WEYMOUTH - December 15, 2025 - The Weymouth Town Council closed its 2025 session with an emotional tribute to four outgoing members, marking the end of an era for the body’s leadership. In a meeting dominated by citations and farewells, the Council recognized the extensive service of Acting President Pascale Burga, Vice President Greg Shanahan, Councilor Maureen Kiely, and Mayor Michael Molisse, who formally concluded his 25-year tenure on the Council.
The Full Story
The December 15 meeting served primarily as a transition point for Weymouth’s town government, celebrating the legacy of departing officials before a new Council is seated in January.
A Quarter-Century of Service Acting Council President Pascale Burga led the presentations, beginning with a citation for Mayor Michael Molisse. Although Molisse has already assumed the role of Mayor, this meeting recognized his resignation from the Council, where he served as a Councilor-at-Large since 2000 and President from January 2024 to November 2025.
Burga highlighted Molisse’s “extraordinary” advocacy over two and a half decades, noting his leadership on critical committees including Budget Management and Public Safety. In his farewell remarks, Molisse emphasized the Council’s history of collaboration.
“A lot of great things have happened over that 25 years... the one thing I pride myself on is that through the whole time, the council always worked strong for the town of Weymouth. No matter who was on the council, we worked strong.” — Mayor Michael Molisse
Leadership Transitions Vice President Greg Shanahan was recognized for his two distinct stints on the Council, first serving from 2004 to 2008 and returning from 2020 to 2025. State Senator Patrick O’Connor praised Shanahan’s deep institutional knowledge, calling him a “dynamo” whose research and due diligence were unmatched.
The Council also honored District 2 Councilor Maureen Kiely, who was unable to attend due to medical leave. In a statement read by President Burga, Kiely reflected on her seven years of service, citing accomplishments such as the new Chapman Middle School, the Tufts Library, and the reopening of the Broad Street fire station.
Vice President Shanahan then turned the tables to honor Acting President Pascale Burga. Burga, the first female Vice President in the Council’s history, ascended to the presidency in November 2025. Mayor Molisse credited Burga for her steady hand and support, particularly with technology during remote meetings, noting she was a “strong advocate for the people of North Weymouth”.
State Delegation Tributes State Senator Patrick O’Connor and a representative from State Representative James Murphy’s office presented citations from the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives, recognizing the collective decades of public service represented by the departing members.
School Transportation and Scholarship Gifts Moving to town business, Director of Administration and Community Services TJ Lacey introduced a measure to secure a five-year contract for student regular day transportation, set to commence on July 1, 2026. The Council voted to refer the measure to the Budget/Management Committee for review.
In a moment of community generosity, the Council unanimously accepted a bequest from the estate of the late William Allison. Allison left one-third of his remaining estate assets to the Weymouth High School Scholarship Fund. Councilor Rick Coughlin expressed gratitude for the gift.
“I am really, truly impressed and thankful that we’ve got a citizen of the town... who’s thought enough of this community, that even when that person has left, said, I want to leave something here for the kids and the town in the future.” — Councilor Rick Coughlin
Why It Matters
The departure of four experienced councilors, including the new Mayor, represents a significant loss of institutional memory for the legislative body. The incoming Council will face the challenge of filling these knowledge gaps as they tackle upcoming fiscal issues and the new school transportation contract.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Referral of Measure 25 111 (School Transportation Contract)
Motion: To refer the five-year contract for school transportation services to the Budget Management Committee.
Outcome: Approved Unanimously
Timestamp: 24:05
Approval of Measure 25 110 (William Allison Bequest)
Motion: To authorize the acceptance of the bequest of William Allison (one-third of remaining estate assets) for the Weymouth High School Scholarship Fund.
Outcome: Approved Unanimously
Timestamp: 25:26
Motion to Change Meeting Time
Motion: To change the start time of the January 5, 2026, meeting from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (following a 6:30 p.m. swearing-in ceremony).
Outcome: Approved Unanimously
Timestamp: 27:10
What’s Next
Swearing-In Ceremony: The inauguration of the new Town Council and School Committee members will take place on January 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Chapman Middle School auditorium.
First Meeting of 2026: The new Council will hold its first meeting immediately following the ceremony at 7:00 p.m. to elect a new President and Vice President.