MassVoter.com← Concord Select BoardConcord Select Board · 2023–2024 Board · Regular meeting
August 7, 2023
11 recorded votes, 11 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Henry Dane, Mary Hartman, Terri Ackerman, Linda Escobedo, Mark Howell
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Linda Escobedo took part remotely.
Every vote, in order
Approve the Consent Agenda with the amendment discussed to the July 24, 2023 meeting minutes
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: to approve the Consent Agenda with the amendment discussed to the July 24, 2023 meeting minutes. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: to approve the Consent Agenda with the amendment discussed to the July 24, 2023 meeting minutes. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye.”
As the appointing officials, as required by G.L. c. 268A, § 19 A, the Select Board has reviewed the particular matter and the financial interest identified above by Abigail Flanagan
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: as the appointing officials, as required by G.L. c. 268A, § 19 A, the Select Board has reviewed the particular matter and the financial interest identified above by Abigail Flanagan. The Select Board determined that the financial interest is not so substantial as to be deemed likely to affect the integrity of the services which the municipality may expect from the employee. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: as the appointing officials, as required by G.L. c. 268A, § 19 A, the Select Board has reviewed the particular matter and the financial interest identified above by Abigail Flanagan. The Select Board determined that the financial interest is not so substantial as to be deemed likely to affect the integrity of the services which the municipality may expect from the employee. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye.”
As the appointing officials, as required by G.L. c. 268A, § 19 B, the Select Board has reviewed the Warners Pond matter and the financial interest identified above by Sue Felshin
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: as the appointing officials, as required by G.L. c. 268A, § 19 B, the Select Board has reviewed the Warners Pond matter and the financial interest identified above by Sue Felshin. The Select Board determined that the financial interest is not so substantial as to be deemed likely to affect the integrity of the services which the municipality may expect from the employee. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: as the appointing officials, as required by G.L. c. 268A, § 19 B, the Select Board has reviewed the Warners Pond matter and the financial interest identified above by Sue Felshin. The Select Board determined that the financial interest is not so substantial as to be deemed likely to affect the integrity of the services which the municipality may expect from the employee. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye.”
Correctively appoint James Vahey of 1544 Main Street to the Library Committee for a term to expire on May 31, 2026 to restore staggered terms of committee membership; to correctively appoint Holly...
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: to correctively appoint James Vahey of 1544 Main Street to the Library Committee for a term to expire on May 31, 2026 to restore staggered terms of committee membership; to correctively appoint Holly LeGault of 242 Monsen Road to the Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee for a term to expire on May 31, 2028. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: to correctively appoint James Vahey of 1544 Main Street to the Library Committee for a term to expire on May 31, 2026 to restore staggered terms of committee membership; to correctively appoint Holly LeGault of 242 Monsen Road to the Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee for a term to expire on May 31, 2028. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye.”
Approve the comments compiled for the NOVO Riverside Commons application with the five (5) amendments discussed and authorize the Select Board Chair to sign letter on behalf of the Select Board
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: to approve the comments compiled for the NOVO Riverside Commons application with the five (5) amendments discussed and authorize the Select Board Chair to sign letter on behalf of the Select Board. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: to approve the comments compiled for the NOVO Riverside Commons application with the five (5) amendments discussed and authorize the Select Board Chair to sign letter on behalf of the Select Board. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye.”
Recommend that the Town Manager retain counsel with McGregor, Legere, and Stevens, PC to perform a public records request to Hanscom, otherwise known as Phase 1A, for a fixed fee of $7,500.00
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: to recommend that the Town Manager retain counsel with McGregor, Legere, and Stevens, PC to perform a public records request to Hanscom, otherwise known as Phase 1A, for a fixed fee of $7,500.00. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: to recommend that the Town Manager retain counsel with McGregor, Legere, and Stevens, PC to perform a public records request to Hanscom, otherwise known as Phase 1A, for a fixed fee of $7,500.00. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye.”
Having determined that participation in the Acton-Concord Regional Emergency Communications Center is no longer in the best interests of the Town, the Town Manager is directed to take all...
