Select board hires handyman, approves $12,145 mini-split contract and signs $1.616M tax warrant

The select board voted to hire Dallas Emory as a part-time handyman after reviewing his application and insurance; the board agreed to an hourly rate of $40. Members directed staff to provide an offer letter and a project list for the new hire.

On facilities, the board reviewed three proposals for a mini-split heating and cooling system for the town office and voted to award a $12,145 contract to Arsenal Heating and Air Conditioning of East Wakefield for a three-ton system with two head units (board discussion noted using a stand rather than bolting to the building and adding a cap to limit snow damage). The board noted electrical work is separate and will be contracted to a local electrician.

Finance items included approving a tax warrant for $1,616,029 to be delivered to the tax collector for execution, with bills due July 1; the board also reviewed and approved payroll and a batch of invoices that included routine utilities, school district charges and vendor invoices. Members signed the warrant and authorized processing of accounts payable as presented.

Board members asked staff to seek competitive pricing when appropriate and to return contract details and budget impacts to the board when contracts require additional funds beyond existing line items.