It >> is uh 4 p.m. >> Oh, Valentine's Day. >> It is 4 uh Tuesday, February 10th at 400 p.m. This is a meeting of the Accession Board of Selectmen. Is there a motion to call the meeting to order? So move
second. All those in favor. Motion carry. This meeting will be audio and video recorded. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for it stands one nation
indivisible with liberty and justice for second. >> All right, we're just going to go a little bit out of order. We do have an appointment this evening for a town administrator interview. But before we do that, we're going to uh have Aldo and uh Jesse Ellis
from the school committee talk about air quality grant. If you guys want to grab the podium, please. Excuse me. Good afternoon, select board. Appreciate you having us here. Um so as most of you are aware uh I was recently appointed as
the school committee's liaison for the air quality improvement project. I've been working directly with uh Bob Hankley select board's liaison for the same project along with uh Aldo and we've had some consultation with uh Mike Buchanan and finance some other members
of town administration. um wanted to give everybody an update on where we stand. As you may remember at the uh school at the uh finance committee and select board meeting, I believe it was in December at the um town finance kind
of you know health check that you guys held. I gave a brief overview of some very last minute changes that had occurred to the scope of the project uh because of some changes in um guidance that Train had received with regards to the types of equipment that would be
able to be used in the project moving forward due to some changes in federal uh and EPA guidelines around refrigerant transitions. They're kind of transitioning out of using older style refrigerating refrigerants that have uh higher hydrofluorocarbon content. It's
kind of a greenhouse gas, you know, emissions reduction act that's been in place for some time now. Um there was some lastminute guidance that was received by train at that time that the original scope of the project that had been presented to us would not be a go forward um and we wouldn't be able to
procure the necessary materials to use reuse the existing air handling equipment in the school using the original scope of the project. Aldo worked with train to come up with an adjusted um number and an adjusted scope of project. There were a lot of
pieces involved in that. The biggest one is the requirement to rep replace the air handling equipment at Aushna Elementary School such that it is compatible with the updated refrigerant requirements. Um that's a little bit of a challenging task. Well, a lot of a lot
bit of a challenging task uh because of the location of a lot of those units. U a number of them are in the mechanical penthouse above the building uh which is not accessible um certainly not from moving out the size of equipment that is involved in this down through the main
part of the school. A lot of it would have to be taken out from the roof which would mean removal and replacement of the roof over the engineering penthouse and some other areas around the top of the school. Uh we've confirmed that it would not void the warranty uh for the roof that we had put onto the school
recently. Um the work could be carried out either by train or by the original installer. As long as they're a mulehide um certified installer, it would not void the warranty. Um the overall project cost uh because of the various changes was increased from the
originally proposed 4.2 million up to the new number of 6.9 roughly 6.9 million. We're talking 6,947,425. Obviously, that's a big jump from the project that was originally proposed. Um, unfortunately, it's the only way that we can move forward with the scope
of project to include all of the original uh components like um you know, air handling equipment, um HVAC and dehumidification equipment, building envelope, that kind of thing. late in the game um about December 2nd
um there was an additional grant that was opened up um to situations very much like the Kushnets uh it goes through the green schoolworks uh project. Um essentially they had some additional grant money that was going to be available because of projects that had
perhaps been approved but never made it to fruition. Um so they just reopened application for that grant on December 2nd. Um the application deadline for that grant is February 13th. So that'd be the end of this week. Um we would
find out whether or not we were approved for that grant in roughly miday. And the total amount of grant money that's available would cover essentially half of the remaining uh scope of project. When we look at the original 6.947
um million nut, we're still eligible for the roughly $500,000 in green communities uh grant money that we had been previously approved for. And then we're looking at probably about $250,000 give or take in Eversource rebates. Those are still the same numbers that
were presented previously and they remain available. That would give the remaining project roughly a $6.2 million price tag. This particular Green School Works grant would cover up to $3 million of that project. So that would account for
roughly half of the remaining project cost, bringing the total out-ofpocket amount for the town down to 3 million, which is actually below the out-of- pocket cost that we had previously estimated with the 4.2 minus those same $750,000 worth of grants and rebates
previously. Um, in order to apply for the grant, uh, a few things need to happen. Uh, Aldo needs to submit the grant application before February 13th. Uh, we also need to have, um, a show of support from the
town that if the grant money were to become available, the, uh, administration would work to try and secure the remaining funding from whatever source, you know, they deem appropriate given the town's needs at that time. Um, so essentially we're o
open for questions. If you have any remaining questions about the funding sources, scope of project, or anything else, you can certainly ask Aldo or I. Um, Aldo had actually come up with a um kind of creative solution to get some partial funding for the first segment of the project. He can go over that in just
a moment. Um, and then once we get the rebates and the initial grant money in, we could essentially throw that all towards the principal on the remaining larger uh, borrowing amount through whatever means the town wants to approach that. And that would allow us
to kind of stage the payments in such a way that they're a little bit more predictable and it would allow us to pay down the principal on the loan um, in a fairly large chunk right at the beginning and reduce those ongoing payments. So, >> so something I heard, >> yeah, >> the original
>> going back to the project that was put before the voters that failed. What was the price tag for that? >> I believe it was 4.2 million roughly. >> 4.2 million. So, what you're saying is that if we were successful getting this grant, putting all the rebates in, the actual out-of- pocket cost for the town
would be right around 3 million. >> About 3.2 million most likely. Yeah. >> So, you're telling me that between this effort here >> Mhm. the the burden to the town would be right around a million bucks. >> A million dollars less. Yeah, I think the original proposal.
