Town of Charlton commission votes to retain meter installer Peter Starkis as special town employee

On Feb. 4, 2026, the Town of Charlton Water/Sewer Commission voted to retain Peter Starkis as a special town employee to continue installing and sealing sewer meters and related MXU wiring. The motion was made, seconded and approved by voice vote with all members present voting aye.

The proposal, introduced by Vincent Masterson, noted that Starkis has installed the town’s sewer meters for about 15 years but does not want to carry liability insurance as a private contractor. "He's willing to continue installing our meters, but he doesn't wanna have to carry the liability insurance for this," Masterson said, arguing that making him a special town employee would allow him to be covered under the town’s insurance while performing installations.

Commissioners discussed scope and continuity: Masterson said Starkis typically charged about $70–$80 for a standard install and would bill hourly for longer jobs. Commissioners asked about a succession plan for when Starkis retires; Masterson said Starkis could recommend a successor and the town could hire the next plumbing and gas inspector as needed. A motion to retain Peter Starkis "as a special town employee to do our hookups, as needed" was made and seconded and then approved by roll-call voice vote.

The action means the town will classify Starkis as a special/temporary employee while he performs work, which the commission said would provide insurance coverage during those assignments. Commissioners also emphasized keeping documentation on rates and any formal contract terms for future meetings.

Next steps: the commission approved the retention and will formalize the personnel arrangement and any billing or contract terms at a subsequent meeting when paperwork and specifics are available.