===PAGE 1=== Page 1 of 6 Select Board Meeting Minutes August 6, 2024 Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes Tuesday August 6, 2024, 7:00 PM Members Present: Michael-Ray Jeffreys, Amanda Moore, Renee Emkey, Tom Alonzo Also Present: Interim Town Manager Carter Terenzini Absent: Caesar Nuzzolo CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Jeffreys. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Vice Chair Jeffreys provided notice that the meeting was being recorded and broadcast live on Lunenburg Public Access Channel, Facebook Live, and would be uploaded to the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel after the meeting. BOARD COMMENTS Member Jeffreys provided a statement reflecting on his tenure on the board. He discussed the challenges faced by town employees, the need for cultural improvements, and the importance of better communication and collaboration within the town's administration. Member Jeffreys emphasized the need for systematic changes, including employee climate surveys, performance reviews, and a formal employee recognition program. He also called for the repeal of a recently passed Public Communication Policy, citing concerns over its implementation. Member Moore addressed the board, clarifying her absence from the previous meeting due to a medical issue. Ms. Moore emphasized the importance of remembering the humanity of board members and addressed recent concerns about meeting minutes and the use of AI in their preparation. Member Moore expressed support for the executive assistant and called for a review and potential rescission of the recently passed communication policy. She acknowledged the challenges of being a new board member and reiterated her commitment to learning and serving the town effectively. Tom Alonzo welcomed Interim Town Manager Carter Terenzini to the board, acknowledging the critical nature of his role during the town’s transitional period. Member Alonzo offered his assistance to Terenzini while emphasizing the importance of allowing him the space to perform his duties. Member Alonzo also reminded the public of the upcoming final town band concert, encouraging community participation. PUBLIC COMMENTS Rhonda Lisio, 181 Reservoir Road: Rhonda addressed the board, expressing concerns about the handling of the Town Manager's position and evaluation process. The speaker criticized the decision to spend $15,000 on a firm to fill the Town Manager position, suggesting that corrective actions should be taken first to make the position more attractive. The resident argued that the proper process for the Town Manager's ===PAGE 2=== Page 2 of 6 Select Board Meeting Minutes August 6, 2024 annual performance evaluation was ignored and that the current Vice Chair took independent action to circumvent the established process. The speaker called for the Vice Chair's resignation or a recall election, stating that the issue on the board was not disagreement but individuals operating outside the rules. John Bowen, 162 Highland Street: Addressed concerns towards Mr. Nuzzolo, Mr. Jeffreys, and the board. Expressed dissatisfaction with current leadership and raised the idea of recalling certain board members. George Burden, 39 Cortland Circle: Criticized the board’s handling of certain issues, particularly in relation to Mr. Jeffreys, and applauded Mr. Alonzo for addressing these concerns. Paula Bertram, 312 Townsend Harbor Road: Defended the board’s work and criticized certain public comments as inappropriate and slanderous. Christos Lekaditis, President of Lunenburg Professional Firefighters Local 5369: Raised concerns about low employee morale, particularly at the fire department. Emphasized the need for serious discussions on improving working conditions. COMMUNICATIONS FROM OTHER BOARDS Paula Bertram, Sewer Business Manager: Reported ongoing issues with the Munis software system, which has impacted the accuracy and efficiency of sewer billing. Stressed the need for immediate resolution. Agricultural Commission: Discussed plans for a community event on public property. The board agreed that the Agricultural Commission should coordinate with the town manager to organize the event, following the special event policy as a guideline. APPOINTMENTS Public Hearing: First Right of Refusal for Property on Kilburn Street The board reviewed the continuation of the public hearing regarding the conversion and sale of Lot 1 and 3 on Kilburn Street under Chapter 61B. Discussion: The board considered a request from the Open Space Committee to clarify with the landowner that the remaining land would remain enrolled in Chapter 61B. After confirming that the landowner intended to keep the remaining land in Chapter 61B, the board voted to waive the right of first refusal on Lot 1 and Lot 3. ===PAGE 3=== Page 3 of 6 Select Board Meeting Minutes August 6, 2024 Motion: Member Alonzo made a motion to waive the right of first refusal on Lot 1 and Lot 3 of 20 Kilburn Street. Seconded by Member Jeffreys, all aye. Passed unanimously. Amendment to Class 2 Motor Vehicle License for Chapdelaine Truck Center Inc. Discussion: Chapdelaine Truck Center requested an amendment to their Class 2 Motor Vehicle License to specify "wholesale and brokering transactions only," as required by the RMV. Representatives from Chapdelaine Truck Center, Mike and Mark Chapdelaine, were present to clarify the request. The board discussed the necessary changes and agreed to modify the license accordingly. The business hours were also adjusted to reflect Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Motion: Member Alonzo made Motion that the Board modifies the existing Class II Auto Dealer License issued to Chapdelaine Truck Center Inc. located at 199 Massachusetts Avenue as follows: Sentence one after the Class II Auto Dealer License heading “Whose principal business is the buying or selling of secondhand Motor Vehicles purchases Motor Vehicles for resale in wholesale and brokering transactions only.” The second sentence remains the same and the change in business hours. The current hours will be stricken and replaced with Monday to Thursday 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Seconded by Member Emkey. All, aye. Passed unanimously. INTERIM TOWN MANAGER REPORT Announcement of Retirement: Interim Town Manager Carter Terenzini announced the retirement of Police Chief Thomas Gammell, effective October 18, 2024. The board expressed gratitude for his service. Resignations: Announced the resignations of John Reynolds from the Sewer Commission and Steve Dubois from the Zoning Board of Appeals, thanking