Reporter’s Notebook: As Select Board exits Zoom, Carlson and Often forget how to use microphones

Who ARE these people in Conference Room A?

The Grafton Select Board returned to meeting in person Tuesday, the same day that Gov. Charlie Baker’s COVID-19 emergency orders expired. But those with business before the board remained stuck in their Zoom boxes, doing business remotely.

There were a few glitches. Select Board members Peter Carlson and Mat Often didn’t always manage to speak into their microphones. The camera cut out Management Analyst William Blake save for the occasional disembodied arm that popped up beside Town Administrator Evan Brassard. And the lack of an audience made the board a bit… goofy, yet quick, clocking out after a little over two hours.

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Town Administrator Evan Brassard has a new love: the word “tranche.”

The town is in the process of applying for the federal American Rescue Plan, which will, among other things, distribute about $2 billion in direct aid to Massachusetts cities and towns. A March Boston Globe story suggested Grafton may receive about $5.5 million in funding.

The funds will be distributed in two tranches, according to Brassard’s paperwork, and he couldn’t stop using the word.

A tranche, by the way, is a portion of something, usually money, and comes from the French word “trancher,” which translates as “to cut.”

“I’m trying to make you say tranche,” Brassard said to Select Board member Ray Mead.

“I’m not going to say it!” Mead protested.

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Select Board member Colleen Roy loves a good spreadsheet, which comes in handy as she tries to organize the Select Board’s policies to see which are needed and which are still out of date.

“I didn’t bring copies because I’m selfish,” she joked.

Things she did find: policies that contradict each other. Policies that are referenced by number that apparently no longer exist. 

“We have policies that say we must tape our meetings and then we have conversations about not taping our meetings,” she added, referencing last week’s discussion about shutting off video during the board’s workshop meetings.

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The Select Board is also beginning the process of appointing new members to various town boards after sifting through applications submitted last month. One position that is now available: Josh Briggs’ Board of Health seat.

Briggs’ role on the board was called into question earlier this year when members expressed reluctance to discuss COVID-19 compliance complaints about his restaurant, Reunion. Briggs, however, remained as a health official. He indicated in correspondence with the Select Board that he would not seek re-appointment.

The Select Board briefly chatted with Kathy Cederberg, who is seeking the Emergency Management director role formerly held by Mead, who spoke highly of Cederberg’s knowledge.

The Board also appointed Jay Husson to the position of director of animals. Brassard said Husson owns a farm and boarding facility and has extensive experience with livestock.

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