Select Board Approves Consent Agenda, Previews Warrant

In this report: Key decisions · Next dates · Full report · Sources

What happened

The board unanimously approved a consent agenda with three staff appointments to Prevention and Human Services and Planning departments, $45,675 in economic development grants to downtown businesses, and $1,851 in donations. Board members agreed on a process and timeline for the town manager search led by Collins Center for Public Management. The board previewed the 11-article Special Town Meeting warrant, including a $150,000 Community Preservation Act request for a Middle School athletic fields study, but did not vote on warrant articles.

Key decisions

• 💰 Economic Development Grants to Three Downtown Businesses. The board approved $45,675 in Economic Development Advisory Group grants to three downtown businesses: $1,700 to Giovanni 67 for sign and facade improvements, $20,000 to Fiona Salon, and $23,975 to Upperkuts. The Upperkuts grant, originally awarded in 2022 but unused by the prior owner, is now available to the current owner. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details
• 👤 Town Manager Search Process and Timeline. The board agreed on a process and timeline for the town manager search with Collins Center for Public Management, with staff member Beth as the board's liaison. A community survey will launch by late October with forums to follow, the screening committee will form by mid-November, and the board will vote on the search profile and charge by November 18. (Next: Nov. 18). Read case details
• 👤 Tracey King Social Worker Appointment. The board appointed Tracey King as a Social Worker in the Prevention and Human Services department, with the 15-day waiting period waived. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details
• 👤 Jacqueline Coyle Case Manager Appointment. The board appointed Jacqueline Coyle as a Case Manager in the Prevention and Human Services department, with the 15-day waiting period waived. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details
• 👤 Leila Rodriguez-Valentin Sustainability Coordinator Appointment. The board appointed Leila Rodriguez-Valentin as Sustainability Coordinator in the Planning Department, with the 15-day waiting period waived. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details
• 📝 Hopkinton Water Supply Agreement. The board authorized the interim town manager to sign an updated intermunicipal water supply agreement with the town of Hopkinton. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details
• 💰 Food Pantry and Senior Center Donations. The board accepted $1,851 in combined donations to the Food Pantry and Senior Center. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details
• 📋 Wine Empire One-Day Liquor License. The board approved a one-day liquor license for Wine Empire at the Corner Spot for October 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. (Vote Approved unanimously; Next: Oct. 24, 3 to 6 p.m.). Read case details
• ● Memorial Bench Acceptances. The board accepted two memorial benches: one from Howie Axelrod in memory of his wife Nancy Axelrod for the Community Center, and one from John Szolomayer in memory of his wife Cheryl Szolomayer for the Ashland Arboretum. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details

Next dates

• Oct. 22: Planning Board hearing on zoning Article 8
• Nov. 4: Select Board final warrant review
• Nov. 18: Select Board votes on town manager search profile

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Full meeting report

The complete, section-by-section account of the meeting, 2,636 words, for members.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.