Robert Whalen

The committee held a meeting to establish its organizational structure. Key activities included the nomination and election of a Chair, Vice-Chair, and recording secretary. The committee also reviewed the charge regarding the town manager search process, including the established salary range, confidentiality expectations, and collaboration with consultants. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding scheduling and venue preferences for future committee meetings.

The Select Board discussed the Town Manager search, including the appointment of Municipal Resources Inc. as a consultant and the formation of a seven-member search committee. The Board reviewed a revised FY 2027 budget detailing significant staffing reductions across multiple departments to address a fiscal shortfall, including layoffs, attrition, and the consolidation of departments. Additionally, the Board handled various liquor licensing requests, property concerns, contract approvals for the Interim Fire Chief and Interim Town Manager, and authorization for fire prevention grant applications. Discussion also covered water resource protection districts, parking restrictions, and planning for upcoming community events.

The board discussed several items, including a potential community survey for the town manager search and the appointment of Municipal Resources Inc. as the consultant for the search. A seven-member committee for the town manager search was established, and a one-day liquor license application for a Mother's Day brunch was approved. The board also received a comprehensive presentation on the revised fiscal year 2027 budget, which included proposed department reductions, layoffs, and staffing consolidations due to a $3.375 million shortfall, with specific concerns raised about impacts on the police, fire, conservation, and media departments.

The commission reviewed multiple administrative, financial, and regulatory items. Key discussions included approving invoices for dam surveys, pond maintenance, wetland training, vehicle equipment, and peer reviews for development projects. Requests for group use at town facilities were approved. Policies were updated, and several project-specific regulatory determinations were issued, including decisions on Notices of Intent and Certificates of Compliance. The meeting also addressed fiscal planning, commissioner reappointments, staffing and overtime approvals, and updates on conservation land projects, invasive species management, and ongoing environmental monitoring efforts throughout the town.

The board discussed several items, including the potential relocation of the Leonard E. Simmons facility sign for better visibility and the exploration of reviving the historic Boston Post Cane tradition. Financial matters included acknowledging a donation from the Middleborough Elks and reviewing the status of the upcoming fiscal year budget. Additionally, the board addressed the upcoming expiration of certain board terms and the preparation for the election of officers. Other updates provided information regarding the acquisition of used town vehicles and the expansion of the Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) coverage area.