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Municipal votes · 2019–2020 Board

Wellesley Select Board

How the Wellesley Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Lise Olney joined the board after the March 5, 2019 town election; Ellen Gibbs left. Jack Morgan stayed Chair until June 30, 2019, and on March 25, 2019 the board chose Beth Sullivan Woods as Secretary (4-0). On May 21, 2019 it chose Marjorie Freiman as Chair, Thomas Ulfelder as Vice Chair and Jack Morgan as Secretary, effective July 1, 2019 (each 5-0). Jack Morgan moved away from Wellesley; his last meeting was May 27, 2020, and on June 8, 2020 the board chose Beth Sullivan Woods as Secretary again (4-0). The 2020 town election was postponed from March 17 to June 13 because of COVID-19. Covers 62 meetings, March 11 to June 8, 2020.

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 budget
Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

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Board years

Coming up

From the agendas Wellesley posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.

What Town Meeting decided

In Wellesley, Town Meeting — not the Select Board — votes the town budget, bylaws and zoning. Here is what it did with each article, in the Town Clerk’s own words. Town Meeting members are elected by precinct; counts are from the town’s electronic voting.

Special Town Meeting · May 11, 2026 3 votes: 1 passed, 1 no action, 1 advisory

Source: May 2026 Special Town Meeting motions as voted, with totals from the town’s Electronic Voting Report.

Annual Town Meeting · March 30, 2026 48 votes: 37 passed, 1 passed as amended, 1 failed, 9 no action

Sessions: March 30, 31 and April 6, 7, 2026

Source: Town Clerk's record (minutes) of the 2026 Annual Town Meeting.

Annual Town Meeting · March 25, 2024 66 votes: 50 passed, 2 failed, 14 no action

Sessions: March 25, 26, 27 and April 1, 2, 3, 2024

Source: Town Clerk's record in the 2024 Annual Town Report (July 2023-June 2024).

Not here yet: the October 2024 Special Town Meeting and the 2025 Annual Town Meeting (the Town Clerk's records for these are scanned pages in the 2024–2025 Annual Town Report), and the November 2025 Special Town Meeting. The May 2026 Special Town Meeting results come from the motions as voted and the electronic voting report, not the Town Clerk's minutes.

Titles are short descriptions of each article from the official record; the quoted words are the Town Clerk’s. A vote at Town Meeting is not the final word on everything: some articles also need a ballot vote (such as a tax override) or the Attorney General’s approval (bylaws).

Members

Jack MorganSecretary · Elected townwide · at 53 of 60 meetings · until May 2020Lise OlneyMember · Elected townwide · at 61 of 62 meetingsBeth Sullivan WoodsMember · Elected townwide · at 61 of 62 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: Select Board minutes (called the Board of Selectmen until November 2020) from January 8, 2018 through August 17, 2026, from the town’s online Agenda Center, which holds minutes back to 2014 (MassVoter has loaded 2018 on). Retreats, budget summits, short meetings held to go into executive session, and joint meetings with other boards are included; at joint meetings only the Select Board’s own votes are shown. Not here: the minutes of the board’s Policy Subcommittee and of the Bylaw Review Committee; the closed executive-session minutes themselves; 25 other meeting dates listed in the Agenda Center with an agenda but no minutes (mostly executive-session-only meetings, retreats, budget summits and workshops, sessions the board attended at another board’s meeting, and a few meetings in 2018, 2019 and 2021); and every meeting after August 17, 2026. The minutes are typed PDFs. Wellesley’s minutes give the mover and seconder and a count for almost every vote, such as “the Board voted (5-0)”. Split votes usually name the members who voted no or abstained (“(4-1; Sullivan Woods opposed)”), and from 2020 on polled votes, and since 2025 most votes, list each member’s vote by name (“Aufranc - Aye Freiman - Aye Largess - No”). When the count matches the members present, or the minutes say the vote was unanimous, we show every member present as voting yes; when the minutes name the members who voted no or abstained and the count adds up, everyone else present as voting yes. Where the minutes give only a split count without names, a roll call leaves out a member who was there or names one the attendance list does not show, or the count does not match the members present, we show the count only and add a note. At joint meetings the minutes often give one count for both boards (“the Boards voted (10-0)”); unless the Select Board members are listed by name, those votes show the result only. Votes with no count written down are shown with the result only. Members who stepped aside (recused), had not yet arrived or had left are left out of that vote. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.

Monday, June 8, 2020 · Regular meeting13 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 5 members presentMonday, June 1, 2020 · Regular meeting11 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 5 members presentWednesday, May 27, 2020 · Regular meeting4 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 5 members presentTuesday, May 19, 2020 · Regular meeting9 recorded votes, 1 with disagreementAll 5 members presentMonday, May 11, 2020 · Regular meeting2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 5 members present

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 19That the June 13th Election be held from 8…Motion: that the June 13th Election be held from 8 am to…Passed 4–1 · No: Woods

May 19, 2020: That the June 13th Election be held from 8 am to 12 pm at Babson College's Recreation and Athletic Complex located at Babson College

ApprovePassed · 4–1

That the June 13th Election be held from 8 am to 12 pm at Babson College's Recreation and Athletic Complex located at Babson College

Yes: Freiman, Morgan, Olney, UlfelderNo: Woods

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Mr. Morgan and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Board was polled and voted (4-1) that the June 13th Election be held from 8 am to 12 pm at Babson College's Recreation and Athletic Complex located at Babson College. Morgan - Aye Sullivan Woods - No Olney - Aye Ulfelder - Aye Freiman - Aye.” (Motion: Morgan, second: Ulfelder)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

May 1That to facilitate the joint meeting between the Board…Motion: that to facilitate the joint meeting between the Board of Health…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note

