The Marshfield Select Board convened a joint session with the Town Administrator Search Committee to receive a progress update on the hunt for the town’s next executive leader. Interim Town Administrator Charlie Sumner opened the session with positive fiscal news, noting the finalization of a $9.1 million funding application for the Plymouth pump station. Sumner stated, I wanted to recognize Kathleen Morasco and Ken Ryan for all the help that they provided me last week finishing the application, highlighting a $430,000 loan forgiveness component through the Clean Water Trust.

The meeting transitioned into a tense discussion regarding the transparency and methodology of the screening process. Search Committee Chair Andy Winning defended the group’s work, noting that Motion Made by Committee Chair to call this meeting to order was the first step in a rigorous, confidential schedule. Motion Passed 7-0. Winning emphasized that Much of the work we did is invisible because the nature of that work requires confidentiality, confirming that a slate of candidates had been finalized on November 6th. However, Select Board Chair Eric S. Kelley expressed frustration over a delay in approving committee minutes, remarking to Winning, So, the way it looks like to me is that you're stalling the process. Vice Chair Stephen R. Darcy echoed the confusion over the focus on executive session records, asking, What is accomplished by holding up this process?

Significant dissent emerged from within the Search Committee itself. Member Jackie Mason criticized the restrictions placed on the group by the Collins Center, arguing that the public was being left in the dark. Mason stated, I strongly urge the select board not to rely solely on the search committee's recommendations, noting that members were discouraged from conducting independent research like Google searches on applicants. Fellow member Steve Lynch added, I think the talent pool could have been bigger obviously, but we did bring forth to you the... most qualified candidates. Conversely, Vice Chair Dennis Kellaher stood by the results, asserting, The descent you've heard... is not the consistent of the majority of the TA committee.

Phil Lemnios of the Collins Center and Town Counsel Bob Galvin provided procedural guidance, explaining that candidate names must remain confidential until they are named official finalists to protect their current employment. Lemnios noted, Anybody who submits their resume has a clear expectation that their name is going to be confidential. Galvin advised that The search committee's process isn't done until you've made a decision on a hire. Patricia Simpson voiced her support for the deliberate pace, stating, I don't want to be pushed or rushed into choosing just any old candidate. The board concluded by setting final interview dates for December 2nd and 4th, with Sumner confirming that department heads and union leaders would have an opportunity to meet the finalists beforehand. Sumner noted, Mary's only point to me is she wanted to wait for the results of tonight's evening to make sure that you were in fact going to interview these finalists.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:08 p.m.