MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
January 21, 2025
20 recorded votes, 4 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Veronica Kell, Laura Shifrin
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
3.8 Appoint a Selectboard member to the Conservation Restriction Committee -
Approve the meeting minutes for 01/07/2025
Motion made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to approve the meeting minutes for 01/07/2025. The Board was okay with an edit under 4.7 first paragraph second to last sentence Thete are many permits started for this, started to be replaced with needed. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to approve the meeting minutes for 01/07/2025. The Board was okay with an edit under 4.7 first paragraph second to last sentence Thete are many permits started for this, started to be replaced with needed. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Take 2 short break to reboot the computer in the Selectmen Chambers to fix technical issues
Motion was made by Veronic2 Kell and seconded by Leura Shifrin to take 2 short break to reboot the computer in the Selectmen Chambers to fix technical issues. Motion was passec with cll call vere Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kel! yes.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“motion was made by Veronic2 Kell and seconded by Leura Shifrin to take 2 short break to reboot the computer in the Selectmen Chambers to fix technical issues. Motion was passec with cll call vere Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kel! yes..”
The Audit Committee effective 01/21/2025, ei a term to expire 12/31/2025
Motion was made by Veronica ell and seconded by Laura Shift rin appoint Don Haves to the Audit Committee effective 01/21/2025, ei a term to expire 12/31/2025. Motion was passed with roll cau vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica ell and seconded by Laura Shift rin appoint Don Haves to the Audit Committee effective 01/21/2025, ei a term to expire 12/31/2025. Motion was passed with roll cau vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Appoint Veronica Kel! as Selectboard representative to the Affordable Housing Trust effective 01/21/2025 until Annual Towa Hiection 2026
Motion was made ody Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Veronica Kel! as Selectboard representative to the Affordable Housing Trust effective 01/21/2025 until Annual Towa Hiection 2026. Veronica Kell will resign as at- large member from the committee. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Motion was made ody Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Veronica Kel! as Selectboard representative to the Affordable Housing Trust effective 01/21/2025 until Annual Towa Hiection 2026. Veronica Kell will resign as at- large member from the committee. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (second: Shifrin)
Appoiat Andrew Mica as On-Cati £ "Lownsend Fire-EMS , department effective Ui (21/2025, ot ion was passec wich
Motion was made by Veronica a ne seconde Lauta Shifrin to appoiat Andrew Mica as On-Cati £ "Lownsend Fire-EMS , department effective Ui (21/2025, ot ion was passec wich roll call vote Shitcin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica a ne seconde Lauta Shifrin to appoiat Andrew Mica as On-Cati £ "Lownsend Fire-EMS , department effective Ui (21/2025, ot ion was passec wich roll call vote Shitcin yes, Veronica Kell yes..”
| appoint Dor Hayes as Finance Commitee Repre sentative to the Cable | | Advisory Committee effective 01/21/2025 antil < corapletion of the completion of the Comcast contract 3.5 Appoint Salina...
Motion was made by Veronica ell and se ed by Laura Shiftin to | appoint Dor Hayes as Finance Commitee Repre sentative to the Cable | | Advisory Committee effective 01/21/2025 antil < corapletion of the completion of the Comcast contract 3.5 Appoint Salina Thomas as TAYSA representative to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows 3.6 Appoint Michael Potsaid as Conservation Commission representative to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacock Meadows 3.7 Appoint Emily Fine as endangered species permit holder to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows 3.8 Appoint a Selectboard member to the Conservation Restriction Committee - Veronica Kell IV. MEETING BUSINESS: 4.1 Review/Discuss Draft of CPA Bylaw Comcast contract. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica ell and se ed by Laura Shiftin to | appoint Dor Hayes as Finance Commitee Repre sentative to the Cable | | Advisory Committee effective 01/21/2025 antil < corapletion of the completion of the Comcast contract 3.5 Appoint Salina Thomas as TAYSA representative to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows 3.6 Appoint Michael Potsaid as Conservation Commission representative to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacock Meadows 3.7 Appoint Emily Fine as endangered species permit holder to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows 3.8 Appoint a Selectboard member to the Conservation Restriction Committee - Veronica Kell IV. MEETING BUSINESS: 4.1 Review/Discuss Draft of CPA Bylaw Comcast contract. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell)
Appoint Salina Thomas as TAYSA representative to the Conservation Restriction Commitice effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shiftin to appoint Salina Thomas as TAYSA representative to the Conservation Restriction Commitice effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shiftin to appoint Salina Thomas as TAYSA representative to the Conservation Restriction Commitice effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Appoint Michael Potsaid as Conservation Commission representative to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook...
