Charlton Select Board Highlights

[ brackets are my comments]

[Technical difficulties at the beginning]

Census has been mailed to all households.

FinCom looking for 1 member and 1 alternate, resume & cover letter go to Finance Director Ashley Obrzut

Real estate & prop taxes due Feb 2nd, 4th quarter due May 4th

Town hall closed Jan 19 MLK day

Borowski spoke at public forum. Wants bylaw committee to study putting a timeframe or other limitations on bringing the same citizens petition multiple times.

Stefan Sage spoke at public forum. Issue 1: Many years ago at Town meeting library trustees were given authority to manage library and library property. A policy was recently passed by SB to restrict parking. Library is owned by town but trustees had gotten into an agreement with neighbors to allow parking in spaces next to their homes in off hours. Believes SB overstepped and will be discussed at next trustee meeting if SB wants to attend. Issue 2: Singer said at STM that departments like the library could setup a policy to ban guns and he told him Mass General Law was what was being changed and policy cannot trump laws. Wants Andrew to check with attorney. Issue 3: Protecting constitutional rights. At town meeting he expressed a drastic change in his thinking that effected his mental health that created a major disturbance among voters in audience who were concerned with their 2nd amendment rights but not his 1st amendment right of expression. Lots of anger resulting in concern for his safety. His point he wanted to make was that a mental health challenge can occur in a short period and a 6 year period to check on a gun owner's mental health is a risk.

Denise Renaud spoke at public forum. Followup to Stefan's comments about the library and wanted to know if SB would do the same and create a gun policy for Town Hall.

Appts & Resignations

A list of poll workers appointed

Bylaw review committee created last meeting for 5 members, 2 alternates and SB liason. Have received more interest than voting members and more expressing interest. Andrew asked to choose SB liason and select a deadline of Jan 16 for applications. Will work with liason to possibly interview candidates and choose recommendations to appoint at next meeting. Looking for 5 and have 6 so far. They will decide who will be alternate and have 1 more alternate to fill. 1 to 2 meetings per month. Every 4 months will update, with deliverables in 18 months. Lancette indicated they will only make recommendations not decisions.

Basia appointed liason.

A CoA member resigned.

An EDC member resigned.

Hearing for a couple of national grid poles installed or moved - approved.

Basia asked about the reason for delays people are seeing. Rep did not know why.

Fay Mountain farm has had problems achieving quorum. SB members Singer and Lancette are voting members and have been unable to attend. Voted to replace them with Karen and Steve.

Opened the Annual Town Meeting warrant. Depts asked to submit articles by Mar 4th and will close warrant Mar 10th. Andrew indicated school numbers are a shot in the dark until Governor's numbers are out. First meeting with schools about budget is in February. Expect Governor's budget in next 2 weeks. Will hire more firefighters with new station.

Have had tremendous growth in town, meaning school assessments will be high along with their capital requests. More to come at Feb meeting. Health insurance has had big increases. Senior Center needs include fixing the existing facility.

Voted on policy change regarding discussing and voting on policy changes. Still can't vote at same meeting its brought up, but will only require 3 votes going forward whether 3 member, 4 member or 5 member board. [lowering the bar for the deciders]

There is now a standing agenda item for committees to come in and report. No one tonight.

Openings

Activities Council alternate

Band Shell development

Conservation Commission alternate

Historical Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Fire station update on construction. [see pic attached]

Landfill capping Flint Rd starting Jan 14th. Points of contact for questions will be on site.

BoH has free Naloxone kits.

Fire Dept offering free CPR training. Must pay $25 for CPR card. 3 hrs

Basia wants future discussion on library authority and citizens petition bylaw limitations.

Lancette wants to know who the library's insurance falls under.

Karen indicated library stewardship was turned over as a requirement to obtain grants.

No SB members want to go to library trustees meeting

[This is a meeting that has to be seen to be believed. This "discussion" description is truly highlights because it cannot be conveyed properly without seeing and hearing yourself.]

