# select-board — 9 documents, concatenated for reading and search # # This is a CONVENIENCE BUNDLE, not a source. Every document below is # published separately and byte-identically; cite the individual file, # whose path is given in each header, rather than this bundle. # Index of all boards: https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/minutes/INDEX.txt # The town's own scanned original is linked per document. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-11-24-agenda-7533.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2025-11-24 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2025-11-24-agenda-7533.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11242025-7533 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SELECT BOARD TRI-BOARD MEETING AGENDA Monday, November 24, 2025 7:00 PM Lunenburg Middle/High School LMS Collaborative Room #D132 In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast live over the Lunenburg Public Access channel, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be uploaded to the LunenburgAccess YouTube after the meeting. Additionally, please be advised that the Town of Lunenburg utilizes the Zoom platform as host for its hybrid and remote meetings; that the Zoom platform utilizes AI technology, known as "AI Companion," to create audio transcriptions of meetings to aid in the subsequent preparation of meeting minutes; and that AI Companion is activated immediately upon launching the Zoom application. You are hereby notified that this AI technology may capture audio prior to the start of the meeting and/or following the conclusion of the meeting. This meeting will be held in-person at the location provided on this notice. Members of the public are welcome to attend this in-person meeting. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is being provided as a courtesy to the public, the meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast, unless otherwise required by law. Members of the public with particular interest in any specific item on this agenda should make plans for in-person vs. virtual attendance accordingly. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/9091740347 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 909-174- 0347 # If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. TRI-BOARD CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE I. NEW BUSINESS a. Preliminary Budget Presentation Under the Following Categories: School Committee IMPORTANT DATES & UPCOMING MEETINGS a. Tri-Board Meetings- TBD ADJOURN Note: a) References to the Tri-Board and Tri-Chair in the context of this meeting refer to Finance Committee, School Committee and Select Board b) Material discussed in the Tri-Board Meetings may be further deliberated in future, individual Committee meetings ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-11-25-agenda-7534.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2025-11-25 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2025-11-25-agenda-7534.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11252025-7534 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SELECT BOARD Tuesday, November 25, 2025 7:00 PM AGENDA Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast live over the Lunenburg Public Access channel, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be uploaded to the LunenburgAccess YouTube after the meeting. Additionally, please be advised that the Town of Lunenburg utilizes the Zoom platform as host for its hybrid and remote meetings; that the Zoom platform utilizes AI technology, known as "AI Companion," to create audio transcriptions of meetings to aid in the subsequent preparation of meeting minutes; and that AI Companion is activated immediately upon launching the Zoom application. You are hereby notified that this AI technology may capture audio prior to the start of the meeting and/or following the conclusion of the meeting. This meeting will be held in-person at the location provided on this notice. Members of the public are welcome to attend this in-person meeting. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is being provided as a courtesy to the public, the meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast, unless otherwise required by law. Members of the public with particular interest in any specific item on this agenda should make plans for in-person vs. virtual attendance accordingly. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/9091740347 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 909-174- 0347 # If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Vote s may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE II. ANNOUNCEMENTS III. PUBLIC COMMENT • PUBLIC • BOARD IV. SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND HEARINGS 7:05 PM Public Hearing- Tax Classification Hearing: To determine the percentage of the local tax levy to be borne by each class of real property. The hearing will include a presentation by Lynda Cajka, Principal Assessor and the Board of Assessors outlining the options available under Chapter 40, Section 56 of the Massachusetts General Laws. V. ADJOURN *** Per Policy, Public Comment is limited to 15 minutes, with no more than 3 minutes per speaker except at the discretion of the Chair ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-11-25-minutes-7534.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2025-11-25 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2025-11-25-minutes-7534.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11252025-7534 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Select Board Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 Page 1 of 4 Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes Town Hall, 17 Main Street and via Zoom Tuesday, November 25, 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 announced that the annual Tree Lighting Event would be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the Town gazebo, and encouraged residents to attend and celebrate with Santa and the community. III. PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment Rhonda Lisio, 181 Reservoir Road, addressed the Select Board regarding the Finance Committee's public hearing on warrant articles for the prior week's Special Town Meeting. Ms. Lisio stated that she was the only member of the public in attendance and described a series of organizational failures, including a locked Town Hall entrance and the absence of any warrant article sponsors available to answer questions. She noted that the only sponsor she considered to have an excused absence was the Planning Board, which had previously provided ample opportunity for public input through its own hearings and forums. Ms. Lisio further stated that no Select Board members were present, calling it "the poorest excuse for a public hearing" she had ever attended. She concluded by stating that the Select Board should consider itself fortunate that as many articles as it did passed, given the lack of effort devoted to planning and logistics for the hearing. David W. Rogers, 82 Highland Street, participated via Zoom and referenced the prior evening's Tri-Board meeting. Mr. Rogers requested that the Select Board contact the Town's auditors to inquire how charges owed by the City of Fitchburg went undetected over a period of seven to nine years. He suggested that the Select Board use the findings to either re-evaluate the auditors' services or implement safeguards to prevent similar oversights. Mr. Rogers also expressed concern about gaps in the Town's accounting supervision more broadly, and urged the Select Board to address these issues as the budget season progresses. ===PAGE 2=== Select Board Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 Page 2 of 4 Board Comment No public comment made by Select Board members. