Select Board Meeting Minutes 12/6/21

Minutes of the meeting of 12/6/21

Meeting Opened at: 6pm

Select Board Members Present: Steve Weisz, Chair, Justin Makuc

Select Board Members absent: John Weingold

Also present: Mickey Jervas

Also present remotely: Paula Hartstein, Don Coburn, Heather Bellow, Nancy Tomasovich, Roberta Weiss, John Szablowski, Jeff Zimmerman

6pm: Old Business

1. Town Charter Committee: The Board discussed the current political atmosphere and the fact that it is very divided and intense.  The Board agrees that the current environment is not conducive to taking an open minded, thorough, and long term look at whether a charter is right for Monterey.  Steve noted that just this morning he and Justin received an email which Steve found to be so full of vitriol. He stated that until this stops we can’t be productive with forward thinking movement for Monterey; the email and its nastiness really shook him.  Steve moved to table the discussion and empanelment of the Charter Committee until the investigation has been completed.  The motion was seconded and approved 2 - 0
2. Posting YouTube videos prior to September 22: Steve reported that the actor’s union has confirmed there is a document to be signed; the Board should have this for the next meeting.

New Business

1. Investigation update, sign engagement letter:  The Board reviewed the engagement proposal as well as some comments from the public about the letter.  Justin and Steve discussed the response to Attorney Greene.  Steve suggested that the changes be attached to the agreement and signed tonight as time is of the essence.  Justin agreed that it is a timely matter but suggested the Board meet later this week with an edited agreement to sign.  It was agreed to schedule a follow-up meeting for noon this Thursday.  A motion was made to accept and send the email to Attorney Greene as read.  The motion was seconded and approved 2 – 0.
2. The approval of the minutes of 12/1/21 will be tabled to the next meeting.
3. Open Meeting Law (OML) Complaint against Steve Weisz filed by John Weingold: Steve noted that he received an OML complaint approximately 2 days after filing his complaint.  Steve read the complaint into record. Steve noted that everything Mr. Weingold complains about was vetted by town counsel. Steve will put together a response for the next meeting.
4. Massachusetts Municipal Association Annual Meeting/Trade Show: Justin requested permission to attend the meeting and for the Board to pay for the registration fee.  Steve supports Justin attending and made a motion to grant the permission for Justin to attend and to pay the registration fee from the Select Board expenses. Justin expressed concern about voting on an item that pays for him to attend a conference. It was agreed that the rule of necessity could apply here since John Weingold is boycotting the meetings. The motion was seconded and approved 2 – 0.  Steve expressed concern about attending conventions during COVID and encouraged Justin to take extra precautions.
5. Review mail and any correspondence to be sent/signed: none
6. Comments & questions from the public: none

A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 6:38pm

Submitted by:

Melissa Noe, Town Administrator

Approved by:

Monterey Select Board

cc: Website (www.montereyma.gov)

Select Board Members

Minutes Book

Town Clerk

Any documents used in the meeting are listed below and are available by request at town hall.

1. Engagement letter
2. Open Meeting Law complaint