MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2020–2021 Board · Regular meeting
August 18, 2020
10 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Wayne Miller, Don Klein, Veronica Kell
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
(the minutes do not state the motion)
VK amended the motion "to reappoint Karen Hill to a three-year term effective July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023". DK seconded. VK referred to a letter that was submitted by Karen Hill. VK stated she would not recuse herself. VK clarified there is nothing in the conflict of interest law that requires a person to recuse themselves : : because someone apparently doesn't like them. VK stated that accusations made against her in the letter aren't grounded in fact. and the claims made in the letter are unsubstantiated. VK relayed she is most concerned with the last paragraph of the letter where derogatory remarks are made against the town and she would not want someone on a Commission, much less a regulatory commission, that feels that way about the town she serves. DK agreed with VK comments regarding the letter and the comments made in the last paragraph and stated that he was not inclined to reappoint her. Selectmen's Meeting Minutes for August 18, 2020 2 Mr. Henkels, Townsend Conservation Agent, read a letter into the record regarding Ms. Hill. (please see attached) Ms. Hill explained the reasoning of why she submitted the letter sent to the Board. (please see attached) Joan Savoy requested that the letter be read out loud. Mr Kreidler stated that the letter will be part of the public record and that there is no value in reading it out loud.most Vote taken: WM (YES), VK (NO), and DK (NO)
Yes: MillerNo: Kell, KleinThe roll call records more no votes than yes votes, so the motion is shown as failed.
From the minutes
“VK amended the motion "to reappoint Karen Hill to a three-year term effective July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023". DK seconded. VK referred to a letter that was submitted by Karen Hill. VK stated she would not recuse herself. VK clarified there is nothing in the conflict of interest law that requires a person to recuse themselves : : because someone apparently doesn't like them. VK stated that accusations made against her in the letter aren't grounded in fact. and the claims made in the letter are unsubstantiated. VK relayed she is most concerned with the last paragraph of the letter where derogatory remarks are made against the town and she would not want someone on a Commission, much less a regulatory commission, that feels that way about the town she serves. DK agreed with VK comments regarding the letter and the comments made in the last paragraph and stated that he was not inclined to reappoint her. Selectmen's Meeting Minutes for August 18, 2020 2 Mr. Henkels, Townsend Conservation Agent, read a letter into the record regarding Ms. Hill. (please see attached) Ms. Hill explained the reasoning of why she submitted the letter sent to the Board. (please see attached) Joan Savoy requested that the letter be read out loud. Mr Kreidler stated that the letter will be part of the public record and that there is no value in reading it out loud.most Vote taken: WM (YES), VK (NO), and DK (NO).” (Motion: Kell, second: Klein)
Appoint Anne LeCuyer to the Conservation Commission for a term effective July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023
VK moved to appoint Anne LeCuyer to the Conservation Commission for a term effective July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023. DK seconded. Unanimous vote.
From the minutes
“VK moved to appoint Anne LeCuyer to the Conservation Commission for a term effective July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023. DK seconded. Unanimous vote..” (Motion: Kell, second: Klein)
Appoint Veronica Kell as the Board of Selectmen's representative to both MRPC and MJTC
VK moved to appoint Veronica Kell as the Board of Selectmen's representative to both MRPC and MJTC. DK seconded. Unanimous vote
From the minutes
“VK moved to appoint Veronica Kell as the Board of Selectmen's representative to both MRPC and MJTC. DK seconded. Unanimous vote.” (Motion: Kell, second: Klein)
Remove the reference to the Deputy Chief position from the comp/class plan as submitted by the Collins Institute
VK moved to remove the reference to the Deputy Chief position from the comp/class plan as submitted by the Collins Institute. DK seconded. Unanimous vote.
From the minutes
“VK moved to remove the reference to the Deputy Chief position from the comp/class plan as submitted by the Collins Institute. DK seconded. Unanimous vote..” (Motion: Kell, second: Klein)
We submit the grant for Shared Streets and Spaces grant with the addition of $30,000.00 in the grant requested amount and removing the $30,000 from the reference of the National Fitness Campaign
VK moved that we submit the grant for Shared Streets and Spaces grant with the addition of $30,000.00 in the grant requested amount and removing the $30,000 from the reference of the National Fitness Campaign. DK seconded. Unanimous vote.
From the minutes
“VK moved that we submit the grant for Shared Streets and Spaces grant with the addition of $30,000.00 in the grant requested amount and removing the $30,000 from the reference of the National Fitness Campaign. DK seconded. Unanimous vote..” (Motion: Kell, second: Klein)
Declare surplus: 2007 Ford F350 (Squad) - value to be determined 1996 Ford F350 Bucket Truck (Truck 10)+ value to be determined 2001 Articat 600 Snow Machine - value to be determined DK
VK moved to declare surplus: 2007 Ford F350 (Squad) - value to be determined 1996 Ford F350 Bucket Truck (Truck 10)+ value to be determined 2001 Articat 600 Snow Machine - value to be determined DK seconded. Unanimous vote.
From the minutes
“VK moved to declare surplus: 2007 Ford F350 (Squad) - value to be determined 1996 Ford F350 Bucket Truck (Truck 10)+ value to be determined 2001 Articat 600 Snow Machine - value to be determined DK seconded. Unanimous vote..” (Motion: Kell, second: Klein)
We consider this a first reading as a change for the use of credit cards
VK moved that we consider this a first reading as a change for the use of credit cards. DK seconded. VK relayed she could not find the policy on the website. VK requested more time to review the proposed changes. VK asked if there was a sign-off form for staff to agree to the policy . VK expressed she would prefer to discuss in a work session. VK noted a typo with the word vendor. VK would like to review further to control verbiage and inquired when she would suggest proposed amendments. Mr. Kreidler explained at the second reading the Board would review any members suggestions for changes of the policy. Unanimous vote.
From the minutes
“VK moved that we consider this a first reading as a change for the use of credit cards. DK seconded. VK relayed she could not find the policy on the website. VK requested more time to review the proposed changes. VK asked if there was a sign-off form for staff to agree to the policy . VK expressed she would prefer to discuss in a work session. VK noted a typo with the word vendor. VK would like to review further to control verbiage and inquired when she would suggest proposed amendments. Mr. Kreidler explained at the second reading the Board would review any members suggestions for changes of the policy. Unanimous vote..” (Motion: Kell, second: Klein)
4.7 Review/Approve and sign out of session an amended and restated conservation restriction, RE:
Approve and sign out of session the amended and restated conservation restriction references 16 Boutelle Road
DK moved to approve and sign out of session the amended and restated conservation restriction references 16 Boutelle Road. WM seconded. Unanimous vote.
From the minutes
“DK moved to approve and sign out of session the amended and restated conservation restriction references 16 Boutelle Road. WM seconded. Unanimous vote..” (Motion: Klein, second: Miller)
Review and approve the bill payables warrant out of the session
VK moved to review and approve the bill payables warrant out of the session. DK seconded. Unanimous Vote.
From the minutes
“VK moved to review and approve the bill payables warrant out of the session. DK seconded. Unanimous Vote..” (Motion: Kell, second: Klein)
Adjourn
VK moved to adjourn at 8:41P.M. DK seconded. Unanimous vote.
From the minutes
“VK moved to adjourn at 8:41P.M. DK seconded. Unanimous vote..” (Motion: Kell, second: Klein)
From the Townsend Select Board’s official minutes, posted on the town’s Agendas and Minutes page (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): Town of Townsend Candidates Night video — Valerie Goodrich and Sarah Logan (April 2025); Just Townies — Laura Shifrin (October 2023). Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.
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