MassVoter.com← WeymouthMunicipal votes · 2022–2023 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. Lisa Belmarsh, Gary MacDougall and Greg Shanahan joined the board after the November 2021 town election; Jane Hackett, Ed Harrington and Rebecca Haugh left. On January 3, 2022 the board re-elected Arthur Mathews as President and Michael Molisse as Vice President. Covers 41 meetings, January 3 to December 4, 2023.
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 40 of 41 meetingsVice PresidentMichael MolisseVice President · Member at-large · at 41 of 41 meetings
Kenneth DiFazioMember · District Three Member · at 38 of 41 meetings
Fred HappelMember · Member at-large · at 39 of 41 meetings
Christopher HeffernanMember · Member at-large · at 38 of 41 meetingsMaureen KielyMember · District Two Member · at 32 of 41 meetings
Gary MacDougallMember · District Five Member · at 37 of 41 meetingsGreg ShanahanMember · Town Member · at 39 of 41 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: 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.
Dec 4Recommend favorable action on Measure #23 133 to the…Motion: On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable…Passed Unanimous, 11 present · see note
December 4, 2023: Recommend favorable action on Measure #23 133 to the full Town Council
On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on Measure #23 133 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, the name of Joshua Murray, for appointment to the 4th of July Committee. This is filling a 3 year term due to expire 6/30/2026. Councilor Kiely seconded.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on Measure #23 133 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, the name of Joshua Murray, for appointment to the 4th of July Committee. This is filling a 3 year term due to expire 6/30/2026. Councilor Kiely seconded. Motion passed UNANIMOUSLY on a roll call vote as follows: Arthur Mathews - Yes Michael Molisse - Yes John Abbot - Yes Lisa Belmarsh - Yes Pascale Burga - Yes Fred Happel - Yes Maureen Kiely - Yes Gary MacDougall - Yes Greg Shanahan - Yes Christopher Heffernan - Yes Kenneth DiFazio - Yes.” (second: Kiely)
Dec 4Recommend favorable action on Measure #23 134 to the…Motion: On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable…Passed Unanimous, 11 present · see note
December 4, 2023: Recommend favorable action on Measure #23 134 to the full Town Council
On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on Measure #23 134 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, the name of Zachary Gerg, for appointment to the Historical Commission. This is filling a three year term due to expire 6/30/2026. Councilor Kiely seconded.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on Measure #23 134 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, the name of Zachary Gerg, for appointment to the Historical Commission. This is filling a three year term due to expire 6/30/2026. Councilor Kiely seconded. Motion passed UNANIMOUSLY on a roll call vote as follows: Arthur Mathews - Yes Michael Molisse - Yes John Abbot - Yes Lisa Belmarsh - Yes Pascale Burga - Yes Fred Happel - Yes Maureen Kiely - Yes Gary MacDougall - Yes Greg Shanahan - Yes Christopher Heffernan - Yes Kenneth DiFazio - Yes.” (second: Kiely)
Dec 4Approve the zoning change (Proposed Change to Town of…Motion: The motion to approve the zoning changePassed Unanimous, 11 present · see note
December 4, 2023: Approve the zoning change (Proposed Change to Town of Weymouth Zoning Ordinance)
The motion to approve the zoning change
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“The motion to approve the zoning change passed unanimously 11-0.”
