10:55The transition of the town moderator role was a focal point of the meeting. Frank Fos, the outgoing moderator, offered reflections on his tenure and shared a personal anecdote about his journey in local government. Initially, Fos was voted out of office by Paul Connolly but was later appointed as moderator due to the lack of a successor. His eventual election win allowed him to serve for an additional 17 years. Fos emphasized the symbolic importance of the gavel, representing the authority and rights of Natick’s residents, taxpayers, and interested parties. He humorously advised Mr. Alderson, his successor, to wield this power wisely, drawing a parallel with the Roman chariot tradition.

17:19As Alderson took the mantle, Fos received warm recognition from several board members. Ms. Pope acknowledged Fos’s years of service and the difficulty of moderating town meetings, while Mr. Sidney highlighted Fos’s dedication and respect within the community. Ms. Slager characterized the transition as the “end of an era” and praised Fos’s ability to maintain order during meetings. She also expressed optimism for Alderson’s potential innovations. Mr. Evans shared a personal story about Fos’s tactful corrections during finance presentations, which he found beneficial.

23:57The meeting then moved to the reorganization of the Select Board. Catherine Coughlin was nominated and unanimously approved as chair, while Ms. Slager was elected vice chair. The position of clerk was filled by Ms. Pope, again with unanimous support. These nominations and confirmations reflect a stable and cooperative leadership structure within the board.

00:09In addition to leadership changes, the meeting addressed community-focused announcements. Mr. Evans informed attendees about a program hosted by Natick 180, titled “How to get Help for Substance Use Disorder,” scheduled for the following evening at the Natick Community Senior Center and also accessible via Zoom. A board member announced an upcoming event by Serve Natick, the Natick Impact Collaborative, set to foster community-driven change and dialogue on various issues. The event’s timing coincided with the Select Board meeting, yet the board member encouraged participation.

04:17The public speak section offered residents a platform to address the board on non-agenda issues. John Kaufman, a community member, expressed gratitude for voter turnout in the recent election and concern over the implications of the 3,000 no votes on a proposed override. He highlighted the financial pressures on younger families in Natick and urged the board to consider voter feedback in future negotiations with unions.

06:53Following these discussions, the swearing-in of newly elected officials took place. The town clerk guided them through the process, with each official affirming their commitment to impartial duty in accordance with the law. This procedural step was marked by congratulations and lighthearted remarks.

A unique historical transfer event was also acknowledged during the meeting. Occurring once every 12 to 18 years, the transition of the gavel between moderators was highlighted, with Fos sharing a notable instance from 1976 when a former moderator passed away shortly after being elected. This historical context underscored the significance and traditions embedded in the town’s governance practices.