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Seniors group Write Away reciting their works Thurs Dec 11th at 10:30am in the Senior Center

80th anniversary of WWII presentation Mon Dec 15th 10:30am at Senior Center

Senior Center Food Drive for Chip-in and St Joseph's happening now

Holiday/Birthday party with entertainment Senior Center Dec 16th sign up by Dec 10th

Holiday recital Dec 11th 6:30pm at library

Seniors New Years Eve party Dec 30th 6pm at library

A resident from Main St came up to speak in public forum about agenda item 9 - the parking ban. Singer tried to not allow public comment on it but Karen allowed it. The resident wanted to know why it was needed. People are not around for the most part during the day and it has never been an issue. She and others have lived here as far back as the '50s.

Another resident from Gould Rd who lives next to public lands said he and his neighbors have driveways in woods they don't want people parking on, tenting, RVs etc. And if there is a ban for some municipal lots it should be all. [not sure how this is relevant if people are parking/camping on private lands, and if I'm not mistaken that land, the Bennett Wildlife Management Area, is State owned. So does municipal parking apply?]

Appointment/No Resignations

cemetery laborer - 42 applied - 1 Appt

Fire Chief Barton spoke about Senior At-Home Safe Program being implemented. Some discussion about MOLST forms (Mass Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment), getting them filled out and displayed in homes where easily accessible. How to reach the many seniors. Soliciting donations to cover the cost of equipment. Hoping to get their grant renewed. Lancette asked about this work being used in future to develop an MIH (Mobile Integrated Health Unit) program. Chief said it could be.

Action Items

1. Citizen's Petition to call Special Town Meeting with 1 article - the gun question again. Scheduled for Jan 12th with no discussion.

2. Liquor licenses approved

3. #2 heating oil bid approved

4. Two town vehicles declared surplus & posted for sale approved

5. Opioid fund spending plan as required by Attorney General approved

6. Draft calendar to begin new year budget plan approved

7. Establish a bylaw review committee - 5 member, no membership requirement other than resident, Koronis questioned it regarding focus on Chap 180, 185 due to parking ban discussion. Andrew wants all reviewed but not for any "substantive changes". Needs an SB liason member. Andrew recommended that for next meeting - approved [It bothers me that Andrew said he does not expect "substantive changes" to be made by the committee. And below you see Lancette's comment about how it is just like the Govt Study, we, the SB are the deciders.]

8. SelectBoard procedures amendment. Brought to their attention that their Policies&Procedures state that they won't vote at the same meeting a policy change is introduced and requires unanimous 3 member or at least 4 of a 5 member board. Presented as "not clear" when only 4 members are present. Town Counsel said it was requiring more than a supermajority and "Not clear they meant to set a supermajority". Rules of Procedure were adopted last May. Singer motioned to keep 3 member board 100% but 4 or 5 member board change to simple majority. Said he did not think it was the intent to tie their hands. Andrew clarified they cannot vote on this change until next meeting. Singer retracted his motion. [I sent a letter to the SB & TA about not following their own rules. So I assume when Singer mentions the "complaint" he is talking about me.]

9. Overnight parking ban policy - because it was discussed (and erroneously voted on) last meeting it required a supermajority vote.

Singer insisted the last meeting was deliberation and this should simply be a vote. So he motioned to adopt and Lancette seconded. Karen clarified and asked for discussion. Singer then started a long nasty argument saying last week was already deliberation which then culminated in a personal attack on Karen. Andrew would not comment. Karen made clear there were no police, insurance or other complaints to date. [Singer lied about this last meeting.] Singer also said he contacted the AG's office to do an investigation and threatened that there may be criminal, civil and ethics violations. He is doing a public complaint in his own name. Lots more arguing. Koronis brought up bylaw committee overriding this policy. Lancette said they can recommend, not decide just like the Govt Study Committee.[see above] They don't know if library parking is controlled by the town per Andrew. So Singer lost it and said if true he's cutting off all money to the library. Singer also spoke directly to Andrew telling him to 'explain things' without going thru the Chair. 4 to 1 vote approved  [This was one of the nastiest and disrespectful displays I have yet seen from Singer and a clear example of why everyone should be aware of town government meetings and candidates and vote accordingly.]

10. Recycle Policy update environmentally preferred products to be eligible for grants. Lancette wants BoH input.

TA Report

Need volunteers for Activities Council alternate, Band Shell, Conservation Commission alternate, Historical Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Bylaws.