Nov 20Favorable action that the Town of Weymouth, with the…Motion: Motioned for favorable action that the Town of Weymouth, with the…Passed Unanimous, 10 present · see note
November 20, 2023: Favorable action that the Town of Weymouth, with the approval of the Mayor, authorize the Mayor to execute a 5 year lease agreement-through 30 September 2028, with an automatic one…
Motioned for favorable action that the Town of Weymouth, with the approval of the Mayor, authorize the Mayor to execute a 5 year lease agreement-through 30 September 2028, with an automatic one time 5 year extension term unless written notice of Cellco's intention not to exercise the extension at least 5 months prior to the expiration of the initial term -through 30 September 2033, with Cellco Partnership doing business as Verizon Wireless, for the leasing of space in the lower cupola of Town Hall. Motion seconded by Councilor Kiely, and
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“He motioned for favorable action that the Town of Weymouth, with the approval of the Mayor, authorize the Mayor to execute a 5 year lease agreement-through 30 September 2028, with an automatic one time 5 year extension term unless written notice of Cellco's intention not to exercise the extension at least 5 months prior to the expiration of the initial term -through 30 September 2033, with Cellco Partnership doing business as Verizon Wireless, for the leasing of space in the lower cupola of Town Hall. Motion seconded by Councilor Kiely, and voted unanimously.” (second: Kiely)
Nov 20Recommend favorable action on measure 23 132 to the…Motion: On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable…Passed Unanimous, 10 present · see note
November 20, 2023: Recommend favorable action on measure 23 132 to the full Town Council (Appointment to the Cultural Council-Evelyn Czaja)
On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on measure 23 132 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, Evelyn Czaja, for appointment to the Cultural Council. This is a 2 year term due to expire on 30 June 2025. Councilor Kiely seconded the motion
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on measure 23 132 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, Evelyn Czaja, for appointment to the Cultural Council. This is a 2 year term due to expire on 30 June 2025. Councilor Kiely seconded the motion and passed unanimously.” (second: Kiely)
Oct 16Recommend favorable action on measure #23 124 to the…Motion: On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable…Passed Unanimous, 11 present · see note
October 16, 2023: Recommend favorable action on measure #23 124 to the full Town Council (Appointment to the Board of Health - Cassandra Sullivan)
On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on measure #23 124 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, the name of Cassandra Sullivan, for appointment to the Board of Health. This is filling a three year term due to expire June 30, 2026. Councilor Kiely seconded.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on measure #23 124 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, the name of Cassandra Sullivan, for appointment to the Board of Health. This is filling a three year term due to expire June 30, 2026. Councilor Kiely seconded. Motion passed UNANIMOUSLY.” (second: Kiely)
Sep 18Recommend favorable action on measure 23 114 to the…Motion: On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable…Passed Unanimous, 10 present · see note
September 18, 2023: Recommend favorable action on measure 23 114 to the full Town Council (Appointment to the Board of Assessors-Steven Whalen)
On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on measure 23 114 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, the name of Steven Whalen, 25 Lincoln Street, for appointment to the Board of Assessors. This is filling a three year term due to expire June 30, 2025. Councilor Kiely seconded.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on measure 23 114 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, the name of Steven Whalen, 25 Lincoln Street, for appointment to the Board of Assessors. This is filling a three year term due to expire June 30, 2025. Councilor Kiely seconded. Motion passed 10-0.” (second: Kiely)
Sep 18Recommend favorable action on measure 23 115 to the…Motion: On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable…Passed Unanimous, 10 present · see note
September 18, 2023: Recommend favorable action on measure 23 115 to the full Town Council (Appointment to the Planning Board-Charles Young)
On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on measure 23 115 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, the name of Charles Young, 39 Appletree Lane, for appointment to the Planning Board. This is filling a two year term due to expire June 30, 2025. Councilor Kiely seconded.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on measure 23 115 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, the name of Charles Young, 39 Appletree Lane, for appointment to the Planning Board. This is filling a two year term due to expire June 30, 2025. Councilor Kiely seconded. Motion passed 10-0.” (second: Kiely)
Sep 18Recommend favorable action on measure 23 116 to the…Motion: On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable…Passed Unanimous, 10 present · see note
September 18, 2023: Recommend favorable action on measure 23 116 to the full Town Council (Appointment to the Cultural Council-Lisa McCrosson)
On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on measure 23 116 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, the name of Lisa McCrosson, 25 Georgia Road for appointment to the Cultural Council. This is filling a three year term due to expire June 30, 2025. Councilor Kiely seconded.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on measure 23 116 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, the name of Lisa McCrosson, 25 Georgia Road for appointment to the Cultural Council. This is filling a three year term due to expire June 30, 2025. Councilor Kiely seconded. Motion passed 10-0.” (second: Kiely)
Sep 18Recommend favorable action on measure 23 117 to the…Motion: On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable…Passed Unanimous, 10 present · see note
September 18, 2023: Recommend favorable action on measure 23 117 to the full Town Council (Appointment to the Waterfront Committee-Frank Singleton)
On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on measure 23 117 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, the name of Frank Singleton, 60 Bluff Road, for appointment to the Waterfront Committee. This is filling a three year term due to expire June 30, 2026. Councilor Kiely seconded.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“On behalf of the Budget/Management Committee, Vice President Molisse recommended favorable action on measure 23 117 to the full Town Council. He hereby submitted, on behalf of Mayor Robert Hedlund, in accordance with section 2-10 of the town charter, the name of Frank Singleton, 60 Bluff Road, for appointment to the Waterfront Committee. This is filling a three year term due to expire June 30, 2026. Councilor Kiely seconded. Motion passed 10-0.” (second: Kiely)
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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