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Municipal votes · 2019–2020 Board

Wellfleet Selectboard

How the Wellfleet Selectboard voted, from the Selectboard’s official minutes. 5 Selectboard members elected townwide. Michael DeVasto joined the board after the spring 2019 town election; Jerry Houk left. On May 14, 2019 Justina Carlson nominated Kathleen Bacon for Chair (no second); the board then chose Janet Reinhart as Chair (4-0-1, Helen Miranda Wilson abstaining) and Kathleen Bacon as Vice Chair (4-1). Michael DeVasto served as Clerk. The 2020 town election was held in June because of COVID-19. Covers 39 meetings, May 14 to June 9, 2020.

A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.

What does the Selectboard 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 Selectboard, 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 Wellfleet posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.

What Town Meeting decided

In Wellfleet, Town Meeting — not the Selectboard — votes the town budget, bylaws and zoning. Here is what it did with each article, in the Town Clerk’s own words. Any registered voter can take part, and most votes are by voice or show of hands, so there is no list of who voted which way.

Annual Town Meeting · April 28, 2025 36 votes: 34 passed, 1 passed as amended, 1 failed

Source: Town Clerk's minutes of the April 28, 2025 Annual Town Meeting.

Special Town Meeting · June 17, 2024 2 votes: 2 passed

Source: Town Clerk's minutes of the June 17, 2024 Special Town Meeting.

Annual Town Meeting · May 20, 2024 34 votes: 30 passed, 1 passed as amended, 1 failed, 1 indefinitely postponed, 1 other

Source: Town Clerk's minutes of the May 20, 2024 Annual Town Meeting.

Not here yet: the October 2024 Special Town Meeting and the spring 2026 Annual Town Meeting (minutes not posted on the Town Clerk's page).

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

Justina CarlsonMember · Elected townwide · at 37 of 39 meetingsMichael DeVastoClerk · Elected townwide · at 36 of 39 meetingsHelen Miranda WilsonMember · Elected townwide · at 38 of 39 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: Selectboard minutes (called the Board of Selectmen until mid-2018) from January 9, 2018 through August 18, 2026. Minutes from 2018 through 2024 come from the archive folders in the town’s online Document Center; minutes from 2025 on come from the town’s Agenda Center. Not here: executive-session minutes; two 2019 files that are empty (January 29 and February 12, 2019); two files that hold other minutes (January 6, 2020 holds the Shellfish Advisory Board’s minutes, and October 15, 2024 repeats the October 19, 2023 minutes); the regular meeting of October 7, 2025 and the July 14, 2026 joint meeting with the Sewer Commissioners, for which the town posted other minutes in their place; other meetings for which the town has not posted minutes; and every meeting after August 18, 2026. Most minutes are typed; 5 are scanned copies, which MassVoter read with text-recognition software and checked by hand. Wellfleet’s minutes name the mover and the seconder and give a count for each motion, such as “Motion: Houk Second: Reinhart 4-0-0” (early 2018), “Bacon seconded, and the motion carried 4-1” (2018 to 2020) or “Roll Call Vote: 4-0-1 (DeVasto abstained)” (2021 on). Even when the board voted by roll call, the minutes usually give only the count; since June 2026 they list each member’s vote by name, as in “Roll Call Vote: Yeston (yes), Carboni (recused), Lyons (yes) …”. When the count matches the members present, we show every member present as voting yes, and when the minutes name the members who voted no, abstained or recused, everyone else present as voting yes. Where the minutes give only a split count without names, or the count does not match the members present, we show the count only and add a note. Some motions say only “it was voted”, with no count; we show those with no count, and never assume they were unanimous. Members who stepped aside (recused), had not yet arrived or had left are left out of that vote. Votes taken by other boards at joint meetings (such as the Finance Committee) are not included. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.