Seeking Library Page position.

WestMass working group meeting Dec 18th

Rt20 ribbon cutting completion was 12/8

Planning board RFP for technical assistance Master Plan

SB and DCRSD joint budget meeting Feb 11 6:30pm at Shepherd Hill

Town Common lit for Xmas 

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Housing Production Plan Committee is looking for residents to do the survey [saw it on Facebook & Spectrum Community channel]

Nov 27 town buildings closed for Thanksgiving

Appointments

Student Select Board rep for DSRCD to start next meeting

Firefighters boot drive Dec 13-14 8-1pm Masonic Home Rd and Main St

Sand bid awarded to Hylka by DPW

EDC Rt20 study by Westmass Area Development Corp $30k - Singer questioned it. Why?

Andrew replied it is for a roadmap for Economic Development on Rt20 to attract business. - Approved

Firestation construction continues

Flint Rd landfill closure to cap = $1.8 million Amarillo & Sons, will develop construction plan and project expected to take 1 yr

Exterior repairs going on Power Station rd firestation

2 grants awarded - $100k master plan, $300k sidewalks N Main & Muggett Hill

Xmas tree lighting Dec 6 following Santa driving around town

Spotted Lanternfly infestation found in Charlton - [ this is bad news for trees if not contained] MDAR (Mass Dept of Agricultural Resources) requests sightings be reported

Tax Classification Hearing

36 1/2% of total valuation is commercial/industrial property tax and residential personal property is  63 1/2% [the percentage paid by homeowners has gone down significantly due to businesses like Amazon]

Single tax rate $10.94 pending approval by state - approved

small commercial exemption - not recommended, voted no

residential exemption - not recommended, voted no

open state discount - not recommended, voted no

Singer wants an overnight parking on municipal property penalty of $20 per day - would require a bylaw change thru Town Meeting & State

Singer went on about how it can result in vandalism or people getting hurt and the town would be liable and how policies aren't enforced

Koronis asked about posting signs "No Overnight Parking" -  will be needed

Karen indicated the library has allowed residents on Main St to park there overnight for decades. Singer says residents should not be parking on municipal lots. Karen thought it needed further investigation to determine how residents are impacted. Singer repeatedly said he would not withdraw his motion. Voted 3 to 1 to approve.

Singer also motioned for a working group to create a policy to bring bylaw change to town meeting. Karen felt it was rushed and needed further research/discussion. Voted 3 to 1 to approve. 

 [was this even legal? per their own policies it needed a 4 vote yes minimum & at least 1 more meeting after initial discussion before a vote]

Peter Hague Jr request to remove 61a (farmland classification) 7.11 acres 28-a-3&3.1 , convert for other use  - Approved

29 Sampson Rd request to remove 61a 6.55 acre 32-b-2.1  - Approved

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Stafford St & Center Depot Rd intersection now a 4 way stop

Trick or Treat parade library to town hall/senior center Thurs Oct 30th 11am

Town trick or treat Fri Oct 31st 5-7:30pm

Real Estate & personal property taxes due Nov 3rd

Grand opening Monarch Orchards Farm, 44 Worc Rd, Oct 25 11am to 5pm, barbecue, drinks etc

Appointments & Resignations

Cultural Council Lisa Aube appt [Congrats!]

Housing Production Plan Steering Committee 3 appts

Traffic Constable 3 appts

Dispatcher resignation

Cemetery Laborer resignation

Owner of Monarch Orchards Farm (Justin Tomer) spoke about opening and hoping residents will come over

Town Administrator Report

Firestation exterior framing starting soon

Center Depot & HK Davis roads interesection is also a 4 way stop now

TA coffee with seniors was Oct 15

Bay Path student Select Board started

Hearing for house number change 77 E Baylies Rd

Curt Meskus spoke. Besides trying to fix sequence he wants numbers across from each other lined up too. Owner spoke and believes 73 E Baylies should change instead since it's his lot in between. Singer thinks there are other options. Does a lot of talking.

Fire Chief thinks sequential numbering is important blah blah.

Seemed like SB was going to vote against it so Curt changed his mind and said they should kick it down the road since there is no immediate need and since the lot next to 73 is owned by 73, if he later decides to build it will be on him to change. New house going up will get 75.

