How the Winchester Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. Susan Verdicchio and Amy Shapiro joined the board after the March 26, 2019 annual town election, succeeding Lance Grenzeback and David Errico. On April 1, 2019 the board chose Mariano Goluboff as Chair (unanimously) and Michael Bettencourt as Vice Chair (Jacqueline Welch abstaining; roll calls). Covers 29 meetings, April 1 to March 9, 2020.
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.
From the agendas Winchester posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.
What Town Meeting decided
In Winchester, Town Meeting — not the Select Board — votes the town budget, bylaws and zoning. Here is what it did with each article, in the Town Clerk’s own words. Town Meeting members are elected by precinct; counts are from the town’s electronic voting.
Spring Town Meeting · April 27, 2026 38 votes: 32 passed, 3 failed, 2 no action, 1 referred
Sessions: April 27, April 30, May 4 and May 7, 2026
Art. 16 · motion 8Capital: $102,000 for Building Department records managementPassed“Motion Carried Voice Vote”
Art. 16 · motion 9Capital: $150,000 from water and sewer retained earnings for MS4 permit compliancePassed“Motion Carried Voice Vote”
Art. 16 · motion 10Capital: $75,000 from water and sewer retained earnings for water treatment plant computer programmingPassed“Motion Carried Voice Vote”
Art. 2Vacate Town Meeting member seats under Charter Sec. 2.5(c) (consent agenda; motion was to indefinitely postpone)Indefinitely postponed“Motion Carried Voice Vote”
Not here yet: Some Winchester articles are not here because the Town Clerk has not posted their certified votes (including the FY2027 budget articles from the 2026 Spring Town Meeting), and the February 9, 2026 Special Town Meeting has no posted results; the 2026 Fall Town Meeting is on November 5, 2026.
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).
"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: Winchester Select Board minutes from January 5, 2018 through September 14, 2026: 275 meetings and 3,365 votes. The town posts the board’s minutes in its Agenda Center from 2013, and older Board of Selectmen minutes (2004–2012) in its Document Center; MassVoter has loaded 2018 on. Until April 2018 the board was the Board of Selectmen: the Fall 2017 Town Meeting voted to rename it, the March 27, 2018 town election approved the change, and the minutes use “Select Board” from April 23, 2018. The minutes are typed documents with searchable text (five are Word files posted in the minutes slot). Missing: the minutes of the 13 meetings from November 17, 2025 through May 18, 2026 are not posted (November 17 and December 1, 2025; January 12, January 26, February 12, February 23, March 2, March 16, March 30, April 6, April 13, April 27 and May 18, 2026); the town has posted their agendas only. MassVoter is asking the town for them. Also not here: the October 22, 2018 meeting, whose minutes slot holds the minutes of the October 19, 2018 meeting (loaded under October 19); executive-session minutes; votes of the School Committee, the Planning Board, the Board of Assessors and the Housing Authority at joint meetings (only the Select Board members’ votes are shown); and meetings after September 14, 2026 (the September 28 and October 5, 2026 minutes are not posted yet). Winchester’s minutes give each motion with its mover and seconder (“McGonigle - Bettencourt”) and then the vote. In 2018 and 2019 most votes say “All in favor … VOTED”, shown as every member present voting yes. Roll calls (“Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady”), used for every vote at the remote meetings of 2020–2022 and since for executive sessions and some other votes, list the members voting yes and are shown by name; a member present but left out of a roll call is not shown voting, with a note. Split votes list the members on each side (“Yes: Brady, Fallon, McGonigle, Prior … No: Bettencourt”; “In favor: … Not in favor: …”) and abstentions by name; these are shown by name when they fit the count and the attendance. Since in-person meetings resumed in March 2022, most other votes are written only as “Brady - Bettencourt VOTED”, with no names, no count and no “All in favor”; those votes show the result only (1,112 votes in all). 3 votes show the count only, where the count and the names or the attendance do not match. A motion with no recorded vote is not counted as a vote. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
Oct 28Recommend favorable Town Meeting action on Article 17 in…Motion: *Motion: That the Select Board recommend favorable Town Meeting action on…Passed 4–0 · see note
October 28, 2019: Recommend favorable Town Meeting action on Article 17 in the Fall 2019 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
ApprovePassed · 4–0
*Motion: That the Select Board recommend favorable Town Meeting action on Article 17 in the Fall 2019 Annual Town Meeting Warrant Shapiro - Welch 4-0-1 VOTED Absent: Bettencourt
Yes: Goluboff, Shapiro, Verdicchio, WelchThe vote lists Michael Bettencourt as absent. The count (4-0-1) gives Michael Bettencourt, who was not in the meeting for this vote, as its third number.
