MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
December 18, 2025
17 recorded votes, 0 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
Approve the meeting minutes for 12/08/2025
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the meeting minutes for 12/08/2025. Veronica Kell seconded. Motion approved unanimously by roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veroncia Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the meeting minutes for 12/08/2025. Veronica Kell seconded. Motion approved unanimously by roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veroncia Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
3.1 Appoint Travis Massalski as Recycling Attendant I to the Recycling Center with effective/start date
Appoint Travis Massalski as Recycling Attendant I to the Recycling Center with effective start date 12/20/2025, contingent upon successful completion of all employer requirements
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Travis Massalski as Recycling Attendant I to the Recycling Center with effective start date 12/20/2025, contingent upon successful completion of all employer requirements. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Travis Massalski as Recycling Attendant I to the Recycling Center with effective start date 12/20/2025, contingent upon successful completion of all employer requirements. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Appoint Ronald Murray as temporary seasonal emergency worker to the Highway Department with effective start date December 1, 2025
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Ronald Murray as temporary seasonal emergency worker to the Highway Department with effective start date December 1, 2025. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Ronald Murray as temporary seasonal emergency worker to the Highway Department with effective start date December 1, 2025. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
4.1 Application of Class II license and transfer of owner associated with a Class II license for premises at
Approve the Class IT license application and transfer of owner associated with a Class II license for premises 98 Main Street, Townsend, MA 01469, DBA Harbor Auto Body to hereafter be operated by...
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the Class IT license application and transfer of owner associated with a Class II license for premises 98 Main Street, Townsend, MA 01469, DBA Harbor Auto Body to hereafter be operated by Harbor Auto Body Inc, Owner Patrick Murphy. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the Class IT license application and transfer of owner associated with a Class II license for premises 98 Main Street, Townsend, MA 01469, DBA Harbor Auto Body to hereafter be operated by Harbor Auto Body Inc, Owner Patrick Murphy. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
4.2 Discuss/Approve
Grant 12/02/2025, request of Nelson Mui, Town Administrator, to waive the 90-day written notice requirement for his voluntary resignation as set forth in section 3E of his employment agreement...
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to grant 12/02/2025, request of Nelson Mui, Town Administrator, to waive the 90-day written notice requirement for his voluntary resignation as set forth in section 3E of his employment agreement dated 07/16/2024, and that the board accepts Mui's resignation effective 01/02/2026. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to grant 12/02/2025, request of Nelson Mui, Town Administrator, to waive the 90-day written notice requirement for his voluntary resignation as set forth in section 3E of his employment agreement dated 07/16/2024, and that the board accepts Mui's resignation effective 01/02/2026. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
4.3 Discuss/Approve MOU for Treasurer/Collector
Approve the MOU for the Treasurer/Collector, Melissa Dunant, to forego the FY26 stipend as presented, to be signed out of session
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the MOU for the Treasurer/Collector, Melissa Dunant, to forego the FY26 stipend as presented, to be signed out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the MOU for the Treasurer/Collector, Melissa Dunant, to forego the FY26 stipend as presented, to be signed out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
4.5 Discuss/Approve letter to Police Chief RE Contract re-negotiations
Approve the letter to Police Chief James Sartell regarding contract renewal, to be signed out of session
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the letter to Police Chief James Sartell regarding contract renewal, to be signed out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Motion approved Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the letter to Police Chief James Sartell regarding contract renewal, to be signed out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Motion approved Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
4.10 Surplus request Townsend Fire-EMS Department for
Take no action
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to take no action. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to take no action. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
4.11 Review/Discuss Transition Plan and Offboarding Town Administrator
For Valerie Goodrich Clerk of the Board to sign the documentation for offboarding of the Town Administrator
Motion: Veronica Kell moved for Valerie Goodrich Clerk of the Board to sign the documentation for offboarding of the Town Administrator. Laura Shifrin seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Veronica Kell moved for Valerie Goodrich Clerk of the Board to sign the documentation for offboarding of the Town Administrator. Laura Shifrin seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
4.13 Review/Discuss/Approve GW Shaw residential and municipal contract
Approve the GW Shaw residential and municipal contract contingent upon Town Counsel review with signature stamp out of session
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the GW Shaw residential and municipal contract contingent upon Town Counsel review with signature stamp out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shiftin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the GW Shaw residential and municipal contract contingent upon Town Counsel review with signature stamp out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shiftin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Accept and sign out of session the Comcast cable contract as presented on 12/08/2025 and acknowledge two side letters: one for the senior citizen discount and one for the PEG Access
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to accept and sign out of session the Comcast cable contract as presented on 12/08/2025 and acknowledge two side letters: one for the senior citizen discount and one for the PEG Access. Veronica Kell seconded. Motion approved unanimously by roll call vote.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to accept and sign out of session the Comcast cable contract as presented on 12/08/2025 and acknowledge two side letters: one for the senior citizen discount and one for the PEG Access. Veronica Kell seconded. Motion approved unanimously by roll call vote..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.11 Review/Discuss Setting date, opening and closing of Special Town Meeting warrant
Set the date of the special town meeting for 02/25/2026, at 7 PM at the North Middlesex Regional High School
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to set the date of the special town meeting for 02/25/2026, at 7 PM at the North Middlesex Regional High School. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to set the date of the special town meeting for 02/25/2026, at 7 PM at the North Middlesex Regional High School. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
6.4 Next meeting
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. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
7.3 Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter
Enter Executive Session at 3:05PM and to return to open session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(2)) - To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with...
Veronica Kell moved to enter Executive Session at 3:05PM and to return to open session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(2)) - To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (Interim Town Administrator) Laura Shifrin seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Veronica Kell moved to enter Executive Session at 3:05PM and to return to open session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(2)) - To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (Interim Town Administrator) Laura Shifrin seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Kell, second: Shifrin)
Enter Executive Session at 4:00PM and to return to open session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(3)) - To discuss strategy with respect to litigation, namely RFS Corp. v
Veronica Kell moved to enter Executive Session at 4:00PM and to return to open session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(3)) - To discuss strategy with respect to litigation, namely RFS Corp. v. Town of Townsend, Middlesex Superior Court Docket No.2581CV02381, where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Board and the Chair so declares. Chair Laura Shifrin declared that an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the litigating position. Valerie Goodrich seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Veronica Kell moved to enter Executive Session at 4:00PM and to return to open session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(3)) - To discuss strategy with respect to litigation, namely RFS Corp. v. Town of Townsend, Middlesex Superior Court Docket No.2581CV02381, where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Board and the Chair so declares. Chair Laura Shifrin declared that an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the litigating position. Valerie Goodrich seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Kell, second: Goodrich)
Reconvene the open meeting at 4:28PM, Veronica Kell
Motion was made by Valerie Goodrich to reconvene the open meeting at 4:28PM, Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Valerie Goodrich to reconvene the open meeting at 4:28PM, Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Enter at 08:19 PM and adjourn from Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(3)) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may...
Veronica Kell moved to enter at 08:19 PM and adjourn from Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(3)) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares. (AFSCME Local 93) Chair Laura Shifrin declared that an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position. Valerie Goodrich seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Veronica Kell moved to enter at 08:19 PM and adjourn from Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(3)) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares. (AFSCME Local 93) Chair Laura Shifrin declared that an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position. Valerie Goodrich seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Kell, second: Goodrich)
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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