MassVoter.com← Carver Select BoardCarver Select Board · 2019–2020 Board · Regular meeting
April 10, 2020
7 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Ronald Clarke, Mark Townsend, Robert Belbin, Alan Dunham, Sarah Hewins
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Appoint Richard LaFond as Town Administrator
Appoint Richard LaFond as Town Administrator. Belbin feels when LaFond left that he didn't leave the Town in good shape and feels a better option would be to have a fresh set of eyes. Clarke stated that when LaFond left the town was still in a financial crisis from the 2008 recession, state aid funding to the school went down and the Board at the time has an effect on the Town Administrator and given those circumstances, feels that is unfair. Townsend: Feels given the unusual circumstances of the pandemic, this will continue and we don't know how long and we need experience at this particular time. Dunham strongly supports LaFond and feels he needs to understand and be prepared that some people may be resistant to his return
The minutes give only the count (4-1), not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by Hewins to appoint Richard LaFond as Town Administrator, second by Townsend. Belbin feels when LaFond left that he didn't leave the Town in good shape and feels a better option would be to have a fresh set of eyes. Clarke stated that when LaFond left the town was still in a financial crisis from the 2008 recession, state aid funding to the school went down and the Board at the time has an effect on the Town Administrator and given those circumstances, feels that is unfair. Townsend: Feels given the unusual circumstances of the pandemic, this will continue and we don't know how long and we need experience at this particular time. Dunham strongly supports LaFond and feels he needs to understand and be prepared that some people may be resistant to his return. Vote: 4-1.” (Motion: Hewins, second: Townsend)
For the Board to reconsider to make the motion as a gesture of support of the new Town Administrator
For the Board to reconsider to make the motion as a gesture of support of the new Town Administrator. Belbin would like Brothers to come as an intern with LaFond. Belbin would like to amend the motion to offer Brad Brothers an internal internship for Town Administrator. Dunham feels that this does not need to be a motion- it can be worked out with LaFond. Townsend feels that details need to be worked out, but doesn't feel it should be part of the offer. All members agree that this can be worked out and not voted on
From the minutes
“Motion by Townsend for the Board to reconsider to make the motion unanimous as a gesture of support of the new Town Administrator, second by Hewins. Belbin would like Brothers to come as an intern with LaFond. Belbin would like to amend the motion to offer Brad Brothers an internal internship for Town Administrator. Dunham feels that this does not need to be a motion- it can be worked out with LaFond. Townsend feels that details need to be worked out, but doesn't feel it should be part of the offer. All members agree that this can be worked out and not voted on. Vote 5-0.” (Motion: Townsend, second: Hewins)
Length of Contract
Offer a two-year contract with a one-year option
Offer a two-year contract with a one-year option. Belbin feels that a one-year contract with an extension is more appropriate and it gives the town an opportunity to do a search and this can be negotiated further. Dunham stated that there may be budget shortfalls during the first year and the town will still be paying the current TA contract so there needs to be room in the budget. Clarke stated that Guerino wanted the same salary as the current TA. Dunham stated that the Board may need to come back for another vote
The minutes give only the count (4-1), not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by Dunham to offer a two-year contract with a one-year option, second by Townsend. Belbin feels that a one-year contract with an extension is more appropriate and it gives the town an opportunity to do a search and this can be negotiated further. Dunham stated that there may be budget shortfalls during the first year and the town will still be paying the current TA contract so there needs to be room in the budget. Clarke stated that Guerino wanted the same salary as the current TA. Dunham stated that the Board may need to come back for another vote. Vote 4-1.” (Motion: Dunham, second: Townsend)
Have Belbin and Townsend negotiate a contract with LaFond
Have Belbin and Townsend negotiate a contract with LaFond
From the minutes
“Motion to have Belbin and Townsend negotiate a contract with LaFond by Dunham, second by Hewins. Vote 5-0.” (Motion: Dunham, second: Hewins)
Town Administrator Update
Hold Town Meeting on June 9 with a back-up date of June 13
Hold Town Meeting on June 9 with a back-up date of June 13
From the minutes
“Motion by Dunham to hold Town Meeting on June 9 with a back-up date of June 13, second by Hewins. Vote 5-0.” (Motion: Dunham, second: Hewins)
Hewins asked if this keeps the town from going to Town Meeting to do this
Hewins asked if this keeps the town from going to Town Meeting to do this. TA stated that is correct and also stated it takes a 2/3 vote of Town Meeting (if it were to go to Town Meeting). Dunham stated that he viewed the meeting and the Conservation Commission was in agreement. Belbin was not comfortable moving the money and would not like to see more money moved in the future and to have any unused funds to revert back to the Conservation Fund. TA stated because it is a legislative act that would not be able to be done. Clarke is comfortable moving forward with the Conservation Committee's Support
From the minutes
“Motion by Dunham, second by Townsend. Hewins asked if this keeps the town from going to Town Meeting to do this. TA stated that is correct and also stated it takes a 2/3 vote of Town Meeting (if it were to go to Town Meeting). Dunham stated that he viewed the meeting and the Conservation Commission was in agreement. Belbin was not comfortable moving the money and would not like to see more money moved in the future and to have any unused funds to revert back to the Conservation Fund. TA stated because it is a legislative act that would not be able to be done. Clarke is comfortable moving forward with the Conservation Committee's Support. Vote 5-0.” (Motion: Dunham, second: Townsend)
Adjourn at 11:40am
Adjourn at 11:40am
From the minutes
“Motion to adjourn by Dunham at 11:40am, second by Belbin. Vote 5-0.” (Motion: Dunham, second: Belbin)
From the Carver Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center (2025 on) and its Document Center archive (earlier years). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos of current members: Mark Townsend and Sarah Hewins from Wareham Week (January 2026); Jim Elliman from Area 58 video of the October 6, 2026 Select Board meeting (identified by the nameplate in front of each member). Members without a photo show initials.
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