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Winthrop Town Council
How the Winthrop Town Council voted, from the Town Council’s official minutes. 9 members: a Council President and 2 at-large members elected townwide, and one member from each of the town’s 6 precincts. Max Tassinari (at-large), Suzanne Swope (Precinct 4) and John DaRos (Precinct 6) joined the board after the November 2023 election; Tracey Honan, Barbara Flockhart and Stephen Ruggiero left. On January 2, 2024 the board chose Hannah Belcher as Vice President, and again on January 7, 2025. Richard Fucillo (Precinct 1) moved out of town and resigned (he is listed absent January–February 2024; the board honored him on March 12, 2024); on May 7, 2024 the board chose Patrick Costigan for the seat (6-2 over Celeste Ribeiro Hewitt). John Munson (Precinct 2) resigned in spring 2025 (last at a meeting March 18, 2025; the resignation was announced May 6, 2025); on June 17, 2025 the board split 4-4 twice between Karin Chavis and Michael Kinlin, so the seat stayed empty until the election. John DaRos (Precinct 6) resigned in late November 2025 (the December 2, 2025 minutes announce the vacancy). Covers 50 meetings, January 2 to December 16, 2025.
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 council hires the town manager or administrator, who runs the town day to day and proposes the budget.
Sources: Mass. General Laws c. 44 § 32 (city budgets)Your Winthrop ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Board years
Coming up
No upcoming meeting is posted yet. Check the official calendar →
Under the state Open Meeting Law, boards post notice at least 48 hours ahead, not counting weekends and legal holidays.
Members
PresidentJames LetteriePresident · Council President · at 50 of 50 meetingsVice PresidentHannah BelcherVice President · Precinct 3 · at 50 of 50 meetings
Patrick CostiganMember · Precinct 1 · at 36 of 41 meetings · from May 2024John DaRosMember · Precinct 6 · at 38 of 48 meetings · until Nov 2025Rob DeMarcoMember · At-large · at 38 of 50 meetingsRichard FucilloMember · Precinct 1 · at 0 of 4 meetings · until Feb 2024John MunsonMember · Precinct 2 · at 27 of 34 meetings · until Apr 2025
Suzanne SwopeMember · Precinct 4 · at 50 of 50 meetingsMax TassinariMember · At-large · at 46 of 50 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: Winthrop Town Council minutes from January 7, 2020 through September 8, 2026, full board meetings only (regular, special and joint meetings). Council committee meetings, budget forums and precinct listening posts filed in the same Agenda Center list are not included. Older minutes are not here: the Agenda Center begins in January 2020, the town’s older online archive ends in January 2016, and minutes from February 2016 through December 2019 are not online (MassVoter has asked the town for the 2018–2019 minutes). Also not here: January 21, 2020 and December 19, 2023 (the posted “minutes” are the agendas), and August 10, 2020, October 27, 2021, March 22 and March 31, 2022, May 14, 2024, August 27, 2024 (joint meeting with the Planning Board), January 14, 2025, October 30, 2025, January 26 and January 29, 2026, and April 8 and April 14, 2026, which have agendas but no minutes posted. Most minutes from 2020 and 2021, and some later ones, are scanned copies, which MassVoter read with text-recognition software and checked by hand. Winthrop’s minutes usually record a roll call by name, and we show each member’s vote as recorded. “Passed Unanimously” means every member present voted yes. In 2020 and 2021 the clerk often wrote counts such as “8-1” where the second number was an absent or abstaining member rather than a no vote; when the roll call names add up, we show the names and explain the count in a note. Where the minutes say only “Motion Passed,” or a roll call does not match the members present or lists a name twice, we show the count or the result only, with a note. At joint meetings with the School Committee, Planning Board or Housing Authority, only the members’ votes are shown. 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 16The Town appropriates the sum of NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY…Motion: Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the…Passed · see note
December 16, 2025: The Town appropriates the sum of NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($980,000) to pay costs of replacing lead water service lines, including all costs incidental and related thereto; that to...
