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Municipal votes · 2020–2021 Board

Yarmouth Select Board

How the Yarmouth Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Mark Forest was re-elected at the June 30, 2020 town election; Norm Holcomb left the board, and his seat was filled at a September 1, 2020 special election won by Dan Horgan, who is first listed at the September 15, 2020 meeting. On July 14, 2020 the four sitting members chose Mark Forest as Chair and Appointments Chair, Erik Tolley as Vice Chair, Tracy Post as Clerk and Michael Stone as Licensing Chair (each 4-0). Covers 26 meetings, July 14 to April 20, 2021.

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 budget
Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

Your Yarmouth ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.

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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.

What Town Meeting decided

In Yarmouth, Town Meeting — not the Select Board — votes the town budget, bylaws and zoning. Here is what it did with each article, in the Town Clerk’s own words. Any registered voter can take part, and most votes are by voice or show of hands, so there is no list of who voted which way.

Special Town Meeting · November 17, 2025 15 votes: 12 passed, 2 passed as amended, 1 failed

Source: Town Clerk's minutes in the 2025 Annual Town Report.

Annual Town Meeting · April 29, 2025 34 votes: 33 passed, 1 passed as amended

Source: Town Clerk's minutes in the 2025 Annual Town Report.

Special Town Meeting · December 9, 2024 2 votes: 2 passed

Source: Town Clerk's minutes in the 2024 Annual Town Report.

Special Town Meeting · November 19, 2024 14 votes: 14 passed

Source: Town Clerk's minutes in the 2024 Annual Town Report.

Annual Town Meeting · April 30, 2024 33 votes: 32 passed, 1 passed as amended

Source: Town Clerk's minutes in the 2024 Annual Town Report.

Not here yet: the April 28, 2026 Annual Town Meeting and the June 24, 2026 Special Town Meeting (no official results posted yet; they should appear in the 2026 Annual Town Report).

Titles are short descriptions of each article from the official record; the quoted words are the Town Clerk’s. A vote at Town Meeting is not the final word on everything: some articles also need a ballot vote (such as a tax override) or the Attorney General’s approval (bylaws).

Members

Dan HorganMember · Elected townwide · at 20 of 22 meetings · from Sep 2020Tracy PostClerk · Elected townwide · at 24 of 26 meetingsMichael StoneLicensing Chair · Elected townwide · at 26 of 26 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: Select Board minutes from January 3, 2018 through June 24, 2026. Minutes for 2018 and 2019 come from the town’s Archive Center (its Selectmen Minutes go back to 2005); later minutes come from its online Agenda Center. Not here: executive-session minutes (except four dates, in 2019 and 2020, where they are the only minutes posted), and meetings whose minutes are not online, including most meetings from March 30 to October 19, 2021 (19 meetings), about 20 other agenda-only dates from 2018 to 2025 (many of them executive sessions, workshops or joint meetings), and almost all of 2026: by October 4, 2026 the town had posted minutes for only three 2026 meetings (April 28, May 20 and June 24). Two files are not the minutes of the meeting they are posted under (the August 19, 2023 file is a copy of the November 15, 2022 minutes; the June 27, 2022 file is another committee’s minutes), so those dates are left out. Since 2023 most minutes are scanned copies, which MassVoter read with text-recognition software. Yarmouth’s minutes set out each motion with the mover, the seconder and the vote, such as “Vote: 4 ayes; 1 nay (Mike Stone)” or “Yea 5 Nay 0”, and remote and hybrid meetings record roll calls by name. When the count matches the members present, we show every member present as voting yes, and when the minutes name the members who voted no or abstained, everyone else present as voting yes. Members the minutes say were absent for a vote, left, or had not yet joined are left out of those votes. Where the minutes give only a split count without names, the count does not match the members on the attendance line, or a roll call lists a member the minutes do not show as present, we show the count only and add a note. Votes by other boards at joint meetings are not included. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 · Regular meeting5 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAbsent: Tracy PostTuesday, April 6, 2021 · Regular meeting6 recorded votes, 2 with disagreementAbsent: Erik TolleyTuesday, March 23, 2021 · Regular meeting7 recorded votes, 2 with disagreementAll 5 members presentTuesday, March 16, 2021 · Regular meeting11 recorded votes, 2 with disagreementAll 5 members presentTuesday, March 9, 2021 · Regular meeting13 recorded votes, 3 with disagreementAll 5 members present

Votes where members disagreed

Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.

Apr 6Approve the Annual Election Warrant as submitted to the…Motion: To approve the Annual Election Warrant as submitted to the Board…Failed 2–2 · No: Forest, Stone

April 6, 2021: Approve the Annual Election Warrant as submitted to the Board of Selectmen, with the dollar figure on question 3 totalling $977,736

ApproveFailed · 2–2

To approve the Annual Election Warrant as submitted to the Board of Selectmen, with the dollar figure on question 3 totalling $977,736.

