be, and hereby are, authorized to execute and deliver a significant events disclosure undertaking in compliance with SEC Rule 15c2-12 in such form as may be approved by bond counsel to the Town, which undertaking shall be incorporated by reference in the Notes for the benefit of the holders of the Notes from time to time. Further Voted: that we authorize and direct the Town Treasurer to establish post is
From the minutes
“MOTION: Voted: to approve the sale of $3,069,000 4.625 percent General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes, Series A (Subject to Federal and Massachusetts Income Taxation) (the "Series A Notes") of the Town dated August 19, 2026, and payable August 19, 2027 to Oppenheimer & Co. at par and accrued interest, if any, plus a premium of $276.21. Further Voted: to approve the sale of $395,300 4.75 percent General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes, Series B (the "Series B Notes" and together with the Series A Notes, the "Notes") of the Town dated August 19, 2026 and payable August 19, 2027 to Oppenheimer & Co. at par and accrued interest, if any, plus a premium of $110.00. Further Voted: that in connection with the marketing and sale of the Notes, the preparation and distribution of a Notice of Sale and Preliminary Official Statement dated July 28, 2026 and a final Official Statement dated August 5, 2026, each in such form as may be approved by the Town Treasurer, be and hereby are ratified, confirmed, approved and adopted. Further Voted: that the Town Treasurer and the Town Council be, and hereby are, authorized to execute and deliver a significant events disclosure undertaking in compliance with SEC Rule 15c2-12 in such form as may be approved by bond counsel to the Town, which undertaking shall be incorporated by reference in the Notes for the benefit of the holders of the Notes from time to time. Further Voted: that we authorize and direct the Town Treasurer to establish post issuance federal tax compliance procedures and continuing disclosure procedures in such forms as the Town Treasurer and bond counsel deem sufficient, or if such procedures are currently in place, to review and update said procedures, in order to monitor and maintain the tax-exempt status of the Series B Notes and to comply with relevant securities laws. Further Voted: that any certificates or documents relating to the Notes (collectively, the "Documents"), may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be regarded as an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same document; delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to a Document by electronic mail in a ".pdf" file or by other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart signature page to such Document; and electronic signatures on any of the Documents shall be deemed original signatures for the purposes of the Documents and all matters relating thereto, having the same legal effect as original signatures. Further Voted: that each member of the Town Council, the Town Clerk and the Town Treasurer be and hereby are, authorized to take any and all such actions, and execute and deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be determined by them, or any of them, to be necessary or convenient to carry into effect the provisions of the foregoing votes. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Bond to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
That the sale of the $390,000 Sewer Bond of the Town dated August 31, 2026, to Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the "Authority") is hereby approved and the Town Treasurer or other...
MOTION: Voted: that the sale of the $390,000 Sewer Bond of the Town dated August 31, 2026, to Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the "Authority") is hereby approved and the Town Treasurer or other appropriate Town official is authorized to execute on behalf of the Town a Loan Agreement and a Financial Assistance Agreement with the Authority with respect to the bond. The bond shall be payable without interest on August 15 of the years and in the principal amounts as follows: Year Installment Year Installment 2027 $39,000 2032 $39,000 2028 39,000 2033 39,000 2029 39,000 2034 39,000 2030 39,000 2035 39,000 2031 39,000 2036 39,000 Further Voted: that any certificates or documents relating to bond (collectively, the "Documents"), may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be regarded as an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same document; delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to a Document by electronic mail in a ".pdf" file or by other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart signature page to such Document; and electronic signatures on any of the Documents shall be deemed original signatures for the purposes of the Documents and all matters relating thereto, having the same legal effect as original signatures; Further Voted: that all action taken to date by the Town and its officers and agents to carry out this financing, including the execution of any application ag
From the minutes
“MOTION: Voted: that the sale of the $390,000 Sewer Bond of the Town dated August 31, 2026, to Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the "Authority") is hereby approved and the Town Treasurer or other appropriate Town official is authorized to execute on behalf of the Town a Loan Agreement and a Financial Assistance Agreement with the Authority with respect to the bond. The bond shall be payable without interest on August 15 of the years and in the principal amounts as follows: Year Installment Year Installment 2027 $39,000 2032 $39,000 2028 39,000 2033 39,000 2029 39,000 2034 39,000 2030 39,000 2035 39,000 2031 39,000 2036 39,000 Further Voted: that any certificates or documents relating to bond (collectively, the "Documents"), may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be regarded as an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same document; delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to a Document by electronic mail in a ".pdf" file or by other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart signature page to such Document; and electronic signatures on any of the Documents shall be deemed original signatures for the purposes of the Documents and all matters relating thereto, having the same legal effect as original signatures; Further Voted: that all action taken to date by the Town and its officers and agents to carry out this financing, including the execution of any application agreement by the Treasurer or any other official of the Town, are hereby ratified, approved and confirmed; and Further Voted: that each member of the Town Council, the Town Clerk and the Town Treasurer be and hereby are, authorized to take any and all such actions, and execute and deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be determined by them, or any of them, to be necessary or convenient to carry into effect the provisions of the foregoing votes. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Debt Service Fund
Transfer $1,000,000 from the General Fund to the Debt Service Capital Needs Account
MOTION: Move to transfer $1,000,000 from the General Fund to the Debt Service Capital Needs Account. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to transfer $1,000,000 from the General Fund to the Debt Service Capital Needs Account. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
License
Approve the One-Day Permit for Idle Hands Craft Ales for September 26, 2026, with a rain date of September 27, 2026
MOTION: Move to approve the One-Day Permit for Idle Hands Craft Ales for September 26, 2026, with a rain date of September 27, 2026. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the One-Day Permit for Idle Hands Craft Ales for September 26, 2026, with a rain date of September 27, 2026. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (Motion: Constas, second: Carney)
Approval of Minutes
Approve the July 20, 2026, Town Council Minutes as presented
MOTION: Move to approve the July 20, 2026, Town Council Minutes as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0)
From the minutes
“MOTION: Move to approve the July 20, 2026, Town Council Minutes as presented. Moved by: Stacey Constas Second: John F. Carney Vote: Unanimous (7-0).” (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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