2026-10-13 Selectboard Minutes

Town of Warwick
Minutes of Hybrid Meeting of the Warwick Selectboard
Warwick Community School
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6:00 pm

Selectboard Members Present: Alan Genovese, Chair; Keith Ross, Vice Chair; Brian Snell, Clerk
Others Present: Lizzie Alwan, Town Coordinator; Diana Noble, Assistant to the Town Coordinator; Bruce Kilhart; Mike Mankowsky
Others Present via Zoom: Signe Friedrichs, Finance Committee; Joe Larson, Fire Chief (joined briefly)

CALL TO ORDER – Genovese called the meeting to order at 6:03 pm

Announcements and introductions
1. This meeting is noticed under legacy OML so requires a quorum of the board in the room and if the remote aspect fails the meeting may continue.
Chapter 268 Sections 20C and 20D Ethics disclosures or exemptions – none
Review and approve warrants
1. The Selectboard reviewed the warrant for the November 9 Special Town Meeting, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall. The three proposed articles would rescind the previous $87,257 appropriation for the FY26 snow and ice deficit, appropriate $87,257 into stabilization, and appropriate $3,113.13 in returned Community Development Block Grant funds to pay prior-year bills.
  - MOTION: Snell MOVED to open and sign the warrant for the Special Town Meeting on November 9, 2026. 2nd Ross. Motion passed unanimously.
2. The Selectboard also reviewed the warrant for the November 3 state election.
  - MOTION: Snell MOVED to open and sign the warrant for the November 3, 2026, State Elections. 2nd Ross. Motion passed unanimously.
Appearances, Comments, and Updates
1. Mike Mankowsky presented proposed adjustments to the Fire Department budget. Discussion included stipends for department officers, anticipated savings in electricity and phone expenses, and the cost of diesel fuel. Members clarified that the overall department budget had already been approved at Annual Town Meeting and that the Board’s action was needed specifically to approve the Fire Chief’s pay. The proposed $2,500 increase brings the Chief’s annual stipend from $8,500 to $11,000 for FY27. The Selectboard also discussed the timing of stipend payments.
  - MOTION: Snell MOVED to approve the pay increase of $2,500 for the Warwick Fire Chief, bringing the total annual stipend to $11,000, effective fiscal year 27. 2nd Ross. Motion passed unanimously.
Actions
1. Review and approve Selectboard Minutes
  1. The Board reviewed the September 28 Selectboard minutes. Genovese clarified that Halloween volunteers were intended to assist with other activities rather than direct traffic.
    - MOTION: Snell MOVED to approve the Selectboard meeting minutes from 9/28/26 as amended. 2nd Ross. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Review Highway minutes – not available
3. Energy Tax Savers Increase Credit Amount – Brian Snell to sign
  1. The Selectboard reviewed a document concerning an energy tax savings credit and authorized its signing. Mankowsky asked and members discussed whether the full solar array at the fire station had been returned to service after a portion was disconnected because of concerns about the system’s output. Alwan agreed to follow up with those involved. Snell signed the document.
    - MOTION: Ross MOVED to authorize Brian Snell to sign the Energy Tax Savers Increase Credit Amount. 2nd Genovese. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Review and approve Temporary Liquor License Application for Home Fruit Wine ($75 received)
  1. The Selectboard reviewed a one-day beer and wine license application for the November 28 holiday fair. Genovese and other Selectboard members raised questions about several parts of the application, including an apparent error in the number or age range of attendees, references to City of Springfield regulations, the event location, and whether any raffles or other activities would require additional approval. The Board was generally supportive of the application but agreed to seek clarification and bring it back to the next meeting.
5. Selectboard Appointments
  1. New Clockwinder – Adrian Paul, who has been training with Clyde Perkins Jr.
    - MOTION: Snell MOVED to appoint Adrian Paul as the new clockwinder for the Meetinghouse. 2nd Ross. Motion passed unanimously.
  2. Building and Energy Committee New Member – Jared Kain-Woods
    1. Snell and other Board members thanked Mary Humphries for her contributions to the community, including her work with senior meals, and appointed Jared Kane Woods to the Building and Energy Committee following her departure.
      - MOTION: Snell MOVED to appoint Jared Kain-Woods to replace Mary Humphries on the Building and Energy Committee. 2nd Ross. Motion passed unanimously.
  3. Library Trustee – Kate Curts
    - MOTION: Snell MOVED to appoint Kate Curts to replace Greg Stone on the Library Board of Trustees. 2nd Ross.Motion passed unanimously.
6. 6-Town Regionalization
  1. Genovese briefly reflected on the recent regionalization vote, and asked that this be removed as a standing item on the Selectboard agenda. Ross and Snell thanked Genovese for his hard work on the regionalization planning board.
Discussions and reports
1. Coordinator Report
  1. Alwan reported on free state cybersecurity services that may benefit the town and school. She is working with the WCS superintendent and David Young on training and security assessments and plans to attend an upcoming FRCOG cybersecurity exercise.
  2. Alwan reported that family would be visiting the following week. The Selectboard supported adjusting her schedule to allow time with family, and Alwan agreed to ensure office coverage.
  3. Personnel Policy updates – Alwan recommended reconvening the Personnel Committee to update policies on mileage reimbursement, family and medical leave, and parental leave. Members discussed the possibility of using the GSA mileage rate rather than a fixed town rate. No action was taken or decision was made.
  4. Alwan reported that the town’s Centrex telephone lines are being replaced with standard Verizon lines ahead of the October 28 service discontinuation.
  5. Members briefly discussed the approximately $1 million grant Warwick received for Northfield Road improvements and the remaining road conditions on the Northfield side.
2. Assistant Coordinator Report – none
3. Selectboard Reports
  1. Snell praised the recently completed Highway Department work on Kirk Road and asked that his appreciation be passed along. He also reported an incident in which trash was left at the transfer station while it was closed, after the facility had been left unlocked. He requested follow-up with the Police Department and attention to securing the facility. Snell reported that he is helping pursue a grant for after-school and possibly summer programming.
  2. Genovese asked about the upcoming capital planning workshop. He encouraged Alwan and DeLisle to explore methods for prioritizing projects and identifying long-term funding sources.
Suggestions for future agenda items – none
Items unanticipated at time of posting – none
Review topics for future meetings
1. Meeting schedule: Mondays at 6:00 pm 10/26/26, 11/9/26 (Urgent items only ahead of Special Town Meeting), 11/23/26