November 10, 2022

“Acting Chair Lipari moved to accept with great regret, the resignation of Jennifer Campbell, from the Select Board., and to thank her for her selfless and dedicated service to the community. Seconded by Member Fox. Discussion: Member Markiewicz stated that he appreciates the hard work put in by Jennifer Campbell. He spoke of her as a calming influence on the Board and noted that this was a difficult decision for her. Acting Chair Lipari stated that Jennifer Campbell's resignation letter makes it clear that her choice did not deal with the Board or its members, but the attitude of the public and other members of boards/committees. She stated that it is not acceptable to bully people. Jennifer Campbell's input to the Board was invaluable and her resignation is a loss. She stated that Jennifer Campbell's resignation letter noted that people need to reevaluate how they treat each other, and everyone should do so. Member Fox stated that Jennifer Campbell's main concern seemed to be the tenor of conversations going on overall and to her directly. Everyone should remember to be responsible for their words when speaking to other. People need to keep their conversation civil. Steve Ballard stated that he appreciates Jennifer Campbell's service to the Town. She was a positive force on the Board. Member Markiewicz noted that this is a tremendous loss to the Town. Approved: 4-0 Roll Call: Markiewicz "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," and Lipari "aye." b..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fox)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

“Select Board Member Fowlks moved to nominate Diana Lipari as Chair of the Select Board for a term ending with the election of May 2023. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Discussion: Maria Neyland noted that the term needs to end the day after the election. Member Fowlks amended his motion to nominate Diana Lipari as Chair of the Select Board for a term ending at the end of the Board meeting following the election in May 2023. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0 Roll Call: Markiewicz "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," and Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Markiewicz)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

“Member Lipari moved to nominate Les Fox as Clerk of the Select Board until a vacancy on the Board is filled following the election in May 2023. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Discussion: Steve Ballard stated that he objects to Les Fox being named Clerk, as he already dominates several other committees in Town. He was also in the minority during an important vote back in October. Approved: 4-0 Roll Call: Markiewicz "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," and Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

“Member Fowlks moved, upon the recommendation of the Town Administrator, to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the amended contract with John Szewczyk, as Interim Chief of Police on behalf of the Town and Select Board. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0 Roll Call: Markiewicz "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," and Lipari "aye." d..” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Markiewicz)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

“Acting Chair Lipari moved to ratify the proposed collective bargaining agreement with the MASS COPS, Local 200 as presented, and to submit the same to the Fall Town Meeting for funding, and to ratify the proposed collective bargaining agreement with the MASS COPS, Local 200A as presented, and to submit the same to the Fall Town Meeting for funding. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Discussion: Larry White asked what the status of Warren Ryder is at this time. Acting Chair Lipari noted that this has nothing to do with the collective bargaining topic at hand. 20221110 2 Father Ted stated that the Board did not ask for public comment at the end of the last agenda item regarding the Police Chief contract. Audience member's hands were raised, but they were not given the opportunity to comment. Chair Lipari stated that she did not see any hands raised at that time. Father Ted asked if there would be an opportunity for the public to comment on the last item. Chair Lipari noted that the Board had moved onto the next topic. Member Fowlks stated that once a motion has been made and seconded and the Chair calls for discussion, this is the appropriate time for members of the public to raise their hand for comment. Effectively, the Chair stated at the beginning of the meeting that she would accept public comment after Board discussion, and that would have been the time for the public to raise hands to make a comment. He apologized if that was not clearly communicated. Father Ted stated that hands were raised during that time. If people would like to speak on that topic, he suggested the Board either allow it now or at the end of the meeting. Chair Lipari stated that she would allow controlled comments on that topic at the end of the agenda. Steve Ballard stated that at 11:57am, prior to the meeting being called to order, he made an objection to the Board entering Executive Session. He read his email to the Chair into the record. "I object to the participation of the Finance Committee Chair in Executive Session regarding bargaining with unions. 1) There's been no notice to the public or authorization specifically by Town Meeting for this; 2) This particular Chair has supported, enabled, participated in, and covered up misconduct by several police officers still on payroll, and subject to two ongoing investigations initiated by your Board." Approved: 4-0 Roll Call: Markiewicz "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," and Lipari "aye." e..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

“Member Markiewicz moved to accept the gift of forty-two thousand one hundred dollars ($42,100) from the Boxborough Conversation Trust and to authorize the expenditure of the same as set forth in their letter of October 31, 2022. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0 Roll Call: Markiewicz "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," and Lipari "aye." f..” (Motion: Markiewicz, second: Fox)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)