MassVoter.com← Ashland Select BoardAshland Select Board · 2017–2018 Board · Regular meeting
January 17, 2018
25 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Note on these minutes: The attendance list does not include Carl Hakansson, who is counted absent.
Present: Robert Scherer, Yolanda Greaves, Steve Mitchell, Joseph Magnani
Absent: Carl Hakansson
Every vote, in order
Approve the sale of the note as presented
Yolanda Greaves moved to approve the sale of the note as presented. This motion was seconded by Joe Magnani with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Yolanda Greaves moved to approve the sale of the note as presented. This motion was seconded by Joe Magnani with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Greaves, second: Magnani)
Make the Superintendent the Point Person for the MSBA process
Rob Scherer motioned to make the Superintendent the Point Person for the MSBA process. This motion was seconded by Joe Magnani with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Rob Scherer motioned to make the Superintendent the Point Person for the MSBA process. This motion was seconded by Joe Magnani with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Scherer, second: Magnani)
Stormwater Advisory Committee Update
Reduce the size of the committee from 7 to 5 members moving forward
Yolanda Greaves moved to reduce the size of the committee from 7 to 5 members moving forward. This motion was seconded by Joe Magnani with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Yolanda Greaves moved to reduce the size of the committee from 7 to 5 members moving forward. This motion was seconded by Joe Magnani with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Greaves, second: Magnani)
Amend and expand the terms of conditions as presented
Yolanda Greaves moved to amend and expand the terms of conditions as presented. This motion was seconded by Steve Mitchell with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Yolanda Greaves moved to amend and expand the terms of conditions as presented. This motion was seconded by Steve Mitchell with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Greaves, second: Mitchell)
Fire Department Appointment
Approve the appointment that promotes Mark Cafarelli to Fire Lt. and to waive the 15-day waiting period
Yolanda Greaves moved to approve the appointment that promotes Mark Cafarelli to Fire Lt. and to waive the 15-day waiting period. This motion was seconded by Steve Mitchell with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Yolanda Greaves moved to approve the appointment that promotes Mark Cafarelli to Fire Lt. and to waive the 15-day waiting period. This motion was seconded by Steve Mitchell with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Greaves, second: Mitchell)
Close the public hearing regarding the taking of 409-413 Eliot Street
Yolanda Greaves moved to close the public hearing regarding the taking of 409-413 Eliot Street. This motion was seconded by Joe Magnani with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Yolanda Greaves moved to close the public hearing regarding the taking of 409-413 Eliot Street. This motion was seconded by Joe Magnani with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Greaves, second: Magnani)
Pursuant to the authority granted by Article 8 from the November 14, 2017 Town Meeting and MGL Chapter 40-14 and MGL Chapter 79 for the parcels known and numbered as 409 and 413 Eliot St. Ashland,...
Steve Mitchell moved that pursuant to the authority granted by Article 8 from the November 14, 2017 Town Meeting and MGL Chapter 40-14 and MGL Chapter 79 for the parcels known and numbered as 409 and 413 Eliot St. Ashland, and shown as Lot B1 on Land Court Plan 16860B and Lot B2 on Land Court Plan 16860C, respectively are to be taken by eminent domain. The purpose of this taking is an exercise of the town's power to protect the health and safety of its residents by remediating the extensive hazardous environmental conditions known to exist at the property and thereafter secure it for a park and playground purposes and further the order of the taking is included herewith be recorded with the Middlesex Registry of Deeds and provided to the parties and interests as noted above. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved that pursuant to the authority granted by Article 8 from the November 14, 2017 Town Meeting and MGL Chapter 40-14 and MGL Chapter 79 for the parcels known and numbered as 409 and 413 Eliot St. Ashland, and shown as Lot B1 on Land Court Plan 16860B and Lot B2 on Land Court Plan 16860C, respectively are to be taken by eminent domain. The purpose of this taking is an exercise of the town's power to protect the health and safety of its residents by remediating the extensive hazardous environmental conditions known to exist at the property and thereafter secure it for a park and playground purposes and further the order of the taking is included herewith be recorded with the Middlesex Registry of Deeds and provided to the parties and interests as noted above. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Discussion and Vote on Charter Review Process
Strike "full-time" from Section 3-1(c) (i) and (c) (ii) Elected Town Officers and otherwise agreed to put forth the recommendation as presented
Steve Mitchell moved to strike "full-time" from Section 3-1(c) (i) and (c) (ii) Elected Town Officers and otherwise agreed to put forth the recommendation as presented. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved to strike "full-time" from Section 3-1(c) (i) and (c) (ii) Elected Town Officers and otherwise agreed to put forth the recommendation as presented. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Under Section 3-9, Holding Multiple Town Offices that we strike the recommendations as related to the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee
Steve Mitchell moved that under Section 3-9, Holding Multiple Town Offices that we strike the recommendations as related to the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved that under Section 3-9, Holding Multiple Town Offices that we strike the recommendations as related to the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Put forth Section 3-1(a), 3-2(c), 3-5, Board of Health forward as recommended
Steve Mitchell moved to put forth Section 3-1(a), 3-2(c), 3-5, Board of Health forward as recommended. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a vote of 3-1-0 (Scherer).
