MassVoter.com← Stow Select BoardStow Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
September 10, 2024
15 recorded votes, 12 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: John Toole, Ingeborg Hegemann, Cortni Frecha, Hector Constantzos
Absent: Megan Birch-McMichael
Every vote, in order
Recognize Boy Scout Robert Emken for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, and to sign the letter and proclamation for his Court of Honor
Ms. Frecha moved to recognize Boy Scout Robert Emken for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, and to sign the letter and proclamation for his Court of Honor. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Yes: Frecha, Hegemann, TooleHector Constantzos joined the meeting by Zoom at 8:10 p.m., after this vote; the other members present are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved to recognize Boy Scout Robert Emken for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, and to sign the letter and proclamation for his Court of Honor. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
Approve the use of Stow public ways for the 2024 Ride to Defeat ALS Bike Ride on Saturday, September 28, 2024, pending receipt of all required documents
Ms. Frecha moved to approve the use of Stow public ways for the 2024 Ride to Defeat ALS Bike Ride on Saturday, September 28, 2024, pending receipt of all required documents. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Yes: Frecha, Hegemann, TooleHector Constantzos joined the meeting by Zoom at 8:10 p.m., after this vote; the other members present are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved to approve the use of Stow public ways for the 2024 Ride to Defeat ALS Bike Ride on Saturday, September 28, 2024, pending receipt of all required documents. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
Approve a Special Event Permit for STOWcase Open House at the Pompositticut Community Center on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 6-8 PM
Ms. Frecha moved to approve a Special Event Permit for STOWcase Open House at the Pompositticut Community Center on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 6-8 PM. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Yes: Frecha, Hegemann, TooleHector Constantzos joined the meeting by Zoom at 8:10 p.m., after this vote; the other members present are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved to approve a Special Event Permit for STOWcase Open House at the Pompositticut Community Center on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 6-8 PM. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
Approve the updates to Police Rules & Regulations 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3 provided by the Police Chief
Ms. Frecha moved approve the updates to Police Rules & Regulations 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3 provided by the Police Chief. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Yes: Frecha, Hegemann, TooleHector Constantzos joined the meeting by Zoom at 8:10 p.m., after this vote; the other members present are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved approve the updates to Police Rules & Regulations 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3 provided by the Police Chief. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
Approve the update to Policy 3.00 - Transportation and Detention of Detainees - provided by the Police Chief, and to approve the update to Policy 9.00 - Uncategorized - provided by the Police...
Ms. Frecha moved to approve the update to Policy 3.00 - Transportation and Detention of Detainees - provided by the Police Chief, and to approve the update to Policy 9.00 - Uncategorized - provided by the Police Chief both as amended. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Yes: Frecha, Hegemann, TooleHector Constantzos joined the meeting by Zoom at 8:10 p.m., after this vote; the other members present are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved to approve the update to Policy 3.00 - Transportation and Detention of Detainees - provided by the Police Chief, and to approve the update to Policy 9.00 - Uncategorized - provided by the Police Chief both as amended. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
Accept a donation from Donald Taranto for the Stow Fire Department
Ms. Frecha moved to accept a donation from Donald Taranto for the Stow Fire Department. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Yes: Frecha, Hegemann, TooleHector Constantzos joined the meeting by Zoom at 8:10 p.m., after this vote; the other members present are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved to accept a donation from Donald Taranto for the Stow Fire Department. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
Ratify the FY 2025 Goals and Priorities of the Select Board and Town Administrator
Ms. Frecha moved to ratify the FY 2025 Goals and Priorities of the Select Board and Town Administrator. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion. These are the goals that were discussed at the work session. Ms. Hegemann asked for clarification regarding collaboration with other boards and committees. Chair Toole said this Board wants to find a way to work with the other boards in a supportive way and to understand their challenges, via a rotational review of the activities of various other boards and committees by attending their meetings. The Board discussed how the goals are now combined so that the Board has broader goals and the Town Administrator will finds ways to implement the goals. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.
