MassVoter.com← WeymouthMunicipal votes · 2020–2021 Council
Weymouth Town Council
How the Weymouth Town Council voted, from the Town Council’s official minutes. 11 members: 5 elected townwide (at-large) and 6 elected by district. Pascale Burga joined the board after the November 2019 town election. On January 6, 2020 the board chose Arthur Mathews as President and Michael Molisse as Vice President. Michael Smart (District 6) resigned as of February 3, 2020; on May 18, 2020 the board chose Brian Dwyer for the seat, and he is on the board from May 26, 2020. John Abbott won the District 6 seat at the November 2021 town election and was sworn in early to finish the term; he is on the board from November 15, 2021 (Mr. Dwyer's last meeting was October 18, 2021). Covers 50 meetings, January 6 to December 20, 2021.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Town Council do? It is the town’s lawmaking body (this town has no Town Meeting). It passes local laws (bylaws or ordinances), votes on the yearly budget, and approves borrowing and zoning changes.
The mayor runs the town day to day and proposes the budget.
Sources: Mass. General Laws c. 44 § 32 (city budgets)Your Weymouth ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
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Members
PresidentArthur MathewsPresident · District Four Member · at 49 of 50 meetingsVice PresidentMichael MolisseVice President · Member at-large · at 49 of 50 meetings
Kenneth DiFazioMember · District Three Member · at 49 of 50 meetingsBrian DwyerMember · District Six Member · at 29 of 37 meetings · from May 2020 · until Oct 2021Jane HackettMember · Town Member · at 33 of 50 meetings
Fred HappelMember · Member at-large · at 46 of 50 meetingsEd HarringtonMember · District Five Member · at 45 of 50 meetings
Christopher HeffernanMember · Member at-large · at 50 of 50 meetingsMaureen KielyMember · District Two Member · at 42 of 50 meetingsMichael SmartMember · District Six Member · at 2 of 2 meetings · until Jan 2020"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: Weymouth Town Council minutes from January 2, 2018 through April 6, 2026, full-board meetings only (the board’s committee meetings are not included). Minutes through September 2025 come from the town’s yearly minutes and agendas archive pages, which go back to 2004 (MassVoter has loaded 2018 on); later minutes come from the town’s Agenda Center. Not here: October 17, 2022 and November 13, 2023 (the posted files hold the minutes of other meetings), April 1, 2024 (the minutes link is broken), February 18, 2025 (the minutes link opens an agenda), October 6, October 27, November 17 and December 15, 2025 (no minutes posted; the November 17 minutes were approved on December 1, 2025), and every meeting after April 6, 2026 (April 21 through October 5, 2026). Four files (August 25, 2020, January 16, 2024, February 3, 2025 and November 10, 2025) are scanned copies, which MassVoter read with text-recognition software. Weymouth’s minutes usually say “UNANIMOUSLY VOTED”; we then show every member present as voting yes, using the clerk’s roll call at the start of the meeting and any arrivals, departures and recusals the minutes record. From 2020 to 2023 most votes were roll calls by name, and we show each vote as recorded. Where the minutes give a count that does not match the members present, a roll call that does not match its count, or no count at all (“VOTED.”), we show the count or the result only, with a note. Votes taken by the Planning Board or the Conservation Commission at joint hearings, and committee votes reported to the board, are not included. 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.
Oct 4Vote on measure 21 111 - Acceptance of Conservation…Motion: Said Plan being recorded in Norfolk Registry of Deeds in Book…Passed Unanimous, 9 present · see note
October 4, 2021: Vote on measure 21 111 - Acceptance of Conservation Land-640 Union Street
Said Plan being recorded in Norfolk Registry of Deeds in Book 704, Page 46." This parcel is conveyed to said Town of Weymouth under the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 40 Section 8C, as it may and hereinafter be amended and of Amendment Article 49 of the Massachusetts Constitution to be managed and controlled by the Conservation Commission of the Town of Weymouth for the promotion and development of the natural resources and for the protection of the watershed resources of said Town of Weymouth. The motion was seconded by Councilor Kiely.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Said Plan being recorded in Norfolk Registry of Deeds in Book 704, Page 46." This parcel is conveyed to said Town of Weymouth under the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 40 Section 8C, as it may and hereinafter be amended and of Amendment Article 49 of the Massachusetts Constitution to be managed and controlled by the Conservation Commission of the Town of Weymouth for the promotion and development of the natural resources and for the protection of the watershed resources of said Town of Weymouth. The motion was seconded by Councilor Kiely. Unanimously voted.” (second: Kiely)
Aug 30Approve measure 21 013 (Municipal Fiber Broadband Master Plan)Motion: On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse made a…Passed 9–0 · see note
August 30, 2021 (Special meeting): Approve measure 21 013 (Municipal Fiber Broadband Master Plan)
On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse made a motion to approve measure 21 013; that the Town of Weymouth transfer the sum of $25,000 from the Reserve Fund to a capital project fund for the purpose of funding costs associated with the completion of a Broadband Master Plan to investigate a municipal fiber network. NOTE: The amount of this reserve fund transfer will spend down FY21 reserve funds, however, the subsequent FY22 reserve fund will be partially funded with FY21 Free Cash, which is expected and includes the unappropriated $10 million received via the Host Community Agreement with Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC, resulting in no net change in the FY21 and FY22 reserve balances from this expenditure. Councilor Kiely seconded the motion.
