===PAGE 1=== Page 1 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes 7/23/2024 Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes Town Hall, 17 Main Street and via Zoom Tuesday, July 23, 2024 Members Present: Chair Caesar Nuzzolo, Vice-Chair Michael-Ray Jeffreys Members Present via Zoom: Member Tom Alonzo and Member Renee Emkey Members Absent: Clerk Amanda Moore Also Present: Heather Lemieux, Town Manager CALL TO ORDER / EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion by Vice-Chair Jeffreys to enter Executive Session at 6:30 PM and re-enter Open Session after exiting Executive Session pursuant to MGL c. 30A, Section 21(a), Paragraph 2 to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel (Interim Town Manager). Seconded by Member Emkey. Roll Call V ote: Member Alonzo—aye; Member Emkey—aye; Vice-Chair Jeffreys—aye; Chair Nuzzolo—aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). RE-ENTER OPEN SESSION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Board re-entered Open Session and re-opened the meeting. Chair Caesar Nuzzolo called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chair Nuzzolo informed attendees that the meeting was being recorded and broadcast live and would be uploaded to YouTube after the meeting. He explained that the agenda listed topics that may be discussed, but not all items may be addressed, and other items not listed could be brought up as permitted by open meeting law. PUBLIC COMMENT Board Comment Public Comment Dave McDonald, 155 Island Road, expressed appreciation for Town Manager Heather Lemieux's service and voiced concerns regarding her resignation and the political environment in Town. ===PAGE 2=== Page 2 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes 7/23/2024 Jason Rue, 100 Sunset Lane, raised safety concerns about large fishing events on the lake, lack of responsiveness from the Lunenburg Police Department and lack of presence of Environmental Police, and unsafe jet ski activity. George Burden, 39 Cortland Circle, raised allegations of mistreatment, lack of transparency, and communication breakdown with town officials and departments, particularly related to ongoing issues with the Board and Police Department. Anna Lockwood, 91 Main Street, recently resigned from the Parks Commission and expressed gratitude to colleagues, volunteers, and Town Manager Lemieux for her professionalism and commitment to the Marshall Park project. Dave Rogers, 82 Highland Street (via Zoom), expressed frustration with the condition of the former Miller Funeral Home property and encouraged the Board to support efforts for cleanup. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Nuzzolo announced the second annual Town Official Meet and Greet, scheduled for September 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Low Places Ranch. He also stated that the Town Beach had reopened as of the previous Thursday. COMMUNICATIONS FROM OTHER BOARDS Member Alonzo, on behalf of the Town Manager Screening Committee, read a communication from Chair Timothy Murphy recommending that the Town engage Community Paradigm Associates to assist in the Town Manager search. The estimated cost is $15,000. The committee requested authorization and funding from the Board to proceed. Members agreed to discuss the request under ARPA discussions at a future meeting. APPOINTMENTS 7:15 PM – Continuation of Public Hearing on Notice of Intent to Convert and Sell from Chapter 61B, Lot 1 and 3 Kilburn Street Attorney Thomas Gibbons was present on behalf of the applicant. The Planning Board and Conservation Commission had both recommended that the Town not exercise its right of first refusal. The Open Space Committee had not yet met regarding this property, its next meeting is scheduled for August 14. The Board expressed interest in waiting to hear from the Open Space Committee but acknowledged the applicant’s desire for expediency. Motion by Vice-Chair Jeffreys to continue the public hearing to August 6, 2024. Seconded by Member Alonzo. Roll Call Vote: Member Alonzo—aye; Member Emkey—aye; Vice- Chair Jeffreys—aye; Chair Nuzzolo—aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). UPDATE FROM THE PARKS COMMISSION Anita Scheipers, Chair of the Parks Commission, provided an in-depth update on the Marshall ===PAGE 3=== Page 3 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes 7/23/2024 Park Project. She confirmed that Phase 1 of the project is fully funded, consisting of $1.643 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, a $500,000 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant from the state, and previously allocated Town Meeting funding for design. The total funding allows the Town to move forward with critical infrastructure and recreational improvements within the park. Phase 1 of the project includes the construction of a new pavilion, installation of basketball courts, pickleball courts, a modernized playground area, and a fully accessible bathroom facility. Ms. Scheipers stated that the bathroom facility would be constructed using prefabricated, poured concrete materials and would be delivered in two sections before being finalized on site, providing an efficient and durable solution. This building is expected to be fully ADA compliant. Ms. Scheipers further stated that the Town had contracted Skanska as the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) to oversee project implementation and coordination. The project is currently in the designer procurement phase, with design Request for Proposals (RFPs) due by August 8, 2024. The selection of a qualified design firm will enable the Town to move into the permitting and final planning stages. Pending final design and permitting approvals, construction is expected to begin early 2025. In addition to the funding secured, the Parks Commission has submitted applications for two additional grant opportunities to further support and enhance the project. A $1 million federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant, which would supplement and potentially expand project scope, and a $136,000 grant from the Massachusetts Office on Disability, intended to enhance the accessibility of recreational features and ensure ADA compliance across the entire park design. Ms. Scheipers stated