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SB Minutes 5-19-26

Select Board · Source meeting date: 2026-05-19 · Record 82198

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Source page 1

M 
Minutes 
May 19, 2026 
7:00 PM Meeting 
Memorial Hall, 801 Washington St., Canton, MA 
Chair Susan Harrington I Vice -Chair Patricia M. Boyden 
Clerk John R. McCourt I Member Michael C. Loughran I Member Julie Beckham 
Meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM 
The Chair noted the meeting is being recorded by Canton Community Television 
The Chair read statement about Public Comment 
Time was provided for attendees to discuss items not on the agenda 
Scott Winter, 6 Kelley Way; Brenda Sweeney, Canton; provided comments to the Board. 
Re -organization of the Select Board 
Motion was made that the Board open the nomination for the Chair of the Select Board 
Motion: Ms. T. Boyden Second: Mr. M. Loughran Vote: 5-0 
Motion was made that the Board nominate Patricia Boyden as the Vice Chair of the Select Board 
Motion: Ms. S. Harrington Second: Mr. M. Loughran Vote: 5-0 
Motion was made that the Board nominate John R. McCourt as the Clerk of the Select Board 
Motion: Ms. J. Beckham Second: Mr. M. Loughran Vote: 5-0 
Fire Chief Interviews -Jeffrey M. Ricker and Jamie D. Meier 
Chair Harrington gave a brief introduction, noting the interview process. Deputy Chief Jeffrey M. Ricker 
was before the Board, gave a brief introduction noting his background, relevant experiences and 
education. The discussion continued. He highlighted some of his leadership skills and more. The 
discussions continued. Questions were asked from the Board. Some questions were focused on 
commanding emergency scenes, handling operational needs that exceed town budgets, prioritizing the 
needs of the fire department, engaging members of the department about the vision and the civil service 
process. Deputy Chief Ricker responded to each the questions thoughtfully and focused on professional 
development and more. He noted his experience working with unions, experience with budgets, 
importance of behavioral health resources and more. Deputy Chief Ricker continued to note the 
importance of transparency within municipal leadership and more. The discussion continued. Closing 
remarks were given by Deputy Chief Ricker. 
Chair Harrington gave a brief introduction, noting the interview process. Captain Jamie Meier was before 
the Board, gave a brief introduction noting his background, relevant experiences and education. The 
discussion continued. He highlighted some of his leadership skills and more. The discussions continued. 
Questions were asked from the Board. Some questions were focused on commanding emergency scenes, 
handling operational needs that exceed town budgets,: prioritizing the needs of the fire department, 
engaging members of the department about the vision and the civil service process. Captain Meier 
responded to each the questions thoughtfully and focused on training, succession planning, networking,

