MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2026–2027 Board · Joint meeting
June 16, 2026
21 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Valerie Goodrich, Laura Shifrin, Sarah Logan
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Approve the Select Board meeting minutes of 6/02/2026 and 6/03/2026 as presented
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the Select Board meeting minutes of 6/02/2026 and 6/03/2026 as presented. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the Select Board meeting minutes of 6/02/2026 and 6/03/2026 as presented. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Appoint Bernadette Oinonen as Tenant Representative to the Townsend Housing Authority for the term of June 16, 2026 through June 30, 2028
Motion by Clerk Sarah Logan to appoint Bernadette Oinonen as Tenant Representative to the Townsend Housing Authority for the term of June 16, 2026 through June 30, 2028. Seconded by Vice Chair Laura Shifrin. Select Board Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes. Housing Authority Roll Call Vote:
From the minutes
“Motion by Clerk Sarah Logan to appoint Bernadette Oinonen as Tenant Representative to the Townsend Housing Authority for the term of June 16, 2026 through June 30, 2028. Seconded by Vice Chair Laura Shifrin. Select Board Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes. Housing Authority Roll Call Vote:.” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Appoint Hartley Pleshaw as the State-Appointed Representative to the Townsend Housing Authority for a term commencing June 16, 2026 and ending June 13, 2027, with the term subject to amendment at...
Motion by Sarah Logan to appoint Hartley Pleshaw as the State-Appointed Representative to the Townsend Housing Authority for a term commencing June 16, 2026 and ending June 13, 2027, with the term subject to amendment at a future meeting pending confirmation of the correct appointment period. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Select Board Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes. Housing Authority Vote: Jack Moran - Yes | Irene Congdon - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to appoint Hartley Pleshaw as the State-Appointed Representative to the Townsend Housing Authority for a term commencing June 16, 2026 and ending June 13, 2027, with the term subject to amendment at a future meeting pending confirmation of the correct appointment period. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Select Board Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes. Housing Authority Vote: Jack Moran - Yes | Irene Congdon - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Adjourn
Motion to adjourn the Joint Meeting with the Select Board and Townsend Housing Authority made by John Moran. Seconded by Irene Congdon. Select Board Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Motion to adjourn the Joint Meeting with the Select Board and Townsend Housing Authority made by John Moran. Seconded by Irene Congdon. Select Board Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..”
5.2 Appointments APPOINTMENTS/RE-APPOINTMENTS Natalie Call Council on Aging
Reappoint Natalie Call to the Council on Aging for a term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029
Motion by Sarah Logan to reappoint Natalie Call to the Council on Aging for a term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to reappoint Natalie Call to the Council on Aging for a term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Reappoint Susan Gerken to the Council on Aging for a term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029
Motion by Sarah Logan to reappoint Susan Gerken to the Council on Aging for a term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to reappoint Susan Gerken to the Council on Aging for a term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Reappoint Donna Lynn Pinkerton to the Council on Aging for a term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029
Motion by Sarah Logan to reappoint Donna Lynn Pinkerton to the Council on Aging for a term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to reappoint Donna Lynn Pinkerton to the Council on Aging for a term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Reappoint Kimberly King to the Meeting Hall Gallery Committee for a term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029
Motion by Sarah Logan to reappoint Kimberly King to the Meeting Hall Gallery Committee for a term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to reappoint Kimberly King to the Meeting Hall Gallery Committee for a term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Approve the TCAM Agreement as presented and authorize signing out of session with signature stamp
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the TCAM Agreement as presented and authorize signing out of session with signature stamp. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes | Laura Shifrin - Abstain.
Yes: Goodrich, LoganAbstained: Shifrin
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the TCAM Agreement as presented and authorize signing out of session with signature stamp. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes | Laura Shifrin - Abstain..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Approve the draft engineering contract with Hoyle and Tanner and authorize signing out of session with signature stamp
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the draft engineering contract with Hoyle and Tanner and authorize signing out of session with signature stamp. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the draft engineering contract with Hoyle and Tanner and authorize signing out of session with signature stamp. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Set the two new Select Board positions at one-and-a-half-year and two-and-a-half- year terms, respectively, set to expire at the Annual Town Election
Motion by Sarah Logan to set the two new Select Board positions at one-and-a-half-year and two-and-a-half- year terms, respectively, set to expire at the Annual Town Election. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to set the two new Select Board positions at one-and-a-half-year and two-and-a-half- year terms, respectively, set to expire at the Annual Town Election. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Increase transparency by publishing generic legal fee summaries on the Select Board website, to be arranged with Town Counsel and the Town Administrator's office
Motion by Laura Shifrin to increase transparency by publishing generic legal fee summaries on the Select Board website, to be arranged with Town Counsel and the Town Administrator's office. Seconded by Sarah Logan. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Laura Shifrin to increase transparency by publishing generic legal fee summaries on the Select Board website, to be arranged with Town Counsel and the Town Administrator's office. Seconded by Sarah Logan. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Logan)
Approve the proposed summer operating hours for Memorial Hall and participating departments, including the Highway Department, and to authorize the Interim Town Administrator to continue working...
