Town of Whitman

The meeting included a review of the Health Agent's Report, which detailed quarantined dogs due to bites or scratches, all observing standard 10-day quarantines because the animals were up to date on rabies vaccinations. The Public Health Nurse's Report noted continued caution regarding ticks as a year-round threat and pointed to an increase in Coronavirus infections last month. Discussions on internal business focused on the budget being level-funded despite rising vendor prices, with concerns about future sustainability, and scheduling attendance for a Finance Committee meeting. The Board also engaged in extensive discussion regarding Kratom, an herbal supplement legal in Massachusetts but banned in several states, following a local complaint. Discussions covered the dangers of adulterated products and the potential for the Board to prohibit sales locally through regulation or by moving the issue to the town meeting floor for a public vote. The Board decided to gather additional information, including potential regional bans and input from drug recovery programs, before taking further action.

The Whitman Select Board meeting included discussions on committee vacancies, concerns about posting members' personal contact information online, and a request for out-of-state travel for Chief Clancy. The board also addressed appointments such as Assistant Wiring Inspector and Conditional Building Commissioner/Zoning Enforcement Officer. Additionally, they discussed an inspection rate for the Assistant Building Inspector, rescinded and appointed a Temporary Treasurer-Collector, and approved a request to film a low-budget independent film. Several line item transfers were approved, and the board addressed a request to allow Sharon LoPiccolo to remain on the Whitman Aid to the Elderly and Disabled Taxation Fund Committee. They also re-voted the annual appointment of Animal Control Officer, Field Driver, and Pest Control Inspector and scheduled the next meeting. The board entered into an executive session to discuss strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel and to review and approve executive session minutes.

The Whitman Select Board meeting included discussions on out-of-state travel for Chief Clancy, concerns over budget allocations and potential service cuts, recognition of the 150th Anniversary Committee, and FY26 annual appointments. The board also addressed a request to hold the La Vita e Bella 5k Road Race, line item transfers, collective bargaining agreements with AFSCME and OPEIU, and the Town Administrator's vacation carry-over. Additionally, there were updates on a SAFER staffing grant, the DPW Building project, and the Community Electricity Aggregation bid. The meeting also included an executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy and review executive session minutes.

The Whitman Select Board meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The board approved bill and payroll warrants and accepted correspondence. A public forum addressed the potential return of surplus funds from the Board of Assessors. Scheduled hearings included the approval of a Class II Auto Dealer's License for Unique Auto Group, Inc., and a Dangerous/Nuisance Dog Hearing regarding a complaint filed by Linda Meinhold against a dog allegedly owned by William Healey, which was continued to a future meeting. New business included the reappointment of Sharon LoPiccolo as Assistant Treasurer-Collector, the rescinding of Christopher Lee's appointment as Auxiliary/Special Police Officer, and the appointment of Kevin Lynam to the Recreation Commission. The board also approved requests to use Town Hall by the Southeastern Philharmonic Orchestra and the Whitman Mother's Club. Further appointments were made to the positions of Constable and Member of the Economic Development Committee. The Economic Development Committee was discussed and Mr. Evans was appointed as the Select Board's representative. The board set its September meeting schedule. Old business included discussions on the Park Ave. School property and Open Space Survey Findings. Budget strategies were outlined, and the Town Administrator reported on a Community Compact Best Practices Grant and funding received through the Green Communities Program, as well as updates on the Community Electricity Aggregation Program and the Library Director's resignation. The board then moved to enter into an executive session.

The board discussed the revocation of a Class II Auto Dealer's License for A.R.S.P., accepted the resignation of Joseph Burke from the Whitman Recreation Commission, and appointed Jennifer Augenti as Town Accountant. They also approved the June 11, 2025, Special Town Meeting Warrant. The board discussed using ambulance receipts to cushion FY26 public-safety staffing reductions, potentially allocating $150,000 for public-safety purposes. The board approved the request of the Whitman Democratic Town Committee to hold a blood drive in the Town Hall auditorium. A family skate night was announced to celebrate Whitman's 150th.