Council approves public-health shared-services IMA, reclassifies clerk and moves to executive session

The Braintree Town Council on June 17 unanimously authorized Mayor Aaron V. Joyce to execute an intermunicipal agreement (IMA) extending participation in the state—s Public Health Excellence shared-services program, approved a reclassification for the Clerk of the Council and voted to enter executive session to review prior executive minutes under Massachusetts law.

The council voted, without recorded opposition, to authorize the mayor to sign the second-cycle IMA for shared public-health services. Mary Beth McGrath, director of municipal licenses and inspections, told the council the IMA covers a three-year funding cycle and that five municipalities initially participated; Weymouth has since withdrawn, leaving four participating communities: Randolph (host agency), Braintree, Holbrook and Quincy. "There is a commitment in place that the program is funded through June thirtieth of 2027," McGrath said. She said the grant supported bringing a food inspector through the shared-services program and has helped the town with regular and complaint-based food inspections.

Councilors also discussed program funding. Councilor Baraka asked whether the program would retain full funding after Weymouth—s withdrawal; McGrath replied the state committed to funding the program through June 30, 2027, and a town official stated the program value is $270,000 per year.

Later in the meeting the council approved a personnel order to reclassify the Clerk of the Council. Councilor Warren, chair of the Committee on Personnel, said the committee voted unanimously to recommend the reclassification. Councilors noted Clerk Sue Cimino—s long service and said the reclassification moves the position in line with comparable duties; the reclassification takes effect July 1, 2025, and updates the clerk—s grade to M-12E.

Before adjourning to executive session, the council voted unanimously to refer all remaining new-business items to their respective committees. The council then voted to enter executive session under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 30A, section 21(a)(7) "in order to comply with or act under the authority of any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements" and to review and consider nondisclosure of executive-session minutes from April 29, 2025 under M.G.L. chapter 30A, section 22. The roll call for that motion recorded affirmative votes and one absence (Councilor Ringis). Councilors announced they would not reconvene in public session after the executive session.

Ending: The IMA authorization and personnel reclassification cleared the council with unanimous support; the council moved to executive session to address a statutory exemption and review prior executive minutes.