Hollis Select Board Transparency Archive

I guess I don’t understand why the board would need to be involved with any of this minus final approval (and only final approval if the money needs to be moved or something).

The TM handles the negotiation and vendor communication, then presents a brief summary to the Board — either as a consent agenda item (if board approval is needed) or simply as an informational update.

From my vantage point, I’m trying to get people to work through you only - But then you’re ask me to schedule an executive session to discuss and make a decision.

Why does the board need to be involved in this?

Why is this a board decision?

Everything I’m reading Is telling me that this is scope/change price change and not a formal contract amendment. Also, it says most municipalities handle these types of issues through a Simple, change order and not a contract amendment..

Help me understand if you know something I don’t.

Mike

On Jun 4, 2026 at 1:41 PM, <Townmanager> wrote: 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> 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> 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> 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >