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Select Board Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Page 1 of 12  
Town of Lunenburg  Select Board Meeting Minutes Town Hall, 17 Main Street and via Zoom  Tuesday, December 9, 2025  Members Present: Chair Caesar Nuzzolo, Vice-Chair Amanda Moore, Clerk Renee Emkey, Member Brian Lehtinen, and Member Glenn McLeod Members Absent: none Also Present: Jennifer Warren-Dyment, Town Manager Public Comment Participants are listed in the minutes  I. 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 Nuzzolo advised those present that the meeting was being recorded and broadcast live over the Lunenburg Public Access Channel, on Facebook Live, and would be uploaded to the Lunenburg Access YouTube Channel following 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.  II. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Nuzzolo made the following announcements: a pancake breakfast would be held the following morning at the Lunenburg Adult Activity Center from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM; Santa's mailbox is located in the Town center by the flagpole, with letters accepted through December 19 (a name and address are required to receive a response); and the Lunenburg Public Library has partnered with the Salvation Army to host an Angel Tree in the library lobby, with unwrapped gifts requested to be returned by Sunday, December 14. XIII.	EXECUTIVE	SESSION		Prior to proceeding with the regular agenda, the Select Board entered Executive Session.  Chair Nuzzolo moved to enter into Executive Session and re-enter Open Session after exiting Executive Session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30, Section 21(a)(3), to discuss strategy with respect to litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body, concerning Burden, George et al. vs. Courtemanche, Stacy et al., 2572CM00296, and Town of Lunenburg, acting by and through its Select Board and its Chief of Police et al. vs. Burden, George B. et al., 2585CV01256. Seconded by Vice-Chair Amanda Moore. Roll call vote: Member Glenn McLeod – Aye; Member Brian Lehtinen – Aye; Clerk Renee Emkey – Aye; Vice-Chair Moore – Aye; Chair Nuzzolo – Aye. Motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). The Select Board returned to Open Session following the Executive Session.  III. PUBLIC COMMENT  Public Comment No members of the public were present in the room or on Zoom at this time. 
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 Board Comment No Board members offered public comment at this time.  IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND SCHEDULED MEETINGS None  V. APPOINTMENTS, RATIFICATIONS, AND RESIGNATIONS • Acknowledge the Resignation of Pauline Roy, Outreach Coordinator for the Council on Aging Town Manager Warren-Dyment reported with regret the resignation of Pauline Roy, noting that Ms. Roy is well known and well loved in the community and will be departing to serve as the SHINE Services Coordinator for Tri-Valley Elder Services. Chair Nuzzolo and Vice-Chair Moore both offered warm remarks and wished Ms. Roy well in her new role. • Acknowledge the Resignation of Katilyn Hinnelberger, Young Adult Staff Librarian Town Manager Warren-Dyment reported the resignation of Katilyn Hinnelberger, who had been with the Town for a couple of years. The Select Board thanked Ms. Hinnelberger for her service and wished her well.  VI. TOWN MANAGER REPORT Town Manager Warren-Dyment provided the following updates: Finance Department Transition: Town Manager Warren-Dyment reported that retired Finance Director Karen Brochu has agreed to return on a part-time interim basis following the departure of Finance Director Katie McKenna at the end of the month. The goal is for Ms. Brochu to begin with an overlap period while Ms. McKenna is still present. Department of Mental Health Jail and Arrest Diversion Program: The Town of Lunenburg, in partnership with Lancaster, has been awarded $109,000 in grant funding through the Department of Mental Health Jail and Arrest Diversion Program. Funds will support a contract with Open Sky Community Services to provide a master's-level clinician for on-scene mental health assessments and crisis support for officers in both communities. Town Manager Warren-Dyment credited Chief Thibodeau and Officer McNamara for their work securing the grant and noted that Officer McNamara would be available to present on the program in the future. Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch: The administrative board of the regional dispatch center voted to admit the Town of Sterling as a member, joining Lunenburg, Lancaster, Harvard, Boxborough, Bolton, Berlin, Devens, and Hudson. With Sterling's addition and available 911 grants, the FY27 assessment is anticipated to remain relatively flat for approximately three years. Sterling is expected to be fully onboarded by the end of next year. Tax Rate: The Division of Local Services has officially set the FY26 tax rate at $14.39. The Assessor and Treasurer-Collector are actively preparing the third-quarter actual tax bills. Capital Planning Committee: The committee is meeting the following day to hear an additional presentation from the IT department. 
