MassVoter.com← Stow Select BoardStow Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
November 12, 2024
14 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: John Toole, Ingeborg Hegemann, Megan Birch-McMichael, Hector Constantzos, Cortni Frecha
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Approve and sign a certificate of recognition for Brian Hatch, who is retiring as Director of the Stow Department of Public Works
Mr. Constantzos moved to approve and sign a certificate of recognition for Brian Hatch, who is retiring as Director of the Stow Department of Public Works. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Constantzos moved to approve and sign a certificate of recognition for Brian Hatch, who is retiring as Director of the Stow Department of Public Works. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)
Appoint Alex Rosiewicz to the Economic Development & Industrial Commission for the remainder of a five-year term ending June 30, 2025, and further, to appoint Emily Hottal to the Economic...
Mr. Constantzos moved to appoint Alex Rosiewicz to the Economic Development & Industrial Commission for the remainder of a five-year term ending June 30, 2025, and further, to appoint Emily Hottal to the Economic Development & Industrial Commission for the remainder of a five-year term ending June 30, 2025. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion. Mr. Rosiewicz, present via Zoom, said he is passionate about increasing the amount of commercial activity in Stow while retaining the rural character and is hoping that the EDIC is a pathway to promoting commercial enterprises. Ms. Hottal, present via Zoom, is looking forward to working with businesses and the community to see what the needs are, and to look at the positives and negatives to help improve the outlook for businesses in Stow. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Constantzos moved to appoint Alex Rosiewicz to the Economic Development & Industrial Commission for the remainder of a five-year term ending June 30, 2025, and further, to appoint Emily Hottal to the Economic Development & Industrial Commission for the remainder of a five-year term ending June 30, 2025. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion. Mr. Rosiewicz, present via Zoom, said he is passionate about increasing the amount of commercial activity in Stow while retaining the rural character and is hoping that the EDIC is a pathway to promoting commercial enterprises. Ms. Hottal, present via Zoom, is looking forward to working with businesses and the community to see what the needs are, and to look at the positives and negatives to help improve the outlook for businesses in Stow. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)
Enter into a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Tax Classification
Mr. Constantzos moved to enter into a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Tax Classification. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Mr. Constantzos moved to enter into a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Tax Classification. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)
The public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Tax Classification be closed
Mr. Constantzos moved that the public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Tax Classification be closed. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Mr. Constantzos moved that the public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Tax Classification be closed. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)
The Town of Stow adopt a minimum residential factor of 1, to keep a single tax rate for fiscal year 2025, taxing all property classes at one rate
Mr. Constantzos moved, based on information from the Board of Assessors, that the Town of Stow adopt a minimum residential factor of 1, to keep a single tax rate for fiscal year 2025, taxing all property classes at one rate. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Constantzos moved, based on information from the Board of Assessors, that the Town of Stow adopt a minimum residential factor of 1, to keep a single tax rate for fiscal year 2025, taxing all property classes at one rate. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)
Amend the motion to change the hours to 6:30 to 9:30 for the license
Mr. Constantzos moved to amend the motion to change the hours to 6:30 to 9:30 for the license. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Constantzos moved to amend the motion to change the hours to 6:30 to 9:30 for the license. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)
Approve a one-day liquor license for St. Isidore Church, 429 Great Road, for Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM for a Trivia Night, provided all necessary permits and documents have...
Mr. Constantzos moved to approve a one-day liquor license for St. Isidore Church, 429 Great Road, for Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM for a Trivia Night, provided all necessary permits and documents have been received. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Constantzos moved to approve a one-day liquor license for St. Isidore Church, 429 Great Road, for Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM for a Trivia Night, provided all necessary permits and documents have been received. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)
Grant a permit to the Stow Friends of the Council on Aging for the Second Chance Annual Holiday Sale on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 10 AM until 2 PM at the Pompositticut Community Center...
Mr. Constantzos moved to grant a permit to the Stow Friends of the Council on Aging for the Second Chance Annual Holiday Sale on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 10 AM until 2 PM at the Pompositticut Community Center, providing all necessary documents have been received. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion. Angelo Sallese, current interim president of the SFCOA, was present in the Warren Room. Mr. Sallese said that funds raised from this annual event support senior programs run by the COA. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Constantzos moved to grant a permit to the Stow Friends of the Council on Aging for the Second Chance Annual Holiday Sale on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 10 AM until 2 PM at the Pompositticut Community Center, providing all necessary documents have been received. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion. Angelo Sallese, current interim president of the SFCOA, was present in the Warren Room. Mr. Sallese said that funds raised from this annual event support senior programs run by the COA. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)
Adopt the Decarbonization Roadmap presented by the Green Advisory Committee and authorize the Chair to sign the letter of support, and further, to adopt the Zero-Emissions First Vehicle Policy...
