New Upton town manager briefs Select Board on governance and priorities, emphasizes updated capital plan

At the Select Board’s March 3 meeting, newly appointed Town Manager Kristen Rubin met with Chair Laura Hebb and Select Members Maureen Dwinnell and Brett Simas for an introductory briefing on governance, fiscal management, capital planning, and development philosophy.

Board members explained that Select Board members cannot deliberate outside posted meetings, so this session served as an initial full briefing to align on processes and priorities. The board asked for a centralized list of key initiatives — including the Route 140 TIP project, DPW expansion, and decisions tied to the Holy Angels and Risteen properties — and recommended quarterly planning check‑ins and periodic joint meetings with Planning, EDC, Zoning, and CMRPC to ensure coordination.

Members agreed the town’s capital plan is outdated and stressed the need for deliberate long‑term capital forecasting, structured use of capital stabilization funds, and a prioritized free cash strategy. Manager Rubin asked about appointment processes and the statutory 15‑day review period; the board suggested adding a "notice of intent to appoint" to agendas so appointments can be approved immediately while preserving oversight.

During audience participation Finance Committee member Steve Bern (remote) said a Collins Center grant secured under former Town Manager Joe Laydon will fund a five‑year capital plan; he said the project is scheduled to proceed in the spring, flagged outstanding facility needs including the police station, and invited Manager Rubin to upcoming Finance Committee meetings to review budget history and planning.

The discussion set expectations for coordination between the manager and board and identified capital planning and facility maintenance as near‑term priorities without taking formal votes at the meeting.