===PAGE 1=== Page 1 of 10 Select Board Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes Town Hall, 17 Main Street and via Zoom Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Members Present: Chair Caesar Nuzzolo, Vice-Chair Amanda Moore, Clerk Renee Emkey, and Member Glenn McLeod. Members Absent: Member Brian Lehtinen Also Present: Jennifer Warren-Dyment, Town Manager Public Comment Participants are listed in the minutes CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Caesar Nuzzolo called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chair Caesar 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 Clerk Renee Emkey thanked Matthew Brenner, who organized the prior information session on the MBTA Communities Act that occurred yesterday. She stated that the meeting was recorded and is available on PACC’s YouTube channel. Public Comment John Bowen Jr., 162 Highland Street: commented that he is preparing to dedicate his life to the service of the United States as a United States Marine. He commented that he admired the Army’s 250 th Anniversary Parade in Washington, D.C. He commented that he is opposed to the Town flying a progressive pride flag below the American flag. He commented that he is opposed to any flag that isn’t the United States of America flag being flown on Town property. He commented that other municipalities, such as Fitchburg, are flying the pride flag on public property. He stated that he believes that the blurring of free speech and political ideology is a cancer that must be addressed. Ana Lockwood, 91 Main Street: commented that the American flag was created centuries ago. She commented that the American flag has had many meanings. She says that she is serving on the Council on Aging. She stated that she would like to speak in support of Jack Rabbit and Lou Franco’s appointments. She described each of their qualifications and why she believes they should be appointed to the Council on Aging. ===PAGE 2=== Page 2 of 10 Select Board Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Anthony Sculimbrene, 5 Valley Road: commented that he is a member of the Master Plan Steering Committee. He stated that the Committee has been having issues obtaining a quorum. He stated that he recommends that the Select Board invite the Planning Board to discuss the quorum issues and the lack of expediency for the formation of the Master Plan. Town Manager Jennifer Warren-Dyment stated that the Planning Board has given the Master Plan Steering Committee the ability to determine what the number for a quorum would be. Theodore (Teddy) Doucette, 318 Howard Street: commented that he does not believe the pride flag is a cancerous symbol. He states that the pride flag is a progressive symbol that shows people that they are included in a group that have marginalized and persecuted throughout history. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Caesar Nuzzolo announced that the Lunenburg Historical Society will be hosting a book launch and author signing for their new book, Images of America: Whalom Park, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lunenburg Public Library. Chair Nuzzolo stated that tomorrow at 9:30 a.m., there will be an MBTA Communities Act public information session. He stated that the public is welcome to learn more about potential paths forward. He stated that the Planning Board on July 23, 2025, will vote on which option to choose to bring to the Special Town Meeting. Chair Nuzzolo announced that the Lunenburg Town Band Concerts will begin on July 7, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at TC Passios. Chair Nuzzolo announced that the Lunenburg Farmers’ Markets are taking place every month. He stated that the next market is July 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. COMMUNICATIONS FROM OTHER BOARDS None. SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND HEARINGS 7:05 PM Hometown Heroes Banner Program, Richard McGrath, Chair, Historical Commission Richard McGrath, Chair of the Historical Commission, and Jennifer Sanderson member of the Historical Commission, introduced themselves. Mr. McGrath stated that he is proposing that the Town have a Hometown Heroes Banner Program installed on telephone poles. He stated that the Historical Commission voted ===PAGE 3=== Page 3 of 10 Select Board Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 unanimously to support the endeavor and utilize funding from their account to fund the endeavor. He stated that the banners would be primarily installed in the Architectural Preservation District (ADP) in the center of town. He stated that the APD Commission voted unanimously to support this initiative. Ms. Sanderson