MassVoter.com← Townsend Select BoardTownsend Select Board · 2026–2027 Board · Regular meeting
June 30, 2026
28 recorded votes, 3 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 June 16, 2026, with the amendment correcting Seat 1's term expiration from April 2027 to April 2028 and incorporating the additional corrections noted...
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the Select Board meeting minutes of June 16, 2026, with the amendment correcting Seat 1's term expiration from April 2027 to April 2028 and incorporating the additional corrections noted by Laura Shifrin. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the Select Board meeting minutes of June 16, 2026, with the amendment correcting Seat 1's term expiration from April 2027 to April 2028 and incorporating the additional corrections noted by Laura Shifrin. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
5.1 Accept Resignation of Kevin Keefe (Effective
Accept the resignation of Kevin Keefe effective August 14, 2026
Motion by Sarah Logan to accept the resignation of Kevin Keefe effective August 14, 2026. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to accept the resignation of Kevin Keefe effective August 14, 2026. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Appoint and re-appoint the individuals listed on the appointments and re- appointment schedule as presented in the agenda for the terms indicated
Motion by Sarah Logan to appoint and re-appoint the individuals listed on the appointments and re- appointment schedule as presented in the agenda for the terms indicated. Seconded by Jaura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to appoint and re-appoint the individuals listed on the appointments and re- appointment schedule as presented in the agenda for the terms indicated. Seconded by Jaura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan)
6.2 FY26 Municipal Transfers
Transfer $13,610.00 from Medicare Town Share (unexpended funds) to Board of Selectmen Salary / Town Administrator
Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $13,610.00 from Medicare Town Share (unexpended funds) to Board of Selectmen Salary / Town Administrator. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $13,610.00 from Medicare Town Share (unexpended funds) to Board of Selectmen Salary / Town Administrator. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Transfer $1,825 from Medicare Town Share (unexpended funds) to Board of Assessors Salary - Principal Assessor / Union Position
Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $1,825 from Medicare Town Share (unexpended funds) to Board of Assessors Salary - Principal Assessor / Union Position. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $1,825 from Medicare Town Share (unexpended funds) to Board of Assessors Salary - Principal Assessor / Union Position. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Transfer $25,100 from Unexpended Health Insurance line to Town Counsel Professional Legal Services (FY26)
Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $25,100 from Unexpended Health Insurance line to Town Counsel Professional Legal Services (FY26). Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $25,100 from Unexpended Health Insurance line to Town Counsel Professional Legal Services (FY26). Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Transfer $32,745 from Finance Committee FY26 Reserve Fund to Town Counsel Professional Legal Services (FY26)
Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $32,745 from Finance Committee FY26 Reserve Fund to Town Counsel Professional Legal Services (FY26). Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $32,745 from Finance Committee FY26 Reserve Fund to Town Counsel Professional Legal Services (FY26). Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Laura Shifrin
Motion by Clerk Sarah Logan. Seconded by Vice Chair Laura Shifrin. Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes. Motion carried 3-0.
From the minutes
“Motion by Clerk Sarah Logan. Seconded by Vice Chair Laura Shifrin. Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes. Motion carried 3-0..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Transter $1,600 from General Liability Insurance (FY26) 6 To the Town Clerk Salary / Operations Staff - Union Member
Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transter $1,600 from General Liability Insurance (FY26) 6 To the Town Clerk Salary / Operations Staff - Union Member. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transter $1,600 from General Liability Insurance (FY26) 6 To the Town Clerk Salary / Operations Staff - Union Member. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Transfer $1,823 from General Liability Insurance (FY26) to the Town Clerk E&R Wages / Operations Staff (FY26)
Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $1,823 from General Liability Insurance (FY26) to the Town Clerk E&R Wages / Operations Staff (FY26). Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $1,823 from General Liability Insurance (FY26) to the Town Clerk E&R Wages / Operations Staff (FY26). Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Transfer $296 from Town Clerk Street Listing Professional Services (FY26) to Town Clerk E&R Professional Services (FY26)
Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $296 from Town Clerk Street Listing Professional Services (FY26) to Town Clerk E&R Professional Services (FY26). Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $296 from Town Clerk Street Listing Professional Services (FY26) to Town Clerk E&R Professional Services (FY26). Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Transfer $8,834 from Veteran Benefits (unexpended funds, approximately $24,000 available) to Interest on Short-Term Loan Issuance (FY26)
Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $8,834 from Veteran Benefits (unexpended funds, approximately $24,000 available) to Interest on Short-Term Loan Issuance (FY26). Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $8,834 from Veteran Benefits (unexpended funds, approximately $24,000 available) to Interest on Short-Term Loan Issuance (FY26). Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Transfer $200.00 from Highway
Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $200.00 from Highway. Operations Staff (PY26) (unexpended due to mid-year mechanic hire) to Town Clerk E&R Wages / Operations Staff (FY26). Seconded by Laura Shiftin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $200.00 from Highway. Operations Staff (PY26) (unexpended due to mid-year mechanic hire) to Town Clerk E&R Wages / Operations Staff (FY26). Seconded by Laura Shiftin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Transfer $6,659.70 from Highway Operations Staff (PY26) to Facilities Professional Services (FY26)
Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $6,659.70 from Highway Operations Staff (PY26) to Facilities Professional Services (FY26). Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Sarah Logan to transfer $6,659.70 from Highway Operations Staff (PY26) to Facilities Professional Services (FY26). Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Authorize the Interim Town Administrator to approve the side letter for Memorial Hall summer hours
Motion by Sarah Logan to authorize the Interim Town Administrator to approve the side letter for Memorial Hall summer hours. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to authorize the Interim Town Administrator to approve the side letter for Memorial Hall summer hours. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Approve the Town Administrator employment contract as presented
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the Town Administrator employment contract as presented. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the Town Administrator employment contract as presented. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Designate the town's official website, www.townsendma.gov, as the official posting location for notices required under M.G.L. c. 30A, § 20, the Open Meeting Law, to be implemented with signature...