Mr. Constantzos moved to adopt the Decarbonization Roadmap presented by the Green Advisory Committee and authorize the Chair to sign the letter of support, and further, to adopt the Zero-Emissions First Vehicle Policy presented by the Green Advisory Committee and authorize the Chair to sign the letter of support for the MA Department of Energy Resources. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion. Arnie Epstein, chair of the Green Advisory Committee and present in the Warren Room, updated the Board on the Green Communities Climate Leaders program, which was initially introduced to the Board in the spring. Receiving a Climate Leader designation will give access to additional resources and funding. Stow has completed four of the six requirements for designation, and adoption of the two items presented tonight will enable the GAC to meet the state's deadline of December 31, 2024. George Voigt, principal consultant, gave an overview of the Decarbonization Roadmap, including major trigger events for municipal buildings, and the municipal emissions forecast for 2022 through 2050. Board members asked a few questions for clarification. The Decarbonization Roadmap targets municipal buildings and vehicles, and the Climate Action Plan, adopted in June, is townwide. Chair Toole asked for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Constantzos moved to adopt the Decarbonization Roadmap presented by the Green Advisory Committee and authorize the Chair to sign the letter of support, and further, to adopt the Zero-Emissions First Vehicle Policy presented by the Green Advisory Committee and authorize the Chair to sign the letter of support for the MA Department of Energy Resources. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion. Arnie Epstein, chair of the Green Advisory Committee and present in the Warren Room, updated the Board on the Green Communities Climate Leaders program, which was initially introduced to the Board in the spring. Receiving a Climate Leader designation will give access to additional resources and funding. Stow has completed four of the six requirements for designation, and adoption of the two items presented tonight will enable the GAC to meet the state's deadline of December 31, 2024. George Voigt, principal consultant, gave an overview of the Decarbonization Roadmap, including major trigger events for municipal buildings, and the municipal emissions forecast for 2022 through 2050. Board members asked a few questions for clarification. The Decarbonization Roadmap targets municipal buildings and vehicles, and the Climate Action Plan, adopted in June, is townwide. Chair Toole asked for a vote and the motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)
Rescind his motion
Mr. Constantzos moved to rescind his motion. Ms. Frecha seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Constantzos moved to rescind his motion. Ms. Frecha seconded and the motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)
Approve the Fire Department Organizational Manual presented at this meeting
Mr. Constantzos moved to approve the Fire Department Organizational Manual presented at this meeting. Ms. Frecha seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Constantzos moved to approve the Fire Department Organizational Manual presented at this meeting. Ms. Frecha seconded and the motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)
Approve the warrant for the Special Town Meeting scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2024, presented at this meeting
Mr. Constantzos moved to approve the warrant for the Special Town Meeting scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2024, presented at this meeting. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion. Ms. Dembkoski gave an overview of articles, the key ones being article 3, the easement for First Parish Church, and the zoning articles which are time sensitive. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Constantzos moved to approve the warrant for the Special Town Meeting scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2024, presented at this meeting. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion. Ms. Dembkoski gave an overview of articles, the key ones being article 3, the easement for First Parish Church, and the zoning articles which are time sensitive. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)
Accept the meeting minutes of the October 22, 2024 meeting
Mr. Constantzos moved to accept the meeting minutes of the October 22, 2024 meeting. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
From the minutes
“Mr. Constantzos moved to accept the meeting minutes of the October 22, 2024 meeting. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)
Convene in Executive Session, pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, section 21(a) (3) for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to litigation (Boyd v. Stow) as the Chair has declared that an open...
Mr. Constantzos moved to convene in Executive Session, pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, section 21(a) (3) for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to litigation (Boyd v. Stow) as the Chair has declared that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body; and to adjourn thereafter. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Mr. Constantzos moved to convene in Executive Session, pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, section 21(a) (3) for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to litigation (Boyd v. Stow) as the Chair has declared that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body; and to adjourn thereafter. Ms. Frecha seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)
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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