MassVoter.com← WaylandMunicipal votes · 2021–2022 Board
Wayland Select Board
How the Wayland Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. Adam Gutbezahl and Carol Martin joined the board after the May 2021 town election; Lea Anderson and Mary Antes left it (their last meeting was May 16, 2021). On May 24, 2021 the board chose Thomas Fay as Chair (5-0) and Cherry Karlson as Vice Chair (3-2, after a motion to choose David Watkins failed 2-3). The board was renamed the Select Board during this term (the minutes use the new name from March 21, 2022). Covers 51 meetings, May 24 to May 15, 2022.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Select Board do? It is the town’s executive board. It prepares the Town Meeting warrant (the list of articles voters decide), appoints members of many town boards, hires the town’s top staff, signs warrants to pay town bills, and grants licenses and permits.
Town Meeting, not the Select Board, votes the town budget and town bylaws.
Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budgetBoard years
Coming up
No upcoming meeting is posted yet. Check the official calendar →
Under the state Open Meeting Law, boards post notice at least 48 hours ahead, not counting weekends and legal holidays.
Members
ChairThomas FayChair · At-large · at 49 of 51 meetingsVice-ChairCherry KarlsonVice Chair · At-large · at 48 of 51 meetings
Carol MartinMember · At-large · at 51 of 51 meetingsDavid WatkinsMember · At-large · at 51 of 51 meetings"At X of Y meetings" counts the members the minutes list as present at the start of each meeting in this record. Members who step out are listed on each meeting page.
Meetings
About missing minutes
Loaded: Wayland Select Board minutes (the board was called the Board of Selectmen until March 2022) from January 8, 2018 through September 8, 2026: 376 meetings and 2,527 votes. Minutes from 2018 through 2024 come from the town’s Document Center (Agendas & Minutes prior to 2025, Select Board), which holds the board’s open-session minutes back to July 2009 (MassVoter has loaded 2018 on); minutes from January 2025 on come from the town’s Agenda Center. All the minutes are typed documents with searchable text. Not here: executive-session minutes; two dates with no meeting (October 8, 2019, when there was no quorum, and September 30, 2021, when no meeting was called to order); March 25, 2025, when the board attended a Board of Public Works forum (agenda only, no minutes posted); and meetings after September 8, 2026 (the September 22 and October 5, 2026 minutes are not posted yet). On three days in early 2021 the board met twice; the morning meetings are listed as Special so the two stay separate. Wayland’s minutes record nearly every vote as a roll call by name (“YEA: T. Fay, D. Levine, C. Martin, C. Reynolds and W. Whitney. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted. 5-0-0.”), and we show each member’s vote as recorded; members listed as absent for a vote or not listed are not shown as voting, with a note. Where a roll call lists a member twice, names someone the minutes do not show as present or no longer on the board, or does not match its stated count, we show the count only, with a note (16 votes). Where the minutes write “Adopted” but the roll call shows more no votes than yes votes, the motion is shown as failed, with a note. At joint meetings (with the Board of Health, School Committee, Board of Public Works, Board of Assessors, Planning Board, Housing Authority, Recreation Commission, Trust Fund Commission and others), only the Select Board members’ votes are shown, and votes taken by the other boards alone are left out. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
Votes where members disagreed
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
May 15Approve Article 24 Rescind Stonebridge BridgeMotion: A. Gutbezahl moved and C. Karlson seconded the Board approve Article…Failed 0–5 · No: Fay, Gutbezahl, Karlson, Martin, Watkins
May 15, 2022: Approve Article 24 Rescind Stonebridge Bridge
A. Gutbezahl moved and C. Karlson seconded the Board approve Article 24 Rescind Stonebridge Bridge.
No: Fay, Gutbezahl, Karlson, Martin, Watkins
From the minutes
“A. Gutbezahl moved and C. Karlson seconded the Board approve Article 24 Rescind Stonebridge Bridge. Vote: 0-5-0. Motion did not pass with Watkins, Martin, Karlson, Gutbezahl and Fay voting in the negative..” (Motion: Gutbezahl, second: Karlson)
May 9Approve the minutes of April 19, 2022, as amendedMotion: C. Martin moved, seconded by D. Watkins, that the Board approve…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Karlson
