MassVoter.com← Wellfleet SelectboardWellfleet Selectboard · 2023–2024 Board · regular meeting
December 19, 2023
22 recorded votes, 13 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Your Wellfleet ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Attendance
Present: Barbara Carboni, John Wolf, Tim Sayre, Michael DeVasto, Ryan Curley
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Tim Sayre stepped aside (recused) for one item.
- Michael DeVasto stepped aside (recused) for one item.
- Barbara Carboni stepped aside (recused) for one item.
Every vote, in order
B. Use of The Town Pier Bandstand as part of the annual outdoor Art Project
Approve the consent agenda as printed in the packet
Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member DeVasto Seconded; and it was voted to approve the consent agenda as printed in the packet.
From the minutes
“Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member DeVasto Seconded; and it was voted to approve the consent agenda as printed in the packet. Roll Call Vote: 5-0.” (Motion: Wolf, second: DeVasto)
III. Appointment of the new Wellfleet Chief of Police ~ Kevin LaRocco
Appoint Kevin M. LaRocco as Chief of Police for the Town of Wellfleet and to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the employment contract
Board Member Sayre moved; Board Member DeVasto Seconded; and it was voted to appoint Kevin M. LaRocco as Chief of Police for the Town of Wellfleet and to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the employment contract.
From the minutes
“Board Member Sayre moved; Board Member DeVasto Seconded; and it was voted to appoint Kevin M. LaRocco as Chief of Police for the Town of Wellfleet and to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the employment contract. Roll Call Vote: 5-0.” (Motion: Sayre, second: DeVasto)
A. Coles Neck Solar: Amendment to solar power purchase and lease agreement ~
That the Selectboard approve the amendment to solar power purchase and lease agreement signed by Acting Assistant Town Administrator David Colton and negotiated with assistance from town counsel
Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member Curley Seconded; and it was voted that the Selectboard approve the amendment to solar power purchase and lease agreement signed by Acting Assistant Town Administrator David Colton and negotiated with assistance from town counsel and authorize the Town Administrator to sign the Estoppel Certificate requested by the contract counterparty pursuant to section 18.17 of the lease agreement and as negotiated with the assistance of town counsel.
From the minutes
“Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member Curley Seconded; and it was voted that the Selectboard approve the amendment to solar power purchase and lease agreement signed by Acting Assistant Town Administrator David Colton and negotiated with assistance from town counsel and authorize the Town Administrator to sign the Estoppel Certificate requested by the contract counterparty pursuant to section 18.17 of the lease agreement and as negotiated with the assistance of town counsel. Roll Call Vote: 5-0.” (Motion: Wolf, second: Curley)
A. Approve the transfer of shellfish grant license #755 from Joseph Gray and
Approve the transfer of shellfish, grant license #755 I move to approve the transfer of shellfish grant license #755 consisting of approximately 0.915 acres on Mayo Beach from Joseph Gray and
Board Member Curley Moved; Board Member Sayre Seconded; and it was voted to approve the transfer of shellfish, grant license #755 I move to approve the transfer of shellfish grant license #755 consisting of approximately 0.915 acres on Mayo Beach from Joseph Gray and Rachael Finn to Rachel Finn.
The minutes give only the count (4-0-1), not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Board Member Curley Moved; Board Member Sayre Seconded; and it was voted to approve the transfer of shellfish, grant license #755 I move to approve the transfer of shellfish grant license #755 consisting of approximately 0.915 acres on Mayo Beach from Joseph Gray and Rachael Finn to Rachel Finn. Roll Call Vote: 4-0-1.” (Motion: Curley, second: Sayre)
A. The board will address the open meeting law complaint filed on November 21,
Have the Board authorize Town Counsel to finalize the response to the OML complaint consistent with the Board's discussion
Board Member Moved; Board Member DeVasto Seconded; and it was voted to have the Board authorize Town Counsel to finalize the response to the OML complaint consistent with the Board's discussion.
