Hollis Select Board Transparency Archive

You can’t commit (sign contract if that’s what has to happen here ), but what’s stopping you from doing the work and saying “ hey board, this is my suggestion to move forward and here is the paperwork (change order) for you to sign if you agree”

I really think we need to reassess what process are actually necessary and less - this is how we’ve done it in the past. This mowing contract and the final solution could be a fantastic use case. I really don’t think we need a new contract or an amendment.

On Jun 4, 2026 at 4:02 PM, <Townmanager> wrote: Fair enough. After the election, I am planning on inviting Ben to an executive session with the Board. Consulting the Town attorney is an approved cause for such. I plan on having him review once again the duties, responsibilities and authorities of the Board and Town Manager. In the interim – Without explicit authorization from the Board to do these things such as the mowing matter, etc. I am not empowered to commit the Town or relieve the Town of obligations, contract details and so on. I would love to be wrong - Richard Morin Town Manager Town of Hollis, Maine From: Mike Harnois <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2026 3:50 PM To: Townmanager <[email protected]> Subject: Re: FW: Scanned image from 53011855 Hollis I respectfully disagree on your opinion of our involvement. I think your outlook might be enabling the exact behavior you’re fighting against. We need to empower you, FULLY - and only bring us in where money movement is needed. You are the town manager. We should enable your success. Mike > > > > On Jun 4, 2026 at 3:10 PM, <Townmanager> wrote: > > > > > > It did start with me – through Diane and today with the vendor, Bob. > > > > > > > > What also transpired was, as a result of the brief discussion last night, Jack took it upon himself to reach out to Bob. > > > > > > > > This whole issue actually centers on the fact that Jack no longer acts on his own – but – with the Board as a unit. None of the original three understand that – or – refuse to accept that. > > > > > > > > The Board as a unit can instruct me to raise the fee and pay the higher amount – or not. The conversation either can be had in public or Exec. Session. I think those sorts of issues should be had in private….less embarrassment, no finger-pointing, good end result. > > > > > > > > I have already reminded Deb and Chip that they need to bring these matters forward to me and ultimately the Board. I erred last year by commenting that the added space in the Town Hall area warranted an additional fee. I shared this morning that I owned that part of the issue. I should have brought it to you all. > > > > > > > > So-I have learned my lesson – but the rest of the lesson will remain in limbo and continue until it is repeatedly changed and changed and changed. > > > > > > > > I am not trying to fight – I am trying to change, albeit at a snail pace, some of the shenanigans that have lingered for a year. (Because of the email challenges, I found that I have every email from my start on 7/1 and the number of times I had to check in with Ben is astounding. Sort of amazes me that he would sign off on the PIP rendered last week seeing that he knows the absolute rejection of the legal and appropriate limits of responsibility of individual Board members. But that is another story for another time. > > > > > > > > We have another brewing matter. The hardscaping and design of the monument and flagpole décor which was just funded by Narraganset. Jack has assumed ownership of that as well…just like the pond fountain and lighting. He was doing the School Zone signs – but that train never left the station. > > > > > > > > After the rip-roaring time my dear wife and I had with flu-like conditions last weekend, I am taking tomorrow off to catch up at home. That said – Tuesday can’t come fast enough. > > > > > > > > > D > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Richard Morin > > > > Town Manager > > > > Town of Hollis, Maine > > > > > > > > > > > From: Mike Harnois <[email protected]> > Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2026 2:28 PM > To: Townmanager <[email protected]> > Subject: Re: FW: Scanned image from 53011855 Hollis > > > > > > > > > > > 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >