MassVoter.com← Winchester Select BoardWinchester Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
September 8, 2025
16 recorded votes, 14 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Michelle Prior, Anthea Brady, Michael Bettencourt, William McGonigle, Paras Bhayani
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
OPENING
Adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to Washington/Swanton, Shannon Estates, - MGL Ch. 30 §21(a) 6 - To consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of...
*Motion: That the Select Board adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to Washington/Swanton, Shannon Estates, - MGL Ch. 30 §21(a) 6 - To consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property; Town Counsel, Acting/Permanent Town Manager - MGL Ch. 30 §21(a) 2 - To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel; Asa Fletcher Fund - MGL Ch. 30A §21(a) 1 - To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition, or mental health rather than the professional competence of an individual. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Brady, Bettencourt, McGonigle, Bhayani, Prior
From the minutes
“*Motion: That the Select Board adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to Washington/Swanton, Shannon Estates, - MGL Ch. 30 §21(a) 6 - To consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property; Town Counsel, Acting/Permanent Town Manager - MGL Ch. 30 §21(a) 2 - To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel; Asa Fletcher Fund - MGL Ch. 30A §21(a) 1 - To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition, or mental health rather than the professional competence of an individual. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Brady, Bettencourt, McGonigle, Bhayani, Prior.” (Motion: Brady, second: Bettencourt)
Adjourn from Executive Session to Public Session, not to return to Executive Session
*Motion: That the Select Board adjourn from Executive Session to Public Session, not to return to Executive Session. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Brady, Bettencourt, McGonigle, Bhayani, Prior
From the minutes
“*Motion: That the Select Board adjourn from Executive Session to Public Session, not to return to Executive Session. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Brady, Bettencourt, McGonigle, Bhayani, Prior.” (Motion: McGonigle, second: Bettencourt)
ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS
Accept, with gratitude, a donation of $30,000 from the Cumming's Foundation's "Make a Difference Dollars Program" to the Winchester Coalition for a Safer Community for their INTERFACE Referral Service
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, a donation of $30,000 from the Cumming's Foundation's "Make a Difference Dollars Program" to the Winchester Coalition for a Safer Community for their INTERFACE Referral Service. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED
The minutes record the motion as “VOTED” but give no count, no names and no “All in favor”, so the result only is shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, a donation of $30,000 from the Cumming's Foundation's "Make a Difference Dollars Program" to the Winchester Coalition for a Safer Community for their INTERFACE Referral Service. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED.” (Motion: Brady, second: Bettencourt)
Accept, with gratitude, a grant of $65,826 from the FY2026 State 911 Department Support and Incentive Grant program to the Police Department
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, a grant of $65,826 from the FY2026 State 911 Department Support and Incentive Grant program to the Police Department. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED
The minutes record the motion as “VOTED” but give no count, no names and no “All in favor”, so the result only is shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, a grant of $65,826 from the FY2026 State 911 Department Support and Incentive Grant program to the Police Department. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED.” (Motion: Brady, second: Bettencourt)
Accept, with gratitude, a grant of $12,608.44 from the FY2026 State 911 Department Training Grant program to the Police Department
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, a grant of $12,608.44 from the FY2026 State 911 Department Training Grant program to the Police Department. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED
The minutes record the motion as “VOTED” but give no count, no names and no “All in favor”, so the result only is shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, a grant of $12,608.44 from the FY2026 State 911 Department Training Grant program to the Police Department. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED.” (Motion: Brady, second: Bettencourt)
Accept, with gratitude, an EEC Stabilization Grant of $13,720 for the Recreation Department Kid Connection/WRAP EEC Childcare license for the month of August 2025
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, an EEC Stabilization Grant of $13,720 for the Recreation Department Kid Connection/WRAP EEC Childcare license for the month of August 2025. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED
The minutes record the motion as “VOTED” but give no count, no names and no “All in favor”, so the result only is shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, an EEC Stabilization Grant of $13,720 for the Recreation Department Kid Connection/WRAP EEC Childcare license for the month of August 2025. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED.” (Motion: Brady, second: Bettencourt)
Accept, with gratitude, a donation of $440 to the Council on Aging for appreciation of transportation services
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, a donation of $440 to the Council on Aging for appreciation of transportation services. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED
The minutes record the motion as “VOTED” but give no count, no names and no “All in favor”, so the result only is shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, a donation of $440 to the Council on Aging for appreciation of transportation services. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED.” (Motion: Brady, second: Bettencourt)
Accept, with gratitude, a grant of $4,250 from the Winchester Mount Vernon House to the Council on Aging for the newly expanded Caregiver Support Program
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, a grant of $4,250 from the Winchester Mount Vernon House to the Council on Aging for the newly expanded Caregiver Support Program. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED
The minutes record the motion as “VOTED” but give no count, no names and no “All in favor”, so the result only is shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, a grant of $4,250 from the Winchester Mount Vernon House to the Council on Aging for the newly expanded Caregiver Support Program. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED.” (Motion: Brady, second: Bettencourt)