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Massachusetts Municipal Association Events: Town Manager Warren-Dyment noted the annual Connect 351 conference on January 22 and encouraged any interested board, committee, or commission members to reach out for registration. She also noted a joint MMA/HR Association holiday meeting on Thursday focused on transforming New Year's resolutions into tangible community goals. Town Office Closure: Town offices will be closed from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on December 17 for the annual staff holiday potluck and Yankee swap. Project Updates: ● Town Clerk Bulletin Board: Facilities Director Chris Ruth is designing a replacement exterior bulletin board with improved aesthetics for the downtown area. ● Access Control Project: All door hardware is now in. A small change order of $5,750 is required to connect the Library, Teen Center, and Adult Activity Center (which are on a separate network) to the unified system. The total project appropriation was $185,000; the resulting $1,766 shortfall will be drawn from the Wallis Park resurfacing project, which was completed under budget. ● TCP Decommissioning: Work is progressing well. Water and heat have been shut off and pipes capped in the decommissioned portion; a fire door and interior wall have been installed. Remaining documents and items will be cleared in the spring when heat returns. Vacant but usable spaces are being cleaned and prepared for town use. ● Trackless Snowblower Attachment: The DPW has ordered a new snowblower attachment for the trackless machine, with delivery expected mid-January, which is anticipated to significantly improve sidewalk clearing operations. Current Recruitments: Active recruitments include: Conservation Agent, Young Adult Staff Librarian, Finance Director, Payroll and Benefits, Recreation Director, Dietary Aid, Outreach Coordinator (job description under review), and Intermittent Heavy Equipment Operator (offer pending). Offers have been accepted for Land Use Director, Library Assistant, and Meal Site Manager; appointments for the latter positions are anticipated on the December 16 agenda. Appointed/Elected Position Vacancies: Town Manager Warren-Dyment noted a new vacancy on the Parks Commission, as Anita will not be continuing her service. Member McLeod asked whether the incoming Land Use Director would go before the Planning Board for ratification. Town Manager Warren-Dyment clarified that the Planning Board does not hold appointing authority, though the Planning Board Chair participated in the interview process. The new Director will attend a January Planning Board meeting and is expected to appear before the Select Board on December 16 for introduction. Clerk Emkey raised a concern relayed from pickleball players about excessive heat in the TCP gymnasium. Town Manager Warren-Dyment acknowledged the issue, noting the heating system is very old and complex. Member Lehtinen confirmed that dampers were adjusted recently but the space remains warm, particularly for the Thursday evening indoor volleyball program.  VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Annual Re-licensing – Pouring – All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages 
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• Il Forno Lunenburg Bar, Inc., d/b/a Il Forno Lunenburg Bar, 484 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Jiang Jun Lou, Inc. d/b/a Asian Imperial, 5 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Bedrock Bar and Grill LLC, d/b/a Bedrock Bar and Grill, 325 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 014622.  2. Annual Re-licensing – Package Store – Wine and Malt • Aayan Corporation, d/b/a Hilltop Farms, 1 Main Street, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Global Montello Group Corporation, d/b/a Honey Farms #3829, 134 Leominster-Shirley Road,Lunenburg, MA 01462  3. Annual Re-licensing – Weekday Entertainment • Il Forno Lunenburg Bar, Inc., d/b/a Il Forno Lunenburg Bar, 484 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Bedrock Bar and Grill LLC, d/b/a Bedrock Bar and Grill, 325 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462  4. Annual Re-licensing – Automatic Amusement • Bedrock Bar and Grill LLC, d/b/a Bedrock Bar and Grill, 325 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462  5. Annual Re-licensing – Jukebox • Bedrock Bar and Grill LLC, d/b/a Bedrock Bar and Grill, 325 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462  6. Annual Re-licensing – Common Victualler • White Hill Farm Ltd., d/b/a Cherry Hill Ice Cream, 826 Leominster Road • Il Forno Lunenburg Bar, Inc., d/b/a Il Forno Lunenburg Bar, 484 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Aayan