Voted to take no action at this time.

Hearing for house number change 98 Old Worc Rd

Lot was non-buildable until housing affordability law made it buildable and needs a number.

Resident has agreed to change their number.

Voted to accept.

Curt did long talk about other numbering issues in Charlton and the impact on police and fire.

Special Town Meeting announced for Oct 20

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[I have said multiple times that we are in great shape financially and this meeting really brings that home. The money being brought in by Amazon and put in stabilization funds will allow us to do things like make capital purchases, for example a senior center, without raising taxes. This is a whole new mindset for Charlton where we have always lived on a financial edge but can now plan for new projects without always requiring tax increases. This fiasco with the Select Board not supporting an insignificant allocation for a feasibility study, has made it more than obvious that we need new leadership on our Select Board; people who understand how to operate within our new circumstances. Fincom, the Finance Director and the Town Administrator all understand our financial situation and recommended we move forward. Only the Select Board seems unable to grasp that we can "afford it", not only the study itself but quite possibly even the purchase and remodel of a Senior Center building.]

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Appointments & No Resignations

Council on Aging  Dept Assistant, benefitted position,  appt

Bay Path Student rep appt

Housing Production Plan Steering Committee appt

Historic Commission and Cultural Council appts [congrats Kenny Laferriere]

Trick or Treat Oct 31 5-7:30pm

Oct 4 11-4pm Overlook fall festival

Firestation steel structure complete & getting ready to pour concrete slab

Flint Rd bids received for closure of landfill, additional funds needed due to increased cost from inflation

West Nile virus risk high in Charlton

FinCom joint meeting to finalize warrant articles

Includes $50k to fincom operational reserve

$80k for HR contract obligations (retirements)

$40k to municipal energies fund (increased utilities cost)

$2k to emerg mgmt expense fund (fed grant discontinued)

$35k half year salary (additional highway dept position)

$450k group health insurance (mid year health insurance premium increases)

Article 4 was multiple motions batched for miscellaneous capital items

$50k matching funds and planning (primarily for infrastructure & analysis plan Rt 20)

$20k appropriate for blighted properties enforcement

$50k from free cash town hall windows replacements

$150k appropriate town hall maintenance improvements

$80k IT (technology) replacements

$500k additional for landfill closure

$20k library misc building repairs

Fincom voted to amend and add to the article $50k for senior center feasibility to assess furniture store property

Select Board voted to not support this so each item was separated as individual motions for voters with motion 5 added unanimously by fincom for $50k feasibility from free cash.

Andrew clarified FINCOM sets financial articles so the motion goes on warrant and Select Board only voted to not support it

Other financial motions in addition to the above which did all pass both SB and FINCOM:

$50k police dept improvements, $25k traffic tech, $20k emerg response equip

$100k fire dept improvements HVAC, $95k replace car 1, $110k replace squad 1

$460k DPW highway dept 2 trucks, $34k pave Westridge cemetery

Town had significant new growth (meaning significantly more money taken in than projected) thus allocating $1.5 million stabilization fund & $1million to capital stabilization fund. Andrew clarified we do 5 year projections which was $800k growth for this year but we actually grew $5 million. [yes 5 million. 5 year projections would go back to covid, and previous to a big increase in personal property tax income from Amazon] Going forward, as we do future plans, this money will keep our tax bills stable and provide for other capital projects [yes like a Senior Center. I've said before we are in best financial shape ever and we can thank Amazon for $4.8 million of this $5 mill]

Bylaw changes for Town Clerk to become an appointed position

Bylaw change by Historic Commission to align with State

A no cost language change for firefighters that move elsewhere and want credit for time for retirement.

Article 10 change to allow guns in prohibited areas of municipal buildings overriding state law. Some discussion over whether wording means properties too like cemeteries etc, which they also want. Voted to support per the addition of properties language. [Article 12 Citizen's Petition is the same thing but should be skipped. SB wants guns in even more places than just buildings]

Dangerous Dog Hearing Continuation

A new complaint of dog getting out. Deemed dangerous, must be on a leash until secondary fence installed asap.

