Selectman Alan Slavin, attending a regular meeting for the first time since having back surgery last month, said Tuesday that he will be heading to the Bahamas early in the new year for “six to eight weeks of rehab time.”

Slavin promised to continue to participate in town business to the maximum extent possible – and received the resounding support of fellow selectmen for his decision to take the brief sabbatical.

Last month’s lumbar surgery was the second on his back. Sitting stiffly and looking decidedly uncomfortable, Slavin explained that he “came back too quickly” after a September cervical surgery. Known for his attendance at a multitude of municipal meetings and events, Slavin said prolonged sitting was both painful and unhelpful for long-term recovery.

“You did come back too soon,” agreed Chair Patrick Tropeano.

Slavin noted that he can continue to communicate using “facetime” on his phone and by phone at meetings – a point driven home by Selectmen Steve Holmes participation in Tuesday’s meeting by speaker phone.

“He’s doing the right thing,” said Selectman Judith Whiteside. “He’s also doing the right thing for the town too because I know he’s going to be spending time researching this, that and the other thing.”