← Woburn City Council

Woburn Former City Councilor

Michael D. Anderson

Ward 4 · 2 terms in this record

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Record at a glance · 2020–2021 Council

16 of 16meetings attended (100%) · whole council 96%
156votes cast by name (yes, no or abstain)
4no votes (3% of votes cast) · whole council 1%
2 of 15split votes where Anderson was in the minority (13%) · whole council 18%
11abstained
2terms in this record

On split votes, Anderson voted the same way as…

How these numbers work
  • Counted from the official minutes, for 2020–2021 Council only. Committee meetings and routine votes (adjourning, approving minutes) are not counted.
  • Attendance counts the meetings where the minutes list Anderson as present or absent at the start.
  • Only votes the minutes record member by member are counted. Voice votes and votes given only as a count (for example 6-3 with no names) are not.
  • Percentages are shown only when there are at least 10 meetings or votes to count.
  • A split vote is one where at least one member voted yes and another voted no. “In the minority” means on the side with fewer votes; ties are not counted.
  • “Whole council” combines every member’s record for the same term.

These numbers describe the record; they are not a grade. A no vote, an abstention or a minority vote is neither good nor bad. MassVoter never rates officials.

Attendance

At the start of 16 of 16 City Council meetings in 2020–2021 Council.

Missed none.

Every meeting (16)

Votes where councilors disagreed · 2020–2021 Council

Aug 4The special permit be granted, as amended with the…Motion: Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL PERMIT be GRANTED, AS…Passed 6–2 · Anderson: Abstained

August 4, 2020: The special permit be granted, as amended with the conditions as follows: 1. The Petitioner shall construct and improve the Site as substantially described in the plans submitted with the…

ApprovePassed · 6–2

Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL PERMIT be GRANTED, AS AMENDED with the conditions as follows: 1. The Petitioner shall construct and improve the Site as substantially described in the plans submitted with the Petition for Special Permit entitled: "Site Plan in Woburn, Mass." dated February 7, 2020, revised March 4, 2020 prepared by Hayes Engineering Inc., 603 Salem Street, Wakefield, MA 01880 (hereinafter the "Site Plan") although design adjustments and modifications generally associated with: (i) preparing so-called "working drawings" or (ii) site conditions shall be permitted so long as such changes do not constitute substantial changes from said plans as determined by the Building Commissioner. In the event that the Building Commissioner determines that the building plans filed with the building permit application are not in substantial conformance with the Site Plan, the Petitioner may request a review of said plans by the City Council Special Permits Committee who shall make a final determination. If the Special Permits Committee makes a determination that the proposed plans are not in conformance with the Site Plan, the Petitioner shall be required to file a Special Permit Petition seeking approval to modify the Site Plan.; 2. This project shall not exceed six (6) residential units.; 3. The six (6) residential units shall each be limited to two bedrooms.; 4. All exterior building illumination shall be shielded in such a manner that will prevent direct light from imp

Voted: Abstained

Yes: Concannon, Ferullo, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-Bruen, TedescoNo: Campbell, DillonAbstained: Anderson