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the proposed summer operating hours for Memorial Hall and participating departments, including the Highway Department, and to authorize the Interim Town Administrator to continue working with additional departments wishing to participate, pending execution of side letter agreements with union bargaining units, retroactive to June 22, 2026. Amendment: The motion was amended to include the Highway Department and to make the approval contingent on pending side letter agreement(s) with union representatives, retroactive to June 22, 2026. The amendment was accepted. Seconded by I.aura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the proposed summer operating hours for Memorial Hall and participating departments, including the Highway Department, and to authorize the Interim Town Administrator to continue working with additional departments wishing to participate, pending execution of side letter agreements with union bargaining units, retroactive to June 22, 2026. Amendment: The motion was amended to include the Highway Department and to make the approval contingent on pending side letter agreement(s) with union representatives, retroactive to June 22, 2026. The amendment was accepted. Seconded by I.aura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan)
Approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Town and the Highway/Water bargaining unit and authorize the Chair to execute the agreement via signature stamp out of session
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Town and the Highway/Water bargaining unit and authorize the Chair to execute the agreement via signature stamp out of session. Amendment: The motion was amended to remove reference to "the chair" signing and replace with authorization for the full Board's signature stamps, out of session. Seconded by Vice Chair Laura Shifrin Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Town and the Highway/Water bargaining unit and authorize the Chair to execute the agreement via signature stamp out of session. Amendment: The motion was amended to remove reference to "the chair" signing and replace with authorization for the full Board's signature stamps, out of session. Seconded by Vice Chair Laura Shifrin Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Support the Massachusetts DCR proposed land acquisition on Brookline Road and authorize the Chair to sign any related correspondence
Motion by Sarah Logan to support the Massachusetts DCR proposed land acquisition on Brookline Road and authorize the Chair to sign any related correspondence. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to support the Massachusetts DCR proposed land acquisition on Brookline Road and authorize the Chair to sign any related correspondence. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Approve the proposed scope of expansion with GPI for the Brookline Street project and authorize the Chair to execute any necessary documents
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the proposed scope of expansion with GPI for the Brookline Street project and authorize the Chair to execute any necessary documents. Seconded by Vice Chair Laura Shifrin. Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the proposed scope of expansion with GPI for the Brookline Street project and authorize the Chair to execute any necessary documents. Seconded by Vice Chair Laura Shifrin. Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
7.8 Harbor Trace WTP Stormwater Certificate of Completion
Accept the Harbor Trace Water Treatment Plant Stormwater Certificate of Completion as presented and authorized by the Town Administrator to sign
Motion by Clerk Sarah Logan to accept the Harbor Trace Water Treatment Plant Stormwater Certificate of Completion as presented and authorized by the Town Administrator to sign. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Clerk Sarah Logan to accept the Harbor Trace Water Treatment Plant Stormwater Certificate of Completion as presented and authorized by the Town Administrator to sign. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Approve the request to sublease a portion of the existing cell tower lease from SBA to Cellco Partnership doing business as Verizon Wireless, subject to review by Town Counsel if required, and...
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the request to sublease a portion of the existing cell tower lease from SBA to Cellco Partnership doing business as Verizon Wireless, subject to review by Town Counsel if required, and authorize the Chair of the Board to sign out of session. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Amendment: The motion was amended to specify that the Chair of the Board would sign the agreement out of session. The amendment was accepted. Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the request to sublease a portion of the existing cell tower lease from SBA to Cellco Partnership doing business as Verizon Wireless, subject to review by Town Counsel if required, and authorize the Chair of the Board to sign out of session. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Amendment: The motion was amended to specify that the Chair of the Board would sign the agreement out of session. The amendment was accepted. Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
7.10 Review & Sign Payroll & Bills Payable Warrants Out of Session
Approve and sign the payroll and bills payable warrants as presented, out of session with signature stamp
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve and sign the payroll and bills payable warrants as presented, out of session with signature stamp. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve and sign the payroll and bills payable warrants as presented, out of session with signature stamp. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
10.1 Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter
Enter Executive Session at 4:33 PM pursuant to Open Meeting Law, Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(1) - To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than 10...
Valerie Goodrich moved to enter Executive Session at 4:33 PM pursuant to Open Meeting Law, Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(1) - To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than 10 professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual. The Board indicated it would reconvene in Open Session following the Executive Session. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to enter Executive Session at 4:33 PM pursuant to Open Meeting Law, Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(1) - To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than 10 professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual. The Board indicated it would reconvene in Open Session following the Executive Session. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Laura Shifrin - Yes | Sarah Logan - Yes | Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Shifrin)
10.5 Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter
Enter and adjourn from Executive Sessions at 5:50PM 10.2 Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21(a)(3)): To discuss strategy with respect to pending litigation where...
Valerie Goodrich moved to enter and adjourn from Executive Sessions at 5:50PM 10.2 Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21(a)(3)): To discuss strategy with respect to pending litigation where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town and the Chair so declares. (Roman-Ramirez v. Town of Townsend, Middlesex County Superior Court Docket No. 2681CV01140) Valerie Goodrich so declared 10.3 Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21(a)(3)): To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares. (AFSCME L.ocal 93 - Clerical Union, Supervisors Union, Highway/Water Union) Valerie Goodrich so declared 10.4 Executive Session pursuant to Open Mecting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(3)): To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares. (Police Union) Valerie Goodrich so declared 10.5 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 (Town Administrator) Seconded by Sarah Logan. Roll Call Vote Valerie Goodrich yes, Sarah Logan yes, Laura Shifrin yes.
From the minutes
“Valerie Goodrich moved to enter and adjourn from Executive Sessions at 5:50PM 10.2 Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21(a)(3)): To discuss strategy with respect to pending litigation where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town and the Chair so declares. (Roman-Ramirez v. Town of Townsend, Middlesex County Superior Court Docket No. 2681CV01140) Valerie Goodrich so declared 10.3 Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21(a)(3)): To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares. (AFSCME L.ocal 93 - Clerical Union, Supervisors Union, Highway/Water Union) Valerie Goodrich so declared 10.4 Executive Session pursuant to Open Mecting Law (Chapter 30A Section 21 (a)(3)): To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares. (Police Union) Valerie Goodrich so declared 10.5 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 (Town Administrator) Seconded by Sarah Logan. Roll Call Vote Valerie Goodrich yes, Sarah Logan yes, Laura Shifrin yes..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Logan)
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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