MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
December 3, 2024
16 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Theresa A. Morse, Veronica Kell, Laura Shifrin
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Approve the meeting minutes for 11/19/2024
Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to approve the meeting minutes for 11/19/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to approve the meeting minutes for 11/19/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
Open the Public Hearing at 6:10PM
Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Veronica Kell to open the Public Hearing at 6:10PM. The motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Veronica Kell to open the Public Hearing at 6:10PM. The motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Kell)
Accept the percentage of local tax levy to a shift factor of 1
Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to accept the percentage of local tax levy to a shift factor of 1. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to accept the percentage of local tax levy to a shift factor of 1. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
4.1 Create Cable Advisory Committee (CAC) for Comcast License renewal process as a
Sign the LA5 out of session
Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to sign the LA5 out of session. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to sign the LA5 out of session. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
Close the Public Hearing at 6:18PM
Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to close the Public Hearing at 6:18PM. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to close the Public Hearing at 6:18PM. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
Appoint John B. Moran to the Housing Authority effective 12/03/2024 for a one-year term until Annual Town Election 04/28/2025
Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to appoint John B. Moran to the Housing Authority effective 12/03/2024 for a one-year term until Annual Town Election 04/28/2025 . Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes, Natalie Call yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to appoint John B. Moran to the Housing Authority effective 12/03/2024 for a one-year term until Annual Town Election 04/28/2025 . Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes, Natalie Call yes..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
Appoint Lynne LeBlanc to the Amanda Dwight Entertainment Fund effective 12/03/2024 for a one-year term until Annual Town Election 04/28/2025
Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to appoint Lynne LeBlanc to the Amanda Dwight Entertainment Fund effective 12/03/2024 for a one-year term until Annual Town Election 04/28/2025. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes, Karen Clement yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to appoint Lynne LeBlanc to the Amanda Dwight Entertainment Fund effective 12/03/2024 for a one-year term until Annual Town Election 04/28/2025. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes, Karen Clement yes..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
Approve the license application for Lions Club for selling of Christmas trees at the Town Common from 11/24/2024 - 12/24/2024
Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Theresa Morse to approve the license application for Lions Club for selling of Christmas trees at the Town Common from 11/24/2024 - 12/24/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Theresa Morse to approve the license application for Lions Club for selling of Christmas trees at the Town Common from 11/24/2024 - 12/24/2024. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Morse)
Appoint Everett Smith to the Water Department from 12/19/2024 until 01/17/2025 as a temporary part-time intern
Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to appoint Everett Smith to the Water Department from 12/19/2024 until 01/17/2025 as a temporary part-time intern. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to appoint Everett Smith to the Water Department from 12/19/2024 until 01/17/2025 as a temporary part-time intern. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
5.0 ARPA Projects
Create the Cable Advisory Committee (CAC) for Comcast License renewal process as a 5 person Cable Advisory Committee until contract is setup 10/31/2025 with 1 Selectboard representative (can be...
Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to create the Cable Advisory Committee (CAC) for Comcast License renewal process as a 5 person Cable Advisory Committee until contract is setup 10/31/2025 with 1 Selectboard representative (can be appointed representative), 1 Library Trustee representative, 1 Finance Committee representative, 1 TCAM representative, 1 at-large member. Vacancy has to be posted after creation. This shall be established no later than 1/15/2025. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to create the Cable Advisory Committee (CAC) for Comcast License renewal process as a 5 person Cable Advisory Committee until contract is setup 10/31/2025 with 1 Selectboard representative (can be appointed representative), 1 Library Trustee representative, 1 Finance Committee representative, 1 TCAM representative, 1 at-large member. Vacancy has to be posted after creation. This shall be established no later than 1/15/2025. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
Approve the Building Department Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2025
Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to approve the Building Department Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2025. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to approve the Building Department Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2025. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
Take no action on 5.0 ARPA and move it to Selectboard meeting on 12/12/2024 at 11AM
Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to take no action on 5.0 ARPA and move it to Selectboard meeting on 12/12/2024 at 11AM. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to take no action on 5.0 ARPA and move it to Selectboard meeting on 12/12/2024 at 11AM. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
5.0 ARPA and move it to Selectboard meeting on
Approve the Public Grant Excellence Grant and designate Nelson Mui as signatory
Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to approve the Public Grant Excellence Grant and designate Nelson Mui as signatory. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to approve the Public Grant Excellence Grant and designate Nelson Mui as signatory. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
For Town Administrator Nelson Mui to sign on behalf of the Selectboard for the additional funds from MassTrails for the purpose of the Squannacook River Connectivity Project
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin for Town Administrator Nelson Mui to sign on behalf of the Selectboard for the additional funds from MassTrails for the purpose of the Squannacook River Connectivity Project. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin for Town Administrator Nelson Mui to sign on behalf of the Selectboard for the additional funds from MassTrails for the purpose of the Squannacook River Connectivity Project. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session
Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Veronica Kell to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Veronica Kell to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Kell)
Enter Executive Session at 7:57PM and adjourn from Executive Session pursuant to GL c. 30(a), s. 21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel...
Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Veronica Kell to enter Executive Session at 7:57PM and adjourn from Executive Session pursuant to GL c. 30(a), s. 21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel (Treasurer/Collector) Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Theresa Morse and seconded by Veronica Kell to enter Executive Session at 7:57PM and adjourn from Executive Session pursuant to GL c. 30(a), s. 21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel (Treasurer/Collector) Motion was passed with roll call vote Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Kell)
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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