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Michael Potsaid as Conservation Commission representative to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Michael Potsaid as Conservation Commission representative to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Appoint Emily Fine as endangered species permit holder to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shiftin to appoint Emily Fine as endangered species permit holder to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shiftin to appoint Emily Fine as endangered species permit holder to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Appoint Veronica Kell as a Selectboard member to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to appoint Veronica Kell as a Selectboard member to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows Motion was passed with roll call vote 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 a Selectboard member to the Conservation Restriction Committee effective 01/21/2025 until completion of placing Conservation Restriction on Squannacook Meadows Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Implement and operate the pay-as-you- throw trash bag program for a period at least two full years and to appoin: Nelson Mui, the Town Administrator, the authozity to sign the necessary paperwork...
Grant but tae signing by Motion was inade by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Saifrin to implement and operate the pay-as-you- throw trash bag program for a period at least two full years and to appoin: Nelson Mui, the Town Administrator, the authozity to sign the necessary paperwork to apply for the pay-as-you-throw grant totaling $62,000. Roll cali vote Laura Snirein yes, Veronica Keil yes.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“grant but tae signing by Motion was inade by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Saifrin to implement and operate the pay-as-you- throw trash bag program for a period at least two full years and to appoin: Nelson Mui, the Town Administrator, the authozity to sign the necessary paperwork to apply for the pay-as-you-throw grant totaling $62,000. Roll cali vote Laura Snirein yes, Veronica Keil yes..” (second: Shifrin)
Approve the Police Depariment's request to reclassify the Records Cierk position from a Grade B to a Grade C position to the newly created position of Records Admniscrator and to approve the new...
Motion was made by Veronica Keil anc seconded by Laura Shiftin to approve the Police Depariment's request to reclassify the Records Cierk position from a Grade B to a Grade C position to the newly created position of Records Admniscrator and to approve the new job | description. Roll cali vote VK yes, LS yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Keil anc seconded by Laura Shiftin to approve the Police Depariment's request to reclassify the Records Cierk position from a Grade B to a Grade C position to the newly created position of Records Admniscrator and to approve the new job | description. Roll cali vote VK yes, LS yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
4.5 Highway Department New Position Request (Lead Heavy
Grant Nelson Mui, the Town Administrator, the authority to sign the necessary paperwork to procure four police cruisers through a lease agreement
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to grant Nelson Mui, the Town Administrator, the authority to sign the necessary paperwork to procure four police cruisers through a lease agreement. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to grant Nelson Mui, the Town Administrator, the authority to sign the necessary paperwork to procure four police cruisers through a lease agreement. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Table 4.5 until more information is provided
Veronica Kell withdrew the motion, seconded by Laura Shifrin and a motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to table 4.5 until more information is provided. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Veronica Kell withdrew the motion, seconded by Laura Shifrin and a motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to table 4.5 until more information is provided. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
The Town funds the increase given that there was an escalation clause in the contracts and given that the wording in town meeting allows for additional bottowing contingent upon approval through...
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin that the Town funds the increase given that there was an escalation clause in the contracts and given that the wording in town meeting allows for additional bottowing contingent upon approval through Town Counsel and through the Treasurer/ Collector office and give the Town Administrator Nelson 'iui authority to siga after contingencies are met. Motion was passed with vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell ves.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin that the Town funds the increase given that there was an escalation clause in the contracts and given that the wording in town meeting allows for additional bottowing contingent upon approval through Town Counsel and through the Treasurer/ Collector office and give the Town Administrator Nelson 'iui authority to siga after contingencies are met. Motion was passed with vote Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell ves..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant on Ja 29, 2025, and to close the Warrant on March 1, 2025
Movton was made by Veronica Keil and seconded by Laura Shifrin to open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant on Ja 29, 2025, and to close the Warrant on March 1, 2025. Motion was passed with roll call vote Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Movton was made by Veronica Keil and seconded by Laura Shifrin to open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant on Ja 29, 2025, and to close the Warrant on March 1, 2025. Motion was passed with roll call vote Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Assign Veronica Keil to be the Select Board Liaison during the upcoming Police Union Contract Negotiations
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Sniftin to assign Veronica Keil to be the Select Board Liaison during the upcoming Police Union Contract Negotiations. Motion was gassed with coil cali vote Laura Shiftia yes, Veronica Keil yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Sniftin to assign Veronica Keil to be the Select Board Liaison during the upcoming Police Union Contract Negotiations. Motion was gassed with coil cali vote Laura Shiftia yes, Veronica Keil yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Assign Laura Shifrin as the Townsend repesentaiive at the upcoming MRPC caucus
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to assign Laura Shifrin as the Townsend repesentaiive at the upcoming MRPC caucus. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shiftin yes, Veronica Kell ves.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Laura Shifrin to assign Laura Shifrin as the Townsend repesentaiive at the upcoming MRPC caucus. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shiftin yes, Veronica Kell ves..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
5.4 Next meeting - Special Town Meeting, January
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 roll call vote Laura Shiftin yes, Veronica Kell 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 roll call vote Laura Shiftin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Adjourn
Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Lauta Shifrin to adjourn at 7:57PM. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shiftin yes, Veronica Kell yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Veronica Kell and seconded by Lauta Shifrin to adjourn at 7:57PM. Motion was passed with roll call vote Laura Shiftin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: 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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