MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2023–2024 Board · Regular meeting
August 22, 2023
23 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Your Townsend ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Attendance
Present: Chaz Sexton-Diranian, Joseph Z. Shank, Theresa A. Morse
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Theresa A. Morse did not take part in one vote (recused or out of the room).
Every vote, in order
1.4.1 General Comment from the Chair Deletions: None
Approve One-Day Special License for JK Management Unlimited LLC for an event at Evans on the Common on 09/16/2023, 11AM-4PM contingent upon receipt of the serving area map
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to approve One-Day Special License for JK Management Unlimited LLC for an event at Evans on the Common on 09/16/2023, 11AM-4PM contingent upon receipt of the serving area map. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to approve One-Day Special License for JK Management Unlimited LLC for an event at Evans on the Common on 09/16/2023, 11AM-4PM contingent upon receipt of the serving area map. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Approve the Common Victualler License change for formerly known Yum to go dba Bouillon Bistro to Bouillon Bistro LLC, sole owner Sue Poulin
Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to approve the Common Victualler License change for formerly known Yum to go dba Bouillon Bistro to Bouillon Bistro LLC, sole owner Sue Poulin. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to approve the Common Victualler License change for formerly known Yum to go dba Bouillon Bistro to Bouillon Bistro LLC, sole owner Sue Poulin. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Approve the One-Day Special License for Artisan Chef Catering LLC for an event on 08/26/2023 between the hours of 1PM and 4PM. with the condition that alcohol consumption is contained within the...
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to approve the One-Day Special License for Artisan Chef Catering LLC for an event on 08/26/2023 between the hours of 1PM and 4PM. with the condition that alcohol consumption is contained within the tented area in the fenced \ } 2.4 (7:20) Discuss amendment of WTP Trust document. 2.5 (7:45) Discuss Community Energy Aggregation Plan/Timeline. III. APPOINTMENTS OF OFFICIALS/PERSONNEL: 3.1 Appoint Aaron Gill as On-Call Firefighter to the Fire Department effective 08/22/23 to 06/30/2024. 3.2 Appoint Christopher Regan as Per Diem Firefighter/EMT - Advanced effective 08/22/23 to 06/30/2024. 3.3 Appoint Charles Schultz as Building Commissioner/Zoning Enforcement Officer/ADA Coordinator to the Building Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 09/05/2023. 3.4 Appoint Allison Weissensee as Housing and Grant Administrator to the Land Use Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 09/05/2023. 3.5 Appoint Michael Donahue as Heavy Equipment Operator to the Highway Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 08/28/2023. 3.6 Re-Appoint Nancy French to the Townsend Cultural Council effective 08/22/2023 for a term to expire 06/30/2026. 3.7 Re Appoint Frances Levi to the Townsend Cultural Council effective 08/22/2023 for a term to expire 06/30/2026. backyard of the premises. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to approve the One-Day Special License for Artisan Chef Catering LLC for an event on 08/26/2023 between the hours of 1PM and 4PM. with the condition that alcohol consumption is contained within the tented area in the fenced \ } 2.4 (7:20) Discuss amendment of WTP Trust document. 2.5 (7:45) Discuss Community Energy Aggregation Plan/Timeline. III. APPOINTMENTS OF OFFICIALS/PERSONNEL: 3.1 Appoint Aaron Gill as On-Call Firefighter to the Fire Department effective 08/22/23 to 06/30/2024. 3.2 Appoint Christopher Regan as Per Diem Firefighter/EMT - Advanced effective 08/22/23 to 06/30/2024. 3.3 Appoint Charles Schultz as Building Commissioner/Zoning Enforcement Officer/ADA Coordinator to the Building Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 09/05/2023. 3.4 Appoint Allison Weissensee as Housing and Grant Administrator to the Land Use Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 09/05/2023. 3.5 Appoint Michael Donahue as Heavy Equipment Operator to the Highway Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 08/28/2023. 3.6 Re-Appoint Nancy French to the Townsend Cultural Council effective 08/22/2023 for a term to expire 06/30/2026. 3.7 Re Appoint Frances Levi to the Townsend Cultural Council effective 08/22/2023 for a term to expire 06/30/2026. backyard of the premises. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Appoint R. Eric Slagle as the designee for the Community Energy Aggregation
Motion was made by Theresa A Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to appoint R. Eric Slagle as the designee for the Community Energy Aggregation Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to appoint R. Eric Slagle as the designee for the Community Energy Aggregation Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Appoint Aaron Gill as an On-Call Firefighter to the Fire Department effective 08/22/23 to 06/30/2024
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to appoint Aaron Gill as an On-Call Firefighter to the Fire Department effective 08/22/23 to 06/30/2024. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to appoint Aaron Gill as an On-Call Firefighter to the Fire Department effective 08/22/23 to 06/30/2024. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Appoint Christopher Regan as Per Diem Firefighter/EMT - Advanced effective 08/22/23 to 06/30/2024
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to appoint Christopher Regan as Per Diem Firefighter/EMT - Advanced effective 08/22/23 to 06/30/2024. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to appoint Christopher Regan as Per Diem Firefighter/EMT - Advanced effective 08/22/23 to 06/30/2024. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Appoint Charles Schultz as Building Commissioner/Zoning Enforcement Officer/ADA Coordinator to the Building Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 09/05/2023
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to appoint Charles Schultz as Building Commissioner/Zoning Enforcement Officer/ADA Coordinator to the Building Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 09/05/2023. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to appoint Charles Schultz as Building Commissioner/Zoning Enforcement Officer/ADA Coordinator to the Building Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 09/05/2023. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Appoint Allison Weissensee as Housing and Grant Administrator to the Land Use Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 09/05/2023
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to appoint Allison Weissensee as Housing and Grant Administrator to the Land Use Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 09/05/2023. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to appoint Allison Weissensee as Housing and Grant Administrator to the Land Use Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 09/05/2023. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Appoint Michael Donahue as Heavy Equipment Operator to the Highway Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 08/28/2023
