Holbrook Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
Select Board: 6/24/26
Published: Jun 24, 2026
Town Employee Handbook Approved
The board reviewed the proposed first annual town employee handbook. Jordan confirmed that all requested edits, removals, and additions have been incorporated into the document. The board then moved to approve the handbook. Due to technical issues and a lack of full board attendance, it was suggested to hold off on a vote for the town administrator's report regarding end-of-year transfers and to discuss the human resource employee handbook at the next meeting when more members are present.
Public Health Nurse Position Approved to Address Staffing Needs
The board discussed the need to fill the vacant Public Health Nurse position, which is budgeted at four hours per week and has been unfilled for some time. The position is compensated with a fixed annual stipend, paid monthly, to accommodate potential fluctuations in workload, averaging four to five hours weekly. This role involves data collection, offering health clinics, scheduling, surveillance testing, providing monthly health reports, and attending Board of Health meetings. The proposed hourly rate, when averaged, is approximately $50 per hour. The board moved to approve the posting for this position.
Board Authorizes Petition for Firefighter Age Exemption for Candidate
The board is considering a home rule petition to allow Patrick Doherty to be exempted from the maximum age requirement for firefighters. This is necessary because the town is trying to hire three firefighters, and the pool of paramedic candidates has significantly decreased since 2000. Two of the three qualified candidates are within the age limit, but Patrick Doherty is slightly over the 30-second cutoff (likely meant 30 years old). The town meeting previously authorized the select board to petition the general court for this legislation. The board voted to authorize sending a letter to the general court to pursue this exemption.
Brook Cafe Common Victualer License Approved Pending Insurance Update
The board discussed the Brook Cafe's common victualer license application for 228 Union Street. The applicant had passed all final inspections from the Board of Health, Building, and Fire departments. However, two primary concerns were raised regarding the application: the operational hours of the establishment and an issue with the liability insurance certificate. Specifically, the insurance certificate listed the business name but did not explicitly include 'Brook Cafe' as the doing business as (DBA) name. The applicant provided the intended hours as 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Friday, and stated there would be less than 15 seats, approximately 15 inside. The applicant also confirmed they are 'Serve Safe' certified and their mother is involved in the business. The board decided to approve the license subject to receiving an updated certificate of insurance reflecting the correct business name. The applicant, Patrick Doherty, was present to address these concerns.
Board Approves Service Agreement with Good Energy for Community Electricity Aggregation
The board discussed the Community Electricity Aggregation (CEA) program. They have previously authorized proceeding with the next steps, and a town meeting warrant allowed for this. Jordan investigated potential suppliers and recommended Good Energy, citing their high rating and frequent use within Massachusetts. Good Energy is described as a reputable and established company familiar with the town, having presented the benefits of CEA at a recent town meeting. The board was asked to vote to enter into a service agreement with Good Energy to begin developing the aggregation program. This is the first step in a process that will eventually involve bulk pricing and allow residents to opt-out. Rockton's involvement was mentioned as a potential benefit due to their larger population size, increasing buying power.
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The Holbrook News archive
Board of Health: 6/16/26
Council on Aging: 6/10/26
Select Board 6/10/26
EPA: Baird McGuire Public Hearing: 6/9/26
Select Board - Police and Fire Swearing In Ceremonies: 6/9/26
Conservation Commission 6/8/26
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