MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
November 25, 2025
4 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Veronica Kell, Valerie Goodrich, Laura Shifrin
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Laura Shifrin did not take part in one vote (recused or out of the room).
Every vote, in order
1.5 Review/Approve the meeting minutes for
Review and approve the meeting minutes from November 19, 2025
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to review and approve the meeting minutes from November 19, 2025. Second: Veronica Kell Vote: Unanimous approval (3-0) II. APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS None.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to review and approve the meeting minutes from November 19, 2025. Second: Veronica Kell Vote: Unanimous approval (3-0) II. APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS None..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.2 Second Reading of the Use of Town Counsel Policy
Approve the Use of Town Counsel Policy contingent upon review by town counsel and signature out of session by signature stamp
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the Use of Town Counsel Policy contingent upon review by town counsel and signature out of session by signature stamp. Second: Veronica Kell Vote: Unanimous approval (2-0, Laura Shifrin not included in vote tally)
Laura Shifrin did not take part in this vote (“Second: Veronica Kell Vote: Unanimous approval (2-0, Laura Shifrin not included in vote tally)”) and is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the Use of Town Counsel Policy contingent upon review by town counsel and signature out of session by signature stamp. Second: Veronica Kell Vote: Unanimous approval (2-0, Laura Shifrin not included in vote tally).” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
6.5 Review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session
Review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Second: Veronica Kell Vote: Unanimous approval (3-0).
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Second: Veronica Kell Vote: Unanimous approval (3-0)..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Enter into executive session at 5:36 PM and adjourn from executive session pursuant to Open Meeting Law Chapter 30, Section 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation, namely RFS...
Motion: Laura Shifrin moved to enter into executive session at 5:36 PM and adjourn from executive session pursuant to Open Meeting Law Chapter 30, Section 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation, namely RFS Court versus Town of Townsend, Middlesex Superior Court docket number 2581CV02381, where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigation position of the board and the chair so declares. Second: Veronica Kell Roll Call Vote: Veronica Kell, aye; Valerie Goodrich, aye; Laura Shifrin, aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Laura Shifrin moved to enter into executive session at 5:36 PM and adjourn from executive session pursuant to Open Meeting Law Chapter 30, Section 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation, namely RFS Court versus Town of Townsend, Middlesex Superior Court docket number 2581CV02381, where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigation position of the board and the chair so declares. Second: Veronica Kell Roll Call Vote: Veronica Kell, aye; Valerie Goodrich, aye; Laura Shifrin, aye..” (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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