that these grants, if awarded, would not only reduce the local funding burden but would also significantly improve inclusivity and usability for residents of all ages and abilities. She also highlighted the broader community engagement and support that has helped propel the project forward. Chair Nuzzolo expressed appreciation to Ms. Scheipers for the detailed update. INTERVIEWS/APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS TOWN MANAGER REPORT Town Manager Lemieux reported on vacancies across multiple boards and committees. She detailed current employment opportunities, including positions in assessing, conservation, sewer, IT, interim Town Manager, and public safety. She noted the resignation of Conservation Administrative Assistant Stephanie Dondero, effective August 1. Updates were provided on ongoing hiring efforts, RFPs, and capital projects, including Trash and Recycling Bids, due July 24, Library Solar Shade Project, due July 31, Marshall Park Designer Services, due August 8, and Senior Center Roof Project due August 29. Work continues with MRPC to support Planning functions and with MassDevelopment on the 925 Mass Ave. redevelopment project. ===PAGE 4=== Page 4 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes 7/23/2024 CURRENT BUSINESS Select Board Staff Appreciation Chair Nuzzolo raised the idea of informal or organized staff appreciation efforts by the Board. Members expressed support and discussed options for increased engagement, recognizing staff morale and the transition to a new Town Manager. Recreation Director: Increase in Hours The Board considered a request to increase the Recreation Director’s hours from 19 to 28 hours per week, to be paid from the Parks Revolving Fund. Town Manager Lemieux noted the increase was needed to meet job responsibilities, process invoices for the Marshall Park project, and expand programming. Motion by Member Alonzo to approve the additional hours for the Recreation Director as presented by the Town Manager. Seconded by Vice-Chair Jeffreys. Roll Call Vote: Member Alonzo—aye; Member Emkey—aye; Vice-Chair Jeffreys—aye; Chair Nuzzolo— aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). FY24 Third Quarter Financial Report Town Manager Lemieux reported that all revenues and expenditures were tracking appropriately. The Finance Director will provide a full presentation to the Finance Committee later in the week. OLD BUSINESS Public Communications Policy Discussion The Board revisited the Public Communications Policy adopted at the previous meeting. Members Alonzo and Emkey raised concerns that the vote violated Select Board policy requiring four affirmative votes to adopt a new policy. Chair Nuzzolo and Vice-Chair Jeffreys disagreed, asserting the policy remained in effect. Following extensive discussion, the Board agreed to revisit the matter at a future meeting when all five members are present. Interim Town Manager Search: Possible Vote on Interim Town Manager Contract The Board discussed the contract for Carter Terenzini to serve as Interim Town Manager, which had previously been reviewed in Executive Session. Chair Nuzzolo confirmed there was no further discussion and the Board proceeded with a vote. Motion by Member Alonzo to approve the contract as discussed in Executive Session, contingent upon review and approval by labor counsel. Seconded by Vice-Chair Jeffreys. ===PAGE 5=== Page 5 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes 7/23/2024 Roll Call Vote: Member Alonzo – aye; Member Emkey – aye; Vice-Chair Jeffreys – aye; Chair Nuzzolo – aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). Town Manager Salary Range The Board reviewed comparative salary data for Town Manager positions in other communities. However, Town Manager Lemieux explained that the examples available were not ideal matches due to differing community sizes and budgets. Member Alonzo, who serves on the Town Manager Screening Committee, indicated that the group plans to consult with the recruitment firm for guidance on setting a market-appropriate salary range. The Board agreed that it would be best to await feedback from the recruiter before finalizing any decision. Outdoor Dining Policy Chair Nuzzolo stated that some administrative components, particularly how applications would be reviewed and approved by staff, were still being finalized. As the temporary policy remains in place, the Board agreed to postpone further review of the permanent version until the full Board is present. Review ARPA Funding Requests and Committed Funds Town Manager Lemieux provided an update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. She explained that all ARPA funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024, meaning they must be under a signed contract or agreement, and fully expended by December 31, 2026. Chair Nuzzolo stated that several new ARPA proposals have been submitted in response to the Town’s call for additional requests, but the Board agreed to hold off on evaluating them until the application window closes in early August. Town Manager Lemieux confirmed that most previously approved projects are under agreement and on track to meet federal deadlines. However, she advised that the Board review all allocations to ensure that any at-risk funding is either confirmed or reallocated in time. Vice-Chair Jeffreys proposed allocating $15,000 in ARPA funds to support the Town Manager Screening Committee’s engagement of a professional recruitment firm. Motion by Member Alonzo to allocate $15,000 in ARPA funds for recruiting services and to request an equivalent reserve fund transfer from the Finance Committee, allowing flexibility to shift the funding source later if approved. Seconded by Member Emkey. Roll Call Vote: Member Alonzo – aye; Member Emkey – aye; Vice-Chair Jeffreys – aye; Chair Nuzzolo – aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). Draft Financial Policy Manual The Board noted that the draft Financial Policy Manual had been distributed to department heads ===PAGE 6=== Page 6 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes 7/23/2024 and relevant boards for review and feedback. As of the meeting, no formal comments had been submitted. The Board agreed to keep the item on future agendas for continued review. Board/Committee