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Appointments & No Resignations

Police Officer appt

Cemetery Laborer appt

Community/Senior Center feasibility Committee member appt

WRTA Advisory Board member appt

A long Senior Center property acquisition discussion. 

TA recommended a capital request for property evaluation and scope of upgrades. Provided breakdown of $50k cost. Senior Center Committee, CoA and TA all recommend moving forward to assess the property. The $50k would be to ensure the property has no surprises. Singer has made up his mind he does not want to do a senior center regardless. Public Safety is his ONLY concern. Koronis is focused on the schools [but in all likelihood the low cost of this purchase and remodel would be paid for before the school projects are even on the docket]. Lancette just went along with Singer. Singer says we know the town wants it, but he doesn't care. He doesn't want it and says we can't afford it. He went on about the taxpayers needing to decide about overrides and yet refuses to put the question before the taxpayers to decide. He has decided all other things are "way more important". [And it would not be an override, it would be a debt exclusion which means it ends when the loan is paid and as a Select Board member he should know the difference. In addition, he does not KNOW a tax increase would be required for this project. We spend as much money on fire trucks as the cost of this building, without debt exclusions. And since when does Singer care about schools? He literally recently threatened to withhold all money if the School Board did not issue some public apology he wanted recently.] Karen re-iterated the recommendations and the process being that their job is to move forward and put it before the town voters, not to decide for them. Singer then basically told her, her "opinion" does not matter. He proceeded with what I considered to be a personal attack on Karen Spiewak and some nonsense about how he "loves the seniors". Several seniors then came up and spoke, most for, 1 against. Hank Camosse made the point that you cannot wait until public safety is 100% funded before you do other things. You must do various projects simultaneously and give residents the vote. Singer then tried to talk lease, but still was against. He said it was definite that police etc would need to be cut. [which is not a fact] Singer also said the owner should pay the $50k assessment or that town employees should go assess. He also tried to intimidate Karen again. [His statement about wanting town employees to go give an opinion would do nothing and is just another delay tactic.] Koronis suggested possibly funding the 21E to be sure there is no contamination, but it went nowhere. Select Board would not make a motion.

Regional Dispatch Proposal

Central Mass Regional Communication Center (CMRCC), Police Chief Dowd, Fire Chief Barton

Chief Dowd & Barton indicated more staff needed or must go regional.

CMRCC included slides in packet and recommended regional  as a better model.

Singer doesn't want it unless it's in Charlton or our station is still manned and our dispatchers get the regional jobs. Wants one of those commitments or no. Site is out of Charlton's control.

Lancette thinks coverage & response would be better.

Koronis wanted projections to future which they really could not answer. He tried to compare to regional school district assessments. Assessment is based on population only. [He wasn't wrong here because comparing enrollment numbers to population numbers to assess charges is actually reasonable.] More detail was provided by CMRCC. Should not be viewed just from a cost savings perspective.

Karen wants a FINCOM recommendation in 2 weeks.

CMRCC is talking with 5 to 8 towns about joining the regional and they may not need people, if Charlton waits too long to join. So our dispatchers would not have jobs at regional.

Voted to join regional contingent on FINCOM recommendation.

If FINCOM says no will discuss again. [This is interesting because why have a contingency if you might overrule them?]

Central Mass Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) Open Space & Recreation

Updated plan. Did overview with slides. [Some interesting stuff in there.]

Voted to approve plan.

Planning Board Master Plan status

Have applied for a grant to do steering committee for Master Plan, decision expected mid-October.

Planning Board wanted more options than just CMRPC as facilitator to work on plan. So put out request to wider audience. Expected responses by 9/16. They've been allocated $50k which some applicants feel won't be enough. Planning Board wants full plan update because is well overdue.

Also busy with state facility siting plans for solar and battery parks. State is mandating similar to LNG plant. Incentives are for BESS (Batttery parks) and state is overriding towns bylaws. Some Charlton solar sites have already petitioned for battery facilities.

Nuisance Dogs Hearing

Center Depot Rd

Multiple complaints about loose dogs in a neighbors yard.

3 citations, none paid

[Seems more like a neighbor problem.]

Dog officer says the electric fence and collars need to be fixed and maintained.