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the SPECIAL PERMIT be GRANTED, AS AMENDED with the conditions as follows: 1. The Petitioner shall construct and improve the Site as substantially described in the plans submitted with the Petition for Special Permit entitled: "Site Plan in Woburn, Mass." dated February 7, 2020, revised March 4, 2020 prepared by Hayes Engineering Inc., 603 Salem Street, Wakefield, MA 01880 (hereinafter the "Site Plan") although design adjustments and modifications generally associated with: (i) preparing so-called "working drawings" or (ii) site conditions shall be permitted so long as such changes do not constitute substantial changes from said plans as determined by the Building Commissioner. In the event that the Building Commissioner determines that the building plans filed with the building permit application are not in substantial conformance with the Site Plan, the Petitioner may request a review of said plans by the City Council Special Permits Committee who shall make a final determination. If the Special Permits Committee makes a determination that the proposed plans are not in conformance with the Site Plan, the Petitioner shall be required to file a Special Permit Petition seeking approval to modify the Site Plan.; 2. This project shall not exceed six (6) residential units.; 3. The six (6) residential units shall each be limited to two bedrooms.; 4. All exterior building illumination shall be shielded in such a manner that will prevent direct light from impacting abutting properties.; 5. The Petitioner shall install security lighting along the easement as shown on the Plan.; 6. During the Site redevelopment and construction phases, the Petitioner shall maintain all adjoining roadways and sidewalks free and clear of all debris.; 7. Except in the event of an emergency, work on the site shall be from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays. No work on site shall be permitted on Sunday or state and federal holidays recognized by the City of Woburn.; 8. There shall be adequate pest control in place prior to commencement of any site disturbance and maintained throughout all site redevelopment and construction phases.; 9. The indoor trash disposal area shall be accessible to both the residential units and commercial unit.; 10. As-built plans shall be provided at the conclusion of the project to the satisfaction of the Engineering Department.; 11. The Petitioner shall pay to the "Downtown Parking Enhancement Fund" a fee of Fifty-Four Thousand Dollars ($54,000.00) for each space (which spaces are not guaranteed) in the municipal parking facility (Walnut Parking Lot) that substitutes for Petitioner's required offsite parking.; 12. The petitioner shall replace any disturbed area with granite curbing, concrete sidewalk and road pavement to specifications of the Superintendent of Public Works.; 13. That all sale agreements and condominium documents shall include language that parking for the units is not guaranteed for the units, that this language shall run with the land, and that the landowner shall not advertise parking being available for the units.; 14. That the landowner shall keep the easement clear of dirt and debris, shall maintain the exterior lighting, shall keep the easement clear of snow and ice and shall remove any excess snow from the site, and the requirements of this condition shall be transferred to any subsequent landowner or condominium association.; and 15. That any signage shall for the retail space shall comply with the Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, ROLL CALL: Anderson - Abstained; Campbell - No; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - No; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Higgins - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Aug 4The order be adopted — On the Order to…Motion: Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, ROLL CALL:…Passed 8–0 · Anderson: Abstained

August 4, 2020: The order be adopted — On the Order to amend Section 8-14(F) of the 1989 Woburn Municipal Code, as amended, Section 8-14(F) by deleting the date "May 1, 2020" and…

Adopt orderPassed · 8–0

Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, ROLL CALL: Anderson - Abstained; Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Higgins - Yes.

Voted: Abstained

Yes: Campbell, Concannon, Dillon, Ferullo, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-Bruen, TedescoAbstained: Anderson

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, ROLL CALL: Anderson - Abstained; Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Higgins - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Aug 4The order be adopted — From the Traffic Commission:…Motion: Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, ROLL CALL:…Passed 8–1 · Anderson: Yes

August 4, 2020: The order be adopted — From the Traffic Commission: ordered Be it ordered that Schedule 1 Parking Restrictions of the 2017 Woburn Traffic Code, as amended, be further amended by…

Adopt orderPassed · 8–1

Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, ROLL CALL: Anderson - Yes; Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - No; Higgins - Yes.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Dillon, Ferullo, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-BruenNo: Tedesco

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, ROLL CALL: Anderson - Yes; Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - No; Higgins - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 13 (PDF)

Aug 4The order be adopted — From the Traffic Commission:…Motion: Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, ROLL CALL:…Passed 8–1 · Anderson: Yes

August 4, 2020: The order be adopted — From the Traffic Commission: ordered That the 2017 Woburn Traffic Code, as amended, be further amended by amending Schedule 1 Parking Restrictions by deleting "No…

Adopt orderPassed · 8–1

Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, ROLL CALL: Anderson - Yes; Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - No; Higgins - Yes.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Dillon, Ferullo, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-BruenNo: Tedesco

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, ROLL CALL: Anderson - Yes; Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - No; Higgins - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

Aug 4The order be adopted — From the Traffic Commission:…Motion: Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, ROLL CALL:…Passed 8–1 · Anderson: Yes

August 4, 2020: The order be adopted — From the Traffic Commission: ordered Be it ordered that Schedule 1 Parking Restrictions of the 2017 Woburn Traffic Code, as amended, be further amended by…

