Selectmen Selections

On June 4th, the Board released a statement regarding the death of George Floyd in Minnesota and the resulting protests across the nation. The Shrewsbury Police Department also released a statement in response to this tragic event. The Board discussed taking actions such as establishing a task force to study diversity, discrimination, and racism and bring recommendations to the Board. Mr. Lebeaux suggested that a permanent committee’s charge be framed around the recommendations of the task force. Mr. Mizikar also made a statement in response to the recent events.

Mr. Mizikar reviewed a PowerPoint presentation that reviewed the FY2021 budget and a revenue model that is being used as the background for the 1/12th budget for July 2020 and the July 2020 Expenditures summary. Mr. Mizikar presented the detail for the July 2020 1/12th budget and the Board discussed various line items. The Board voted to approve the Monthly expenditure plan for July 2020 for the General Fund, Water Services Fund, Sewer Fund, PAYT Fund, Stormwater Fund and PEG Access Fund in the Amount of $18,184,470 and authorize the electronic submission of the plan in accordance with the Division of Local Services Bulletin-2020-6.

As a result of Governors COVID-19 Order No. 35, municipalities are able to establish a process to allow restaurants to construct temporary outdoor dining premises without conforming with 40A of the general laws or any special permit, variance or other approval. The Board established a process and application for approval.

Standard after every annual town election, the Board reorganized their positions. Ms. Beth Casavant was voted chairman, Mr. John Lebeaux as vice-chairman, and Mr. John Samia as clerk.

Mr. Mizikar gave an update on recent messaging regarding Sewall well #4, which seized and went off-line, and the request for residents to adhere to the water use restrictions in place in order not to strain the system. The disruption may have caused discolored water and the need to conserve water is necessary in the case firefighters have to utilize the hydrants.

Mr. Mizikar announced notable achievements of Chief Jay Hester and thanked him for his 33 years of service. Chief Hester announced his retirement in January 2020. Chief Hester first started with the Town on 7/16/1987 as a Police Officer, is set to retire at the end of June. Mr. Mizkar, Ms. Casavant, Mr. Lebeaux and nine other individuals recently participated in second round of police chief interview process to hire a new Chief of Police.

Christopher Mehne, Town Moderator, discussed delaying Town Meeting by 30 days pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 39 Section 10A. Town meeting has been rescheduled to Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 7:00 pm at Shrewsbury High School Field House, 64 Holden Street. Click here to read the Declaration of Continuance from the Town Moderator.

The Board held a discussion on what the charge for the task force should be, and the makeup of the task force. Mr. Lebeaux suggested that the charge not be overly prescriptive and study issues and provide a series of recommendations of actions, both to the local government and to the community. The Board intends to develop a charge at their next meeting.

Pursuant to Section 7 of Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2020, the Board of Selectmen of the will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at 7:15 p.m., remotely via Google Meet, to consider, in consultation with and with the approval of the Shrewsbury Town Moderator, an adjustment of Town Meeting quorum requirements for the 2020 Annual Town Meeting. Members of the public may join this meeting to provide public comment by dialing 1 747-248-7354 and entering PIN: ‪153 991 490#.

Click here to read the Notice of Intention to Adjust Requirements for a Quorum At The 2020 Annual Town Meeting.