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND SCHEDULED MEETINGS 7:05 PM Public Hearing- Tax Classification Hearing: To determine the percentage of the local tax levy to be borne by each class of real property. The hearing will include a presentation by Lynda Cajka, Principal Assessor and the Board of Assessors outlining the options available under Chapter 40, Section 56 of the Massachusetts General Laws. Chair Nuzzolo opened the public hearing and asked Clerk Renee Emkey to read the public hearing notice. Clerk Emkey read the notice into the record, stating that the hearing was held pursuant to Chapter 40, Section 56 of the Massachusetts General Laws, for the purpose of determining the percentage of the local tax levy to be borne by each class of real property. The notice had been posted on the Town of Lunenburg website on November 4th, 2025. Principal Assessor Lynda Cajka presented the Fiscal Year 2026 Tax Classification Hearing on behalf of the Board of Assessors. Property Values and Valuation Summary Principal Assessor Cajka reported that for Fiscal Year 2026, the total assessed value of real and personal property in Lunenburg was $2,437,942,740, representing a 3.3% increase over the Fiscal Year 2025 total of $2,360,796,780. The composition of the tax base remained heavily residential at 91%, with commercial property at 4%, industrial at 2%, and personal property at 3%. The average single-family home value increased 2.4% from $504,927 to $517,296. The average commercial and industrial value rose 3% from $435,910 to $449,158, though Principal Assessor Cajka noted that Chapter Land, classified as commercial property by the Department of Revenue, was included in this figure and had the effect of reducing the average. Valuations for Fiscal Year 2026 were based on calendar year 2024 sales, with calendar year 2023 sales utilized where a property class had limited sales activity, in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Revenue guidelines. Tax Levy Summary Principal Assessor Cajka presented the Fiscal Year 2026 tax levy calculation. Beginning with the prior year's levy limit of $31,602,108, the calculation added the statutory 2.5% increase of $790,053, new growth of $518,650, and debt exclusions of $2,213,678 for capital projects. There was no override. This produced a maximum allowable tax levy of $35,124,489. After subtracting excess levy capacity of $42,493, the Fiscal Year 2026 tax levy was set at $35,081,996, an increase of $1,182,247 or 3.5% over the prior year's levy of $33,899,749. Estimated Tax Rate The estimated Fiscal Year 2026 single tax rate was projected at $14.39 per thousand, a 3-cent increase over the prior year's rate of $14.36. The estimated average single-family tax bill, based on the average assessed value of $517,296, would be $7,443.89, an increase of $192.99 over the prior year's average bill of $7,250.89. Split Tax Rate Analysis Principal Assessor Cajka presented an analysis of the impact of shifting the tax burden to the ===PAGE 3=== Select Board Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 Page 3 of 4 commercial, industrial, and personal property (CIP) classes. At the maximum allowable CIP shift of 1.50, the residential tax rate would decrease to $13.70 per thousand while the commercial tax rate would rise to $21.58 per thousand. She noted that while the maximum shift would produce a savings of only $224.25 for a $350,000 residential property, it would result in a tax increase of approximately $2,336.75 for a comparable commercial property. Principal Assessor Cajka further noted that of the 351 Massachusetts communities, only 112 have adopted a split tax rate, and of those, only 7 have a CIP share of 10% or less — all of which are comparatively wealthy communities. Given that Lunenburg's CIP share is below 10%, she stated that a split tax rate was not advisable. Exemptions and Discounts Principal Assessor Cajka reviewed three optional exemptions for the Board's consideration: ● Residential Exemption: Shifts the tax burden within the residential class from moderately valued owner-occupied homes to higher-valued properties and non-owner-occupied residences. This exemption was not recommended for Lunenburg, as it is best suited for larger cities with substantial non-owner-occupied housing stock or communities with significant seasonal populations. Lunenburg has not previously adopted this exemption. ● Open Space Discount: Not applicable, as Lunenburg has no Department of Revenue-designated Class 2 (open space) property. Existing landowner discounts are provided through the Chapter 61, 61A, and 61B programs. ● Small Commercial Exemption: Provides relief of up to 10% of value for eligible small businesses that own their real estate, have a valuation under $1,000,000, and employ ten or fewer workers on average. Principal Assessor Cajka did not recommend this exemption, noting Lunenburg's low CIP percentage. Board of Assessors Recommendation: A single tax rate with no adoption of a residential exemption, open space discount, or small commercial exemption. Public Comment on the Tax Classification Hearing John Bowen, 162 Highland Street, participating via Zoom, spoke in favor of a split tax rate, a position he stated he had also advocated the prior year. Mr. Bowen argued that a split tax rate could help offset costs for services such as the Senior Center and could supplement revenues foregone through the tax deferral program for persons in need passed at Town Meeting. He drew comparisons to Melrose, where he grew up, stating that a split tax rate has worked effectively there despite Melrose being a predominantly residential community. Mr. Bowen acknowledged the demographic and geographic differences between Melrose and Lunenburg but maintained that the additional revenue generated from commercial properties could benefit the broader community. Principal Assessor Cajka, in response to the Select Board's request for her reaction to Mr. Bowen's comments, reiterated that with commercial valuation below 10% of the total tax base, even a modest increase in the commercial rate to $20 per thousand could be financially damaging to small businesses and could discourage new commercial development. She emphasized that the $224 savings to residential taxpayers would come at a cost of approximately $2,300 to commercial taxpayers at maximum shift, and that this trade-off was not in the community's interest. Select Board members expressed consensus in support of the assessors' recommendation. Clerk ===PAGE 4=== Select Board Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 Page 4 of 4 Emkey noted that the Budget Task Force had examined this question in the prior year and reached the same conclusion. Member Brian Lehtinen concurred with the principal assessor, adding that the Budget Task Force had emphasized the need to grow Lunenburg's commercial tax base before considering a rate split. Vice-Chair Amanda Moore noted that one of the most frequently heard concerns in the community is how difficult it is for businesses to locate in Lunenburg, and that a split tax rate would further impede commercial growth. Motion by Chair Nuzzolo to close the public hearing. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore. Call for Vote: Five-Aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Motion by Chair Nuzzolo to adopt a single tax rate for all classes of property in the Town of Lunenburg, and to not adopt a residential exemption, an open space discount, or a small commercial exemption. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore. Call for Vote: Five-Aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). V. MINUTES*/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS Minutes No minutes were ready for approval. Warrants Chair Nuzzolo announced an accounts payable warrant in the amount of $479,658.86, which was circulated for signature. Action Items None. VI. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Member Lehtinen to adjourn at 7:33 PM. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore. Call for Vote: Five-Aye. The motion passed (5-0-0). Respectfully Submitted, Renee Emkey These Minutes were reviewed and approved by the Select Board on: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-12-02-agenda-7539.