Yes: Horgan, PostNo: Forest, Stone

From the minutes

“Motion: To approve the Annual Election Warrant as submitted to the Board of Selectmen, with the dollar figure on question 3 totalling $977,736. Motion by: Tracy Post Seconded by: Dan Horgan Roll Call Vote: Mike Stone, nay; Tracy Post, aye; Dan Horgan, aye; Mark Forest, nay. The motion did not carry..” (Motion: Post, second: Horgan)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Apr 6Approve the Annual Election Warrant as submitted to the…Motion: To approve the Annual Election Warrant as submitted to the Board…Passed 3–1 · No: Post

April 6, 2021: Approve the Annual Election Warrant as submitted to the Board of Selectmen, with the dollar figure on question 3 totalling $420,034

ApprovePassed · 3–1

To approve the Annual Election Warrant as submitted to the Board of Selectmen, with the dollar figure on question 3 totalling $420,034.

Yes: Forest, Horgan, StoneNo: Post

From the minutes

“Motion: To approve the Annual Election Warrant as submitted to the Board of Selectmen, with the dollar figure on question 3 totalling $420,034. Motion by: Mike Stone Seconded by: Mark Forest Roll Call Vote: Mike Stone, aye; Tracy Post, nay; Dan Horgan, aye; Mark Forest, aye. The motion passed (3 ayes, 1 nay)..” (Motion: Stone, second: Forest)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Mar 16Approve the recommendation of items 1 through 5 as…Motion: To approve the recommendation of items 1 through 5 as presented.Passed 4–1 · No: Post

March 16, 2021: Approve the recommendation of items 1 through 5 as presented

ApprovePassed · 4–1

To approve the recommendation of items 1 through 5 as presented.

Yes: Forest, Horgan, Stone, TolleyNo: Post

From the minutes

“MOTION: To approve the recommendation of items 1 through 5 as presented. Motion by: Dan Horgan Seconded by: Erik Tolley Roll Call Vote: Mike Stone, aye; Dan Horgan, aye; Erik Tolley, aye; Tracy Post, nay; Mark Forest, aye. Vote: 4 ayes; 1 nay. The motion passed 4-1..” (Motion: Horgan, second: Tolley)

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

Mar 9Reappoint Robert C. Lawton, Jr. as a regular member…Motion: To reappoint Robert C. Lawton, Jr. as a regular member to…Passed 3–0 · see note

March 9, 2021: Reappoint Robert C. Lawton, Jr. as a regular member to the Affordable Housing Trust

AppointPassed · 3–0

To reappoint Robert C. Lawton, Jr. as a regular member to the Affordable Housing Trust. This appointment is for a two-year term to run through March 2023.

Yes: Forest, Horgan, PostThe roll call does not list Erik Tolley and Michael Stone, who were present; they are not shown as voting.

From the minutes

“MOTION: To reappoint Robert C. Lawton, Jr. as a regular member to the Affordable Housing Trust. This appointment is for a two-year term to run through March 2023. Motion by: Tracy Post Seconded by: Mark Forest Roll Call Vote: Mr. Forest-Y, Dan Horgan-Y, Erik Tolley, Ms. Post-Y.” (Motion: Post, second: Forest)

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Mar 9Find out what advice former Town Administrator Dan Knapik…Motion: To find out what advice former Town Administrator Dan Knapik had…Passed 3–2 · No: Forest, Horgan

March 9, 2021: Find out what advice former Town Administrator Dan Knapik had at the time when he sent the invoice of $138,000, and what was that number based on

ApprovePassed · 3–2

To find out what advice former Town Administrator Dan Knapik had at the time when he sent the invoice of $138,000, and what was that number based on. Also, to find out what the Board's present recourse of action could be to recoup the $14,000 amount owed.

Yes: Post, Stone, TolleyNo: Forest, Horgan

From the minutes

“MOTION: To find out what advice former Town Administrator Dan Knapik had at the time when he sent the invoice of $138,000, and what was that number based on. Also, to find out what the Board's present recourse of action could be to recoup the $14,000 amount owed. Motion by: Tracy Post Seconded by: Michael Stone Roll Call Vote: Dan Horgan, nay; Mike Stone, aye; Erik Tolley, aye; Tracy Post, aye; Mark Forest, nay. Vote: 3 ayes; 2 nays (Dan Horgan; Mark Forest). The motion passed..” (Motion: Post, second: Stone)

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

Feb 23Approve and sign the Town Administrator's contractMotion: To approve and sign the Town Administrator's contract.Passed 3–0 · see note

February 23, 2021: Approve and sign the Town Administrator's contract

ApprovePassed · 3–0

To approve and sign the Town Administrator's contract.

Yes: Horgan, Post, StoneThe roll call does not list Mark Forest, who was present; this member is not shown as voting.

