MassVoter.com← WaylandMunicipal votes · 2023–2024 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. Anne Brensley and William Whitney joined the board after the April 2023 town election (first meeting May 2, 2023); Cherry Karlson and David Watkins left it (their last meeting was May 1, 2023). On May 15, 2023 the board chose William Whitney as Chair and Carol Martin as Vice-Chair (5-0-0). Covers 41 meetings, May 15 to May 20, 2024.
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
ChairWilliam WhitneyChair · At-large · at 38 of 41 meetings
Vice-ChairCarol MartinVice Chair · At-large · at 41 of 41 meetings
Thomas FayMember · At-large · at 35 of 41 meetingsAdam GutbezahlMember · At-large · at 35 of 40 meetings · until May 2024
Doug LevineMember · At-large · at 1 of 1 meetings · from May 2024"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 14Endorse the expected motion to refer Article 26 to…Motion: T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin that the Select Board…Failed 0–4 · No: Brensley, Fay, Martin, Whitney
May 14, 2024: Endorse the expected motion to refer Article 26 to the Select Board for further study and a report
T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin that the Select Board vote to endorse the expected motion to refer Article 26 to the Select Board for further study and a report.
No: Brensley, Fay, Martin, WhitneyThe roll call lists Adam Gutbezahl as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin that the Select Board vote to endorse the expected motion to refer Article 26 to the Select Board for further study and a report. Vote: YEA: None. NAY: A. Brensley, T. Fay, C. Martin, W. Whitney. ABSENT: A. Gutbezahl. ABSTAIN: None. Motion failed 0-4-0.” (Motion: Fay, second: Martin)
May 14Endorse a substitute motion to refer Article 27 to…Motion: T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin that the Select Board…Failed 0–4 · No: Brensley, Fay, Martin, Whitney
May 14, 2024: Endorse a substitute motion to refer Article 27 to the Select Board for further study
T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin that the Select Board vote to endorse a substitute motion to refer Article 27 to the Select Board for further study.
No: Brensley, Fay, Martin, WhitneyThe roll call lists Adam Gutbezahl as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin that the Select Board vote to endorse a substitute motion to refer Article 27 to the Select Board for further study. Vote: YEA: None. NAY: A. Brensley, T. Fay, C. Martin, W. Whitney. ABSENT: A. Gutbezahl. ABSTAIN: None. Motion failed 0-4-0.” (Motion: Fay, second: Martin)
May 14Endorse Article 27 as printed in the warrant should…Motion: C. Martin moved, seconded by W. Whitney, that the Board endorse…Failed 0–4 · see note
May 14, 2024: Endorse Article 27 as printed in the warrant should a motion be made to adopt it
C. Martin moved, seconded by W. Whitney, that the Board endorse Article 27 as printed in the warrant should a motion be made to adopt it.
The minutes give the count as 0-4-1, but the roll call reads: Thomas Fay yes, Adam Gutbezahl yes, Carol Martin yes, William Whitney yes, Anne Brensley abstained. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“C. Martin moved, seconded by W. Whitney, that the Board endorse Article 27 as printed in the warrant should a motion be made to adopt it. Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Martin, W. Whitney. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: A. Brensley. Motion failed 0-4-1.” (Motion: Martin, second: Whitney)
May 6Approve the minutes of April 29, 2024, as amendedMotion: T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin, to approve the minutes…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Fay
May 6, 2024: Approve the minutes of April 29, 2024, as amended
T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin, to approve the minutes of April 29, 2024, as amended.
Yes: Brensley, Gutbezahl, Martin, WhitneyAbstained: Fay
From the minutes
“T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin, to approve the minutes of April 29, 2024, as amended. Roll Call Vote: YEA: A. Brensley, A. Gutbezahl, C. Martin and W. Whitney. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: T. Fay. Approved. 4-0-1.” (Motion: Fay, second: Martin)
Apr 29Approve the minutes of April 1, 2024 and April…Motion: C. Martin moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to approve the minutes…Passed 3–0 · see note
April 29, 2024: Approve the minutes of April 1, 2024 and April 8, 2024, as amended
C. Martin moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to approve the minutes of April 1, 2024 and April 8, 2024, as amended.
Yes: Gutbezahl, Martin, WhitneyThe roll call lists Anne Brensley as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“C. Martin moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to approve the minutes of April 1, 2024 and April 8, 2024, as amended. Vote: YEA: A. Gutbezahl, C. Martin and W. Whitney. NAY: None. ABSENT: A. Brensley, T. Fay. ABSTAIN: None. Approved. 3-0-0.” (Motion: Martin, second: Gutbezahl)
Apr 1Withdraw Article S. Revise Town Code Chapter 43: PersonnelMotion: C. Martin moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to withdraw Article S.…Failed 2–3 · No: Brensley, Fay, Whitney
April 1, 2024: Withdraw Article S. Revise Town Code Chapter 43: Personnel
C. Martin moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to withdraw Article S. Revise Town Code Chapter 43: Personnel. In discussion, the Board discussed further revisions. A. Brensley suggested that the proposed language was a better option than taking no action. M. McCall noted that the article could still be amended from Town Meeting floor.