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2025-12-02 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2025-12-02-agenda-7539.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12022025-7539 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SELECT BOARD Tuesday, December 2, 2025 7:00 PM AGENDA Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast live over the Lunenburg Public Access channel, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be uploaded to the LunenburgAccess YouTube after the meeting. Additionally, please be advised that the Town of Lunenburg utilizes the Zoom platform as host for its hybrid and remote meetings; that the Zoom platform utilizes AI technology, known as "AI Companion," to create audio transcriptions of meetings to aid in the subsequent preparation of meeting minutes; and that AI Companion is activated immediately upon launching the Zoom application. You are hereby notified that this AI technology may capture audio prior to the start of the meeting and/or following the conclusion of the meeting. This meeting will be held in-person at the location provided on this notice. Members of the public are welcome to attend this in-person meeting. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is being provided as a courtesy to the public, the meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast, unless otherwise required by law. Members of the public with particular interest in any specific item on this agenda should make plans for in-person vs. virtual attendance accordingly. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/9091740347 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 909-174- 0347 # If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Vote s may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE II. ANNOUNCEMENTS III. PUBLIC COMMENT • PUBLIC • BOARD IV. SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND HEARINGS 7:05 PM Presentation from the Lunenburg Education Accelerator Foundation (LEAF) on their mission and inaugural fundraising campaign to raise funds to support direct-to-teacher grants 7:15 PM Lunenburg's Low-Income Community Solar for Municipal Aggregation, presentation by Mark Cappadona of Colonial Power Group V. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion to Enter into Executive Session and re-enter Open Session after exiting Executive Session pursuant to MGL c. 30 §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 and the chair so declares; (Burden, George et al vs. Courtemanche, Stacy et al 2572CM00296 and Town of Lunenburg, acting by and through its Select Board its Chief of Police et al vs. Burden, George B. et al 2585CV01256) ===PAGE 2=== VI. TOWN MANAGER REPORT VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Letter to Governor Maura Healey on Local Aid and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget 2. Discussion on Special Event Policy 3. Discussion on Appointment Policy 4. Review Select Board Bylaw for Potential Recommendations to Bylaw Review Committee 5. Communications with Boards/Committees/Commissions 6. Annual License Renewals • Identify requests by Select Board Members to meet with individual applicants • Renewals Ready for Consideration by Select Board: o Pouring – All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages ▪ American Graffiti Inc. d/b/a American Graffiti, 113 Summer Street., Lunenburg, MA 01462 ▪ Settlers Crossing Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Settler’s Pub, 994 Northfield Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 o Annual Re-licensing – Package Store – All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages ▪ Victory Distributors, LLC., d/b/a Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy #8388, 333 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 ▪ Lunenburg Liquor Mart, Inc. d/b/a Lunenburg Liquor Mart, 88 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg MA, 01462 ▪ Sarjudas, LLC, d/b/a Lunenburg Liquors, 433 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 o Annual Re-licensing – Package Store – Wine and Malt ▪ Central Mass Garden Center, Inc., d/b/a Central Mass Gardens, 621 Chase Street, Lunenburg MA 01462 o Annual Re-licensing – Jukebox ▪ American Graffiti Inc. d/b/a American Graffiti, 113 Summer Street., Lunenburg, MA 01462 o Annual Re-licensing – Common Victualler ▪ American Graffiti Inc. d/b/a American Graffiti, 113 Summer Street., Lunenburg, MA 01462 ▪ Victory Distributors, LLC., d/b/a Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy #8388, 333 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 VIII. OLD BUSINESS IX. PUBLIC COMMENT*** • PUBLIC • TOWN MANAGER • BOARD X. MINUTES/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS XI. COMMITTEE REPORTS XII. UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS SCHEDULE • December 9th • December 16th XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion to Enter into Executive Session and not re-enter Open Session after exiting 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 (Lunenburg Professional Firefighters PFFM Local 5369) ===PAGE 3=== XIV. ADJOURN *** Per Policy, Public comment is limited to 15 minutes, with no more than 3 minutes per speaker except at the discretion of the Chairperson ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-12-02-agenda-7547.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2025-12-02 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2025-12-02-agenda-7547.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12022025-7547 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SELECT BOARD Tuesday, December 2, 2025 7:00 PM *REVISED AGENDA Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall *ZOOM ONLY In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast live over the Lunenburg Public Access channel, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be uploaded to the LunenburgAccess YouTube after the meeting. Additionally, please be advised that the Town of Lunenburg utilizes the Zoom platform as host for its hybrid and remote meetings; that the Zoom platform utilizes AI technology, known as "AI Companion," to create audio transcriptions of meetings to aid in the subsequent preparation of meeting minutes; and that AI Companion is activated immediately upon launching the Zoom application. You are hereby notified that this AI technology may capture audio prior to the start of the meeting and/or following the conclusion of the meeting. This meeting will be held *via zoom in-person at the location provided on this notice. Members of the public are welcome to attend this in-person meeting. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is being provided as a courtesy t o the public, the meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast, unless otherwise required by law. Members of the public with particular interest in any specific item on this agenda should make plans for in -person vs. virtual attendance accordingly. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/9091740347 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 909-174- 0347 # If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE II. ANNOUNCEMENTS III. PUBLIC COMMENT • PUBLIC • BOARD IV. SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND HEARINGS 7:05 PM Presentation from the Lunenburg Education Accelerator Foundation (LEAF) on their mission and inaugural fundraising campaign to raise funds to support direct-to-teacher grants 7:15 PM Lunenburg's Low-Income Community Solar for Municipal Aggregation, presentation by Mark Cappadona of Colonial Power Group V. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion to Enter into Executive Session and re-enter Open Session after exiting Executive Session pursuant to MGL c. 30 §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 and the chair so declares; (Burden, George et al vs. Courtemanche, Stacy et al 2572CM00296 and Town of Lunenburg, acting by and through its Select Board its Chief of Police et al vs. Burden, George B. et al 2585CV01256) ===PAGE 2=== VI. TOWN MANAGER REPORT VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Letter to Governor Maura Healey on Local Aid and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget 2. Discussion on Special Event Policy 3. Discussion on Appointment Policy 4. Review Select Board Bylaw for Potential Recommendations to Bylaw Review Committee 5. Communications with Boards/Committees/Commissions 6. Annual License Renewals • Identify requests by Select Board Members to meet with individual applicants • Renewals Ready for Consideration by Select Board: o Pouring – All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages ▪ American Graffiti Inc. d/b/a American Graffiti, 113 Summer Street., Lunenburg, MA 01462 ▪ Settlers Crossing Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Settler’s Pub, 994 Northfield Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 o Annual Re-licensing – Package Store – All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages ▪ Victory Distributors, LLC., d/b/a Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy #8388, 333 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 ▪ Lunenburg Liquor Mart, Inc. d/b/a Lunenburg Liquor Mart, 88 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg MA, 01462 ▪ Sarjudas, LLC, d/b/a Lunenburg Liquors, 433 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 o Annual Re-licensing – Package Store – Wine and Malt ▪ Central Mass Garden Center, Inc., d/b/a Central Mass Gardens, 621 Chase Street, Lunenburg MA 01462 o Annual Re-licensing – Jukebox ▪ American Graffiti Inc. d/b/a American Graffiti, 113 Summer Street., Lunenburg, MA 01462 o Annual Re-licensing – Common Victualler ▪ American Graffiti Inc. d/b/a American Graffiti, 113 Summer Street., Lunenburg, MA 01462 ▪ Victory Distributors, LLC., d/b/a Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy #8388, 333 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 VIII. OLD BUSINESS IX. PUBLIC COMMENT*** • PUBLIC • TOWN MANAGER • BOARD X. MINUTES/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS XI. COMMITTEE REPORTS XII. UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS SCHEDULE • December 9th • December 16th XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion to Enter into Executive Session and not re-enter Open Session after exiting 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 (Lunenburg Professional Firefighters PFFM Local 5369) ===PAGE 3=== XIV. ADJOURN *** Per Policy, Public comment is limited to 15 minutes, with no more than 3 minutes per speaker except at the discretion of the Chairperson ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-12-02-minutes-7547.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2025-12-02 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2025-12-02-minutes-7547.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12022025-7547 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 1 of 9 Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes Zoom Only Tuesday, December 2, 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. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom and was recorded and broadcast live on the Lunenburg Public Access Facebook page, with the recording to be uploaded to the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel following the meeting. The Pledge of Allegiance was omitted as the meeting was conducted remotely. II. ANNOUNCEMENTS Clerk Renee Emkey noted that the annual tree lighting would be held Thursday, December 4 at 6:00 PM at the Town Center. Chair Nuzzolo encouraged residents to attend and to bring letters for Santa to be deposited in the mailbox at the upper common. III. PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment None. Board Comment No Board members offered public comment at this time. IV. SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS • 7:05 PM Presentation from the Lunenburg Education Accelerator Foundation (LEAF) on their mission and inaugural fundraising campaign to raise funds to support direct-to-teacher grants Sibyl Kaufman, President of LEAF and Lunenburg resident, presented on behalf of the organization. She described LEAF as a citizen-led nonprofit formed by a group of parents and neighbors to address the school district's financial pressures, including rising inflation, health insurance, and transportation costs. The organization's mission is to provide direct-to-teacher grants to fund creative, supplemental learning opportunities that fall outside the scope of the district's operating budget. Ms. Kaufman reported that LEAF had completed all foundational steps, including obtaining 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status, nonprofit postal status, a bank account, and the ability to accept payments via PayPal and Venmo. She noted that the organization launched its inaugural fundraising campaign with an oversized postcard mailer funded by a local business donation, and has begun ===PAGE 2=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 2 of 9 cultivating corporate gifts. Example grant projects drawn from other Massachusetts education foundations include laser cutters, stereomicroscopes, and chicken coops. Ms. Kaufman indicated that LEAF has an established relationship with Superintendent Dr. Fortuna, whose prior experience in Brookline—the first district in the state to establish an education foundation—was viewed as a significant asset. A School Committee liaison has also been appointed to ensure representation in the nonprofit's decision-making. LEAF's planned grant cycle involves collecting funds through the current semester, soliciting teacher applications by spring, reviewing them over the summer, and distributing awards in time for the fall school year. The organization's website is available at leafma.org. Select Board members congratulated Ms. Kaufman on the launch and encouraged her to return with regular updates. No formal action was taken. • 7:15 PM Lunenburg's Low-Income Community Solar for Municipal Aggregation, presentation by Mark Cappadona of Colonial Power Group Mark Cappadona of Colonial Power Group presented a proposal to add a Low-Income Community Solar component to Lunenburg's existing municipal electricity aggregation program, which has been in operation since 2013. Mr. Cappadona explained that Lunenburg was among the earliest communities to join a Colonial Power aggregation, making it a natural fit for this add-on program. Under the proposal, Unitil customers already designated as low-income (classified as R-2 accounts) would automatically receive an additional approximately 4-cent-per-kilowatt-hour discount off the aggregation supply rate—meaning a customer currently paying approximately 12.9 cents per kWh would instead pay approximately 8.9 cents. Mr. Cappadona emphasized that eligible customers would not need to take any action, as enrollment would be automatic with opt-out notification by mail sent one month prior to program commencement. The solar array underpinning the program is located in Ashby, Massachusetts, within the Unitil service territory; no physical installation in Lunenburg is required, as this is a financial transaction. The program operates under the state's SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) program, administered by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and subject to approval by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Mr. Cappadona noted that Colonial Power has obtained a predetermination letter, and all agreements would be verified by the DOER and DPU before becoming effective. The commitment is 20 years in duration; however, if Lunenburg were to withdraw, the discount allocation would be transferred to other Unitil communities such as Fitchburg or Townsend. The Town of Ashby has already signed on to this program. Mr. Cappadona noted urgency related to potential changes to the federal Inflation Reduction Act and associated low-income solar incentives, which could erode benefits after December 31st. The Town Manager stated she had confirmed with the Chief of Police that there were no concerns from a law enforcement perspective, and that she did not believe Town Counsel