WEYMOUTH - September 2 - The Weymouth Town Council's first meeting following summer break was marked by Acting Mayor Molisse's announcement of the city's leadership transition after former Mayor Robert Hedlund's resignation in June, while a resident pleaded for state intervention on dangerous Route 18 traffic conditions that have resulted in 168 accidents in five months.
The Full Story
Council President Mike Molisse, now serving as Acting Mayor, opened the September 2nd meeting by explaining the leadership transition process to residents. Former Mayor Robert Hedlund submitted his resignation letter on June 17th, stating he would leave office on July 15th. Under the town charter section 3-8, the Council President was sworn in as acting mayor on July 16th, taking on the full-time role while maintaining council president duties until the November 4th election.
"Again pursuant to the charter I remain in the role as Council President until the November 4th election. So I'll be here until the November 4th election as Council President. I'll be recusing myself from voting on measures before the council," Molisse explained to the meeting attendees.
If elected in the November 4th election, the Acting Mayor will step down as council president and be sworn in as Mayor, with Vice President Pascale Burga stepping in as Council President and Budget Chairman Greg Shanahan becoming Vice President until the council reorganizes in January 2026.
The meeting's most urgent public comment came from resident Adrian Colletti of Fountain Lane, who addressed the council about dangerous traffic conditions on Route 18. Colletti reported that in the six-month period from January to May 2025, there were 168 accidents on the stretch of Route 18 that runs past three residential complexes housing approximately 1,100 families.
"Someone's going to get killed. There have been more head-on collisions. There have been rollovers," Colletti told the council. "Besides the complexes, you've got businesses trying to take a left out of anywhere on Route 18. You take your life in your hands."
Colletti acknowledged that Route 18 is a state road outside the town's direct jurisdiction but asked the council to pressure the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) for solutions. Acting Mayor Molisse noted that Police Chief Richard Fuller had reported pulling over 2,000 cars the previous month, indicating active enforcement efforts.
The Council voted unanimously to refer the Route 18 traffic safety issue to the Public Safety Committee for further action. Councilor Burga noted that Pleasant Street Shops has seen revitalization, increasing traffic flow, and suggested property owners might need to reconsider traffic patterns. Another councilor proposed asking the town's traffic engineer to work with DOT and potentially request a DOT representative to attend a future meeting.
The Council also addressed several administrative matters, including setting early voting hours for the November 4th general election from October 20-24, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Town Clerk's office.
Three significant budget-related measures were submitted by the Acting Mayor and referred to the Budget Management Committee. These included the appointment of Thomas J. Lacey as Director of Administrative and Community Services, a $59,063.04 line item transfer from property and liability insurance to fund the director's salary, and a $5,000 Community Preservation Act funding request for affordable housing preservation.
The Acting Mayor recused himself from voting on all three measures due to his dual role. The housing preservation request will require a legal notice and public hearing, with the current Community Housing Fund balance standing at $956,277.89.
The council unanimously approved ten sets of meeting minutes from various committees and meetings held between May and June 2025, catching up on administrative business following the summer break.
Why It Matters
The leadership transition provides clarity for residents about who is running the town through the November election, while the Route 18 safety concerns highlight ongoing public safety challenges that affect over 1,100 families and numerous businesses. The administrative appointments and budget transfers will shape the town's operational capacity moving forward.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve ten sets of meeting minutes from May-June 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:22-3:57)
Motion: Refer Route 18 traffic safety concerns to Public Safety Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 10:39)
Motion: Approve call of general election for November 4th, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 12:12)
Motion: Set early voting hours October 20-24, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 13:21)
Motion: Refer director appointment to Budget Management Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 14:26)
Motion: Refer $59,063.04 line item transfer to Budget Management Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 15:20)
Motion: Refer $5,000 CPA housing funding request to Budget Management Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 16:17)
Public Comment
Adrian Colletti addressed dangerous traffic conditions on Route 18, reporting 168 accidents in five months near residential complexes housing 1,100 families. Requested town pressure on DOT for safety improvements including potential turning lanes and crosswalk solutions.
What's Next
Public Safety Committee will address Route 18 traffic concerns. Budget Management Committee will review director appointment, salary funding transfer, and affordable housing preservation request. Next regular Town Council meeting scheduled for September 15th, 2025.