TOWN MANAGER REPORT AND COMMENTS
Waive the customary fifteen (15) day appointment waiting period to allow Dina Scarpelli and Kyle McComiskey to begin their employment
*Motion That the Select Board waive the customary fifteen (15) day appointment waiting period to allow Dina Scarpelli and Kyle McComiskey to begin their employment. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED
The minutes record the motion as “VOTED” but give no count, no names and no “All in favor”, so the result only is shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board waive the customary fifteen (15) day appointment waiting period to allow Dina Scarpelli and Kyle McComiskey to begin their employment. Brady - Bettencourt VOTED.” (Motion: Brady, second: Bettencourt)
Fall Town Meeting Articles
Co-sponsor the Everett Avenue culvert repairs article with the Capital Planning Committee
*Motion That the Select Board co-sponsor the Everett Avenue culvert repairs article with the Capital Planning Committee. Brady - McGonigle VOTED
Michael Bettencourt had left the meeting before this vote and is not shown. The minutes record the motion as “VOTED” but give no count, no names and no “All in favor”, so the result only is shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board co-sponsor the Everett Avenue culvert repairs article with the Capital Planning Committee. Brady - McGonigle VOTED.” (Motion: Brady, second: McGonigle)
Acting Town Manager Contract
Approve the Acting Town Manager's contract as presented
*Motion That the Select Board approve the Acting Town Manager's contract as presented. Brady - Bhayani VOTED
Michael Bettencourt had left the meeting before this vote and is not shown. The minutes record the motion as “VOTED” but give no count, no names and no “All in favor”, so the result only is shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board approve the Acting Town Manager's contract as presented. Brady - Bhayani VOTED.” (Motion: Brady, second: Bhayani)
Other Business
Approve the requested use of the climate action logo as put forward by the Climate Action Advisory committee and the sustainability director in a memo dated September 8, 2025
*Motion That the Select Board approve the requested use of the climate action logo as put forward by the Climate Action Advisory committee and the sustainability director in a memo dated September 8, 2025. Brady - McGonigle VOTED
Michael Bettencourt had left the meeting before this vote and is not shown. The minutes record the motion as “VOTED” but give no count, no names and no “All in favor”, so the result only is shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board approve the requested use of the climate action logo as put forward by the Climate Action Advisory committee and the sustainability director in a memo dated September 8, 2025. Brady - McGonigle VOTED.” (Motion: Brady, second: McGonigle)
Approve the Collins Center scope in the substantial form with any legal counsel reviews in the amount of $14,000 and authorize the Assistant Town Manager or Acting Town Manager to sign the proposal
*Motion That the Select Board approve the Collins Center scope in the substantial form with any legal counsel reviews in the amount of $14,000 and authorize the Assistant Town Manager or Acting Town Manager to sign the proposal. Brady - McGonigle VOTED
Michael Bettencourt had left the meeting before this vote and is not shown. The minutes record the motion as “VOTED” but give no count, no names and no “All in favor”, so the result only is shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board approve the Collins Center scope in the substantial form with any legal counsel reviews in the amount of $14,000 and authorize the Assistant Town Manager or Acting Town Manager to sign the proposal. Brady - McGonigle VOTED.” (Motion: Brady, second: McGonigle)
CONSENT AGENDA
Approve One Day Liquor License(s) for Amy Rindskopf for Wright-Locke Farm - October 16, 2025 - Wright-Locke All Seasons Barn; Crista Dix for Griffin Museum - October 16, 2025 - Griffin Museum...
*Motion That the Select Board approve One Day Liquor License(s) for Amy Rindskopf for Wright-Locke Farm - October 16, 2025 - Wright-Locke All Seasons Barn; Crista Dix for Griffin Museum - October 16, 2025 - Griffin Museum; Diana Kinosian for Boston's Best Bartending - September 19, 2025 - Winchester Boat Club; Diana Kinosian for Boston's Best Bartending - October 25, 2025 - Town Hall Mauer Auditorium; Diana Kinosian for Boston's Best Bartending - October 4, 2025 - Griffin Museum; Diana Kinosian for Boston's Best Bartending - September 27, 2025 - Wright-Locke Farm; Gail Ockerbloom for Studio on the Common - September 17, 2025 - Studio on the Common 22 Church Street; Michelle Mackenzie for Superior Servers - December 21, 2025 - Wright-Locke Farm. Brady - McGonigle VOTED
Michael Bettencourt had left the meeting before this vote and is not shown. The minutes record the motion as “VOTED” but give no count, no names and no “All in favor”, so the result only is shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board approve One Day Liquor License(s) for Amy Rindskopf for Wright-Locke Farm - October 16, 2025 - Wright-Locke All Seasons Barn; Crista Dix for Griffin Museum - October 16, 2025 - Griffin Museum; Diana Kinosian for Boston's Best Bartending - September 19, 2025 - Winchester Boat Club; Diana Kinosian for Boston's Best Bartending - October 25, 2025 - Town Hall Mauer Auditorium; Diana Kinosian for Boston's Best Bartending - October 4, 2025 - Griffin Museum; Diana Kinosian for Boston's Best Bartending - September 27, 2025 - Wright-Locke Farm; Gail Ockerbloom for Studio on the Common - September 17, 2025 - Studio on the Common 22 Church Street; Michelle Mackenzie for Superior Servers - December 21, 2025 - Wright-Locke Farm. Brady - McGonigle VOTED.” (Motion: Brady, second: McGonigle)
Approve the meeting minutes for May 1, 5, and 8, 2025
*Motion That the Select Board approve the meeting minutes for May 1, 5, and 8, 2025 Brady - McGonigle VOTED
Michael Bettencourt had left the meeting before this vote and is not shown. The minutes record the motion as “VOTED” but give no count, no names and no “All in favor”, so the result only is shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board approve the meeting minutes for May 1, 5, and 8, 2025 Brady - McGonigle VOTED.” (Motion: Brady, second: McGonigle)
Adjourn
*Motion: That the Select Board adjourn for the evening. Brady - McGonigle VOTED Roll Call: Brady, Bhayani, McGonigle, Prior
Michael Bettencourt had left the meeting before this vote and is not shown.
From the minutes
“*Motion: That the Select Board adjourn for the evening. Brady - McGonigle VOTED Roll Call: Brady, Bhayani, McGonigle, Prior.” (Motion: Brady, second: McGonigle)
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.
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