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Select Board agrees to draft written apology to Public Works director after disputed statements
Summary
Public Works Director Phil Coombs presented documents showing his hiring and duties; the board agreed to prepare a written apology after acknowledging earlier comments implied wrongdoing.
Public Works Director Phil Coombs addressed the Select Board on April 7 to contest statements made at a prior meeting that he had “self-appointed” as director. Coombs presented a series of documents — including his contract (dated July 11, 2022), job posting, meeting minutes from the period of hire and a record of recusal — to show he did not improperly appoint himself and to request that the board correct the record.
Coombs asked that his comments and supporting documents be attached to the minutes and requested a public retraction. After discussion, several board members said they did not intend to disparage Coombs and acknowledged the documentation he submitted. The board agreed to prepare a formal written apology and to bring a draft to the next meeting for the full board’s signature.
Chair Glenn Koppelman said he believed the earlier remarks were not intended as accusatory but nonetheless supported issuing an apology to correct the record. The board instructed staff (Susan Ayer) to draft a letter for board review and signing at the next meeting.
