MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2023–2024 Board · Regular meeting
June 20, 2023
24 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Chaz Sexton-Diranian, Joseph Z. Shank, Theresa A. Morse
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Table the appointment of Colin Rose until the next Board of Selectmen meeting
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to table the appointment of Colin Rose until the next Board of Selectmen meeting. Motion was passed with all in favor.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to table the appointment of Colin Rose until the next Board of Selectmen meeting. Motion was passed with all in favor..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Appoint Judith Pourdier to the Council on Aging until June 30, 2024, to complete a term vacancy
Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to appoint Judith Pourdier to the Council on Aging until June 30, 2024, to complete a term vacancy. Motion was passed with all in favor.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to appoint Judith Pourdier to the Council on Aging until June 30, 2024, to complete a term vacancy. Motion was passed with all in favor..” (Motion: Shank, second: Morse)
For a three-year term to expire June 30, 2026
Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse re-appoint Don Massucco as Tree Warden for a three-year term to expire June 30, 2026. Motion was passed with all in favor.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse re-appoint Don Massucco as Tree Warden for a three-year term to expire June 30, 2026. Motion was passed with all in favor..” (Motion: Shank, second: Morse)
3.17 Appoint the following Police Officers as the Agents for the Licensing Authority from
Appoint Summer Recreation Counselors as read into record
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to appoint Summer Recreation Counselors as read into record. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to appoint Summer Recreation Counselors as read into record. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re- appoint Veronica Kell to the Open Space and Recreation Committee
Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to re- appoint Veronica Kell to the Open Space and Recreation Committee. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to re- appoint Veronica Kell to the Open Space and Recreation Committee. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Shank, second: Morse)
Re- appoint Mary Jane O'Hara to the Board of Registrars for a three-year term to expire March 31, 2026
Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to re- appoint Mary Jane O'Hara to the Board of Registrars for a three-year term to expire March 31, 2026. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to re- appoint Mary Jane O'Hara to the Board of Registrars for a three-year term to expire March 31, 2026. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Shank, second: Morse)
Re- appoint Laura Shifrin as the Planning Board Representative of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire 03/31/2024
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re- appoint Laura Shifrin as the Planning Board Representative of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire 03/31/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re- appoint Laura Shifrin as the Planning Board Representative of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire 03/31/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re- appoint Julie Byars as a General Member of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire 03/31/2024
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re- appoint Julie Byars as a General Member of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire 03/31/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re- appoint Julie Byars as a General Member of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire 03/31/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re- appoint Kevin Smith as a Conservation Commission Representative of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire 03/31/2024
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re- appoint Kevin Smith as a Conservation Commission Representative of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire 03/31/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re- appoint Kevin Smith as a Conservation Commission Representative of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire 03/31/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re-appoint Donald Hayes as a Finance Committee Representative of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire03/31/2024
Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re-appoint Donald Hayes as a Finance Committee Representative of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire03/31/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re-appoint Donald Hayes as a Finance Committee Representative of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire03/31/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re-appoint Vicki Tidman as the Board of Assessors Representative of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire 03/31/2024
Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re-appoint Vicki Tidman as the Board of Assessors Representative of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire 03/31/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re-appoint Vicki Tidman as the Board of Assessors Representative of the Town Properties Committee for a term to expire 03/31/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re-appoint James P. Sartell as the Chief of Police, Keeper of the Lock-Up, Agent for the Licensing Authority from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024
Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re-appoint James P. Sartell as the Chief of Police, Keeper of the Lock-Up, Agent for the Licensing Authority from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re-appoint James P. Sartell as the Chief of Police, Keeper of the Lock-Up, Agent for the Licensing Authority from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Morse re-appoint fulltime Police Officers trom 7/1/2023-6/30/2024 as listed in the agenda
Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse re-appoint fulltime Police Officers trom 7/1/2023-6/30/2024 as listed in the agenda. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse re-appoint fulltime Police Officers trom 7/1/2023-6/30/2024 as listed in the agenda. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Shank, second: Morse)
Re- appoint Austin Cote as the Townsend Police Department Reserve Officer from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024
Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to re- appoint Austin Cote as the Townsend Police Department Reserve Officer from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024. Motion was made with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to re- appoint Austin Cote as the Townsend Police Department Reserve Officer from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024. Motion was made with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Shank, second: Morse)
Appoint the following Police Officers as the Agents for the Licensing Authority from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024 Christopher Peach (Lieutenant), George Reidy (Sergeant), 2|Page 3.18 Re-appoint Mary...
