December 21, 2021

“Motion by Bogart to extend an appointment to Kevin Tracey to the screening committee, second by Belbin. Hewins stated the item listed for discussion is to include consideration of the Finance Committee representative. Townsend stated the agenda item is to finalize the TASC, including consideration of the Finance Committee representative. Bogart stated it is sketchy & she does not see why the Board would not appoint Tracey upon his acceptance of the request and based on the discussion at the last Select Board meeting. Townsend stated he does not think it is sketchy that it was spoken about at the last Select Board meeting he stated there was not a full Board and he wanted the full Board present to make the decision and that this item would be on the agenda at the next meeting. Hewins stated it is extremely important to have a member of the Finance Committee on the TASC due to the important role the Finance Committee has with the Town Administrator and the Finance Committee has voted for their representative. Belbin stated that he does not feel that Mr. Germain is the best option and the Finance Committee does not have all of the information that the Select Board has and cannot see him as a representative. Vote 2-3 (Townsend, Hewins, Hoffman).” (Motion: Bogart, second: Belbin)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

“Motion to appoint Germain, the Chair of Finance Committee, to be the Finance Committee representative to the Screening Committee by Hewins, second by Townsend. Bogart stated that based on the professionalism she has seen at public meetings and based on conversation in Executive Session, she stated she does not feel that it is appropriate. Townsend stated at the 11/2/21 meeting the make-up of the committee was voted on by the Select Board and that would have been the time to change the make-up of the committee. Hoffman stated he would like to clear up a few comments from the 12/7/21 Select Board meeting. It was stated by Mr. Germain that if the Finance Committee choice wasn't approved by the Select Board, then the Finance Committee would not be represented. Hoffman stated that both Pat Meagher and Walter Cole are also on the TASC although they are not on the TASC as the Finance Committee representatives, they are still members of the Finance Committee and the Finance Committee will be represented. In addition, he stated that Germain stated at that same meeting that the charge of the TASC was to have a representative of the School Committee, Planning Board and Finance Committee to be chosen by their respective committees and the Select Board did not have the choice for these appointments. Hoffman stated that was correct, but that was for the previous TASC voted on May 18. On November 2, the Select Board discussed and voted on whether to vote on the representatives of the Planning Board, School Committee and Finance Committee and that was a change from the first TASC and the vote was unanimous. After much thought, Hoffman stated that agendas, making things personal, respect and moving on- Hoffman referenced emails sent to the Finance Committee from Select Board member Belbin. The reaction to some of the emails personally attacked members of the Select Board because people didn't agree with the way he voted and he takes offense to these. He noted that because he listens to people, does not mean he agrees with everyone he talks to. He would like people to respect decisions made. He respects the Finance Committee choice and it does not mean that he agrees with it. He requests that private agendas and personal attacks stop. Vote 3-2 (Bogart, Belbin).” (Motion: Hewins, second: Townsend)

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

“Motion by Hewins to not exercise the first right of refusal, second by Hoffman. Belbin stated that he would like to talk to the developer. Hewins stated she will have a discussion with the chair of the Planning Board and the Zoning Enforcement Officer to make sure the lots are compliant. Belbin stated that these should be looked at for affordable housing. Hoffman asked for clarification on the option to purchase the land. Hewins stated you would need to have the money, discussions would need to be had with Community Preservation Committee. Belbin stated, as he has before, that he would like these to come before the Board prior to going to permitting boards. LaFond stated this process cannot be changed due to the time frames when applications are submitted. Hewins stated once a Form A is submitted to the Planning Board, the clock starts ticking. Vote 3-2 (Bogart, Belbin).” (Motion: Hewins, second: Hoffman)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

“Motion to approve by Hoffman, second by Bogart. Belbin stated that Town buildings are not the place for alcohol. If it was not on town property he would not have a problem with it. Vote 3-1 (Belbin).” (Motion: Hoffman, second: Bogart)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)