From the minutes

“MOTION: To approve and sign the Town Administrator's contract. Motion by: Tracy Post Seconded by: Dan Horgan Discussion: Chairman Forest thanked Selectmen Stone and Tolley for their efforts in the search for a new Town Administrator and for bringing this to a very favorable conclusion. Mr. Stone thanked the Board for its collaboration in the effort. Roll Call Vote: Tracy Post, aye; Mike Stone, aye; Dan Horgan, aye.” (Motion: Post, second: Horgan)

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

Feb 16Reappoint Mr. James Saben as a member-at-large to the…Motion: To reappoint Mr. James Saben as a member-at-large to the Land…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note

February 16, 2021: Reappoint Mr. James Saben as a member-at-large to the Land Disposition Committee

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

To reappoint Mr. James Saben as a member-at-large to the Land Disposition Committee. This reappointment is for a one-year term to run through February 2022.

The minutes name Erik Tolley as both the mover and the seconder, so no seconder is shown.

From the minutes

“MOTION: To reappoint Mr. James Saben as a member-at-large to the Land Disposition Committee. This reappointment is for a one-year term to run through February 2022. Motion by: Erik Tolley Seconded by: Erik Tolley Roll Call Vote: Tracy Post, aye; Dan Horgan, aye; Mike Stone, aye; Erik Tolley, aye; Mark Forest, aye. Vote: 5 ayes; 0 nays. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Tolley)

Read it in the official minutes, page 16 (PDF)

Feb 16Reappoint Ed Senteio as Finance Director for a three-year…Motion: To reappoint Ed Senteio as Finance Director for a three-year term…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note

February 16, 2021: Reappoint Ed Senteio as Finance Director for a three-year term to expire December 2023

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

To reappoint Ed Senteio as Finance Director for a three-year term to expire December 2023. Roll Call Vote: Dan Horgan, aye; Tracy Post, aye; Mike Stone, aye; Erik Tolley, aye; Mark Forest, aye. Vote: 5 ayes; 0 nays. The motion passed unanimously. 6. Approval of Minutes

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“MOTION: To reappoint Ed Senteio as Finance Director for a three-year term to expire December 2023. Roll Call Vote: Dan Horgan, aye; Tracy Post, aye; Mike Stone, aye; Erik Tolley, aye; Mark Forest, aye. Vote: 5 ayes; 0 nays. The motion passed unanimously..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 16 (PDF)

Feb 9Approve the appointment of McGregor and Legere as Special…Motion: To approve the appointment of McGregor and Legere as Special Legal…Passed 4–0 · see note

February 9, 2021: Approve the appointment of McGregor and Legere as Special Legal Counsel

AppointPassed · 4–0

To approve the appointment of McGregor and Legere as Special Legal Counsel.

The minutes give the count as 4 ayes and 0 nays and 1 abstaining, but the roll call reads: Michael Stone yes, Tracy Post abstained, Erik Tolley yes, Mark Forest yes. Showing the count only.

From the minutes

“MOTION: To approve the appointment of McGregor and Legere as Special Legal Counsel. Motion by: Mark Forest Seconded by: Erik Tolley Discussion: Selectman Post asked for clarification of the procurement process. Chairman Forest stated that he had worked previously with the firm in a similar Article 97 land management case and had recommended them to the prior Town Administrator as an expert in Article 97 land management in Massachusetts and were known to be a top environmental law firm. Interim Town Administrator Lawton confirmed that the initial fee for the first phase of consultation on the Drive-In site was to be $4,000 to $5,000, and he would obtain in writing the cost for the second phase. Roll Call Vote: Mike Stone, aye; Tracy Post, abstain; Erik Tolley, aye; Mark Forest, aye. Vote: 4 ayes; 0 nays; and 1 abstention. The motion passed..” (Motion: Forest, second: Tolley)

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

Jan 26Support the fees, with the exception of those fees…Motion: To support the fees, with the exception of those fees that…Passed 4–1 · No: Stone

January 26, 2021: Support the fees, with the exception of those fees that go above the 5% (the pass holder cart fees) and hold them to the 5% increase

ApprovePassed · 4–1

To support the fees, with the exception of those fees that go above the 5% (the pass holder cart fees) and hold them to the 5% increase.

Yes: Forest, Horgan, Post, TolleyNo: Stone

From the minutes

“MOTION: To support the fees, with the exception of those fees that go above the 5% (the pass holder cart fees) and hold them to the 5% increase. Motion by: Tracy Post Seconded by: Erik Tolley Discussion: Selectman Horgan stated that he agreed with the legal opinion that the golf cart fee could exceed 5%, but he would support the motion to go forward. Roll Call Vote: Mike Stone, nay; Dan Horgan, aye; Erik Tolley, aye; Tracy Post, aye; Mark Forest, aye. Vote: 4 ayes; 1 nay. The motion passed 4-1..” (Motion: Post, second: Tolley)

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

From the Yarmouth Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center and its Archive Center (2018 and 2019). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Town of Yarmouth (Tracy Post, Liz Argo); The Provincetown Independent, courtesy Mark Forest (Mark Forest); Cape Cod Times (Joyce Flynn); AARP (Dorcas McGurrin)

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