The dog owner said they can put up a fence made out of pallets. [LOL]

Voted to continue hearing to give 90 days to resolve. If new incidents they will declare nuisance dogs.

Planning board hearing about some road layout changes.

Abutters had no concerns.

Voted to support plan.

Quick draft warrant review.

Voted to close warrant.

House numbering change request by Building Commissioner.

Voted to schedule a public hearing.

Firestation is coming along.

Flint Rd landfill project going forward.

Sibley Pond dam is a hazard. Got grant to assess options.

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Old Home Day Sun Aug 31

Open Forum:

Fire Chief Barton - new hires introductions

Captain Bosquet will be creating a senior outreach program in fall - no details

Appointments & Resignations

2 police officers appts

traffic constable appt

CoA - 3 openings and 3 appt

1 Lakes & Ponds by conservation commission appt

activities council 2 openings 1 appt

town hall custodian resignation and an internal candidate promoted to facilities laborer

Old Home Day Committee 

128th yr review, soap box derby that morning, road race, kids run, Scottish Highlanders, bands, fireworks, bouncy house, kids car races,parade, expanded requests for donations this year, 81 to 100 vendors,  names of community service awards announced

Planning Board delayed to September re BESS and solar fields discussion - motion to send a letter in support of Oakham pushback on BESS project- passed

Mass DOT evaluated for all-way stops to reduce crashes 

2 recommendations Stafford/Center Depot and City/Center Depot/HK Davis to be all-way stop control

Nick Piehl summarized - Stafford/Center Depot this is 2nd recommendation in 3 years, both intersections red flagged by state, would put traffic pattern adjustments with signs that warn stops will be coming in a couple months, have a new approach to snow/ice clearing on Stafford St  hill [I really like this DPW guy] Police Chief agreed change is needed. Amazon has not impacted in any serious way. Motion to engage MassDOT on both - passed

Opened Warrant approved date for Special Town Meeting -  to be posted by Oct 2nd

New required social equity policies adopted regarding cannabis industry

ADA grievance policy adopted

Select Board will do goals&objectives workshop after executive session

Firestation update - foundation and drainage going in

Received $220k green communities grant for elementary school, library and sewer plant

Rt 20 roundabout opening next week

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[Regarding the addition of a Police Control Officer. It's not often the case, but I agree with Singer that Chief Dowd and Finance Director Ashley do an excellent job managing the police budget. I often say we owe TA Andrew a debt of gratitude but from what I have seen that is also true of Ashley. She was an outstanding hire and you should thank her if you get the opportunity. If I'm not mistaken, hiring a Finance Director was a recommendation of a previous Government Study Committee and appears to have been one of the best things the town has done.]

[Secondly there are 2 Select Board seats up for re-election next Spring 2026. If you, or anyone you know is interested in running for one of these, please let us know.]

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[It now says Select Board on the blackboard behind the board.]

Several volunteers are needed for various committees, WRTA, Zoning Board of Appeals.

Property tax bills mailed out  by July 1, due Aug 4 and Nov 3

Police Chief Dowd introduced a new police sergeant.

Appointments & Resignations

Highway Dept appt

Special Police Officer appt

2 traffic constables appt

CoA board member resignation

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) self-eval & transition plan. Charlton had received a grant. Last updated 2007. Central Mass Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) & Team did a long presentation indicating standards, non-compliance and recommendations to correct.

[Doc can be found here: https://www.townofcharlton.net/DocumentCenter/View/5089/ADA-Self-Evaluation--Transition-Plan?bidId=]

Buffumville Lake project approved thru Mar 30 2030

Chief Dowd recommended a Police Control Officer  w/in budget which Finance Director Ashley confirmed. FinCom supports. Voted to approve.

Fire station update. Moving along nicely.

#2 schoolhouse Mass Historical increased grant $50k for additional work. Expected to finalize inspection soon.

Historical Weights&Measures Cabinet from 1848 is being restored.

Koronis recommended planning board discussion about battery storage parks (BESS) next agenda

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Tax Assessments of properties is presently being done in town

Town hall will be closed June 19th

Town is searching for a lost old recordbook 1856 to 1893. Contact office with any info.

