MassVoter.com← WrenthamMunicipal votes · 2023–2024 Board
Wrentham Select Board
How the Wrentham Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. Michelle Rouse joined the board after the April 3, 2023 town election, replacing Charles Kennedy. On April 4, 2023 the board chose Joseph Botaish as Chair, Christopher Gallo as Vice Chair and William Harrington as Clerk. The board was called the Board of Selectmen until 2024, when it became the Select Board. Covers 25 meetings, April 4 to March 19, 2024.
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.
Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budgetYour Wrentham ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
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From the agendas Wrentham posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.
Members
ChairJoseph BotaishChair · Select Board member (townwide) · at 25 of 25 meetings
Vice-ChairChristopher GalloVice Chair · Select Board member (townwide) · at 24 of 25 meetings
James AndersonMember · Select Board member (townwide) · at 22 of 25 meetings
William HarringtonClerk · Select Board member (townwide) · at 24 of 25 meetings
Michelle RouseMember · Select Board member (townwide) · at 23 of 25 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: Wrentham Select Board minutes (the board was called the Board of Selectmen until 2024) from January 2, 2018 through September 1, 2026, 197 meetings. Minutes from 2018 to June 2023 come from the town’s public documents on eCode360 (linked from the town’s Public Records page; they go back to 2009, and MassVoter has loaded 2018 on); minutes from June 20, 2023 on come from the town’s Agenda Center. Not here: minutes before 2018; executive-session minutes; ceremonies such as swearing-ins; meetings with an agenda but no posted minutes, including the board’s sessions on several Town Meeting nights, October 16, November 18 and November 21, 2025, and June 1, 2026; and meetings after September 1, 2026, whose minutes are not posted yet. Nearly all of Wrentham’s minutes are scanned paper copies with a text layer made by the scanner (one 2021 file had none, so MassVoter read it with its own text recognition); we checked unclear votes against the page images, but quoted words may keep small reading errors. Through 2019 most votes read “the Board voted unanimously to …”, shown as every member present voting yes; from late 2019 into 2020 many votes say only “Motion carries” with no count or names, and those show the result only and are not treated as unanimous; since the board began meeting remotely in March 2020 nearly every vote is a roll call that lists each member’s vote by name, and we show each vote as recorded. Where a roll call leaves out a member who was present, names one the minutes list as absent, or does not match the stated count, we show the count only or add a note; when the count shows every member present voting yes but the roll call as written leaves one out (May 20 and June 3, 2025; February 21 to March 21, 2023), each member present is shown voting yes, with a note. Members who stepped aside, answered “n/a” or gave no response are not shown as voting. A March 5, 2024 motion recorded as “voted to approve/deny” with no vote is not shown. Joseph Botaish, a member since 2010, died in January 2025; the board had four members until Roy Lamothe joined in April 2025. Votes by other boards at joint meetings (School Committee, Library Trustees) are not included; where the board voted together with another board, only the Select Board 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.
Jan 16Opt out of vote by mail for the Municipal…Motion: Motion made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Harrington, the Board…Passed 4–1 · No: Harrington
January 16, 2024: Opt out of vote by mail for the Municipal Election scheduled for Monday, April 1, 2024
Motion made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Harrington, the Board voted to opt out of vote by mail for the Municipal Election scheduled for Monday, April 1, 2024.
Yes: Anderson, Botaish, Gallo, RouseNo: Harrington
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Harrington, the Board voted to opt out of vote by mail for the Municipal Election scheduled for Monday, April 1, 2024. Followed by a roll call vote, Anderson - yes, Botaish - yes, Gallo - yes, Harrington - no, Rouse - yes. Motion carries, 4-.” (Motion: Anderson, second: Harrington)
Jan 16Approve the Town Manager's contract, as presented, effective July…Motion: Motion made by Mr. Gallo, seconded by Mr. Anderson, the Board…Passed 4–1 · No: Harrington
January 16, 2024: Approve the Town Manager's contract, as presented, effective July 1, 2024
Motion made by Mr. Gallo, seconded by Mr. Anderson, the Board voted to approve the Town Manager's contract, as presented, effective July 1, 2024.