From the minutes
“Board Member Moved; Board Member DeVasto Seconded; and it was voted to have the Board authorize Town Counsel to finalize the response to the OML complaint consistent with the Board's discussion. Roll Call Vote: 5-0.” (second: DeVasto)
BAPPS TAPS, LLC
Approve the annual alcohol licenses as listed: BAPPS TAPS, LLC Bapps Tapps, LLC dba: The Block and Tackle Black Fish Creek Creek Inc dba: Seaside Liquors Book Store and Restaurant Fizgerald Hill
Board Member DeVasto Moved; Board Member Sayre Seconded and it was voted to approve the annual alcohol licenses as listed: BAPPS TAPS, LLC Bapps Tapps, LLC dba: The Block and Tackle Black Fish Creek Creek Inc dba: Seaside Liquors Book Store and Restaurant Fizgerald Hill, LLC dba: The Copper Swan KB Kitchens, Inc.
The minutes say the board voted but do not give a count or say how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Board Member DeVasto Moved; Board Member Sayre Seconded and it was voted to approve the annual alcohol licenses as listed: BAPPS TAPS, LLC Bapps Tapps, LLC dba: The Block and Tackle Black Fish Creek Creek Inc dba: Seaside Liquors Book Store and Restaurant Fizgerald Hill, LLC dba: The Copper Swan KB Kitchens, Inc..” (Motion: DeVasto, second: Sayre)
A. Interview and possible vote taken to appoint Wendy Rennert to be on the
Appoint Wendy Rennert as a voting member to Wellfleet Council on Aging Advisory Board, for a term to expire June 30, 2026, and to be sworn in by the town clerk before voting at a meeting
Board Member Moved; Board Member Seconded; and it was voted to appoint Wendy Rennert as a voting member to Wellfleet Council on Aging Advisory Board, for a term to expire June 30, 2026, and to be sworn in by the town clerk before voting at a meeting.
From the minutes
“Board Member Moved; Board Member Seconded; and it was voted to appoint Wendy Rennert as a voting member to Wellfleet Council on Aging Advisory Board, for a term to expire June 30, 2026, and to be sworn in by the town clerk before voting at a meeting. Roll Call Vote: 5-0.”
B. Interview of and possible votes for the Applicants for the Dredging Task Force
Approve the appointment of Chris Merl to the Wellfleet Dredging Task force for a term of three years to expire June 30, 2026; and to be sworn in by the Town Clerk before voting at a meeting
Board Member Sayre moved; Board Member Wolf Seconded; and it was voted to approve the appointment of Chris Merl to the Wellfleet Dredging Task force for a term of three years to expire June 30, 2026; and to be sworn in by the Town Clerk before voting at a meeting.
From the minutes
“Board Member Sayre moved; Board Member Wolf Seconded; and it was voted to approve the appointment of Chris Merl to the Wellfleet Dredging Task force for a term of three years to expire June 30, 2026; and to be sworn in by the Town Clerk before voting at a meeting. Roll Call Vote: 5-0.” (Motion: Sayre, second: Wolf)
Approve the appointment of Alfred Pickard to the Wellfleet Dredging Task Force for a term of three years to expire June 30, 2026; and to be sworn in by the town clerk before voting at a meeting
Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member Curley Seconded; and it was voted to approve the appointment of Alfred Pickard to the Wellfleet Dredging Task Force for a term of three years to expire June 30, 2026; and to be sworn in by the town clerk before voting at a meeting.
From the minutes
“Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member Curley Seconded; and it was voted to approve the appointment of Alfred Pickard to the Wellfleet Dredging Task Force for a term of three years to expire June 30, 2026; and to be sworn in by the town clerk before voting at a meeting. Roll Call Vote: 5-0.” (Motion: Wolf, second: Curley)
C. Interviews and possible votes taken for a voting member of the Shellfish
Appoint Chris Merl as a voting member to the Wellfleet Shellfish Advisory Board to fill the vacant position which expires June 30, 2025; and to be sworn in by the town clerk before voting at a meeting
Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member Curley Seconded; and it was voted to appoint Chris Merl as a voting member to the Wellfleet Shellfish Advisory Board to fill the vacant position which expires June 30, 2025; and to be sworn in by the town clerk before voting at a meeting.
