MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
January 7, 2025
20 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Laura Shifrin, Veronica Kell
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
3.2 Appoint Colby Streeter as Conservation Agent to the Land Selectboard meeting called to order at
Approve the meeting minutes of 12/12/2024
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to approve the meeting minutes of 12/12/2024. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to approve the meeting minutes of 12/12/2024. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Approve the meeting minutes of 12/17/2024
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to approve the meeting minutes of 12/17/2024. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes and Veronica Kell yes
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to approve the meeting minutes of 12/17/2024. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes and Veronica Kell yes.” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Appoint Lisa Struthers as at-large member, David Funaiole as TCAM representative, Kerri Walonoski as Library Trustees' representative and Laura Shifrin as Selectboard representative to the Cable...
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shiftin to appoint Lisa Struthers as at-large member, David Funaiole as TCAM representative, Kerri Walonoski as Library Trustees' representative and Laura Shifrin as Selectboard representative to the Cable Advisory Committee effecuve 01/07/2025 through completion of the Comcast Contract in 2025. Laura Shifrin noted that there are remaining vacant spots for Finance Committee representative, second at-large representative, and Council on Aging representative. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes and Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shiftin to appoint Lisa Struthers as at-large member, David Funaiole as TCAM representative, Kerri Walonoski as Library Trustees' representative and Laura Shifrin as Selectboard representative to the Cable Advisory Committee effecuve 01/07/2025 through completion of the Comcast Contract in 2025. Laura Shifrin noted that there are remaining vacant spots for Finance Committee representative, second at-large representative, and Council on Aging representative. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes and Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Appoint Colby Streeter as Conservation Agent to the Land Use Department Use Department with effective and start date 01/13/2025 3.3 Appoint Erin Stefield as Land Use Coordinator to the Land Use...
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Colby Streeter as Conservation Agent to the Land Use Department Use Department with effective and start date 01/13/2025 3.3 Appoint Erin Stefield as Land Use Coordinator to the Land Use Department with effective and start date 01/13/2025 3.4 Appoint Dylan Smith as Temp Seasonal Emergency Worker to the Highway Department with effective and start date 12/21/2024 3.5 Re-appoint Police Chief James P. Sartell, Fire Chief Gary Shepherd and Selectboard appointee Michael Grimley to the Patriot RECC Board effective 1/07/2025 with a term to expire 12/31/2025 3.6 Appoint Selectboard member to the Audit Committee effective 01/07/2025, with a term to expire 12/31/2025 3.7 Appoint Selectboard member to the Capital Planning Committee effective 01/07/2025, with a term to expire 06/30/2026 IV. MEETING BUSINESS: 4,1 Reorganization of the Selectboard 4.2 Liaison assignments with effective and start date 01/13/2025 Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Colby Streeter as Conservation Agent to the Land Use Department Use Department with effective and start date 01/13/2025 3.3 Appoint Erin Stefield as Land Use Coordinator to the Land Use Department with effective and start date 01/13/2025 3.4 Appoint Dylan Smith as Temp Seasonal Emergency Worker to the Highway Department with effective and start date 12/21/2024 3.5 Re-appoint Police Chief James P. Sartell, Fire Chief Gary Shepherd and Selectboard appointee Michael Grimley to the Patriot RECC Board effective 1/07/2025 with a term to expire 12/31/2025 3.6 Appoint Selectboard member to the Audit Committee effective 01/07/2025, with a term to expire 12/31/2025 3.7 Appoint Selectboard member to the Capital Planning Committee effective 01/07/2025, with a term to expire 06/30/2026 IV. MEETING BUSINESS: 4,1 Reorganization of the Selectboard 4.2 Liaison assignments with effective and start date 01/13/2025 Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
4.2 Liaison assignments with effective and start date
Appoint Erin Stefield as Land Use Coordinator to the Land Use Department with effective and start date 01/13/2025
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Erin Stefield as Land Use Coordinator to the Land Use Department with effective and start date 01/13/2025 Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes and Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Erin Stefield as Land Use Coordinator to the Land Use Department with effective and start date 01/13/2025 Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes and Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Appoint Dylan Smith as Temp Seasonal Emergency Worker to the Highway Department with effective and start date 12/21/2024
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Dylan Smith as Temp Seasonal Emergency Worker to the Highway Department with effective and start date 12/21/2024. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Dylan Smith as Temp Seasonal Emergency Worker to the Highway Department with effective and start date 12/21/2024. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Re-appoint Police Chief James P. Sartell, Fire Chief Gary Shepherd and Selectboard appointee Michael Grimley to the Patriot RECC Board effective 01/09/2025 with a term to expire 12/31/2025
Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to re-appoint Police Chief James P. Sartell, Fire Chief Gary Shepherd and Selectboard appointee Michael Grimley to the Patriot RECC Board effective 01/09/2025 with a term to expire 12/31/2025. Motion was amended to effective date 01/07/2025. Motion was passed with [aura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to re-appoint Police Chief James P. Sartell, Fire Chief Gary Shepherd and Selectboard appointee Michael Grimley to the Patriot RECC Board effective 01/09/2025 with a term to expire 12/31/2025. Motion was amended to effective date 01/07/2025. Motion was passed with [aura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (second: Shifrin)
Appoint Veronica Kell as the Selectboard member to the Audit Committee effective 01/07/2025 with a term to expire 12/31/2025
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Veronica Kell as the Selectboard member to the Audit Committee effective 01/07/2025 with a term to expire 12/31/2025 Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Veronica Kell as the Selectboard member to the Audit Committee effective 01/07/2025 with a term to expire 12/31/2025 Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Appoint Veronica Kell as the Selectboard member to the Capital Planning Committee effective 01/07/2025, with a term to expire 06/30/2026
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Veronica Kell as the Selectboard member to the Capital Planning Committee effective 01/07/2025, with a term to expire 06/30/2026 . Motion was amended to term expiration at election in April 2026, 04/27/2026. Motion was passed with Veronica Kell yes, Laura Shifrin yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Veronica Kell as the Selectboard member to the Capital Planning Committee effective 01/07/2025, with a term to expire 06/30/2026 . Motion was amended to term expiration at election in April 2026, 04/27/2026. Motion was passed with Veronica Kell yes, Laura Shifrin yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Reorganize the Selectboard as follows: Laura Shifrin Chair, Veronica Kell Vice-Chair, Clerk remains vacant until Annual Town Election on 04/28/2025