Corporation, d/b/a Hilltop Farms, 1 Main Street, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Global Montello Group Corporation, d/b/a Honey Farms #3829, 134 Leominster-Shirley Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Jiang Jun Lou, Inc. d/b/a Asian Imperial, 5 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Nashoba Valley Donuts, Inc., d/b/a Dunkin Donuts, 134 Leominster-Shirley Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • BKK Group, LLC., d/b/a White Thai Cuisine, 177 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Bedrock Bar and Grill LLC, d/b/a Bedrock Bar and Grill, 325 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • J & D Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Shady Point Beach, 701 Reservoir Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 Chair Nuzzolo reviewed all annual license renewal applications as presented on the agenda, confirming with staff and Select Board members that no applicants needed to be pulled for separate discussion and that all listed applicants had completed their submissions without issue. 
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Vice-Chair Moore moved to approve all annual license renewals as printed on the agenda. Seconded by Member Lehtinen . Call for Vote: Five - Aye (unanimous). Motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). The categories approved included: Pouring – All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages; Package Store – Wine and Malt; Weekday Entertainment; Automatic Amusement; Jukebox; and Common Victualler.  7. Review Other License Renewal Applications as Needed The Select Board discussed the status of outstanding license renewal applications. Town Manager Warren-Dyment noted that some Common Victualler licensees had not yet responded to outreach. Clerk Emkey raised a question regarding the situation where a landlord rather than a tenant/licensee is delinquent in payments to the town, and how that should affect the tenant's license renewal. Town Manager Warren-Dyment acknowledged this is a complex issue; the tenant is generally not responsible for the landlord's delinquency, and penalizing the tenant's license is not the appropriate remedy. The standard lien process applies to the landlord separately. The Select Board agreed that given only one more regularly scheduled meeting remains before December 31 (December 16), the best course of action is to approve fully compliant applications outright at the December 16 meeting, issue a contingent vote approving remaining applications subject to 100% completion of outstanding requirements, and address any non-responsive applicants individually. Town Manager Warren-Dyment confirmed that all licenses expire on December 31, and any licensee without an approved renewal should not be operating as of January 1. Staff was commended for continued outreach efforts.  VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. Letter to Governor Maura Healey on Local Aid and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Chair Nuzzolo read the full draft letter to Governor Healey and the state delegation into the record. The letter addressed growing fiscal pressures on municipalities, citing the closure of Nashoba Valley Medical Center and its impact on EMS operations, the declining purchasing power of unrestricted general government aid (down 25% since 2002 when adjusted for inflation), stagnant Chapter 90 funding at $200 million since 2012, and underfunding in education-related areas including the special education circuit breaker, Chapter 70, regional transportation, rural school aid, and charter school mitigation. The letter urged the Governor to significantly increase unrestricted general government aid and address public school funding in the FY27 budget. Vice-Chair Moore expressed strong support for the letter as drafted. Member McLeod suggested adding language indicating that eliminating or altering Proposition 2½ should not be the state's preferred solution, expressing concern that Beacon Hill's response to municipal advocacy may be to empower municipalities to raise their own taxes rather than returning adequate state aid. Chair Nuzzolo indicated he did not wish to take a position on Proposition 2½ within this letter. Clerk Emkey suggested strengthening the letter by highlighting that communities like Lunenburg, neither wealthy enough to self-fund nor qualifying for Gateway City-level aid, fall through the cracks of existing state funding formulas. Chair Nuzzolo agreed and noted the letter could also be expanded to address the Municipal Empowerment Act, observing that many of its revenue-raising mechanisms (hotel taxes, meals taxes) do not apply meaningfully to a community like Lunenburg. 