Tuesday, June 9, 2020 · regular meeting19 recorded votes, 3 with disagreementAll 5 members presentMonday, June 8, 2020 · regular meeting3 recorded votes, 1 with disagreementAll 5 members presentThursday, June 4, 2020 · regular meeting1 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 5 members presentTuesday, June 2, 2020 · regular meeting3 recorded votes, 1 with disagreementAll 5 members presentTuesday, May 26, 2020 · regular meeting13 recorded votes, 3 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.

Jun 9That the use of town property, after having been…Motion: Bacon moved that the use of town property, after having been…Passed 4–1 · No: Carlson

June 9, 2020 (regular meeting): That the use of town property, after having been vetted by Board of Health, Police and Fire, be considered by the Selectboard on a case by case basis

ApprovePassed · 4–1

Bacon moved that the use of town property, after having been vetted by Board of Health, Police and Fire, be considered by the Selectboard on a case by case basis.

Yes: Bacon, DeVasto, Reinhart, WilsonNo: Carlson

From the minutes

“Bacon moved that the use of town property, after having been vetted by Board of Health, Police and Fire, be considered by the Selectboard on a case by case basis. DeVasto seconded, and the motion carried 4-1, with Carlson opposed.” (Motion: Bacon, second: DeVasto)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Jun 9Temporarily amend the seasonal liquor license, for The Pearl…Motion: Bacon moved to temporarily amend the seasonal liquor license, for The…Passed 4–1 · No: Wilson

June 9, 2020 (regular meeting): Temporarily amend the seasonal liquor license, for The Pearl Restaurant to add an outdoor service bar and dining area, until the Governor's order expires or November 1, 2020 whichever is…

Adopt orderPassed · 4–1

Bacon moved to temporarily amend the seasonal liquor license, for The Pearl Restaurant to add an outdoor service bar and dining area, until the Governor's order expires or November 1, 2020 whichever is sooner. o Carlson was concerned with the way in which the restaurant behaved, putting up their tent prior to having Board approval. Reinhart asked Hester and Zehnder if the upstairs, open-air deck be used; Zehnder said they have considered it. He asked the Board to accept the apology and see how they behave this summer and not punish Approved in DRAFT on June 23, 2020 - A full audio recording of this virtual meeting can be found on the Town's website under Wellfleet Town Media. them by not approving their temporary, seasonal liquor license amendment. There was further discussion.

Yes: Bacon, Carlson, DeVasto, ReinhartNo: Wilson

From the minutes

“Bacon moved to temporarily amend the seasonal liquor license, for The Pearl Restaurant to add an outdoor service bar and dining area, until the Governor's order expires or November 1, 2020 whichever is sooner. o Carlson was concerned with the way in which the restaurant behaved, putting up their tent prior to having Board approval. Reinhart asked Hester and Zehnder if the upstairs, open-air deck be used; Zehnder said they have considered it. He asked the Board to accept the apology and see how they behave this summer and not punish Approved in DRAFT on June 23, 2020 - A full audio recording of this virtual meeting can be found on the Town's website under Wellfleet Town Media. them by not approving their temporary, seasonal liquor license amendment. There was further discussion. Wilson seconded, and the motion carried 4-1, with Wilson opposed.” (Motion: Bacon, second: Wilson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Jun 9Approve the Use of Town Property for The Pearl…Motion: Bacon moved to approve the Use of Town Property for The…Passed 4–1 · No: Wilson

June 9, 2020 (regular meeting): Approve the Use of Town Property for The Pearl Restaurant. located around their premises on Kendrick Avenue for the 2020 season, subject to the conditions, if any as listed on…

ApprovePassed · 4–1

Bacon moved to approve the Use of Town Property for The Pearl Restaurant. located around their premises on Kendrick Avenue for the 2020 season, subject to the conditions, if any as listed on the application form pending an inspection by the Building Department and Fire Department. The fee is to be determined by the Board.

Yes: Bacon, Carlson, DeVasto, ReinhartNo: Wilson

From the minutes

“Bacon moved to approve the Use of Town Property for The Pearl Restaurant. located around their premises on Kendrick Avenue for the 2020 season, subject to the conditions, if any as listed on the application form pending an inspection by the Building Department and Fire Department. The fee is to be determined by the Board. Wilson seconded, and the motion carried 4-1, with Wilson opposed.” (Motion: Bacon, second: Wilson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

Jun 8Extend a conditional offer of employment to Maria Broadbent…Motion: Reinhart moved to extend a conditional offer of employment to Maria…Passed 3–2 · No: Bacon, Carlson

June 8, 2020 (regular meeting): Extend a conditional offer of employment to Maria Broadbent with the following terms: 1

ApprovePassed · 3–2

Reinhart moved to extend a conditional offer of employment to Maria Broadbent with the following terms: 1. Passing a medical examination including a stress test; 2. Passing a drug test; 3. Passing a background check including employment history. Note: References, credit Approved in DRAFT on June 23, 2020 - A full audio recording of this virtual meeting can be found on the Town's website under Wellfleet Town Media. history, education and criminal offender record checks have all been completed; 4. Reaching agreement on a contract of employment.

Yes: DeVasto, Reinhart, WilsonNo: Bacon, Carlson

From the minutes

“Reinhart moved to extend a conditional offer of employment to Maria Broadbent with the following terms: 1. Passing a medical examination including a stress test; 2. Passing a drug test; 3. Passing a background check including employment history. Note: References, credit Approved in DRAFT on June 23, 2020 - A full audio recording of this virtual meeting can be found on the Town's website under Wellfleet Town Media. history, education and criminal offender record checks have all been completed; 4. Reaching agreement on a contract of employment. Wilson seconded, and the motion carried 3-2, with Bacon and Carlson opposed.” (Motion: Reinhart, second: Wilson)

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

Jun 2That the Town of Wellfleet adhere to the Governor's…Motion: Bacon moved that the Town of Wellfleet adhere to the Governor's…Failed 2–3 · No: Carlson, DeVasto, Reinhart

June 2, 2020 (regular meeting): That the Town of Wellfleet adhere to the Governor's recommendations with regard to all rentals for the Calendar Year 2020

ApproveFailed · 2–3

Bacon moved that the Town of Wellfleet adhere to the Governor's recommendations with regard to all rentals for the Calendar Year 2020.

Yes: Bacon, WilsonNo: Carlson, DeVasto, Reinhart

From the minutes

“Bacon moved that the Town of Wellfleet adhere to the Governor's recommendations with regard to all rentals for the Calendar Year 2020. Wilson seconded. o Discussion: DeVasto and Carlson were not in favor of this and wanted to see what the Governor comes out with. Wilson said she wants to be on record as a Board that we will adhere to the Governor's guidelines, and noted that the Town can be stricter than what he ends up coming out with. DeVasto said he felt the current motion, proposed by Kathleen, indicated that the Town would not be any stricter. Hoort said that with or without a motion, the Town must abide by the Governor's guidelines and that the is coming out with guidance on June 8, and there is a meeting of this Board again on June 9, so the matter can be taken up then. The motion failed by 2-3, with Reinhart, DeVasto and Carlson opposed.” (Motion: Bacon, second: Wilson)

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

May 26That the Town enter into a lease agreement with…Motion: Bacon moved that the Town enter into a lease agreement with…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

May 26, 2020 (regular meeting): That the Town enter into a lease agreement with Robert Emmet for the use of grants 861 and 861A for a term of two years

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

Bacon moved that the Town enter into a lease agreement with Robert Emmet for the use of grants 861 and 861A for a term of two years.

The minutes give the count as "4-0", counting the recusal. Michael DeVasto stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.

From the minutes

“Bacon moved that the Town enter into a lease agreement with Robert Emmet for the use of grants 861 and 861A for a term of two years. Wilson seconded, and the motion carried 4-0, with DeVasto recused.” (Motion: Bacon, second: Wilson)

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

May 26Not issue a commercial shellfishing permit to Karen Johnson…Motion: Wilson moved to not issue a commercial shellfishing permit to Karen…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

May 26, 2020 (regular meeting): Not issue a commercial shellfishing permit to Karen Johnson at this time

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

Wilson moved to not issue a commercial shellfishing permit to Karen Johnson at this time.

