Select Board Meeting Minutes 03/17/26
Select Board meeting minutes
Date: 03/17/2026
Location: Town Hall and remote
Select Board members present: Justin Makuc (Chair), Susan Cooper, Frank Abbott
Others present: Roger MacDonald (Town Administrator), Steve Pullen (Chair, Finance Committee), Jeff Zimmerman (Finance Committee), Roger Tryon (Finance Committee), Dennis Lynch
The meeting was called to order at 5:31pm.
Joint meeting with Finance Committee to review FY27 budget
Discussion on Seasonal Communities
The Board held a joint discussion with the Planning Board and Housing Committee regarding the Seasonal Communities designation, following a recommendation to place the article on the Annual Town Meeting warrant. The program was described as an “opt-in” state designation that provides tools and funding to support housing development in communities with significant seasonal populations. It was noted that acceptance could make the Town eligible for state funding—estimated between roughly $50,000 and $175,000 based on population—to support zoning updates, planning efforts, and housing-related infrastructure, though funding would be reimbursed and not guaranteed beyond the initial cycle.
Board members focused heavily on the potential obligations and risks tied to the designation. Questions were raised about the requirement to adopt compliant zoning bylaws within 24 months and what would occur if the Town chose not to do so. The discussion indicated that the likely consequence would be revocation of the designation rather than enforcement action, though members noted that confirmation from state agencies and Town Counsel was still pending. Additional concerns included whether previously awarded funds could need to be repaid if zoning changes were not adopted, and whether accepting the designation could create indirect pressure to enact zoning changes that may not otherwise be supported locally.
The Board also weighed the broader benefits and tradeoffs. Potential advantages included the ability to promote year-round housing, support workforce housing (including for municipal employees), and access planning resources to advance local housing initiatives. However, members expressed caution about accepting state funding with “strings attached,” particularly given uncertainty around long-term funding and regulatory implications. There was general agreement that separating the designation from future zoning decisions could provide flexibility, allowing the Town to access funding while continuing to evaluate zoning changes through a local process. The Board did not reach a final conclusion but indicated that further clarification and public discussion would be needed before advancing the article.
Monterey Fire Department BLS Endorsement
The Board readdressed the proposed endorsement of the Monterey Fire Department to operate at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level as part of the Town’s broader transition toward a more formalized and staffed fire/EMS model. It was noted that this endorsement pertained to the application to become a licensed ambulance service provider at the Class V Basic Life Support (BLS) level under the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It was noted that with this certification the Fire Department staff drive in ambulances provided by other municipalities and did not refer to any possibility of purchasing an ambulance for Monterey.
There was no formal vote, and the Select Board signed the endorsement letter.
Town Administrator Contract
The Select Board discussed a six-month contract with the Town Administrator. Before the end of the fiscal year the Select Board and Town Administrator will work on a new three contract that will have some minor edits as recommended by Town Counsel and start on July 1, 2023.
The Select Board signed the six-month contract with the Town Administrator.
Discussion on Town Meeting Warrant
The Board’s discussion of the Town Meeting Warrant occurred in the context of broader budget development and project timing, with much of the conversation focused on how to responsibly place articles on the warrant, given ongoing uncertainties. While no final decisions were made on specific warrant articles during this meeting, the discussion made clear that the Board intended to proceed cautiously, prioritizing fiscal clarity and flexibility over advancing incomplete or uncertain proposals to Town Meeting.
Community Center Pavilion
The Board reviewed the status of the Community Center Pavilion project, with Roger and Dennis Lynch d reporting that initial agreements had been executed to begin design and engineering work. These efforts are currently focused on early-stage planning, particularly foundation and site-related work. However, he emphasized that full engineering documents and bid-ready plans will not be completed for several weeks, and as a result, the Town will not have reliable construction cost estimates prior to the Annual Town Meeting.
The Board discussed known funding sources, including prior Town Meeting appropriations, a Massachusetts Cultural Council matching grant, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Dennis Lynch outlined that these combined sources total roughly $216,000–$237,000, with additional potential support from the Friends of the Wilson-McLaughlin estimated at $10,000 or more. Despite this, members noted that project costs have been difficult to pin down and may be higher than earlier estimates due to state requirements such as prevailing wage and public bidding standards. Justin Makuc noted that while approximately $250,000 may be available, the Town still lacks a clear understanding of the total project cost.
Given this uncertainty, the Board discussed how best to proceed with the Town Meeting warrant. Members expressed reluctance to advance a contingency-based article without firm numbers and instead leaned toward deferring a final funding decision until a future Town Meeting, when bids and cost estimates are available. The possibility of allocating available free cash to stabilization was discussed as a way to preserve flexibility. The Board agreed that while preliminary work should continue, it would be premature to seek full project funding approval without more complete financial information.
Town Administrator updates
None
Unanticipated business
None
Approve minutes of 03/05/26, 03/10/26
The Board reviewed and edited the minutes from the March 5th and March 10th Select Board meetings.
A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously carried to approve as reviewed and amended the March 5, 2026, Select Board minutes.
A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously carried to approve as reviewed and amended the March 10, 2026, Select Board minutes.
Comments & questions from the public
Adjournment
A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously carried to approve
A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously carried to approve as amended the
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded, and carried by a unanimous vote. Meeting adjourned at 4:25pm.
Documents used at the meeting:
- Monterey Fire Department BLS Endorsement
- Three Month Town Administrator Contract
Minutes drafted by: Roger MacDonald
Minutes approved by: Select Board