review was necessary, though she offered to seek it if the Board wished. In response to Select Board questions, Mr. Cappadona clarified that low-income eligibility is determined by Unitil based on state and federal criteria, such as qualification for fuel assistance, free school lunches, or EBT benefits, and that costs for the SMART program are already distributed across all ratepayers. Select Board Member Moore noted that Unitil's existing low-income discount ===PAGE 3=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 3 of 9 is approximately 38%, to which this solar discount would be additive. The Chair characterized the proposal as "a no-brainer," and the Board concurred. Motion by Clerk Emkey to authorize the Town Manager to sign both the Memorandum of Understanding and the Administrative Services Agreement with Colonial Power Group for the Low-Income Community Solar program. Seconded by Vice-Chair Amanda Moore. Roll call vote: Member McLeod – Aye; Member Lehtinen – Aye; Vice-Chair Moore – Aye; Clerk Emkey – Aye; Chair Nuzzolo – Aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). V. EXECUTIVE SESSION • Motion to Enter into Executive Session and re-enter Open Session after exiting Executive Session pursuant to MGL c. 30 §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 and the chair so declares; (Burden, George et al vs. Courtemanche, Stacy et al 2572CM00296 and Town of Lunenburg, acting by and through its Select Board its Chief of Police et al vs. Burden, George B. et al 2585CV01256) This Executive Session item, as noticed on the agenda regarding Burden, George et al. vs. Courtemanche, Stacy et al. (2572CM00296) and Town of Lunenburg et al. vs. Burden, George B. et al. (2585CV01256), was not convened during the open session portion of the meeting. The Select Board proceeded with the remainder of the agenda before entering a separate Executive Session at the close of the meeting on the collective bargaining matter. VI. TOWN MANAGER REPORT The Town Manager provided the following updates: Finance Department Transition: The Finance Director position has been posted and is receiving initial interest. Assistant Town Accountant Jackie Thibault is advancing well in accounts payable training. The Payroll and Benefits position remains difficult to fill; job descriptions, hours, and classifications are under review. The Town and School payroll teams have begun collaborating on workflow modifications. External consulting support remains in place to stabilize core functions, and the Town Manager characterized the situation as an operational challenge, not a financial one. Tax Rate Setting: Following the Select Board's tax classification hearing the prior week at which it voted to maintain a single tax rate and not adopt a residential or small commercial exemption or open space discount. The Principal Assessor submitted the tax rate recap to the Division of Local Services on December 1. The state will review and finalize the rate, after which tax bills will be prepared. The Town Manager expressed no concern regarding timely issuance of bills. Capital Planning Committee: The committee continues to meet, with a presentation from the School Department scheduled for the following evening. FY27 Budget and Town Meeting Calendar: The Town Manager and Finance Committee Chair Chris Menard met to discuss the budget calendar, and a draft is expected within the following week. Collective Bargaining: The Town is currently in active bargaining with three unions: Clerical (Council 93, with an initial meeting sought for January), Fire, and DPW. ===PAGE 4=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 4 of 9 Health Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield and UMass Memorial Health have reached an agreement, keeping UMass in-network for subscribers. Some rate impact from the negotiations is anticipated. Public Employee Committee (PEC): A meeting with the PEC was scheduled for December 4th, after which the Town Manager anticipated providing an Executive Session update to the Board. Facilities: No project updates were available; the Facilities Director had recently returned from vacation. Current Recruitments: Open positions include Conservation Agent (36 hrs/wk, applications preferred by December 12), Staff Librarian – Young Adult (30 hrs/wk), Finance Director (40 hrs/wk), Payroll and Benefits (36 hrs/wk), Meal Site Manager (36 hrs/wk, interviews concluded), Recreation Director (19 hrs/wk), and Dietary Aide (9 hrs/wk). An offer for the Land Use Director position has been accepted; the candidate's name is being held in confidence and will appear before the Board at the December 16 meeting. An offer for a Library Assistant (19 hrs/wk) has also been accepted. Board and Committee Vacancies: Open elected positions include Planning Board, Sewer Commission, and Trust Fund Commission. Appointed vacancies exist on the Agricultural Commission, APDC, Cultural Council, Green Communities, Historical Commission, Personnel Board, PACC, ZBA (Associate), and the First Middlesex Small Town Collaborative representative seat. Clerk Emkey inquired about the availability of external consultant Steve Barrett and was advised that his schedule has shifted to Mondays and Wednesdays, providing more in-person time. VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Letter to Governor Maura Healey on Local Aid and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Chair Nuzzolo indicated this item would be deferred to the following week's in-person meeting for review and discussion. 2. Discussion on Special Event Policy Chair Nuzzolo noted that review of this policy is part of the Select Board's established goals. The item was flagged for initial discussion at the next meeting. 3. Discussion on Appointment Policy Deferred bo initial discussion at the next meeting. 4. Review Select Board Bylaw for Potential Recommendations to Bylaw Review Committee Chair Nuzzolo noted that the Bylaw Review Committee had solicited feedback from all boards and committees. Select Board members were asked to review the Select Board bylaw and provide feedback, which may then be discussed at the next meeting. 5. Communications with Boards/Committees/Commissions Clerk Emkey introduced a draft letter she had prepared regarding inter-board communication, with a focus on the Tri-Board (Select Board, School Committee, and Finance Committee). She explained that the impetus was a pattern of perceived communication breakdowns, including instances where board/committee members were not reading email correspondence and relying instead on social ===PAGE 5=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 5 of 9 media for information, a dynamic she expressed concern could lead to misinformation, particularly heading into budget season. Clerk Emkey stated she struggled with tone, not wanting the letter to appear as finger-pointing, and acknowledged the Select Board shares responsibility for improvement. Key themes of the draft included: acknowledging communication challenges, improving information-sharing and engagement, more effective use of existing liaisons between the three boards, a commitment by all members to monitor official Town email, and a reaffirmation of the Select Board's commitment to transparency and collaboration. She proposed that she deliver the letter at a Finance Committee meeting and that Member Brian Lehtinen do the same at the School Committee, in addition to transmitting it by email. Chair Nuzzolo expressed full support while emphasizing that tone would be critical, and noted that he believed meaningful collaboration was already occurring, with the communication issues perhaps reflecting growing pains of increased cooperation. Member Lehtinen, Vice-Chair Moore, and Member McLeod all expressed support for the initiative and agreed to review the draft before the next meeting. Clerk Emkey noted that public perception of inter-board communication is also an important consideration, particularly given comments made at the Special Town Meeting. The Select Board agreed to review the draft letter individually and continue the discussion the following week, with any edits or comments to be sent only to the Town Manager or Clerk Emkey to comply with Open Meeting Law. 6. Annual License Renewals • Identify requests by Select Board Members to meet with individual applicants • Renewals Ready for Consideration by Select Board: o Pouring – All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages ▪ American Graffiti Inc. d/b/a American Graffiti, 113 Summer Street., Lunenburg, MA 01462 ▪ Settlers Crossing Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Settler’s Pub, 994 Northfield Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 o Annual Re-licensing – Package Store – All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages ▪ Victory Distributors, LLC., d/b/a Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy #8388, 333 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 ▪ Lunenburg Liquor Mart, Inc. d/b/a Lunenburg Liquor Mart, 88 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg MA, 01462 ▪ Sarjudas, LLC, d/b/a Lunenburg Liquors, 433 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 o Annual Re-licensing – Package Store – Wine and Malt ▪ Central Mass Garden Center, Inc., d/b/a Central Mass Gardens, 621 Chase Street, Lunenburg MA 01462 o Annual Re-licensing – Jukebox ▪ American Graffiti Inc. d/b/a American Graffiti, 113 Summer Street., Lunenburg, MA 01462 o Annual Re-licensing – Common Victualler ▪ American Graffiti Inc. d/b/a American Graffiti, 113 Summer Street., Lunenburg, MA 01462 ===PAGE 6=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 6 of 9 ▪ Victory Distributors, LLC., d/b/a Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy #8388, 333 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 The Executive Assistant to the Town Manage and Select Board, Melissa Richard, provided an update on the status of pending annual license renewals. Several applicants had outstanding compliance items: ● Exstapa Restaurant – Requires a building inspection, fire inspection, and must be current on sewer bills. This was identified as the most significant outstanding concern. ● Lakeview Club – Does not currently hold a valid food service license with the Board of Health; communications are ongoing. ● On the Rocks – Outstanding tax payment, paid online the day of the meeting. ● Bedrock Bar & Grill – Delinquent on real estate taxes; it was reported that the mortgage company is responsible for payment and the establishment has been directed to resolve the matter with their lender. ● White Thai – Food service license issue involving a language barrier; a food service license submitted had expired in October. A receipt for a new inspection was provided, but the updated certificate was not yet available. Staff indicated that the Board of Health would follow up with Nashoba Valley the following day. The Select Board was also informed that the Chief of Police had no concerns with any of the current alcohol licensees. The Town Manager clarified that all current licensees hold valid licenses through the end of the calendar year, and that a contingent approval vote could be used at the final December meeting for applicants who are close to compliance particularly in advance of New Year's Eve. No Select Board members requested that any individual applicants be brought in for a meeting at this time. The Select Board agreed to allow another week for outstanding compliance matters to be resolved. The following license renewals, having been confirmed as complete and ready for action, were presented for approval: ● Pouring – All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages: American Graffiti Inc. d/b/a American Graffiti, 113 Summer Street; Settlers Crossing Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Settler's Pub, 994 Northfield Road. ● Annual Re-licensing – Package Store – All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages: Victory Distributors, LLC d/b/a Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy #8388, 333 Massachusetts Avenue; Lunenburg Liquor Mart, Inc. d/b/a Lunenburg Liquor Mart, 88 Massachusetts Avenue; Sarjudas, LLC d/b/a Lunenburg Liquors, 433 Electric Avenue. ● Annual Re-licensing – Package Store – Wine and Malt: Central Mass Garden Center, Inc. d/b/a Central Mass Gardens, 621 Chase Street. ● Annual Re-licensing – Jukebox: American Graffiti Inc. d/b/a American Graffiti, 113 Summer Street. ===PAGE 7=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 7 of 9 ● Annual Re-licensing – Common Victualler: American Graffiti Inc. d/b/a American Graffiti, 113 Summer Street; Victory Distributors, LLC d/b/a Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy #8388, 333 Massachusetts Avenue. Motion by Chair Nuzzolo to renew all license applications as printed on the agenda. Seconded by Clerk Emkey. Roll call vote: Member McLeod – Aye; Member Lehtinen – Aye; Vice-Chair Moore – Aye; Clerk Emkey – Aye; Chair Nuzzolo – Aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). VIII. OLD BUSINESS No old business was brought forward. IX. PUBLIC COMMENT** • PUBLIC No public comment was received. • TOWN MANAGER The Town Manager entered a clarification into the record regarding Article 11 (Kids Kingdom) from the November 18 Special Town Meeting, at which the School Committee Chair had publicly stated that the School Committee was not consulted prior to the article being placed on the warrant. The Town Manager confirmed that this statement was technically accurate; however, she noted that on October 13shortly after the Select Board voted to add the article to the warrant she had emailed a full draft of the article and summary to both the Superintendent and the School Committee Chair, explicitly inviting the committee to take a position. The Town Manager further noted that the School Committee Chair had courteously notified her on the day of Town Meeting that the statement would be made, but that she had not had time to research the prior correspondence before the meeting. Following Town Meeting, she located and re-shared the October 13 email with both parties. She stated that both conversations led her to believe the email was simply missed during a busy period, and that no deliberate omission occurred. The Town Manager emphasized that her intent was transparency for the public record, not criticism, and that she remains committed to collaborative working relationships with the Superintendent and School Committee. • BOARD No comment by the Select Board. X. MINUTES*/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS Minutes No minutes were available for approval. Warrants None. Action Items Clerk Emkey raised two action items: ===PAGE 8=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 8 of 9 ● Water Rates: Clerk Emkey inquired whether a discussion on water rates could be scheduled for the following week. The Town Manager indicated that a consultant had completed the revenue summary as part of the tax rate recap process, but that a full discussion on water rates may not be ready by the next meeting. The Town Manager expressed the goal of completing the water rate discussion in December. ● FY24 Audit: Clerk Emkey noted that the FY24 audit had been shared and asked whether the Select Board wished to invite the auditors to present, as had been done in prior years. Chair Nuzzolo indicated he had not yet read the audit but would do so. The Town Manager noted no striking findings in the document. The Select Board agreed to read the audit and then determine whether a formal presentation should be scheduled. Member Lehtinen requested that a post-Special Town Meeting review be placed on a future agenda, specifically to discuss next steps for the Kids Kingdom article. XI. COMMITTEE REPORTS Member Lehtinen reported on several committees. The Board of Assessors met on November 19, appointing Brian Marple as a new member, addressing 27 abatements, and working through personal property and exemption issues with a consultant. The classification hearing was held November 25. The School Committee met November 19, discussing the Special Education Recovery Fund, the FY27 budget