MassVoter.com← Carver Select BoardCarver Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
August 5, 2025
21 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Mark Townsend, Dan Ryan, Sarah Hewins, John Cotter, Jim Hoffman
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Administrator Elaine Weston
Go into Executive Session pursuant to M.G.L., Ch.30A, 21 (a)(2) to discuss strategy with respect to preparation of the negotiations with nonunion personnel (Department Heads) and to conduct...
Go into Executive Session pursuant to M.G.L., Ch.30A, 21 (a)(2) to discuss strategy with respect to preparation of the negotiations with nonunion personnel (Department Heads) and to conduct collective bargaining (Clerical Union) M.G.L., Ch. 30A, 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to Opioid Litigation that if discussing matters in open session may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town and to return to Open Session
From the minutes
“Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to M.G.L., Ch.30A, 21 (a)(2) to discuss strategy with respect to preparation of the negotiations with nonunion personnel (Department Heads) and to conduct collective bargaining (Clerical Union) M.G.L., Ch. 30A, 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to Opioid Litigation that if discussing matters in open session may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town and to return to Open Session by Ryan, second by Hewins. Roll Call: Affirmative - Cotter, Ryan, Townsend, Hewins, Hoffman.” (Motion: Ryan, second: Hewins)
Amend the charge to further manage "Commercial" build out
Amend the charge to further manage "Commercial" build out
From the minutes
“Motion to amend the charge to further manage "Commercial" build out by Mr. Ryan seconded by Ms. Hewins. Vote: 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman-approved.” (Motion: Ryan, second: Hewins)
Select Board to create an Economic Development Plan Committee that will be appointed by the Select Board and would dissolve once the plan is completed
Select Board to create an Economic Development Plan Committee that will be appointed by the Select Board and would dissolve once the plan is completed
From the minutes
“Motion to Select Board to create an Economic Development Plan Committee that will be appointed by the Select Board and would dissolve once the plan is completed was made by Mr. Ryan and seconded by Ms. Hewins. Vote: 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman-approved.” (Motion: Ryan, second: Hewins)
Appoint Jim Hoffman as the Select Board representative on the Economic Development Plan Committee
Appoint Jim Hoffman as the Select Board representative on the Economic Development Plan Committee
Yes: Cotter, Ryan, TownsendNo: HewinsThe roll call lists Jim Hoffman as recused.
From the minutes
“Motion to appoint Jim Hoffman as the Select Board representative on the Economic Development Plan Committee was made by Mr. Cotter and seconded by Mr. Ryan. Vote: 3-1-1 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-not approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman-recuse.” (Motion: Cotter, second: Ryan)
Open the Pole Hearing
Open the Pole Hearing
From the minutes
“Motion to open the Pole Hearing by Mr. Cotter and seconded by Mr. Ryan. Vote: 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman - approved.” (Motion: Cotter, second: Ryan)
Close the public hearing
Close the public hearing
From the minutes
“Motion to close the public hearing was made by Mr. Ryan and seconded by Mr. Cotter. Vote 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman - approved.” (Motion: Ryan, second: Cotter)
Approve two FO Poles and anchors that have already been installed at 439/8 & 439/7, 160' apart on Wareham Street Assessors' map 128-17-0-R &128-2-0-R in accordance with Plan No. 5893189 dated June...
Approve two FO Poles and anchors that have already been installed at 439/8 & 439/7, 160' apart on Wareham Street Assessors' map 128-17-0-R &128-2-0-R in accordance with Plan No. 5893189 dated June 13, 2024
From the minutes
“Motion to approve two FO Poles and anchors that have already been installed at 439/8 & 439/7, 160' apart on Wareham Street Assessors' map 128-17-0-R &128-2-0-R in accordance with Plan No. 5893189 dated June 13, 2024, was made by Mr. Ryan and seconded by Ms. Hewins. Vote: 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman - approved.” (Motion: Ryan, second: Hewins)
1 to accept the Provisions of Chapter 184 for Veteran's Preference
1 to accept the Provisions of Chapter 184 for Veteran's Preference
From the minutes
“Motion 1 to accept the Provisions of Chapter 184 for Veteran's Preference was made by Mr. Ryan and seconded by Ms. Hewins. Vote: 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman-approved.” (Motion: Ryan, second: Hewins)
2 to amend the Purchase and Sales agreement for 11 Green Street to state Mr. Ryan
2 to amend the Purchase and Sales agreement for 11 Green Street to state Mr. Ryan. Mr. Cotter asked how much the town has given to this property. Mr. Cannon stated there was the amount of $110,000 for cleanup. The proposed purchase price was $35,000 and the CPC has approved $120,000 which has not been spent yet. Ms. Hewins states that the Town would have had to clean this property up either way and this is standard issue as the seller. There is a water abatement bill that is due about $4,000
From the minutes
“Motion 2 to amend the Purchase and Sales agreement for 11 Green Street to state Mr. Ryan and seconded by Ms. Hewins. Mr. Cotter asked how much the town has given to this property. Mr. Cannon stated there was the amount of $110,000 for cleanup. The proposed purchase price was $35,000 and the CPC has approved $120,000 which has not been spent yet. Ms. Hewins states that the Town would have had to clean this property up either way and this is standard issue as the seller. There is a water abatement bill that is due about $4,000. Vote: 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman-approved.” (second: Hewins)
Appointment of the Election Officers
Appoint Jeff Demoura, Mary Ross, Linda Billman, Geraldine Govoni, Mary, Long, Amy McCain, Janice McCardle, Joanne Myette, Maureen McLaughlin, Ann Marie Olson, George Olson, Dawn Padovani, Patricia...
