At Tuesday nights Select Board meeting, members engaged in a wide-ranging discussion to establish new goals for Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, whose renewed contract calls for a formal set of objectives to be defined by July 11th. The conversation reflected both appreciation for past accomplishments and a forward-looking focus on fiscal responsibility, communication, and modernization.
Kraunelis, who initiated the agenda item, emphasized the importance of setting clear, attainable goals for the next six months, especially with a performance review scheduled for December.
“I want that review process to go a lot smoother this year than it did last year,” he said, inviting board members to share their priorities.
Here are the goals previously established for 2024:
2025 Key Goals and Priorities
1. Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Reform
Board members, including Carlo Bacci, Melissa Murphy, and Karen Herrick, expressed strong concern about the town’s financial outlook, especially in light of recent large-scale capital projects, including the Killam School and the Senior Center. Several members called for a more disciplined budgeting approach, reduced reliance on free cash, and a comprehensive review of departmental budgets.
Herrick noted, “We’ve been having a great time spending, but it’s a different environment now. We need to be very careful going forward.”
2. Enhanced Communication and Transparency
Improved communication between the Town Manager’s office, the Select Board, and residents was a recurring theme. Members praised recent progress but stressed the need for continued improvement, particularly in proactively sharing information and avoiding surprises from social media or third-party sources.
3. Technology and Modernization Initiatives
Board Chair Chris Haley proposed exploring the cost and feasibility of a dedicated town mobile app to streamline communication and provide push notifications. He also suggested replacing the traditional message board on the Town Common with a digital LED display, potentially funded through grants. Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman noted that the town is exploring a grant for multiple signs, not just one.
4. Project and Contract Oversight
Kraunelis was encouraged to continue managing ongoing projects like the Pleasant Street Center and to oversee the successful negotiation of a new Community Access Television contract. Board members also highlighted the importance of grant applications and tracking, suggesting that better communication about these efforts would benefit both the board and the public.
5. Improved Email and Issue Tracking
A revived Google spreadsheet system was suggested by Carlo Bacci to better manage incoming emails and resident concerns, ensuring that no issues fall through the cracks.
Kraunelis acknowledged the board’s feedback and committed to working collaboratively to refine and ratify the goals.
“I’m open to all suggestions,” he said. “We’re on a shorter time frame, so I want to get ahead of these things.”
The Select Board plans to finalize the goals in the coming weeks, setting the stage for a more structured and transparent review process later this year.