Source page 2

professional development and more. He noted he would utilize his experience working with unions, 
experience with budgets, importance of behavioral health resources and more. Captain Meier continued 
to note the importance of transparency within municipal leadership and more. The discussion continued. 
Closing remarks were given by Captain Meier. 
The Select Board Members each individually gave a brief overview of their feedback of both candidates. 
The discussion continued. 
Motion was made that the Board support and appoint Jamie Meier as Canton Fire Chief subject to 
successful contract negotiations 
Motion: Mr. J. McCourt Second: Ms. P. Boyden Vote: 5-0 
Motion was made that the Board accept the deeds conveying lot 8D land to the Town of Canton from 
Canton Holdings 
Motion: Mr. J. McCourt Second: Mr. P. Boyden Vote: 5-0 
Motion was made that the Board approve the Select Board Meeting Schedule as presented from July 
2026-December 2026, changing the date of the November 3, 2026 meeting to an alternate date 
Motion: Mr. J. McCourt Second: Mr. P. Boyden Vote: 5-0 
Motion was made that the Board accept and authorize: the use of the gift in accordance with the terms 
there of under MGL Ch. 44 4 53A: the following donations to the Department of Elder and Human Services: 
$1000 from Victor Del Vecchio and Lisa Lopez for Physical Fitness Programming 
The following donations in memory of Mary Moran: 
$100 from The Dawson Family 
$100 from Bob and Eileen McCann 
$100 from Mark Parrish 
$300 from Joe and Rita Croce 
Motion: Mr. J. McCourt Second: Mr. P. Boyden Vote: 5-0 
Motion was made that the Board approve the change of DBA for Wild Duck Wine and Spirits to Tri Town 
Liquors Fine Wine Beer, 100 Washington St. 
Motion: Mr. J. McCourt Second: Mr. P. Boyden Vote: 5-0 
Motion was made that the Board approve the application to obtain an Entertainment Permit at a One -Day 
event to have a live band at parking lot of 210 Sherman St. on June 13, 2026 from 4:OOPM-8:00 PM, 
contingent upon Building Commissioner, Police Chief and Fire Chief Approval 
Motion: Mr. J. McCourt Second: Mr. P. Boyden Vote: 5-0 
The Vendor Warrant total for the week of 04/30/26: $ 3,079,835.73 
The Payroll Warrant total for the week of 04/30/26: $ 2,051,124.31 
The Vendor Warrant total for the week of 05/07/26: $ 1,366,678.21 
The Vendor Warrant total for the week of 05/14/26: $ 4,928,054.38 
The Payroll Warrant total for the week of 05/14/26: $ 2,161,035.44 
Motion was made that the Board approve the Cemetery Commitments in the amount of $5687.50 
Motion: Mr. J, McCourt Second: Mr. P. Boyden Vote: 5-0 
Motion was made that the Board approve the Cemetery Lot/Perpetual Care Deeds 
Motion: Mr. J. McCourt Second`. Mr. P. Boyden Vote: 5-0 
Motion was made that the Board approve the Minutes for the Select Board Meetings of April 28, 2026; 
May 11, 2026

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Motion: Mr. J. McCourt Second: Mr. P. Boyden Vote: 5-0 
Town Administrator Update 
Interim Town Administrator Jennifer Kemalian noted the 2025 Town Annual Report is available on the 
website and various locations; she continued the Memorial Day Parade is May 25, 2026, 9 AM; she 
thanked the many volunteers who placed flags on the Veterans graves; The Open Space and Public Forum 
was scheduled for May 21, 20261 the Salah Room, public invited; The Department of Elder and Human 
Services is exploring an introductory ASL Class, if interested please contact them 781-828-1323 
Member Loughran announced a petition regarding Norwood Hospital for the state to take ownership and 
manage the transition. He noted further information can be found at and to sign the petition go to 
change.org, search on Norwood Hospital 
Member Beckham commended the success of the recent PRHS Heritage Day; she continued to note the Art 
Show scheduled this week; thanked Communications Specialist Kayleigh Coleman for keeping the website 
up to date with the latest news. 
The Select Board will hold the next meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 7:00 PM Salah Meeting Room, 
Memorial Hall, 801 Washington Street 
Motion was made to adjourn at 8:35 PM 
Motion: Mr. J. McCourt 
Respectfully submitted, 
1 R. .7 
Jerk 
Second: Mr. P. Boyden 
Date approve - C� C ✓ J 
t 
Vote: 5-0

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Attachments for May 19, 2026 Select Board meeting 
Canton FC final results letter.pdf 
Fire Chief Interviews.pdf 
Jeffrey Ricker Cover Letter and Resume (1... 
MASSAC HUSETTS-C OMMISSION-AGAIN... 
] Meier, Jamie- Cover Letter-Resume.pdf 
SB Minutes 4-28-26.docx 
SB Minutes4-28-26.pdf 
SB Minutes 5-11-26.docx 
SB Minutes 5-11-26.pdf 
Donations to DEHS.pdf 
] NB Canton Holdings deeds for approval.... 
NB Donation to DEHS.pdf 
NB An Hagan ent request 210 Sherman S... 
NB Wild Duck request.pdf 
Vendor Payrolls-14-26,pdf 
T); other Vendor Warrant 5.7-26,pdf 
other perpetual care deeds.pdf 
other Payroll Vendor Warrants 4.30-26,pdf 
Other Cemetery Commitments 4.30-202...