Boxborough Select Board

“Chair Lipari moved to recommend Article 3: Set Salaries and Compensation of Elected Officials of Town Meeting. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 3-1-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "nay," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)

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

“Chair Lipari moved to recommend the Article requesting $20,000 from Free Cash regarding the Cost of Investigation into the Boxborough Police Department and Chief of Police. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Discussion: Member Markiewicz stated that he supports the spirit of the Article, though he is unsure if it should be funded through Free Cash. Some of the information requested is already available. Member Fowlks stated that he does not believe he can recommend this Article, as the language is proposed, not the spirit of the intent. He stated that he is unsure what other information can be released at this time. He believes it is the Board's intent to do most of the things requested by this Article, although maybe not at the granular level requested. 20230313 3 Member Markiewicz agreed that he would not recommend spending the money. However, he believes the Article should be placed on the Warrant. Member Fowlks explained that it is already on the Warrant. This vote is to recommend the Article wording itself. Member Markiewicz stated that he wants it to be clear that there is nothing to hide if the Board does not recommend it. He expressed surprise that the Finance Board voted to recommend the language as presented, including the cost and the staff time required. Chair Lipari stated that the Board has nothing to hide, and that this information will be provided when it can be. The idea of spending funds for a forensic audit sounds like a waste of Town money. These records are subject to public records requests, unless otherwise governed by law. She stated that it is a shame that the Town does not believe the Board has been transparent in this process. It has been as transparent as law has allowed. She would not vote to recommend this Article at this time. Member Markiewicz stated that he believes the Board should write something regarding its vote for this item. Member Fox stated that he does not believe this will produce what is hoped for, unless there are clear expectations made with the proponents of this request ahead of time. Member Fowlks stated that, in his opinion, this seems like a proxy Article from the FinCom. Town Administrator Johns noted that the Interim Chief of Police came with all of the knowledge and expertise needed and only needed to go through the Massachusetts certification process, which was at no cost to the Town. Chair Lipari noted that information regarding the Interim Town Administrator salaries and expenses for the Interim Chief are laid out clearly in the salary lines and contracts. This is public information. Maria Neyland stated that this Article was presented to the Select Board by a citizen and has nothing to do with the FinCom. Member Fowlks stated that members of the FinCom were helping to get signatures for this petition article. Maria Neyland stated that members of the FinCom can do as they like on their own time. The FinCom had open discussion on this item and took a vote. The members did not seek signatures as members of the FinCom. Comments of this type, such as this being a proxy of the FinCom, are insulting. She struggled with voting on this item, but there was a lot of discussion regarding this being a citizen petition that needed a funding mechanism. This can now be voted on at Town Meeting. Member Markiewicz stated that this appears to be related to the Select Board using a private investigator on this subject. He previously had questions from members of the public regarding the FBI investigation and noted that he could not comment. Those citizens then requested a private investigator, in order to close this item, which is what the Board did. He will not agree to spend $20,000 from Free Cash to get information that is already available or cannot be released at this time. Member Fox agreed that information should be made as transparent as possible but noted that much of this information may not be able to be released. A framework for the report should be created with the proponents ahead of time. Failed: 1-3-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "nay," Fox "aye," Fowlks "nay," Lipari "nay.".” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)

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

“Chair Lipari moved to approve the meeting minutes of February 4, 2023, as presented. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 3-0-1 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "abstain," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)

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

“Chair Lipari moved to accept the Memorandum of Understanding between the Conservation Commission and the Agricultural Commission regarding the monitoring and management of the 95/105 Sargent Road property. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 3-0-1 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "abstain," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." a..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fox)

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

“Chair Lipari moved to accept Chapter 269 of the Acts of 2022, the one-time COLA adjustment for retirees, as presented. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Discussion: Town Administrator Johns explained that Chapter 269 of the Acts of 2022 is a piece of legislature passed last year in regard to a one time increase in the cost-of-living allowance (COLA) for retirees. The COLA for retirees is 3%, based on the first $16,000 of their salary. This proposal would increase that COLA from 3% in 2022, to 5%; a 2% one-time only increase. There are approximately 6,500 retirees currently getting their pensions from the Middlesex County Retirement System, of which 47 are Boxborough residents. To implement this proposal, the Middlesex County Retirement Board voted in favor, and now 2/3 of the municipalities within that County Retirement System also have to vote in favor. 20230227 2 Chair Lipari noted that 5% is higher than what the Town employees are receiving, however employees are receiving steps where retirees are not. Also, while only a one-time increase, COLAs continue to build on amounts from prior years, so this will be built in for the lifetime. Member Fox asked what this means for the contribution requirement from the Town budget. Town Administrator Johns explained that the County will decide when the increase is actuarially determined, and it appears the increase may begin in 2026. Member Fowlks stated that he attended the School Committee meeting where the budget was discussed. The initial agreement gradually shifted the onus from Acton to Boxborough to take its fair share, based on the percentage of students attending. The current projections put Boxborough in assessment in the next few years up $2M, which will be close to the levy limit. Maria Neyland noted that this is being proposed on a three-year rolling average, based on actual attendance. Town Administrator Johns stated that it appears other communities have been approving this. Maria Neyland noted that there was a recent presentation that within the next few years pensions will be the largest budget driver for towns. Approved: 3-0-1 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "abstain," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." h..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fowlks)

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

“Member Fox moved to recommend the Article regarding the Fire Department addition to staff, including benefits. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 3-1-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "nay..” (Motion: Fox, second: Markiewicz)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

“Chair Lipari moved to opt out of the vote by mail for the local election, as presented. Seconded by Member Fox. Failed: 1-3-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "nay," Fox "aye," Fowlks "nay," Lipari "nay.".” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fox)

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

“Member Fowlks moved to approve the meeting minutes of November 28, 2022; December 12, 2022; and December 21, 2022. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 3-0-0 by Roll Call Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Fox)

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

“Member Fowlks moved to accept the fiscal year 2023 State 911 Department Support and Incentive Grant in the amount of $28,985, for the purposes stated therein. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Markiewicz "aye," Lipari "aye." b..” (Motion: Fowlks)

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“Member Markiewicz moved that the Town set Annual Town Meeting dates tentatively for Monday, May 8th, Tuesday, May 9th, and Wednesday, May 10th, contingent upon a vote held by the Town Moderator polling Town Meeting attendees to confirm the will of the townspeople on the first night of May 8, 2023. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Fox Lipari "aye." g..” (Motion: Markiewicz)

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