Yes: Gutbezahl, MartinNo: Brensley, Fay, Whitney
From the minutes
“C. Martin moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to withdraw Article S. Revise Town Code Chapter 43: Personnel. In discussion, the Board discussed further revisions. A. Brensley suggested that the proposed language was a better option than taking no action. M. McCall noted that the article could still be amended from Town Meeting floor. Roll Call Vote: YEA: A. Gutbezahl and C. Martin. NAY: A. Brensley, T. Fay and W. Whitney. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion failed. 2-3-0.” (Motion: Martin, second: Gutbezahl)
Apr 1Recommend approval of Article S. Revise Town Code Chapter…Motion: T. Fay moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to recommend approval of…Passed 4–1 · No: Martin
April 1, 2024: Recommend approval of Article S. Revise Town Code Chapter 43: Personnel as set forth in the packet
T. Fay moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to recommend approval of Article S. Revise Town Code Chapter 43: Personnel as set forth in the packet. In discussion, C. Martin objected to the language. A. Gutbezahl suggested the entire Town Code be cleaned up.
Yes: Brensley, Fay, Gutbezahl, WhitneyNo: Martin
From the minutes
“T. Fay moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to recommend approval of Article S. Revise Town Code Chapter 43: Personnel as set forth in the packet. In discussion, C. Martin objected to the language. A. Gutbezahl suggested the entire Town Code be cleaned up. Roll Call Vote: YEA: A. Brensley, T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl and W. Whitney. NAY: C. Martin. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Approved. 4-1-0.” (Motion: Fay, second: Gutbezahl)
Apr 1Approve the minutes of March 11, 2024, as amendedMotion: T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin, to approve the minutes…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: Fay, Whitney
April 1, 2024: Approve the minutes of March 11, 2024, as amended
T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin, to approve the minutes of March 11, 2024, as amended.
Yes: Brensley, Gutbezahl, MartinAbstained: Fay, Whitney
From the minutes
“T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin, to approve the minutes of March 11, 2024, as amended. Roll Call Vote: YEA: A. Brensley, A. Gutbezahl, C. Martin. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: T. Fay and W. Whitney. Approved. 3-0-2.” (Motion: Fay, second: Martin)
Apr 1Approve the minutes of March 22, 2024, as amendedMotion: C. Martin moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to approve the minutes…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Brensley
April 1, 2024: Approve the minutes of March 22, 2024, as amended
C. Martin moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to approve the minutes of March 22, 2024, as amended.
Yes: Fay, Gutbezahl, Martin, WhitneyAbstained: Brensley
From the minutes
“C. Martin moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, to approve the minutes of March 22, 2024, as amended. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Martin and W. Whitney. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: A. Brensley. Approved. 4-0-1.” (Motion: Martin, second: Gutbezahl)
Mar 18Recommend approval of Article KK: Amend Zoning Bylaw to…Motion: T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin, to recommend approval of…Failed 2–2 · No: Martin, Whitney · Abstained: Brensley
March 18, 2024: Recommend approval of Article KK: Amend Zoning Bylaw to Add Retail Self-Storage as Additional Commercial Use in a New Business B Zone Sub-district B-1
T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin, to recommend approval of Article KK: Amend Zoning Bylaw to Add Retail Self-Storage as Additional Commercial Use in a New Business B Zone Sub-district B-1. In discussion, A. Gutbezahl emphasized that the proposed zoning bylaw, as written, did not specifically award the community space to Arts Wayland. A. Gutbezahl took issue with the way Arts Wayland had been prematurely promised the space. R. Stanizzi noted that the zoning language could not include a specific non-profit. T. Fay asked if an RFP would be required to which M. McCall answered that the community space would be subject to procurement law. T. Fay expressed support for the article citing the need for increased commercial tax revenue in Wayland and acknowledged that it was private land subject to a variety of commercial uses. C. Martin expressed concern about maintenance costs of the proposed Town space and felt that it did not fit well together with a storage facility. W. Whitney felt that it was not the right parcel for a storage facility and questioned the revenue benefit. A. Brensley felt that the Board should not take a position on the article and that it was ready for discussion on Town Meeting floor.
Yes: Fay, GutbezahlNo: Martin, WhitneyAbstained: Brensley
From the minutes
“T. Fay moved, seconded by C. Martin, to recommend approval of Article KK: Amend Zoning Bylaw to Add Retail Self-Storage as Additional Commercial Use in a New Business B Zone Sub-district B-1. In discussion, A. Gutbezahl emphasized that the proposed zoning bylaw, as written, did not specifically award the community space to Arts Wayland. A. Gutbezahl took issue with the way Arts Wayland had been prematurely promised the space. R. Stanizzi noted that the zoning language could not include a specific non-profit. T. Fay asked if an RFP would be required to which M. McCall answered that the community space would be subject to procurement law. T. Fay expressed support for the article citing the need for increased commercial tax revenue in Wayland and acknowledged that it was private land subject to a variety of commercial uses. C. Martin expressed concern about maintenance costs of the proposed Town space and felt that it did not fit well together with a storage facility. W. Whitney felt that it was not the right parcel for a storage facility and questioned the revenue benefit. A. Brensley felt that the Board should not take a position on the article and that it was ready for discussion on Town Meeting floor. Roll Call Vote: YEA: A. Gutbezahl, T. Fay. NAY: C. Martin, W. Whitney. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: A. Brensley. The motion failed. 2-2-1.” (Motion: Fay, 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).
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →