MassVoter.com← Wayland Select BoardWayland Select Board · 2022–2023 Board · Regular meeting
May 23, 2022
9 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Thomas Fay, Adam Gutbezahl, Cherry Karlson, Carol Martin, David Watkins
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
A2. Executive Session
Enter into Executive Session pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21, (a) (2) to conduct a strategy session in preparation for contract negotiations with non-union personnel...
T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Karlson, that the Select Board enter into Executive Session pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21, (a) (2) to conduct a strategy session in preparation for contract negotiations with non-union personnel Acting Town Manager; and pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 21 (a) (3), to discuss strategy with respect to litigation related to David Bernstein v. Planning Board of Wayland et al.; pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 21 (a) (2), (3), and (6) to review and approve the executive session minutes of May 2, 2022 (1 of 2 sets), May 2, 2022 (2 of 2 sets), May 9, 2022, and May 14, 2022 and pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 21 (a) (2), (3), and (6) to review with intent to approve and release with redactions the executive session minutes of April 12, 2022, April 19, 2022 (session 2), May 2, 2022 (session 2), May 9, 2022 and May 14, 2022 with the intent to approve and release with redactions. T. Fay declared that a public discussion of these matters may have a detrimental effect on the litigating, negotiating, or bargaining position of the Town.
From the minutes
“T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Karlson, that the Select Board enter into Executive Session pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21, (a) (2) to conduct a strategy session in preparation for contract negotiations with non-union personnel Acting Town Manager; and pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 21 (a) (3), to discuss strategy with respect to litigation related to David Bernstein v. Planning Board of Wayland et al.; pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 21 (a) (2), (3), and (6) to review and approve the executive session minutes of May 2, 2022 (1 of 2 sets), May 2, 2022 (2 of 2 sets), May 9, 2022, and May 14, 2022 and pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 21 (a) (2), (3), and (6) to review with intent to approve and release with redactions the executive session minutes of April 12, 2022, April 19, 2022 (session 2), May 2, 2022 (session 2), May 9, 2022 and May 14, 2022 with the intent to approve and release with redactions. T. Fay declared that a public discussion of these matters may have a detrimental effect on the litigating, negotiating, or bargaining position of the Town. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 5-0.” (Motion: Fay, second: Karlson)
A4.1. Discussion and vote to elect Chair and Vice Chair/Clerk
Nominate C. Karlson as the Chair of the Select Board for the term ending at the first meeting after Annual Town Meeting
T. Fay moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to nominate C. Karlson as the Chair of the Select Board for the next term. T. Fay noted that the Town would continue to transition to a Town Manager form of government and C. Karlson's skill set and institutional knowledge were valuable to the Town. In discussion, C. Karlson also expressed disagreement with the characterization that the Board lacked collegiality. D. Watkins nominated himself for Chair and C. Martin seconded. C. Martin expressed the need for depth in the organization and to develop the Board. D. Watkins expressed the need to rotate the leadership. A. Gutbezahl asked each nominee how they might ensure meetings be efficient, effective and lead to progress. D. Watkins explained his approach to agenda preparation and project planning. C. Karlson explained her approach was to focus on the goals and avoid dividing staff initiatives. A. Gutbezahl asked if either nominee would serve as the Vice Chair to the other. D. Watkins indicated yes. C. Karlson stated their working styles differed. C. Martin asked how the agenda would be developed. C. Karlson explained how she would involve other Board members, and D. Watkins expressed that he would develop the agenda through the Town Manager. T. Fay withdrew his initial motion, then moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to nominate C. Karlson as the Chair of the Select Board for the term ending at the first meeting after Annual Town Meeting.
Yes: Fay, Gutbezahl, KarlsonNo: Martin, Watkins
From the minutes
“T. Fay moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to nominate C. Karlson as the Chair of the Select Board for the next term. T. Fay noted that the Town would continue to transition to a Town Manager form of government and C. Karlson's skill set and institutional knowledge were valuable to the Town. In discussion, C. Karlson also expressed disagreement with the characterization that the Board lacked collegiality. D. Watkins nominated himself for Chair and C. Martin seconded. C. Martin expressed the need for depth in the organization and to develop the Board. D. Watkins expressed the need to rotate the leadership. A. Gutbezahl asked each nominee how they might ensure meetings be efficient, effective and lead to progress. D. Watkins explained his approach to agenda preparation and project planning. C. Karlson explained her approach was to focus on the goals and avoid dividing staff initiatives. A. Gutbezahl asked if either nominee would serve as the Vice Chair to the other. D. Watkins indicated yes. C. Karlson stated their working styles differed. C. Martin asked how the agenda would be developed. C. Karlson explained how she would involve other Board members, and D. Watkins expressed that he would develop the agenda through the Town Manager. T. Fay withdrew his initial motion, then moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to nominate C. Karlson as the Chair of the Select Board for the term ending at the first meeting after Annual Town Meeting. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson, NAY: C. Martin, D. Watkins. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 3-2.” (Motion: Fay, second: Gutbezahl)
Nominate David Watkins as the Vice Chair of the Select Board for the term ending the first meeting after the close of Annual Town Meeting
A. Gutbezahl moved, seconded by C. Martin to nominate David Watkins as the Vice Chair of the Select Board for the term ending the first meeting after the close of Annual Town Meeting.
