Christine Howe

“Mr. Sullivan made a motion to approve, seconded by Mr. Cavey. On a roll call, it was voted 4-0- 1, Motion carries. Mr. Mokrisky was not present. Mr. Cavey voted yes, Ms. Howe voted yes, Mr. Sullivan voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes. ..” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Cavey)

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

“Mr. Cavey made a motion to form a Board that would be called the Covid-19 Advisory Board to The Stoughton Select Board. They would be responsible to review current policies and provide an audit of the current policies. They would also, with their expertise, provide policy recommendations. Finally, they would provide formal responses to questions from the Board of Selectmen that are posed as formal requests. Mr. Cavey decided on the size of the Advisory Board to be seven to nine seats. Ms. Howe seconded the motion. Ms. Howe thanked Mr. Cavey and wanted to clarify that the work of this Advisory Committee would be to report back to the Board and looking at policies of the Board vs. Town Operations. Mr. Cavey confirmed that to be the intent. She felt this can serve a valuable purpose. Mr. Mokrisky questioned whether this committee would deal with policies involving Covid-19 only. The Chairman responded that it would be advising the Board on policies as they are effected by Covid emergencies, Mr. Chairman did ask if this would be a group they could look to for advice on town elections and public safety. Mr. Mokrisky felt they have staff to ask and wouldn't need a citizens' committee for this purpose. He doesn't agree with this idea, feeling Town Manager and her staff have met challenges in Stoughton for the good of the people. He suggests that staff ask the Board if anything is needed. Mr. Cavey agreed that Town staff are outstanding but stated that his compiled list contains several people with PhDs, heavily involved in these questions. He believes Town staff do not have the same expertise. Ms. Howe agreed with Mr. Mokrisky that she doesn't want this to take over the operations of Town staff but if it is simply advisory and educational, which the purpose seems to be, then she sees no issues with it. She feels they may get some valuable information from this. Mr. Mokrisky suggested that any advice could be called into the Town Manager. He doesn't question Mr. Cavey's motive but sees this as a difference of opinion. He added that if there is a policy the Board needs to make, they could have an emergency meeting but doesn't think the extra layer is needed. The Chairman stated that he doesn't hear this as a challenge to Town Manager or staff but as being more open to advice and a good thing that can only help the Board. He stated that Town staff has a lot on their plate and sees this as a tool that can also provide expertise staff may not have. Some discussion followed, clarifying that this Advisory Committee would not be interacting with staff but advisory only to the Board of Selectmen. On a roll call, the motion made by Mr. Cavey was voted 3-1, Ms. Howe voted yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted yes, Mr. O'Regan : voted yes. Mr. Cavey opposed..” (Motion: Cavey, second: Howe)

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

“Chairman O'Regan suggested the original motion be taken by roll call. Each member voted in favor. / Mr. Sullivan's original motion for the appointments was voted unanimously (5-0)..” (Motion: Sullivan)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)