# select-board — 11 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 : 2026-01-05-agenda-7583.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2026-01-05 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2026-01-05-agenda-7583.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01052026-7583 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SELECT BOARD Monday January 5, 2026 6:00 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 Facebook Live on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be uploaded to the Lunenburg Access YouTube Channel 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 requi red 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. Bv 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. 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE II. 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) III. ADJOURN ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2026-01-06-agenda-7584.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2026-01-06 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2026-01-06-agenda-7584.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01062026-7584 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SELECT BOARD Tuesday, January 6, 2026 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 Facebook Live on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be uploaded to the Lunenburg Access YouTube Channel 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 requi red 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. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND SCHEDULED MEETINGS V. APPOINTMENTS, RATIFICATIONS, AND RESIGNATIONS • Select Board’s appointment of Jennifer Sanderson to the APDC as the Historical Commission Representative, Term to expire June 2027 • Select Board’s appointment of Shirley McBride (D) to the Registrar of Voters, Term to expire March 31, 2028. • Town Manager’s appointment of Herlin Jaime as Conservation Agent, and approval of Step 5 salary • Acknowledgement of the Library Director and Assistant Town Manager’s Appointment of Debra Laffond as Part-Time Staff Librarian ===PAGE 2=== VI. TOWN MANAGER REPORT VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Alcohol Beverages Control Commission Annual Certification • Seasonal Population Increase Estimation Form • Renewal Certification 2026 Form 2. Vote to open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant on Tuesday January 6, 2026 and close the Warrant on March 16, 2026 VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. Discussion on Special Event Policy 2. Discussion on Appointment Policy 3. Review Select Board Bylaw for Potential Recommendations to Bylaw Review Committee IX. PUBLIC COMMENT** • PUBLIC • TOWN MANAGER • BOARD X. MINUTES*/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS • December 16, 2025 • December 30, 2025 XI. COMMITTEE REPORTS XII. UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS SCHEDULE • January 13th 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 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2026-01-06-minutes-7584.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2026-01-06 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2026-01-06-minutes-7584.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01062026-7584 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Select Board Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 Page 1 of 7 Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes Town Hall, 17 Main Street and via Zoom Tuesday, January 6, 2026 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 Town Clerk's office had mailed census forms, which would arrive alongside 2026 dog license applications. Residents were reminded to ensure their dog licenses were current prior to returning new applications, that any outstanding prior-year licenses would be processed first, and that mailed applications must include the proper fee and a self- addressed stamped envelope with two-ounce postage. III. PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment Ana Lockwood, 91 Main Street, addressed the Select Board regarding the forthcoming discussion on the appointment policy. Ms. Lockwood expressed support for maintaining full transparency in the appointment process and cautioned against moving any portion of candidate screening outside of a public meeting setting. She noted that individuals seeking appointment to public committees should be comfortable engaging with the public, as many committees interact directly with residents. Ms. Lockwood urged the Select Board to keep the process consolidated within a single, transparent public meeting. Chair Nuzzolo clarified that any proposed subcommittee screening process would still occur in an open meeting, and that candidates would still come before the full Select Board for an interview and formal appointment. Board Comment No public comment made by Select Board members. ===PAGE 2=== Select Board Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 Page 2 of 7 IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND SCHEDULED MEETINGS No public hearings or scheduled meetings were held. V. APPOINTMENTS, RATIFICATIONS, AND RESIGNATIONS 1. Select Board’s appointment of Jennifer Sanderson to the APDC as the Historical Commission Representative, Term to expire June 2027 Chair Nuzzolo presented the appointment of Jennifer Sanderson as the Historical Commission Representative to the APDC, with a term to expire June 2027. Chair Nuzzolo noted that the Historical Commission had discussed and voted to designate Ms. Sanderson as their delegate. Clerk Renee Emkey raised a question regarding Ms. Sanderson's term on the Historical Commission, which the website indicated expires June 2026 prior to the end of the APDC term. The Select Board noted this as a matter to be aware of, though not a barrier to the appointment. Motion by Chair Nuzzolo to appoint Jennifer Sanderson to the APDC as the Historical Commission Representative, with a term to expire June 2027. Seconded by Vice-Chair Amanda Moore. Call for vote: Five-Aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). 2. Select Board’s appointment of Shirley McBride (D) to the Registrar of Voters, Term to expire March 31, 2028. Chair Nuzzolo explained that Ms. McBride's term had been listed incorrectly on the Town's website, resulting in a missed reappointment the prior year. The appointment was presented as a correction of that administrative oversight. Motion by Chair Nuzzolo to appoint Shirley McBride to the Registrar of Voters, with a term to expire March 31, 2028. Seconded by Vice-Chair Amanda Moore. Call for vote: Five-Aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). 3. Town Manager’s appointment of Herlin Jaime as Conservation Agent, and approval of Step 5 salary Town Manager Jennifer Warren-Dyment presented the appointment of Herlin Jaime as Conservation Agent, noting that Ms. Jaime had been serving the Town of Lunenburg in an interim capacity since the spring, while concurrently employed full-time as Conservation Agent for the City of Fitchburg. Town Manager Warren-Dyment stated that Ms. Jaime had demonstrated a high level of professionalism and expertise, and recommended approval of a Step 5 salary based on her education and experience. Conservation Commissioner Mary Wilson, 138 Whiting Street, spoke in support of the appointment on behalf of herself and Conservation Commission Chair Jenny Pewtherer. Commissioner Wilson described Ms. Jaime as having mastered an efficient Conservation Commission workflow, noting her comprehensive site assessments, complete and timely project reviews, clear communications, and actionable regulatory recommendations. Commissioner Wilson stated that the Conservation Commission was "hugely in favor" of the hire, and characterized the appointment as "a huge win for Lunenburg's Conservation Commission." ===PAGE 3=== Select Board Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 Page 3 of 7 Motion by Chair Nuzzolo to ratify the Town Manager's appointment of Herlin Jaime as Conservation Agent and approve a Step 5 salary. Seconded by Vice-Chair Amanda Moore. Call for vote: Five-Aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). 4. Acknowledgement of the Library Director and Assistant Town Manager’s Appointment of Debra Laffond as Part-Time Staff Librarian Town Manager Warren-Dyment explained that the Library was experiencing temporary vacancies due to health issues among staff, and that Ms. Laffond had agreed to return to assist with staffing coverage in a part-time capacity. No formal vote was required; the appointment was acknowledged by the Select Board. VI. TOWN MANAGER REPORT Town Manager Warren-Dyment provided the following updates: Finance Department Transition: Finance Director and Town Accountant Katie McKenna’s service concluded on December 31. Retired Finance Director Karen Brochu has returned as Interim Finance Director and Town Accountant, with her primary focus on reconciling and closing Fiscal Year 2025. Town Manager Warren-Dyment noted that the operational impact of the vacancy cannot be overstated, and that day-to-day finance-related interruptions were affecting all departments. She noted that she had signed an agreement with Complete Staffing Solutions to assist with recruitment for the Finance Director position, citing their recent success with a similar Munis-based recruitment in Nashua, New Hampshire. An independent candidate interview for Finance Director was also scheduled for Thursday. Payroll and Benefits: Following the retirement of Nancy O'Rourke in late October, a professional temp has been in the role. School staff have been trained and have begun processing school payroll, with Ms. O'Rourke assisting in that training. The Town hoped to extend an offer for the permanent position that week. Water Billing: Eleven customers had not received water bills during the regular quarterly schedule due to a breakdown in administrative billing procedures during a period of staff transition. Those customers were notified and will receive a catch-up bill reflecting water usage from January 2025 through November 2025. Town Manager Warren-Dyment noted the Select Board would consider a rate adjustment in accordance with the applicable contract, anticipated to be placed on the following week's agenda. Master Plan: The Master Plan Steering Committee, working with their consultant, completed the first draft of the Master Plan. Town Manager Warren-Dyment noted that she was impressed with the initial product and invited Select Board members to provide feedback. Nashoba Associated Boards of Health: The community health needs assessment for 2025 has been completed and is available on the Town website. Town Manager Warren-Dyment also reported that Nashoba voted to raise their assessments by 30%, citing structural funding challenges including reduced land use activity revenue, expiring COVID-related grants, and rising health insurance and employment costs. The increase represents approximately $13,946 above what had been anticipated, bringing the total Nashoba assessment to just over $90,000. Open Recruitments: Town Manager Warren-Dyment highlighted the Recreation Director position (19 hours per week) as critically urgent, noting that summer programming ramp-up ===PAGE 4=== Select Board Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 Page 4 of 7 begins in early spring and the Town risked being unable to run a recreation program if the position remained unfilled. Other open positions include a Young Adult Staff Librarian, Finance Director, Payroll and Benefits Coordinator, Dietary Aide, and Outreach Coordinator. Clerk Emkey emphasized the severity of the Finance Department transition for the benefit of the public, noting that even once vacancies are filled, onboarding will take time, and the impact will be felt throughout what is expected to be a challenging budget season. She urged the public to stay engaged, follow meetings closely, and participate in public forums. Vice-Chair Moore added her gratitude to Karen Brochu for returning in an interim capacity, noting the value of her institutional knowledge during the transition. VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Alcohol Beverages Control Commission Annual Certification • Seasonal Population Increase Estimation Form • Renewal Certification 2026 Form Chair Nuzzolo presented two forms for the ABCC Annual Certification: the Seasonal Population Increase Estimation Form, reflecting no seasonal increase, and the Renewal Certification 2026 Form. The only licensee who had not yet renewed was Smokestack Roasters. There were no disapproved licensees. Motion by Chair Nuzzolo to approve the two forms for the ABCC Annual Certification. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore. Call for vote: Five-Aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). 