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: having determined that participation in the Acton-Concord Regional Emergency Communications Center is no longer in the best interests of the Town, the Town Manager is directed to take all necessary actions in consultation with Town Counsel to terminate the Regional 911 Emergency Communications District Agreement with the Town of Action dated May 27, 2021. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: having determined that participation in the Acton-Concord Regional Emergency Communications Center is no longer in the best interests of the Town, the Town Manager is directed to take all necessary actions in consultation with Town Counsel to terminate the Regional 911 Emergency Communications District Agreement with the Town of Action dated May 27, 2021. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye.”
That, in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 Section 5C, the Select Board hereby votes to exercise its option under the statute to provide that there shall be an exemption equal...
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: That, in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 Section 5C, the Select Board hereby votes to exercise its option under the statute to provide that there shall be an exemption equal to ten (10) % percent of the average assessed value of all Class One 1 residential parcels within the Town for Fiscal Year 2024 and successive years; provided, however, that such exemption shall be applied only to the principal residence of a taxpayer as used by the taxpayer for income tax purposes; and that the details of implementing the foregoing and establishing eligibility for such exemption shall be determined by the Chair of the Select Board and Town Manager in consultation with the Town Assessor. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: That, in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 Section 5C, the Select Board hereby votes to exercise its option under the statute to provide that there shall be an exemption equal to ten (10) % percent of the average assessed value of all Class One 1 residential parcels within the Town for Fiscal Year 2024 and successive years; provided, however, that such exemption shall be applied only to the principal residence of a taxpayer as used by the taxpayer for income tax purposes; and that the details of implementing the foregoing and establishing eligibility for such exemption shall be determined by the Chair of the Select Board and Town Manager in consultation with the Town Assessor. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye.”
The Select Board, having completed its annual review of the Town Manager's performance and having provided her with a written summary of the findings of the Board regarding the review evaluation...
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: that the Select Board, having completed its annual review of the Town Manager's performance and having provided her with a written summary of the findings of the Board regarding the review evaluation criteria, all in accordance with Section 11 of her Employment Agreement, has determined that she had performed her duties in a manner deemed to be outstanding, and that pursuant to Section 6C of the agreement, she is entitled to receive a merit bonus of five (5) % of her base salary. Said merit bonus shall not be added to the following year's base salary. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: that the Select Board, having completed its annual review of the Town Manager's performance and having provided her with a written summary of the findings of the Board regarding the review evaluation criteria, all in accordance with Section 11 of her Employment Agreement, has determined that she had performed her duties in a manner deemed to be outstanding, and that pursuant to Section 6C of the agreement, she is entitled to receive a merit bonus of five (5) % of her base salary. Said merit bonus shall not be added to the following year's base salary. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye.”
That, in addition to all other compensation or bonus received by the Town Manager, she shall receive a Cost of Living Adjustment to her annual base salary in the second year of her employment...
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: that, in addition to all other compensation or bonus received by the Town Manager, she shall receive a Cost of Living Adjustment to her annual base salary in the second year of her employment effective as of July 1, 2023, in an amount equal to the such adjustment provided to other non-union employees in accordance with Section 6B of her Employment Agreement. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye Adjournment
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: that, in addition to all other compensation or bonus received by the Town Manager, she shall receive a Cost of Living Adjustment to her annual base salary in the second year of her employment effective as of July 1, 2023, in an amount equal to the such adjustment provided to other non-union employees in accordance with Section 6B of her Employment Agreement. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye Adjournment.”
Adjourn
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: to adjourn the meeting. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was UNANIMOUSLY voted: to adjourn the meeting. Roll Call Vote: Chair Dane - Aye Ms. Hartman - Aye Ms. Ackerman - Aye Ms. Escobedo - Aye Mr. Howell - Aye.”
From the Concord Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center (Select Board). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the town’s website has no Select Board photos): The Concord Bridge — Wendy Rovelli and Cameron McKennitt (Celeste Katz Marston, April 2024), Paul Boehm and Mary Hartman (January 2025), Dean Banfield (courtesy photo, March 2026). Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.
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