Firestation groundbreaking ceremony Wed Jun 18, 4pm

Open Forum

Jeanne Costello made a statement in response to Singer's accusation May 27th

Business Alliance rep announced a mixer at Quarter Keg Jun 17, 6-8pm

Appointments & Resignations

Local inspector, provisional based upon acquiring certification in 1 year. Curt Meskus spoke about hire.

2 Activities Council members Appt

Police dispatcher  Appt

Re-appointments of several people in a list for various committees

3 police promotions. Chief spoke about them and photos were taken with families

Action items

DPW bids for materials accepted

Manager change for Super Food Mart [Has to do with liquor license]

Police union contract ratification approved

Employee Appreciation Day discussion. Andrew suggested planning offline. Recommend Aug 14

Request by Singer that a letter be sent to School Committee for a public statement regarding antisemitism. He swung around the papers with Facebook screenshots again. (These can now be found in the SB packet on town website) He made a long statement doubling down on his antisemitism charges. Chair Spiewak asked for clarification that Singer's previous statement was as a private citizen. Lots of discussion by all Select Board members. Singer read the letter he requested be sent. (This is also in the packet.) Jeanne commented again to refute a couple of points. Singer became visibly angry at this point with followup comments. Lancette suggested the School Committee needed to deliberate and respond and that as a private citizen it should not be Jeanne. She responded that the MTA comments by Singer were made without anyone having access to their website to know what they have posted (login protected), but for the remainder the School Committee posts all info on the school website publicly. Chair Spiewak stated she believes they are acting out of their scope of authority as autonomous boards and quoted research regarding taking action based upon personal social media posts as a misapplication of authority. She requested it be run by Town Counsel which was agreed to. There was some back and forth between Singer and Chair Spiewak regarding whether this is about a personal issue regarding an individual. (Singer made a nasty, unprofessional comment here.) Chair Spiewak reiterated that everyone agrees there is no room for hate in our town but is worried about setting a precedent with this action. Singer did a long angry rant. Chair Spiewak believes it is an overstep trying to strongarm another board. Voted 4 to 1 to send letter via Town Counsel.

Hearing on another Coptic Church property on Gould Rd removing tax classification and town won't exercise right of 1st refusal

Several open town positions

Firestation update

#2 schoolhouse update

Road work to be done soon Ramshorn Rd

Tidbit at end is that it was voted to use either/or Select Board or Board of Selectmen as the name regardless of the fact that it has gone thru legislature to be changed to Select Board

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[Interesting to note that Lancette and Singer would not move or 2nd any motion.]

Town Administrator Andrew Golas received an award from CMRPC (Central Ma Regional Planning Commission) for area collaboration. [This guy is the best.]

Open Forum

Don & Victoria Konapacki from Arts&Activities announced a couple of events; a "Peer Bullying" talk Jun 14 and "Darling Mr London" production May 30,31 & Jun 1, 6,7,8. Also theatre production auditions are coming up

Select Board member Singer reiterated his antisemitism charge regarding Mass Teachers Association (MTA). He had asked for a public statement from schools but none was given as it was determined unnecessary. He insinuated he was going to come after someone but was asked not to and instead to get a letter from the Select Board to the School Committee. Select Board then voted it down. He then waved around some printouts that could not be read and that allegedly came from School Committee member Jeanne Costello's private Facebook account that he purports are antisemitic propaganda. He gave the sheets to Andrew to send them to School Committee and ask for action. He then alleged 3 antisemitic incidents in schools and in town. He threatened that the Superintendent should not hold the position if he cannot stand up to bigotry and hate. He wants a statement from School Committee and an apology from Jeanne. Basia responded saying she had been in favor of the letter but her understanding was they would discuss before doing it. Singer tried to respond but Chair Spiewak stopped the discussion and asked Singer to put it on a future agenda for discussion.

Appointments & Resignations

2 zoning board of appeals 2 Appts

1 Boston Post Cane committee Appt

1 Historical Commission, Resignation - opening announced

Select Board new Policy & Procedures adopted

Assigned Select Board non-voting liasons to various committees to replace Borowski. Lancette picked up Fire Station alternate. Singer took Fay Mountain. Spiewak took primary liason for CMRPC and alternate on Community/Senior Center.