Handbook Chair Nuzzolo stated that the handbook had been distributed for feedback, but no comments had been received. The item was continued to a future meeting. Sign Intermunicipal Agreement with Leominster for Wastewater Collection, Treatment, and Disposal Town Manager Lemieux presented the revised Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with the City of Leominster for wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services. She explained that legal counsel had reviewed the agreement and recommended only minor adjustments, primarily formatting and legal citations. The Lunenburg Sewer Commission had already approved the agreement. Motion by Member Alonzo to approve the Intermunicipal Agreement with the City of Leominster for wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal as presented. Seconded by Vice-Chair Jeffreys. Roll Call Vote: Member Alonzo – aye; Member Emkey – aye; Vice- Chair Jeffreys – aye; Chair Nuzzolo – aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). MINUTES/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS Minutes The Board postponed approval of the July 16 minutes. Members noted that the draft, generated using an AI tool, requires additional review for accuracy. The Board emphasized that while AI may expedite the process, all minutes must be carefully reviewed to ensure they are complete and correct before approval. Warrants The Board reviewed and signed two accounts payable warrants. The first was in the amount of $479,454.47, and the second totaled $151,597.12. Only two signatures were available at the meeting; the remaining board members were asked to visit Town Hall to complete the signatures as soon as possible. Action items Vice Chair Jeffreys requested that the Board revisit the request from Flat Hill Road residents to lower the speed limit, citing continued resident concerns despite recent traffic data. He also raised an urgent issue on behalf of Chapdelaine, a longstanding local business that is currently ===PAGE 7=== Page 7 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes 7/23/2024 unable to operate due to an error on its license. He urged the Board to consider an expedited correction process. Member Emkey requested that Town Manager Lemieux follow up with Town Counsel regarding the Board’s public communication policy to clarify the current procedure. Town Manager Lemieux confirmed that she would do so. Board members agreed to continue reviewing these items at upcoming meetings. COMMITTEE REPORT Member Alonzo reported that the Finance Committee met the previous week to review budget items and discuss scheduling for fall meetings. He noted that the committee plans to continue its review of the financial policy manual in coordination with the Select Board and the Town Manager. Member Emkey reported that the Stormwater Task Force and Budget Task Force have resumed meetings to address regulatory compliance and long-term financial planning. She also noted that the School Committee will be discussing ARPA at their next meeting. Vice-Chair Jeffreys shared that Library Trustee Bob Conroy had recently passed away. He noted that services would be private, though a public memorial may be held. He expressed condolences to the Conroy family and members of the Library Trustees for their loss and acknowledged Mr. Conroy’s longstanding service to the community. Chair Nuzzolo reported that the Planning Board met the previous evening and continued its public hearing for stormwater approval related to 255 Sunnyhill Road. Although no vote was taken due to the absence of one board member, it is expected that the project will be approved at the next meeting. The hearing was continued solely to allow for the vote. UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS SCHEDULE The Board confirmed its next meetings will be held on August 6, August 13, and August 20, 2024. There will be no meeting the week of July 29. PUBLIC COMMENT Town Manager Comment Town Manager Heather Lemieux offered heartfelt remarks during her final Select Board meeting. She expressed gratitude to residents, board members, staff, business owners, and state officials, reflecting on her seven and a half years of service. She outlined major accomplishments, including long-term staffing plans for public safety, significant capital ===PAGE 8=== Page 8 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes 7/23/2024 improvements, enhanced ADA accessibility, and infrastructure projects such as Complete Streets initiatives, Summer Street improvements, and bridge funding. Town Manager Lemieux emphasized that her proudest achievements were the relationships built during her tenure. She clarified that her resignation was not requested by the Board and attributed her decision, in part, to a loss of trust. She concluded by thanking her family for their support and reiterated her commitment to having served Lunenburg with dedication and integrity. Public Comment Resident John Bowen, 162 Highland Street, expressed appreciation for Lemieux’s service and raised concerns about a town policy he believes violates public employee speech rights and open meeting law. He criticized recent actions by certain board members and objected to the use of AI in preparing Select Board minutes. Resident David MacDonald, 155 Island Road, stated that he sees it as political manipulation on the Board and reiterated support for Lemieux. He called on a board member to resign and expressed disappointment in the direction of Town leadership. Board Comment Board members thanked the Town Manager for dedication and contributions to the Town of Lunenburg and wished her well in her future endeavors. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Vice-Chair Jeffreys to adjourn. Seconded by Member Alonzo. Roll Call Vote: Member Alonzo – aye; Member Emkey – aye; Vice-Chair Jeffreys – aye; Chair Nuzzolo – aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). Meeting adjourned at 9:16 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Rebecca Johnson, Minute Clerk These Minutes were reviewed and approved by the Select Board on: Tuesday February 10, 2026 Clerk Emkey made the Motion to Approve the minutes of July 23, 2024. Seconded by Member Lehtinen. Call for the Vote: Five-aye. Motion Passed unanimously (5-0-0).