Town Administrator Andrew delivered the administration report covering Dec. 29–Jan. 5 and outlined several items the select board will see at upcoming meetings.

Andrew said a new procurement policy has been drafted that consolidates elements from multiple earlier town and city policies into one document; he expects to present the draft to the board at the Jan. 27 meeting. He described the procurement policy as one component of a broader set of financial policies under development, including cash-handling rules, p-card use, OPEB funding policy, free cash guidance and other finance documentation.

Andrew also said a staffing and succession plan for the town administrator’s office and select board support is “about 99% finalized” and will be presented Jan. 27. The plan emphasizes cross-training so departments can cover core functions if employees leave. Nancy Durfee’s first day was noted; Andrew welcomed her as new staff.

The town’s community newsletter went out Jan. 1; Andrew and the board praised Lacey Marshall for her role in producing it and said the newsletter will evolve over the next months.

Andrew flagged a potential classification and compensation study (pay-and-classification) as an item the board will discuss at Jan. 27; he asked for board feedback before that meeting. He told the board the policy drafts will be submitted as first readings and are not intended to be final at presentation.