MassVoter.com← Winchester Select BoardWinchester Select Board · 2026–2027 Board · Regular meeting
September 14, 2026
14 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Note on these minutes: The board met remotely (Zoom), with roll-call votes.
Present: Anthea Brady, William McGonigle, Michael Bettencourt, Michelle Prior
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
OPENING
Adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to Police Superiors Union - MGL Ch. 30 §21(a) 3 - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation
*Motion: That the Select Board adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to Police Superiors Union - MGL Ch. 30 §21(a) 3 - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation. McGonigle - McGonigle VOTED Roll Call: Brady, Bettencourt, McGonigle, Prior
The minutes name William McGonigle as both mover and seconder (“McGonigle - McGonigle”); the seconder is left blank.
From the minutes
“*Motion: That the Select Board adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to Police Superiors Union - MGL Ch. 30 §21(a) 3 - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation. McGonigle - McGonigle VOTED Roll Call: Brady, Bettencourt, McGonigle, Prior.” (Motion: McGonigle)
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 - Prior VOTED Roll Call: Brady, Bettencourt, McGonigle, Prior
From the minutes
“*Motion: That the Select Board adjourn from Executive Session to Public Session, not to return to Executive Session. McGonigle - Prior VOTED Roll Call: Brady, Bettencourt, McGonigle, Prior.” (Motion: McGonigle, second: Prior)
ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS
Accept, with gratitude, the Friends of Winchester Recreation and Community Services, Inc donation of $5,000.00 for construction and associated fees for the Ginn Sod and Irrigation Project to the...
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the Friends of Winchester Recreation and Community Services, Inc donation of $5,000.00 for construction and associated fees for the Ginn Sod and Irrigation Project to the Recreation Department. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the Friends of Winchester Recreation and Community Services, Inc donation of $5,000.00 for construction and associated fees for the Ginn Sod and Irrigation Project to the Recreation Department. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady.” (Motion: McGonigle, second: Bettencourt)
Accept, with gratitude, the Winchester Youth Baseball & Softball Association, donation of $50,000 for construction and associated fees for the Ginn Sod and Irrigation Project, with a commitment of...
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the Winchester Youth Baseball & Softball Association, donation of $50,000 for construction and associated fees for the Ginn Sod and Irrigation Project, with a commitment of up to $50,000 contingency if needed to the Recreation Department. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the Winchester Youth Baseball & Softball Association, donation of $50,000 for construction and associated fees for the Ginn Sod and Irrigation Project, with a commitment of up to $50,000 contingency if needed to the Recreation Department. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady.” (Motion: McGonigle, second: Bettencourt)
Accept, with gratitude, the FY27 Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program Grant of $765,000, for the South Reservoir Dam Improvements Project
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the FY27 Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program Grant of $765,000, for the South Reservoir Dam Improvements Project. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the FY27 Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program Grant of $765,000, for the South Reservoir Dam Improvements Project. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady.” (Motion: McGonigle, second: Bettencourt)
Accept, with gratitude, the Sports Management Services, Inc., donation of $600 to be used at Packer Ellis Tennis Courts at the discretion of the Recreation Director to the Recreation Department
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the Sports Management Services, Inc., donation of $600 to be used at Packer Ellis Tennis Courts at the discretion of the Recreation Director to the Recreation Department. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the Sports Management Services, Inc., donation of $600 to be used at Packer Ellis Tennis Courts at the discretion of the Recreation Director to the Recreation Department. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady.” (Motion: McGonigle, second: Bettencourt)
Accept, with gratitude, the Winchester Town Day Committee, donation of three trees dedicated in memory of Laura Fitzgerald, James Johnson, and Deborah Ciarcia
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the Winchester Town Day Committee, donation of three trees dedicated in memory of Laura Fitzgerald, James Johnson, and Deborah Ciarcia. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the Winchester Town Day Committee, donation of three trees dedicated in memory of Laura Fitzgerald, James Johnson, and Deborah Ciarcia. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady.” (Motion: McGonigle, second: Bettencourt)
Accept, with gratitude, the Cummings Foundation Grant in the amount of $20,000 to support areas of greatest need for the Winchester Police Department
*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the Cummings Foundation Grant in the amount of $20,000 to support areas of greatest need for the Winchester Police Department. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board accept, with gratitude, the Cummings Foundation Grant in the amount of $20,000 to support areas of greatest need for the Winchester Police Department. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady.” (Motion: McGonigle, second: Bettencourt)
TOWN MANAGER REPORT AND COMMENTS
Waive the customary fifteen (15) day appointment waiting period to allow Frank Spinosa, Paul Wild & Jason Doyle to begin their employment
*Motion That the Select Board waive the customary fifteen (15) day appointment waiting period to allow Frank Spinosa, Paul Wild & Jason Doyle to begin their employment. McGonigle - Prior VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board waive the customary fifteen (15) day appointment waiting period to allow Frank Spinosa, Paul Wild & Jason Doyle to begin their employment. McGonigle - Prior VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady.” (Motion: McGonigle, second: Prior)
CONSENT AGENDA
Approve One Day Liquor License(s) for Amy Rindskopf of Wright-Locke Conservancy, for an event at Wright-Locke Farm's All-Season Barn, on September 17 & 25, 2025, from 6:00 - 9:00 PM; Michelle...
