MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
May 21, 2024
17 recorded votes, 2 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
Approve amendment to appointment; Robert Garside as Part-Time Building Commissioner with effective/start date of 05/06/2024 with a term to expire 06/30/2024
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to approve amendment to appointment; Robert Garside as Part-Time Building Commissioner with effective/start date of 05/06/2024 with a term to expire 06/30/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 amendment to appointment; Robert Garside as Part-Time Building Commissioner with effective/start date of 05/06/2024 with a term to expire 06/30/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton- Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Appoint Jack Murphy, Shannon Kelly, Asher Shine as seasonal Summer Recreation Counselors to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program with effective/start date of 06/01/2024
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to appoint Jack Murphy, Shannon Kelly, Asher Shine as seasonal Summer Recreation Counselors to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program with effective/start date of 06/01/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 Jack Murphy, Shannon Kelly, Asher Shine as seasonal Summer Recreation Counselors to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program with effective/start date of 06/01/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton- Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re-appoint Olivia Rowley, Rylan Arnold, Liam Bindoo, Greta Helfter, Brady Sheldon, Devlin Peterson, Heidi Thalheimer, David Rauhala, Ava LeDuc, Alana Rizzuti as seasonal Summer Recreation...
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re-appoint Olivia Rowley, Rylan Arnold, Liam Bindoo, Greta Helfter, Brady Sheldon, Devlin Peterson, Heidi Thalheimer, David Rauhala, Ava LeDuc, Alana Rizzuti as seasonal Summer Recreation Counselors to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program. Heidi Thalheimer, David Rauhala, Ava LeDuc, Alana Rizzuti as seasonal Summer Recreation Counselors to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program. Olivia Rowley, Rylan Arnold, Liam Bindoo, Devlin Peterson, Heidi Thalheimer, David Rauhala, Ava LeDuc with effective/start date of 06/01/2024. Alana Rizzuti, Brady Sheldon, Greta Helfter with effective/start date of 06/14/2024. 3.4 Re-appoint Wyatt Gallant, Megan Donovan as seasonal Lead Counselors to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program. Wyatt Gallant with effective/start date of 06/01/2024, Megan Donovan with effective/start date 06/14/2024. 3.5 Re-appoint Kimberly Kasparian, Evan Shine as seasonal Jr. Operations Assistant (supervisory position) to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program. Kimberly Kasparian with effective/start date of 06/01/2024 and Evan Shine with effective/start date of 06/14/2024. 3.6 Appoint Jared Morico as truck driver/laborer position at the Highway Department with effective/start date 05/20/2024. IV. MEETING BUSINESS: 4.1 Review/Discuss Grant Opportunity FY25 Destination Development Capital Grant. Olivia Rowley, Rylan Arnold, Liam Bindoo, Devlin Peterson, Heidi Thalheimer, David Rauhala, Ava LeDuc with effective/start date of 06/01/2024. Alana Rizzuti, Brady Sheldon, Greta Helfter with effective/start date of 06/01/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 Olivia Rowley, Rylan Arnold, Liam Bindoo, Greta Helfter, Brady Sheldon, Devlin Peterson, Heidi Thalheimer, David Rauhala, Ava LeDuc, Alana Rizzuti as seasonal Summer Recreation Counselors to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program. Heidi Thalheimer, David Rauhala, Ava LeDuc, Alana Rizzuti as seasonal Summer Recreation Counselors to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program. Olivia Rowley, Rylan Arnold, Liam Bindoo, Devlin Peterson, Heidi Thalheimer, David Rauhala, Ava LeDuc with effective/start date of 06/01/2024. Alana Rizzuti, Brady Sheldon, Greta Helfter with effective/start date of 06/14/2024. 3.4 Re-appoint Wyatt Gallant, Megan Donovan as seasonal Lead Counselors to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program. Wyatt Gallant with effective/start date of 06/01/2024, Megan Donovan with effective/start date 06/14/2024. 3.5 Re-appoint Kimberly Kasparian, Evan Shine as seasonal Jr. Operations Assistant (supervisory position) to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program. Kimberly Kasparian with effective/start date of 06/01/2024 and Evan Shine with effective/start date of 06/14/2024. 3.6 Appoint Jared Morico as truck driver/laborer position at the Highway Department with effective/start date 05/20/2024. IV. MEETING BUSINESS: 4.1 Review/Discuss Grant Opportunity FY25 Destination Development Capital Grant. Olivia Rowley, Rylan Arnold, Liam Bindoo, Devlin Peterson, Heidi Thalheimer, David Rauhala, Ava LeDuc with effective/start date of 06/01/2024. Alana Rizzuti, Brady Sheldon, Greta Helfter with effective/start date of 06/01/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
3.6 Appoint Jared Morico as truck driver/laborer position at the Highway Department with effective/start date
Amend the motion to Alana Rizzuti, Brady Sheldon, Greta Helfter with effective/start date of 06/14/2024
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to amend the motion to Alana Rizzuti, Brady Sheldon, Greta Helfter with effective/start date of 06/14/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 amend the motion to Alana Rizzuti, Brady Sheldon, Greta Helfter with effective/start date of 06/14/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re-appoint Wyatt Gallant, Megan Donovan as seasonal Lead Counselors to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re-appoint Wyatt Gallant, Megan Donovan as seasonal Lead Counselors to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program. Wyatt Gallant with effective/start date of 06/01/2024, Megan Donovan with effective/start date 06/14/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 Wyatt Gallant, Megan Donovan as seasonal Lead Counselors to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program. Wyatt Gallant with effective/start date of 06/01/2024, Megan Donovan with effective/start date 06/14/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Re-appoint Kimberly Kasparian, Evan Shine as seasonal Jr