The minutes give the count as "4-0", counting the recusal. Michael DeVasto stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.

From the minutes

“Wilson moved to not issue a commercial shellfishing permit to Karen Johnson at this time. Bacon seconded, and the motion carried 4-0, with DeVasto recused.” (Motion: Wilson, second: Bacon)

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

May 26Appoint Kevin Coakley to the Dredging Task Force for…Motion: Bacon moved to appoint Kevin Coakley to the Dredging Task Force…Passed 3–2 · No: Bacon, Wilson

May 26, 2020 (regular meeting): Appoint Kevin Coakley to the Dredging Task Force for a term ending June 30, 2023

AppointPassed · 3–2

Bacon moved to appoint Kevin Coakley to the Dredging Task Force for a term ending June 30, 2023.

Yes: Carlson, DeVasto, ReinhartNo: Bacon, Wilson

From the minutes

“Bacon moved to appoint Kevin Coakley to the Dredging Task Force for a term ending June 30, 2023. DeVasto seconded, and the motion carried 3-2, with Bacon and Wilson opposed.” (Motion: Bacon, second: DeVasto)

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

May 12That the Selectboard send a letter to Governor Baker…Motion: Bacon moved that the Selectboard send a letter to Governor Baker…Passed 3–2 · No: Bacon, Wilson

May 12, 2020 (regular meeting): That the Selectboard send a letter to Governor Baker requesting that he extend the short-term rental restrictions (COVID-19 Order No. 21) until June 15th

Adopt orderPassed · 3–2

Bacon moved that the Selectboard send a letter to Governor Baker requesting that he extend the short-term rental restrictions (COVID-19 Order No. 21) until June 15th.

Yes: Carlson, DeVasto, ReinhartNo: Bacon, Wilson

From the minutes

“Bacon moved that the Selectboard send a letter to Governor Baker requesting that he extend the short-term rental restrictions (COVID-19 Order No. 21) until June 15th. Carlson seconded, and the motion carried 3-2, with Wilson and Bacon opposed.” (Motion: Bacon, second: Carlson)

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

Apr 28That the main, day-pass, parking lot at White Crest…Motion: Bacon moved that the main, day-pass, parking lot at White Crest…Passed 4–1 · No: Wilson

April 28, 2020 (regular meeting): That the main, day-pass, parking lot at White Crest Beach be closed for the 2020 summer season in order to limit visitors to Town beaches as recommended by the Beach…

Adopt orderPassed · 4–1

Bacon moved that the main, day-pass, parking lot at White Crest Beach be closed for the 2020 summer season in order to limit visitors to Town beaches as recommended by the Beach Administrator. Approved May 12, 2020 - A full audio recording of this virtual meeting can be found on the Town's website under Wellfleet Town Media.

Yes: Bacon, Carlson, DeVasto, ReinhartNo: Wilson

From the minutes

“Bacon moved that the main, day-pass, parking lot at White Crest Beach be closed for the 2020 summer season in order to limit visitors to Town beaches as recommended by the Beach Administrator. Approved May 12, 2020 - A full audio recording of this virtual meeting can be found on the Town's website under Wellfleet Town Media. o DeVasto seconded and asked for further discussion. He suggested that the motion be not for the 2020 season, but on a month-by-month basis. This amendment did not pass. o Wilson asked that the motion read "to not sell day passes" Wilson seconded (Bacon's original motion), and the motion carried 4-1, with Wilson opposed.” (Motion: Bacon, second: DeVasto)

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

From the Wellfleet Selectboard’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Document Center (2018–2024) and Agenda Center (2025 on). We check every vote against the Selectboard members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: The Provincetown Independent (courtesy of the members, or by Michaela Chesin).

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