timeline, substitute teacher pay (increased to $112/day), the Capital Planning Committee, the Primary School feasibility study and playground designer services, Turkey Hill (renovation vs. rebuild), MSBA, transportation vans, and health insurance projections of potentially 20% increases. The district will prepare three budget scenarios: level service, level funded, and a prioritized necessary increase. The Town Manager was commended by the committee for partnership and fairness. The Lunenburg Municipal Building Design Committee met on Monday and established a subcommittee consisting of Matthew Brenner, Anthony Sculimbrene, and Laura Brzozoski to conduct a space needs assessment with Town employees. The committee will continue analyzing whether all departments can be housed in the Ritter building. Member McLeod reported that the Planning Board met November 24, appointing Judy Dragoslis to the Economic Development Committee. A public hearing was held for a proposed self-storage facility at 30 Summer Street (four stories, approximately 104,700 square feet), continued to December 15. The MPO met November 19 and discussed the designation of critical rural freight corridors in Lunenburg, running from Route 2 to the Keating property, which could make the area eligible for National Highway Freight Network funding potentially of benefit to safety improvements at the Reservoir Road/Lancaster Shirley Road intersection. Open Space Committee continues to pursue standing committee status. No reports from AgCom or the Library Board of Trustees. XII. UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS SCHEDULE • December 9 • December 16 XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION ===PAGE 9=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 9 of 9 • Motion to Enter into Executive Session and not re-enter Open Session after exiting 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 (Lunenburg Professional Firefighters PFFM Local 5369) Motion by Chair Nuzzolo to enter into Executive Session and not re-enter Open Session after exiting Executive Session, pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 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—for Lunenburg Professional Firefighters PFFM Local 5369. Seconded by Member Lehtinen. Roll call vote: Member McLeod – Aye; Member Lehtinen – Aye; Vice-Chair Moore – Aye; Clerk Emkey – Aye; Chair Nuzzolo – Aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). The Select Board entered Executive Session at the conclusion of open business. The meeting did not re-enter Open Session. XIV. ADJOURNMENT The open session of the Select Board meeting concluded upon entry into Executive Session. Respectfully Submitted, Renee Emkey These Minutes were reviewed and approved by the Select Board on: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-12-09-agenda-7554.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2025-12-09 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2025-12-09-agenda-7554.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092025-7554 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SELECT BOARD Tuesday, December 9, 2025 7:00 PM AGENDA Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast live over the Lunenburg Public Access channel, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be uploaded to the LunenburgAccess YouTube after the meeting. Additionally, please be advised that the Town of Lunenburg utilizes the Zoom platform as host for its hybrid and remote meetings; that the Zoom platform utilizes AI technology, known as "AI Companion," to create audio transcriptions of meetings to aid in the subsequent preparation of meeting minutes; and that AI Companion is activated immediately upon launching the Zoom application. You are hereby notified that this AI technology may capture audio prior to the start of the meeting and/or following the conclusion of the meeting. This meeting will be held remotely via Zoom. Members of the public are welcome to attend this remote meeting. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is being provided as a courtesy to the public, the meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast, unless otherwise required by law. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/9091740347 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 909-174- 0347 # If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Vote s may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE II. ANNOUNCEMENTS III. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. PUBLIC 2. BOARD IV. SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND HEARINGS V. APPOINTMENTS, RATIFICATIONS, AND RESIGNATIONS • Acknowledge the Resignation of Pauline Roy, Outreach Coordinator for the Council on Aging • Acknowledge the Resignation of Katilyn Hinnelberger, Young Adult Staff Librarian VI. TOWN MANAGER REPORT VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Annual Re-licensing – Pouring – All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages • 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 01462 ===PAGE 2=== 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 7. Review Other License Renewal Applications as Needed VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. Letter to Governor Maura Healey on Local Aid and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget 2. Discussion on Special Event Policy 3. Discussion on Appointment Policy 4. Review Select Board Bylaw for Potential Recommendations to Bylaw Review Committee 5. Communications with Boards/Committees/Commissions 6. Special Town Meeting Recap IX. MINUTES/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS X. COMMITTEE REPORTS XI. UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS SCHEDULE • December 16th XII. PUBLIC COMMENT*** 1. PUBLIC 2. TOWN MANAGER 3. BOARD XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion to Enter into Executive Session and not re-enter Open Session after exiting Executive Session pursuant to MGL c. 30 §21 (a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to … litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the .. ===PAGE 3=== litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares; (Burden, George et al vs. Courtemanche, Stacy et al 2572CM00296 and Town of Lunenburg, acting by and through its Select Board its Chief of Police et al vs. Burden, George B. et al 2585CV01256) XIV. ADJOURN *** Per Policy, Public comment is limited to 15 minutes, with no more than 3 minutes per speaker except at the discretion of the Chairperson ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-12-09-minutes-7554.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2025-12-09 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2025-12-09-minutes-7554.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12092025-7554 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== 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. ===PAGE 2=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Page 2 of 12 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. ===PAGE 3=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Page 3 of 12 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 ===PAGE 4=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Page 4 of 12 • 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. ===PAGE 5=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Page 5 of 12 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. ===PAGE 6=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Page 6 of 12 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: ===PAGE 7=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Page 7 of 12 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, ===PAGE 8=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Page 8 of 12 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 ===PAGE 9=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Page 9 of 12 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 ===PAGE 10=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Page 10 of 12 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 ===PAGE 11=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Page 11 of 12 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 ===PAGE 12=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025 Page 12 of 12 These Minutes were reviewed and approved by the Select Board on: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-12-16-agenda-7567.