Select Board recap: April 14, 2026
(4-5 minute read)
For residents looking to stay up to date on key town matters, this recap highlights major takeaways from the Select Board meeting held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Watch the full meeting here on RCTV’s Youtube page.
Review the full Select Board packet.
Key takeaways
Select Board reorganizes leadership and liaison roles
The Board elected new leadership and reassigned liaison roles, including updates tied to the Commission on Disability.
New volunteer application deadlines approved to streamline the process
The Board adopted a structured timeline for volunteer appointments to improve coordination and transparency.
Board adopts ethics protocols and begins planning May retreat
The Board approved ethics guidelines and discussed priorities for an upcoming retreat focused on long-term planning and engagement.
Select Board votes to reorganize [0:11:25] and reviews liaison assignments [0:56:11]
The meeting began with the Board’s annual reorganization. Melissa Murphy was elected Chair in a 3-2 vote, followed by a unanimous vote of support (5-0). Karen Rose-Gillis was selected as Vice Chair, and Karen Herrick was unanimously elected Secretary.
The reorganization results in three women serving in leadership positions on the Board.
In her report, Town Manager Jayne Wellman also shared that the Town is collaborating with RCTV on a new podcast, Reading Between the Lines, aimed at helping residents better understand local government and providing a platform for answering community questions.
Members later reviewed liaison assignments to various boards and committees. Several adjustments were made, including assignments related to the newly formed Commission on Disability. Sal Bramante assumed many of former member Bacci’s liaison roles, while other members shifted responsibilities based on availability and scheduling conflicts. A revised list will be reviewed and voted on at a future meeting.
VASC application deadline set [0:30:15]
Wellman presented a new schedule for volunteer applications through the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee (VASC) to improve efficiency and coordination in the appointment process.
The schedule establishes consistent deadlines for annual appointments, as well as fall and winter vacancy cycles:
Annual appointments and reappointments:
Incumbent questionnaires sent May 1 (due May 15)
New application deadline May 31
Interview window May 16 through June 15
Board vote at the second meeting in June
Fall vacancies:
New application deadline September 30
Interview window October 1-15
Board vote at the second meeting in October
Winter vacancies:
New application deadline January 31
Interview window February 1-14
Board vote at the second meeting in February
Board members expressed strong support for the schedule, noting that it will create clearer expectations for applicants and improve coordination with staff. Several members also recognized the work of town staff, including Jackie LaVerde, in supporting the process. The Board voted 5-0 to adopt the schedule.
Arbor Day proclamation [0:39:03]
Herrick read the annual Arbor Day proclamation, which the Board approved unanimously (5-0). The proclamation is part of the Town’s ongoing Tree City USA designation.
Board adopts ethics and protocols [1:10:26]
The Select Board voted 5-0 to adopt a set of ethics and protocols intended to guide communication, expectations, and decision-making among members. The document will serve as a foundation for further discussion at the upcoming retreat.
Discussion on 2026 retreat agenda [1:12:38]
Wellman proposed holding a Select Board retreat on Saturday, May 2, in Lynnfield, with Jeff Nutting serving as facilitator. She asked the Board for input on agenda topics, highlighting long-term financial planning and goal setting as key priorities.
Board members suggested additional topics, including increasing resident engagement, developing a social media policy, and clarifying the communication structure. Some members raised scheduling concerns, but Wellman confirmed that a Zoom option would be available to allow for remote participation and improved accessibility.
Image of the April 14, 2026 Select Board meeting from the RCTV Youtube page. Pictured (left to right): Board members Karen Rose-Gillis, Melissa Murphy, Chris Haley, Sal Bramante, and Town Manager Jayne Wellman. Member Karen Herrick attended via Zoom.