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Town Manager Warren-Dyment expressed support for the letter and noted that the advocacy of municipal leaders across the Commonwealth has begun to move the conversation at Beacon Hill, even if some responses (such as discussions around Proposition 2½ modification) are not the preferred outcome. She also noted the importance of continued engagement beyond letter-writing, including attendance at forums and public hearings. She raised an additional concern about the earmarking process, noting that restricted earmark funds are administratively burdensome and often less impactful than equivalent unrestricted aid. Member McLeod agreed, citing a recent School Committee earmark for vans as an example of funds that could have been deployed more effectively as unrestricted revenue. The Select Board agreed that Chair Nuzzolo would revise the letter to incorporate the points raised particularly addressing communities like Lunenburg and the limitations of the Municipal Empowerment Act and bring the revised draft to the December 16 meeting for final approval. 2. Discussion on Special Event Policy Chair Nuzzolo initiated a review of the existing Special Event Policy, describing it as cumbersome and overly restrictive, having been implemented as a reactive measure to a small number of problematic events on private property. He noted that the policy has created significant burdens for well-intentioned community groups and organizations attempting to hold public events. Member McLeod expressed a primary concern with the policy's reach over events on private property, suggesting at minimum that the private property provisions should be removed. Vice-Chair Moore stated she would prefer to rescind and fully rewrite the policy, rather than attempt to salvage the existing framework. Clerk Emkey agreed that the current categories and thresholds including the threshold of seven "Category B" triggers appear arbitrary and lack logical grounding. Chair Nuzzolo indicated he has serious doubts about the legal defensibility of certain provisions, particularly those that purport to regulate private property activities outside of zoning authority, and that the policy should be reviewed by Town Counsel. Town Manager Warren-Dyment reported that initial feedback from the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and DPW Director suggests the policy may need to be split into two: one for large-scale events of the type that originally prompted the policy, and a simpler framework for routine community events. She noted that none of those staff members favored regulating private property through this mechanism. The Select Board agreed on the following next steps: the Lunenburg Business Association (via President Joeci Gilchrest) will compile feedback from business owners who have navigated the policy; Town Counsel will be asked to review the legal defensibility of the existing provisions, particularly as they relate to private property; and the Select Board will seek examples from other communities of how their special event policies are structured. Chair Nuzzolo also noted that the current policy prohibits alcohol service on town property for special events, and the Select Board expressed consensus that this restriction should be reconsidered, noting that the Town's insurer allows alcohol at events subject to ABCC requirements (e.g., a defined perimeter and ID verification), as demonstrated during the Town's 250th anniversary events. 3. Discussion on Appointment Policy The Chair led the Board through a section-by-section review of the existing Appointment Policy, identifying areas for revision. Key discussion points and agreed-upon modifications included the following: 
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Volunteer Applications (Section 1): The Board discussed modernizing the application process by creating a Microsoft Forms-based digital submission option that would auto-populate a spreadsheet and send applicants an automatic acknowledgment email, while retaining the option for in-person paper submissions. Select Board Member Moore noted this would be particularly useful for the reappointment process. Town Manager Warren-Dyment confirmed this is technically feasible. The Board agreed to explore the digital option. The existing language requiring applicants to be provided "a copy of the appointment process" was found to be ambiguous. The Board agreed the intent should simply be to provide applicants with a clear timeline, and that the policy language should be simplified accordingly. Vacancy Advertisement (Section 2): The Board agreed that advertising vacancies in local newspapers and posting physical notices on the Town Hall bulletin board are outdated practices that are not being followed. Going forward, vacancies should be posted on the Town website (ideally on a dedicated, consistently maintained vacancies page) and on local cable television. The Board further suggested that every vacancy update to the Town website be accompanied by a social media post to maximize public awareness. The Chair noted that the charter