02:55The meeting opened with a notable tribute to two departing board members, Michael-Ray Jeffreys and Tom Alonzo, who were honored by Senator Cronin and Representative Scarsdale with citations from the General Court. These formal recognitions acknowledged their contributions and dedication to the town. Representative Scarsdale remarked on the challenges of public service, highlighting the duo’s perseverance in addressing the complex needs of a diverse community. She noted that “it’s almost impossible to make 12,000 people happy at any one time,” emphasizing the demanding nature of their roles.

Board members and community voices echoed these sentiments, recognizing the outgoing members’ institutional knowledge and leadership. There was a shared sense of gratitude for their mentorship, particularly in onboarding new members. Lou Franco, reflecting on his own experiences, humorously likened their departure from the board to experiencing “Stockholm syndrome,” acknowledging their deep commitment and the camaraderie they fostered within the board.

16:56Michael-Ray Jeffreys candidly reflected on his tenure, acknowledging the challenges and mistakes while expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve. He mentioned a personal turning point, noting this will be the first time in his adult life without a public service role, which he described as a “lift off my shoulders.” Jeffreys humorously referred to his future plans as “Fort Couch,” indicating a shift towards a more relaxed lifestyle.

32:36The meeting also saw the ratification of Brody Tapley as a student police officer, set to start on May 18, 2025. Tapley was introduced by the police chief, who detailed his academic background and contributions during an internship with the Lunenburg Police Department. The chief highlighted Tapley’s character, citing an anecdote where he assisted a struggling classmate during a physical test. Tapley expressed gratitude towards the board, the town manager, and his family for their support.

54:58Community engagement was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. A notable initiative was presented by Lunenburg High School students as part of their civics class project. They outlined plans for a townwide trash cleanup on May 31st, enlisting approximately 100 participants and seeking board approval and support. The project, targeting key roads around the town center, received enthusiastic backing from the board, who agreed to co-sponsor the event. Discussions focused on logistical details, including safety measures, chaperone requirements, and potential police presence.

51:07Public comments reflected ongoing concerns about local governance and community involvement. Peter Beardmore and Mary Foil voiced issues regarding the town meeting process and the need for clear, actionable plans to address town challenges. They urged the board to respect public demand and adapt to changing dynamics. Foil highlighted the toll of uncertainty on town employees, stressing the need for structured governance to avoid repetitive challenges.

01:08:56Additionally, the meeting addressed several administrative matters. The town manager updated on the transition to the Munis cloud system, which would temporarily affect in-person financial transactions. Commendations were given to Officers Brad McNamera and Jenna Morris for their roles in a critical investigation involving an external institution. Updates on town projects, including structural work on the town hall roof and renovations at the adult activity center, were also provided.

01:06:31The board ratified several appointments, including Jared Bowser as seasonal beach director and Logan Okonnell as executive assistant to the town manager and Select Board, effective July 1st. Discussions on town governance extended to the budget task force’s future role, with a consensus forming around the need for regular joint sessions with the school committee to improve budgetary oversight.

41:17The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming events, urging community participation in the annual town election and Memorial Day activities. John Bowen Jr. appealed for volunteers to place flags on veterans’ graves, linking civic engagement to broader educational and patriotic goals.