2. Vote to open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant on Tuesday January 6, 2026 and close the Warrant on March 16, 2026 The Chair presented the motion to open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant on January 6, 2026, and close it on March 16, 2026. Town Manager Warren-Dyment noted that notifications would be sent out the following day. Motion by Chair Nuzzolo to open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, and close the warrant on March 16, 2026. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore. Call for vote: Five-Aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. Discussion on Special Event Policy Chair Nuzzolo noted that the Select Board would workshop the Special Event Policy at the following week's meeting. Chair Nuzzolo reported having reached out to Town Counsel Attorney Costa regarding the ability to regulate private property, and that Attorney Costa was locating prior research he had conducted on the matter. Chair Nuzzolo indicated that a bare- bones draft had been prepared as a starting point, with all substantive provisions to be workshopped by the Select Board. 2. Discussion on Appointment Policy Chair Nuzzolo opened discussion on the Appointment Policy. Member Brian Lehtinen presented several proposed additions and modifications intended to make the process more welcoming and ===PAGE 5=== Select Board Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 Page 5 of 7 accessible to prospective volunteers. Introductory Statement: Member Lehtinen proposed adding a preamble stating that the Town values resident participation in local government and encourages community members of all backgrounds and experience levels to consider volunteer service. The Select Board received this addition favorably. Interview Tone Language: Member Lehtinen proposed adding language clarifying that "Interviews are intended to be conversational and informational, providing applicants an opportunity to learn more about the role and allowing the Select Board to ensure a good fit." The Select Board agreed to incorporate this language under the interview-related provisions. Reappointment Language: Member Lehtinen proposed replacing the existing reappointment language with the following: "Reappointment shall not be automatic. However, the Select Board values continuity of service and will consider each incumbent's contributions, engagement, and interest in continuing to serve." The Select Board agreed this conveyed the same principle with a more constructive tone. Committee Commitment and Summary Section: Member Lehtinen proposed creating a new section requiring each multi-member body appointed by the Select Board to develop and maintain a brief Committee Commitment and Summary Statement. The statement would be required to address, at minimum: mission and purpose, time commitment, scope of authority, skills and experience (including a statement that formal expertise is not required unless mandated by law), and term and continuity. Member Lehtinen noted that the Town's most frequently asked questions in the office concern meeting schedules and time expectations. Town Manager Warren-Dyment confirmed this. Chair Nuzzolo proposed adding "applicable mandatory training" to the skills and interests component, which the Select Board accepted. The section would also require that the statement be reviewed annually and posted on the Town website alongside vacancy postings. Subcommittee Screening: Member Glenn McLeod raised the previously discussed concept of a subcommittee for initial screening of applicants. Reflecting on the public feedback received both from the public comment earlier in the evening and from a resident email the Select Board reached consensus to not move forward with the subcommittee concept. Chair Nuzzolo noted that no changes would be made to the policy to reflect that idea. Application Form: Chair Nuzzolo noted that the only remaining modification to discuss was updating the application form to include a field prompting applicants to explain their interest in each specific committee. Town Manager Warren-Dyment indicated that staff would locate the current form from the shared drive. Chair Nuzzolo expressed interest in making both a paper and electronic version available. Chair Nuzzolo indicated the policy was nearing completion and that it would be placed on the following week's agenda for a final review and potential approval. 3. Review Select Board Bylaw for Potential Recommendations to Bylaw Review Committee Chair Nuzzolo indicated that this item would likely be removed from the standing agenda going forward, and invited members to continue reviewing licensing-related bylaws independently. Any member wishing to raise a specific provision could request it be added back to the agenda. Chair Nuzzolo noted that the Bylaw Review Committee had been meeting on the first Thursday ===PAGE 6=== Select Board Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 Page 6 of 7 of the month, but had not yet scheduled a January meeting due to the holiday, and anticipated meeting later in January. IX. MINUTES*/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS Minutes Chair Nuzzolo presented the following sets of minutes for approval: February 20, 2024; March 5, 2024; March 19, 2024; April 23, 2024; August 5, 2025; October 8, 2024; December 16, 2025; and December 30, 2025. Motion by Chair Nuzzolo to approve all sets of minutes as presented. Seconded by Seconded by Clerk Emkey. Call for vote: Four-Aye; One-Abstain. The motion passed (4-0- 1), with Member McLeod abstaining. Warrants An Accounts Payable Warrant in the amount of $316,660.36 was presented for approval. Action Items Clerk Emkey requested that the Warrant Article pertaining to the Town Meeting mailer be placed on an upcoming agenda, in advance of the budget season. Chair Nuzzolo confirmed this was being tracked and would be scheduled. X. COMMITTEE REPORTS Clerk Emkey reported that the Stormwater Committee and Finance Committee would both be meeting on Thursday. Member McLeod reported that the Planning Board would meet on the 12th; the Master Plan Steering Committee draft was out for review; there was a December 17 MPO meeting with nothing of note; the Open Space Committee met December 10 and continued discussion on a draft bylaw for becoming a formal committee, with their next meeting on the 14th; AGCOM had a meeting scheduled toward the end of the month; and he also covered the Library Board of Trustees. Member Lehtinen reported that the Board of Assessors would meet the following day. He also provided a report on the December 17 School Committee meeting, at which he read the Tri- Board letter addressed to the Tri-Board; noted that School Committee Chair mentioned member George Yapp had indicated his intent to resign due to a job change, though no official letter had been submitted to the Town; reported that the School would be hosting a Harvard doctoral resident from July 2026 through April 2027 at no cost to the district; and noted the discovery of ten paraprofessionals not accounted for in the FY26 budget, with the Superintendent having sent a letter to that effect earlier that day. Member Lehtinen also noted that the School administration recommended the School Committee vote on a school budget prior to receiving the Town Manager's budget number, in order to present a clear ask to the Tri-Board. XI. UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS SCHEDULE ===PAGE 7=== Select Board Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 Page 7 of 7 Chair Nuzzolo noted two Tri-Board meetings scheduled for January, January 12 and January 27, as well as the Select Board meeting on January 13. XII. PUBLIC COMMENT** • PUBLIC No public comment was received. • TOWN MANAGER There were no comments from the Town Manager. • BOARD No comment by the Select Board. XIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Member Lehtinen to adjourn at 7:51 PM. Seconded by Clerk Emkey. 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, August 18, 2026 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2026-01-12-agenda-7600.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2026-01-12 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2026-01-12-agenda-7600.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01122026-7600 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SELECT BOARD TRI-BOARD MEETING AGENDA Monday, January 12, 2026 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. 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. TRI-BOARD CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE I. NEW BUSINESS a. Preliminary Budget Presentation Under the Following Categories: General Government, Unclassified, Debt Service, Intergovernmental b. Preliminary Revenue Projections c. Preliminary FY27 Budget Plan Discussions IMPORTANT DATES & UPCOMING MEETINGS Tri-Board Meetings- January 26, 2026 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 : 2026-01-12-minutes-7600.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2026-01-12 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2026-01-12-minutes-7600.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01122026-7600 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026 Page 1 of 11 Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes School Committee Meeting Minutes Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Lunenburg Middle/High School, LMS Collaborative Room #D12 Monday, January 12 , 2026 Note: References to the Tri-Board in the context of this meeting refer to Finance Committee, School Committee and Select Board Select Board Members Present: Chair Caesar Nuzzolo, Vice - Chair Ama n da Moore , Clerk Renee Emkey, Member Brian Lehtinen, Member Glenn McLeod School Committee Members Present: Chair Anthony Sculimbrene, Vice - Chair Laura Brzozoski, and Secretary Mandy Gilman (Absent: Emily Young and George Yapp ) Finance Committee Members Present: Chair Chris Menard, Member Tanya Dall, Member Jay Simeone and Member Mike Rupp (Absent: Jean Russell, Tom Gray, and Ana Lockwood) Tri-Board Moderator: Finance Chair Chris Menard moderated the meeting. Also Present: Town Manager Jennifer Warren-Dyment CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF A L L E G I A N C E The meeting was called to order by Finance Committee Chair Chirs Menard who served as Moderator. He asked everyone to stand and address the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance. NEW BUSINESS Preliminary Budget Presentation Under the Following Categories: General Government, Unclassified, Debt Service, Intergovernmental Town Manager Jennifer Warren-Dyment led the preliminary budget presentation, stating at the outset that her goal was "to go relatively quickly through the remaining budgets," covering general government functions, debt service, intergovernmental, and unclassified items. She noted that all salary figures were currently presented at FY26 rates, as several union contracts remained under active negotiation and no cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) had yet been finalized. Select Board and Town Manager Budgets: Town Manager Warren-Dyment presented the Select Board budget at approximately $180,000, noting that $160,000 of that figure was driven by staff costs which include the Assistant Town Manager/HR Director, the Executive Assistant, and pool of minute clerks, with the remainder of the budget covering expenses. The Town Manager's budget was presented at approximately ===PAGE 2=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026 Page 2 of 11 $305,000, described as nearly a fifty-fifty split between salaries and expenses, with legal costs as the primar y driver on the expense side . She noted that she was pleased with the town's legal representation. She stated the most significant change proposed within these budgets was the creation of a new, standalone Assistant Town Manager position . She explained that the title of Assistant Town Manager and Director of Human Resources would be split. She stated that the Assistant Town Manager position would also include the procurement functions. Town Manager Warren-Dyment acknowledged the difficult budgetary environment but stated, "this is a need that I think is of the Town of Lunenburg." She indicated that to avoid absorbing the full cost in a single fiscal year, the position would not be funded until January 1, making it a half-year expense of approximately $60,000, with the full salary estimated at $120,000. She described it as a full-time position once fully funded. Finance Committee Member Jay Simeone inquired about the drivers behind the $20,000 increase to the Select Board budget. Town Manager Warren-Dyment explained that the primary driver was an increase in the contracted services line, from $6,000 to $13,500, to provide room for unforeseen contracted needs. She noted the town had routinely exceeded the prior contracted services budget and needed additional flexibility. She committed to following up with specific detail on the Select Board contracted services line, as well as on the Town Accountant's contracted services line. Finance Department: Town Manager Warren-Dyment described the Finance Department budget as having experienced significant upheaval. The department, which had been budgeted at $323,000 for FY26, had