>> I think that's great. >> Well, not quite. Just to clarify. So, the 4.2 million was the uh amount of the proposed project before the $500,000 grant and then the 200ish $250,000 in
rebates. So we're really looking at an overall project reduction cost of the town of probably about 250,000 after you factor in that roughly 750 that we were going to get either way. >> Regardless 250,000 I think the one thing I've I've learned over the years with
the town is that um they appreciate the residents and the voters appreciate elbow grease when it comes to projects. Right. So, um I think when they voted it down, I don't know if it was about need per se. It was more about like, hey, we
want you to go sharpen the pencils, come back with a better price even. But this is I think where I'm going with this, I think this is a really good show of good faith to the to the taxpayer and the voter that you're willing to, you know, pursue other avenues. Um, you know, I've
always I feel like the need is there. people I've spoken to, I've talked to parents and, you know, got a better appreciation for the actual need. So, I think on the merits, um, you're there and I can appreciate you're continuing to look at driving down costs, you know, and I think the
the conversation we had in December when we first met, you know, saying pushing back on train and these federal, you know, like putting any undue pressure on us. So, hats off to you and to Aldo, but Mr. Hankley, I think really has been a a you know,
>> tremendous >> a huge contri contributor to this effort and I'm appreciative of that. Bob, um while it's not blind faith, I do appreciate your your work on this here and um so I think we're in a good spot. Um I would endorse moving forward with
the grant um to keep this project moving forward in the right direction. And if I may, just to make sure that you know the residents and the select board are at ease. If we if you make a motion to support the project pending grant approval and we get approved for the
grant, but for whatever reason the town decides that they do not want to move forward with this, we're not locked into accepting the grant just by show of this um vote of support. Um it essentially opens up the opportunity to even apply for it in the first place. ultimately we could get selected and then for one of
any number of reasons decide that we don't want to accept the grant. We're not locked into it. Uh we just go back to the drawing board at that point. >> Mr. Chairman, >> Mr. Ellis, I I appreciate as the chairman said your efforts um hitting the ground running um newly elected to the school committee. So, thank you very
much for that. And Mr. Aldo, same thing goes for you. So, it seems like because of this new freon that they're talking about and saying you can't use this piece of equipment, it it it feels like what you just said is there's a it's a higher upgrade of more equipment because
of the nature of the freon that we can't be just substituting pieces. So, it's a little bit >> it's a bigger upgrade of the equipment that we need to facilitate the elementary school and it's air quality. So, it's not really the same project scope. It's a much it's a little bit
larger expanded um project scope due to the nature of the equipment that needs to be put in now and that's driving that cost up as well. Right. That's correct. >> So, it's not like you know x amount of equipment now it's x amount of equipment and that's what drove those costs up.
The goal is to accomplish the same means that were proposed in the original scoper project. Unfortunately, the only way to get to that end point now is with this adjusted scope of work that includes a significant amount of beer handling equipment replacement and other tangential costs. >> Thank you.
>> Uh Mr. Chairman, thank you. Um I've reached out to Jesse and Aldo quite a few times in regards to this and we've sat down quite a few times and essentially we just sat down, the three of us in a room along with Mike Buchet, which was helpful as well. um and
basically said we were just going to hunker down once a month and figure this out the best we can. Um I've asked Aldo and Jesse both to reach out to train to get a more indepth response to a lot of the questions that I think went unanswered last time in regards to
certain things like warranties um if this is going to work which was my ultimate question. Um, and they're providing us with like detailed humidity ratings and and results, actual results based on the science and the technology.