Yes: Anderson, Botaish, Gallo, RouseNo: Harrington
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Gallo, seconded by Mr. Anderson, the Board voted to approve the Town Manager's contract, as presented, effective July 1, 2024. Followed by a roll call vote, Anderson - yes, Botaish - yes, Gallo - yes, Harrington - no, Rouse - yes. Motion carries, 4-1.” (Motion: Gallo, second: Anderson)
Dec 5Declared Seamus of 6!2 West Street a nuisance dogMotion: Motion made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Ms. Rouse the Board…Passed 4–1 · No: Harrington
December 5, 2023: Declared Seamus of 6!2 West Street a nuisance dog
Motion made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Ms. Rouse the Board voted to declared Seamus of 6!2 West Street a nuisance dog.
Yes: Anderson, Botaish, Gallo, RouseNo: Harrington
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Ms. Rouse the Board voted to declared Seamus of 6!2 West Street a nuisance dog. Followed by a roll call vote, Anderson - yes, Botaish - yes, Gallo - yes, Harrington - no, Rouse - yes. Motion carries, 4-1.” (Motion: Anderson, second: Rouse)
Dec 5Order the Cota's of 612 West Street to take…Motion: Motion made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Gallo the Board…Passed 4–1 · No: Harrington
December 5, 2023: Order the Cota's of 612 West Street to take the following measures, enforce walking dogs individually, one dog per person with no pull harness, a mussel when out walking, and…
Motion made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Gallo the Board voted to order the Cota's of 612 West Street to take the following measures, enforce walking dogs individually, one dog per person with no pull harness, a mussel when out walking, and to get professional training initiated immediately and up to three to five days to obtain a mussel, no sooner than six months to petition the Board to revisit the conditions of this order.
Yes: Anderson, Botaish, Gallo, RouseNo: Harrington
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Gallo the Board voted to order the Cota's of 612 West Street to take the following measures, enforce walking dogs individually, one dog per person with no pull harness, a mussel when out walking, and to get professional training initiated immediately and up to three to five days to obtain a mussel, no sooner than six months to petition the Board to revisit the conditions of this order. Followed by a roll call vote, Anderson - yes, Botaish - yes, Gallo - yes, Harrington - no, Rouse - yes. Motion carries, 4-1.” (Motion: Anderson, second: Gallo)
Sep 5Declare Molly of 50 Farm Hill Rod a Nuisance…Motion: Motion made by Mr. Gallo, seconded by Ms. Rouse, the Board…Passed 4–1 · No: Harrington
September 5, 2023: Declare Molly of 50 Farm Hill Rod a Nuisance Dog
Motion made by Mr. Gallo, seconded by Ms. Rouse, the Board voted to declare Molly of 50 Farm Hill Rod a Nuisance Dog.
Yes: Anderson, Botaish, Gallo, RouseNo: Harrington
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Gallo, seconded by Ms. Rouse, the Board voted to declare Molly of 50 Farm Hill Rod a Nuisance Dog. Followed by a roll call vote, Anderson - yes, Botaish - yes, Gallo - yes, Harrington - no, Rouse - yes. Motion carries, 4-1.” (Motion: Gallo, second: Rouse)
Sep 5Order the ted and Maureen Billington of 50 Farm…Motion: Motion made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Gallo, the Board…Passed 4–1 · No: Harrington
September 5, 2023: Order the ted and Maureen Billington of 50 Farm Hill Road to take the following measures, conduct a behavioral evaluation of Molly which will be sent directly to Town Counsel…
Motion made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Gallo, the Board voted to order the ted and Maureen Billington of 50 Farm Hill Road to take the following measures, conduct a behavioral evaluation of Molly which will be sent directly to Town Counsel upon completion, Molly be humanly muzzled on all walk, install a six-sided pen in their yard, and acquire an additional insurance policy of at least $100,000 The Board indicated that restrictions may be revisited pending the results of the behavioral evaluation of Molly.
