Select Board recap: March 3, 2026

Mar 20

(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, March 3, 2026.

Watch the full meeting here on RCTV’s Youtube page.

Review the full Select Board packet.

Key takeaways

Acting Town Manager contract approved
The Select Board unanimously voted to execute a contract with Jayne Wellman to serve as Acting Town Manager, effective March 4, 2026, following an Executive Session focused on contract negotiations.
Town Manager hiring process outlined
Town Counsel presented three potential paths for selecting a permanent Town Manager, including internal, external, and consultant-led searches, with discussion emphasizing the role of a screening subcommittee.
Chair authorized to begin discussions with Wellman
The Board authorized Chair Chris Haley to engage directly with Wellman regarding her interest in becoming the permanent Town Manager.

Select Board votes to execute contract with Jayne Wellman [0:40:35]

The meeting began with the Select Board entering Executive Session to conduct a strategy session related to contract negotiations for an Acting Town Manager.

After approximately 35 minutes, the Board returned to open session and voted 5-0 to execute the contract with Jayne Wellman.
The agreement formalizes Wellman’s role as Acting Town Manager, effective March 4, 2026, ensuring continuity in leadership following recent changes in the Town Manager’s office.

Discussion on Town Manager Appointment Process [0:43:22]

Town Counsel Ivria Fried outlined three potential approaches for selecting a permanent Town Manager:

Internal search to appoint a candidate from within the organization
External search led by the Select Board, typically with a screening subcommittee
Consultant-led search using an executive recruitment firm

Fried recommended forming a subcommittee regardless of the approach. A similar committee during the 2023 search included Select Board members, department heads, and residents.

Additional context on the process:

The Town’s previous search cost approximately $10,900, and future consultant-led efforts are estimated at between $13,000 and $15,000.
The 2023-2024 process yielded 19 applicants, 11 viable candidates, 6 initial interviews, and 4 finalists who were publicly interviewed.

Board members reflected on past experience and future considerations:

Karen Herrick noted this marks the third Town Manager search in five years, emphasizing the importance of learning from past efforts and incorporating resident feedback.
Chair Chris Haley expressed support for Wellman, citing her visibility and engagement in town operations and community events.

Public comment also weighed in:

Two residents voiced support for Wellman’s candidacy, particularly highlighting her work on major projects such as the Killam School and the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL).
One resident questioned how this process would differ from the 2023 search.

Next steps: potential permanent appointment

Following the discussion, the Select Board voted to authorize Haley to engage with Acting Town Manager Jayne Wellman regarding her interest in the permanent role.

This step signals that, while multiple pathways remain available, the Board may first explore an internal appointment before deciding whether to pursue a broader search.