Hollis Select Board Transparency Archive

Good afternoon Mike and all:

Great reminder. However, Diane brought it to my attention. I took her into Dick to discuss who said that we needed to discuss this at a Select Board meeting. I think because there is a tendency by others to say OK to increases without updating contracts. In my opinion, a good reminder to all staff and the Select Board that individuals need to go through the channels.

The mowing contract has been one that has been not well managed. The Salmon Falls library is part of the contract and reminders had to be made multiple times last summer to get it done. Dick said himself that he sent Al to take care of the problem.

Thanks

Mary

From: Mike Harnois <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2026 3:43 PM To: Townmanager <[email protected]>; Roger Hicks <[email protected]>; Mhoffman <[email protected]>; Jack Rogala (Select Board) <[email protected]>; Daniel Yarumian <[email protected]> Subject: A Gentle Reminder on Our Roles

Hi all,

A quick ask — before responding to a question or taking action on anything town-related, it’s worth pausing to ask: “Should I redirect this to the Town Manager?” In most cases, the answer is yes.

The vast majority of operational matters should start with the TM. He’ll engage the Board where appropriate. Our job is to ask questions, provide direction when asked, and approve budget decisions that require board action — not to manage the day-to-day.

When we find ourselves pulled into something operational, the right move is to loop in Dick immediately and step back as quickly as possible.

The mowing question that came through recently is a good example (and I include myself in this). A vendor price adjustment is exactly the kind of thing the TM should handle and bring to us only if board approval is needed. Are our voices/opinions needed to solve for such an insignificant issue?

On that note: when operational questions (from town staff) get sent directly to the full board, we really shouldn’t engage. (Again, this was absolutely my bad). Responding pulls us into a role that isn’t ours and inadvertently signals that’s an acceptable way to reach us. A united front on this matters.

I’m not pointing fingers at anyone: this is a shared habit we’re all building. Getting this right is one of the most important things we can do to make this form of government work the way it’s supposed to.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Mike