required a $160,000 supplemental appropriation at a Sp ecial T own M eeting due to costs associated with departmental transition, increased hiring ranges, and the use of outside consultants. She stated that she did not anticipate these one-time costs carrying into FY27 and would not budget around them. She noted that reductions in the clerical line, driven by a recent staff retirement at top rate, were partially offsetting increases in the Finance Director position. The P ayroll and B enefits position was described as a real number, pending appointment by the Select Board. The Assistant Town Accountant position had also been filled. She flagged that the audit cost had been historically under-budgeted at $40,000, with the actual FY27 audit cost expected to be $65,000, calling it "a pretty large jump." School Committee Chair Anthony Sculimbrene asked whether the audit cost increase was due to prior under-budgeting or an actual increase in the cost. Town Manager Warren-Dyment confirmed that $65,000 represented the actual cost of the audit going forward. She also informed the boards that, for those who might prefer a different auditor, there are now essentially only two municipal auditors operating in the state of Massachusetts and they are CBIZ and Roselli & Clark , and that Roselli & Clark is not accepting new clients at the time . Treasurer/Collector: Town Manager Warren-Dyment presented the Treasurer/Collector budget with few structural ===PAGE 3=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026 Page 3 of 11 changes, noting that the tax title line was being moved . The primary salary driver was a request to increase two staff positions from 36 hours to 40 hours per week, a level that had previously been supported by ARPA funds. She stated that this change was being requested to allow the Treasurer/Collector to dedicate more time to tax title work and other departmental responsibilities, resulting in a $15,000 increase in the Treasurer's budget and a $10,000 increase in the Collector's budget. Information Technology : Town Manager Warren-Dyment reported that the IT budget in FY26 had been approximately $500,000, and that the preliminary FY27 budget represented an increase of approximately $90,000, driven primarily by the Munis financial management software platform. She introduced Kara McCarthy, the Communications and IT Manager to field questions if needed. She explained that the town had upgraded Munis in December of the prior year at a total cost of $108,000, offset by ARPA funds, with $61,000 coming from operations. In FY27, there would be no ARPA offset, and the contract stipulated a 5% increase in year two, with year three priced "at market." Finance Committee Member Simeone and School Committee Chair Sculimbrene asked clarifying questions about whether Munis was priced by seats or modules, and whether unused modules or seats could be reduced to yield savings. Town Manager Warren-Dyment committed to following up with detail on this question. She described the role of Munis broadly: "It's doing all of our bills for sewer billing … it's the data source for everything else, all of our people are in there, all of the payroll is in there, all of that accounting is in there," including school department functions. She relayed advice from the town's financial advisor, who had told her that "Munis is like your gas stove in your house , you can use it to warm up a bowl of soup, but if you're not careful, you can burn your house down," characterizing it as a robust program typically used by much larger municipalities. Town Manager Warren-Dyment also flagged ClearGov , a budgeting, forecasting, and transparency software that had not been actively used since Town Manager Lemieux departed. She stated she had planned to cut it in FY26 but heard strong objections. Given continued non- use, she indicated she would likely terminate the contract in the current fiscal year, pending a conversation with the incoming Finance Director. She noted hearing no real opposition from those present to cutting ClearGov . Regarding the S uzor IT contract, she noted the vendor was currently on-site five days per week , a arrangement that she described as non-typical for a municipality of Lunenburg's size. She had already reduced on-site presence to four days per week as of January and stated she intended to formalize a four-day schedule in FY27, with an aspiration to reduce to three days. She noted that one day per week , F ridays , would be dedicated exclusively to public safety and DPW. She stated that ticket volume had declined as system maintenance had improved, allowing the on-site technician to focus on proactive work such as inventorying, device replacement scheduling, and network projects. Finance Committee Member Dall asked about the cost differential between an internal IT hire versus the outsourced vendor contract. Town Manager Warren-Dyment responded that hiring a ===PAGE 4=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026 Page 4 of 11 single internal person would not neces sarily be cheaper and would limit the town to that individual's specific skill set, whereas the vendor contract provides access to an entire team with diverse technical expertise. Town Clerk : Town Manager Warren-Dyment noted that FY27 is an election year, which drives the Town Clerk's budget upward. The budget of $143,000 was described as largely salary-driven. She noted the Town Clerk is an elected position overseeing an A ssistant T own C lerk, with a dotted- line relationship to the Town Manager's office. She noted the $15,000 budget increase was primarily driven by election costs. School Committee Chair Sculimbrene raised concerns about the workflows and operational efficiency of the Town Clerk's office, noting a lack of standardized digital submission processes for agendas, materials, and room scheduling. Town Manager Warren-Dyment acknowledged the concern, stating that the elected Town Clerk has authority to dictate how agendas and materials are accepted, and that while she has influence, she does not have direct authority over the office. She took the opportunity to share her broader view that she does not believe in the year 2026, that an elected town clerk serves anymore , noting that the statutory duties of the office had grown substantially more complex since the 1960s and 1990s. She was careful to note her admiration and confidence in the current Town Clerk, Kathy Her rick , saying, "It has been a blessing to work with Kathy. I have no concerns about Kathy's skills." She observed that a number of communities have been transitioning away from the elected town clerk model and described charter mechanisms used by some towns to manage such a transition without displacing an incumbent. Miscellaneous General Government Lines : Town Manager Warren-Dyment walked through a variety of miscellaneous general government lines: The Finance Committee budget was reduced by $475, reflecting a realignment of training and event funds to actual usage. The Finance Committee Reserve was maintained at $185,000, noting it had been nearly fully utilized in the prior fiscal year. The Salary Reserve was presented at $210,000, which she characterized as a placeholder at this stage. She disclosed that the town is currently in active negotiations with three bargaining units: the DPW, Fire, and Clerical unions. She explained that COLAs and pending contract agreements are typically held in the salary reserve rather than embedded in departmental budgets. The Town Report line was increased from $7,000 to $16,000, with Town Manager Warren- Dyment clarifying that this figure covered not only the annual town report but also the printing costs for the annual town meeting booklet and special town meeting materials, which had historically been underfunded and covered through ad hoc transfers. Central Purchasing saw a minor increase of approximately $1,500. She noted that consolidating all departmental postage into a single central line — implemented for the first time in FY26 — was currently running at approximately 40% utilization. She expressed a desire to reduce that line once the first full year of actuals was available. ===PAGE 5=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026 Page 5 of 11 Land Use Department : Town Manager Warren-Dyment introduced Building Commissioner Brian Gingras to present on the Land Use Department, which consolidates Building, Planning, Conservation, ZBA, Historic, and APDC functions into a single budget. She noted this consolidation had provided significant flexibility during FY26, and expressed interest in applying a similar approach to the Treasurer/Collector. Building Commissioner Gingras reported that permit fee activity for FY26 was tracking at approximately the historical average: roughly $325,000 in building permit fees, $420,000 in electrical, $140,000 in plumbing, and $120,000 in gas. He noted that a 35-lot subdivision before the Planning Board that evening had been effectively reduced to 24 lots following that night's Planning Board session. He also flagged a potential 104,000-square-foot commercial building on Summer Street that could generate permit revenue if permitted during FY26 and reaching occupancy in FY27. Regarding the budget, Commissioner Gingras noted that the Director of Planning and Economic Development , a re titled version of the former Land Use Director , would see a salary increase from $106,000 to $112,000. He noted that salary reductions in the clerical line reflected the retirement of a long-serving employee and the elimination of the ZBA clerical line item. He explained that technology, particularly the OpenGov platform, had made it possible to consolidate duties and eliminate that position without operational impact. He described the meetings and schools training budget line as serving over 20 staff and volunteers across multiple boards, noting new Conservation Commission members and new administrative staff members were actively pursuing required training. Town Manager Warren-Dyment added that this department is uniquely sensitive to external economic conditions: "Economy is doing well, he's busy, he's ramping up … if nobody's building, then we want to look at perhaps some sensible contractions." Preliminary Revenue Projections Town Manager Warren-Dyment transitioned to presenting preliminary revenue projections, describing the overall picture as "not good if you looked ahead." She stated that total preliminary revenues for FY27 were projected at $51,331,000, with 71% driven by property taxes, followed by state aid and local receipts. Property Tax / Levy Calculation Town Manager Warren-Dyment walked the members through the mechanics of the levy limit. Starting from the FY26 levy limit, the town adds 2.5% under Proposition 2.5, adds estimated new growth, and then adds excluded (exempt) debt. She stated: "We add the excluded debt on the top end to the available revenues and then take it out in the expenditures." She clarified that excluded debt service appears both as revenue and as an expenditure because the exclusion authorization adds the revenue to fund that specific debt service cost. A discussion arose regarding the distinction between excluded debt and non-excluded (inside- the-levy) debt. Town Manager Warren-Dyment clarified that the non-excluded debt that had ===PAGE 6=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026 Page 6 of 11 been falling off the levy in recent years represented smaller projects , such as the DPW building design, a ladder truck, the Sali b a property acquisition, and artificial turf and that as this debt retires, those dollars effectively get absorbed into operating expenditures rather than being set aside for new non-excluded borrowing. The discussion also addressed the timing strategy for municipal borrowing projects and the importance of staggering large excluded debt projects so that retiring debt is replaced by new debt at a pace that levels out taxpayer bills. Town Manager Warren-Dyment referenced the strategic effort made in the prior year to time certain municipal building projects ahead of an anticipated Turkey Hill School submission to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). School Committee Chair Sculimbrene confirmed that the School Committee anticipated submitting a proposal for MSBA funding in the fall, noting that the accelerated repair program would likely not be appropriate for Turkey Hill given the scope of need, and that Dr. Fortuna had advised the committee to develop a strong proposal for the following year. He acknowledged the MSBA process involves a five-plus-year timeline from submission to construction. Finance Committee Member Dall asked whether the town had a combined limit on exempt and non-exempt debt. Town Manager Warren-Dyment confirmed that there is a policy . New Growth Town Manager Warren-Dyment reported that new growth for FY27 had been estimated by the Board of Assessors at $400,000, following a process that included consultation with Building Commissioner Gingras. She noted that FY25 actual new growth had come in at $518,000, above the $400,000 estimate used that year. She explained that new growth captures not only new construction but also additions, enclosures of previously unheated spaces, and renovations that add assessable valu es, but that does not include value increases attributable to normal market fluctuation. Select Board Vice-Chair Moore expressed concern that the $400,000 estimate might be too high, citing a perceived slowdown in new construction. School Committee Chair Sculimbrene noted the estimate was supported by historical trends. Town Manager Warren-Dyment responded that the Assessors had voted on the figure in the prior week as part of the overlay calculation, and that Commissioner Gingras had concurred. She reminded the boards that the entire revenue pie does not need to hit exactly on each line; rather, the aggregate needs to be equal to or greater than total appropriations. State Aid Town Manager Warren-Dyment presented current FY26 state aid actuals of $11,244,422, which included Chapter 70 education aid, unrestricted government aid, school choice, library aid, and veterans' benefits. She stated her intention to hold this figure level until the Governor's budget recommendation was released, anticipated around the time of the Massachusetts Municipal Association conference. She expressed tempered concern about state revenues . Select Board Member Glenn McLeod observed that the 22% state aid share in Lunenburg's revenue pie was well below the national average of approximately 31% for municipal aid from states, noting this gap was directly related to the fiscal pressures on cities and towns ===PAGE 7=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026 Page 7 of 11 highlighted in the Municipal Association ’ s “ P erfect S torm" report. Town Manager Warren- Dyment agreed that this was particularly challenging for a community like Lunenburg with a limited commercial and industrial tax base, noting, "that big green piece of the pie — that's largely being supported by residential homeowners." School Committee Vice-Chair Brzoz o ski suggested inviting local state legislators to an upcoming Tri-Board meeting to better understand the magnitude of the funding gap. An unidentified participant recalled that one state representative had previously told the town to "just raise taxes," eliciting broad frustration from those present. A discussion arose about the commercial tax rate and whether a split rate would be beneficial. Town Manager Warren-Dyment stated that she would not recommend a split rate for Lunenburg at this time, noting that the town should maintain a welcoming posture toward commercial and industrial development: "We want arms wide open — come." She noted that a neighboring community, Lancaster, had recently voted to split its rate, and that communities with strong positioning on major highway corridors (citing Route 495 and Route 2) had structural advantages Lunenburg did not currently share. Local Receipts Town Manager Warren-Dyment stated that local receipts , which compris e motor vehicle excise, meals tax, fees, fines, licensing and permits, and investment income , were being held level pending closure of FY25 books. She noted that investment income had significantly outperformed projections in recent years, with an FY25 projection of $100,000 against actuals of approximately $414,000. She cautioned against relying on continued market performance at that level and stated: "I don't want to rely on the market to continue in that way." She also noted that ambulance receipts were included in local receipts and were flowing into the operating budget as estimated revenue, not through a free cash appropriation process. Preliminary FY27 Budget Plan Discussions T o w n M a n a g e r W a rre n -D y m e n t p re s e n te d th e p re lim in a ry b u d g e t g a p a n a ly s is . S ta rtin g fro m to ta l a v a ila b le re v e n u e s o f $ 5 1 ,3 3 1 ,3 7 6 .9 9 , s h e s u b tra c te d a p p ro x im a te ly $ 1 ,4 0 0 ,0 0 0 in n o n - a p p ro p ria te d e x p e n s e s (in c lu d in g s ta te a s s e s s m e n ts ta k e n o ff th e to p , s c h o o l c h o ic e a n d lib ra ry s ta te a id p a s s -th ro u g h s , o v e rla y , a n d th e n e w ly re p o s itio n e d ta x title lin e ), a s w e ll a s a p a y -a s - y o u -g o c a p ita l c o n trib u tio n (re fe re n c e d a t $ 2 4 4 ,0 0 0 in th e p rio r y e a r). T h is le ft a p p ro x im a te ly $ 4 9 ,6 8 2 ,4 9 6 in a v a ila b le o p e ra tin g fu n d s . S u b tra c tin g th e to ta l F Y 2 6 a p p ro p ria tio n s fro m th e o m n ib u s b u d g e t le ft $ 1 ,3 0 6 ,0 5 9 in n e w re v e n u e a v a ila b le fo r F Y 2 7 fo r a ll p u rp o s e s : th e to w n , th e s c h o o l d e p a rtm e n t, M o n ta c h u s e tt R e g io n a l V o c a tio n a l T e c h n ic a l S c h o o l (M o n ty T e c h )- e v e ry e m p lo y e e , e v e ry c o n tra c t, a n d e v e ry n e w in itia tiv e . S h e d e s c rib e d th e tra d itio n a l a p p o rtio n m e n t a p p ro a c h , u n d e r w h ic h th e s c h o o l d e p a rtm e n t w o u ld re c e iv e a p p ro x im a te ly $ 6 9 6 ,5 2 1 o f th a t a m o u n t a b o v e F Y 2 6 le v e ls , th e to w n w o u ld re c e iv e a p p ro x im a te ly $ 5 7 3 ,0 0 0 , a n d M o n ty T e c h w o u ld re c e iv e a p p ro x im a te ly $ 3 6 ,0 0 0 . S h e th e n p re s e n te d a n illu s tra tio n o f th e a c tu a l b u d g e t p re s s u re : th e s c h o o l d e p a rtm e n t's p ro je c te d h e a lth in s u ra n c e in c re a s e fo r F Y 2 7 w a s a p p ro x im a te ly $ 7 4 0 ,0 0 0 , a n d th e to w n 's p ro je c te d h e a lth ===PAGE 8=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026 Page 8 of 11 in s u ra n c e in c re a s e w a s a p p ro x im a te ly $ 4 8 0 ,0 0 0 . T o g e th e r, th o s e tw o n o n -d is c re tio n a ry in c re a s e s a lo n e e x c e e d e d th e e n tire $ 1 ,3 0 6 ,0 5 9 in n e w re v e n u e b y a p p ro x im a te ly $ 3 4 ,0 0 0 , le a v in g o n ly $ 8 6 ,0 0 0 fo r a ll o th e r p u rp o s e s a fte r h e a lth in s u ra n c e , b e fo re e v e n M o n ty T e c h 's a s s e s s m e n t (w h ic h s h e n o te d is a n tic ip a te d to e x c e e d $ 3 6 ,0 0 0 ), C O L A s , a n y n e w p o s itio n s , o r a n y p ro g ra m m a tic a d d itio n s . S e le c t B o a rd V ic e -C h a ir M o o re n o te d th a t a re q u e s t fro m th e F ire D e p a rtm e n t fo r a fo u rth s h ift, e s tim a te d a t a p p ro x im a te ly $ 5 0 0 ,0 0 0 , w a s a ls o n o t y e t re fle c te d in th e a v a ila b le fig u re s , c o n firm in g th a t n u m b e r w a s in c lu d e d in th e F ire C h ie f's b u d g e t re q u e s t a s s u b m itte d . T h e T o w n M a n a g e r s u m m a riz e d th e fis c a l s itu a tio n p la in ly : " If w e d o n o t h a v e e ith e r s ig n ific a n t c u ts o r a n o v e rrid e o r a c o m b in a tio n th e re o f … w e d o n 't h a v e e n o u g h fu n d s to m e e t o u r o b lig a tio n s ." F in a n c e C o m m itte e M e m b e r D a ll n o te d th a t th e c ity s h e w a s w o rk in g w ith in h e r p ro fe s s io n a l c a p a c ity w a s in a s im ila r p o s itio n a n d w a s a s k in g a ll d e p a rtm e n ts to p re p a re 5 % b u d g e t c u ts . T o w n M a n a g e r W a rre n -D y m e n t c o n firm e d s h e h a d a lre a d y is s u e d a s im ila r re q u e s t to L u n e n b u rg d e p a rtm e n ts , a n d s ta te d th a t s h e h a d a s k e d d e p a rtm e n t h e a d s to u n d e rta k e th a t e x e rc is e s o w e c a n s ta rt s e e in g w h e re th in g s a re . S c h o o l C o m m itte e C h a ir S c u lim b re n e c a u tio n e d th a t th e s c h o o l d e p a rtm e n t h a d a lre a d y b e e n s ig n ific a n tly c u t a n d c o u ld n o t s u s ta in fu rth e r re d u c tio n s w ith o u t a ffe c tin g c la s s ro o m p e rfo rm a n c e , n o tin g th a t k in d e rg a rte n c la s s ro o m s w e re o p e ra tin g w ith 2 5 s tu d e n ts a n d n o a id e s . F in a n c e C o m m itte e M e m b e r M ik e R u p p e x p re s s e d c o n c e rn a b o u t th e lo n g -te rm tra je c to ry , c itin g d e c lin in g s ta te re v e n u e s , p o p u la tio n lo s s in M a s s a c h u s e tts , b u s in e s s o u tm ig ra tio n , a n d a n e s tim a te d $ 5 7 b illio n in u n fu n d e d p e n s io n lia b ilitie s s ta te w id e : " I ju s t d o n 't th in k th is s ta te , in th is s itu a tio n , is g o in g to g e t a n y b e tte r in th e c o m in g y e a rs ." T o w n M a n a g e r W a rre n -D y m e n t a g re e d o n th e n e e d to p ro te c t O P E B fu n d in g n o m a tte r w h a t, w h ile n o tin g th a t th e p u b lic s e c to r c o m p e n s a tio n m o d e l m e a n t th a t a s k in g e m p lo y e e s to a b s o rb fu rth e r b e n e fit re d u c tio n s o r fo rg o C O L A s w o u ld b e in a p p ro p ria te in th e c u rre n t e n v iro n m e n t. D is c u s s io n tu rn e d to s p e c ific o p e ra tio n a l c o s t-re d u c tio n o p p o rtu n itie s . T o w n M a n a g e r W a rre n - D y m e n t n o te d th e re c y c lin g m a rk e t h a d s h ifte d d ra m a tic a lly a n d w h a t w a s o n c e a re v e n u e s o u rc e w a s n o w a c o s t. S h e s u g g e s te d th e b o a rd s c o n s id e r w h e th e r th e c o m m u n ity v a lu e s th e c u rre n t c u rb s id e p ro g ra m , a n d w h e th e r e x p a n d in g th e p a y -a s -y o u -th ro w b a g fe e p ro g ra m c o u ld o ffs e t th e fu ll c o s t. S h e c a u tio n e d th a t re m o v in g th e c o m m u n ity fro m th e tra s h e n te rp ris e p ro g ra m w o u ld lik e ly b e v e ry d iffic u lt to re v e rs e . S c h o o l C o m m itte e C h a ir S c u lim b re n e e x p re s s e d c o n c e rn a b o u t e ffe c tiv e ly s w a p p in g a h id d e n ta x c o s t fo r a n e x p lic it p e r-b a g fe e b u rd e n o n re s id e n ts . T o w n M a n a g e r W a rre n -D y m e n t a ls o d is c u s s e d th e T C P a s s io s (T C P ), s ta tin g s h e h a d a s k e d th e F a c ilitie s D ire c to r to p re p a re a c o s t a n a ly s is o f th e b u ild in g 's c a rry in g c o s ts . S h e e x p la in e d th a t th e la rg e , o v e rs iz e d b o ile rs o rig in a lly d e s ig n e d to h e a t tw o b u ild in g s w e re c o n tin u in g to g e n e ra te h ig h h e a tin g c o s ts , a n d th a t w h ile a p a rtia l d e c o m m is s io n in g h a d b e e n c o m p le te d , th e s a v in g s w e re n o t m a te ria liz in g . S h e s ta te d th a t a w in d in g -d o w n to b e g in J u ly 1 w a s u n lik e ly , b u t th a t p la n n in g fo r a w in d -d o w n s o m e tim e in F Y 2 7 n e e d e d to b e g in . S h e id e n tifie d th e p e rm a n e n t ===PAGE 9=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026 Page 9 of 11 o c c u p a n ts a s P A C , R e c re a tio n p ro g ra m m in g , th e fo o d p a n try , c o ld s to ra g e fo r th e to w n c le rk 's e le c tio n m a c h in e s , a n d a lic e n s e a g re e m e n t w ith th e S h a p iro B e h a v io ra l E d u c a tio n a l C e n te r fo r fo u r ro o m s . S c h o o l C o m m itte e V ic e -C h a ir B rz o z o s k i s ta te d p la in ly , " I c a n 't d o a th ird y e a r o f te llin g p e o p le y o u m a y b e lo s in g y o u r jo b ," n o tin g th e e m o tio n a l a n d p ro fe s s io n a l to ll th a t b u d g e t u n c e rta in ty h a d ta k e n o n s c h o o l s ta ff. S h e s ta te d th e s c h o o l c o m m itte e c o u ld n o t c u t a n o th e r p o s itio n . S c h o o l C o m m itte e C h a ir S c u lim b re n e s ta te d h is p o s itio n c le a rly : " I a m h a p p y to w o rk w ith a ll th e d e p a rtm e n ts to c o m e u p w ith a n u m b e r. B u t th e s c h o o ls , a s a s c h o o l c o m m itte e , I th in k I c a n c o n fid e n tly s a y w e c a n n o t c u t a n o th e r p o s itio n ." T o w n M a n a g e r W a rre n -D y m e n t o ffe re d h e r c u rre n t th in k in g o n o v e rrid e s tra te g y : " M y c u rre n t th o u g h t is th a t it w o u ld b e b e s t to h a v e it b e o n e , th a t e v e ry b o d y is to g e th e r, b e c a u s e th a t fig h t o f w h o w in s a n d w h o lo s e s o n to w n m e e tin g flo o r- w e c o u ld h a v e e ith e r e v e ry b o d y w a lk s a w a y lo s e r, e v e ry b o d y 's in d iv id u a l o v e rrid e fa ils , o r y o u h a v e w in n e rs a n d lo s e rs ." S h e s u g g e s te d a u n ifie d o v e rrid e re q u e s t c o v e rin g b o th m u n ic ip a l a n d s c h o o l n e e d s . S c h o o l C o m m itte e C h a ir S c u lim b re n e a rg u e d a g a in s t th e p ra c tic e o f tre a tin g th e b u d g e t a s s e p a ra te p ie s fo r th e to w n a n d th e s c h o o l: " T h e p ro b le m is n 't th a t w e h a v e a s h rin k in g p ie . It's th a t a ll o f th e g ro u p s th in k th a t w e h a v e s e p a ra te p ie a n d w e d o n 't." H e c a lle d fo r a c o lla b o ra tiv e a p p ro a c h , n o tin g th a t te rrito ria l b u d g e t fig h ts re s u lte d in s e lf-in flic te d w o u n d s a n d th a t " th e p e o p le w h o s u ffe r a re th e o ld p e o p le in to w n , th e k id s in to w n , a n d o u r