From the minutes
“A. Gutbezahl moved, seconded by C. Martin to nominate David Watkins as the Vice Chair of the Select Board for the term ending the first meeting after the close of Annual Town Meeting. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 5-0.” (Motion: Gutbezahl, second: Martin)
A8. Artisan Day Care Center proposal - Rt. 20, Weston, MA: discussion of project and its potential
Direct Acting Town Manager and/or Select Board chair to communicate data and other information to the Town of Weston and/or the state, to assist the Town of Weston and/or the state to address...
T. Fay moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to vote to direct Acting Town Manager and/or Select Board chair to communicate data and other information to the Town of Weston and/or the state, to assist the Town of Weston and/or the state to address traffic issues related to the day care proposal on Route 20 in Weston. In discussion, C. Karlson clarified that T. Fay would continue the work on the matter, though he was no longer the chair. T. Fay offered an amendment. A. Gutbezahl seconded. D. Watkins asked for clarification on the directive and asked that the Board be informed of any progress. At 9:58 p.m., C. Martin left the meeting for two minutes.
From the minutes
“T. Fay moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to vote to direct Acting Town Manager and/or Select Board chair to communicate data and other information to the Town of Weston and/or the state, to assist the Town of Weston and/or the state to address traffic issues related to the day care proposal on Route 20 in Weston. In discussion, C. Karlson clarified that T. Fay would continue the work on the matter, though he was no longer the chair. T. Fay offered an amendment. A. Gutbezahl seconded. D. Watkins asked for clarification on the directive and asked that the Board be informed of any progress. At 9:58 p.m., C. Martin left the meeting for two minutes. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 5-0.” (Motion: Fay, second: Gutbezahl)
A10. Vote Consent Calendar
Approve the Consent Calendar
T. Fay moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to approve the Consent Calendar. D. Watkins asked how the Board could ensure that the bench related to Item #2 would meet accessibility requirements. C. Karlson noted that Item 5 was added to the revised agenda.
From the minutes
“T. Fay moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to approve the Consent Calendar. D. Watkins asked how the Board could ensure that the bench related to Item #2 would meet accessibility requirements. C. Karlson noted that Item 5 was added to the revised agenda. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 5-0.” (Motion: Fay, second: Gutbezahl)
A9. Town Manager Screening Committee charge and composition, potential vote
Adopt the format of the language contained on Page 6 of the supplemental packet for the purpose of promoting and advertising that the Board sought volunteers to serve on a Town Manager Screening...
A. Gutbezahl moved, seconded by T. Fay, to adopt the format of the language contained on Page 6 of the supplemental packet for the purpose of promoting and advertising that the Board sought volunteers to serve on a Town Manager Screening Committee. D. Watkins asked about the time commitment and qualifications for volunteers. The Board discussed the process.
From the minutes
“A. Gutbezahl moved, seconded by T. Fay, to adopt the format of the language contained on Page 6 of the supplemental packet for the purpose of promoting and advertising that the Board sought volunteers to serve on a Town Manager Screening Committee. D. Watkins asked about the time commitment and qualifications for volunteers. The Board discussed the process. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 5-0.” (Motion: Gutbezahl, second: Fay)
A11.a. Review and vote to approve the regular session minutes of May 2, May 9, May 12, May 14 and
Approve the regular session minutes of May 2, May 12, May 14 and May 15, 2022, as amended
A. Gutbezahl moved, seconded by T. Fay, that the Board approve the regular session minutes of May 2, May 12, May 14 and May 15, 2022, as amended. C. Martin expressed that she was not comfortable with the suggested amendments to the minutes of May 15, 2022.
From the minutes
“A. Gutbezahl moved, seconded by T. Fay, that the Board approve the regular session minutes of May 2, May 12, May 14 and May 15, 2022, as amended. C. Martin expressed that she was not comfortable with the suggested amendments to the minutes of May 15, 2022. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson., C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: Adopted 5-0.” (Motion: Gutbezahl, second: Fay)
A11.b. Executive Session Minutes- vote to release with redactions the Executive Session Minutes
Release with redactions the Executive session minutes related to conducting a strategy session in preparation for contract negotiations with non- union (Acting Town Manager): April 12, 2022, April...
A. Gutbezahl moved, seconded by T. Fay, that the Board vote to release with redactions the Executive session minutes related to conducting a strategy session in preparation for contract negotiations with non- union (Acting Town Manager): April 12, 2022, April 19, 2022 (session 2), May 2, 2022 (session 2), May 9, 2022 and May 14, 2022, as amended.
From the minutes
“A. Gutbezahl moved, seconded by T. Fay, that the Board vote to release with redactions the Executive session minutes related to conducting a strategy session in preparation for contract negotiations with non- union (Acting Town Manager): April 12, 2022, April 19, 2022 (session 2), May 2, 2022 (session 2), May 9, 2022 and May 14, 2022, as amended. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson., C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: Adopted 5-0.” (Motion: Gutbezahl, second: Fay)
A15. Adjourn
Adjourn
At 10:48 p.m., T. Fay moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, that the Board adjourn the meeting.
From the minutes
“At 10:48 p.m., T. Fay moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, that the Board adjourn the meeting. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 5-0.” (Motion: Fay, second: Gutbezahl)
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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