One item at the meeting was the interview of a candidate for the Town Administrator position, who shared an extensive background in municipal governance, emphasizing a collaborative and community-focused leadership style. The candidate detailed their journey from a blue-collar upbringing in the Bronx, through various roles including a New York City police officer, a vice president at a local bank, and a municipal hearing officer. They expressed a strong belief in the importance of teamwork and mutual respect, stating, “No one’s better than anybody else; everyone’s going to work to do their job.” This philosophy was reinforced by their previous experience managing budgets and overseeing municipal projects, including a $52 million investment in affordable housing.

In discussing their qualifications, the candidate highlighted their role in developing a government services sector at a bank and their extensive involvement in municipal planning and governance.

The meeting also included discussions on budget management and financial policies. Concerns were raised about the unpredictability of the Regional School District’s funding requests, which had unexpectedly increased from $850,000 to $1.2 million. This led to an emphasis on the importance of proactive communication with the school superintendent to avoid fiscal surprises. The establishment of a financial team comprising the Town Administrator, accountant, Treasurer, and town clerk was deemed beneficial for the town’s fiscal management.

Fiscal forecasting was another key topic, with advocacy for a five-year plan that includes considerations for reserves, capital expenses, and the funding requirements for Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB). The need to project the town’s contributions to the school committee and evaluate workforce dynamics, including potential retirements and new hires, was highlighted. The participant shared their experience with successful grant applications, including a $1.5 million Mass Works Grant for roadway improvements.

Economic development strategies were also discussed, with a focus on balancing community character with growth needs. The speaker outlined their experience in business retention and expansion strategies, arguing that it is generally easier to help existing businesses grow rather than attract new ones. They mentioned the introduction of Treehouse Brewery as a significant economic driver and the development of a shuttle bus to mitigate parking issues.

The meeting also touched on personnel management, with discussions about the importance of hiring, motivating, and holding employees accountable. Experiences managing teams of varying sizes were recounted, emphasizing the careful process of terminating employment and the necessity of thorough documentation to protect the town against potential legal issues.

Collective bargaining was another area of focus, with insights shared on negotiations concerning police, fire, and emergency medical services contracts. The participant’s approach to transparency and informed citizen participation in governance was emphasized, with efforts to improve meeting accessibility and clarity of information being highlighted.

Throughout the discussions, the candidate for Town Administrator emphasized the importance of effective communication, both within the municipal government and with the community. They articulated a leadership style that combines coaching with inquiry, aimed at empowering staff to take initiative.