May 9, 2022: Approve the minutes of April 19, 2022, as amended
C. Martin moved, seconded by D. Watkins, that the Board approve the minutes of April 19, 2022, as amended.
Yes: Fay, Gutbezahl, Martin, WatkinsAbstained: Karlson
From the minutes
“C. Martin moved, seconded by D. Watkins, that the Board approve the minutes of April 19, 2022, as amended. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: C. Karlson. Adopted 4-0-1.” (Motion: Martin, second: Watkins)
Apr 19Authorize the issuance of the Request for Proposal for…Motion: C. Karlson moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, that the Board vote…Passed 4–1 · No: Watkins
April 19, 2022: Authorize the issuance of the Request for Proposal for Town Manager Recruitment Services, presented in the packet as amended
C. Karlson moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, that the Board vote to authorize the issuance of the Request for Proposal for Town Manager Recruitment Services, presented in the packet as amended.
Yes: Fay, Gutbezahl, Karlson, MartinNo: Watkins
From the minutes
“C. Karlson moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, that the Board vote to authorize the issuance of the Request for Proposal for Town Manager Recruitment Services, presented in the packet as amended. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson, C. Martin. NAY: D. Watkins. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 4-1-0.” (Motion: Karlson, second: Gutbezahl)
Mar 21Appoint Stephen Crane as Acting Town Manager, retroactive to…Motion: C. Karlson moved, seconded by C. Martin, that the Board appoint…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 21, 2022: Appoint Stephen Crane as Acting Town Manager, retroactive to 5:00 p.m. on March 16, 2022, and that the Board ratify any and all ministerial actions taken since then, with an…
C. Karlson moved, seconded by C. Martin, that the Board appoint Stephen Crane as Acting Town Manager, retroactive to 5:00 p.m. on March 16, 2022, and that the Board ratify any and all ministerial actions taken since then, with an end date of the appointment to be coterminous with his existing contract.
Yes: Fay, Karlson, Martin, WatkinsThe roll call lists Adam Gutbezahl as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“C. Karlson moved, seconded by C. Martin, that the Board appoint Stephen Crane as Acting Town Manager, retroactive to 5:00 p.m. on March 16, 2022, and that the Board ratify any and all ministerial actions taken since then, with an end date of the appointment to be coterminous with his existing contract. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, C. Karlson, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: None. ABSENT: A. Gutbezahl. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 4-0.” (Motion: Karlson, second: Martin)
Mar 21Withdraw Article Q. Transfer of 212 Cochituate Rd from…Motion: C. Karlson moved, seconded by D. Watkins, to withdraw Article Q.…Passed 3–1 · No: Watkins
March 21, 2022: Withdraw Article Q. Transfer of 212 Cochituate Rd from the Warrant
C. Karlson moved, seconded by D. Watkins, to withdraw Article Q. Transfer of 212 Cochituate Rd from the Warrant. In discussion, D. Watkins and C. Martin expressed preference for the property to be used for affordable housing.
Yes: Fay, Karlson, MartinNo: WatkinsThe roll call lists Adam Gutbezahl as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“C. Karlson moved, seconded by D. Watkins, to withdraw Article Q. Transfer of 212 Cochituate Rd from the Warrant. In discussion, D. Watkins and C. Martin expressed preference for the property to be used for affordable housing. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, C. Karlson, C. Martin. NAY: D. Watkins. ABSENT: A. Gutbezahl. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 3-1.” (Motion: Karlson, second: Watkins)
Mar 21Recommend appointment of G. Anand to fill the vacancy…Motion: A. Gutbezahl moved, seconded by C. Martin, that the Select Board…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
March 21, 2022: Recommend appointment of G. Anand to fill the vacancy of Susan Green's term set to expire at the close of 2022 Annual Town Meeting
A. Gutbezahl moved, seconded by C. Martin, that the Select Board recommend appointment of G. Anand to fill the vacancy of Susan Green's term set to expire at the close of 2022 Annual Town Meeting. In discussion, the sense of the Board was supportive of Dr. Eyre to join the Board of Health when able to do so.
This was a joint vote with another board (count 7-2, including the other board’s members: yes: S. Green, A. Soslow; no: R. Defrancesco, J. Schuler; absent: B. McNamara). Only the Select Board members’ votes are shown.