provision cited in this section (Section 7-10) applies to employee positions and explicitly excludes multi-member appointed boards; its inclusion in the appointment policy appears to have been an intentional but potentially unnecessary adoption of that standard. Annual Appointment Timeline: The Board agreed to change the requirement that appointments be made at the "first and second regular meetings in June" to simply "during the month of June," providing the Chair and Board flexibility to manage the process across all June meetings as needed. Interview Triggers: The existing language allowing any single Select Board member to request interviews for all applicants to a given board or committee was identified as problematic, as it could be exercised for seemingly arbitrary or personal reasons. Select Board Member Moore proposed that interviews for incumbents in good standing seeking reappointment should not be automatic unless the seat is contested (more applicants than vacancies), there are performance concerns, or additional information is needed. The Board agreed that the decision to call interviews beyond the automatic trigger (more applicants than vacancies) should require a vote of the Select Board as a body, with an articulated reason. Select Board Member Lehtinen and Select Board Member Moore both suggested that if seats are not contested and incumbents are in good standing, reappointment may proceed without a formal interview. Town Manager Warren-Dyment noted that the current interview process, conducted in a public meeting room, can be intimidating to new volunteers and may deter prospective applicants. She suggested the possibility of a subcommittee screening process conducted outside of the formal public meeting setting, with selected candidates advancing to a full Board interview. The Board found this concept worth exploring, particularly as a mechanism for pre-screening applicants who list multiple committees of interest and helping them identify their best fit before the formal appointment meeting. Reappointment (Section 3): The Board discussed the process by which incumbent board members' reappointment applications are shared with other members of the same body for feedback. Town Manager Warren-Dyment cautioned that the current language creates potential Open Meeting Law risks if committee members discuss the feedback collectively. The Board agreed that feedback should be submitted by individual members to the Town Manager's office, not discussed as a group, 
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and that the policy should explicitly state that such feedback shall not be discussed at a meeting of the applicable board or committee. Ad Hoc Committees (Section 4): The existing requirement that charges and memberships of advisory committees be reviewed "at least annually" was found to be impractical. The Board agreed to change the language to require review "from time to time as needed or as requested by the Select Board." Key Dates: The Board agreed to remove the fixed May 25th deadline for Select Board members to request interviews, replacing it with a more flexible standard tied to the June appointment meetings. The requirement for annual reports from appointed bodies was revised to be submitted "as requested by the Office of the Select Board" rather than by a fixed date of November. Volunteer Application Form: Town Manager Warren-Dyment suggested that the form be revised so that applicants who express interest in multiple boards are prompted to provide a brief explanation of their interest in each specific board, which would assist the Board in understanding applicants' qualifications and fit. The Board agreed. Select Board Member McLeod asked whether the final revised policy would be shared with appointed committee chairs for their feedback prior to adoption. The Chair agreed this is worth considering. The Chair indicated he would compile all noted revisions and bring a draft updated policy back for Board review. 4. Review Select Board Bylaw for Potential Recommendations to Bylaw Review Committee Chair Nuzzolo reviewed the existing Select Board Bylaw, which contains four brief provisions covering general supervisory duties, authority to settle claims or suits, authority to appear before legislative bodies, and a prohibition on individual members becoming personally liable on town officer bonds. Chair Nuzzolo noted that these powers are already vested in the Select Board by state law and the Town Charter, and questioned whether the bylaw adds meaningful value. Town Manager Warren-Dyment noted she has not previously seen a standalone Select Board bylaw in other communities, typically operating under charters or special acts alone. The Select Board noted the bylaw was last substantively amended at the 2022 Annual Town Meeting, primarily to change the title from "Selectmen" to "Select Board." No substantive changes appeared to have been made at that time beyond the name change. The Select Board agreed to refer the bylaw to Town Counsel for an opinion on whether it is necessary and for what reasons other communities maintain similar bylaws. No further changes were proposed at this time. 5. Communications with Boards/Committees/Commissions Clerk Emkey presented a draft letter, incorporating edits from Member Lehtinen and Vice-Chair Moore, addressed to fellow Tri-Board members (Finance Committee and School Committee). The letter was intended to address communication challenges that became apparent in the lead-up to the November Special Town Meeting. Town Manager Warren-Dyment provided specific context: a substantial volume of detailed information including complete draft motion language had been transmitted to the Finance Committee approximately one week before the Finance Committee's public hearing, yet no questions 