Motion by Sarah Logan to designate the town's official website, www.townsendma.gov, as the official posting location for notices required under M.G.L. c. 30A, § 20, the Open Meeting Law, to be implemented with signature stamp out of session. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to designate the town's official website, www.townsendma.gov, as the official posting location for notices required under M.G.L. c. 30A, § 20, the Open Meeting Law, to be implemented with signature stamp out of session. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Approve the MOA for AFSCME Council 93, Local 3470 (Police) and for the Select Board to sign the agreement out of session
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the MOA for AFSCME Council 93, Local 3470 (Police) and for the Select Board to sign the agreement out of session. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the MOA for AFSCME Council 93, Local 3470 (Police) and for the Select Board to sign the agreement out of session. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Allow the Board of Health Agent to carry over her vacation time, to be used by December 31, 2026
Motion by Sarah Logan to allow the Board of Health Agent to carry over her vacation time, to be used by December 31, 2026. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Abstained; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
Yes: Goodrich, ShifrinAbstained: Logan
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to allow the Board of Health Agent to carry over her vacation time, to be used by December 31, 2026. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Abstained; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Reimburse the former HR employee for expenditures made on her own
Motion by Sarah Logan to reimburse the former HR employee for expenditures made on her own. Seconded by Laura Shiftin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - No; Laura Shifrin - No; Valerie Goodrich - No.
No: Goodrich, Logan, ShifrinThe roll call records more no votes than yes votes, so the motion is shown as failed.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to reimburse the former HR employee for expenditures made on her own. Seconded by Laura Shiftin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - No; Laura Shifrin - No; Valerie Goodrich - No..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
7.7 Surplus Property (Parks & Cemetery lawn mower, Library desks)
Declare the Parks and Cemetery Department's Grasshopper lawn mower and the library desks as surplus property and authorize their disposal in accordance with M.G.L. and the Town's Surplus Property...
Motion by Sarah Logan to declare the Parks and Cemetery Department's Grasshopper lawn mower and the library desks as surplus property and authorize their disposal in accordance with M.G.L. and the Town's Surplus Property Policy. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to declare the Parks and Cemetery Department's Grasshopper lawn mower and the library desks as surplus property and authorize their disposal in accordance with M.G.L. and the Town's Surplus Property Policy. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
7.8 Highway Department Proposed Chapter
Approve the Highway Department's proposed FY27 Chapter 90 project list, including West Elm Street, Lunenburg Road, Wares Road/Street, Vinton Pond Road, and Hog Hill Road
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the Highway Department's proposed FY27 Chapter 90 project list, including West Elm Street, Lunenburg Road, Wares Road/Street, Vinton Pond Road, and Hog Hill Road. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the Highway Department's proposed FY27 Chapter 90 project list, including West Elm Street, Lunenburg Road, Wares Road/Street, Vinton Pond Road, and Hog Hill Road. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
7.9 Hiring Freeze Exemption: Heavy Equipment Operator
Approve a hiring freeze exemption for the Heavy Equipment Operator position in the Highway Department
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve a hiring freeze exemption for the Heavy Equipment Operator position in the Highway Department. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve a hiring freeze exemption for the Heavy Equipment Operator position in the Highway Department. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Authorize participation in the Land Protection Grant for Squannacook Meadows and authorize the Interim Town Administrator to execute any documents necessary to complete the grant process
Motion by Sarah Logan to authorize participation in the Land Protection Grant for Squannacook Meadows and authorize the Interim Town Administrator to execute any documents necessary to complete the grant process. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin -- Yes; Valerie Goodrich ~ Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to authorize participation in the Land Protection Grant for Squannacook Meadows and authorize the Interim Town Administrator to execute any documents necessary to complete the grant process. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin -- Yes; Valerie Goodrich ~ Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
Approve the year-end encumbrance for the North Middlesex Regional High School NFC Concrete Pad project, pending approval of the earmark extension by the Ways and Means Committee
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the year-end encumbrance for the North Middlesex Regional High School NFC Concrete Pad project, pending approval of the earmark extension by the Ways and Means Committee. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve the year-end encumbrance for the North Middlesex Regional High School NFC Concrete Pad project, pending approval of the earmark extension by the Ways and Means Committee. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
7.13 Review & Sign Payroll & Bills Payable Warrants Out of Session
Approve and sign the payroll and bills payable warrants out of session
Motion by Sarah Logan to approve and sign the payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by Sarah Logan to approve and sign the payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Seconded by Laura Shifrin. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes..” (Motion: Logan, second: Shifrin)
(the minutes do not state the motion)
Both motions were seconded by Sarah Logan. Roll Call vote Sarah Logan - yes, Laura Shifrin - yes, Valerie Goodtich - yes.
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Both motions were seconded by Sarah Logan. Roll Call vote Sarah Logan - yes, Laura Shifrin - yes, Valerie Goodtich - yes..” (second: Logan)
9.3 Executive Session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter
Enter into and adjourn from 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...
Motion was made by Valerie Goodrich at 7:52PM to enter into and adjourn from 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. Seconded by Sarah Logan. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - Yes.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Valerie Goodrich at 7:52PM to enter into and adjourn from 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. Seconded by Sarah Logan. Roll Call Vote: Sarah Logan - Yes; Laura Shifrin - Yes; Valerie Goodrich - 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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