From the minutes
“A. Gutbezahl moved, seconded by C. Martin, that the Select Board recommend appointment of G. Anand to fill the vacancy of Susan Green's term set to expire at the close of 2022 Annual Town Meeting. In discussion, the sense of the Board was supportive of Dr. Eyre to join the Board of Health when able to do so. Roll Call Vote: YEA: S. Green, A. Soslow, T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: R. Defrancesco, J. Schuler. ABSENT: B. McNamara. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 7-2.” (Motion: Gutbezahl, second: Martin)
Mar 21Approve the order of articles as shown in the…Motion: C. Karlson moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, that the Board approve…Passed 4–1 · No: Martin
March 21, 2022: Approve the order of articles as shown in the supplemental packet, understanding that Article 7 and Article 14 are being withdrawn; including the abbreviated procedure notations
C. Karlson moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, that the Board approve the order of articles as shown in the supplemental packet, understanding that Article 7 and Article 14 are being withdrawn; including the abbreviated procedure notations. In discussion, C. Martin suggested some revisions to the order of articles and asked C. Karlson to withdraw the motion to wait until after Executive Session.
Yes: Fay, Gutbezahl, Karlson, WatkinsNo: Martin
From the minutes
“C. Karlson moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, that the Board approve the order of articles as shown in the supplemental packet, understanding that Article 7 and Article 14 are being withdrawn; including the abbreviated procedure notations. In discussion, C. Martin suggested some revisions to the order of articles and asked C. Karlson to withdraw the motion to wait until after Executive Session. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson, D. Watkins. NAY: C. Martin. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 4- 1.” (Motion: Karlson, second: Gutbezahl)
Mar 14Insert Article EE. Capital Improvement Planning Committee into the…Motion: D. Watkins moved, seconded by C. Martin, to insert Article EE.…Failed 2–3 · No: Fay, Gutbezahl, Karlson
March 14, 2022: Insert Article EE. Capital Improvement Planning Committee into the Annual Town Meeting Warrant
D. Watkins moved, seconded by C. Martin, to insert Article EE. Capital Improvement Planning Committee into the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. There was a discussion about the need for a capital plan, to wait for the Town Manager Act.
Yes: Martin, WatkinsNo: Fay, Gutbezahl, Karlson
From the minutes
“D. Watkins moved, seconded by C. Martin, to insert Article EE. Capital Improvement Planning Committee into the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. There was a discussion about the need for a capital plan, to wait for the Town Manager Act. Roll Call Vote: YEA: C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion failed. 2-3-0.” (Motion: Watkins, second: Martin)
Mar 14Support Article. LL Appointment of Finance CommitteeMotion: C. Martin moved, seconded by D. Watkins, that the Board support…Passed 3–2 · No: Fay, Karlson
March 14, 2022: Support Article. LL Appointment of Finance Committee
C. Martin moved, seconded by D. Watkins, that the Board support Article. LL Appointment of Finance Committee. In discussion, T. Fay expressed opposition with the reduction in the number of elected individuals who appoint the Finance Committee and the impact on checks and balances.
Yes: Gutbezahl, Martin, WatkinsNo: Fay, Karlson
From the minutes
“C. Martin moved, seconded by D. Watkins, that the Board support Article. LL Appointment of Finance Committee. In discussion, T. Fay expressed opposition with the reduction in the number of elected individuals who appoint the Finance Committee and the impact on checks and balances. Roll Call Vote: YEA: A. Gutbezahl, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: T. Fay, C. Karlson. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 3-2.” (Motion: Martin, second: Watkins)
Mar 14Approve the minutes of February 16, 2022, February 23,…Motion: D. Watkins moved, seconded by C. Martin, to approve the minutes…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Gutbezahl
March 14, 2022: Approve the minutes of February 16, 2022, February 23, 2022, as amended
D. Watkins moved, seconded by C. Martin, to approve the minutes of February 16, 2022, February 23, 2022, as amended.
Yes: Fay, Karlson, Martin, WatkinsAbstained: Gutbezahl
From the minutes
“D. Watkins moved, seconded by C. Martin, to approve the minutes of February 16, 2022, February 23, 2022, as amended. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, C. Karlson, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: A. Gutbezahl. Adopted 4-0-1.” (Motion: Watkins, second: Martin)
From the Wayland Select Board’s official minutes: 2018 to 2024 from the town’s Document Center (Agendas & Minutes prior to 2025, Select Board), and 2025 on from its Agenda Center. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Wayland Patch candidate profiles (Thomas Fay, May 2022; William Whitney, April 2023; Carol Martin, April 2024; Doug Levine, May 2024), photos courtesy of the members. Christopher Reynolds from his candidate profile in The Wayland Post (April 2026).
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