stated that she needs permission from the utility companies to hang the banners and gather the hardware necessary for installation. Ms. Sanderson stated that some communities have families that are willing to donate a bucket or ladder truck for installation. She stated that the Historical Commission is willing to pay for the first 10 banners. Vice-Chair Amanda Moore asked the Town Manager if the Town owns the poles, and if the Town needs permission from the utility companies. Town Manager Warren-Dyment stated that the Town needs permission from the electric company. Vice-Chair Moore asked for clarification regarding whether families are donating funds for the initiative. Town Manager Warren-Dyment stated that since the families are purchasing the equipment, it is not considered a monetary donation. She stated that it is allowed. Vice-Chair Moore stated that she supports it. Clerk Emkey stated that she supports it. Town Manager Warren Dyment asked Ms. Sanderson if she had reached out to the Fire Department regarding the use of the bucket truck. Ms. Sanderson stated that she will reach out to the Fire Department. She additionally stated that she would reach out to Unitil and forestry companies. Motion by Vice-Chair Moore to approve the Hometown Heroes Banner Program request. Seconded by Clerk Emkey. Call for the vote: Four-aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0- 0). APPOINTMENTS, RATIFICATIONS, AND RESIGNATIONS Annual Select Board Appointments Conservation Commission Chair Nuzzolo stated that the Conservation Commission has three terms expiring on June 30, 2025, and there are four candidates for the positions. Chair Nuzzolo stated that two new applicants have applied: Andrea Bernap and Teddy Doucette. Chair Nuzzolo stated that two current commissioners are seeking reappointment: Peter Stella and Mary Wilson. Andrea Bernap, 158 Northfield Road, stated that she grew up in Lunenburg and then moved to Florida in 1980. She stated that she moved back to Lunenburg last year. She stated that she has professional experience at a native plant nursery for 10 years. She stated that she has a lifelong interest in conservation, and she volunteered at a nature preserve. Member Emkey asked her if she was aware of the extensive laws and regulations. Ms. Bernap stated that she had a meeting with Jenny to discuss specifics. Member Emkey stressed the commitment of the Commission. ===PAGE 4=== Page 4 of 10 Select Board Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Teddy Doucette, 318 Howard Street: described his education in pre-veterinary sciences. He stated that during his undergraduate degree, he enjoyed studying sustainability and environmentalism. He stated that he wrote papers regarding water contamination and chemicals. He stated that he talked to Jenny regarding the time commitment. Peter Stella, 31 Chase Road: he stated that he has lived in the Town all his life. Mr. Stella described various properties in the Town about conservation. He described his work experience and travelling across the world. He stated that he was surprised by how many regulations there were for the Conservation Commission. He stated that a fellow Conservation Commission member believed that he is not a good fit for the Commission. Mr. Stella gave the Board an example of a project in Lowell, Massachusetts. Mr. Stella stated that in the Town, every water body is treated like it cannot be touched and must be preserved. He described elements he disagreed with regarding the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. He stated that Conservation Commission members want to protect everything in everyone’s backyards. Chair Nuzzolo asked Mr. Stella if he believes that property owners should be allowed to fill in wetlands on their property. Mr. Stella said that the water body or wetland should be deemed significant. He stated that he believes that the Town is being too restrictive in personal property rights. Chair Nuzzolo asked Mr. Stella if there was a project brought out before the Conservation Commission, whether he would follow the regulations, or whether he would follow what he believes the regulations should be. Mr. Stella stated that he would enforce the ‘no-touch restrictions,’ but he believes the Town should consider altering regulations. Clerk Emkey asked Mr. Stella if he had completed the training courses. Mr. Stella stated that he completed a lot of the training, and he said that he had more training to complete. Mr. Stella stated that he doesn’t understand why someone would have to read the entire Wetland Protection Act. He stated that he completed half of the training and educational materials that were given to him. Member