Yes: Anderson, Botaish, Gallo, RouseNo: Harrington
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Gallo, the Board voted to order the ted and Maureen Billington of 50 Farm Hill Road to take the following measures, conduct a behavioral evaluation of Molly which will be sent directly to Town Counsel upon completion, Molly be humanly muzzled on all walk, install a six-sided pen in their yard, and acquire an additional insurance policy of at least $100,000 The Board indicated that restrictions may be revisited pending the results of the behavioral evaluation of Molly. Followed by a roll call vote, Anderson - yes, Botaish - yes, Gallo - yes, Harrington - no, Rouse -yes. Motion carries, 4-1.” (Motion: Anderson, second: Gallo)
Aug 22Approve the entertainment license application for Cirque Italia for…Motion: Motion made by Mr. Gallo, seconded by Mr. Anderson, the Board…Passed · see note
August 22, 2023: Approve the entertainment license application for Cirque Italia for Temporary Acrobatic Theatrical show located at 1 Premium Outlets Blvd from September 7th through September 17th weekdays shows
Motion made by Mr. Gallo, seconded by Mr. Anderson, the Board voted to approve the entertainment license application for Cirque Italia for Temporary Acrobatic Theatrical show located at 1 Premium Outlets Blvd from September 7th through September 17th weekdays shows at 7:30PM and weekend shows at L:30PM, 4:30PM, and 7:30PM, two paramedics/fire fighters with EMS, two police details, deposit for back
The minutes record this only as "the Board voted"; they do not give a count or say how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Gallo, seconded by Mr. Anderson, the Board voted to approve the entertainment license application for Cirque Italia for Temporary Acrobatic Theatrical show located at 1 Premium Outlets Blvd from September 7th through September 17th weekdays shows at 7:30PM and weekend shows at L:30PM, 4:30PM, and 7:30PM, two paramedics/fire fighters with EMS, two police details, deposit for back.” (Motion: Gallo, second: Anderson)
Jul 11Appoint Mary Beth Bernard to the Fiske Library Trustees…Motion: The Board voted to appoint Mary Beth Bernard to the Fiske…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
July 11, 2023: Appoint Mary Beth Bernard to the Fiske Library Trustees for a term effective immediately and expiring April 1, 2024
The Board voted to appoint Mary Beth Bernard to the Fiske Library Trustees for a term effective immediately and expiring April 1, 2024.
The Fiske Library Trustees (Diane Rook moving, Lori Yarworth seconding) recommended Ms. Bernard; the minutes then record the Select Board's vote to appoint her.
From the minutes
“The Board voted to appoint Mary Beth Bernard to the Fiske Library Trustees for a term effective immediately and expiring April 1, 2024. Followed by a roll call vote, Botaish - yes, Gallo - yes, Harrington - yes, Rouse - yes. Motion carries, 4-0.”
Jun 20Approve the sign request for Carriage House Lane for…Motion: Motion made by Mr. Harrington, seconded by Mr. Gallo, the Board…Passed · see note
June 20, 2023: Approve the sign request for Carriage House Lane for Children at Play Sign
Motion made by Mr. Harrington, seconded by Mr. Gallo, the Board voted to approve the sign request for Carriage House Lane for Children at Play Sign.
The minutes record this only as "the Board voted"; they do not give a count or say how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Harrington, seconded by Mr. Gallo, the Board voted to approve the sign request for Carriage House Lane for Children at Play Sign..” (Motion: Harrington, second: Gallo)
May 2Grant the license to store flammables, combustibles or explosives…Motion: Upon a motion made by Mr. Harrington, seconded by Mr. Anderson,…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Botaish
May 2, 2023: Grant the license to store flammables, combustibles or explosives (propane) at 404 Green Street aka 315 Green Street to 404 Green Street Owner, LLC and to authorize the use of…
Upon a motion made by Mr. Harrington, seconded by Mr. Anderson, the Board voted to grant the license to store flammables, combustibles or explosives (propane) at 404 Green Street aka 315 Green Street to 404 Green Street Owner, LLC and to authorize the use of electronic signatures.
Yes: Anderson, Gallo, Harrington, RouseAbstained: Botaish
From the minutes
“Upon a motion made by Mr. Harrington, seconded by Mr. Anderson, the Board voted to grant the license to store flammables, combustibles or explosives (propane) at 404 Green Street aka 315 Green Street to 404 Green Street Owner, LLC and to authorize the use of electronic signatures. Followed by a May 2, 2023 Board of Selectmen Open Session Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4 roll call vote, Anderson - yes, Botaish - abstain, Gallo - yes, Harrington - yes, Rouse - yes. Motion carries, 4-1.” (Motion: Harrington, second: Anderson)
From the Wrentham Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center (June 2023 on) and its eCode360 public documents (2018 to June 2023). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: The Sun Chronicle (Chris Gallo, 2021 candidate photo; Joseph Botaish, January 2025) and Town of Wrentham award photos published by The Sun Chronicle (James Anderson, Michelle Rouse and William Harrington, October 2024 Town Meeting; Roy Lamothe, December 2025). No photos yet for former members Charles Kennedy, Stephen Langley, Jerome McGovern and Gerard Nolan.
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