Um, and I believe you also had a another third party company look at the investment grade audit at some point last year to verify and give it some validity as well. So going into that, knowing that every time I've called either of these gentlemen and they've
answered a question or we sat down, uh, makes me feel really good about, you know, working with them and giving a vote of confidence to support the application of this grant as well. >> Great. Thank you. And, you know, I just ask that you continue the the tenacity throughout the the process.
>> Yep. Absolutely. would really while the you know trains train good for them but you know any opportunity to push back and ask questions like why do we need this why do we need that >> and you know my concern sometimes when a company sees oh you just landed this big grant
>> that they let their guard down um so make sure that we don't over over purchase right so I think >> on that note Mr. Chairman, >> the the benefit to what you just said was the scope of work and the feasibility of the project was actually brought up before the grant was even
announced as as available. >> Oh, change orders. >> So, so I think having a a detailed summary, you know, that was done and finalized before the the opportunity came up gives us a little bit more push back on it as well.
>> Great. I'm all I'm all I'll make a motion to move to allow the school um committee and school business administration to move forward with the grant um application and let's see what happens. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I motion carries. Great. >> Very good. Thank you very much.
>> All right. We're going to bring in uh just >> All right, Mr. Manard, if you don't mind grabbing the uh We're here to talk about >> snow removal. But before we do that, Dan, I just want to take a moment to uh
>> Okay. >> to thank you and the team for this the work that you guys have done, right? It it's you're never going to make everybody happy. people are going to be upset that, you know, after they shovel their driveway that the plow
comes by and and I look, I I I live at the end of a culde-sac and I see it happen all the time, but I understand that that is what it is, right? Um I drive around a lot and I can tell you this. Of course, it is in a heck of a lot better
place than a lot of our surrounding communities. So, uh it's not an easy job and I know you're doing the best you can. Um, we appreciate that. I mean, look, I look at Peekom Road literally at the Christian town line trying to get into New Bedford, you know, like you can
see the difference. And so, um, I just want to at least take that opportunity to say thank you and, uh, thank the the plow drivers. Now, we can get into, you know, the other stuff. Um, want to get a sense from you like, you know, how we
doing with contractors, what money we've spent so far, you know, is it going to snow anymore? >> It's going to come tonight actually. So, just talk about what's going on and, you know, what you need from us. >> Um, yeah, actually, um, I had one guy leave and we actually gained two more.
So, it's so that's a good thing. Um, so I think we got around 18 19 now you know hired which is it's >> 11 short. >> Yeah. Compared to what we used to have of course but especially with the big storms and it just don't keep up cuz
most of we got 10 roots and each route had well three three on every route but like four routes had four guys on on each thing. So it's it's you know two guys they follow each other and it's easier to go two and two and then the roots get done faster. So when you get a
storm that's coming down 2 3 in an hour, you can kind of keep up a little better where by the time one, you know, you get two guys and they're doing one route, by the time they get from one end to the other, it's it's kind of late and they lose it. They can't open them up as much. And so that's why the roads get a
little narrow and everything else. And we do got a piece of equipment that go in there and blow them out after the fact, but then people get a little upset about that as well if I come by with a loader and and push back when I'm in the road. So, um I I did look into a
snowblower attachment cuz that would probably work. But I when they told me it was 187,000, I kind of >> got back. And you guys put out like I noticed I think it was the last storm you had
Sanders out and dropping salt before the snow even. You know >> try to get them out there and it's we saw before and then if it comes down so much we the salt keeping up then we'll get the blades in and >> and we'll hit it again after we're done. So
>> it's it's up we don't got the material like the state actually they'll plow they'll salt they'll plow salt and that's why it's it's hot. you can't keep up with them guys, you know, it's >> just just what you're doing. I mean, I not to throw and Rochester has their own challenges because they can't, from what
I understand, they can't use salt because of the aquifer, you know, and all that stuff. >> And it's a big difference, you know, and I know those guys really work hard over there in Rochester and do the best that they can. >> Um, but you can see the difference in putting down some of the material, you know, materials that you do and um, you know, having the manpower
>> to be able to do that. Um, >> it's a double-edged sword though with salt. I mean, we do have that luxury using salt, but everybody knows um based on your own yards, salt kicks the snot out of concrete and asphalt. So, you try to do what you believe is in the best
interest, but then you on the other end in the long end, you you're creating another problem with, you know, the asphalt breaking up and concrete, all that stuff. So, it it's a double-edged sword no matter what you do. I mean, you you don't use enough salt, you'll have
people complain. You overs salt, you'll have people complain. I've talked to a number of people. I just want to say right off the rip, Dan, um, congratulations. I've talked to another number number of people that seem to be frustrated, but what they don't understand is the lack of our ability or any municipality to