them for their service. Staffing Updates: • The town is actively recruiting for several positions, including a network administrator and desk clerk at the Public Safety officer. • Updates on hiring progress for other town positions were provided, including the seasonal cemetery labor and two positions in the Assessing Office. • Interviews for the Conservation Administrative Assistant and Land Use Director positions are ongoing. • The decision was made to temporarily pull the Assistant to the Sewer Business Manager position due to ongoing software issues with Munis. ===PAGE 4=== Page 4 of 6 Select Board Meeting Minutes August 6, 2024 • The MRPC has agreed to provide 15 hours per week of planning staff support until a Land Use Director is hired. OLD BUSINESS Public Communications Policy Discussion Discussion: The Vice Chair and other board members discussed the reasons for the policy’s initial implementation and the decision to repeal it. Concerns about the process and implications were expressed by multiple board members. Motion to Repeal: Member Jeffreys made a Motion to repeal policy number 2.13. Seconded, by Member Alonzo. All, aye. Passed unanimously. Town Manager Salary Range The Town Manager Search Committee is working with a potential recruiting firm, Community Paradigm, which will assist in determining an appropriate salary range for the next Town Manager. Outdoor Dining Policy The interim Town Manager will work on a formal policy to be reviewed by relevant town departments. The goal is to present the policy at a September meeting. Review ARPA funding requests and committed funds The board discussed the need to prioritize ARPA funding requests. An updated list will be compiled based on any additional requests received, with plans to review and rank the requests at the next meeting. Discussion: Member Emkey highlighted the importance of timely decision-making and ensuring all allocated funds are under contract by the end of the year to avoid losing any ARPA funds. The board agreed to prioritize projects that could be completed within the timeframe and also considered staff morale in the allocation of funds. Draft Financial Policy Manual The interim Town Manager indicated that the draft financial policy manual and the board committee handbook would be circulated through other boards, committees, and staff for feedback. Updates will be provided in the coming months. CURRENT BUSINESS Minutes/Warrants/Action Items The board discussed the need to expedite the completion of meeting minutes. The interim Town Manager, Carter Terenzini, expressed his desire to have no less than two sets of minutes completed each week. Follow-up discussions with staff were planned. ===PAGE 5=== Page 5 of 6 Select Board Meeting Minutes August 6, 2024 The board reviewed and signed the following documents: • Accounts Payable Warrant in the amount of $8,700.67 • Accounts Payable Warrant in the amount of $39,821.00 • Letters of resignation from Susan Andrews (Personnel Committee), Anna Lockwood (Parks Commission), John Reynolds (Sewer Commission), and Steve Dubois (Zoning Board of Appeals). These letters require the signature of the Chair and will be signed at a later date. • Intermunicipal Agreement for Wastewater Collection, Treatment, and Disposal between the City of Leominster and the Town of Lunenburg. • Lease for the Teen Center. The board noted that some documents required further correction before they could be signed, particularly the Class 2 license for Colonial Motors, which was mistakenly printed. The board agreed to be available to sign corrected documents in the next few days. The interim Town Manager will notify members when the documents are ready. Exploring Digital Signatures: The board suggested exploring the possibility of using digital signatures for efficiency. Committee Reports Budget Task Force: Member Emkey reported that the Budget Task Force held its third meeting, focusing on revenue sources in town. The next meeting will discuss obligatory expenditures. She praised the efforts of the town finance director, Ezekiel, for his work on revenue data. Town Manager Screening Committee: Member Alonzo reported that the Town Manager Screening Committee met with a potential recruiting firm, Community Paradigm, and found their experience impressive. The committee is leaning towards hiring them to assist in the town manager search. Capital Planning Committee: Member Alonzo also reported on the Capital Planning Committee's efforts to start early with department presentations, aiming to complete their work by mid-November. Economic Development Committee: Member Moore reminded the board about the second annual Town Official Meet and Greet, scheduled for Thursday, September 26th, at Low Places Ranch. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE August 13 th, August 20th PUBLIC COMMENT ===PAGE 6=== Page 6 of 6 Select Board Meeting Minutes August 6, 2024 Dave Passios, 56 Whiting Street: Expressed concern over the prolonged process of allocating ARPA funds and suggested that the board expedite their decision-making. Noted that some entities that received ARPA allocations may be able to return unused funds due to securing other grants. George Burden, 39 Cortland Circle: Questioned the timing and circumstances of the police chief’s retirement. John Bowen, 162 Highland Street: Thanked the board for rescinding the controversial public communications policy, expressing that it had created confusion and concern among town employees. Questioned the timing and circumstances of the Police Chief’s retirement. Public Comments from the Board Member Alonzo: Clarified that he is proudly unenrolled, emphasizing that his political affiliation is independent. He also reiterated that the board has no oversight over the school department, suggesting that school-related concerns should be directed to the School Committee. Member Jeffreys: Addressed the timeline and reasoning behind the town manager's evaluation process, explaining that the process was interrupted by the town manager’s resignation. Responded to claims made by George Burden, reiterating that he has no connection to the law firm mentioned and clarifying his previous statements. Adjournment Motion to Adjourn: Member Emkey made Motion to adjourn, seconded by Member Alonzo and passed to adjourn the meeting. Time of Adjournment: 9:16 p.m. Minutes Approved by the Select Board at the August 20, 2024 meeting Member Alonzo made a motion to approve the minutes for August 6, 2024. Seconded by Member Jeffreys. All, aye. Respectfully submitted, Annie Aubrey, Executive Assistant to the Town Manager