Emkey asked Mr. Stella about the number of wetlands the town has. Mr. Stella stated that he believes the Town has too many wetlands that need to be protected. Mr. Stella stated that he believes wetlands are not a benefit to the Town. Mr. Stella stated that he believes environmental activism is a religion. Mr. Stella stated that the bylaws should be altered. Mary Wilson, 138 Whiting Street: stated that she is currently a Conservation Commissioner and a former Chair of the Commission. She stated that she is an electrical engineer. She stated that she works for a Fortune 500 Company. She stated that she has taken several Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissioners courses. She stated that she had a certificate in conservation commission fundamentals. Motion by Clerk Emkey to appoint Mary Wilson to the Conservation Commission for a term to expire June 30, 2028. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore. Call for the vote: Four-aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). ===PAGE 5=== Page 5 of 10 Select Board Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Clerk Emkey stated that she has concerns with Mr. Stella’s reappointment. She stated that she has received concerns from people not on the Conservation Commission. Chair Nuzzolo thanked Mr. Stella for his service to the Conservation Commission. Chair Nuzzolo stated that he believes that wetlands in the town are a cherished resource. Motion by Chair Nuzzolo to appoint Andrea Bernap and Teddy Doucette to the Conservation Commission for a term to expire June 30, 2028. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore. Call for the vote: Four-aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). Council on Aging Chair Nuzzolo stated that the Council on Aging has four available positions and five candidates for those positions. Jane Rabbitt, 314 Townsend Harbor Road: stated that she has seen significant interest in the Lunenburg Adult Activity Center, and she has been happy to participate. Susan O’Sullivan, 34 Hemlock Drive: stated that she has lived in Lunenburg for 39 years and is a retired physical therapy professor. She stated that she has completed two terms with the Council on Aging. She stated that she has been proud to help organize workshops for seniors to help them with skills for caregiving, advocacy, and interacting with the healthcare system. John Silme, 4 Iris Court: stated that he has lived in Lunenburg for four years. He stated that he was an electrical engineer. He stated that he has owned several businesses and served on several boards in his career. Vice-Chair Moore stated that there are more candidates than available positions and she recommends that he apply to other boards or committees in the future. John Rabbitt, 314 Townsend Harbor Road: stated that he has been on several boards and committees. He stated that he has lived in town for over forty years. He described the services that the Lunenburg Adult Activity Center organizes. He said that he appreciated the leadership of the Adult Activity Center staff. Lou Franco, 250 Arbor Street: stated that he served on the Select Board in 2021 through 2024. He stated that he was on the Board of Assessors for 11 years in town. Motion by Chair Nuzzolo to reappoint Susan O’Sullivan and Jane Rabbitt to the Council on Aging for terms to expire June 30, 2028. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore. Call for the vote: Four-aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). Motion by Vice-Chair Moore to appoint Lou Franco and John Rabbitt to the Council on Aging for terms to expire June 30, 2028. Seconded by Clerk Emkey. Call for the vote: Four- aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). ===PAGE 6=== Page 6 of 10 Select Board Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Public Access Cable Committee (PACC) Brian Vienneau, 570 Townsend Harbor Road: stated that he has reviewed prior meeting minutes from PACC. He stated that he has spoken to PACC members. He stated that he has lived in the town his entire life. He stated that he used to work at TJX Companies. Motion by Clerk Emkey to appoint Brian Vienneau to the Public Access Cable Committee (PACC) for terms to expire June 30, 2028. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore. Call for the vote: Four-aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND HEARINGS (CONTINUED) FY2025 Quarter Three Financial Report, Presented by Ezequiel Ayala, Finance Director Finance Director Ayala stated that the total revenue collected was $39,160,000, which is 78% of the total projected revenue for the fiscal year. He stated that the total investment income collected was $430,640, which is 344% over the projected revenue for the fiscal year. Mr. Ayala stated that the diversity of the trust fund portfolio is a 60/40 allocation was changed at a prior town meeting. He stated that the prior diversification was much more conservative. Town Manager Warren-Dyment stated that this revenue source is very volatile, which is why it is budgeted conservatively. Finance Director Ayala stated that the state aid collected is at 75.3% of the estimated amount. He stated that State-owned land is 74.8% of the estimated amount. He stated that Chapter 70 School aid is 75% of the estimated amount. He stated that Charter tuition reimbursement is 35.5%. He stated that the Unrestricted General Government Aid is at 74.8%. He stated that almost everything is in line with Quarter 3. Finance Director Ayala stated that the total local receipts collected were 106.4% of the annual estimate. He stated that the departmental revenue for the Schools is 197%. He stated that the licenses and permits are 84%. He stated that motor vehicle excise is 97.5%. He stated that special assessments are 190%. He stated that penalties and interest are at 50%. He stated that miscellaneous non-recurring is at 92.5% Finance Director Ayala stated that the total expenditures for the fiscal year through quarter three were roughly $33 million, or 70.6% the estimated amount. He stated that he did not see any outliers in regard to the department budgets. TOWN MANAGER REPORT Town Manager Jennifer Warren-Dyment provided her Town Manager report to the Board. The Town Manager stated that the MBTA Communities Act public information session is tomorrow. She stated that the Planning Board will decide between four zoning options. She stated that once the Planning Board decides upon one zoning option, Town Meeting votes will only have the option for an up or down vote at Special Town Meeting. ===PAGE 7=== Page 7 of 10 Select Board Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 The Town Manager stated that Mulpus Road and Eastern Avenue have been paved. She stated that a small portion of Reservoir Road is being paved next week. The Town Manager stated that next week, departments are working to close out their FY25 accounts and request any necessary encumbrances. She stated that the finance office is very busy in the Summer, closing out FY25. The Town Manager stated that at the last meeting, she informed the Board that the property owner of 222 West Townsend Road is planning to sell their property that is under Chapter 61B. She stated that the Town Counsel deemed the notice insufficient, so the owner will be resubmitting the notice in a couple of weeks. The Town Manager stated that she held a training course for staff on records retention and destruction. She stated that the training occurred because staff are cleaning out the records rooms at TC Passios. She stated that the Finance Director is holding an accounts payable training course for all staff who process payables. The Town Manager stated that the Fire Chief and the Adult Activity Center Director met last week to discuss the sand for seniors program. She stated that the program is not for able-bodied individuals who want a delivery of sand. The Town Manager stated that Town offices will be closed in observance of Juneteenth on June 19, 2025. The Town Manager announced that the Planning Administrative Assistant candidate accepted the offer today. She stated that the Dietary Aide position is still vacant. She stated that there is a discussion about reconfiguring the Land Use Director position. She stated that she has been in contact with the Planning Board Chair, Zoning Board of Appeals Chair, Conservation Commission Chair, and the Building Commissioner. She stated that all stakeholders so far have been supportive of the proposal to reconfigure the position. She stated that an interim Land Use Director is working remotely. She stated that the internal posting for the Communications & IT Manager expired today. The Town Manager stated that there is one vacancy on the Board of Assessors and one vacancy on the Planning Board. NEW BUSINESS License Agreement (21 Main Street) between the Town of Lunenburg and Henry and Jacob Realty, LLC, 21 Main Street Lunenburg Town Manager Warren-Dyment stated that there is an encroachment of the Town Hall’s accessible ramp onto 21 Main Street. The Town Manager stated that the owners of 21 Main Street are looking to sell the property, and this is an issue that needs to be resolved. She stated that she anticipates there will be a Fall Special Town Meeting warrant article to grant the Town an easement. She stated that the proposed License Agreement for $1.00 for the purposes of ===PAGE 8=== Page 8 of 10 Select Board Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 installing, maintaining, repairing, replacing, and anything incidental to the deck ramp and walkway in the licensed premises for access and egress to the Town Hall. Motion by Vice-Chair Moore to authorize the Chair to sign the License Agreement (21 Main Street) between the Town of Lunenburg and Henry and Jacob Realty, LLC, 21 Main Street Lunenburg. Seconded by Clerk Emkey. Call for the vote: Four-aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). OLD BUSINESS 1. FY26 Select Board and Town Manager Goal Setting Chair Nuzzolo stated that the item will be tabled for the entire Board will be in attendance. 