Adopt orderPassed · 8–1

Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, ROLL CALL: Anderson - Yes; Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - No; Higgins - Yes.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Anderson, Campbell, Concannon, Dillon, Ferullo, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-BruenNo: Tedesco

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the ORDER be ADOPTED, ROLL CALL: Anderson - Yes; Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - No; Higgins - Yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

Jul 21A copy of the special permit for the self-…Motion: Motion made and 2nd that a copy of the special permit…Passed 8–0 · Anderson: Abstained

July 21, 2020: A copy of the special permit for the self- storage project on Washington Street be forwarded to the Committee on Special Permits

ApprovePassed · 8–0

Motion made and 2nd that a copy of the special permit for the self- storage project on Washington Street be forwarded to the Committee on Special Permits, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Abstained.

Voted: Abstained

Yes: Campbell, Concannon, Dillon, Ferullo, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-Bruen, TedescoAbstained: Anderson

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that a copy of the special permit for the self- storage project on Washington Street be forwarded to the Committee on Special Permits, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Abstained..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Jul 21In accordance with the discussions and agreement with the…Motion: Motion made and seconded that in accordance with the discussions and…Passed 8–0 · Anderson: Abstained

July 21, 2020: In accordance with the discussions and agreement with the petitioners and landowner, Peer Review shall be engaged as follows: 1. Horsley Whitten shall be engaged to review of all storm…

ApprovePassed · 8–0

Motion made and seconded that in accordance with the discussions and agreement with the petitioners and landowner, Peer Review shall be engaged as follows: 1. Horsley Whitten shall be engaged to review of all storm water measurements throughout the site and that LCS Woburn LLC and Pulte Homes of NE, LLC shall each contribute to 50% of the cost; 2. Environmental Partners shall be engaged to review of all water and sewer reports and calculations and that LCS Woburn LLC and Pulte Homes of NE, LLC shall each contribute to 50% of the cost; and 3. Weston & Sampson shall be engaged to run the hydraulic model for the purposes of sizing a new Meter 200, which will be located within the Pulte Homes project, as well as sizing water distribution lines between the new meter 200 and the Vale connection to the existing municipal water main in Montvale Ave and the landowner, Legatt McCall shall contribute $6,600 to the City to be applied to this cost. ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Abstained.

Voted: Abstained

Yes: Campbell, Concannon, Dillon, Ferullo, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-Bruen, TedescoAbstained: Anderson

From the minutes

“Motion made and seconded that in accordance with the discussions and agreement with the petitioners and landowner, Peer Review shall be engaged as follows: 1. Horsley Whitten shall be engaged to review of all storm water measurements throughout the site and that LCS Woburn LLC and Pulte Homes of NE, LLC shall each contribute to 50% of the cost; 2. Environmental Partners shall be engaged to review of all water and sewer reports and calculations and that LCS Woburn LLC and Pulte Homes of NE, LLC shall each contribute to 50% of the cost; and 3. Weston & Sampson shall be engaged to run the hydraulic model for the purposes of sizing a new Meter 200, which will be located within the Pulte Homes project, as well as sizing water distribution lines between the new meter 200 and the Vale connection to the existing municipal water main in Montvale Ave and the landowner, Legatt McCall shall contribute $6,600 to the City to be applied to this cost. ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Abstained..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Jul 21In accordance with the discussions and agreement with the…Motion: Motion made and seconded that in accordance with the discussions and…Passed 8–0 · Anderson: Abstained

July 21, 2020: In accordance with the discussions and agreement with the petitioners and landowner, Peer Review shall be engaged as follows: 1. Horsley Whitten shall be engaged to review of all storm…

ApprovePassed · 8–0

Motion made and seconded that in accordance with the discussions and agreement with the petitioners and landowner, Peer Review shall be engaged as follows: 1. Horsley Whitten shall be engaged to review of all storm water measurements throughout the site and that LCS Woburn LLC and Pulte Homes of NE, LLC shall each contribute to 50% of the cost; 2. Environmental Partners shall be engaged to review of all water and sewer reports and calculations and that LCS Woburn LLC and Pulte Homes of NE, LLC shall each contribute to 50% of the cost; and 3. Weston & Sampson shall be engaged to run the hydraulic model for the purposes of sizing a new Meter 200, which will be located within the Pulte Homes project, as well as sizing water distribution lines between the new meter 200 and the Vale connection to the existing municipal water main in Montvale Ave and the landowner, Legatt McCall shall contribute $6,600 to the City to be applied to this cost. ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Abstained.

