MassVoter.com← Carver Select BoardCarver Select Board · 2021–2022 Board · Regular meeting
October 5, 2021
10 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Mark Townsend, Sarah Hewins, Robert Belbin, Jen Bogart, Jim Hoffman
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Adjourn into Executive Session in accordance with G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(7) to comply with or act under the authority of general law (review minutes from Select Board's September 28, 2021 executive...
Adjourn into Executive Session in accordance with G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(7) to comply with or act under the authority of general law (review minutes from Select Board's September 28, 2021 executive session) and in accordance with G.L. c.30A §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining negotiations with unions (Dispatchers) that may have a detrimental effect of the bargaining position of the town if held in open session, and to return to open session
From the minutes
“Motion to adjourn into Executive Session in accordance with G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(7) to comply with or act under the authority of general law (review minutes from Select Board's September 28, 2021 executive session) and in accordance with G.L. c.30A §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining negotiations with unions (Dispatchers) that may have a detrimental effect of the bargaining position of the town if held in open session, and to return to open session by Hewins, second by Belbin. Roll call- affirmative: Bogart, Belbin, Townsend, Hewins & Hoffman..” (Motion: Hewins, second: Belbin)
Pole Hearing
Open the public hearing at 6:05pm
Open the public hearing at 6:05pm
From the minutes
“Motion to open the public hearing by Belbin at 6:05pm, second by Hewins. Vote 5-0.” (Motion: Belbin, second: Hewins)
Jessica Elder of Eversource present
Approve: Jessica Elder of Eversource present
Approve
From the minutes
“Motion to approve by Belbin, second by Hoffman. Vote 5-0.” (Motion: Belbin, second: Hoffman)
Adjourn hearing
Adjourn hearing
From the minutes
“Motion to adjourn hearing by Belbin, second by Hewins. Vote 5-0.” (Motion: Belbin, second: Hewins)
Planning present
Table: Planning present
Table. Belbin asked if Walsh knew about the proposed request by the Select Board, Walsh stated that once the plan is stamped in, the Planning Board is obligated to take action on the application. Belbin would like to see a letter from the Select Board for land to be taken out of chapter land to be referred to the Select Board prior to them going to the Planning Board. LaFond stated that everyone submitting a plan knows their land will be taken out of chapter land. Hoffman asked when the chapter land committee should send the form to the Select Board as the committee is not having a conversation with the Board on it. Hewins stated that the chapter land committee are Town Department Heads and our experts. Their memo is their recommendation to the Select Board. The decision is up to the Select Board and is based in part on the chapter land committee's recommendation
From the minutes
“Motion to table by Belbin, second by Hewins. Belbin asked if Walsh knew about the proposed request by the Select Board, Walsh stated that once the plan is stamped in, the Planning Board is obligated to take action on the application. Belbin would like to see a letter from the Select Board for land to be taken out of chapter land to be referred to the Select Board prior to them going to the Planning Board. LaFond stated that everyone submitting a plan knows their land will be taken out of chapter land. Hoffman asked when the chapter land committee should send the form to the Select Board as the committee is not having a conversation with the Board on it. Hewins stated that the chapter land committee are Town Department Heads and our experts. Their memo is their recommendation to the Select Board. The decision is up to the Select Board and is based in part on the chapter land committee's recommendation. Vote 5-0.” (Motion: Belbin, second: Hewins)
Deed Amendment from the Redevelopment Authority
Approve: Deed Amendment from the Redevelopment Authority
Approve
From the minutes
“Motion to approve by Belbin, second by Hewins. Vote 5-0.” (Motion: Belbin, second: Hewins)
Hoffman read a statement
Take no action on the appointment of a Town Administrator at this time
Take no action on the appointment of a Town Administrator at this time. Bogart read a statement: She would like to appoint someone she is confident in, not just for any person and not for a self-imposed deadline. Kelley was respectful in his interview and after much consideration she is not convinced he is the right choice for Carver and has reservations about LaFond. In her opinion, she would like to take more time and not rush a decision to make the right one. The full statement is attached to the minutes. Hewins stated this is a very important decision and some of the things stated are puzzling to her, such as, we don't have the right person. She questioned if we would ever have the right person for the other members who have spoken. There are two very large projects going on in town and we need people who understand the finances and intricacies and although we have lost a Finance Director, we have gained a Finance Director. We have also gained a Building Commissioner. We need someone who cares about the employees, someone who has their respect and trust. Hewins is unsure with what departments Hoffman has spoken to in regards to bad morale. Hewins stated LaFond has respect from all of the Department Heads, staff and most of the unions. She is confident he is the right person for the position and is disappointed in the Board. Hoffman stated as far as town morale, he has gone to every department and asked. He asked if Hewins has gone to each department and she stated yes. Be
Yes: Belbin, Bogart, Hoffman, TownsendNo: Hewins
From the minutes
“Motion by Belbin to take no action on the appointment of a Town Administrator at this time, second by Bogart. Bogart read a statement: She would like to appoint someone she is confident in, not just for any person and not for a self-imposed deadline. Kelley was respectful in his interview and after much consideration she is not convinced he is the right choice for Carver and has reservations about LaFond. In her opinion, she would like to take more time and not rush a decision to make the right one. The full statement is attached to the minutes. Hewins stated this is a very important decision and some of the things stated are puzzling to her, such as, we don't have the right person. She questioned if we would ever have the right person for the other members who have spoken. There are two very large projects going on in town and we need people who understand the finances and intricacies and although we have lost a Finance Director, we have gained a Finance Director. We have also gained a Building Commissioner. We need someone who cares about the employees, someone who has their respect and trust. Hewins is unsure with what departments Hoffman has spoken to in regards to bad morale. Hewins stated LaFond has respect from all of the Department Heads, staff and most of the unions. She is confident he is the right person for the position and is disappointed in the Board. Hoffman stated as far as town morale, he has gone to every department and asked. He asked if Hewins has gone to each department and she stated yes. Belbin has concerns about morale in Town Hall and employees as well as things that have gone on year after year. He is frustrated that the Board is unaware of the severity of several different issues going on in town. Townsend would like to have the Board make a decision to open the search or vote on a permanent administrator. All options will be on the next agenda to make a decision. Vote 4-1 (Hewins).” (Motion: Belbin, second: Bogart)
Minutes of 8/17/2/1 & 9/28/21
Approve 8/17
Approve 8/17
From the minutes
“Motion to approve 8/17 by Belbin, second by Hoffman Vote 5-0.” (Motion: Belbin, second: Hoffman)
Minutes of 9/28 as amended
Minutes of 9/28 as amended
From the minutes
“Minutes of 9/28 by Belbin, second by Hoffman as amended. Vote 5-0.” (Motion: Belbin, second: Hoffman)
Select Board Community Announcements
Adjourn at 8:55 pm
Adjourn at 8:55 pm
From the minutes
“Motion to adjourn by Belbin at 8:55 pm, second by Hoffman Vote 5-0.” (Motion: Belbin, second: Hoffman)
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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