MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Joint meeting
April 21, 2026
29 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
Accept the meeting minutes of April 7, 2026
Valerie Goodrich moved to accept the meeting minutes of April 7, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded the motion. Veronica Kell provided several corrections: OPEB study contract amount should be $4,750, not $47,500, for the social media policy vote, the minutes incorrectly showed her abstaining and Valerie Goodrich voting yes
Yes: GoodrichThe roll call lists Valerie Goodrich but not Laura Shifrin and Veronica Kell, who are recorded at the meeting; they are not shown voting.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to accept the meeting minutes of April 7, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded the motion. Veronica Kell provided several corrections: OPEB study contract amount should be $4,750, not $47,500, for the social media policy vote, the minutes incorrectly showed her abstaining and Valerie Goodrich voting yes.” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Accept the meeting minutes of April 7, 2026, as amended with corrections noted by Veronica Kell
Motion: To accept the meeting minutes of April 7, 2026, as amended with corrections noted by Veronica Kell Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To accept the meeting minutes of April 7, 2026, as amended with corrections noted by Veronica Kell Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell. Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Accept the meeting minutes of March 19, 2024 of the Appointing Committee of the Nashoba Valley Technical School District Committee
Motion: To accept the meeting minutes of March 19, 2024 of the Appointing Committee of the Nashoba Valley Technical School District Committee Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll 1 call vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye
From the minutes
“Motion: To accept the meeting minutes of March 19, 2024 of the Appointing Committee of the Nashoba Valley Technical School District Committee Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll 1 call vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye.” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Accept the meeting minutes of February 4, 2025 of the Appointing Committee of the Nashoba Valley Technical School District Committee
Motion: To accept the meeting minutes of February 4, 2025 of the Appointing Committee of the Nashoba Valley Technical School District Committee Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Abstain, Laura Shifrin - Aye
Yes: Kell, ShifrinAbstained: Goodrich
From the minutes
“Motion: To accept the meeting minutes of February 4, 2025 of the Appointing Committee of the Nashoba Valley Technical School District Committee Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Abstain, Laura Shifrin - Aye.” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the reappointment of Sheldon Chapman to the Nashoba Valley Technical District School Committee for a 3-year term, April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029
Motion: To approve the reappointment of Sheldon Chapman to the Nashoba Valley Technical District School Committee for a 3-year term, April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve the reappointment of Sheldon Chapman to the Nashoba Valley Technical District School Committee for a 3-year term, April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye.” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Adjourn
Motion: To adjourn the joint meeting Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: John Barrett Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye
From the minutes
“Motion: To adjourn the joint meeting Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: John Barrett Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye.” (Motion: Goodrich)
Motion: To adjourn the joint Select Board meeting at 6:31PM Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To adjourn the joint Select Board meeting at 6:31PM Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.3 Appoint Rob Foster as Per Diem Van Driver for the Townsend Senior Center with Effective/Start Date
Appoint Rob Foster as per diem van driver for the Townsend Senior Center with an effective start date of May 15, 2026
Motion: To appoint Rob Foster as per diem van driver for the Townsend Senior Center with an effective start date of May 15, 2026 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To appoint Rob Foster as per diem van driver for the Townsend Senior Center with an effective start date of May 15, 2026 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.4 Appoint Select Board Member to the Affordable Housing Trust Effective
Appoint Laura Shifrin as the select board representative to the Affordable Housing Trust effective April 28, 2026 through April 26, 2027
Motion: To appoint Laura Shifrin as the select board representative to the Affordable Housing Trust effective April 28, 2026 through April 26, 2027 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To appoint Laura Shifrin as the select board representative to the Affordable Housing Trust effective April 28, 2026 through April 26, 2027 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.5 Purchase Proposal of Acrobat Adobe Pro Addition of Users, Plan Update Interim Town Administrator
Approve the purchase proposal for Adobe Acrobat Pro, including the addition of users and plan update as presented
Motion: To approve the purchase proposal for Adobe Acrobat Pro, including the addition of users and plan update as presented Moved by: Laura Shifrin Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve the purchase proposal for Adobe Acrobat Pro, including the addition of users and plan update as presented Moved by: Laura Shifrin Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
For the select board to endorse the partnership between the Conservation Commission and the Townsend Trails Association and assist with legal requirements as needed, pending review by town counsel...