Voted: Abstained

Yes: Campbell, Concannon, Dillon, Ferullo, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-Bruen, TedescoAbstained: Anderson

From the minutes

“Motion made and seconded that in accordance with the discussions and agreement with the petitioners and landowner, Peer Review shall be engaged as follows: 1. Horsley Whitten shall be engaged to review of all storm water measurements throughout the site and that LCS Woburn LLC and Pulte Homes of NE, LLC shall each contribute to 50% of the cost; 2. Environmental Partners shall be engaged to review of all water and sewer reports and calculations and that LCS Woburn LLC and Pulte Homes of NE, LLC shall each contribute to 50% of the cost; and 3. Weston & Sampson shall be engaged to run the hydraulic model for the purposes of sizing a new Meter 200, which will be located within the Pulte Homes project, as well as sizing water distribution lines between the new meter 200 and the Vale connection to the existing municipal water main in Montvale Ave and the landowner, Legatt McCall shall contribute $6,600 to the City to be applied to this cost. ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Abstained..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Jul 21The grant of right in A way be approved,…Motion: Motion made and 2nd that the GRANT OF RIGHT IN A…Passed 8–0 · Anderson: Abstained

July 21, 2020: The grant of right in A way be approved, as amended with the conditions as follows: 1. That the recommendations of the Superintendent of Public Works be adopted as conditions…

ApprovePassed · 8–0

Motion made and 2nd that the GRANT OF RIGHT IN A WAY be APPROVED, AS AMENDED with the conditions as follows: 1. That the recommendations of the Superintendent of Public Works be adopted as conditions of the Grant, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Abstained.

Voted: Abstained

Yes: Campbell, Concannon, Dillon, Ferullo, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-Bruen, TedescoAbstained: Anderson

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the GRANT OF RIGHT IN A WAY be APPROVED, AS AMENDED with the conditions as follows: 1. That the recommendations of the Superintendent of Public Works be adopted as conditions of the Grant, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Abstained..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Jul 21The grant of right in A way be approved,…Motion: Motion made and 2nd that the GRANT OF RIGHT IN A…Passed 8–0 · Anderson: Abstained

July 21, 2020: The grant of right in A way be approved, as amended with the conditions as follows: 1. That the recommendations of the Superintendent of Public Works be adopted as conditions…

ApprovePassed · 8–0

Motion made and 2nd that the GRANT OF RIGHT IN A WAY be APPROVED, AS AMENDED with the conditions as follows: 1. That the recommendations of the Superintendent of Public Works be adopted as conditions of the Grant, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Abstained.

Voted: Abstained

Yes: Campbell, Concannon, Dillon, Ferullo, Gately, Higgins, Mercer-Bruen, TedescoAbstained: Anderson

From the minutes

“Motion made and 2nd that the GRANT OF RIGHT IN A WAY be APPROVED, AS AMENDED with the conditions as follows: 1. That the recommendations of the Superintendent of Public Works be adopted as conditions of the Grant, ROLL CALL: Campbell - Yes; Concannon - Yes; Dillon - Yes; Ferullo - Yes; Gately - Yes; Higgins - Yes; Mercer-Bruen - Yes; Tedesco - Yes; Anderson - Abstained..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Votes with no disagreement (113)

    From the Woburn City Council’s official journals (its minutes), posted on the city’s Minutes & Agendas page (City Council). We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the city’s website has no councilor photos): Robert Toro, Joseph Demers (courtesy of each), Jeffrey Dillon, Lou DiMambro and Charles Viola from Woburn Patch (2019–2023); Yano Amara (December 31, 2025) and Darlene Mercer-Bruen (July 23, 2021, captioned group photo, cropped) from the Daily Times Chronicle; William Pappalardo and Robert Ferullo cropped from the Daily Times Chronicle’s captioned 2026 City Council photo (January 7, 2026). Former councilors show initials.

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