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to appoint Michael Donahue as Heavy Equipment Operator to the Highway Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 08/28/2023. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to appoint Michael Donahue as Heavy Equipment Operator to the Highway Department effective 08/22/2023 with start date 08/28/2023. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re- appoint Nancy French to the Townsend Cultural Council effective 08/22/2023 for a term to expire 06/30/2026
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to re- appoint Nancy French to the Townsend Cultural Council effective 08/22/2023 for a term to expire 06/30/2026. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton- Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to re- appoint Nancy French to the Townsend Cultural Council effective 08/22/2023 for a term to expire 06/30/2026. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton- Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re- appoint Frances Levi to the Townsend Cultural Council effective 08/22/2023 for a term to expire 06/30/2026
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to re- appoint Frances Levi to the Townsend Cultural Council effective 08/22/2023 for a term to expire 06/30/2026. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton- Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to re- appoint Frances Levi to the Townsend Cultural Council effective 08/22/2023 for a term to expire 06/30/2026. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton- Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
5.1 Town Administrator Updates and Reports
Create a Bylaw Committee consisting of members of Beth Faxon, Veronica Kell, Alice Struthers, Greg Smith, Bill Cadogan, Natalie Call, Robert Therrien, Maureen Galevi and R. Eric Slagle
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to create a Bylaw Committee consisting of members of Beth Faxon, Veronica Kell, Alice Struthers, Greg Smith, Bill Cadogan, Natalie Call, Robert Therrien, Maureen Galevi and R. Eric Slagle. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton- Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to create a Bylaw Committee consisting of members of Beth Faxon, Veronica Kell, Alice Struthers, Greg Smith, Bill Cadogan, Natalie Call, Robert Therrien, Maureen Galevi and R. Eric Slagle. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton- Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Have a Special Town Meeting on September 26, 2023 and to open and close the warrant on September 05, 2023
Motion was made by Joseph Z Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to have a Special Town Meeting on September 26, 2023 and to open and close the warrant on September 05, 2023. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Joseph Z Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to have a Special Town Meeting on September 26, 2023 and to open and close the warrant on September 05, 2023. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Shank, second: Morse)
Choose Sullivan & Sullivan as the auctioneer for 97 Main Street and authorize R. Eric Slagle to sign on behalf of the Town to administer the proposal
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to choose Sullivan & Sullivan as the auctioneer for 97 Main Street and authorize R. Eric Slagle to sign on behalf of the Town to administer the proposal. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank to choose Sullivan & Sullivan as the auctioneer for 97 Main Street and authorize R. Eric Slagle to sign on behalf of the Town to administer the proposal. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
The Meeting Decorum is added to the Board/Committee handbook
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank that the Meeting Decorum is added to the Board/Committee handbook. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z Shank that the Meeting Decorum is added to the Board/Committee handbook. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Surplus town owned TPX Phones for an approx. value of 10-25 dollars per phone
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to surplus town owned TPX Phones for an approx. value of 10-25 dollars per phone. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to surplus town owned TPX Phones for an approx. value of 10-25 dollars per phone. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Surplus the Lexmark printer of the Land Use Department
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to surplus the Lexmark printer of the Land Use Department. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to surplus the Lexmark printer of the Land Use Department. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
For the $40,000.00 Town Buildings Assessment ARPA Project
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank approve the project for the $40,000.00 Town Buildings Assessment ARPA Project. Motion was passed with all in favor. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank approve the project for the $40,000.00 Town Buildings Assessment ARPA Project. Motion was passed with all in favor. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Put the Town hybrid car out to bid to the highest bidder
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to put the Town hybrid car out to bid to the highest bidder. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to put the Town hybrid car out to bid to the highest bidder. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
5.4 Next meeting - September
Allow the DAV van to be parked on town property
Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Chaz Sexton-Diranian to allow the DAV van to be parked on town property. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse recused herself.
Theresa A. Morse did not take part in this vote (“Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse recused herself”) and is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Chaz Sexton-Diranian to allow the DAV van to be parked on town property. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse recused herself..” (Motion: Shank, second: Sexton-Diranian)
Authorize the Highway Department to expend $363,683.95 of Chapter 90 funds
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to authorize the Highway Department to expend $363,683.95 of Chapter 90 funds. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton- Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to authorize the Highway Department to expend $363,683.95 of Chapter 90 funds. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton- Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Adjourn
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded Joseph Z. Shank to adjourn at 8:59 p.m. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded Joseph Z. Shank to adjourn at 8:59 p.m. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (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.
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →