The Select Board unanimously confirmed Gary Hannagan as police chief effective June 1 and appointed Finance Director John Sousa as acting town manager effective May 26. Sousa will serve for six months or until a new town manager is appointed, whichever comes first.
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What this means
Gary Hannagan, who has served Chelmsford for 27 years and is currently deputy chief, will become police chief. John Sousa will temporarily lead town operations while continuing as finance director and will receive additional compensation, to be negotiated. The Board also approved two capital projects, including $91,896 for a tree and invasive species study and $163,881 for first-floor Town Offices bathroom renovations.
Key decisions
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Confirmed the Town Manager's appointment of Gary Hannagan as police chief effective June 1, 2026, by a 5-0 vote.
Appointed Finance Director John Sousa as acting town manager effective May 26, 2026, for six months or until a new town manager is appointed, whichever comes first, by a 5-0 vote.
Appointed three Select Board members and six residents to a nine-member Town Manager Screening Committee.
Voted unanimously not to hire an outside search service for the town manager search.
Approved the custodial credit risk policy by a 5-0 vote.
Added Chair Patricia Wojtas to the School Building Committee by a 5-0 vote.
Approved a $91,896 bid award to Davey Tree Service for a tree and invasive species inventory and management study.
Approved a $163,881 bid award to Picard Construction Corporation for first-floor Town Offices bathroom renovations.
Voted unanimously to support participating in litigation seeking recovery related to alleged fire truck industry price fixing.
Received notice of a Chapter 40B application for 96 senior rental housing units at 1 Smith Street; a public hearing was scheduled for June 4.
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