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the Town appropriates the sum of NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($980,000) to pay costs of replacing lead water service lines, including all costs incidental and related thereto; that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. c.44, §7(1) and/or §8(5), or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor; that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, is authorized to borrow all or a portion of such amount from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the "Authority") and in connection therewith to enter into a loan agreement and/or financial assistance agreement with the Authority and otherwise to contract with the Authority with respect to such loan and for any grants or aid available for the project or for the financing thereof; that the Town Manager is authorized to accept and expend any grants or aid available for the project or for the financing thereof, provided that the amount of the authorized borrowing for the project shall be reduced by the amount of any such grants or aid received; and that the Town Manager is authorized to take any other action necessary or convenient to carry out this project;
The roll call lists Patrick Costigan twice. The minutes give no count, so we show the result only. The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the Town appropriates the sum of NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($980,000) to pay costs of replacing lead water service lines, including all costs incidental and related thereto; that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. c.44, §7(1) and/or §8(5), or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor; that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, is authorized to borrow all or a portion of such amount from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the "Authority") and in connection therewith to enter into a loan agreement and/or financial assistance agreement with the Authority and otherwise to contract with the Authority with respect to such loan and for any grants or aid available for the project or for the financing thereof; that the Town Manager is authorized to accept and expend any grants or aid available for the project or for the financing thereof, provided that the amount of the authorized borrowing for the project shall be reduced by the amount of any such grants or aid received; and that the Town Manager is authorized to take any other action necessary or convenient to carry out this project; No 2nd Needed Coming From Committee ROLL CALL VOTE Yes: Councilor Aiello, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie Yes, on Zoom-Councilor Costigan & Councilor Tassinari Motion Passed.”
Dec 2Joint vote with the Winthrop Housing Authority: fill the…Motion: Motion by Peter Gill to nominate Mary Lou Heighton for Resident…Passed Unanimous, 7 present · see note
December 2, 2025: Joint vote with the Winthrop Housing Authority: fill the resident seat on the Housing Authority with Mary Lou Heighton
Motion by Peter Gill to nominate Mary Lou Heighton for Resident Position on Winthrop Housing Authority
Joint vote with the Winthrop Housing Authority; the nomination was made and seconded by Housing Authority members, and only the councilors' votes are shown (Aiello on Zoom). The minutes do not write a result line but the Council President congratulates Ms. Heighton on her nomination. The minutes list this roll call but do not write down the result.
From the minutes
“Motion by Peter Gill to nominate Mary Lou Heighton for Resident Position on Winthrop Housing Authority 24 by Roseann Mazzuchelli All in Favor Council President Closed Nominations Peter Gill reports on Mary Lou's past, present, and future time and dedication to the Winthrop Housing Authority should be congratulated and nominates her proudly. Winthrop Housing Authority Director Peg Lyons-Discusses the membership of the Winthrop Housing Authority Board and Mary Lou has been active for about 15 years. She was nominated and voted for unanimously by the tenants of the Housing Board to continue on this board, Council President thanks Mary Lou for her dedication to this board and has nothing but fantastic things.... ROLL CALL FOR NOMINATION VOTE Yes: Peter Gill, Frank Ferrara, Roseann Mazzuchelli Absent: Peter Caggiano Yes: Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie Councilor Aiello-Zoom.”
Dec 2Transfer $58,000 from Cap. Stabilization/ Engineering Cost of the…Motion: Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive recommendation that the…Passed · see note
December 2, 2025: Transfer $58,000 from Cap. Stabilization/ Engineering Cost of the storm water system-Tileston, Girdlestone & Pico
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive recommendation that the Town Council vote to Transfer $58,000 from Cap. Stabilization/ Engineering Cost of the storm water system-Tileston, Girdlestone & Pico
The minutes say only "Motion Passed", with no count and no names. The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive recommendation that the Town Council vote to Transfer $58,000 from Cap. Stabilization/ Engineering Cost of the storm water system-Tileston, Girdlestone & Pico No 2"4 Needed ROLL CALL VOTE Present: Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie Councilor Aiello-Zoom Motion Passed.”
Nov 18The town maintains a Uniform Tax rate for all…Motion: Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the…Passed Unanimous, 8 present · see note
November 18, 2025: The town maintains a Uniform Tax rate for all classes of Property for FY26 Shift of 1 Single Tax Rate
Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the town maintains a Uniform Tax rate for all classes of Property for FY26 Shift of 1 Single Tax Rate
The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the town maintains a Uniform Tax rate for all classes of Property for FY26 Shift of 1 Single Tax Rate No 24 Needed Roll Call Yes: Councilor Aiello, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari Councilor Swope, Councilor Daros, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie Motion Passes.”
Nov 18Exclude an open space discount to exclude a residential…Motion: Motion by Member Tassinari to exclude an open space discount to…Passed 7–1 · No: DeMarco
November 18, 2025: Exclude an open space discount to exclude a residential exemption and to exclude small commercial exemption
Motion by Councilor Tassinari to exclude an open space discount to exclude a residential exemption and to exclude small commercial exemption.