e m p lo y e e s ." H e a ls o ra is e d th e e m e rg in g ris k o f fe d e ra l a id re d u c tio n s : " W e re c e iv e fe d e ra l a id a n d th e fe d e ra l a id is g o in g to la p s e … it is u n lik e ly th a t w e w ill g e t th e s a m e a m o u n t o f a id fro m th e fe d e ra l g o v e rn m e n t." S e le c t B o a rd M e m b e r M c L e o d a rg u e d th a t th e ro o t c a u s e o f th e p ro b le m w a s th e s ta te 's fa ilu re to a d e q u a te ly s u p p o rt c itie s a n d to w n s a n d e n c o u ra g e d th e b o a rd s n o t to a llo w th e is s u e to b e c o m e d iv is iv e in th e c o m m u n ity . H e a ls o ra is e d th e p e n d in g re s u lts o f th e s ta te le g is la tiv e a u d it p a s s e d b y 7 2 % o f M a s s a c h u s e tts v o te rs , s u g g e s tin g it w a s d iffic u lt to s u p p o rt a n o th e r o v e rrid e w ith o u t th a t fis c a l tra n s p a re n c y . T o w n M a n a g e r W a rre n -D y m e n t p u s h e d b a c k firm ly , n o tin g th a t th e a u d it in q u e s tio n w a s a n a u d it o f th e b e h a v io r o f th e s ta te le g is la tu re , n o t o f s ta te fu n d s , a n d th a t " th e s ta te is n o t re s p o n s ib le fo r th e h e a lth in s u ra n c e in c re a s e . T h e s ta te is n o t re s p o n s ib le fo r o th e r in c re a s e s th a t w e 're s e e in g . T h is is th e e c o n o m y . W e c a n n o t la y it a ll o n th e fe e t o f a n y o n e g ro u p . T h is is th e p e rfe c t s to rm ." F in a n c e C o m m itte e M e m b e r D a ll s ta te d th a t h e r s u p p o rt fo r a n o th e r P ro p o s itio n 2 ½ o v e rrid e w o u ld re q u ire g re a te r tra n s p a re n c y in h o w to w n fu n d s a re m a n a g e d , m o v e d , a n d u s e d . S c h o o l C o m m itte e C h a ir S c u lim b re n e a c k n o w le d g e d th is , s ta tin g : " B e fo re w e a s k th e m to p a y m o re , w e re a lly n e e d to d o s o m e re fle c tio n a b o u t w h a t w e 're s p e n d in g a n d w h a t o u r p rio ritie s a re ." T o w n M a n a g e r W a rre n -D y m e n t e n d o rs e d th e id e a o f a p u b lic fo ru m : " I'm h e a rin g a lo t o f c o n v e rs a tio n in th e c o m m u n ity th a t fo lk s w a n t to h a v e th a t fo ru m … th e s o o n e r th a t y o u g u y s a re a b le to d o th a t, I th in k th e m o re q u e s tio n s th a t a re lin g e rin g c a n a t le a s t g e t a n s w e re d ." F in a n c e C o m m itte e M e m b e r D a ll s u g g e s te d s u c h a fo ru m m ig h t a ls o re d u c e th e le n g th a n d c o n flic t a t T o w n M e e tin g . T o w n M a n a g e r W a rre n -D y m e n t a ls o s u g g e s te d th e p o s s ib ility o f a tie re d o v e rrid e s tru c tu re , w h ile c a u tio n in g th a t v o te rs h is to ric a lly te n d to s e le c t th e lo w e s t tie r o ffe re d . ===PAGE 10=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026 Page 10 of 11 D is c u s s io n to u c h e d o n th e m e c h a n ic s o f a la rg e -s c a le o v e rrid e a n d w h e th e r a n o v e rrid e c o u ld b e a p p ro v e d a t a fig u re la rg e r th a n im m e d ia te ly n e e d e d , w ith th e to w n ta x in g b e lo w th e fu ll c e ilin g in th e n e a r te rm w h ile m a in ta in in g e x c e s s le v y c a p a c ity fo r fu tu re y e a rs . T o w n M a n a g e r W a rre n - D y m e n t d e s c rib e d h a v in g trie d th is a p p ro a c h in a p rio r c o m m u n ity , n o tin g th a t re s id e n ts u ltim a te ly p re fe rre d to v o te o n th e e x a c t d o lla r fig u re e a c h tim e ra th e r th a n g ra n t w h a t fe lt to s o m e lik e o p e n -e n d e d c a p a c ity . T o w n M a n a g e r W a rre n -D y m e n t in d ic a te d s h e w a s in th e p ro c e s s o f c o m p ilin g th e fu ll g a p fig u re o f th e d iffe re n c e b e tw e e n a ll d e p a rtm e n ta l re q u e s ts a n d a v a ila b le re v e n u e . S h e s ta te d th a t th e n u m b e r w o u ld b e in th e m illio n s : " I'm p lu g g in g in w h a t e v e ry b o d y 's re q u e s ts h a v e b e e n . W e 're in th e m illio n s ." S h e c o m m itte d to b rin g in g th a t c o m p le te g a p fig u re to th e n e x t m e e tin g . S h e c lo s e d th e b u d g e t d is c u s s io n w ith a n e x p re s s io n o f g ra titu d e fo r th e e a rly s ta rt o n th e p ro c e s s : " I'm s o g ra te fu l th a t e v e ry b o d y h a s e m b a rk e d o n th is e ffo rt b e c a u s e I th in k th e o n e th in g th a t w e h a v e c o m p a re d to s o m e o f th e o th e r c o m m u n itie s is it's J a n u a ry 1 2 th a n d h e re w e a re . It's n o t M a rc h ." IMPORTANT DATES & UPCOMING MEETINGS The Tri-Board discussed scheduling its next joint meeting. The Finance Committee noted it was entering an intensive budget review cycle, with a tentative Finance Committee public hearing and vote anticipated around March 12th and 19th respectively, and a warrant closing around March 16th. After discussion of room availability and scheduling conflicts, the Tri-Board agreed to hold its next joint meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM, to be held at the school (Middle/High School) due to a Planning Board meeting occupying Town Hall that evening. The Town Manager commented that School Committee Member Yapp (who had informed the School Committee of his intention to resign) needed to formally submit his resignation to the Town Clerk. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Member Lehtinen to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 9: 53 p.m. Seconded by Clerk Emkey. Call for the vote: F our -aye. The motion passed unanimously ( 4 -0-0). Motion by Member Simeone to adjourn the Finance Committee meeting at 9:30 p.m. Seconded by Member Rupp. Call for the vote: Four -aye. The motion passed unanimously ( 4 - 0-0). School Committee Secretary Gilman departed the meeting at approximately 9:16 p.m. at which time the Committee lost its quorum. ===PAGE 11=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026 Page 11 of 11 Respectfully Submitted, Jennifer Warren-Dyment, Town Manager These Minutes were reviewed and approved by the Select Board on: Tuesday June 1 6 , 2026. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2026-01-13-agenda-7602.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2026-01-13 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2026-01-13-agenda-7602.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-7602 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SELECT BOARD Tuesday, January 13, 2026 7:00 PM AGENDA- Revised January 12, 2026 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 Facebook Live on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be uploaded to the Lunenburg Access YouTube Channel 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 t he 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. I. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE II. ANNOUNCEMENTS III. PUBLIC COMMENT • PUBLIC • BOARD IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND SCHEDULED MEETINGS V. APPOINTMENTS, RATIFICATIONS, AND RESIGNATIONS 1. Town Manager’s appointment of Thomas Alsup as Payroll and Benefits Coordinator, and approval of Step 5 salary VI. TOWN MANAGER REPORT VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Discuss Warrant Articles to be Sponsored by the Select Board ===PAGE 2=== 2. Water Rate Increase in Accordance with the Intermunicipal Agreement with the City of Fitchburg for the Sale of Water VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. Establishment of 925 Massachusetts Avenue RFP Working Group 2. Discussion and Approval of Appointment Policy 3. Workshop on Special Event Policy IX. MINUTES*/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS X. COMMITTEE REPORTS XI. UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS SCHEDULE • January 27th (Tri-Board Meeting) XII. PUBLIC COMMENT** • PUBLIC • TOWN MANAGER • 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 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) XIV. 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 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2026-01-13-minutes-7602.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2026-01-13 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2026-01-13-minutes-7602.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01132026-7602 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Select Board Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 1 of 7 Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes Town Hall, 17 Main Street and via Zoom Tuesday, January 13, 2026 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 reminded residents to return census forms and dog license applications to the Town Clerk. III. PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment Karin Menard, Chair of the Parks Commission, addressed the Select Board with several updates and requests. Parks Commission Vacancy: Ms. Menard announced the resignation of Anita Scheipers from the Parks Commission, extending gratitude for her contributions since 2023, particularly her leadership on the Marshall Park project. She noted that the resulting vacancy, occurring within six months of the next election, would be filled by joint appointment of the Select Board and Parks Commission for a term ending in May. Ms. Menard encouraged interested residents to apply via the talent bank form on the Town website or by emailing parks@lunenburgma.gov, emphasizing that no prior experience is required. Recreation Director Vacancy: Ms. Menard reported that Recreation Director Angela Clement departed in August 2025, leaving a 19-hour-per-week position open. She encouraged interested applicants to apply and noted that scheduling could be flexible, stressing that the smooth opening of the summer beach program is a near-term priority for this role. ===PAGE 2=== Select Board Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 2 of 7 Marshall Park Project: Ms. Menard advised that the Marshall Park project is currently on hiatus and will not be brought forward at the Annual Town Meeting in May. She acknowledged that the decision was not made lightly and expressed confidence that future Park Commissions would be able to build upon the work already completed to bring the project to fruition. Skate Park: Ms. Menard reported that the Parks Commission, Town Manager, legal counsel, and the Skate Park group's representatives are scheduled to meet in the coming weeks to work toward executing agreements that would allow the project to advance to its next phase. Board Comment No public comment made by Select Board members. XIII. Executive Session Prior to continuing with the regular agenda, Chair Nuzzolo announced that the Select Board would enter Executive Session out of order to accommodate Chief Sullivan's schedule. Chair Nuzzolo initially moved to enter Executive Session and not re-enter Open Session, which was corrected upon the observation of Member Glenn McLeod. The motion was amended accordingly. Motion by Chair Nuzzolo to enter into Executive Session and to re-enter Open Session thereafter, pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3), to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body, the Chair so declaring, regarding the Lunenburg Professional Firefighters PFFM Local 5369. Seconded by Vice-Chair Amanda Moore. Roll Call vote: Member McLeod-Aye, Member Brian Lehtinen-Aye, Clerk Renee Emkey-Aye, Vice-Chair Moore-Aye, Chair Nuzzolo-Aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). The Select Board returned to Open Session thereafter and continued with the regular agenda. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND SCHEDULED MEETINGS No public hearings or scheduled meetings were held. V. APPOINTMENTS, RATIFICATIONS, AND RESIGNATIONS Town Manager’s appointment of Thomas Alsup as Payroll and Benefits Coordinator, and approval of Step 5 salary Chair Nuzzolo reported that, while the agenda had been amended to include this appointment, the Select Board was not yet prepared to act on it. The item was passed over and will be brought forward at a future meeting. VI. TOWN MANAGER REPORT Town Manager Jennifer Warren-Dyment provided two items. First, she highlighted that the Tri- Board met the previous evening and encouraged residents interested in the Town's finances to view the recording. She noted the next Tri-Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, which will have an opportunity for public comment. Second, she reported that the Town is currently engaged in active litigation, and that a two-day court hearing took place the prior week requiring ===PAGE 3=== Select Board Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 3 of 7 testimony from certain community members. Member McLeod echoed the Town Manager's recommendation to view the Tri-Board meeting recording, and additionally commended the January 8 Finance Committee meeting as informative and relevant context. VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Discuss Warrant Articles to be Sponsored by the Select Board Chair Nuzzolo reported that three Warrant Articles are being tracked for Select Board sponsorship. Notice of Town Meeting Warrants (Council on Aging): Chair Nuzzolo reported that he has been in contact with Lou Franco, the Council on Aging's designated representative, and that a meeting is planned within approximately two weeks to develop a revised draft of this article. Clerk Emkey expressed her desire to participate in that process, noting the article originated from the Budget Task Force. Chair Nuzzolo confirmed scheduling would accommodate her availability. Town Manager Warren-Dyment sought clarification as to whether the Article would be formally brought to the Council on Aging before the Select Board; Chair Nuzzolo confirmed it would not, as it is the Select Board's Warrant, though education and outreach to the Council on Aging would be conducted once the draft is finalized. Vice-Chair Amanda Moore suggested posting any finalized changes on the Town's social media platforms for broader public awareness. Kids Kingdom: Chair Nuzzolo reported that the School Committee formally voted to support returning the Kids Kingdom Article to Town Meeting, expressing willingness to transfer care, custody, and control to the Select Board and to collaborate in good faith. Chair Nuzzolo indicated the Article would proceed in substantially the same form as presented at Special Town Meeting, potentially as a joint Warrant Article co-sponsored by the Select Board and the School Committee. Member Lehtinen thanked Chair Nuzzolo for his work in coordinating with the School Committee on this matter. 300th Anniversary Committee Funding: Chair Nuzzolo explained that the $5,000 in seed funding originally allocated for the 300th Anniversary Committee in FY24 was never expended, causing the authorization to expire and the funds to revert. The Select Board discussed the need to secure new, multi-year funding. The plan is to request a $15,000 multi-year appropriation and to establish a gift fund to receive sponsorships, donations, and proceeds from merchandise sales. The Chair noted this approach would likely require two separate warrant articles. Town Manager Warren-Dyment indicated she would confirm whether Town Meeting action is required to establish a gift fund. 2. Water Rate Increase in Accordance with the Intermunicipal Agreement with the City of Fitchburg for the Sale of Water Town Manager Warren-Dyment explained that the Intermunicipal Agreement with the City of Fitchburg prescribes that Lunenburg's water rates must be set at 30% above Fitchburg's rates, as established by the Fitchburg City Council on April 18, 2023. She noted that the town had missed the required rate adjustments for June 1, 2023 and June 1, 2024, and that the Select Board was being ===PAGE 4=== Select Board Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 4 of 7 asked to adopt the June 1, 2025 rates effective February 1, 2026, with future increases to follow Fitchburg's established schedule. Town Manager Warren-Dyment also reported that water bills have been sent out. The Select Board raised no objections. Motion by Vice-Chair Moore to approve a rate increase for all rates covered under the Intermunicipal Agreement for the supply of water between the City of Fitchburg and the Town of Lunenburg by an increase of 30% over the rates established by the Fitchburg City Council on April 18, 2023, with the July 1, 2025 rates to be effective on February 1, 2026, and future increases to take effect in accordance with the April 18, 2023 vote of the Fitchburg City Council. Seconded by Clerk Emkey. Call for vote: Five-Aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. Establishment of 925 Massachusetts Avenue RFP Working Group Chair Nuzzolo introduced this item, noting that the Town Manager had identified a consultant report recommending the establishment of a working group to guide the RFP process for 925 Mass Ave. Town Manager Warren-Dyment proposed that the working group consist of herself, the Assistant Town Manager (serving as Director of Procurement), the Director of Planning and Economic Development, a member of the Select Board, a member of the Planning Board, and, at the Select Board's discretion, a member of the Architectural Preservation District Commission (APDC). Member Lehtinen expressed support for including an APDC representative, given the property's location within the historic district. Town Manager Warren-Dyment agreed, with the request that all participating members be available during regular working hours. Member McLeod inquired whether a member of the public could participate. Town Manager Warren-Dyment clarified that this is a working group of the Town Manager not a committee of the town and is therefore not subject to Open Meeting Law requirements. She indicated it would not be practicable to formally appoint a public member and still meet a target RFP advertisement date of April 1, though she expressed willingness to keep interested residents informed and to charge the group with holding at least one public forum for community input. Member Lehtinen affirmed that public comment opportunities would be sufficient. Chair Nuzzolo expressed appreciation for the Town Manager's commitment to advancing the disposition of this long-vacant property within the current fiscal year. The Select Board designated Vice-Chair Moore as its representative on the working group, given her professional background in procurement. Town Manager Warren-Dyment confirmed she would formally establish the working group. 2. Discussion and Approval of Appointment Policy The Select Board conducted a read-through of the draft Appointment Policy. The following revisions were identified and agreed upon: ● Section 2 (Volunteer Applications): The requirement that "the Town Manager will ensure that local newspapers are advised of the vacancies" was struck. The additional text ===PAGE 5=== Select Board Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 5 of 7 referencing posting on town bulletin boards and advertising on local cable television was also struck, retaining only the reference to the town's website. ● Section 2 (21-Day Posting Requirement): The Select Board discussed the provision requiring that appointments not be made until at least 21 days following the posting of a vacancy. Clerk Emkey questioned whether this requirement was currently being followed and whether it was necessary. Chair Nuzzolo noted the provision was incorporated from the Town Charter as a matter of policy. Discussion did not reach a firm resolution, and the provision remained under consideration. ● Sections 7 and 8: Vice-Chair Moore volunteered to draft revised language for Sections 7 (Committee Commitment and Summary) and 8 (Guidance for Appointed Officials) to simplify and clarify the existing text, and to present that draft at the next meeting. The policy was not voted upon at this meeting. A clean draft will be brought forward for approval at a future meeting. 3. Workshop on Special Event Policy Chair Nuzzolo read a draft policy provided by Town Counsel Adam Costa. The Select Board agreed to use Town Counsel’s draft as a starting point and discuss feedback and/or revisions at a future meeting. Vice-Chair Moore offered to draft a version to be discussed at a future Select Board meeting. IX. MINUTES*/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS Minutes The Select Board moved to approve minutes from two meetings. Motion by Clerk Emkey to approve the minutes of May 8, 2024 and May 14, 2024. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore. Call for vote: Five-Aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Warrants No warrants were presented. Action Items None. X. COMMITTEE REPORTS Economic Development Committee (EDC): Member McLeod reported that the EDC met prior to the Select Board meeting and continues to work on proposed bylaw changes related to BYOB establishments, seeking input from Town Counsel and the new Director of Planning and Economic Development. Lunenburg Municipal Building Design Committee: Member Lehtinen reported that the committee is scheduled to meet on the first Monday in February. School Committee: Member Lehtinen reported that the School Committee met on January 7. Key items included: the resignation of a literacy coach in a grant-funded position that will not be filled; a presentation from East Coast Renewable Energy on EV charging stations, with follow-up directed to the Facilities Director and Superintendent to review technical feasibility and survey staff and ===PAGE 6=== Select Board Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 6 of 7 families on potential usage; and a Capital Planning presentation from Peter Beardmore covering the track and turf field engineering proposal, with a construction timeline potentially targeting summer 2027 if engineering is approved at Town Meeting. Additional Capital items discussed included school playground improvements, driveway design, intercom and security upgrades, safety film, a mower, and maintenance garage heating. The committee also noted that the current school calendar draft does not include an Election Day closure. Board of Assessors: Member Lehtinen reported on the January 7 meeting: 27 motor vehicle excise tax abatements were processed for December; real estate and personal property tax bills were mailed on December 29; ongoing data bridge errors between the CAMA Vision and MUNIS systems are being addressed; 112 exemptions are being processed; and the Principal Assessor presented a proposed budget reflecting an approximately 6–7% overall increase. Stormwater Committee: Clerk Emkey reported that the committee met with its representative from Weston & Sampson for the first time. The committee decided to present the Stormwater Utility implementation in two phases at Town Meeting: the Annual Town Meeting would address the Bylaw establishing the structural framework of the utility (with no fees or dollar amounts); and a Special Town Meeting would address the fee structure. The DPW Director is scheduled to present the stormwater budget to the Finance Committee on February 5. A draft of the Stormwater Utility Bylaw is targeted for presentation to the Select Board at the February 10 meeting. The Planning Board will also be invited to both the Finance Committee and Select Board presentations. The committee's next scheduled meeting is January 28. 300th Anniversary Committee: Chair Nuzzolo reported that the committee met the prior evening and focused primarily on the FY24 funding lapse and the path forward for securing adequate funding, consistent with the warrant article discussion earlier in the meeting. Council on Aging: Chair Nuzzolo reported on the morning's Council on Aging meeting. A resident proposed a reading program to bring seniors and students together; the Council on Aging Director and the Superintendent have begun preliminary discussions and appear receptive to the idea. A scheduled appearance by the state delegation was postponed, but the council identified discussion topics for a future meeting, including the status of caregiver-related legislation led by Representative Kushmerek and available state programs and funding for elderly residents. Additional items included discussion of an AI-assisted minutes generation tool (HeyGov) currently licensed by the town; plans to advertise 41A tax deferrals and Circuit Breaker credits; the creation of a telehealth appointment space at the senior center for residents without home computer access; and a report that the Eagle House Supporters, under new leadership, have an active schedule of programs and two upcoming fundraisers. XI. UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS SCHEDULE January 27 (Tri-Board Meeting) XII. PUBLIC COMMENT** • PUBLIC No public comment was received. ===PAGE 7=== Select Board Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 7 of 7 • TOWN MANAGER Town Manager Warren-Dyment offered no additional comment. • BOARD No comment by the Select Board. XIV. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Vice-Chair Moore to adjourn at 9:43 PM. Seconded by Clerk Emkey. 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, August 18, 2026 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2026-01-22-agenda-7611.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2026-01-22 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2026-01-22-agenda-7611.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01222026-7611 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SELECT BOARD Thursday, January 22, 2026 11:00 AM AGENDA Remote Meeting- Zoom Only In accordance with the requiremen ts of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised th at this meeting is being recorded and may be broadcast live over the Lunenburg Pub lic Access channel, on Facebook Live on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be uploaded to the Lune nburg Access YouTube Channel 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 followi ng the conclusion of the meeting. This meeting will be held remotely, via Zoom. 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 m eeting 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. 