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to appoint the following Police Officers as the Agents for the Licensing Authority from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024 Christopher Peach (Lieutenant), George Reidy (Sergeant), 2|Page 3.18 Re-appoint Mary Letourneau as the Animal Control Officer from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024. 3.19 Reappoint Kathleen Spofford as the Parking Clerk from 7/1/2023- 6/30/2024. 3.20 Conservation Commission Appointments 3.21 Re-appoint James Gates to the Open Space and Recreation Commission IV. MEETING BUSINESS: 4.1 Review/Approve Collective Bargaining Agreements 4.2 Discuss FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps 4.3 Review/Approve ARPA Reallocation Form re: Cleaner for COA/Library 4.4 Review/Approve Job Description for COA/Library Cleaner 4.5 Review/Approve Job Description for Housing and Grant Administrator V. WORK SESSION: 5.0 ARPA Projects David Phillips (Sergeant), Jeffrey Giles (Sergeant). Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to appoint the following Police Officers as the Agents for the Licensing Authority from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024 Christopher Peach (Lieutenant), George Reidy (Sergeant), 2|Page 3.18 Re-appoint Mary Letourneau as the Animal Control Officer from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024. 3.19 Reappoint Kathleen Spofford as the Parking Clerk from 7/1/2023- 6/30/2024. 3.20 Conservation Commission Appointments 3.21 Re-appoint James Gates to the Open Space and Recreation Commission IV. MEETING BUSINESS: 4.1 Review/Approve Collective Bargaining Agreements 4.2 Discuss FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps 4.3 Review/Approve ARPA Reallocation Form re: Cleaner for COA/Library 4.4 Review/Approve Job Description for COA/Library Cleaner 4.5 Review/Approve Job Description for Housing and Grant Administrator V. WORK SESSION: 5.0 ARPA Projects David Phillips (Sergeant), Jeffrey Giles (Sergeant). Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
4.4 Review/Approve Job Description for COA/Library Cleaner
Re- appoint Mary Letourneau as the Animal Control Officer from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re- appoint Mary Letourneau as the Animal Control Officer from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re- appoint Mary Letourneau as the Animal Control Officer from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re- appoint Kathleen Spofford as the Parking Clerk from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re- appoint Kathleen Spofford as the Parking Clerk from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re- appoint Kathleen Spofford as the Parking Clerk from 7/1/2023-6/30/2024. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re- appoint Kevin Smith to the Conservation Commission with a term to expire 6/30/2026
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re- appoint Kevin Smith to the Conservation Commission with a term to expire 6/30/2026. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re- appoint Kevin Smith to the Conservation Commission with a term to expire 6/30/2026. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re- appoint James Gates to the Open Space and Recreation Commission
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re- appoint James Gates to the Open Space and Recreation Commission. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re- appoint James Gates to the Open Space and Recreation Commission. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re- allocate $15,000.00 trom ARPA Other COVID Related Expenses for the cleaner for COA/Library (Custodian)
Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to re- allocate $15,000.00 trom ARPA Other COVID Related Expenses for the cleaner for COA/Library (Custodian). Discussion: This will pay for all FY24, then a discussion will be held to see if the costs will be rolled into the General Fund budget or allocate more ARPA funds to do it. Motion was passed by all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to re- allocate $15,000.00 trom ARPA Other COVID Related Expenses for the cleaner for COA/Library (Custodian). Discussion: This will pay for all FY24, then a discussion will be held to see if the costs will be rolled into the General Fund budget or allocate more ARPA funds to do it. Motion was passed by all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Shank, second: Morse)
Approve the job description of the part-time COA/Library Custodian
Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Joseph Shank to approve the job description of the part-time COA/Library Custodian. Motion was passed by all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Joseph Shank to approve the job description of the part-time COA/Library Custodian. Motion was passed by all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Allow R. Eric Slagle to sign for the grant for the Energy Committee
Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to allow R. Eric Slagle to sign for the grant for the Energy Committee. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to allow R. Eric Slagle to sign for the grant for the Energy Committee. Motion was passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Shank, second: Morse)
Review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session
Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Motion passed with all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Motion passed with all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Shank, second: Morse)
Enter Executive Session and to adjourn from Executive Session: 1
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to enter Executive Session and to adjourn from Executive Session: 1. Executive Session pursuant to GL c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3), to discuss strategy with respect to collective Bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a 4|Page detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares. Motion was passed by all in favor unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to enter Executive Session and to adjourn from Executive Session: 1. Executive Session pursuant to GL c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3), to discuss strategy with respect to collective Bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a 4|Page detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares. Motion was passed by all in favor unanimously..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
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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