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to reorganize the Selectboard as follows: Laura Shifrin Chair, Veronica Kell Vice-Chair, Clerk remains vacant until Annual Town Election on 04/28/2025. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to reorganize the Selectboard as follows: Laura Shifrin Chair, Veronica Kell Vice-Chair, Clerk remains vacant until Annual Town Election on 04/28/2025. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Assign the Selectboard liaisons as follows: Laura Shifrin Elected Boards, Veronica Kell General Government and Public Safety
Motion was made by Veronica Nell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to assign the Selectboard liaisons as follows: Laura Shifrin Elected Boards, Veronica Kell General Government and Public Safety. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Nell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to assign the Selectboard liaisons as follows: Laura Shifrin Elected Boards, Veronica Kell General Government and Public Safety. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Change the April 2025 Selectboard Meeting Dates to 04/01/2025 and 04/15/2025
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to change the April 2025 Selectboard Meeting Dates to 04/01/2025 and 04/15/2025. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes and Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to change the April 2025 Selectboard Meeting Dates to 04/01/2025 and 04/15/2025. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes and Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Accept the rate increase for Town Counsel effective July 1, 2025 as presented
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to accept the rate increase for Town Counsel effective July 1, 2025 as presented. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to accept the rate increase for Town Counsel effective July 1, 2025 as presented. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Approve the warrant articles 1-19 for the Special Town Meeting 01/28/2025 as presented including placeholders for warrant articles pending Town Counsel approval after Planning Board Public Hearing...
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to approve the warrant articles 1-19 for the Special Town Meeting 01/28/2025 as presented including placeholders for warrant articles pending Town Counsel approval after Planning Board Public Hearing on 01/09/2025. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to approve the warrant articles 1-19 for the Special Town Meeting 01/28/2025 as presented including placeholders for warrant articles pending Town Counsel approval after Planning Board Public Hearing on 01/09/2025. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Sign the Special Town Meeting Warrant out of session after Town Counsel review and approval of the same
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to sign the Special Town Meeting Warrant out of session after Town Counsel review and approval of the same. Motion was passed by laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to sign the Special Town Meeting Warrant out of session after Town Counsel review and approval of the same. Motion was passed by laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Create the Conservation Restriction (CR) Committee to place a CR on Squannacook Meadows with 5 members as follows: 1 Conservation Commission Representative, 1 Selectboard member, 1 Endangered...
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to create the Conservation Restriction (CR) Committee to place a CR on Squannacook Meadows with 5 members as follows: 1 Conservation Commission Representative, 1 Selectboard member, 1 Endangered Species permit holder, 1 Taysa Representative, 1 Board of Water Commissioners Representative and someone from NHESP (Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program) to consult with the committee as needed. Goal is to meet in February. Posting should be made. Motion was passed with Veronica Kell yes, Laura Shifrin yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to create the Conservation Restriction (CR) Committee to place a CR on Squannacook Meadows with 5 members as follows: 1 Conservation Commission Representative, 1 Selectboard member, 1 Endangered Species permit holder, 1 Taysa Representative, 1 Board of Water Commissioners Representative and someone from NHESP (Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program) to consult with the committee as needed. Goal is to meet in February. Posting should be made. Motion was passed with Veronica Kell yes, Laura Shifrin yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
As the owner of Squannacook Meadows the Town gave permission to allow the lease holder to go forward with the property modification and allowed the Town Administrator Nelson Mui to sign on behalf...
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin as the owner of Squannacook Meadows the Town gave permission to allow the lease holder to go forward with the property modification and allowed the Town Administrator Nelson Mui to sign on behalf of the Selectboard. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin as the owner of Squannacook Meadows the Town gave permission to allow the lease holder to go forward with the property modification and allowed the Town Administrator Nelson Mui to sign on behalf of the Selectboard. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Approve the contract for MIS services through Guardian for backup services and authorize Town Administrator Nelson Mui to sign on behalf of the Selectboard
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by I_aura Shifrin to approve the contract for MIS services through Guardian for backup services and authorize Town Administrator Nelson Mui to sign on behalf of the Selectboard. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica hell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by I_aura Shifrin to approve the contract for MIS services through Guardian for backup services and authorize Town Administrator Nelson Mui to sign on behalf of the Selectboard. Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica hell yes..” (Motion: Kell)
6.1 Executive Session VIL ADJOURNMENT: Dial in access
Review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Motion was passed with Veronica Kell yes and Laura Shifrin yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Motion was passed with Veronica Kell yes and Laura Shifrin yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Enter Executive Session at 7:32PM and adjourn from Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or liugation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the...
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to enter Executive Session at 7:32PM and adjourn from Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or liugation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares (Highway Superintendent) Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes and Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to enter Executive Session at 7:32PM and adjourn from Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or liugation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares (Highway Superintendent) Motion was passed with Laura Shifrin yes and Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
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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