May 1, 2020 (Emergency meeting): That to facilitate the joint meeting between the Board of Health and the Board of Selectmen both Boards move to appoint Marjorie Freiman to act as Chair of the Meeting…

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

That to facilitate the joint meeting between the Board of Health and the Board of Selectmen both Boards move to appoint Marjorie Freiman to act as Chair of the Meeting and to appoint Shephard Cohen to act as Secretary

The minutes name Jack Morgan as both the mover and the seconder, so no seconder is shown.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Mr. Morgan seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Boards were polled and voted (8-0) that to facilitate the joint meeting between the Board of Health and the Board of Selectmen both Boards move to appoint Marjorie Freiman to act as Chair of the Meeting and to appoint Shephard Cohen to act as Secretary. Sullivan Woods - Aye Olney - Aye Ulfelder - Aye Freiman - Aye Morgan - Aye.” (Motion: Morgan)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Apr 13Convene a joint meeting with the Planning BoardMotion: To convene a joint meeting with the Planning BoardPassed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

April 13, 2020 (Joint meeting): Convene a joint meeting with the Planning Board

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

To convene a joint meeting with the Planning Board

Jack Morgan had not yet arrived.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Ms. Freiman and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Board was polled and voted (4-0) to convene a joint meeting with the Planning Board. Sullivan Woods - Aye Olney - Aye Ulfelder - Aye Freiman - Aye.” (Motion: Freiman, second: Ulfelder)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Dec 16Place the language on the citizen's petition on a…Motion: To place the language on the citizen's petition on a non-binding…Failed 1–4 · No: Freiman, Morgan, Olney, Ulfelder

December 16, 2019: Place the language on the citizen's petition on a non-binding referendum for the March 17, 2020 Town Election

ApproveFailed · 1–4

To place the language on the citizen's petition on a non-binding referendum for the March 17, 2020 Town Election

Yes: WoodsNo: Freiman, Morgan, Olney, Ulfelder

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Mr. Morgan and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Board voted (1-4, Ms. Sullivan Woods - Aye.) to place the language on the citizen's petition on a non-binding referendum for the March 17, 2020 Town Election..” (Motion: Morgan, second: Ulfelder)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Dec 2Convene a Joint meeting with the Housing AuthorityMotion: To convene a Joint meeting with the Housing AuthorityPassed · see note

December 2, 2019: Convene a Joint meeting with the Housing Authority

ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes

To convene a Joint meeting with the Housing Authority

A joint vote of the Select Board and another board: the minutes give one count (9-0) for both boards together and do not say how each Select Board member voted. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Mr. Morgan and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Boards voted (9-0) to convene a Joint meeting with the Housing Authority..” (Motion: Morgan, second: Ulfelder)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Dec 2Elect Marjorie Freiman as chair of the joint meetingMotion: To elect Marjorie Freiman as chair of the joint meetingPassed · see note

December 2, 2019: Elect Marjorie Freiman as chair of the joint meeting

AppointPassed · No count or names in the minutes

To elect Marjorie Freiman as chair of the joint meeting

A joint vote of the Select Board and another board: the minutes give one count (9-0) for both boards together and do not say how each Select Board member voted. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Mr. Morgan and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Boards voted (9-0) to elect Marjorie Freiman as chair of the joint meeting..” (Motion: Morgan, second: Ulfelder)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Dec 2Elect Maura Renzella as secretary of the joint meetingMotion: To elect Maura Renzella as secretary of the joint meetingPassed · see note

December 2, 2019: Elect Maura Renzella as secretary of the joint meeting

ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes

To elect Maura Renzella as secretary of the joint meeting

A joint vote of the Select Board and another board: the minutes give one count (9-0) for both boards together and do not say how each Select Board member voted. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Mr. Morgan and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Boards voted (9-0) to elect Maura Renzella as secretary of the joint meeting..” (Motion: Morgan, second: Ulfelder)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Dec 2Dissolve the joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen…Motion: To dissolve the joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and…Passed · see note

December 2, 2019: Dissolve the joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Housing Authority 5

ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes

To dissolve the joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Housing Authority 5

A joint vote of the Select Board and another board: the minutes give one count (9-0) for both boards together and do not say how each Select Board member voted. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Mr. Morgan and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Boards voted (9-0) to dissolve the joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Housing Authority 5..” (Motion: Morgan, second: Ulfelder)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Dec 2Approve the general approach outlined in Option 1 for…Motion: To approve the general approach outlined in Option 1 for the…Passed · see note

December 2, 2019: Approve the general approach outlined in Option 1 for the annex that does not add a basement and to bring the project for an appropriation at 2020 Annual Town Meeting

ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes

To approve the general approach outlined in Option 1 for the annex that does not add a basement and to bring the project for an appropriation at 2020 Annual Town Meeting

A joint vote of the Select Board and another board: the minutes give one count (5-0) for both boards together and do not say how each Select Board member voted. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Mr. Morgan and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Boards voted (5-0) to approve the general approach outlined in Option 1 for the annex that does not add a basement and to bring the project for an appropriation at 2020 Annual Town Meeting..” (Motion: Morgan, second: Ulfelder)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Nov 18Convene a Joint meeting with the Board of Public…Motion: To convene a Joint meeting with the Board of Public WorksPassed · see note

November 18, 2019: Convene a Joint meeting with the Board of Public Works

ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes

To convene a Joint meeting with the Board of Public Works

A joint vote of the Select Board and another board: the minutes give one count (7-0) for both boards together and do not say how each Select Board member voted. Showing the result only.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Mr. Morgan and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Boards voted (7-0) to convene a Joint meeting with the Board of Public Works..” (Motion: Morgan, second: Ulfelder)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

From the Wellesley Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Town of Wellesley (the Select Board page on wellesleyma.gov).

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