Hollis Select Board Transparency Archive

No – the vendor is not going to be there. I met with him (as did Jack I guess – maybe by phone) and thus far – there is still no conclusion.

The term “negotiation “ need not be a debate then and there with both parties. It may take multiple meetings – or – just 1. If you have more to discuss with the vendor then – yes they would be there.

In any case this is a BOARD decision – not a Jack decision.

Does the guy get the $15 increase – is twice a week appropriate for mowing the Sports Complex – Does the Town seek alternatives –

That’s the negotiation and discussion of the Board - As you know…it will be met with “I’m already dealing with that” which is not a legal answer unless the Board agrees to it.

That delegation can be extended to any Board member – or me for that matter. In any case that decision is a BOARD decision The Board acts as a unit. That continues to be the most difficult pill to swallow.

D

Richard Morin

Town Manager

Town of Hollis, Maine

From: Mike Harnois <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2026 1:04 PM To: Townmanager <[email protected]> Subject: Re: FW: Scanned image from 53011855 Hollis

Negotiation with who?

Is the vendor gonna be there in the executive session or something?

On Jun 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM, <Townmanager [email protected] > wrote:

Mike –

The vendor has said pay or I will not mow. That requires discussion and negotiation. You can argue al you want – but this fits.

Possibly there is a quick answer – which is why I routinely suggest individual answers from which I take a read and act accordingly.

We can settle the matter – go to Ben for his legal opinion- or just let the grass grow.

D

Richard Morin

Town Manager

Town of Hollis, Maine

From: Mike Harnois <[email protected] > Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2026 12:57 PM To: Townmanager <[email protected] > Subject: Re: FW: Scanned image from 53011855 Hollis

Not a negotiation

On Jun 4, 2026 at 12:56 PM, <Townmanager [email protected] > wrote:

Richard Morin

Town Manager

Town of Hollis, Maine

From: Mike Harnois <[email protected] > Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2026 12:56 PM To: Townmanager <[email protected] > Cc: Dan Yarumian <[email protected] >; Jack Rogala <[email protected] >; Mary Hoffman <[email protected] >; Roger Hicks <[email protected] > Subject: Re: FW: Scanned image from 53011855 Hollis

I’m not sure if I agree with that.

Executive session under Maine Title 1 §405(6) has specific, enumerated purposes - things like personnel matters, real estate negotiations, consultation with legal counsel, and labor contract negotiations. A routine contract amendment to raise a mowing price doesn’t fall into any of those categories.

I suggest we proceed as such:

1. The board agrees to the change in open session.

2. Town Manager prepares the amendment (that’s squarely within the TM’s administrative authority).

3. Amendment is presented at a public meeting — placed on the agenda, the board reviews and votes to approve/authorize signature in open session

4. Chair (or authorized signatory) signs — either at the meeting or administratively afterward per board policy.

Thoughts?

Mike

On Jun 4, 2026 at 12:36 PM, <Townmanager [email protected] > wrote:

Here is the mowing contract and extension letter.

Contract matters are generally Exec. Session topics and the Board acts on them as a unit.

Thanks,

Dick

Richard Morin Town Manager Town of Hollis, Maine