MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
April 7, 2026
17 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
Approve the meeting minutes of March 24, 2026
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the meeting minutes of March 24, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the meeting minutes of March 24, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.1 Review/Discuss/Approve Police MOU Interim Town Administrator
Approve the police MOU as presented
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the police MOU as presented. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the police MOU as presented. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.2 Appoint Natalie Call to the Commission on Disability for a term to expire on
Appoint Natalie Call to the Commission on Disability for a term to expire June 30, 2029
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Natalie Call to the Commission on Disability for a term to expire June 30, 2029. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell abstained, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye.
Yes: Goodrich, ShifrinAbstained: Kell
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Natalie Call to the Commission on Disability for a term to expire June 30, 2029. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell abstained, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.3 Appoint Catherine Bowen as Records Administrator to the Police Department with effective start date
Appoint Catherine Bowen as records administrator to the police department with effective start date of May 4, 2026
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Catherine Bowen as records administrator to the police department with effective start date of May 4, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Catherine Bowen as records administrator to the police department with effective start date of May 4, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the Memorial Hall rental application for the Yankee Ingenuity Model T Ford Club of West Townsend for May 3, 2026, from 1:30-4:00 PM, waive the security deposit, and require pending...
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the Memorial Hall rental application for the Yankee Ingenuity Model T Ford Club of West Townsend for May 3, 2026, from 1:30-4:00 PM, waive the security deposit, and require pending certificate of insurance. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the Memorial Hall rental application for the Yankee Ingenuity Model T Ford Club of West Townsend for May 3, 2026, from 1:30-4:00 PM, waive the security deposit, and require pending certificate of insurance. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye...” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.5 Recycling Center Attendant Position
Approve the posting of the vacancy for recycling center attendant position contingent upon finance committee approval
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the posting of the vacancy for recycling center attendant position contingent upon finance committee approval. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the posting of the vacancy for recycling center attendant position contingent upon finance committee approval. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.6 OPEB Study Contract - KMS Actuaries, LLC
Approve the OPEB study contract with KMS Actuaries LLC and authorize signatures out of session
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the OPEB study contract with KMS Actuaries LLC and authorize signatures out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the OPEB study contract with KMS Actuaries LLC and authorize signatures out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Open and close the Special Town Meeting Warrant for 05/05/2026 after placing 1 article for snow and ice deficits
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to open and close the Special Town Meeting Warrant for 05/05/2026 after placing 1 article for snow and ice deficits. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to open and close the Special Town Meeting Warrant for 05/05/2026 after placing 1 article for snow and ice deficits. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.9 Surplus Item Requests: Recreation Department - Table, COA- Dishware, Town Clerk-Legals Volumes
Approve the surplus requests from the recreation department for a table, council on aging dishware, and town clerk for legal volumes as presented
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the surplus requests from the recreation department for a table, council on aging dishware, and town clerk for legal volumes as presented. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the surplus requests from the recreation department for a table, council on aging dishware, and town clerk for legal volumes as presented. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.16 Review/Discuss/Approve
Approve April 16, 2026, 7-9 PM meeting of the Republican Town Committee in the Great Hall due to scheduling conflict in meeting room 2 and waive all fees for formal rental of the Great Hall
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve April 16, 2026, 7-9 PM meeting of the Republican Town Committee in the Great Hall due to scheduling conflict in meeting room 2 and waive all fees for formal rental of the Great Hall. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve April 16, 2026, 7-9 PM meeting of the Republican Town Committee in the Great Hall due to scheduling conflict in meeting room 2 and waive all fees for formal rental of the Great Hall. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye...” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Close the West Townsend Reading Room until further notice and inform current renters of closure with attorney assistance
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to close the West Townsend Reading Room until further notice and inform current renters of closure with attorney assistance. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to close the West Townsend Reading Room until further notice and inform current renters of closure with attorney assistance. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye...” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.18 Review/Discuss/Approve COA request for approval of hire of
Approve the hire of a 5-hour/week transportation coordinator to work on Tuesdays funded only through the LRTA budget, contingent upon finance committee approval
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the hire of a 5-hour/week transportation coordinator to work on Tuesdays funded only through the LRTA budget, contingent upon finance committee approval. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the hire of a 5-hour/week transportation coordinator to work on Tuesdays funded only through the LRTA budget, contingent upon finance committee approval. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye...” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.21 Review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session
Review, and sign bills payable warrants out of session
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to review, and sign bills payable warrants out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to review, and sign bills payable warrants out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye...” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the town counsel policy as presented and authorize signature stamps out of session
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the town counsel policy as presented and authorize signature stamps out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the town counsel policy as presented and authorize signature stamps out of session. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye...” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
6.3 Review/Discuss Creation of Public Relations Policy with input from Capital Strategic Solutions
Approve the social media policy as presented
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the social media policy as presented. Veronica Kell seconded. 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 social media policy as presented. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich abstained, Laura Shifrin aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
6.8 Discuss/Approve Donation of Police Motorcycle
Accept the donation of the police motorcycle and authorize Chief Sartell to send the thank-you letter
Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to accept the donation of the police motorcycle and authorize Chief Sartell to send the thank-you letter. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to accept the donation of the police motorcycle and authorize Chief Sartell to send the thank-you letter. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
8.4 Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter
Enter executive sessions at 7:15 PM and to adjourn from Executive Sessions pursuant to 8.1 Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(3)) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective...
Motion: Laura Shifrin moved to enter executive sessions at 7:15 PM and to adjourn from Executive Sessions pursuant to 8.1 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. (Police Union) Laura Shifrin so declared. 8.2 Executive 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 (Police Chief) 8.3 Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(2) - To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel. (Human Resources Manager) 8.4 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 - Clerical Union, Supervisors Union, Highway/Water Union) Laura Shifrin so declared. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..
From the minutes
“Motion: Laura Shifrin moved to enter executive sessions at 7:15 PM and to adjourn from Executive Sessions pursuant to 8.1 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. (Police Union) Laura Shifrin so declared. 8.2 Executive 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 (Police Chief) 8.3 Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(2) - To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel. (Human Resources Manager) 8.4 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 - Clerical Union, Supervisors Union, Highway/Water 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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