Yes: Greaves, Magnani, MitchellNo: SchererThe minutes give the count followed by the minority in brackets (“3-1-0 (Scherer)”); Robert Scherer is shown as voting no and the other members present as voting yes.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved to put forth Section 3-1(a), 3-2(c), 3-5, Board of Health forward as recommended. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a vote of 3-1-0 (Scherer)..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Put forth Section 3-4(a), Town Moderator Term and Holding Multiple Offices as recommended
Steve Mitchell moved to put forth Section 3-4(a), Town Moderator Term and Holding Multiple Offices as recommended. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved to put forth Section 3-4(a), Town Moderator Term and Holding Multiple Offices as recommended. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Put forth Section 3-4(c), Appointment to the Finance Committee as recommended
Steve Mitchell moved to put forth Section 3-4(c), Appointment to the Finance Committee as recommended. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved to put forth Section 3-4(c), Appointment to the Finance Committee as recommended. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Modify Section 4-1 to 4-7, Recall of Elected Officers and change the requirement from two thirds to "the majority" of votes cast and 15% of registered voters, as recommended
Steve Mitchell moved to modify Section 4-1 to 4-7, Recall of Elected Officers and change the requirement from two thirds to "the majority" of votes cast and 15% of registered voters, as recommended. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved to modify Section 4-1 to 4-7, Recall of Elected Officers and change the requirement from two thirds to "the majority" of votes cast and 15% of registered voters, as recommended. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Put forth Section 7-5, Financial Reporting as presented
Steve Mitchell moved to put forth Section 7-5, Financial Reporting as presented. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved to put forth Section 7-5, Financial Reporting as presented. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Modify Section 8-1 to 8-5, Appointments, Section 8-5 (c) change Board of Selectmen to Board of Selectmen's office and remove "advertising", and in Sections 8-4(c), 8-5(b) change 30 days to 45...
Steve Mitchell moved to modify Section 8-1 to 8-5, Appointments, Section 8-5 (c) change Board of Selectmen to Board of Selectmen's office and remove "advertising", and in Sections 8-4(c), 8-5(b) change 30 days to 45 days, and in Section 8-2 reverse the order of paragraphs (b) and (c), as presented. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved to modify Section 8-1 to 8-5, Appointments, Section 8-5 (c) change Board of Selectmen to Board of Selectmen's office and remove "advertising", and in Sections 8-4(c), 8-5(b) change 30 days to 45 days, and in Section 8-2 reverse the order of paragraphs (b) and (c), as presented. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Put forth Section 5-1, Eligibility of Town Manager, as presented
Steve Mitchell moved to put forth Section 5-1, Eligibility of Town Manager, as presented. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved to put forth Section 5-1, Eligibility of Town Manager, as presented. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Put forth Section 5-3, Temporary Absence of Town Manager as presented
Steve Mitchell moved to put forth Section 5-3, Temporary Absence of Town Manager as presented. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved to put forth Section 5-3, Temporary Absence of Town Manager as presented. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Deleted Section 6-2, Human Resource Management System as presented
Steve Mitchell moved to deleted Section 6-2, Human Resource Management System as presented. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved to deleted Section 6-2, Human Resource Management System as presented. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Strike the Section 9-8, Calling Mectings recommendation
Steve Mitchell moved to strike the Section 9-8, Calling Mectings recommendation. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved to strike the Section 9-8, Calling Mectings recommendation. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Put forth Section 9-9, Code of Conduct as presented
Steve Mitchell moved to put forth Section 9-9, Code of Conduct as presented. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved to put forth Section 9-9, Code of Conduct as presented. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Consent Agenda
Pull out the Mark Cafarelli appointment from the Consent agenda
Steve Mitchell motion to pull out the Mark Cafarelli appointment from the Consent agenda. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell motion to pull out the Mark Cafarelli appointment from the Consent agenda. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Approve the consent agenda as modified
Steve Mitchell motioned to approve the consent agenda as modified. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell motioned to approve the consent agenda as modified. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Recreational Marijuana Opt-Out Process
Place warrant article on the ATM warrant, when open, to allow the Town to opt out of the recreational marijuana and to place the question on the ballot
Steve Mitchell moved to place warrant article on the ATM warrant, when open, to allow the Town to opt out of the recreational marijuana and to place the question on the ballot. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell moved to place warrant article on the ATM warrant, when open, to allow the Town to opt out of the recreational marijuana and to place the question on the ballot. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Give Carl Hakansson the authority to sign the documents on the Board of Selectmen's behalf
Steve Mitchell made the motion to give Carl Hakansson the authority to sign the documents on the Board of Selectmen's behalf. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Steve Mitchell made the motion to give Carl Hakansson the authority to sign the documents on the Board of Selectmen's behalf. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Greaves)
Senior Benefit Fair
Adjourn
Joe Magnani made a motion to adjourn. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0.
From the minutes
“Joe Magnani made a motion to adjourn. This motion was seconded by Yolanda Greaves with a unanimous vote of 4-0-0..” (Motion: Magnani, second: Greaves)
From the Ashland Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center (Select Board). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the town’s website has no Select Board photos): WACA-TV Ashland videos — Brandi Kinsman (July 2026), Makeda Keegan (September 2026), Joseph Magnani (May 2026), Yolanda Greaves (May 2025) and Claudia Bennett (March 2025). Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.
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