The minutes give only the count (1-1-1), not how each member voted. Tim Sayre stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote. Michael DeVasto stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member Curley Seconded; and it was voted to appoint Chris Merl as a voting member to the Wellfleet Shellfish Advisory Board to fill the vacant position which expires June 30, 2025; and to be sworn in by the town clerk before voting at a meeting. Roll Call Vote: 1-1-1(abstain).” (Motion: Wolf, second: Curley)
Vote on: Interviews and possible votes taken for a voting member of the Shellfish
Chair Carboni Moved; Board Member Curley Seconded; and it was voted
The minutes say the board voted but do not give a count or say how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Chair Carboni Moved; Board Member Curley Seconded; and it was voted.” (Motion: Carboni, second: Curley)
Appoint Brad Morse as a voting member to the Wellfleet Shellfish Advisory Board to fill the vacant position which expires June 30, 2025; and to be sworn in by the town clerk before voting at a meeting
Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member Curley Seconded; and it was voted to appoint Brad Morse as a voting member to the Wellfleet Shellfish Advisory Board to fill the vacant position which expires June 30, 2025; and to be sworn in by the town clerk before voting at a meeting.
Tim Sayre stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote. Michael DeVasto stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member Curley Seconded; and it was voted to appoint Brad Morse as a voting member to the Wellfleet Shellfish Advisory Board to fill the vacant position which expires June 30, 2025; and to be sworn in by the town clerk before voting at a meeting. Roll Call Vote: 3-0-2.” (Motion: Wolf, second: Curley)
Appoint Chris Merl as an alternate member to the Shellfish Advisory Board, for a term of three years; to expire June 30, 2026; and to be sworn in by the town clerk
Board Member Curley Moved; Board Member Wolf Seconded; and it was voted to appoint Chris Merl as an alternate member to the Shellfish Advisory Board, for a term of three years; to expire June 30, 2026; and to be sworn in by the town clerk.
The minutes give the count as "3-0", counting the recusal. Tim Sayre stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote. Michael DeVasto stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Board Member Curley Moved; Board Member Wolf Seconded; and it was voted to appoint Chris Merl as an alternate member to the Shellfish Advisory Board, for a term of three years; to expire June 30, 2026; and to be sworn in by the town clerk. Roll Call Vote: 3-0.” (Motion: Curley, second: Wolf)
A. Approval of final draft of Conservation Restriction ~ Fouse/Chequessett Neck
Approve the final draft of the conservation restriction placed on the Fouse property off Chequessett Neck Road held by the Wellfleet Conservation Trust
Board Member Curley Moved; Board Member DeVasto Seconded; and it was voted to approve the final draft of the conservation restriction placed on the Fouse property off Chequessett Neck Road held by the Wellfleet Conservation Trust.
From the minutes
“Board Member Curley Moved; Board Member DeVasto Seconded; and it was voted to approve the final draft of the conservation restriction placed on the Fouse property off Chequessett Neck Road held by the Wellfleet Conservation Trust. Roll Call Vote: 5-0.” (Motion: Curley, second: DeVasto)
B. Herring River Restoration: Project Update and change order request - Wes
Appoint Michael DeVasto as acting chair for this item as the chair must be present and in person
Board Member Curley Moved; Board Member Sayre seconded; and it was voted to appoint Michael DeVasto as acting chair for this item as the chair must be present and in person.
Barbara Carboni stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Board Member Curley Moved; Board Member Sayre seconded; and it was voted to appoint Michael DeVasto as acting chair for this item as the chair must be present and in person. Roll Call Vote: 4-0-1.” (Motion: Curley, second: Sayre)
Approve the change order request #2 for the Herring River Project in the amount of $647,417.20
Board Member Curley Moved; Board Member DeVasto Seconded and it was voted to approve the change order request #2 for the Herring River Project in the amount of $647,417.20.