Motion: For the select board to endorse the partnership between the Conservation Commission and the Townsend Trails Association and assist with legal requirements as needed, pending review by town counsel of volunteer agreements and the association agreement Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: For the select board to endorse the partnership between the Conservation Commission and the Townsend Trails Association and assist with legal requirements as needed, pending review by town counsel of volunteer agreements and the association agreement Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
5.7 Recycling Center Attendant
Approve the posting and hiring of a recycling center attendant 1 position subject to finance committee approval
Motion: To approve the posting and hiring of a recycling center attendant 1 position subject to finance committee approval Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve the posting and hiring of a recycling center attendant 1 position subject to finance committee approval Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Use the comment provided by Veronica Kell for the marijuana zoning citizen petition back to the Planning Board
Motion: To use the comment provided by Veronica Kell for the marijuana zoning citizen petition back to the Planning Board Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To use the comment provided by Veronica Kell for the marijuana zoning citizen petition back to the Planning Board Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
6.1 Review/Discuss Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Accept the special town meeting warrant article for May 5, 2026 at 7:05 PM as presented
Motion: To accept the special town meeting warrant article for May 5, 2026 at 7:05 PM as presented Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To accept the special town meeting warrant article for May 5, 2026 at 7:05 PM as presented Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve and sign the warrant for the annual town meeting of May 5, 2026, pending removal of the far right column of Article 17, removal of the word "water" from Article 12, and correcting the...
Motion: To approve and sign the warrant for the annual town meeting of May 5, 2026, pending removal of the far right column of Article 17, removal of the word "water" from Article 12, and correcting the numerical order of Article 6 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve and sign the warrant for the annual town meeting of May 5, 2026, pending removal of the far right column of Article 17, removal of the word "water" from Article 12, and correcting the numerical order of Article 6 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the FY 27 general government budget of $1,766,296
Motion: To approve the FY 27 general government budget of $1,766,296 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve the FY 27 general government budget of $1,766,296 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the FY 27 public safety budget of $4,405,916
Motion: To approve the FY 27 public safety budget of $4,405,916 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve the FY 27 public safety budget of $4,405,916 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the FY 27 education budget of $17,227,323
Motion: To approve the FY 27 education budget of $17,227,323 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve the FY 27 education budget of $17,227,323 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the FY 27 highway and streets budget of $918,762
Motion: To approve the FY 27 highway and streets budget of $918,762 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve the FY 27 highway and streets budget of $918,762 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the FY 27 solid waste budget of $19,700
Motion: To approve the FY 27 solid waste budget of $19,700 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve the FY 27 solid waste budget of $19,700 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the FY 27 human services budget of $503,664
Motion: To approve the FY 27 human services budget of $503,664 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve the FY 27 human services budget of $503,664 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the FY 27 culture and recreation budget of $540,078
Motion: To approve the FY 27 culture and recreation budget of $540,078 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve the FY 27 culture and recreation budget of $540,078 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the FY 27 debt service budget of $443,282
Motion: To approve the FY 27 debt service budget of $443,282 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve the FY 27 debt service budget of $443,282 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the FY 27 insurance budget of $2,994,864
Motion: To approve the FY 27 insurance budget of $2,994,864 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve the FY 27 insurance budget of $2,994,864 Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
Approve the FY 27 budget for a grand total of $28,819,885 as presented
Motion: To approve the FY 27 budget for a grand total of $28,819,885 as presented Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To approve the FY 27 budget for a grand total of $28,819,885 as presented Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
6.4 Set Earth Day Schedule Interim Town Administrator
Adopt the Townsend Public Records Policy and authorize the select board to sign the policy out of session
Motion: To adopt the Townsend Public Records Policy and authorize the select board to sign the policy out of session Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To adopt the Townsend Public Records Policy and authorize the select board to sign the policy out of session Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
6.9 Accept Lease for Old Central Fire Station
Accept and authorize the lease for the old central fire station located at 8 Elm Street as presented pending town counsel approval and to sign out of session upon receiving said approval
Motion: To accept and authorize the lease for the old central fire station located at 8 Elm Street as presented pending town counsel approval and to sign out of session upon receiving said approval Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To accept and authorize the lease for the old central fire station located at 8 Elm Street as presented pending town counsel approval and to sign out of session upon receiving said approval Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)
6.14 Review and Sign Payroll and Bills Payable Warrants Out of Session
Review and approve the payroll and bills payable warrants and authorize the select board to sign the warrants out of session
Motion: To review and approve the payroll and bills payable warrants and authorize the select board to sign the warrants out of session Moved by: Laura Shifrin Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.
From the minutes
“Motion: To review and approve the payroll and bills payable warrants and authorize the select board to sign the warrants out of session Moved by: Laura Shifrin Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Laura Shifrin aye, Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)
8.3 Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter
At 7:42PM to enter and adjourn from Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(2)) - To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion...
Motion: Laura Shifrin moved at 7:42PM to enter and adjourn from 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), Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(2) - To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel and contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (Water Superintendent), 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. Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye
From the minutes
“Motion: Laura Shifrin moved at 7:42PM to enter and adjourn from 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), Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(2) - To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel and contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (Water Superintendent), 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. Seconded by: 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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