Yes: Burga, DiFazio, Happel, Harrington, Haugh, Heffernan, Kiely, Mathews, MolisseThe roll call does not list Brian Dwyer, who was present; this councilor is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse made a motion to approve measure 21 013; that the Town of Weymouth transfer the sum of $25,000 from the Reserve Fund to a capital project fund for the purpose of funding costs associated with the completion of a Broadband Master Plan to investigate a municipal fiber network. NOTE: The amount of this reserve fund transfer will spend down FY21 reserve funds, however, the subsequent FY22 reserve fund will be partially funded with FY21 Free Cash, which is expected and includes the unappropriated $10 million received via the Host Community Agreement with Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC, resulting in no net change in the FY21 and FY22 reserve balances from this expenditure. Councilor Kiely seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Burga-Yes, Councilor DiFazio-Yes, Councilor Happel-Yes, Councilor Harrington-Yes, Councilor Haugh-Yes, Councilor Heffernan-Yes, Councilor Kiely- Yes, Vice President Molisse-Yes, President Mathews-Yes. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED 9-0.” (Motion: Molisse, second: Kiely)
Aug 30Approve measure 21 104 (Conceptual Design Services-Beals Park/North Weymouth)Motion: On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse made a…Passed 9–0 · see note
August 30, 2021 (Special meeting): Approve measure 21 104 (Conceptual Design Services-Beals Park/North Weymouth)
On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse made a motion to approve measure 21 104; that the Town of Weymouth transfer the sum of $30,000 from the Stabilization Fund to a capital project fund for the purpose of funding costs associated with conceptual design services for Beals Park This is item #99 on the Capital Improvement Plan. Councilor Kiely seconded the motion.
Yes: Burga, DiFazio, Happel, Harrington, Haugh, Heffernan, Kiely, Mathews, MolisseThe roll call does not list Brian Dwyer, who was present; this councilor is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“A public hearing was held on August 2, 2021. On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse made a motion to approve measure 21 104; that the Town of Weymouth transfer the sum of $30,000 from the Stabilization Fund to a capital project fund for the purpose of funding costs associated with conceptual design services for Beals Park This is item #99 on the Capital Improvement Plan. Councilor Kiely seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Burga-Yes, Councilor DiFazio-Yes, Councilor Happel-Yes, Councilor Harrington-Yes, Councilor Haugh-Yes, Councilor Heffernan-Yes, Councilor Kiely- Yes, Vice President Molisse-Yes, President Mathews-Yes. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED 9-0.” (Motion: Molisse, second: Kiely)
Aug 30Approve measure 21 105 (Transfer of Funds for Conceptual…Motion: On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse made a…Passed 9–0 · see note
August 30, 2021 (Special meeting): Approve measure 21 105 (Transfer of Funds for Conceptual Design Services for Iron Hill Park/Jackson)
On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse made a motion to approve measure 21 105; that the Town of Weymouth appropriate the sum of $40,000 from the Open Space and Trails Account to a capital project fund for the purpose of funding costs associated with the conceptual design services for Iron Hill Park in Jackson Square. This is item #101 on the Capital Improvement Plan. Councilor Kiely seconded the motion.