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2025-12-16 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2025-12-16-agenda-7567.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12162025-7567 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SELECT BOARD Tuesday, December 16, 2025 7:00 PM *REVISED AGENDA Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast live over the Lunenburg Public Access channel, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be uploaded to the LunenburgAccess YouTube after the meeting. Additionally, please be advised that the Town of Lunenburg utilizes the Zoom platform as host for its hybrid and remote meetings; that the Zoom platform utilizes AI technology, known as "AI Companion," to create audio transcriptions of meetings to aid in the subsequent preparation of meeting minutes; and that AI Companion is activated immediately upon launching the Zoom application. You are hereby notified that this AI technology may capture audio prior to the start of the meeting and/or following the conclusion of the meeting. T his meeting will be held remotely via Zoom. Members of the public are welcome to attend this remote meeting. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is being provided as a courtesy to the public, the meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast, unless otherwise required by law. T he following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/9091740347 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 909-174- 0347 # If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Vote s may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE II. ANNOUNCEMENTS III. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. PUBLIC 2. BOARD IV. SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND HEARINGS • 7:10 PM: Introduction of Stephen Wallace, Director of Planning and Economic Development • 7:20 PM: Fiscal Year 2024 Audit Report, Frank Sarreti, Managing Director, CBIZ CPAs V. APPOINTMENTS, RATIFICATIONS, AND RESIGNATIONS • Ratification of the Town Manager’s Appointment of Stephen Wallace as Director of Planning and E conomic Development • Ratification of the Town Manager’s Appointment of Brandie O’Toole as Meal Site Manager • Ratification of the Town Manager’s Appointment of Joseph Davis as Intermittent Heavy Equipment Operator • Acknowledgement of the Library Director’s Appointment of Minna Scholten as Library Assistant VI. TOWN MANAGER REPORT ===PAGE 2=== VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Annual Re-licensing – Pouring – All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages • Embers Lounge & Restaurant LLC., d/b/a Embers Pizzeria, 84 Lakefront Drive, Lunenburg MA, 01462 • Lakefront Beverages, Inc., d/b/a On The Rocks, 96 Lakefront Drive, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Red Pepper, Inc., d/b/a Ixtapa, 308 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • *Lunenburg Zeda’s, Inc., d/b/a Bad Larry’s, 1 Main Street, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • *PALS Golf Lounge, LLC., d/b/a Blue Sky Golf, 5 Summer Street, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • *449 Corp., d/b/a Lakeview Club, 449 Whalom Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 2. Annual Re-licensing – Package Store – Wine and Malt • Mahant Baker’s Variety, Inc., d/b/a Baker’s Whalom, 423 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • *Lanni Orchards, Inc., d/b/a Lanni Orchards, 294 Chase Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 3. Annual Re-licensing – Package Store – All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages • Genghis, Inc., d/b/a Jaxx Country Store, 1353 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 4. Annual Re-licensing – Weekday Entertainment 5. Annual Re-licensing – Automatic Amusement 6. Annual Re-licensing – Jukebox 7. Annual Re-licensing – Common Victualler • KCM Donuts, Inc., d/b/a Dunkin Donuts, 400 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • KCM Donuts, Inc., d/b/a Dunkin Donuts, 451 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Smokestack Roasters, LLC., d/b/a Smokestack Roasters, 39 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • *Konrad Café, Inc., d/b/a Dippin Donuts, 455 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • *Sam Fam, Inc., d/b/a Lunenb urg Diner, 324 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • *Lunenburg Gas & Market, LLC. , d/b/a Lunenburg Gas, 400 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • *Whalom Gas Service, Inc., d/b/a Whalom Gas, 1 Whalom Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 8. Annual Re-licensing – Base License • Lakeview Driving Range, 15 Carr Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 9. Annual Re-licensing – Class I License • Colonial Imports, Inc., d/b/a North End Subaru, 757 Chase Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Colonial Imports West, Inc., d/b/a North End Mazda, 747 Chase Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Recreational Dimensions, Inc., d/b/a Central Mass Power Sports, 19 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Joe Smalley Auto Sales, Inc., d/b/a Daewoo North, 30 Summer Street, Lunenburg, MA 01462 10. Annual Re-licensing – Class II License • Colonial Imports, Inc., d/b/a North End Subaru, 757 Chase Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Baker Enterprises Co, Inc., d/b/a The Auto Barn, 53 Chase Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • K. B. Agyeman, d/b/a K B Cars LLC., 555 Chase Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Mass Ave Motors Inc., d/b/a Mass Ave Motors, 381 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • John V. Goguen, d/b/a J G Service, 346 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Michael R. & Robert C. Lovewell, d/b/a R C Motors, 9 Kirby Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Michael Bartnowski, d/b/a K C Sales and Services LLC., 1312 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 ===PAGE 3=== • Chapdelaine Truck Center, Inc., d/b/a Chapdelaine Truck Center, 199 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Jack Nassif Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a J & E Auto Sales, 383 Whalom Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • *Carol & Henry Baker, d/b/a Baker’s Towing, 366 Leominster Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 11. Annual Re-licensing – Class III License • Michael Chapdelaine, d/b/a Chapdelaine Auto Salvage, RR 199 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 12. Annual Re-licensing – Limousine License • First Choice Limousine and Transportation, 55 Chase Road, Lunenburg, MA 01462 • Thomas Crounse, d/b/a Lloyd’s Limousine, PO Box 502, Lunenburg, MA 01462 13. Review Other License Renewal Applications as Needed 14. Approval of Employment Agreement for Karen Brochu, Interim Finance Director/Town Accountant 15. Discussion on Future Disposition of 925 Massachusetts Ave. VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. Letter to Governor Maura Healey on Local Aid and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget 2. Discussion on Special Event Policy 3. Discussion on Appointment Policy 4. Review Select Board Bylaw for Potential Recommendations to Bylaw Review Committee IX. MINUTES*/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS X. COMMITTEE REPORTS XI. UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS SCHEDULE XII. PUBLIC COMMENT** 1. PUBLIC 2. TOWN MANAGER 3. BOARD XIII. ADJOURN * Minutes known at time of posting, additional minutes may be approved ** Per Policy, Public comment is limited to 15 minutes, with no more than 3 minutes per speaker except at the discretion of the Chair ===PAGE 4===