MassVoter.com← Stow Select BoardStow Select Board · 2023–2024 Board · Regular meeting
September 12, 2023
21 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Cortni Frecha, Megan Birch-McMichael, Ingeborg Hegemann, Hector Constantzos, John Toole
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Appoint Nicholas Whalen to the position of full-time Laborer/Driver for the Stow Highway Department
Mr. Toole moved to appoint Nicholas Whalen to the position of full-time Laborer/Driver for the Stow Highway Department. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to appoint Nicholas Whalen to the position of full-time Laborer/Driver for the Stow Highway Department. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Appoint Zachary Forest to the position of full-time Laborer/Driver for the Stow Highway Department
Mr. Toole moved to appoint Zachary Forest to the position of full-time Laborer/Driver for the Stow Highway Department. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to appoint Zachary Forest to the position of full-time Laborer/Driver for the Stow Highway Department. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Appoint George Nisotel to the Council on Aging for an indefinite term
Mr. Toole moved to appoint George Nisotel to the Council on Aging for an indefinite term. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to appoint George Nisotel to the Council on Aging for an indefinite term. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Appoint Stephanie Lynch to the Conservation Commission for the remainder of a three-year term ending June 30, 2025
Mr. Toole moved to appoint Stephanie Lynch to the Conservation Commission for the remainder of a three-year term ending June 30, 2025. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to appoint Stephanie Lynch to the Conservation Commission for the remainder of a three-year term ending June 30, 2025. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Appoint Maria McFarland as an Associate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the remainder of a five-year term ending June 30, 2028
Mr. Toole moved to appoint Maria McFarland as an Associate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the remainder of a five-year term ending June 30, 2028. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to appoint Maria McFarland as an Associate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the remainder of a five-year term ending June 30, 2028. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Appoint Cindy Cummings to fill the vacancy on the Board of Assessors, effective from this date through the May 2024 Annual Town Election
Mr. Toole moved, in a joint vote with the remaining members of the Board of Assessors, to appoint Cindy Cummings to fill the vacancy on the Board of Assessors, effective from this date through the May 2024 Annual Town Election. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved, in a joint vote with the remaining members of the Board of Assessors, to appoint Cindy Cummings to fill the vacancy on the Board of Assessors, effective from this date through the May 2024 Annual Town Election. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Recognize Boy Scout Benjamin J. Doty II for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, and to sign the letter and proclamation for him. Benjamin's Court of Honor took place in August, and he is now away...
Mr. Toole moved to recognize Boy Scout Benjamin J. Doty II for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, and to sign the letter and proclamation for him. Benjamin's Court of Honor took place in August, and he is now away at college. The Board wishes him all the best in his studies and future plans. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to recognize Boy Scout Benjamin J. Doty II for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, and to sign the letter and proclamation for him. Benjamin's Court of Honor took place in August, and he is now away at college. The Board wishes him all the best in his studies and future plans. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Enter into a public hearing on the consolidation of the cemetery department and the highway department into a Department of Public Works, by roll call vote
Mr. Toole moved to enter into a public hearing on the consolidation of the cemetery department and the highway department into a Department of Public Works, by roll call vote. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to enter into a public hearing on the consolidation of the cemetery department and the highway department into a Department of Public Works, by roll call vote. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
The public hearing on consolidation of the cemetery department and the highway department into a Department of Public Works be closed, by roll call vote
Mr. Toole moved that the public hearing on consolidation of the cemetery department and the highway department into a Department of Public Works be closed, by roll call vote. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved that the public hearing on consolidation of the cemetery department and the highway department into a Department of Public Works be closed, by roll call vote. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Support the consolidation of the cemetery department and the highway department into a Department of Public Works
Mr. Toole moved to support the consolidation of the cemetery department and the highway department into a Department of Public Works. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to support the consolidation of the cemetery department and the highway department into a Department of Public Works. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Grant a permit to the Stow Friends of the Council on Aging (SFCOA) for a COA Gift Shop & More Pop-Up on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 8 AM until 4 PM at the Pompositticut Community Center...
Mr. Toole moved to grant a permit to the Stow Friends of the Council on Aging (SFCOA) for a COA Gift Shop & More Pop-Up on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 8 AM until 4 PM at the Pompositticut Community Center, pending Town Administrator approval that all documents have been received. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to grant a permit to the Stow Friends of the Council on Aging (SFCOA) for a COA Gift Shop & More Pop-Up on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 8 AM until 4 PM at the Pompositticut Community Center, pending Town Administrator approval that all documents have been received. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Grant a permit to the Stow Friends of the Council on Aging (SFCOA) for a Holly Fair on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 8 AM until 4 PM at the Pompositticut Community Center, pending Town...