From the minutes
“*Motion: That the Select Board recommend favorable Town Meeting action on Article 17 in the Fall 2019 Annual Town Meeting Warrant Shapiro - Welch 4-0-1 VOTED Absent: Bettencourt.” (Motion: Shapiro, second: Welch)
Sep 9Accept, with gratitude, the following donations - $3,915.00 for…Motion: *Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the following donations…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
September 9, 2019: Accept, with gratitude, the following donations - $3,915.00 for appreciation of services provided by the COA to be deposited in the COA Gift Account; Winchester Rotary contribution of $15,000...
ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the following donations - $3,915.00 for appreciation of services provided by the COA to be deposited in the COA Gift Account; Winchester Rotary contribution of $15,000 towards the purchase of vehicle; also, a donation of $4,500 from the Winchester Senior Association for "Transportation Support." Welch - Shapiro All in favor VOTED
Michael Bettencourt arrived after the meeting began (the minutes do not say exactly when) and is not shown on this vote, taken before he first took part.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the following donations - $3,915.00 for appreciation of services provided by the COA to be deposited in the COA Gift Account; Winchester Rotary contribution of $15,000 towards the purchase of vehicle; also, a donation of $4,500 from the Winchester Senior Association for "Transportation Support." Welch - Shapiro All in favor VOTED.” (Motion: Welch, second: Shapiro)
Sep 9Approve the Sidewalk for Commercial Use License for Eleni's…Motion: *Motion: That the Select Board approve the Sidewalk for Commercial Use…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
September 9, 2019: Approve the Sidewalk for Commercial Use License for Eleni's Mediterranean Grille at 599 Main Street
ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present
*Motion: That the Select Board approve the Sidewalk for Commercial Use License for Eleni's Mediterranean Grille at 599 Main Street. Welch - Shapiro All in favor VOTED
Michael Bettencourt arrived after the meeting began (the minutes do not say exactly when) and is not shown on this vote, taken before he first took part.
From the minutes
“*Motion: That the Select Board approve the Sidewalk for Commercial Use License for Eleni's Mediterranean Grille at 599 Main Street. Welch - Shapiro All in favor VOTED.” (Motion: Welch, second: Shapiro)
Sep 9Approve the change of manager application for the Left…Motion: *Motion That the Select Board approve the change of manager application…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
September 9, 2019: Approve the change of manager application for the Left Eden Restaurant Corp. d/b/a TWK the waterfield kitchen, 6 Winchester Terrace and 14 Thompson Street as detailed in the ABCC Change…
ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present
*Motion That the Select Board approve the change of manager application for the Left Eden Restaurant Corp. d/b/a TWK the waterfield kitchen, 6 Winchester Terrace and 14 Thompson Street as detailed in the ABCC Change of Manager Form. Welch - Shapiro All in favor VOTED
Michael Bettencourt arrived after the meeting began (the minutes do not say exactly when) and is not shown on this vote, taken before he first took part.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board approve the change of manager application for the Left Eden Restaurant Corp. d/b/a TWK the waterfield kitchen, 6 Winchester Terrace and 14 Thompson Street as detailed in the ABCC Change of Manager Form. Welch - Shapiro All in favor VOTED.” (Motion: Welch, second: Shapiro)
Sep 9Approve the Grant of Location on the behalf of…Motion: *Motion: That the Select Board approve the Grant of Location on…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
September 9, 2019: Approve the Grant of Location on the behalf of the property owner for 9 Everell Avenue for the installation of five monitoring wells in the public right-of-way on Stowell Road
ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present
*Motion: That the Select Board approve the Grant of Location on the behalf of the property owner for 9 Everell Avenue for the installation of five monitoring wells in the public right-of-way on Stowell Road. Welch - Shapiro All in favor VOTED
Michael Bettencourt arrived after the meeting began (the minutes do not say exactly when) and is not shown on this vote, taken before he first took part.
