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Municipal votes · 2022–2023 Board

Wellesley Select Board

How the Wellesley Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Same five members after the March 1, 2022 town election. On June 27, 2022 the board kept Thomas Ulfelder as Chair until all members could vote (4-0), and on July 27, 2022 it chose Lise Olney as Chair (5-0), Thomas Ulfelder as Vice Chair (3-2, after a 2-3 vote against Beth Sullivan Woods) and Beth Sullivan Woods as Secretary (4-0, Ms. Sullivan Woods abstaining). Covers 44 meetings, March 7 to March 6, 2023.

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

Colette AufrancMember · Elected townwide · at 42 of 44 meetingsAnn-Mara LanzaMember · Elected townwide · at 44 of 44 meetingsBeth Sullivan WoodsSecretary · Elected townwide · at 41 of 44 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, March 6, 2023 · Regular meeting9 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 5 members presentTuesday, February 21, 2023 · Regular meeting8 recorded votes, 1 with disagreementAll 5 members presentMonday, February 13, 2023 · Regular meeting7 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 5 members presentTuesday, February 7, 2023 · Regular meeting5 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 5 members presentTuesday, January 24, 2023 · Regular meeting6 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.

Feb 21Accept the recommendation on the Town Hall Historic Inventory…Motion: To accept the recommendation on the Town Hall Historic Inventory list…Passed 3–1 · No: Woods · Abstained: Lanza

February 21, 2023: Accept the recommendation on the Town Hall Historic Inventory list and delegate Meghan Jop, Abbie Lafrancesca, and Tom Ulfelder to have further discussions with the ad hoc committee and make...

ApprovePassed · 3–1

To accept the recommendation on the Town Hall Historic Inventory list and delegate Meghan Jop, Abbie Lafrancesca, and Tom Ulfelder to have further discussions with the ad hoc committee and make further determinations regarding the items in Town Hall

Yes: Aufranc, Olney, UlfelderNo: WoodsAbstained: Lanza

From the minutes

“Ms. Olney asked for a motion that was moved by Mr. Ulfelder and seconded by Ms. Aufranc, the Board was polled and voted (3-1-1) to accept the recommendation on the Town Hall Historic Inventory list and delegate Meghan Jop, Abbie Lafrancesca, and Tom Ulfelder to have further discussions with the ad hoc committee and make further determinations regarding the items in Town Hall. Sullivan Woods - No Olney -Aye Ulfelder - Aye Aufranc - Aye Lanza - abstained.” (Motion: Ulfelder, second: Aufranc)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Jan 19Amend the liaison assignments to include Merchant LiaisonMotion: To amend the liaison assignments to include Merchant LiaisonFailed 2–3 · see note

January 19, 2023 (Special meeting): Amend the liaison assignments to include Merchant Liaison

ApproveFailed · 2–3

To amend the liaison assignments to include Merchant Liaison

The minutes give only the count (2-3), not how each member voted.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Ms. Lanza and seconded by Ms. Sullivan Woods, the Board voted (2-3) to amend the liaison assignments to include Merchant Liaison. The motion failed..” (Motion: Lanza, second: Woods)

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

Jan 19Accept the changes proposed by the Chair to eliminate…Motion: To accept the changes proposed by the Chair to eliminate the…Passed 3–2 · see note

January 19, 2023 (Special meeting): Accept the changes proposed by the Chair to eliminate the World of Wellesley liaison, Merchant liaison, and to add a Community Engagement Liaison for Celebrations Committee/Veterans

ApprovePassed · 3–2

To accept the changes proposed by the Chair to eliminate the World of Wellesley liaison, Merchant liaison, and to add a Community Engagement Liaison for Celebrations Committee/Veterans

The minutes give only the count (3-2), not how each member voted.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Mr. Ulfelder and seconded by Ms. Aufranc, the Board voted (3-2) to accept the changes proposed by the Chair to eliminate the World of Wellesley liaison, Merchant liaison, and to add a Community Engagement Liaison for Celebrations Committee/Veterans..” (Motion: Ulfelder, second: Aufranc)

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

Jan 10Not authorize Special Counsel for the Planning BoardMotion: To not authorize Special Counsel for the Planning BoardPassed 3–1 · No: Woods

January 10, 2023: Not authorize Special Counsel for the Planning Board

ApprovePassed · 3–1

To not authorize Special Counsel for the Planning Board

Yes: Aufranc, Olney, UlfelderNo: WoodsAnn-Mara Lanza stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Ms. Sullivan Woods and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Board was polled and voted (3-1) to not authorize Special Counsel for the Planning Board. Sullivan Woods - No Olney -Aye Ulfelder - Aye Aufranc - Aye.” (Motion: Woods, second: Ulfelder)

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

Nov 22Approve one invitational bib for the 2023 Boston Marathon…Motion: To approve one invitational bib for the 2023 Boston Marathon to…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Lanza

November 22, 2022: Approve one invitational bib for the 2023 Boston Marathon to the following organizations: Community Investors, Elizabeth Seaton Residence, Friends of the Wellesley Free Library, Friends of...