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or acknowledgments were received in response. She also noted that her absence from the hearing (due to a prior personal commitment) appeared to be unknown to the committee despite the transmittal. She emphasized that the upcoming budget season will be exceptionally challenging, particularly without a Finance Director, and that all Tri-Board members must engage proactively with written communications rather than relying solely on live meetings or social media posts for information. Member McLeod acknowledged the concern but expressed hesitation about the letter's potential to be received negatively, noting that volunteers face a high volume of information and that mistakes should be expected. He suggested the language be softened so that the letter conveys a collaborative improvement effort rather than a corrective directive. He proposed changing "the Select Board wishes to address communication issues" to "the Select Board wishes to work collaboratively to improve communication issues." After discussion, the Select Board agreed on three modifications: (1) the second paragraph would be revised to frame the intent as working collaboratively to improve communication rather than addressing failures; (2) the redundant sentence inviting "additional suggestions" would be removed; and (3) a closing sentence drafted by Select Board Member Moore would be substituted: "The Select Board welcomes additional recommendations from committee members to further strengthen communication and transparency across the Tri-Board." Clerk Emkey further emphasized that social media should not serve as a primary source of information for committee members and that official town communication channels must be prioritized.  Chair Nuzzolo moved to approve the letter as presented with the three agreed-upon modifications and to authorize the Board's liaisons to the Finance Committee and School Committee to read the letter on behalf of the full Select Board at their respective upcoming meetings, and to authorize the Town Manager to transmit the letter to all Tri-Board members on behalf of the Select Board. Seconded by Clerk Emkey. Call for Vote: Four - Aye (4), One – No (1) (Member McLeod). Motion passed (4-1-0).  6. Special Town Meeting Recap Water Billing: Town Manager Warren-Dyment reported that Finance Director McKenna has completed estimated revenue calculations related to the water billing matter. Some discrepancies remain with Fitchburg regarding how recent payments were applied. A more complete update on next steps, including a necessary rate increase and communications with all eleven account holders and with Fitchburg, will be presented at the December 16 meeting. Town Manager Warren-Dyment noted she intends to explore whether Fitchburg would be willing to pause interest accrual, a suggestion made from the Special Town Meeting floor. Kids Kingdom: Member Lehtinen expressed a desire to advance the Kids Kingdom conversation rather than allow it to remain stalled, suggesting a meeting between representatives of the School Committee and the Council on Aging to allow each to understand the other's needs and concerns. Town Manager Warren-Dyment noted she had planned to send a communication to the School Department clarifying that care, custody, and control of Kids Kingdom now fully rests with the School Committee, but held off pending the Select Board's direction. She further noted that the $25,000 in design funding previously authorized at Town Meeting cannot be responsibly deployed 
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until the scope of the project including whether and how the playground would be relocated on the parcel is clarified with the School Committee's buy-in. Facilities Director Ruth will prepare a low-cost conceptual sketch of a potential relocation scenario to facilitate that conversation. The Select Board agreed that conceptual plans should be developed first, followed by a collaborative discussion with the School Committee. Town Meeting Mailer: Town Manager Warren-Dyment noted that Lou Franco of the Council on Aging intends to come before the Select Board to discuss modifications to the Town Meeting mailer article that did not pass at Special Town Meeting. His suggestion is to codify in the article's language the specific content that must appear on the postcard (i.e., a listing of all warrant articles), so that future Select Boards cannot alter the content. The Select Board was generally supportive. Clerk Emkey noted that the motion to pass over the article at Special Town Meeting prevented what could have been a productive floor debate and amendment process.  