MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Joint meeting
January 6, 2026
19 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Veronica Kell, Valerie Goodrich, Laura Shifrin
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
1.5 Review/Approve the meeting minutes for
Approve the meeting minutes for December 18, 2025, December 23, 2025, and November 17, 2025
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the meeting minutes for December 18, 2025, December 23, 2025, and November 17, 2025. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye).
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the meeting minutes for December 18, 2025, December 23, 2025, and November 17, 2025. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye)..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Adjourn
Valerie Goodrich moved to adjourn the joint meeting with the Board of Water Commissioners. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye).
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to adjourn the joint meeting with the Board of Water Commissioners. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye)..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Appoint Robert Therrien as Cemetery and Parks Committee Representative to the Community Preservation Committee effective December 18, 2025 until June 30, 2027
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Robert Therrien as Cemetery and Parks Committee Representative to the Community Preservation Committee effective December 18, 2025 until June 30, 2027. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (no), Valerie Goodrich (yes), Laura Shifrin (yes).
Yes: Goodrich, ShifrinNo: Kell
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Robert Therrien as Cemetery and Parks Committee Representative to the Community Preservation Committee effective December 18, 2025 until June 30, 2027. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (no), Valerie Goodrich (yes), Laura Shifrin (yes)..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
3.2 Appoint Colby Streeter as at-large member to the Community Preservation Committee
Appoint Colby Streeter as at-large member to the Community Preservation Committee effective December 18, 2025 until June 30, 2028
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Colby Streeter as at-large member to the Community Preservation Committee effective December 18, 2025 until June 30, 2028. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (yes), Valerie Goodrich (yes), Laura Shifrin (yes).
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Colby Streeter as at-large member to the Community Preservation Committee effective December 18, 2025 until June 30, 2028. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (yes), Valerie Goodrich (yes), Laura Shifrin (yes)..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
3.3 Appoint Kathleen Spofford as alternate member to the Historic District Commission
Appoint Kathleen Spofford as alternate member to the Historic District Commission effective December 18, 2025 until June 30, 2028
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Kathleen Spofford as alternate member to the Historic District Commission effective December 18, 2025 until June 30, 2028. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Veronica Kell (yes), Valerie Goodrich (yes), Laura Shifrin (yes).
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Kathleen Spofford as alternate member to the Historic District Commission effective December 18, 2025 until June 30, 2028. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Veronica Kell (yes), Valerie Goodrich (yes), Laura Shifrin (yes)..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
3.4 Change appointment made in meeting of
Take no action on item 3.4
Motion: Laura Shifrin moved to take no action on item 3.4. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye).
From the minutes
“Motion: Laura Shifrin moved to take no action on item 3.4. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye)..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
3.5 Appoint
Appoint Kieran Meehan as the Interim Chief Procurement Officer, Board Representative and Hearing Officer effective January 6, 2026
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Kieran Meehan as the Interim Chief Procurement Officer, Board Representative and Hearing Officer effective January 6, 2026. Motion was amended to appoint Kieran Meehan as Chief Procurement Officer and Hearing Officer. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye).
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Kieran Meehan as the Interim Chief Procurement Officer, Board Representative and Hearing Officer effective January 6, 2026. Motion was amended to appoint Kieran Meehan as Chief Procurement Officer and Hearing Officer. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye)..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Adopt the vote prepared by bond counsel as read, to be incorporated in full into the minutes of this meeting and signed out of session
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to adopt the vote prepared by bond counsel as read, to be incorporated in full into the minutes of this meeting and signed out of session. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shiftin (aye).
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to adopt the vote prepared by bond counsel as read, to be incorporated in full into the minutes of this meeting and signed out of session. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shiftin (aye)..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
4.7 Discuss/Dissolve Cable Advisory Committee
Dissolve the Cable Advisory Committee
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to dissolve the Cable Advisory Committee. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye).
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to dissolve the Cable Advisory Committee. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye)..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.4 Review/Discuss/Approve opening and closing dates for Special Town Meeting warrant
And then amended to approve opening and closing dates for special town meeting watrant opening on January 21 at 9 AM and closing on February 2 at 4 PM, posted by February 11, with February 25 at 7...
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved and then amended to approve opening and closing dates for special town meeting watrant opening on January 21 at 9 AM and closing on February 2 at 4 PM, posted by February 11, with February 25 at 7 PM as the date of the special town meeting at North Middlesex Regional High School. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye).
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved and then amended to approve opening and closing dates for special town meeting watrant opening on January 21 at 9 AM and closing on February 2 at 4 PM, posted by February 11, with February 25 at 7 PM as the date of the special town meeting at North Middlesex Regional High School. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye)..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the Federal Funds Policy with signature stamp out of session pending review by the auditor
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the Federal Funds Policy with signature stamp out of session pending review by the auditor. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye).
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the Federal Funds Policy with signature stamp out of session pending review by the auditor. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye)..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the MOU for Fire Department EMT-A, EMT-B, EMT-P and job " desctiptions as submitted subject to Town Labor Counsel review to be signed out of session
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the MOU for Fire Department EMT-A, EMT-B, EMT-P and job " desctiptions as submitted subject to Town Labor Counsel review to be signed out of session. Seconded by Veronica . Kell. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (abstained), Laura Shifrin (aye).
Yes: Kell, ShifrinAbstained: Goodrich
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the MOU for Fire Department EMT-A, EMT-B, EMT-P and job " desctiptions as submitted subject to Town Labor Counsel review to be signed out of session. Seconded by Veronica . Kell. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (abstained), Laura Shifrin (aye)..” (Motion: Goodrich)
5.10 Surplus request Townsend Fire-EMS Department Fire Chief Gary Shepherd requested to surplus a
Surplus Fire EMS Department 2002 Emergency Fire E-One Truck Retired Engine #3
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to surplus Fire EMS Department 2002 Emergency Fire E-One Truck Retired Engine #3. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye).