Yes: Burga, DiFazio, Happel, Harrington, Haugh, Heffernan, Kiely, Mathews, MolisseThe roll call does not list Brian Dwyer, who was present; this councilor is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“A public hearing was held on August 2, 2021. On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse made a motion to approve measure 21 105; that the Town of Weymouth appropriate the sum of $40,000 from the Open Space and Trails Account to a capital project fund for the purpose of funding costs associated with the conceptual design services for Iron Hill Park in Jackson Square. This is item #101 on the Capital Improvement Plan. Councilor Kiely seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Burga-Yes, Councilor DiFazio-Yes, Councilor Happel-Yes, Councilor Harrington-Yes, Councilor Haugh-Yes, Councilor Heffernan-Yes, Councilor Kiely- Yes, Vice President Molisse-Yes, President Mathews-Yes. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED.” (Motion: Molisse, second: Kiely)
Aug 30Withdraw measure 21 010 (Review of Measure 17 127-Zoning…Motion: On behalf of the Ordinance Committee, Member DiFazio made a motion…Passed 9–0 · see note
August 30, 2021 (Special meeting): Withdraw measure 21 010 (Review of Measure 17 127-Zoning Amendment to Create a Commercial Overlay)
On behalf of the Ordinance Committee, Councilor DiFazio made a motion to withdraw measure 21 010. Councilor Kiely seconded the motion.
Yes: Burga, DiFazio, Happel, Harrington, Haugh, Heffernan, Kiely, Mathews, MolisseThe roll call does not list Brian Dwyer, who was present; this councilor is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“On behalf of the Ordinance Committee, Councilor DiFazio made a motion to withdraw measure 21 010. Councilor Kiely seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Burga-Yes, Councilor DiFazio-Yes, Councilor Happel-Yes, Councilor Harrington-Yes, Councilor Haugh-Yes, Councilor Heffernan-Yes, Councilor Kiely- Yes, Vice President Molisse-Yes, President Mathews-Yes. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED.” (Motion: DiFazio, second: Kiely)
Jun 28Favorable action on measure 21 102 as follows: Ordered:…Motion: Motioned for favorable action on measure 21 102 as follows: Ordered:…Passed Unanimous, 8 present · see note
June 28, 2021 (Special meeting): Favorable action on measure 21 102 as follows: Ordered: that $591,000 is appropriated for the purpose of financing the cost of services for compliance with the Town's General Permit for…
Motioned for favorable action on measure 21 102 as follows: Ordered: that $591,000 is appropriated for the purpose of financing the cost of services for compliance with the Town's General Permit for Discharges from the Municipal Separate Stormwater System including, without limitation, all costs thereof as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 29C of the General Laws; that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the Mayor is authorized to borrow $591,000 and issue bonds or notes thereof under Chapter 44 of the General Laws and/or Chapter 29C of the General Laws or any other enabling authority; that such bonds or notes shall be general obligations for the City unless the Treasurer with the approval of the Mayor determines that they should be issued as limited obligations and may be secured by local system revenues as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 29C; that the Treasurer with the approval of the Mayor is authorized to borrow all or a portion of such amount from the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust established pursuant to Chapter 29C; and in connection therewith to enter into a financing agreement and/or a security agreement with the Trust and otherwise to contract with the Trust and the Department of Environmental Protection with respect to such loan and for any federal or state aid available for the project or for the financing thereof; that the Mayor is authorized to enter into a project regulatory agreement with the Department of Environmental...
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Councilor Kiely seconded the motion and a roll call vote was taken: Councilor Burga-Yes, Councilor DiFazio-Yes, Councilor Harrington-Yes, Councilor Haugh- Yes, Councilor Heffernan-Yes, Councilor Kiely-Yes, Vice President Molisse-Yes, President Mathews-Yes. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED.” (second: Kiely)
Jun 21Approve Measure 21 062 L (Overlay for Abatements)Motion: On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse made a…Passed 8–0 · Abstained: Burga
June 21, 2021: Approve Measure 21 062 L (Overlay for Abatements)
On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse made a motion to approve Measure 21 062 L and was seconded by Councilor Haugh.