2. Discussion on Sick Leave Bank Policy Chair Nuzzolo stated that the Town Manager is collecting feedback from the unions. Chair Nuzzolo stated that there will need to be future discussions regarding the process for appeals. 3. Tax Investigation Report Chair Nuzzolo stated that he is waiting to receive the report. 3. 56 Carr Ave: Sell or Hold The Town Manager stated that she is working to find an appraiser. MINUTES/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS Regular Session Minutes January 16, 2024, February 13, 2024, March 12, 2024, March 26, 2024, April 2, 2024, April 9, 2024, April 30, 2024, May 21, 2024, June 11, 2024, March 19, 2025, May 22, 2025. Motion by Chair Nuzzolo to approve the Minutes of January 16, 2024, February 13, 2024, March 12, 2024, March 26, 2024, April 2, 2024, April 9, 2024, April 30, 2024, May 21, 2024, June 11, 2024, March 19, 2025, May 22, 2025, with all revisions sent to the Town Manager. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore. Call for the vote: Chair Nuzzolo-aye, Vice-Chair Moore-aye, Clerk Emkey-aye, Member McLeod-abstain. The motion passed (3-0-1). The Town Manager stated that a team of minute clerks has made significant progress in drafting minutes. She stated that there are currently only 19 sets of minutes left to complete, most of them being Executive Session minutes. Warrants None. Action Items ===PAGE 9=== Page 9 of 10 Select Board Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Clerk Emkey requested a site walk of 56 Carr Avenue. Chair Nuzzolo stated that it is in the process of being scheduled. Clerk Emkey requested an ARPA review from the Finance Director. The Town Manager stated that it is scheduled for July 1, 2025. COMMITTEE REPORTS Clerk Emkey stated that the Finance Committee met on June 12 th. She stated that the Town Manager presented the tri-board proposed calendar. Clerk Emkey stated that Ms. Lockwood presented on the school staff and student enrollment data. Member McLeod stated that he has been in discussion with the Agricultural Commission Chair. Member McLeod stated that the Planning Board and the Open Space Committee met to discuss 22 West Townsend Road. He stated that they did not express any interest. He stated that the Planning Board mentioned the MBTA Communities Act. He stated that the Planning Board is looking for a new member. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Chair Nuzzolo announced that the Select Board will be meeting on July 1st, July 8th (Joint Budget Session with Finance Committee and School Committee), July 15th. PUBLIC COMMENT Town Manager Comment None. Public Comment Dave Rogers, 82 Highland Street: commented regarding the Sewer Department. He stated that the Sewer Department was not able to send out bills, and he wanted to get an update on that. The Town Manager stated that she can provide him with cash flow amounts. She stated that the Town has not been through a billing cycle with the new cloud system (MUNIS). Board Comment Chair Nuzzolo thanked the Town Manager for her efforts. He noted that the Executive Assistant to the Town Manager departed recently. EXECUTIVE SESSION Chair Nuzzolo moved to enter into Executive Session pursuant to MGL c. 30 §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 ===PAGE 10=== Page 10 of 10 Select Board Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 (New England Police Benevolent Association, Local 353) and not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore. Roll Call Vote: Member McLeod-aye; Vice-Chair Moore-Aye; Clerk Emkey-Aye; Chair Nuzzolo-aye. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). Meeting adjourned at 9:36 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Anthony Senesi Minute Clerk These Minutes were reviewed and approved for release by the Select Board on Tuesday July 7, 2026: Vice-Chair Lehtinen made the Motion to Approve the minutes of May 19, 2026. Seconded by Clerk McLeod. Call for the Vote: Three-aye. Motion Passed unanimously (3-0-0).