“Board clarifies authority amid major projects and leadership transition“
Two 4–1 votes taken by the Select Board on March 10th followed closely on the approval of two major construction contracts totaling more than $23 million, placing the later decisions in direct context with actions taken earlier in the meeting.
Earlier Contract Votes Set the Stage
Earlier in the meeting, the Select Board voted 4-0 (Haley rescued with his office in the project area below) to approve two contracts that exceeded the acting town managers $500,000 contract stipulation threshold, authorizing Acting Town Manager Jayne Wellman to move forward with both projects.
The approved contracts were:
- High Street Phase 2, awarded to J. Marchese & Sons, Inc., in the amount of $4.37 million
- Reading Center for Active Living, awarded to J&J Contractors, in the amount of $19.36 million
Both votes authorized Wellman to execute the contracts on behalf of the town, reflecting the scale of the projects and the board’s willingness to delegate authority for time‑sensitive capital work.
Amendment to Acting Town Manager Contract Approved
Later in the meeting, the board returned to the issue of executive authority with a discussion and vote on an amendment to Wellman’s employment contract.
The amendment removed a $500,000 signing limitation, expanding Wellman’s authority to execute high‑value contracts without requiring separate Select Board approval for each agreement. Because the Town Charter requires a four‑fifths vote for amendments of this type, at least four affirmative votes were necessary.
The amendment passed 4–1, with Karen Herrick voting in opposition.
The vote aligned Wellman’s contractual authority with the board’s earlier approval of the High Street Phase 2 and Reading Center for Active Living contracts, formalizing executive powers that had already been exercised under board direction.
Vote Taken on Town Manager Interview Process
Following the contract‑related votes, the Select Board turned its attention to the Town Manager interview process, discussing how the board would proceed with evaluating candidates for the permanent position.
After discussion, the board voted 4–1 to approve the proposed interview process. Herrick again cast the dissenting vote.
While the vote authorized the next phase of the search, the board did not announce a finalized interview schedule during the meeting. Members indicated that additional details would be addressed at a future Select Board meeting.
Sequence Highlights Governance Transition
Taken together, the sequence of agenda items reflected a broader effort by the Select Board to manage large‑scale capital projects while clarifying executive authority under Acting Town Manager Jayne Wellman, even as the board advances the search for a permanent Town Manager.
The Select Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting is March 24th.
