October 25, 2020

Select Board Actions Taken 10/20/20

Agenda Items & Actions Taken:

6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER – EXECUTIVE SESSION
i. To consider approving executive session minutes.
ii. Pursuant to M.G.L. c.30A, §21(a) (Purpose 6) t o consider strategy with respect to the purchase, lease, sale or value of real property in relation to Main Street parking – 25/35 Main Street, the Main Street Corridor Project, former Liberty Mutual property and Upper Charles Trail because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Board.

6:15 PM CALL TO ORDER – OPEN SESSION – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

6:16 PM PUBLIC FORUM – Residents are invited to share ideas, opinions or ask questions regarding Town Government.

6:25 PM COVID-19 UPDATE Shaun McAuliffe, Public Health Director, will provide an update on the Town’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

6:35 PM EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
i. The Select Board will recognize Carl Harris, who retired October 1 and has been with the Town for 31 years: 26 years as a full-time Firefighter, and 5 years as a call Firefighter.
ii. The Select Board will recognize Janet MacKay, Assistant Town Accountant, who is retiring on October 31, 2020 after 24 years with the Town.

6:50 PM CONSENT AGENDA
i. MINUTES – The Select Board will consider approving the Minutes of the Sept. 15, 2020 and Sept. 29, 2020 meetings.
ii. CHANGE OF MANAGER, 110 GRILL – The Select Board will consider approving a Change of Manager for the 110 Grill, 1 Lumber Street, to Robert Neilsen.
The Select Board approved the Consent Agenda. (5-0)

6:55 PM ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS
The Select Board will consider appointing Samuel Docknevich to the Council on Aging, to a term expiring 6/30/2023.
The Select Board appointed Samuel Docknevich to the Council on Aging, to a term expiring 6/30/2023. (5-0)

7:05 PM MORTGAGE AND RENTAL RELIEF PROGRAMS
i. The Select Board will receive a recommendation regarding using CARES Funds for mortgage and senior work program relief.
ii. The Select Board will receive an update regarding applying for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to support emergency housing relief.
The Select Board voted to support an application to the Community Preservation Committee for Covid-19 related emergency housing relief. (3-0-1)

7:20 PM MEANS TESTED SENIOR CITIZEN PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION
9. The Select Board will discuss and determine the dollar amount of the exemption for the Means Tested Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption applications for FY 21.
The Select Board adopted exemptions at 200% of the calendar year 2019 Circuit Breaker income Tax Credit for the calendar year 2021. (4-0)

7:30 PM BOARD DISCUSSION – MEMBER AGENDA ITEMS: 1) MAPC PLEDGE; 2) RULES OF PROCEDURE
i. The Select Board will review the MAPC “Pledge, Principles, and Actions on Systemic Racism in Our Communities and Violence in Law Enforcement” and consider setting a date for follow-up discussion.
ii. The Select Board will review its Rules of Procedure and Public Forum Policy.

7:50 PM TOWN MANAGER REPORT
11. i. Main Street Corridor Project Update
ii. FY22 and 2021 Annual Town Meeting Updates
iii. Hiring Freeze exemptions: Assistant Town Accountant
iv. Upcoming Major Projects: Center School ReUse, Public Safety Facility, 25/35 Main Street
The Select Board allowed the hiring of an Assistant Town Accountant. (5-0)

8:00 PM LIAISON REPORTS/BOARD INVITES

8:05 PM FUTURE BOARD AGENDA ITEMS

8:10 PM ADJOURN