Notes from Select Board (SB), August 6, 2026

There was no public comment.

The SBSC Lake Management Plan was approved.

Removal and repair of the Town Offices cupola will require limited access to Town Offices and cancellation of the Chamber of Commerce Craft Fair

Liquor licenses were awarded to Chesterwood, Norman Rockwell, and Berkshire Botanical Garden for events including weddings.

During approval of the hiring of Marie Ryan, Administrative floater, there was a long conversation.

Jamie Minacci did not like SB being a “rubber stamp” and objected to having nothing before the SB before being asked to approve a hiring. She shared that she called Town Counsel for advice. TC said it was unusual not to allow SB the time and materials to deliberate. Minacci made it clear she did not object to the candidate but was objecting to the process.

Michael Canales said it was the same process as always. Minacci disagreed. In the past, she said, SB saw all applications and even interviewed some or all of the candidates. She went on: also before the SB was a letter (to be signed by Canales) containing salary, perks, and conditions of employment. Finally, she noted that she wanted employment practices fair and uniform and the conditions for Ryan were different from those for Seana Roche, the new Treasurer/Collector.

Cardillo said he had no objection, but Jorja Marsden agreed with Minacci.

In essence, it appeared Canales was doing the hiring and reducing the SB to a rubber stamp. Canales seemed to agree with that as follows: the process, he explained, was as Minacci described for department heads but not for others below that rank. It seemed he was saying he hired everyone below a supervisory level. Minacci said they should look at Canales’ contract to determine if he had the power to hire/fire.

They voted to increase Roche’s perks to match what was offered Ryan and approved hiring with caveat that going forward strict process will be observed: SB hires and fires and must have all information including resumes of all applicants, prior to being asked to approve a candidate.

A new employee for the Fire Department was approved – Kevin P. Brown paramedic.

Cardillo said there was an opening on the Housing Authority – if interested – email SB.