Appoint Jeff Demoura, Mary Ross, Linda Billman, Geraldine Govoni, Mary, Long, Amy McCain, Janice McCardle, Joanne Myette, Maureen McLaughlin, Ann Marie Olson, George Olson, Dawn Padovani, Patricia Richards, Eileen Roussos, Nancy Ryan, Michael Bouchard, Susan Smith, Donna Forand, Deborah Porter, Jonathan Porter, and Deborah Eby as Election Officers
From the minutes
“Motion was made to appoint Jeff Demoura, Mary Ross, Linda Billman, Geraldine Govoni, Mary, Long, Amy McCain, Janice McCardle, Joanne Myette, Maureen McLaughlin, Ann Marie Olson, George Olson, Dawn Padovani, Patricia Richards, Eileen Roussos, Nancy Ryan, Michael Bouchard, Susan Smith, Donna Forand, Deborah Porter, Jonathan Porter, and Deborah Eby as Election Officers by Mr. Ryan and seconded by Mr. Cotter. Vote: 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman-approved.” (Motion: Ryan, second: Cotter)
That the Town Administrator and Select Board goals be ranked
That the Town Administrator and Select Board goals be ranked
From the minutes
“Mr. Cotter made a motion that the Town Administrator and Select Board goals be ranked and seconded by Mr. Ryan. Vote 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman-approved.” (Motion: Cotter, second: Ryan)
Set the Special Town Meeting for October 7 at 6:30 pm
(The minutes do not give the wording of the motion.)
The minutes record this motion only as "Ryan / Hewins motion." The minutes do not give the wording of this motion; the title is the agenda item it was made under.
From the minutes
“Set the Date and Time of the Special Town Meeting and set deadline for articles to be placed on the warrant Proposed date is October 7th at 6:30 pm. Mr. Cannon has confirmed all the parties are available on that date. Ryan / Hewins motion. Vote 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman-approved.” (Motion: Ryan, second: Hewins)
Approve
Approve
From the minutes
“Motion to approve was made by Mr. Ryan and seconded by Ms. Hewins. Vote 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman-approved.” (Motion: Ryan, second: Hewins)
Application for use of Town Property
Approve the use of Shurtleff Park by Cumberland Farms
Approve the use of Shurtleff Park by Cumberland Farms
From the minutes
“Motion to approve the use of Shurtleff Park by Cumberland Farms was made by Mr. Cotter and seconded by Mr. Ryan Vote: 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman-approved.” (Motion: Cotter, second: Ryan)
Approve the use of Shurtleff Park by the Carver Cares
Approve the use of Shurtleff Park by the Carver Cares
From the minutes
“Motion to approve the use of Shurtleff Park by the Carver Cares was made by Mr. Cotter and seconded by Ms. Hewins. Vote: 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman-approved.” (Motion: Cotter, second: Hewins)
Application for One Day Special License
Approve the One Day Special License for Carver Sportsman's Club
Approve the One Day Special License for Carver Sportsman's Club
From the minutes
“Motion to approve the One Day Special License for Carver Sportsman's Club was made by Mr. Ryan and seconded by Ms. Hewins. Vote: 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman - approved.” (Motion: Ryan, second: Hewins)
Approve July 1, 2025, meeting minutes as written
Approve July 1, 2025, meeting minutes as written
From the minutes
“Motion to approve July 1, 2025, meeting minutes as written was made by Mr. Ryan and seconded by Mr. Cotter Vote: 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman - approved.” (Motion: Ryan, second: Cotter)
Approve July 7, 2025 meeting minutes as written
Approve July 7, 2025 meeting minutes as written
The minutes give the count as 4-1, but the roll call reads: Dan Ryan yes, Mark Townsend yes, Sarah Hewins yes, John Cotter yes, Jim Hoffman abstained. The names and the count do not match, so individual votes are not shown.
From the minutes
“Motion to approve July 7, 2025 meeting minutes as written was made by Mr. Cotter and seconded by Mr. Ryan. Vote: 4 -1-0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman - abstain.” (Motion: Cotter, second: Ryan)
Approval of the Executive Session meeting minutes from July 1, 2025, not for release
Approve July 1, 2025, Executive Session Meeting minutes, not for release
Approve July 1, 2025, Executive Session Meeting minutes, not for release
From the minutes
“Motion to approve July 1, 2025, Executive Session Meeting minutes, not for release was made by Mr. Cotter and seconded by Mr. Ryan. Vote: 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman - approved.” (Motion: Cotter, second: Ryan)
Approve the revised April 15, 2025, Executive Session Meeting minutes, for release subject to redaction
Approve the revised April 15, 2025, Executive Session Meeting minutes, for release subject to redaction
From the minutes
“Motion to approve the revised April 15, 2025, Executive Session Meeting minutes, for release subject to redaction was made by Mr. Cotter and seconded by Mr. Ryan. Vote: 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman - approved.” (Motion: Cotter, second: Ryan)
Return to free cash
To return to free cash. Mr. Cotter asked if these need to go to a new article at the town meeting or can the Finance Director approve this. Ms. Preval stated that this does not need to go to Town Meeting once approved by the Department Head and Finance Director. If the funds were to be repurposed, then they would need to go to town meeting
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Ryan to return to free cash and seconded by Mr. Cotter. Mr. Cotter asked if these need to go to a new article at the town meeting or can the Finance Director approve this. Ms. Preval stated that this does not need to go to Town Meeting once approved by the Department Head and Finance Director. If the funds were to be repurposed, then they would need to go to town meeting. Vote: 5 to 0 Mr. Ryan-approved Mr. Townsend-approved Ms. Hewins-approved Mr. Cotter-approved Mr. Hoffman - approved.” (Motion: Ryan, second: Cotter)
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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