Yes: Aiello, Belcher, Costigan, DaRos, Letterie, Swope, TassinariNo: DeMarco
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Tassinari to exclude an open space discount to exclude a residential exemption and to exclude small commercial exemption. 2"™4 by Vice President Belcher Roll Call Yes: Councilor Aiello, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari Councilor Swope, Councilor Daros, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie No: Councilor DeMarco Motion Passes.” (Motion: Tassinari, second: Belcher)
Nov 5The Town appropriates the sum of ONE MILLION ONE…Motion: Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the…Passed 5–0 · see note
November 5, 2025: The Town appropriates the sum of ONE MILLION ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,100,000) (1) to pay costs to replace water meters, exercise water valves and replace water valves as necessary…
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the Town appropriates the sum of ONE MILLION ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,100,000) (1) to pay costs to replace water meters, exercise water valves and replace water valves as necessary to the Town's water system, including the payment of costs incidental or related thereto; and (2) to raise this appropriation by authorizing the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, to issue bonds or serial notes under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, as amended or any other enabling authority; or (3) to take any other action relative thereto.
Yes: Belcher, Costigan, DeMarco, Letterie, SwopeThe roll call does not list John DaRos, who was present; this councilor is not shown as voting. The roll call lists Max Tassinari as absent. The roll call lists Joseph Aiello as absent. The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the Town appropriates the sum of ONE MILLION ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,100,000) (1) to pay costs to replace water meters, exercise water valves and replace water valves as necessary to the Town's water system, including the payment of costs incidental or related thereto; and (2) to raise this appropriation by authorizing the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, to issue bonds or serial notes under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, as amended or any other enabling authority; or (3) to take any other action relative thereto. No 2nd Needed Roll Call Vote Yes: Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Aiello Motion Passes.”
Oct 21Voted with a positive recommendation that Comcast can add…Motion: Motion by the Public Health and Safety Committee voted with a…Passed Unanimous, 6 present · see note
October 21, 2025: Voted with a positive recommendation that Comcast can add service to 210-214 Winthrop St
Motion by the Public Health and Safety Committee voted with a positive recommendation that Comcast can add service to 210-214 Winthrop St.
The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion by the Public Health and Safety Committee voted with a positive recommendation that Comcast can add service to 210-214 Winthrop St. No 2nd Needed Passed Unanimously.”
Oct 7Allow members to discuss more than the Town Manager's…Motion: Roll Call Vote on MotionFailed 4–4 · No: Costigan, DeMarco, Letterie, Swope
October 7, 2025: Allow councilors to discuss more than the Town Manager's report and put recall information on the town website
Roll Call Vote on Motion
Yes: Aiello, Belcher, DaRos, TassinariNo: Costigan, DeMarco, Letterie, SwopeThe minutes list this roll call but do not write down the result. The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Roll Call Vote on Motion Yes: Councilor Aiello, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor DaRos, Vice President Belcher No: Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Swope, President Letterie.”
Oct 7Amend the date from Nov. 5th to Nov. 12th…Motion: Motion by Member Tassinari to amend the date from Nov. 5th…Passed · see note
October 7, 2025: Amend the date from Nov. 5th to Nov. 12th , 2025
Motion by Councilor Tassinari to amend the date from Nov. 5th to Nov. 12th , 2025
The minutes say only "Main Motion is Passed", with no count and no names.
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Tassinari to amend the date from Nov. 5th to Nov. 12th , 2025 2nd by Vice President Belcher Discussion Vice President Belcher not available on the 12th Amended Motion is Withdrawn by Councilor Tassinari Main Motion is Passed.” (Motion: Tassinari, second: Belcher)
Sep 16Accepts the ADU Ordinance (main motion as amended)Motion: Motion by the Rules & Ordinance that the Town Council accepts…Passed Unanimous, 8 present · see note
September 16, 2025: Accepts the ADU Ordinance (main motion as amended)
Motion by the Rules & Ordinance that the Town Council accepts the ADU Ordinance
The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Main Motion as Amended that the Town Council accepts the ADU Ordinance Discussion Councilor Swope would like more of an explanation of parking to the public. Discussion on Bus Stop and Bus Station clarifications Roll Call Vote Yes: Councilor Aiello, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie, Councilor DaRos (Zoom) Main Motion Passes as Amended.”
From the Winthrop Town Council’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center. We check every vote against the members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Member photos: Winthrop Sun Transcript (candidate announcements for Letterie, Millar, Dimes and Romano; Costigan and Swope from a captioned June 2026 Strawberry Festival photo by Salza). Former members and Tassinari, Reardon and Finn show initials for now.
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