MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Joint meeting
February 3, 2026
19 recorded votes, 4 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Veronica Kell, Laura Shifrin, Valerie Goodrich
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
1.5 Review/Approve the meeting minutes for
Approve the meeting minutes for January 6, 2026
Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the meeting minutes for January 6, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shiftin - aye. Motion passed 3-0.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the meeting minutes for January 6, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shiftin - aye. Motion passed 3-0..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Appoint Irene Congdon to the Housing Authority effective February 3, 2026 through the annual ~ town election on April 27, 2026
Natalie Call moved to appoint Irene Congdon to the Housing Authority effective February 3, 2026 through the annual ~ town election on April 27, 2026. Jack Moran seconded. Roll call vote: Natalie Call - yes, Jack Moran - yes. Motion passed 2-0. Roll call vote on Housing Authority appointment: Veronica Kell - yes, Valerie Goodrich - yes, Laura Shiftin - yes. Motion passed 3-0.
Joint vote: the motion was made by a member of the other board (Natalie Call); the Select Board members are shown as the roll call lists them.
From the minutes
“Natalie Call moved to appoint Irene Congdon to the Housing Authority effective February 3, 2026 through the annual ~ town election on April 27, 2026. Jack Moran seconded. Roll call vote: Natalie Call - yes, Jack Moran - yes. Motion passed 2-0. Roll call vote on Housing Authority appointment: Veronica Kell - yes, Valerie Goodrich - yes, Laura Shiftin - yes. Motion passed 3-0..”
Recommend Irene Congdon to the Community Preservation Committee as the Housing Authority representative effective February 3, 2026 to June 30, 2029
Natalie Call moved to recommend Irene Congdon to the Community Preservation Committee as the Housing Authority representative effective February 3, 2026 to June 30, 2029. Jack Moran seconded. Roll call vote: Natalie Call - yes, Jack Moran - yes, Veronica Kell - yes, Valerie Goodrich - yes, Laura Shifrin - yes. Motion passed 5-0.
Joint vote: the motion was made by a member of the other board (Natalie Call); the Select Board members are shown as the roll call lists them. Joint vote: the count in the minutes (5-0) includes the other board’s members; the Select Board members are shown as the roll call lists them.
From the minutes
“Natalie Call moved to recommend Irene Congdon to the Community Preservation Committee as the Housing Authority representative effective February 3, 2026 to June 30, 2029. Jack Moran seconded. Roll call vote: Natalie Call - yes, Jack Moran - yes, Veronica Kell - yes, Valerie Goodrich - yes, Laura Shifrin - yes. Motion passed 5-0..”
Direct departments to submit level spending FY 2027 budgets
Veronica Kell moved to direct departments to submit level spending FY 2027 budgets. Valerie Goodrich seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - yes, Valerie Goodrich - yes, Laura Shifrin - yes. Motion passed 3-0.
From the minutes
“Veronica Kell moved to direct departments to submit level spending FY 2027 budgets. Valerie Goodrich seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - yes, Valerie Goodrich - yes, Laura Shifrin - yes. Motion passed 3-0..” (Motion: Kell, second: Goodrich)
Appoint Yasmir Santiago to the Commission on Disability effective February 3, 2026 until June 30, 2029
Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Yasmir Santiago to the Commission on Disability effective February 3, 2026 until June 30, 2029. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Yasmir Santiago to the Commission on Disability effective February 3, 2026 until June 30, 2029. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
3.4 Appoint Yasmir Santiago to the Agriculture Commission
Appoint Yasmir Santiago to the Agricultural Commission effective February 3, 2026 until _ June 30, 2029
Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Yasmir Santiago to the Agricultural Commission effective February 3, 2026 until _ June 30, 2029. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Yasmir Santiago to the Agricultural Commission effective February 3, 2026 until _ June 30, 2029. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Appoint Harrison Mayotte to the Audit Committee effective February 3, 2026 until _ December 31, 2026
Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Harrison Mayotte to the Audit Committee effective February 3, 2026 until _ December 31, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Harrison Mayotte to the Audit Committee effective February 3, 2026 until _ December 31, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
3.8 Appoint Kelly Burke to the Commission on
Appoint Kelly Burke to the Commission on Disability effective February 3, 2026 until June 30, 2029
Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Kelly Burke to the Commission on Disability effective February 3, 2026 until June 30, 2029. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Kelly Burke to the Commission on Disability effective February 3, 2026 until June 30, 2029. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Appoint the following individuals in one single motion: 3.1 Appoint Susan Gerken to the Recycling Committee effective 02/03/2026 until 06/30/2028, 3.2 Appoint Sandra Lord as the Conservation...
Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint the following individuals in one single motion: 3.1 Appoint Susan Gerken to the Recycling Committee effective 02/03/2026 until 06/30/2028, 3.2 Appoint Sandra Lord as the Conservation Commission representative to the Community Preservation Committee effective 02/03/2026 until 06/30/2027 3.5 Appoint Robert Juusula as an at-large member to the Community Preservation Committee effective 02/03/2026 until 06/30/2029, 3.7 Appoint Maria Millikin as Historic District Commission Representative to the Community Preservation Committee effective 02/03/2026 until 06/30/2027, 3.8 Appoint Kelly Burke to the Commission on Disability effective 02/03/2026 until 06/30/2029 3.9 Correct Sally Koivu's appointment on the Recycling Committee with term to end on 06/30/2026 , 3.10 Re-appoint Natalie Call as Veteran Services Officer (VSO) /Veterans Agent effective 02/07/2026 until 02/07/2029, 3.11 Appoint Firefighter Paramedic Clayton Landry to the Fire/EMS Department with effective/start date 03/02/2026 until 06/30/2026 with an applicable probationary period contingent upon successful completion of all employment requirements. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint the following individuals in one single motion: 3.1 Appoint Susan Gerken to the Recycling Committee effective 02/03/2026 until 06/30/2028, 3.2 Appoint Sandra Lord as the Conservation Commission representative to the Community Preservation Committee effective 02/03/2026 until 06/30/2027 3.5 Appoint Robert Juusula as an at-large member to the Community Preservation Committee effective 02/03/2026 until 06/30/2029, 3.7 Appoint Maria Millikin as Historic District Commission Representative to the Community Preservation Committee effective 02/03/2026 until 06/30/2027, 3.8 Appoint Kelly Burke to the Commission on Disability effective 02/03/2026 until 06/30/2029 3.9 Correct Sally Koivu's appointment on the Recycling Committee with term to end on 06/30/2026 , 3.10 Re-appoint Natalie Call as Veteran Services Officer (VSO) /Veterans Agent effective 02/07/2026 until 02/07/2029, 3.11 Appoint Firefighter Paramedic Clayton Landry to the Fire/EMS Department with effective/start date 03/02/2026 until 06/30/2026 with an applicable probationary period contingent upon successful completion of all employment requirements. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Change the Select Board liaison assignments as discussed at the February 3rd meeting to be reviewed at the February 10th meeting
Valerie Goodrich moved to change the Select Board liaison assignments as discussed at the February 3rd meeting to be reviewed at the February 10th meeting. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to change the Select Board liaison assignments as discussed at the February 3rd meeting to be reviewed at the February 10th meeting. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the following prioritization for MRPC's 2026 call for proposals: Number 1, investigate design grant for 13 1 19 intersections via federal tip funding opportunities
Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the following prioritization for MRPC's 2026 call for proposals: Number 1, investigate design grant for 13 1 19 intersections via federal tip funding opportunities. Number 2, work with DLTA to review inclusionary housing via Townsend affordable housing trust. And number 3, work with MRPC to reactivate the hazardous mitigation plan via land use or other grant opportunities. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3- .
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the following prioritization for MRPC's 2026 call for proposals: Number 1, investigate design grant for 13 1 19 intersections via federal tip funding opportunities. Number 2, work with DLTA to review inclusionary housing via Townsend affordable housing trust. And number 3, work with MRPC to reactivate the hazardous mitigation plan via land use or other grant opportunities. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3- ..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
4.8 Amendment to the Interim Town Administrator Contract
Approve the MOU for salary adjustment for the interim town administrator and the PAF change as presented
Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the MOU for salary adjustment for the interim town administrator and the PAF change as presented. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the MOU for salary adjustment for the interim town administrator and the PAF change as presented. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
4.9 Review/Approve donation of pictures for the Annual Town Report
Approve the donation of 19 pictures for the annual town report 2025 by Norman Bedard
Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the donation of 19 pictures for the annual town report 2025 by Norman Bedard. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye. Motion passed 3- 0.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the donation of 19 pictures for the annual town report 2025 by Norman Bedard. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye. Motion passed 3- 0..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.7 Review/Discuss use of ARPA funds for General Govt Salaries
Allocate $13,226.68 from unused ARPA funds for library staff for FY 26
Valerie Goodrich moved to allocate $13,226.68 from unused ARPA funds for library staff for FY 26. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to allocate $13,226.68 from unused ARPA funds for library staff for FY 26. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Allocate $4,432.66 from unused ARPA funds for non-union staff for FY 26 wages as presented by the treasurer
Valerie Goodrich moved to allocate $4,432.66 from unused ARPA funds for non-union staff for FY 26 wages as presented by the treasurer. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to allocate $4,432.66 from unused ARPA funds for non-union staff for FY 26 wages as presented by the treasurer. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0..” (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
Valerie Goodrich moved to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye. Motion passed 3-0..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
7.1 Laura
Enter executive session to discuss litigation strategy (RFS Corp. v. Town of Townsend) and return to open session
7.3 Laura Shifrin moved to enter Executive Session at 2:43PM and to return to open session pursuant to Executive 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 so declared. Veronica Kell seconded.
The minutes take one roll call for motions 7.3 and 7.1 together (“Roll call vote for 7.3 and 7.1 motions Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye”), so it is shown for each motion.
From the minutes
“7.3 Laura Shifrin moved to enter Executive Session at 2:43PM and to return to open session pursuant to Executive 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 so declared. Veronica Kell seconded..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
Enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy (AFSCME Local 93 units) and return to open session
7.1 Laura Shifrin moved to enter Executive Session at 2:43PM and to return to open 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 - Clerical Union, Supervisors Union, Highway/Water Union) Laura Shifrin so declared. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote for 7.3 and 7.1 motions Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
One roll call covers motions 7.3 and 7.1.
From the minutes
“7.1 Laura Shifrin moved to enter Executive Session at 2:43PM and to return to open 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 - Clerical Union, Supervisors Union, Highway/Water Union) Laura Shifrin so declared. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote for 7.3 and 7.1 motions Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
Enter Executive Session at 8:35 PM and to adjourn from Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(3)) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if...
Laura Shifrin moved to enter Executive Session at 8:35 PM and to 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. (Fire Union) Laura Shifrin so declared. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - aye, Valerie Goodrich - aye, Laura Shifrin - aye.
From the minutes
“Laura Shifrin moved to enter Executive Session at 8:35 PM and to 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. (Fire Union) Laura Shifrin so declared. Veronica Kell seconded. 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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