ApprovePassed · 4–0

To approve one invitational bib for the 2023 Boston Marathon to the following organizations: Community Investors, Elizabeth Seaton Residence, Friends of the Wellesley Free Library, Friends of Wellesley Metco, The Julie Fund, Pathways to Possible, Sustainable Wellesley, Wellesley ABC, Wellesley Community Children's Center, Wellesley Education Foundation, Wellesley Food Pantry, Wellesley Friendly Aid, Wellesley Scholarship Foundation, Wellesley Stars, Wellesley Theater Project, World of Wellesley, MassBay Community College

Yes: Aufranc, Olney, Ulfelder, WoodsAbstained: Lanza

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Ms. Sullivan Woods and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Board was polled and voted (4-0) to approve one invitational bib for the 2023 Boston Marathon to the following organizations: Community Investors, Elizabeth Seaton Residence, Friends of the Wellesley Free Library, Friends of Wellesley Metco, The Julie Fund, Pathways to Possible, Sustainable Wellesley, Wellesley ABC, Wellesley Community Children's Center, Wellesley Education Foundation, Wellesley Food Pantry, Wellesley Friendly Aid, Wellesley Scholarship Foundation, Wellesley Stars, Wellesley Theater Project, World of Wellesley, MassBay Community College. Sullivan Woods - Aye Aufranc - Aye Olney -Aye Ulfelder - Aye Lanza - Abstained.” (Motion: Woods, second: Ulfelder)

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

Nov 22Approve the policy language as proposed on the screenMotion: To approve the policy language as proposed on the screenPassed 3–2 · No: Lanza, Woods

November 22, 2022: Approve the policy language as proposed on the screen

ApprovePassed · 3–2

To approve the policy language as proposed on the screen

Yes: Aufranc, Olney, UlfelderNo: Lanza, Woods

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Mr. Ulfelder and seconded by Ms. Aufranc, the Board was polled and voted (3-2) to approve the policy language as proposed on the screen. Sullivan Woods - No Aufranc - Aye Olney -Aye Ulfelder - Aye Lanza - No.” (Motion: Ulfelder, second: Aufranc)

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

Nov 7Call a Joint Meeting with the Wellesley Housing AuthorityMotion: To call a Joint Meeting with the Wellesley Housing AuthorityPassed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

November 7, 2022: Call a Joint Meeting with the Wellesley Housing Authority

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

To call a Joint Meeting with the Wellesley Housing Authority

Ann-Mara Lanza had not yet arrived.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Ms. Sullivan Woods and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Board was polled and voted (4-0) to call a Joint Meeting with the Wellesley Housing Authority. Sullivan Woods - Aye Aufranc - Aye Olney -Aye Ulfelder - Aye.” (Motion: Woods, second: Ulfelder)

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

Nov 7Designate Lise Olney as Chair of the Joint MeetingMotion: To designate Lise Olney as Chair of the Joint MeetingPassed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

November 7, 2022: Designate Lise Olney as Chair of the Joint Meeting

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 4 present

To designate Lise Olney as Chair of the Joint Meeting

Ann-Mara Lanza had not yet arrived.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Ms. Sullivan Woods and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Boards were polled and voted (7-0) to designate Lise Olney as Chair of the Joint Meeting. Sullivan Woods - Aye Aufranc - Aye Olney -Aye Ulfelder - Aye.” (Motion: Woods, second: Ulfelder)

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

Nov 7Designate Janice Coduri as Secretary of the Joint MeetingMotion: To designate Janice Coduri as Secretary of the Joint MeetingPassed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

November 7, 2022: Designate Janice Coduri as Secretary of the Joint Meeting

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

To designate Janice Coduri as Secretary of the Joint Meeting

Ann-Mara Lanza had not yet arrived.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Ms. Sullivan Woods and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Boards were polled and voted (7-0) to designate Janice Coduri as Secretary of the Joint Meeting. Sullivan Woods - Aye Aufranc - Aye Olney -Aye Ulfelder - Aye.” (Motion: Woods, second: Ulfelder)

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

Nov 7Appoint Lisa Heyison to the Wellesley Housing Authority for…Motion: To appoint Lisa Heyison to the Wellesley Housing Authority for a…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

November 7, 2022: Appoint Lisa Heyison to the Wellesley Housing Authority for a term to expire at the 2023 Annual Town Election scheduled for March 7, 2023

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 4 present

To appoint Lisa Heyison to the Wellesley Housing Authority for a term to expire at the 2023 Annual Town Election scheduled for March 7, 2023

Ann-Mara Lanza had not yet arrived.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion by Ms. Sullivan Woods and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Boards were polled and voted (7-0) to appoint Lisa Heyison to the Wellesley Housing Authority for a term to expire at the 2023 Annual Town Election scheduled for March 7, 2023. Sullivan Woods - Aye Aufranc - Aye Olney -Aye Ulfelder - Aye.” (Motion: Woods, 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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