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to re-appoint Kimberly Kasparian, Evan Shine as seasonal Jr. Operations Assistant (supervisory position) to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program. Kimberly Kasparian with effective/start date of 06/01/2024 and Evan Shine with effective/start date of 06/14/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 Kimberly Kasparian, Evan Shine as seasonal Jr. Operations Assistant (supervisory position) to the Townsend Recreation Department for the Summer Rec 2024 program. Kimberly Kasparian with effective/start date of 06/01/2024 and Evan Shine with effective/start date of 06/14/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Approve the disclosure by non-elected municipal employee of financial interest filed for Asher Shine
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to approve the disclosure by non-elected municipal employee of financial interest filed for Asher Shine. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 disclosure by non-elected municipal employee of financial interest filed for Asher Shine. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Appoint Jared Morico as truck driver/laborer position at the Highway Department with effective/start date 05/20/2024
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to appoint Jared Morico as truck driver/laborer position at the Highway Department with effective/start date 05/20/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 Jared Morico as truck driver/laborer position at the Highway Department with effective/start date 05/20/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Approve the letter of Support of the Walk Bridge grant for Route 13
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to approve the letter of Support of the Walk Bridge grant for Route 13. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 letter of Support of the Walk Bridge grant for Route 13. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Create the Town Administrator Search Committee with five members and to appoint Veronica Kell, Wayne Miller, Vicki Tidman, Laura Shiftin and Dave Funaiole to the Town Administrator Search Committee
Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Charles Sexton Diranian to create the Town Administrator Search Committee with five members and to appoint Veronica Kell, Wayne Miller, Vicki Tidman, Laura Shiftin and Dave Funaiole to the Town Administrator Search Committee. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse no.
Yes: Sexton-Diranian, ShankNo: Morse
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Charles Sexton Diranian to create the Town Administrator Search Committee with five members and to appoint Veronica Kell, Wayne Miller, Vicki Tidman, Laura Shiftin and Dave Funaiole to the Town Administrator Search Committee. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse no..” (Motion: Shank, second: Sexton-Diranian)
Diranian if one of the 5 members of the Town Administrator Search Committee resigns from the Committee Theresa A. Morse will step in the members place
Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Charles Sexton Diranian if one of the 5 members of the Town Administrator Search Committee resigns from the Committee Theresa A. Morse will step in the members place. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 Charles Sexton Diranian if one of the 5 members of the Town Administrator Search Committee resigns from the Committee Theresa A. Morse will step in the members place. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Shank, second: Sexton-Diranian)
5.3 Announcements/Communicati ons
Approve the Marcum contract for FY25
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to approve the Marcum contract for FY25, Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 Marcum contract for FY25, Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Approve the 1-year extension at 825K subject to review by Town Counsel that the contract can be terminated at any time at no cost by Board of Selectmen
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to approve the 1-year extension at 825K subject to review by Town Counsel that the contract can be terminated at any time at no cost by Board of Selectmen. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse no.
Yes: Sexton-Diranian, ShankNo: Morse
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to approve the 1-year extension at 825K subject to review by Town Counsel that the contract can be terminated at any time at no cost by Board of Selectmen. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse no..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Approve contract with Ross Perry as Interim Town Administrator
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to approve contract with Ross Perry as Interim Town Administrator. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 contract with Ross Perry as Interim Town Administrator. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 roll call vote 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 roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Enter Executive Session at 8:07 p.m. and to adjourn in Executive Session: Executive Session pursuant to GL c. 30A, s 21 (a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with...
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to enter Executive Session at 8:07 p.m. and to adjourn in Executive Session: Executive Session pursuant to GL c. 30A, s 21 (a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct contract negotiations with nonunion personnel. re: Assistant Accountant. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 enter Executive Session at 8:07 p.m. and to adjourn in Executive Session: Executive Session pursuant to GL c. 30A, s 21 (a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct contract negotiations with nonunion personnel. re: Assistant Accountant. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Shank)
Enter Executive Session at 8:07 p.m. and to adjourn in Executive Session: Executive Session pursuant to GL c. 30A, s 21 (a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation 1f an open meeting may...
Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to enter Executive Session at 8:07 p.m. and to adjourn in Executive Session: Executive Session pursuant to GL c. 30A, s 21 (a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation 1f an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares. re: Police Union OT Grievance. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 enter Executive Session at 8:07 p.m. and to adjourn in Executive Session: Executive Session pursuant to GL c. 30A, s 21 (a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation 1f an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares. re: Police Union OT Grievance. Motion was passed with roll call vote 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.
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