Yes: DiFazio, Dwyer, Happel, Harrington, Haugh, Heffernan, Mathews, MolisseAbstained: Burga
From the minutes
“On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse made a motion to approve Measure 21 062 L and was seconded by Councilor Haugh. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Burga-Abstain, Councilor DiFazio-Yes, Councilor Dwyer- Yes, Councilor Happel-Yes, Councilor Harrington-Yes, Councilor Haugh-Yes, Councilor Heffernan-Yes, Vice President Molisse-Yes, President Mathews-Yes. VOTED 8-0.” (Motion: Molisse, second: Haugh)
Jun 21Vote on measure 21 062 BB - Overlay for…Motion: A roll call vote was taken: Member Burga-Yes, Member DiFazio-Yes, Member…Passed Unanimous, 9 present · see note
June 21, 2021: Vote on measure 21 062 BB - Overlay for Abatements
A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Burga-Yes, Councilor DiFazio-Yes, Councilor Dwyer-Yes, Councilor Happel-Yes, Councilor Harrington-Yes, Councilor Haugh-Yes, Councilor Heffernan- Yes, Vice President Molisse-Yes, President Mathews-Yes.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Burga-Yes, Councilor DiFazio-Yes, Councilor Dwyer-Yes, Councilor Happel-Yes, Councilor Harrington-Yes, Councilor Haugh-Yes, Councilor Heffernan- Yes, Vice President Molisse-Yes, President Mathews-Yes. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED.”
Jun 21Approve measure 21 071 (Water Retained Earnings- Water Treatment…Motion: Motion was made by Vice President Molisse to approve measure 21…Passed 11–0 · see note
June 21, 2021: Approve measure 21 071 (Water Retained Earnings- Water Treatment Plant Upgrades & Improvements)
Motion was made by Vice President Molisse to approve measure 21 071; that That the Town of Weymouth raise and appropriate the sum of $250,000 from the Water Enterprise Fund's Retained Earnings for the purpose of funding the costs associated with the Water Treatment Plan improvements. This is item is #60 in the Capital Improvements Plan - Building, Grounds and Equipment. The motion was seconded by Councilor Haugh.
The roll call lists Jane Hackett and Maureen Kiely, but the minutes do not show them as present for this vote. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“A public hearing was held on May 24, 2021. On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee a motion was made by Vice President Molisse to approve measure 21 071; that That the Town of Weymouth raise and appropriate the sum of $250,000 from the Water Enterprise Fund's Retained Earnings for the purpose of funding the costs associated with the Water Treatment Plan improvements. This is item is #60 in the Capital Improvements Plan - Building, Grounds and Equipment. The motion was seconded by Councilor Haugh. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Burga-Yes, Councilor DiFazio-Yes, Councilor Dwyer-Yes, Councilor Hackett-Yes, Councilor Happel-Yes, Councilor Harrington-Yes, Councilor Haugh- Yes, Councilor Heffernan-Yes, Councilor Kiely-Yes, Vice President Molisse-Yes, President Mathews-Yes. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED.” (Motion: Molisse, second: Haugh)
Jun 21Approve measure 21 073 (Free Cash for FY21 Snow…Motion: Motion was made by Vice President Molisse to approve measure 21…Passed 8–0 · see note
June 21, 2021: Approve measure 21 073 (Free Cash for FY21 Snow Removal Deficit)
Motion was made by Vice President Molisse to approve measure 21 073; that the Town of Weymouth transfer the sum of $1,445,097 from Free Cash for the purpose of supplementing the fiscal year 2021 snow and ice removal budget This amount will be placed in an 02 fund account and used for transferring deficit expenses as outlined in an attached memo. The motion was seconded by Councilor Haugh.
Yes: Burga, DiFazio, Dwyer, Harrington, Haugh, Heffernan, Mathews, MolisseThe roll call does not list Fred Happel, who was present; this councilor is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“A public hearing was held on May 24, 2021. On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee a motion was made by Vice President Molisse to approve measure 21 073; that the Town of Weymouth transfer the sum of $1,445,097 from Free Cash for the purpose of supplementing the fiscal year 2021 snow and ice removal budget This amount will be placed in an 02 fund account and used for transferring deficit expenses as outlined in an attached memo. The motion was seconded by Councilor Haugh. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Burga-Yes, Councilor DiFazio-Yes, Councilor Dwyer-Yes, (Councilor Happel-connection issues) Councilor Harrington-Yes, Councilor Haugh-Yes, Councilor Heffernan-Yes, Vice President Molisse-Yes, President Mathews-Yes. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED. 8-0.” (Motion: Molisse, second: Haugh)
From the Weymouth Town Council’s official minutes, posted on the town’s minutes and agendas archive and in its Agenda Center. We check every vote against the members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Town of Weymouth (Members page).
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