IX. MINUTES*/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS  Minutes No minutes were available for approval. Town Manager Warren-Dyment noted that staff are actively working through a backlog of outstanding draft minutes. Warrants An Accounts Payable warrant in the amount of $951,678.49 was presented.  Action Items None.  X. COMMITTEE REPORTS Economic Development Committee (EDC): Member McLeod reported that the EDC met immediately prior to the Select Board meeting and received a presentation from the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce on resources and support available to businesses, particularly newer small businesses. He encouraged Select Board members and the public to view the first 45 minutes of the EDC meeting recording. Board of Assessors: Member Lehtinen reported that the Board of Assessors met on December 3. Key items included an Executive Session for abatement and exemption privacy matters; confirmation that the billing file for real estate and excise tax bills must be ready for the bill printer by December 14; a reminder that the tax classification hearing resulted in a single residential rate pending Department of Revenue approval; and an update that the property at 100 Hobbit Street (44 acres, sold in October for $700,000) is subject to potential rollback taxes of up to five years plus interest if land use has changed. The Assessor's office is also working on a redesign of the assessor web page. Their next meeting is December 17, or January 7tif that meeting is cancelled. School Committee: Member Lehtinen reported that the School Committee met on December 3. Notable items included the introduction of Dr. Kimberly Sarfde Director of Teaching and Learning; approval of a student trip to France and Switzerland in 2027; a first draft of next year's school calendar with a September 1 start date; a Lunenburg Education Foundation update; and a Tri-Board recap. The School Committee expressed a desire for future revenue discussions with the Town, including planning around potential override options, multi-year strategies, and collaborative approaches. The Superintendent raised concerns about potential federal education funding reductions 
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should the Department of Education be restructured. The committee also discussed the Turkey Hill building and MSBA planning, with a recommendation to prioritize necessary smaller projects now rather than deferring them. Stormwater Task Force: Clerk Emkey reported that the task force met the prior week. Following the approval of funding at Special Town Meeting, the group is awaiting a signed contract from Weston & Sampson. Once executed, work will begin on updating impervious area data, with the next task force meeting scheduled for January. Bylaw Review Committee: Chair Nuzzolo reported that the committee is nearing completion of its preliminary bylaw review and is beginning to discuss a public engagement strategy to solicit input from residents. He noted the process has been productive and collaborative. Capital Planning Committee: Chair Nuzzolo noted the committee is meeting the following day for one final presentation before completing its current round of review. Council on Aging: Chair Nuzzolo noted the Council on Aging met that morning and that there was significant discussion regarding the Assistant Director position and Article 12. He noted that many positive efforts are underway. XI. UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS SCHEDULE The Select Board noted that their next meeting is scheduled for December 16. XII. PUBLIC COMMENT**  • PUBLIC Rhonda Lisio, 181 Reservoir Road, offered public comment via telephone regarding the appointment policy discussion. Ms. Lisio stated that she found it objectionable that the Select Board publicly accused a member of the Conservation Commission of being unwilling to follow regulations during the June reappointment process, asserting that the member's voting record showed consistency with applicable regulations. She stated that the only vote in which that member deviated from the commission's majority was on a procedural motion whether to continue a public hearing and not on a substantive regulatory matter. She urged the Select Board to ensure that any publicly stated reasons for choosing not to reappoint a volunteer are accurate and fact-checked prior to being stated. • TOWN MANAGER Town Manager Warren-Dyment offered no additional comment. • BOARD No comment by the Select Board. XIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Vice-Chair Moore to adjourn at 10:48 PM. Seconded by Clerk Emkey. Call for Vote: Five-Aye. The motion passed (5-0-0).  Respectfully Submitted, Renee Emkey  
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These Minutes were reviewed and approved by the Select Board on: Tuesday, September 1, 2026