Mr. Toole moved to grant a permit to the Stow Friends of the Council on Aging (SFCOA) for a Holly Fair on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 8 AM until 4 PM at the Pompositticut Community Center, pending Town Administrator approval that all documents have been received. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to grant a permit to the Stow Friends of the Council on Aging (SFCOA) for a Holly Fair on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 8 AM until 4 PM at the Pompositticut Community Center, pending Town Administrator approval that all documents have been received. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Grant a permit to the Stow Friends of the Council on Aging (SFCOA) for the Second Chance Annual Holiday Sale on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 8 AM until 3 PM at the Pompositticut Community...
Mr. Toole moved to grant a permit to the Stow Friends of the Council on Aging (SFCOA) for the Second Chance Annual Holiday Sale on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 8 AM until 3 PM at the Pompositticut Community Center, pending Town Administrator approval that all documents have been received. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to grant a permit to the Stow Friends of the Council on Aging (SFCOA) for the Second Chance Annual Holiday Sale on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 8 AM until 3 PM at the Pompositticut Community Center, pending Town Administrator approval that all documents have been received. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Approve One Day Liquor Licenses for Shelburne Farm, 106 West Acton Road, Edward Painter, for Saturdays and Sundays, September 16 through November 5, 2023 and for Monday, October 9, 2023 (Columbus...
Mr. Toole moved to approve One Day Liquor Licenses for Shelburne Farm, 106 West Acton Road, Edward Painter, for Saturdays and Sundays, September 16 through November 5, 2023 and for Monday, October 9, 2023 (Columbus Day), for a total of eight weekends (17 days), provided that all requirements have been met and approved by administration. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to approve One Day Liquor Licenses for Shelburne Farm, 106 West Acton Road, Edward Painter, for Saturdays and Sundays, September 16 through November 5, 2023 and for Monday, October 9, 2023 (Columbus Day), for a total of eight weekends (17 days), provided that all requirements have been met and approved by administration. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Authorize the Town Administrator to obtain a quote for health insurance for Town employees from MIIA
Mr. Toole moved to authorize the Town Administrator to obtain a quote for health insurance for Town employees from MIIA. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to authorize the Town Administrator to obtain a quote for health insurance for Town employees from MIIA. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Declare as surplus, the goods and equipment on the list provided by the IT department, valued at less than $10,000 and belonging to the Town, and to authorize the disposal of these surplus items
Mr. Toole moved to declare as surplus, the goods and equipment on the list provided by the IT department, valued at less than $10,000 and belonging to the Town, and to authorize the disposal of these surplus items. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to declare as surplus, the goods and equipment on the list provided by the IT department, valued at less than $10,000 and belonging to the Town, and to authorize the disposal of these surplus items. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Support Article 2. (Additional Funds for the Renovations to the Randall Library)
Mr. Toole moved that the Select Board support Article 2. (Additional Funds for the Renovations to the Randall Library) Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed 4-0-1 with Chair Frecha abstaining.
Yes: Birch-McMichael, Constantzos, Hegemann, TooleAbstained: Frecha
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved that the Select Board support Article 2. (Additional Funds for the Renovations to the Randall Library) Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed 4-0-1 with Chair Frecha abstaining..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Support the changes to the charter, which are articles 4-14
Mr. Toole moved that the Select Board support the changes to the charter, which are articles 4-14. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved that the Select Board support the changes to the charter, which are articles 4-14. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Support article 3. (Vest Authorities for Cemeteries and Streets in Director of Public Works)
Mr. Toole moved that the Select Board support article 3. (Vest Authorities for Cemeteries and Streets in Director of Public Works) Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved that the Select Board support article 3. (Vest Authorities for Cemeteries and Streets in Director of Public Works) Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Accept the meeting minutes of the August 22, 2023 meeting as drafted
Mr. Toole moved to accept the meeting minutes of the August 22, 2023 meeting as drafted. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to accept the meeting minutes of the August 22, 2023 meeting as drafted. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
Adjourn
Mr. Toole moved to adjourn. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Toole moved to adjourn. Ms. Birch-McMichael seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Toole, second: Birch-McMichael)
From the Stow Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Document Center (Agendas/Minutes > Minutes > Select Board, 2014–2024) and Agenda Center (Select Board, 2025 on). 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): Stow TV meeting videos — Hector Constantzos (May 2026), JT Toole (July 2026) and Ingeborg Hegemann (August 2026); Stow TV and The Stow Independent Candidates Night — Dan Petersen (May 2025). Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.
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