Dangerous dog hearing for Berry Corner Rd. 

Dog has attacked another dog in nearby yard. Seems ok with people. Owner seemed genuinely upset and has been very cooperative, paid vet bill and is trying to contain the dog. Has locked one gate and agreed to put an auto-close mechanism on the other. Will review in 3 months.

Renewal of IMA Stormwater coalition contract which manages water resources to 2030

DPW bids for materials accepted.

Dates could not be agreed on for Select Board goals working sessions for the year. So Andrew will follow up to determine dates when all can attend. Chair Spiewak noted that communicating to schedule dates offline does not violate Open Meeting Law.

Select Board Attendance Dashboard recommended by Chair Spiewak. Lancette and Singer expressed ambivalence about it but want it approved by labor counsel. Expressed concern that people would be penalized when they may be out for sickness etc. However, Chair Spiewak clarified info is already in minutes but dashboard makes it transparent in one location for residents to easily obtain. Singer thinks it is a tool of babysitting or punishment. He believes there are much more egregious offenses of Board that warrant tracking. [I'd love to know what he thinks those are.] Basia suggested getting Labor Counsel recommendation. Lancette wanted to know cost, but Andrew said it was just his time. Chair Spiewak suggested taking vote conditional on Labor Counsel. Vote unanimous. [Weird]

Open Positions- Asst Library Director, Dispatcher, Kitchen Coordinator

Volunteers needed - Housing Prod Plan, Activities Council, Band Shell Development, Conservation Commission Alternate, Cultural Council, Historical Commission, WRTA Advisory, 2 Zoning Board of Appeals

Fire Station blasting will start Friday 5:30pm and continue for 2 weeks. Will be Jun 18, 4pm groundbreaking ceremony

#2 schoolhouse work continuing

$73k grant for fiber on Oxford Rd to fire station

Farmer's Market on Wednesdays on Town Common has started

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[Congratulations to the new Chair of the Charlton Select Board Karen Spiewak!]

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Annual Town Meeting (ATM) Mon May 19th CMS 7 pm

Open Forum

Matt Power Business Alliance - Business Expo review - went well, 30 vendors [I was there 2 hours for EDC and there was very little foot traffic. My understanding is these do not draw people anymore regardless of vendors.]

Reorg Select Board - Lancette nominated Singer chair, Basia nominated Karen, Basia and Steve highly recommended Karen, only Lancette voted Singer,  3 voted against, 3 voted for Karen, Singer abstained both, Karen elected chair

Vice chair - Karen nominated Basia, Basia recommended Steve, Karen re-nominated Steve, Singer abstained again, 4 for Steve

Clerk - Karen nominated Basia, no one else interested, 4 for, Singer abstained

Andrew asked they review policies&procedures for a future vote

Appointments&Resignations

Appointment kitchen coordinator CoA - recommend Sarah Laskowski, Appt

Zoning board of appeals 2 resignations, voted to affirm, openings announced

Transfer of license to do business in Charlton of GMC,Inc

Timberyard alcohol license approved for a Jeep event at 508 on Brookfield Rd May 17th

Timberyard alcohol license for vintage car event Jun 14,15 at 508

2025 scholarships - 2 received applications, Jesse Smith $250 awarded, Others did not qualify, Basia thinks should be more, Student member said it takes serious effort to apply and they are not interested. Want to do online. They also don't even know the difference between them. [I thought she was about to say it was not worth it for the amounts, but held back.] Karen suggested students advise on how to reach more applicants. Student doesn't think it's about how many are reached but that they just are not interested. [I had suggested changes previously but Borowski nastily shot me down.]

Fire station work in full swing - June 18, 4pm public groundbreaking event, unexpected ledge removal requires blasting soon

Annual Town Meeting info for public before meeting is on town web site

Kudos to fire dept and locals for handling a commercial building fire on Southbridge rd

Town bylaws review to be upcoming - will establish working group

Select board summer schedule - 1 per month 2nd Tues Jun, Jul, Aug

Remove 61b classification from Coptic church 14.35 acre property on Gould&Cemetary rd - purchase and sale is in place. Singer thanked Andrew for describing process. Didn't think for sale signs should have been posted before board voted.

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