11:00 AM CALL TO ORDER II. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion to enter into Executive Session pursuant to MGL c. 30 § 21 (a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel…or contra ct negotiations with nonunion personnel (Director of Municipal Finance/Town Accountant). III. APPOINTMENTS, RATIFICATIONS, AND RESIGNATIONS • Select Board’s Appointment of Karen Barrett as Town Accountant • Ratification of the Town Manager’s Appointment of Karen Barrett as Finance Director. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2026-01-22-minutes-7611.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2026-01-22 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2026-01-22-minutes-7611.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01222026-7611 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Page 1 of 1 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 30, 2025 Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes via Zoom Thursday, January 22, 2026 Members Present: Vice-Chair Amanda Moore, Clerk Renee Emkey, Member Brian Lehtinen, and Member Glenn McLeod Members Absent: Chair Caesar Nuzzolo CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chair Amanda Moore called the meeting to order at 11:01 a.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION Clerk Renee Emkey motioned to enter into Executive Session and re-enter Open Session after exiting pursuant to MGL c. 30 § 21 (a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel…or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (Director of Municipal Finance/Town Accountant). Seconded by Member Brian Lehtinen. Roll Call Vote: Member Brian Lehtinen-aye. Member Glenn McLeod-aye. Clerk Renee Emkey-aye. Vice-Chair Amanda Moore-aye. The motion passed (4-0-0) The Board exited Executive Session and returned to open session at 11:07 AM. Clerk Emkey motioned to appoint Karen Barrett as Town Accountant and ratify the Town Manager’s appointment of Karen Barrett as Finance Director. Seconded by Member Lehtinen. Roll Call Vote: Member Lehiten-aye. Member McLeod-aye. Clerk Emkey-aye. Vice-Chair Moore-aye. The motion passed (4-0-0). Member Lehtinen motioned to adjorn. Seconded by Clerk Emkey. Roll call vote Member Lehiten-aye. Member McLeod-aye. Clerk Emkey-aye. Vice-Chair Moore-aye. The motion passed (4-0-0). Meeting adjourned at 11:08 a.m. Respectfully Submitted, Melissa Richard, Minute Clerk These Minutes were reviewed and approved by the Select Board on: Tuesday February 3, 2026. Member Lehtinen made the Motion to Approve the minutes of January 22, 2026. Seconded by Member McLeod. Call for the Vote: Three-aye. Motion Passed (3-0-0). ===PAGE 2=== Page 1 of 2 Select Board Meeting Minutes January 13, 2025 Executive Session Town of Lunenburg Select Board Executive Session Minutes via Zoom Thursday, January 22, 2026 Members Present: Vice-Chair Amanda Moore, Clerk Renee Emkey, Member Brian Lehtinen, and Member Glenn McLeod Members Absent: Chair Caesar Nuzzolo Also Present: Jennifer Warren-Dyment, Town Manager, Julie Belliveau, Assistant Town Manager, and Melissa Richard, Executive Assistant to the Town Manager and Select Board EXECUTIVE SESSION Clerk Renee Emkey motioned to enter into Executive Session and re-enter Open Session after exiting pursuant to MGL c. 30 § 21 (a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel…or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (Director of Municipal Finance/Town Accountant). Seconded by Member Brian Lehtinen. Roll Call Vote: Member Brian Lehtinen-aye. Member Glenn McLeod-aye. Clerk Renee Emkey-aye. Vice-Chair Amanda Moore-aye. The motion passed (4-0-0) The Select Board convened for Executive Session at 11:01 a.m. During Executive Session, the Board reviewed the contract for Karen Barrett for the positions of Town Accountant and Finance Director. The Board discussed the candidate's qualifications and addressed questions regarding her background. The Town Manager confirmed that reference and CORI checks had been completed with no concerns. Clerk Emkey motioned to approve the employment contract as provided for Karen Barrett, subject to appointment and ratification in Open Session. Seconded by Member Lehtinen. Roll Call Vote: Member Lehtinen-aye. Member McLeod-aye. Clerk Emkey-aye. Vice-Chair Moore-aye. The motion passed (4-0-0). Member Lehtinen motioned to exit Executive Session and re-enter Open Session at 11:07 a.m. Seconded by Clerk Emkey. Roll Call Vote: Member Lehtinen-aye. Member McLeod- aye. Clerk Emkey-aye. Vice-Chair Moore-aye. The motion passed (4-0-0). Respectfully Submitted, Melissa Richard, Minute Clerk These Minutes were reviewed and approved by the Select Board on: Tuesday February 3, 2026 ===PAGE 3=== Page 2 of 2 Select Board Meeting Minutes January 13, 2025 Executive Session Member Lehtinen made the Motion to Approve the Executive Session minutes of January 22, 2026. Seconded by Member McLeod. Call for the Vote: Three-aye. Motion Passed (3-0- 0). ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2026-01-27-agenda-7617.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2026-01-27 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2026-01-27-agenda-7617.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01272026-7617 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SELECT BOARD TRI-BOARD MEETING AGENDA Tuesday, January 27, 2026 7:00 PM 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. 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. TRI-BOARD CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE II. PUBLIC COMMENT- The Tri-Board seeks public comment on the presentations made to the Tri- Board and the FY27 budget. III. PRELIMINARY FY27 BUDGET PLAN DISCUSSIONS IV. PUBLIC COMMENT V. IMPORTANT DATES & UPCOMING MEETINGS VI. 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 : 2026-01-27-minutes-7617.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2026-01-27 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2026-01-27-minutes-7617.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01272026-7617 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 1 of 7 Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes School Committee Meeting Minutes Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Town Hall, 17 Main Street Tuesday January 27 , 2026 Note: References to the Tri-Board in the context of this meeting refer to Finance Committee, School Committee and Select Board Select Board Members Present: Chair Caesar Nuzzolo, Vice - Chair Ama n da Moore , Clerk Renee Emkey, Member Brian Lehtinen, Member Glenn McLeod School Committee Members Present: Chair Anthony Sculimbrene, Vice - Chair Laura Brzozoski, Secretary Mandy Gilman , Member Emily Young Finance Committee Members Present: Chair Chris Menard, Vice - Chair Jean Russell , Clerk Tom Gray, Member Tanya Dall, Member Jay Simeone , Member Ana Lockwood (Absent- Member Mike Rupp) Tri-Board Moderator: Tim Murphy, Town Moderator Also Present: Town Manager Jennifer Warren-Dyment and School Business Manager Christopher McNamara CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF A L L E G I A N C E The meeting was called to order by Tim Murphy, who served as Moderator. He asked everyone to stand and address the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Murphy provided an overview of the open meeting law requirements, noting that the meeting was being recorded and broadcast live over the Lunenburg Public Access channel, Facebook Live, and would be uploaded to the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel after the meeting. After the Pledge, Mr. Murphy invited each Chair to officially open their respective meetings. Each board chair officially opened their meetings, with Finance Committee Chair Chris Menard calling his meeting to order at 7:11 PM, followed by the School Committee Chair Anthony Sculimbrene, and Select Board C hair Caesar Nuzzolo. PUBLIC C O M M E N T L ie u te n a n t C h ris to s L e k a d itis , P re s id e n t o f L u n e n b u rg F ire fig h te rs L o c a l 5 3 6 9 , s p o k e a b o u t th e c ritic a l n e e d fo r a n o v e rrid e to fu n d th e a d d itio n o f a fo u rth s h ift fo r th e F ire D e p a rtm e n t. L ie u te n a n t L e k a d itis e x p la in e d th a t th e c u rre n t s ta ffin g m o d e l is u n s u s ta in a b le , w ith fire fig h te rs w o rk in g 6 0 -8 0 + h o u r w e e k s a n d 3 8 + h o u r s h ifts , c re a tin g s ig n ific a n t b u rn o u t a n d lo w m o ra le . H e ===PAGE 2=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 2 of 7 e m p h a s iz e d th a t 9 5 % o f fire d e p a rtm e n ts in M a s s a c h u s e tts a lre a d y w o rk 4 2 -h o u r w e e k s , a n d L u n e n b u rg n e e d s to fu n d th is lo n g -o v e rd u e s ta ffin g im p ro v e m e n t to e n s u re a d e q u a te e m e rg e n c y re s p o n s e . A m y S a b b io , a te a c h e r a t T u rk e y H ill, d e s c rib e d h o w h e r p o s itio n h a d b e e n c h a n g e d fro m fu ll-tim e fo u rth g ra d e s p e c ia l e d u c a tio n te a c h e r to s p lit b e tw e e n s p e c ia l e d u c a tio n a n d a n M T S S in te rv e n tio n is t. S h e s ta te d th a t " n e ith e r p o s itio n is tru ly h a lf tim e n o r is e ith e r p o s itio n s e e m in g v e ry e ffe c tiv e ." S h e e x p la in e d th a t w ith o n e fe w e r p a ra p ro fe s s io n a l p e r g ra d e le v e l a n d h e r d iv id e d d u tie s , s e v e n o f h e r IE P s tu d e n ts w ith s ig n ific a n t p u ll-o u t s e rv ic e n e e d s w e re b e in g s e e n b y a p a ra p ro fe s s io n a l ra th e r th a n a c e rtifie d s p e c ia l e d u c a tio n te a c h e r. S h e fu rth e r n o te d th a t M T S S s e rv ic e s th is y e a r h a d re a c h e d o n ly 2 9 s tu d e n ts b e tw e e n O c to b e r a n d D e c e m b e r, c o m p a re d to 1 0 8 s tu d e n ts s e rv e d th ro u g h o u t th e p rio r s c h o o l y e a r. S c h o o l C o m m itte e M e m b e r M a n d y G ilm a n a s k e d w h a t th e d iffe re n c e s w e re b e tw e e n S p e c ia l E d u c a tio n a n d M T S S . M s . S a b b io e x p la in e d th a t s p e c ia l e d u c a tio n s e rv e s s tu d e n ts w ith d o c u m e n te d d is a b ilitie s re q u irin g s p e c ia lly d e s ig n e d in s tru c tio n , w h ile M T S S is a g e n e ra l e d u c a tio n in itia tiv e ta rg e tin g s tu d e n ts in g ra d e s 3 – 5 w h o a re s tru g g lin g a c a d e m ic a lly b u t m a y n o t h a v e a d o c u m e n te d d is a b ility . F in a n c e C o m m itte e m e m b e r A n a L o c k w o o d c o m m e n te d th a t n o fu n d in g h a d b e e n ta k e n a w a y fro m th e S c h o o l D e p a rtm e n t a n d th a t th e T o w n h a s c o n s is te n tly fu n d e d th e s c h o o l s id e m o re th a n th e o th e r g e n e ra l o p e ra tio n s . L y n n M a ra b e llo , a ls o a te a c h e r d e s c rib e d th e im p a c t o f re d u c e d M T S S s ta ffin g o n c la s s ro o m te a c h e rs , w h o a re n o w e x p e c te d to c re a te in te rv e n tio n m a te ria ls a n d ru n g ro u p s w ith o u t a d e q u a te re s o u rc e s , tra in in g , o r tim e . S h e n o te d th e lo s s o f th e I-R e a d y p ro g ra m a n d s ta te d th a t s h e c u rre n tly m a n a g e s th e s c h e d u le s o f s ix in d iv id u a ls in a d d itio n to h e r o w n , c o m p a re d to th re e in a ty p ic a l y e a r. S h e h a s 5 3 s tu d e n ts a c ro s s tw o c la s s e s . J e n n ife r M ille r, a 1 7 -y e a r e m p lo y e e o f th e d is tric t, s p o k e to th e im p a c t o f s ta ffin g a n d p ro g ra m c u ts a t th e h ig h s c h o o l. S h e d e s c rib e d th e lo s s o f th e B rid g e P ro g ra m , th e T L C a n d T ra n s itio n p ro g ra m s , a n d c u ts a c ro s s s p e c ia l e d u c a tio n , m u s ic , p h y s ic a l e d u c a tio n , w o rld la n g u a g e , m a th , a n d s c ie n c e . S h e a ls o a d d re s s e d a d m in is tra tiv e re d u c tio n s , n o tin g th e d is tric t h a d g o n e fro m tw o fu ll-tim e a s s is ta n t p rin c ip a ls a n d a fu ll-tim e a th le tic d ire c to r to 1 .5 a s s is ta n t p rin c ip a ls a n d a p a rt-tim e a th le tic d ire c to r. S h e w a rn e d th a t e d u c a to r b u rn o u t a n d a ttritio n w e re a c c e le ra tin g , a n d th a t e a rly re tire m e n ts a n d d e p a rtu re s to b e tte r-p a y in g d is tric ts w e re in c re a s in g ly lik e ly o u tc o m e s . M a ry F o y le , a 2 4 -y e a r e m p lo y e e o f L u n e n b u rg s c h o o ls , p ro v id e d h is to ric a l c o n te x t, n o tin g th a t d u rin g th e 2 0 0 8 -2 0 0 9 re c e s s io n , th e D is tric t c o n s o lid a te d fro m fo u r b u ild in g s to th re e a n d n e g o tia te d z e ro ra is e s fo r th re e y e a rs . S h e d e s c rib e d L u n e n b u rg a s o n e o f th e s m a lle s t s ta n d a lo n e p u b lic h ig h s c h o o ls in M a s s a c h u s e tts , a n d e x p re s s e d c o n c e rn th a t s tu d e n ts a re n o t re c e iv in g a c o m p re h e n s iv e h ig h s c h o o l e x p e rie n c e . S h e n o te d th a t C O V ID re lie f fu n d s h a d d e la y e d th e c u rre n t c ris is . S p e a k in g a s b o th a lo n g tim e e m p lo y e e a n d a to w n re s id e n t, s h e s ta te d th a t it is " m y jo b a s a to w n s p e rs o n to m a k e u p th e b u d g e t s h o rtfa ll — it is n o t m y jo b a s a n e m p lo y e e to d o s o ." S h e ra is e d c o n c e rn a b o u t e m p lo y e e s e ffe c tiv e ly a b s o rb in g b u d g e t d e fic its th ro u g h h e a lth in s u ra n c e c o s t in c re a s e s th a t e ro d e n e g o tia te d ra is e s , a n d n o te d th a t e m p lo y e e s w h o d o n o t liv e in to w n re c e iv e n o c o rre s p o n d in g b e n e fit fro m th e s e rv ic e s th e y h e lp fu n d . ===PAGE 3=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 3 of 7 PRELIMINARY FY27 BUDGET PLAN DISCUSSIONS The Town Manager presented updated revenue projections and budget drivers for FY27. The Governor's cherry sheet numbers had been released, showing a small increase in state aid. Total revenues were projected at $51,004,918.00. After subtracting non-appropriated expenses and state assessments, and holding the same levy amount appropriated to the capital plan as in the prior year, available funds for appropriation were estimated at $49,805,800. Compared to FY26 appropriations (excluding the additional $500,000 for schools), this yielded approximately $1,429,364 in new FY27 revenue — an increase of roughly $100,000 from figures presented two weeks prior. The Town Manager presented a proportional revenue distribution scenario: schools (53.3%) would receive approximately $762,280; the town (43.9%) approximately $627,634; and Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (2.76%) approximately $39,450. She cautioned, however, that Monty Tech's actual assessment is set by that district — last year it represented an 8.8% increase, or approximately $117,438, which would substantially exceed its proportional share. The Town Manager identified four major budget drivers exceeding the new revenue:  Health insurance: Previously projected at 20%, now revised to an average of 8.3% (trust average) with a high of 14.4%, due to the removal of GLP-one drugs from coverage  Retirement: A non-negotiable 10% increase of $240,000  School transportation: $230,000 increase  Fourth shift fire department: $350,000 After subtracting these four items from the $1,429,364 in new revenue, the Town Manager projected a deficit of approximately negative $615,000 . She emphasized this figure addressed only these four items. It did not account for utility increases, vendor contract increases, TCP carrying costs, the pavement management plan, Monty Tech's actual assessment, collective bargaining agreements, or other contractual increases. She stated that the full FY27 deficit, based on all budget requests received to date, is slightly north of $3,000,000. Discussion among board members focused on gaining clarity about these figures and the process moving forward. Finance Committee Chair Chris Menard raised concerns about the presentation of staffing numbers for the school district, showing data that overall staff counts had increased over the past 10 years despite claims of cuts. School Committee members countered that recent cuts had been significant and were having direct impacts on student achievement. Several board members discussed possible approaches to an override, with various opinions on whether to present a single unified number, multiple options, or a tiered approach. Town Manager explained that an override permanently raises the levy limit, while an excluded debt is tied to specific borrowing and disappears when paid off. ===PAGE 4=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 4 of 7 Finance Committee Member Lockwood asked the Town Manager for clarification as to the $615,000 figure. The Town Manager explained that the $615,000 was a result of subtracting the increases attributed to health insurance, retirement, school transportation, and the fourth shift fire from the additional revenue. She clarified that the $3,000,000 figure reflected the total of all town budgets that had been presented to the Tri-Board, including growth, plus the school ’s January 16 th level-service budget. Finance Committee Member Lockwood expressed concern about presenting figures that did not represent level services and stated she did not want to engage in "scare tactics" . The Town Manager rejected any suggestion of scare tactics, and re-iterated that these figures were based upon the departmental requests and did not represent a level service budget. Select Board Member Emkey noted that the value of the Tri-Board process was transparency at an earlier stage than usual, and that the $3,000,000 did not represent a final override number. She stated that she did not see how the gap could be closed without an override , but not that the figure was necessarily $3,000,000. She commented that determining that number is the next task for th e Tri-Board and that the number is need ed for the ballot by April 10th. Select Board Member Moore agreed that identifying the scope of the problem was a necessary first step and appreciated the transparency, while also acknowledging that the numbers remain in flux and that further refinement is needed before a final figure can be determined. Finance Committee Member Da ll noted that the Finance Committee's role would be to ask detailed questions of each department to validate the numbers, and that this should not be taken personall y, commenting, “ w e all want what's best for the town and the schools." School Committee Chair Sculimbrene cautioned against attempting to resolve complex budgetary math in a public meeting setting, calling it an "unmitigated disaster" in his experience. He urged the boards to wait for complete, validated data before drawing conclusions, stating: "It is absolutely transparently obvious that we need an override. Let's wait till we've got all the data and do it the right way." The Town Manager announced that the town's new Finance Director had started that day. The Moderator asked the Town Manager to outline the different override structures available. She explained various types from single purpose, omnibus, a la carte, tiered, and multi-year. She directed members to the Division of Local Services (DLS) property tax impact calculator, which allows residents to model the tax impact of any override amount for Lunenburg specifically. She also offered to distribute a DLS booklet on override structures. School Committee Member Gilman raised the option of presenting two separate numbers on the ballot with one for level services and one for targeted restoration as well as the possibility of a multi-year override to avoid returning to voters annually. She noted the S chool C ommittee had discussed both approaches and suggested the full Tri-Board should deliberate on the appropriate structure. ===PAGE 5=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 5 of 7 Finance Committee Member Lockwood emphasized that before going to voters, the boards must demonstrate they have done the "hard work" of identifying internal efficiencies and cost reductions. She cited two specific areas: the town's recycling program, which she noted had grown from approximately $150,000 at the start of COVID to over $500,000, and school choice enrollment revenue, which has declined from approximately $500,000 to $112,000 on the cherry sheet. She stated she would not support any override if those efforts had not been made. The Town Manager confirmed that conversations regarding alternative recycling models had begun, and also raised the possibility of eliminating the mosquito control program assessment (approximately $100,000) and the need to have serious future discussions about the TCP building, which is not yielding the anticipated energy cost savings following its partial decommissioning. School Committee Chair Sculimbrene addressed the school choice revenue issue, noting that school choice demand is uneven across grade levels and that demand cannot simply be switched on. He also noted that maintaining a school system families want to choose requires investment, a point echoed by School Committee Member Brzoz o ski , who stated: "In order to do that, you have to have a competitive school system, and that involves not making more cuts." Finance Committee Chair Menard raised a point of concern about claims that the school district had been cutting staff, displaying a chart of school staffing from FY16 through FY25 showing a general upward trend in headcount. He stated that it "really irritates me when we say things like we're cutting staff when the data shows that staffing has gone up almost every year in the last 10 years." He also disclosed that he had requested this data prior to last year's override vote and that it had been withheld by the former superintendent until after town meeting. School Committee Member Brzoz o ski acknowledged the trend but noted that FY25 saw a downward turn, and that FY26 included significant layoffs , which was not reflected in the chart . She also noted that the student population's needs have increased substantially, with more students on IEPs, more English language learners, and more students entering below benchmark , m eaning that even flat staffing represents a reduction in effective capacity. The S chool C ommittee had voted mid-year to add paraprofessionals to respond to individual students with acute needs, partly to avoid far more expensive out-of-district placements. School Committee Chair Sculimbrene acknowledged the concern about precision in language but pushed back on the characterization, noting that the more relevant data point is the composition of staff, not total headcount. He observed that the chart for instructional staff showed a decline in recent years, and that combining roles , such as the athletic director consolidation from two FTEs to one , does not appear in headcount data but has real operational consequences. The exchange concluded with general agreement that updated data including FY26 actuals should be shared with all board members, and that precision in language about staffing trends is important for maintaining public trust. Several members spoke to the broader question of whether an override is necessary. Finance Committee Member Lockwood stated she would support an override only if the re was a demonstrate d commitment to internal cost savings first, and cautioned that for many residents , ===PAGE 6=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 6 of 7 p articularly seniors on fixed incomes , a $3,000,000 override would translate to approximately $600 per year in additional taxes, a significant burden. School Committee Member Brzoz o ski advocated for a unified approach, stating: "I think we should have one number and we should all support it. That's going to give us the best chance of success." The Moderator spoke to the importance of rebuilding public trust following the prior override, after which funds were subsequently returned, and stated that the Tri-Board's unified presentation would be critical. He also called for a town-wide public forum where all constituencies, including seniors and non-parents, could hear directly from all departments, including fire, police, and DPW, not only the schools. The Town Manager noted that a forum specifically addressing FY25 questions remains to be scheduled, and that multiple public road shows would follow once firm numbers are available closer to the April 10th ballot deadline. P UBLIC COMMENT The Moderator invited additional public comment. No members of the public in attendance or participating remotely requested to speak . IMPORTANT DATES & UPCOMING MEETINGS The Tri-Board discussed scheduling its next joint meeting. The Finance Committee noted it was entering an intensive budget review cycle, with a tentative Finance Committee public hearing and vote anticipated around March 12th and 19th respectively, and a warrant closing around March 16th. After discussion of room availability and scheduling conflicts, the Tri-Board agreed to hold its next joint meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM, to be held at the school (Middle/High School) due to a Planning Board meeting occupying Town Hall that evening. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Member Lehtinen to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 9: 29 p.m. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Motion by Vice-Chair Brzoz o ski to adjourn the School Committee meeting at 9:30 p.m. Seconded by Member Young . Call for the vote: F our -aye. The motion passed unanimously ( 4 - 0-0). Motion by Member Lockwood to adjourn the Finance Committee meeting at 9:30 p.m. Seconded by Member Gray . Call for the vote: Six -aye. The motion passed unanimously ( 6 -0- 0). Respectfully Submitted, ===PAGE 7=== Tri Board Meeting Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 7 of 7 Jennifer Warren-Dyment, Town Manager These Minutes were reviewed and approved by the Select Board on: Tuesday June 1 6 , 2026.