*Motion That the Select Board approve One Day Liquor License(s) for Amy Rindskopf of Wright-Locke Conservancy, for an event at Wright-Locke Farm's All-Season Barn, on September 17 & 25, 2025, from 6:00 - 9:00 PM; Michelle Noska of Beaujolais Catering, LLC, for an event at Wright-Lock Farm, on December 12, 2026, from 6:00 - 9:30 PM; Michelle Noska of Beaujolais Catering, LLC, for an event at Wright-Lock Farm, on September 29, 2026, from 4:00 - 6:30 PM; Mary Rickard of East Meets West Catering, for an event at Wright-Lock Farm, on October 21, 2026, from 5:30 - 9:30 PM; Diana Kinosian of Boston's Best Bartending for an event at the Sanborn House on October 17, 2026, from 4:00 - 8:30 PM; Diana Kinosian of Boston's Best Bartending for an event at the Griffin Museum on October 16, 2026, from 5:30 - 10:30 PM; Peter Caradonna for Arlington Brewing Company for an event at the Griffin Museum on September 19, 2026, from 3:00 - 6:00 PM; Fr. Paul Clifford for St. Mary's Parish, for a 150th Anniversary Celebration at the Sanborn House on October 17, 2026, from 5:30 - 9:30 PM; Laura Anderson for an event at Children's Own School, on September 16, 2026, from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board approve One Day Liquor License(s) for Amy Rindskopf of Wright-Locke Conservancy, for an event at Wright-Locke Farm's All-Season Barn, on September 17 & 25, 2025, from 6:00 - 9:00 PM; Michelle Noska of Beaujolais Catering, LLC, for an event at Wright-Lock Farm, on December 12, 2026, from 6:00 - 9:30 PM; Michelle Noska of Beaujolais Catering, LLC, for an event at Wright-Lock Farm, on September 29, 2026, from 4:00 - 6:30 PM; Mary Rickard of East Meets West Catering, for an event at Wright-Lock Farm, on October 21, 2026, from 5:30 - 9:30 PM; Diana Kinosian of Boston's Best Bartending for an event at the Sanborn House on October 17, 2026, from 4:00 - 8:30 PM; Diana Kinosian of Boston's Best Bartending for an event at the Griffin Museum on October 16, 2026, from 5:30 - 10:30 PM; Peter Caradonna for Arlington Brewing Company for an event at the Griffin Museum on September 19, 2026, from 3:00 - 6:00 PM; Fr. Paul Clifford for St. Mary's Parish, for a 150th Anniversary Celebration at the Sanborn House on October 17, 2026, from 5:30 - 9:30 PM; Laura Anderson for an event at Children's Own School, on September 16, 2026, from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady.” (Motion: McGonigle, second: Bettencourt)
Approve the Use of Town Common for the First Congregational Church Annual Blessing of the Animals for Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM with the service starting at 10:00 AM
*Motion That the Select Board approve the Use of Town Common for the First Congregational Church Annual Blessing of the Animals for Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM with the service starting at 10:00 AM. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board approve the Use of Town Common for the First Congregational Church Annual Blessing of the Animals for Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM with the service starting at 10:00 AM. McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady.” (Motion: McGonigle, second: Bettencourt)
Approve the Chamber of Commerce request to close Main (to the rotary) and Thomson streets on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 4:00-10:00 p.m. for "Winchester Spirit Night"
*Motion That the Select Board approve the Chamber of Commerce request to close Main (to the rotary) and Thomson streets on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 4:00-10:00 p.m. for "Winchester Spirit Night". McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board approve the Chamber of Commerce request to close Main (to the rotary) and Thomson streets on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 4:00-10:00 p.m. for "Winchester Spirit Night". McGonigle - Bettencourt VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady.” (Motion: McGonigle, second: Bettencourt)
Approve the minutes from August 24, 2026 meeting
*Motion That the Select Board approve the minutes from August 24, 2026 meeting. McGonigle - Prior VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady
From the minutes
“*Motion That the Select Board approve the minutes from August 24, 2026 meeting. McGonigle - Prior VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady.” (Motion: McGonigle, second: Prior)
Adjourn
*Motion: That the Select Board adjourn for the evening. McGonigle - Prior VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady
From the minutes
“*Motion: That the Select Board adjourn for the evening. McGonigle - Prior VOTED Roll Call: Bettencourt, Prior, McGonigle, Brady.” (Motion: McGonigle, second: Prior)
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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