Yes: Frecha, Hegemann, TooleHector Constantzos joined the meeting by Zoom at 8:10 p.m., after this vote; the other members present are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved to ratify the FY 2025 Goals and Priorities of the Select Board and Town Administrator. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion. These are the goals that were discussed at the work session. Ms. Hegemann asked for clarification regarding collaboration with other boards and committees. Chair Toole said this Board wants to find a way to work with the other boards in a supportive way and to understand their challenges, via a rotational review of the activities of various other boards and committees by attending their meetings. The Board discussed how the goals are now combined so that the Board has broader goals and the Town Administrator will finds ways to implement the goals. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
Give comments to the Assistant Town Administrator on their view of the Town Administrator's accomplishments for 2024 by first thing September 16th
Ms. Frecha moved that the Board give comments to the Assistant Town Administrator on their view of the Town Administrator's accomplishments for 2024 by first thing September 16th. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Yes: Frecha, Hegemann, TooleHector Constantzos joined the meeting by Zoom at 8:10 p.m., after this vote; the other members present are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved that the Board give comments to the Assistant Town Administrator on their view of the Town Administrator's accomplishments for 2024 by first thing September 16th. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
Have the Town Administrator draft a letter in support of Masters Academy, to be reviewed at the September 24, 2024 Select Board meeting
Ms. Frecha moved to have the Town Administrator draft a letter in support of Masters Academy, to be reviewed at the September 24, 2024 Select Board meeting. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Yes: Frecha, Hegemann, TooleHector Constantzos joined the meeting by Zoom at 8:10 p.m., after this vote; the other members present are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved to have the Town Administrator draft a letter in support of Masters Academy, to be reviewed at the September 24, 2024 Select Board meeting. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
Approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Devens Regional HHW collaborative Amendment to add Ashburnham
Ms. Frecha moved to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Devens Regional HHW collaborative Amendment to add Ashburnham. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Yes: Frecha, Hegemann, TooleHector Constantzos joined the meeting by Zoom at 8:10 p.m., after this vote; the other members present are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Devens Regional HHW collaborative Amendment to add Ashburnham. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
Declare as surplus an old Cemetery Truck, valued at less than $10,000 and belonging to the Town, and to authorize the disposal of this surplus item
Ms. Frecha moved, if the Recreation Department does not take possession of the vehicle, to declare as surplus an old Cemetery Truck, valued at less than $10,000 and belonging to the Town, and to authorize the disposal of this surplus item. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Yes: Frecha, Hegemann, TooleHector Constantzos joined the meeting by Zoom at 8:10 p.m., after this vote; the other members present are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved, if the Recreation Department does not take possession of the vehicle, to declare as surplus an old Cemetery Truck, valued at less than $10,000 and belonging to the Town, and to authorize the disposal of this surplus item. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
Rescind the following Select Board policies: o Select Board Correspondence Policy from August 2005 o Policy for Selectmen's Meeting Minutes from June 2005 o Records Management Policy & System from...
Ms. Frecha moved to rescind the following Select Board policies: o Select Board Correspondence Policy from August 2005 o Policy for Selectmen's Meeting Minutes from June 2005 o Records Management Policy & System from October 2009 Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion. Ms. Dembkoski said that research done by the Executive Assistant has uncovered some policies that had been formally adopted. Additional policies to be reviewed and possibly rescinded will be on the agenda for the next few meetings. Current policies are posted on the website and there is a formal book that has the policies adopted by the Select Board. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.
Yes: Frecha, Hegemann, TooleHector Constantzos joined the meeting by Zoom at 8:10 p.m., after this vote; the other members present are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved to rescind the following Select Board policies: o Select Board Correspondence Policy from August 2005 o Policy for Selectmen's Meeting Minutes from June 2005 o Records Management Policy & System from October 2009 Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion. Ms. Dembkoski said that research done by the Executive Assistant has uncovered some policies that had been formally adopted. Additional policies to be reviewed and possibly rescinded will be on the agenda for the next few meetings. Current policies are posted on the website and there is a formal book that has the policies adopted by the Select Board. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
Accept the meeting minutes of the August 13, 2024 meeting as amended
Ms. Frecha moved to accept the meeting minutes of the August 13, 2024 meeting as amended. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion. Ms. Frecha added the word "and" to the last sentence of the paragraph at the top of page 2, to read "…for 24 years and looks forward to…" In the section for the Housing Production Plan on page 3, the phrase "or be entirely freestanding" should be added to the first sentence, to read "…added to a primary dwelling or be entirely freestanding…" Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved to accept the meeting minutes of the August 13, 2024 meeting as amended. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion. Ms. Frecha added the word "and" to the last sentence of the paragraph at the top of page 2, to read "…for 24 years and looks forward to…" In the section for the Housing Production Plan on page 3, the phrase "or be entirely freestanding" should be added to the first sentence, to read "…added to a primary dwelling or be entirely freestanding…" Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously by roll call vote..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
Accept the meeting minutes of the August 27, 2024 work session
Ms. Frecha moved to accept the meeting minutes of the August 27, 2024 work session. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved to accept the meeting minutes of the August 27, 2024 work session. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
Adjourn
Ms. Frecha moved to adjourn. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Ms. Frecha moved to adjourn. Ms. Hegemann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Hegemann)
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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