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to surplus Fire EMS Department 2002 Emergency Fire E-One Truck Retired Engine #3. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye)..” (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. Seconded by . Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye).
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Seconded by . Veronica Kell. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye)..” (Motion: Goodrich)
7.1 Executive Session - Police Union
Enter into Executive Session and return to open session at 7:58PM pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(3)) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an...
Laura Shifrin move to enter into Executive Session and return to open session at 7:58PM pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(3)) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may havea . detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares. (Police Union) The Chair Laura Shifrin so declared. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Laura Shifrin move to enter into Executive Session and return to open session at 7:58PM pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(3)) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may havea . detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares. (Police Union) The Chair Laura Shifrin so declared. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
The Select Board accept the Memorandum of Agreement ("MOA") sets forth the material terms of a one-year , Agreement between the Town of Townsend ("Town") and the AFSCME Council 93, Local 3470...
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved that the Select Board accept the Memorandum of Agreement ("MOA") sets forth the material terms of a one-year , Agreement between the Town of Townsend ("Town") and the AFSCME Council 93, Local 3470 (Police) ("Union") covering the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, which the parties' negotiating teams have reached in the process of negotiations. This MOA shall be considered off-the-record until ratified by the Union's membership and funded by Town Meeting at the 02/25/2026 Special Town Meeting using ARPA funds obligated for salaries in General Government. The bargaining teams shall sponsor and support such ratification ; and support the funding with the agreement to be signed out of session. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Valerie Goodrich further noted failing ratification by both the Union and the Board and funding by Town Meeting, the MOA shall be deemed void, and both parties will be free to return to their prior bargaining positions, and it shall not be admissible in any proceeding. Unless otherwise specified, all changes will take effect in the first full pay period after July 1, 2025. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye).
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved that the Select Board accept the Memorandum of Agreement ("MOA") sets forth the material terms of a one-year , Agreement between the Town of Townsend ("Town") and the AFSCME Council 93, Local 3470 (Police) ("Union") covering the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, which the parties' negotiating teams have reached in the process of negotiations. This MOA shall be considered off-the-record until ratified by the Union's membership and funded by Town Meeting at the 02/25/2026 Special Town Meeting using ARPA funds obligated for salaries in General Government. The bargaining teams shall sponsor and support such ratification ; and support the funding with the agreement to be signed out of session. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Valerie Goodrich further noted failing ratification by both the Union and the Board and funding by Town Meeting, the MOA shall be deemed void, and both parties will be free to return to their prior bargaining positions, and it shall not be admissible in any proceeding. Unless otherwise specified, all changes will take effect in the first full pay period after July 1, 2025. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye)..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
The Select Board accept This Memorandum of Agreement ("MOA") sets forth the material terms of a two-year Agreement between the Town of Townsend ("Town") and the AFSCME Council 93, Local 3470...
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved that the Select Board accept This Memorandum of Agreement ("MOA") sets forth the material terms of a two-year Agreement between the Town of Townsend ("Town") and the AFSCME Council 93, Local 3470 (Police) ("Union") covering the period from July 1, 2026, through June, 30, 2028, which the parties' negotiating teams have reached in the process of negotiations. This MOA shall be considered off-the-record until ratified by the Union's membership, approved by the Townsend Select Board, funded by Town Meeting through a Proposition 2 '2 override, and a Proposition 2 '/ override is approved by a majority of voters at a Town election. The bargaining teams shall sponsor and support such ratification and support the funding. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Valerie Goodrich further noted failing ratification by both the Union and the Board, funding by Town Meeting and approval of a Proposition 2 2 override by a majority of votes ata Town election, the offer and Agreement shall be deemed void and both parties will be free to return to their prior bargaining positions, and it shall not be admissible in any proceeding. Unless otherwise specified, all changes will take effect in the first full pay period after July 1, 2026. 6 Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye).
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved that the Select Board accept This Memorandum of Agreement ("MOA") sets forth the material terms of a two-year Agreement between the Town of Townsend ("Town") and the AFSCME Council 93, Local 3470 (Police) ("Union") covering the period from July 1, 2026, through June, 30, 2028, which the parties' negotiating teams have reached in the process of negotiations. This MOA shall be considered off-the-record until ratified by the Union's membership, approved by the Townsend Select Board, funded by Town Meeting through a Proposition 2 '2 override, and a Proposition 2 '/ override is approved by a majority of voters at a Town election. The bargaining teams shall sponsor and support such ratification and support the funding. Seconded by Veronica Kell. Valerie Goodrich further noted failing ratification by both the Union and the Board, funding by Town Meeting and approval of a Proposition 2 2 override by a majority of votes ata Town election, the offer and Agreement shall be deemed void and both parties will be free to return to their prior bargaining positions, and it shall not be admissible in any proceeding. Unless otherwise specified, all changes will take effect in the first full pay period after July 1, 2026. 6 Roll call vote: Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye)..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
7.3 Executive Session - Litigation
Enter at 8:24PM the Executive Session and 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
Laura Shifrin moved to enter at 8:24PM the Executive Session and 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. Laura Shifrin declared. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Laura Shifrin moved to enter at 8:24PM the Executive Session and 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. Laura Shifrin declared. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
Adjourn
Motion: Laura Shifrin moved to adjourn at 9:38 PM. Seconded by Valerie Goodrich. Roll call vote. Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye).
From the minutes
“Motion: Laura Shifrin moved to adjourn at 9:38 PM. Seconded by Valerie Goodrich. Roll call vote. Veronica Kell (aye), Valerie Goodrich (aye), Laura Shifrin (aye)..” (Motion: Shifrin, 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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