From the minutes
“*Motion: That the Select Board approve the Grant of Location on the behalf of the property owner for 9 Everell Avenue for the installation of five monitoring wells in the public right-of-way on Stowell Road. Welch - Shapiro All in favor VOTED.” (Motion: Welch, second: Shapiro)
Aug 19Accept, with gratitude, the donations of $13,500 to support…Motion: *Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the donations of…Passed 3–0 · see note
August 19, 2019: Accept, with gratitude, the donations of $13,500 to support the Saltmarsh Park
ApprovePassed · 3–0
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the donations of $13,500 to support the Saltmarsh Park. Verdicchio - Shapiro Roll Call: Goluboff, Verdicchio, Shapiro VOTED
Yes: Goluboff, Shapiro, VerdicchioThe roll call does not list Michael Bettencourt, who was present; that member is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the donations of $13,500 to support the Saltmarsh Park. Verdicchio - Shapiro Roll Call: Goluboff, Verdicchio, Shapiro VOTED.” (Motion: Verdicchio, second: Shapiro)
Aug 19Accept, with gratitude, the donation of $1,000 from the…Motion: *Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the donation of…Passed 3–0 · see note
August 19, 2019: Accept, with gratitude, the donation of $1,000 from the Winchester Hospital/Lahey Health to be used for Tick Testing conducted by UMASS Amherst
ApprovePassed · 3–0
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the donation of $1,000 from the Winchester Hospital/Lahey Health to be used for Tick Testing conducted by UMASS Amherst. Verdicchio - Shapiro Roll Call: Goluboff, Verdicchio, Shapiro VOTED
Yes: Goluboff, Shapiro, VerdicchioThe roll call does not list Michael Bettencourt, who was present; that member is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the donation of $1,000 from the Winchester Hospital/Lahey Health to be used for Tick Testing conducted by UMASS Amherst. Verdicchio - Shapiro Roll Call: Goluboff, Verdicchio, Shapiro VOTED.” (Motion: Verdicchio, second: Shapiro)
Aug 19Accept, with gratitude, the donation of $1,500 from McDonald's…Motion: *Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the donation of…Passed 3–0 · see note
August 19, 2019: Accept, with gratitude, the donation of $1,500 from McDonald's to be used for the Winchester Coalition for a Safer Community Sachem Leads Program
ApprovePassed · 3–0
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the donation of $1,500 from McDonald's to be used for the Winchester Coalition for a Safer Community Sachem Leads Program. Verdicchio - Shapiro Roll Call: Goluboff, Verdicchio, Shapiro VOTED
Yes: Goluboff, Shapiro, VerdicchioThe roll call does not list Michael Bettencourt, who was present; that member is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the donation of $1,500 from McDonald's to be used for the Winchester Coalition for a Safer Community Sachem Leads Program. Verdicchio - Shapiro Roll Call: Goluboff, Verdicchio, Shapiro VOTED.” (Motion: Verdicchio, second: Shapiro)
Aug 19Approve the transfer of the Wine and Malt Beverages…Motion: *Motion: That the Select Board approve the transfer of the Wine…Failed 0–4 · No: Bettencourt, Goluboff, Shapiro, Verdicchio
August 19, 2019: Approve the transfer of the Wine and Malt Beverages Only Retail Package Store license from Amberghini, Inc., d/b/a Craft Beer Cellar to Ramilla Convenience, Inc. d/b/a Dairy Barn, 864 Main…
ApproveFailed · 0–4
*Motion: That the Select Board approve the transfer of the Wine and Malt Beverages Only Retail Package Store license from Amberghini, Inc., d/b/a Craft Beer Cellar to Ramilla Convenience, Inc. d/b/a Dairy Barn, 864 Main Street, Winchester MA. Verdicchio - Shapiro Opposed: Goluboff, Bettencourt, Verdicchio, Shapiro MOTION FAILED
No: Bettencourt, Goluboff, Shapiro, Verdicchio
From the minutes
“*Motion: That the Select Board approve the transfer of the Wine and Malt Beverages Only Retail Package Store license from Amberghini, Inc., d/b/a Craft Beer Cellar to Ramilla Convenience, Inc. d/b/a Dairy Barn, 864 Main Street, Winchester MA. Verdicchio - Shapiro Opposed: Goluboff, Bettencourt, Verdicchio, Shapiro MOTION FAILED.” (Motion: Verdicchio, second: Shapiro)
Jul 29Approve One Day Alcoholic Beverage Licenses for - Amy…Motion: *Motion That the Select Board approve One Day Alcoholic Beverage Licenses…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
July 29, 2019: Approve One Day Alcoholic Beverage Licenses for - Amy Rindskopf - July 30 & August 11, 2019 - Wright-Locke Farm Conservancy; Iaritza Menjivar for Griffin Museum - August 1, 2019…
ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present
*Motion That the Select Board approve One Day Alcoholic Beverage Licenses for - Amy Rindskopf - July 30 & August 11, 2019 - Wright-Locke Farm Conservancy; Iaritza Menjivar for Griffin Museum - August 1, 2019 - Griffin Museum; David Houghton - August 3, 2019 - Wright-Locke Farm Conservancy; Archie McIntyre - August 4, 7, 15, 17, 24 & 31, 2019 - Wright- Locke Farm Conservancy. Bettencourt - Verdicchio All in favor VOTED
Jacqueline Welch had left the meeting before this vote and is not shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board approve One Day Alcoholic Beverage Licenses for - Amy Rindskopf - July 30 & August 11, 2019 - Wright-Locke Farm Conservancy; Iaritza Menjivar for Griffin Museum - August 1, 2019 - Griffin Museum; David Houghton - August 3, 2019 - Wright-Locke Farm Conservancy; Archie McIntyre - August 4, 7, 15, 17, 24 & 31, 2019 - Wright- Locke Farm Conservancy. Bettencourt - Verdicchio All in favor VOTED.” (Motion: Bettencourt, second: Verdicchio)
From the Winchester Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center (Select Board). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the town’s website has no Select Board photos): Winchester News candidate profiles — Michelle Prior and Michael Bettencourt (2026), Anthea Brady and William McGonigle (2025), courtesy of the candidates. Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.