Barbara Carboni stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Board Member Curley Moved; Board Member DeVasto Seconded and it was voted to approve the change order request #2 for the Herring River Project in the amount of $647,417.20. Roll Call Vote: 4-0-1.” (Motion: Curley, second: DeVasto)
Approve the change order request #3 for the Herring River Project in the amount of $243,006.53
Board Member Curley Moved; Board Member Wolf Seconded, and it was voted to approve the change order request #3 for the Herring River Project in the amount of $243,006.53.
Barbara Carboni stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Board Member Curley Moved; Board Member Wolf Seconded, and it was voted to approve the change order request #3 for the Herring River Project in the amount of $243,006.53. Roll Call Vote: 4-0-1.” (Motion: Curley, second: Wolf)
C. Pesticide Reduction Home Rule Petition warrant article ~ Laura Kelley ~
Instruct town administration to circulate the home rule petition regarding pesticides to the town staff, and appropriate boards for comment
Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member DeVasto Seconded; and it was voted to instruct town administration to circulate the home rule petition regarding pesticides to the town staff, and appropriate boards for comment. Curley had an issue with this whole process.
Yes: Carboni, DeVasto, WolfNo: SayreAbstained: Curley
From the minutes
“Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member DeVasto Seconded; and it was voted to instruct town administration to circulate the home rule petition regarding pesticides to the town staff, and appropriate boards for comment. Curley had an issue with this whole process. Roll Call Vote: 3-1-1 (Curley abstained, Sayre voted no).” (Motion: Wolf, second: DeVasto)
D. Support Letter for Comcast Cable to the MBI Broadband Infrastructure Gap
Not authorize Barbara Carboni, Chair of the Selectboard to sign and submit the letter of support for Comcast's grant application for Gap Networks Grant Program established by Massachusetts
Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member Curley Seconded; and it was voted to not authorize Barbara Carboni, Chair of the Selectboard to sign and submit the letter of support for Comcast's grant application for Gap Networks Grant Program established by Massachusetts Broadband Institute. There was some discussion of this motion. DeVasto gave an alternate motion to send a letter without accolades to Comcast.
The minutes give only the count (1-3-1), not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member Curley Seconded; and it was voted to not authorize Barbara Carboni, Chair of the Selectboard to sign and submit the letter of support for Comcast's grant application for Gap Networks Grant Program established by Massachusetts Broadband Institute. There was some discussion of this motion. DeVasto gave an alternate motion to send a letter without accolades to Comcast. Roll Call Vote: 1-3-1 Motion Failed.” (Motion: Wolf, second: Curley)
Send an amended letter to Comcast reading the support of the grant application with no wording that was in the original letter
Board Member DeVasto Moved; Board Member Wolf Seconded; and it was voted to send an amended letter to Comcast reading the support of the grant application with no wording that was in the original letter.
Yes: Carboni, Curley, DeVasto, SayreNo: Wolf
From the minutes
“Board Member DeVasto Moved; Board Member Wolf Seconded; and it was voted to send an amended letter to Comcast reading the support of the grant application with no wording that was in the original letter. Roll Call Vote: 4-1 (Wolf voted no).” (Motion: DeVasto, second: Wolf)
A. December 5, 2023
Approve the meeting minutes as amended by the board of December 5, 2023
Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member Sayre Seconded; and it was voted to approve the meeting minutes as amended by the board of December 5, 2023.
The minutes say the board voted but do not give a count or say how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Board Member Wolf Moved; Board Member Sayre Seconded; and it was voted to approve the meeting minutes as amended by the board of December 5, 2023..” (Motion: Wolf, second: Sayre)
XV. Adjournment
Adjourn the meeting
Board Member Sayre Moved; Board Member DeVasto Seconded; and it was voted to adjourn the meeting.
From the minutes
“Board Member Sayre Moved; Board Member DeVasto Seconded; and it was voted to adjourn the meeting. Roll Call Vote: 5-0.” (Motion: Sayre, second: DeVasto)
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).
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 →