MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
September 2, 2025
16 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Laura Shifrin, Veronica Kell, Valerie Goodrich
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
1.5 Review/Approve the meeting minutes for
Review and approve the meeting minutes for February 11, 13, and 20, 2025
Motion: To review and approve the meeting minutes for February 11, 13, and 20, 2025. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Abstained. Motion carried.
Yes: Kell, ShifrinAbstained: Goodrich
From the minutes
“Motion: To review and approve the meeting minutes for February 11, 13, and 20, 2025. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Abstained. Motion carried..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Review and approve the meeting minutes for July 30, 2025, and August 19, 2025
Motion: To review and approve the meeting minutes for July 30, 2025, and August 19, 2025. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Laura Shifrin Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion: To review and approve the meeting minutes for July 30, 2025, and August 19, 2025. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Laura Shifrin Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Shifrin)
3.3 Appoint
Appoint Laura Shifrin as Highway Department representative to the Townsend Town Properties Committee effective September 2, 2025, until June 30, 2026
Motion: To appoint Laura Shifrin as Highway Department representative to the Townsend Town Properties Committee effective September 2, 2025, until June 30, 2026. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye. Motion carried.
Yes: Goodrich, KellThe roll call lists Veronica Kell and Valerie Goodrich but not Laura Shifrin, who is recorded at the meeting; that member is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“Motion: To appoint Laura Shifrin as Highway Department representative to the Townsend Town Properties Committee effective September 2, 2025, until June 30, 2026. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye. Motion carried..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
By: Veronica Kell
Moved by: Veronica Kell Seconded by: Valerie Goodrich Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously.
From the minutes
“Moved by: Veronica Kell Seconded by: Valerie Goodrich Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously..” (Motion: Kell, second: Goodrich)
By: Valerie Goodrich
Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously.
From the minutes
“Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Surplus the equipment brought forward by the Fire Chief consisting of a gas-fired generator and a 1994 Chevy ambulance, pending estimated value
Motion: To surplus the equipment brought forward by the Fire Chief consisting of a gas-fired generator and a 1994 Chevy ambulance, pending estimated value. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion: To surplus the equipment brought forward by the Fire Chief consisting of a gas-fired generator and a 1994 Chevy ambulance, pending estimated value. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Vote to surplus the Townsend Highway Department equipment as laid out by the Highway Superintendent, pending review of estimated value
Motion: To vote to surplus the Townsend Highway Department equipment as laid out by the Highway Superintendent, pending review of estimated value. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion: To vote to surplus the Townsend Highway Department equipment as laid out by the Highway Superintendent, pending review of estimated value. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
4.4 Surplus request Cemetery and Parks Department vehicles
Vote to surplus the equipment as requested by the Cemetery and Parks Department, pending review of estimated value
Motion: To vote to surplus the equipment as requested by the Cemetery and Parks Department, pending review of estimated value. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye Motion carried unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion: To vote to surplus the equipment as requested by the Cemetery and Parks Department, pending review of estimated value. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye Motion carried unanimously..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
4.5 Uncollectable ambulance receipts write off request Fire Department
Accept the request for the ambulance receipts write-off as read and provide a written response to the Fire Chief for $158,457.31
Motion: To accept the request for the ambulance receipts write-off as read and provide a written response to the Fire Chief for $158,457.31. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye Motion carried unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion: To accept the request for the ambulance receipts write-off as read and provide a written response to the Fire Chief for $158,457.31. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye Motion carried unanimously..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Close the West Townsend meeting room for the winter starting on December 1, 2025, and reopening on April 1, 2026
Motion: To close the West Townsend meeting room for the winter starting on December 1, 2025, and reopening on April 1, 2026. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Iaura Shifrin - Aye Motion carried unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion: To close the West Townsend meeting room for the winter starting on December 1, 2025, and reopening on April 1, 2026. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Iaura Shifrin - Aye Motion carried unanimously..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Sign the first amendment to the Contract of Employment for the Town Administrator of Townsend, Massachusetts, subject to clarifications on date of execution
Motion: To sign the first amendment to the Contract of Employment for the Town Administrator of Townsend, Massachusetts, subject to clarifications on date of execution. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye Motion carried unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion: To sign the first amendment to the Contract of Employment for the Town Administrator of Townsend, Massachusetts, subject to clarifications on date of execution. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye Motion carried unanimously..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Update the descriptions for recycling center staff as discussed
Motion: To update the descriptions for recycling center staff as discussed. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell. Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion: To update the descriptions for recycling center staff as discussed. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell. Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the maximum useful life of 15 years for the two plow/sander/dump trucks as read
Motion: To approve the maximum useful life of 15 years for the two plow/sander/dump trucks as read. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye . Motion cartied unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve the maximum useful life of 15 years for the two plow/sander/dump trucks as read. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye . Motion cartied unanimously..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
4.22 Selectboard goals FY26- discussion of timeline of deliverables
Allow the use of the Harbor Fire Station for makeup and changing studio for Super Troopers 3 cast on September 8, 2025, for which they will reimburse the town $1,000
Motion: To allow the use of the Harbor Fire Station for makeup and changing studio for Super Troopers 3 cast on September 8, 2025, for which they will reimburse the town $1,000. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell. Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shiftin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion: To allow the use of the Harbor Fire Station for makeup and changing studio for Super Troopers 3 cast on September 8, 2025, for which they will reimburse the town $1,000. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell. Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shiftin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.5 Review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session
Review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session
Motion: To review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously.
From the minutes
“Motion: To review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye. Motion carried unanimously..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
6.1 Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter
By: Laura Shifrin
Moved by: Laura Shifrin Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye Motion carried unanimously.
From the minutes
“Moved by: Laura Shifrin Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye Motion carried unanimously..” (Motion: Shifrin, 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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