MassVoter.com← WestwoodMunicipal votes · 2018–2019 Board
Westwood Select Board
How the Westwood Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 3 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. After the April 2018 town election (Nancy Hyde re-elected), the board chose Michael Walsh as Chair, John Hickey as Clerk and Nancy Hyde as Third Member. By the board's custom, members rotate: Third Member in a member's first year, Chair in the second and Clerk in the third. Covers 20 meetings, May 30 to April 29, 2019.
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 budgetYour Westwood ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
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Coming up
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Under the state Open Meeting Law, boards post notice at least 48 hours ahead, not counting weekends and legal holidays.
Members
John HickeyClerk · Select Board member (townwide) · at 19 of 20 meetingsNancy HydeThird Member · Select Board member (townwide) · at 20 of 20 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: Westwood Select Board minutes (the board was called the Board of Selectmen until 2021) from January 8, 2018 through March 30, 2026, 205 meetings, from the town’s iQM2 meeting portal, which holds the board’s minutes back to 2011 (MassVoter has loaded 2018 on). Not here: minutes before 2018; executive-session minutes; and every meeting after March 30, 2026. The portal lists meetings on April 14, May 11, May 22, June 1 and June 22, 2026 with an agenda but no minutes, and since July 2026 the town has posted Select Board agendas on its own website calendar without minutes, so no votes are shown yet for the board chosen in May 2026 (MassVoter will ask the town for those minutes). Westwood’s minutes are typed records made in the iQM2 system. Each vote lists the mover, the seconder and how each member voted by name (“AYES: … NAYS: …”), and we show each vote as recorded. Members the record lists as having stepped aside (recused) or as absent are not shown as voting. The board has three members. Robert Gotti resigned as Chair in February 2026; from February 11 to March 30, 2026 the two remaining members voted alone. At the April 28, 2026 town election Joseph Previtera was re-elected and Erin Sibley was elected to the last year of Mr. Gotti’s term. 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.
Apr 29Amend the motion to authorize the Town Administrator to…Motion: J. Hickey moved to amend the motion to authorize the Town…Passed 2–0 · see note
April 29, 2019: Amend the motion to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the Notice of Intent (NOI) on behalf of the Town
J. Hickey moved to amend the motion to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the Notice of Intent (NOI) on behalf of the Town.
Yes: Hickey, HydeMichael Walsh stepped aside (recused) and is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“J. Hickey moved to amend the motion to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the Notice of Intent (NOI) on behalf of the Town. N. Hyde Seconded. Unanimous Vote: 3-0 RESULT: APPROVED [2 TO 0] MOVER: John M. Hickey, Board Member SECONDER:Nancy C. Hyde, Board Member AYES: John M. Hickey, Nancy C. Hyde RECUSED: Michael Walsh.” (Motion: Hickey, second: Hyde)
Apr 29Approve and sign the Tax Increment Financing Agreement with…Motion: N. Hyde moved to approve and sign the Tax Increment Financing…Passed 2–1 · No: Hickey
April 29, 2019: Approve and sign the Tax Increment Financing Agreement with Citizens Bank, N.A
N. Hyde moved to approve and sign the Tax Increment Financing Agreement with Citizens Bank, N.A.
Yes: Hyde, WalshNo: Hickey
From the minutes
“N. Hyde moved to approve and sign the Tax Increment Financing Agreement with Citizens Bank, N.A. M. Walsh Seconded. Vote: 2-1. J. Hickey Opposed. RESULT: APPROVED [2 TO 1] MOVER: Nancy C. Hyde, Board Member SECONDER:Michael Walsh, Board Member AYES: Michael Walsh, Nancy C. Hyde NAYS: John M. Hickey.” (Motion: Hyde, second: Walsh)
Mar 25Accept the revised and amended language related to the…Motion: N. Hyde moved to accept the revised and amended language related…Passed 2–1 · No: Hickey
March 25, 2019: Accept the revised and amended language related to the Authorization for University Station Project Area Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as presented by Special Town Counsel
N. Hyde moved to accept the revised and amended language related to the Authorization for University Station Project Area Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as presented by Special Town Counsel.
Yes: Hyde, WalshNo: Hickey
From the minutes
“N. Hyde moved to accept the revised and amended language related to the Authorization for University Station Project Area Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as presented by Special Town Counsel. M. Walsh Seconded. Vote: 2-1; J. Hickey opposed. RESULT: APPROVED [2 TO 1] MOVER: Nancy C. Hyde, Board Member SECONDER:Michael Walsh, Board Member AYES: Michael Walsh, Nancy C. Hyde NAYS: John M. Hickey.” (Motion: Hyde, second: Walsh)
Mar 25Re-execute and sign the updated Memorandum of Understanding with…Motion: N. Hyde moved to re-execute and sign the updated Memorandum of…Passed 2–1 · No: Hickey
March 25, 2019: Re-execute and sign the updated Memorandum of Understanding with Citizens Bank, N.A
N. Hyde moved to re-execute and sign the updated Memorandum of Understanding with Citizens Bank, N.A.
Yes: Hyde, WalshNo: Hickey
From the minutes
“N. Hyde moved to re-execute and sign the updated Memorandum of Understanding with Citizens Bank, N.A. M. Walsh Seconded. Vote: 2-1; J. Hickey Opposed. RESULT: APPROVED [2 TO 1] MOVER: Nancy C. Hyde, Board Member SECONDER:Michael Walsh, Board Member AYES: Michael Walsh, Nancy C. Hyde NAYS: John M. Hickey.” (Motion: Hyde, second: Walsh)
Feb 25To: 1. Support the TIF Warrant Article to affirm…Motion: N. Hyde moved to: 1. Support the TIF Warrant Article to…Passed 2–1 · No: Hickey
February 25, 2019: To: 1. Support the TIF Warrant Article to affirm the Board's authority to enter into Tax Increment Financing Agreements and Special Tax Assessments with property owners at University Station as…
N. Hyde moved to: 1. Support the TIF Warrant Article to affirm the Board's authority to enter into Tax Increment Financing Agreements and Special Tax Assessments with property owners at University Station as a tool to attract commercial development; further 2. To approve and sign the proposed Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Tax Increment Financing for a 100,000 Square Foot Office Building at University Avenue for Citizens; and 3. To direct town staff and Special Town Counsel to negotiate and prepare a formal TIF Agreement with Citizens to be executed April 30, 2019, which will be held in escrow pending Town Meeting approval of the TIF warrant article.
Yes: Hyde, WalshNo: Hickey
From the minutes
“N. Hyde moved to: 1. Support the TIF Warrant Article to affirm the Board's authority to enter into Tax Increment Financing Agreements and Special Tax Assessments with property owners at University Station as a tool to attract commercial development; further 2. To approve and sign the proposed Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Tax Increment Financing for a 100,000 Square Foot Office Building at University Avenue for Citizens; and 3. To direct town staff and Special Town Counsel to negotiate and prepare a formal TIF Agreement with Citizens to be executed April 30, 2019, which will be held in escrow pending Town Meeting approval of the TIF warrant article. M. Walsh Seconded. Vote: 2-1; J. Hickey opposed. RESULT: APPROVED [2 TO 1] MOVER: Nancy C. Hyde, Board Member SECONDER:Michael F. Walsh, Board Member AYES: Michael F. Walsh, Nancy C. Hyde NAYS: John M. Hickey.” (Motion: Hyde, second: Walsh)
Feb 25To: 1. Refer the proposed discontinuance to the planning…Motion: J. Hickey moved to: 1. Refer the proposed discontinuance to the…Passed 2–0 · see note
February 25, 2019: To: 1. Refer the proposed discontinuance to the planning board for a report under G.L. c. 41, § 81I; further
J. Hickey moved to: 1. Refer the proposed discontinuance to the planning board for a report under G.L. c. 41, § 81I; further
Yes: Hickey, WalshNancy Hyde stepped aside (recused) and is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“J. Hickey moved to: 1. Refer the proposed discontinuance to the planning board for a report under G.L. c. 41, § 81I; further M. Walsh Seconded. Vote: 2-0-1; N. Hyde not present 2. To direct special town counsel to prepare a notice of discontinuance for execution by the Board and for recording at the registry of deeds in the event the town votes to discontinue the Surplus Layout. M. Walsh Seconded. Vote: 2-0-1; N. Hyde not present RESULT: APPROVED [2 TO 0] MOVER: John M. Hickey, Board Member SECONDER:Michael F. Walsh, Board Member AYES: John M. Hickey, Michael F. Walsh RECUSED: Nancy C. Hyde.” (Motion: Hickey, second: Walsh)
Oct 15A) To convene a public hearing on the abandonment…Motion: J. Hickey moved a) To convene a public hearing on the…Passed 2–0 · see note
October 15, 2018: A) To convene a public hearing on the abandonment of the Surplus Layout of Old Hedgerow Lane; (b) to hear public comment, if any; (c) to submit into the record…
J. Hickey moved a) To convene a public hearing on the abandonment of the Surplus Layout of Old Hedgerow Lane; (b) to hear public comment, if any; (c) to submit into the record the August 10, 2018 Agreement, the October 15, 2018 Agreement, the Subdivision Approval and, by reference, the approved subdivision plans; and (d) to close the hearing and deliberate. 2. Upon completing deliberations, to make the following motion: I move that the Board of Selectmen: (a) Find that the Surplus Layout of Old Hedgerow Lane is abandoned and unused for ordinary travel and that the common convenience and necessity no longer require this public way to be maintained in a condition reasonably safe and convenient for travel; (b) Declare that the Town of Westwood shall no longer be bound to keep this public way in repair; (c) Direct Special Town Counsel to prepare and file a written declaration with the Town Clerk that the Town of Westwood shall no longer be bound to keep the Surplus Layout of Old Hedgerow Lane in repair; (d) Execute the Agreement with Canton Street Realty Trust dated October 15, 2018, in the form provided to the Board by Counsel and signed by David Spiegel, as Trustee of Canton Street Realty Trust; (e) Cause to be released street addresses for nine lots within the Westwood Estates subdivision to be numbered and known as 25, 26, 29, 33, 34, 37, 38, 41, and 42 Hedgerow Lane. 3. To vote in favor of the motion if the evidence and other information supports such a vote and sign the app
Yes: Hickey, WalshThe vote record lists Nancy Hyde as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“J. Hickey moved a) To convene a public hearing on the abandonment of the Surplus Layout of Old Hedgerow Lane; (b) to hear public comment, if any; (c) to submit into the record the August 10, 2018 Agreement, the October 15, 2018 Agreement, the Subdivision Approval and, by reference, the approved subdivision plans; and (d) to close the hearing and deliberate. 2. Upon completing deliberations, to make the following motion: I move that the Board of Selectmen: (a) Find that the Surplus Layout of Old Hedgerow Lane is abandoned and unused for ordinary travel and that the common convenience and necessity no longer require this public way to be maintained in a condition reasonably safe and convenient for travel; (b) Declare that the Town of Westwood shall no longer be bound to keep this public way in repair; (c) Direct Special Town Counsel to prepare and file a written declaration with the Town Clerk that the Town of Westwood shall no longer be bound to keep the Surplus Layout of Old Hedgerow Lane in repair; (d) Execute the Agreement with Canton Street Realty Trust dated October 15, 2018, in the form provided to the Board by Counsel and signed by David Spiegel, as Trustee of Canton Street Realty Trust; (e) Cause to be released street addresses for nine lots within the Westwood Estates subdivision to be numbered and known as 25, 26, 29, 33, 34, 37, 38, 41, and 42 Hedgerow Lane. 3. To vote in favor of the motion if the evidence and other information supports such a vote and sign the appropriate agreement. M. Walsh Seconded. Unanimous Vote: 2-0-1 (N. Hyde not present). RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John M. Hickey, Board Member SECONDER:Michael F. Walsh, Board Member AYES: John M. Hickey, Michael F. Walsh ABSENT: Nancy C. Hyde.” (Motion: Hickey, second: Walsh)
Aug 20Execute the written agreement and take the steps to…Motion: J. Hickey moved to execute the written agreement and take the…Passed 2–0 · see note
August 20, 2018: Execute the written agreement and take the steps to abandon the old Hedgerow Lane and indicate the Board will sponsor an article at the next Town Meeting
J. Hickey moved to execute the written agreement and take the steps to abandon the old Hedgerow Lane and indicate the Board will sponsor an article at the next Town Meeting.
Yes: Hickey, WalshNancy Hyde stepped aside (recused) and is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“J. Hickey moved to execute the written agreement and take the steps to abandon the old Hedgerow Lane and indicate the Board will sponsor an article at the next Town Meeting. M. Walsh Seconded. Unanimous Vote: 2-0. RESULT: APPROVED [2 TO 0] MOVER: John M. Hickey, Board Member SECONDER:Michael F. Walsh, Board Member AYES: John M. Hickey, Michael F. Walsh RECUSED: Nancy C. Hyde.” (Motion: Hickey, second: Walsh)
From the Westwood Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s iQM2 meeting portal. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Marianne LeBlanc Cummings (her 2022 candidacy announcement, via Westwood Minute), Joseph Previtera (his 2023 candidacy announcement, via Westwood Minute), Erin Sibley (erinsibley.com), Westwood Minute (Robert Gotti, 2021 candidate profile) and the Massachusetts Municipal Association (Michael Walsh, 2022). No photos yet for former members John Hickey and Nancy Hyde.
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