WEYMOUTH - November 10 - Weymouth Town Council reorganized November 10, with Pascale Burga stepping into the interim president’s role and Greg Shanahan becoming interim vice president following Mike Molisse’s election as mayor. The council also welcomed Stephen Shinney as its newest at-large member.
The Full Story
The meeting marked a smooth transition in Weymouth’s leadership. Burga, who previously served as vice president, explained that the reorganization followed provisions in Section 2-2(C) of the Town Charter, which establishes automatic succession when a council president vacates their seat.
“As you may be aware, the former Town Council President, Mike Molisse, was sworn in as Mayor immediately after winning the election,” Burga said. “As a result, I will serve as the interim president of the town council and chair budget. Greg Shanahan will automatically become the interim vice president.”
Shinney’s swearing in as at-large councilor filled the vacancy created by Molisse’s departure, in accordance with Section 2-11 of the charter.
“Thank you, Madam President, and thank you all the councilors,” Shinney said. “I look forward to serving the next two years with you.”
The council observed a moment of silence for Richard “Rick” Molisse, the mayor’s father, who died October 29. Burga noted that Mr. Molisse’s “love for his family, friends, and neighbors and beautiful smile will be forever remembered.”
During announcements, Councilor Gary MacDougall promoted Christmas in the Square, a village festival set for December 13 featuring performances by Mr. Child and the Weymouth High School Echoes. Councilor Carrie Palazzo reminded residents of Veterans Day events November 11, including a 9:30 a.m. gathering at the Korean War Memorial in Jackson Square, a 10:15 a.m. parade, and 11 a.m. ceremonies at the Ralph Talbot Amphitheater.
The council held a public hearing on relocating a utility pole at 137 Lambert Avenue. Mohamed Jamus, representing National Grid, said the company would move existing pole 18 approximately eight feet southwest at the property owner’s request.
Homeowner Richard Vernon testified that he requested the relocation for safety reasons. Vernon said the aging pole has protruding spikes and blocks emergency vehicle access to the rear of his 480-foot property where his 90-year-old mother spends time.
“If something was to happen in my yard, which is 400-some-odd feet long, if she was out back there, there’s no apparatus that can get down there,” Vernon said. “There’s just no way to get an engine down there in case of fire or something worse.”
Vernon paid National Grid and Verizon from his personal account to relocate the pole. His neighbor, Joseph Robbins of Lambert Avenue, questioned regulations about driveway construction and parking capacity on residential properties, though Jamus explained he could only address National Grid’s role in the pole relocation.
The council approved the utility petition under same-day action procedures.
Five committee appointments, all reviewed favorably by Budget Management, received unanimous approval:
Harrison Carter joined the Historical Commission, filling a three-year term through June 30, 2026. Carter, a Navy veteran and local history specialist at Thayer Public Library, said he’s eager to contribute to preserving Weymouth’s history.
Linda Glennon, a lifelong Weymouth resident who is semi-retired, was appointed to the Board of Elder Services for a term ending June 30, 2028. “I think Elder Services is the next step in my career because I’m a senior and I think it would be a good thing to do and help the town,” she said.
Rebecca Haugh, a former town councilor who served eight years before declining to seek reelection in 2021, returned to public service through appointment to the Recreation Commission. Ha, approaching 18 years as a Weymouth resident, said she saw the vacancy on Facebook and decided to get involved again because she loves being outdoors and active. Her term runs through June 30, 2028.
Brian Kintz received two appointments. The lifelong Weymouth resident and musician joined the Cultural Council for a two-year term expiring June 30, 2027. Kintz recently served on the Weymouth 400 Committee, partnering with the Cultural Council on anniversary celebrations.
“The Cultural Council feels like a really good fit for me in terms of my musical background and partner that with the time I’ve just spent on the Weymouth 400 Committee,” Kintz said.
Kintz also joined the Scholarship Committee for a three-year term through June 30, 2028. A Weymouth Public Schools graduate and former scholarship recipient, Kintz said he’s “just paying it forward now.”
Burga praised the volunteers throughout the evening. “It’s people like you that make our town better that step up to volunteer for these committees,” she said.
Why It Matters
The charter’s automatic succession provisions enabled seamless leadership transition without a special election. The five new appointees fill critical vacancies on boards overseeing services from elder care to recreation, ensuring these bodies remain fully staffed. Residents seeking emergency vehicle access or safety improvements can follow Vernon’s model of working directly with utility companies while seeking council approval for pole relocations.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Open public hearing on Measure 25090, Utility Petition for Pole Relocation at 137 Lambert Avenue. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 04:30)
Motion: Close public hearing on Measure 25090. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 08:18)
Motion: Take up Measure 25090 under same-day action and approve utility petition. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 08:19)
Motion: Approve Measure 25094, appointment of Harrison Carter to Historical Commission. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 24:06)
Motion: Approve Measure 25095, appointment of Linda Glennon to Board of Elder Services. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 25:33)
Motion: Approve Measure 25096, appointment of Rebecca Haugh to Recreation Commission. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 27:24)
Motion: Approve Measure 25097, appointment of Brian Kintz to Cultural Council. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 29:08)
Motion: Approve Measure 25098, appointment of Brian Kintz to Scholarship Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 30:35)
Motion: Adjourn meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 30:56)
Public Comment
Two residents spoke during the public hearing on utility pole relocation at 137 Lambert Avenue. Richard Vernon, the homeowner, cited safety concerns and emergency access needs as motivation for requesting the pole move. His 90-year-old mother uses the backyard, and the current pole location prevents fire apparatus from reaching the rear of the 480-foot property. Neighbor Joseph Robbins of Lambert Avenue raised questions about driveway and parking regulations, though those issues fell outside the hearing’s scope.
What’s Next
The council meets again November 17. National Grid will proceed with the approved Lambert Avenue pole relocation. Newly appointed committee members begin their terms and will participate in upcoming board meetings. Residents can watch full meetings on Weymouth Community Access Television.
Full meeting available via Weymouth Community Access Television.