Charlton Select Board elects Karen Parekh chair; Steve Coronas vice chair; clerk reappointed

The Town of Charlton Select Board on May 13 elected Select Board member Karen Parekh chair, selected Select Board member Steve Coronas as vice chair and retained the incumbent clerk.

The board opened the reorganizational segment by citing the town bylaw on organization (chapter 50-7), which requires the selectmen to meet within seven days of the annual election to choose officers and set meeting rules. Selectman David Singer was nominated for chair and also received support from board members, but the board ultimately elected Karen Parekh. After a roll-call style voice vote, the chair’s position was decided; the board recorded that Parekh received the majority necessary to serve as chair.

Members discussed proposed rules of procedure that staff drafted and asked colleagues to review them and provide feedback before the board considers adoption at a future meeting. The board’s reorganization followed the order of business set by the town bylaw, and members emphasized continuity of practice while noting past rotation patterns for officers.

Board members then nominated and confirmed a vice chair and clerk. Select Board member Steve Coronas was nominated for and accepted the vice chair position. The board confirmed the clerk for another term; the clerk indicated willingness to continue in the role.

Members did not make additional changes to the meeting schedule during the reorganization and asked staff to circulate the draft rules of procedure to members before the next meeting.

The reorganizational votes were taken during the May 13 meeting; procedural materials and the draft rules of procedure will be returned to the board for further consideration at a later date.