Town Meeting 2026 – A Summary of Session One – members stick with Moderator Doherty for a seventh term

By Mark E. Vogler

Town Moderator Stephen Doherty can serve at least two more years presiding over the Saugus Annual Town Meeting. In their first order of business Monday night (May 4), members reelected Doherty to preside over the 50-member body for the 2025-27 term. Precinct 4 Town Meeting Member Joseph DiFilippo nominated Doherty to serve a seventh consecutive term. Members approved the measure unanimously on a voice vote. Doherty will have served 14 years as moderator when he decides whether to run for reelection to his Precinct 4 seat. He was first elected to Town Meeting in 2011.

AT A GLANCE: In the opening session of the Annual Town Meeting, members took action on a dozen of the 46 articles on this year’s warrant: approving nine articles, indefinitely postponing two and referring one back to its maker. Forty-nine of the 50 members were present for the first night’s proceedings, which lasted more than three hours. Precinct 3 Town Meeting Member Leonard Ferrari, Jr., the pitching coach of Lasell University in Maine, reported he couldn’t make the meeting because of a baseball game in Maine.

A SPECIAL COLOR GUARD: Three members of Saugus Youth Football and Cheer U-10 Cheering Squad, the 2025 Regional winners, 2025 Nationals that placed third in the country, Hadley Nichols, Franchesca Lincoln and Ava Doherty. The three girls have personal connections to Town Meeting Members. Ava is the granddaughter of Town Moderator Stephen Doherty. Hadley is the daughter of Precinct 1 Town Meeting Member Ashley Nichols. Franchesca is the daughter of Precinct 9 Town Meeting Member Jaime Lincoln.

DISCOURAGING CUT-THROUGH TRAFFIC: Article 30, to see if the town will vote for a Town Policy on Speed Tables and Traffic Calming Devices, received unanimous support from Town Meeting. The measure, initiated by all five Precinct 10 Town Meeting members, suggests that the Board of Selectmen implement a policy that falls within its powers as traffic commissioners. Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian noted that selectmen would have to obtain consulting services to determine the basis for installing speed tables and other traffic calming devices.

“We believe that properly placed and designed speed tables and calming devices can serve as effective tools, in specific circumstances, to reduce vehicular speeds and discourage cut-through traffic on residential streets,” the article noted. “These measures can help address concerns related to traffic safety and enhance the quality of life for residents.”

Manoogian acknowledged there might be costs associated with developing a policy and installation of the devices – but costs that would be justified by public safety and quality of life improvements.

IMPROVING PUBLIC RECORDS ACCESS: Town Meeting unanimously approved by voice vote Article 35 – a resolution initiated by Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Elizabeth Marchese to encourage town officials to take steps to improve compliance with the state Public Records Law.

WHAT’S NEXT: When the 2026 Annual Town Meeting resumes deliberations next Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall, members are expected to continue their discussion of Article 36, a measure that would place restrictions on hunting within the limits of any park, playground or public property. Toward the end of Monday night’s discussion, Town Meeting members heard testimony from hunters who worry that the article, if passed, would unfairly prohibit or restrict hunting in wooded parts of town. They also heard from residents who argue that restrictions are needed to protect residents who are out walking their dogs.

Article 34, a nonbinding resolution regarding a Host Community Agreement with WIN Waste Innovations, is expected to draw contentious debate among members about the future of the ash landfill near WIN’s trash-to-energy plant on Route 107. Currently, existing state environmental laws and regulations do not allow for farther expansion when the landfill meets its capacity. Town Meeting has routinely passed resolutions over the years opposing any expansion of the ash landfill.

But Article 34, authored by Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Elizabeth Marchese, essentially resurrects discussion of an unofficial 3-2 vote by the Board of Selectmen three years ago that involves a Host Community agreement in which Saugus would receive $20 million over the next 20 years while WIN Waste could continue use of the ash landfill.

“Failure to pursue or secure a Host Community Agreement providing fair financial compensation to the Town could result in the loss of approximately $1.9 million annually in potential revenue, thereby increasing financial pressure on taxpayers and limiting the Town’s ability to fund essential municipal services,” the resolution states. “Town Meeting, therefore encourages all responsible municipal officials to pursue reasonable negotiations that protect the financial interests of the Town and its residents.”