hire people and the longevity of that storm. And I keep trying to teach people that is it's easy when you have a storm that only lasts five or six hours. When you have a storm that goes 12 plus hours, it's almost impossible to keep up, especially at that rate of 1 to two
inches an hour, right? It's tough. I mean, I plow, >> right? It it it's not easy visibility reasons. You got you get some dummies that think they're they're Superman on the road and they don't really belong on the road getting running interference with plows and sanders and things of the
like. It's unsafe conditions. I just wish people could stay home. They don't. Then you get accidents and you're dealing with all of that stuff. So for the amount of guys that we have, thank you to you DPW staff, all our employees at DPW and all of our snowplow contractors. My hat goes off to all you
folks. So thank you. >> Appreciate it. Thanks. One one thing we had talked about and you know it's hard to do it now in season, but you know talking with Chief Faren, I think you were at the meeting. You know, we've got personnel, town employees through our fire department call guys that do
plowing that know how to plow, right? So they might not have their own equipment, but they're experienced in running a plow that if you need help, you know, if if your team is tired and you need some reinforcements, right, with big storm, just think about that in the off season
and maybe there's a way to to boost the ranks using our own equipment with town employees who are already on the payroll, who've already gone through all that. Yeah. Train them the right way and could be an opportunity for them to make a few extra bucks. And if we can keep it in house, that that's cool, too. But it's just really to give you guys some
additional support um you know in these big these big storms. So anyway, just something to think about. Thanks the board because I actually I just got two new guys recently within the last month or so. So that's a huge help. We just got another guy just started and he's already been out there and he's plowing
now he's hauling snow and he's actually working out good. So >> and uh and Matt as well has been awesome. So it's it's I appreciate that you guys giving that extra help, you know. All right, sounds good. >> Mr. Chairman, yes. Um, Dan, I'll just echo what my colleagues just said. I
think you guys did a fantastic job. >> Um, I had to straighten out some people and tell them to ease up on an especially. Um, and I just, you know, just to echo that sentiment, Ann did an outstanding job keeping her cool. And I
want I I listened to quite a few people speak to her in a way that nobody should ever be speak to. And um, she was cool, calm, and collected. and uh she deserves some kudos as well. Um I think you guys did a great job. The amount of snow we got, we haven't seen since what, 2015.
>> And to be able to drive the next day, even if it was a little slower than usual, >> was a good thing for everybody. And I I think they realize that now and they'll be a little bit more patient. And uh >> again, like I said, it's been a long time, so people forgot what uh you know,
>> it's like to have snow on the ground >> and it's been great every weekend. So, it's kind of And again, it's coming tonight a little more supposedly, but >> it'll melt tomorrow. It's going to be 40. Just let it ride. >> All right. Well, thanks, Dan. >> All right. All right.
>> Do you want to know about the budget wise is how >> well when you get to that, but I'd really like you to explain like you explained to me. Yep. >> Uh why it's so difficult to move a lot
of the large snow banks that resulted in this last storm. And it isn't that you're ignoring it, it's that the difficulty with our equipment and our priorities that >> you some of the stuff. So, like our
trucks are set up, we're fortunate now that we have the the newer ones to have um the sanders built into the dump bodies and we just can they got removable spinners so we can take the spinner off and on. So, we use the truck during the day. We only have two trucks like that and we have a little
six-wheeler and that's actually what we use to remove the snow over here. Um so, like if you get into like a big uh project of snow removal, it's going to take of hiring. Now, they have to hire some trucks. Now, you're going to need police details and stuff like that.
I didn't do it on this one. I kind of just blocked the road. I shut it down in sections and kind of did around here just so we did it cuz I only had my three trucks to do it. Um, so like it would get inexpensive if you had to do like a big removal thing and
you had to take a lot of snow in every corner and then you got everywhere. So, and especially with the quick we got it is kind of big for doing like some of them sidewalks and stuff and it's going around them poles and hydrants and so I don't know if that's something if and again I just people don't take care of
the sidewalks anymore. I used to back in the day. We never actually did the sidewalks. Um, but I don't know if the the, you know, population is getting older or whatever that they can't do it anymore or if that's something you guys want to look into something after the storms if I got like a maybe you need
like a smaller piece of equipment to go down and get in between the poles and stuff and do the sidewalks. I don't >> I complimented the people for doing a good job with the sidewalks. Where are these sidewalks? >> Well, no. I mean, it's still even on Main Street that ain't done. So, you go one section and there's a section ain't done. And you know what I mean? I mean,
some towns take care of, but again, they got more manpower than us. If people are patient, we could do it after, you know what I mean, the storm. So, I don't know if that's something you guys want me to look into or it's a tough sidewalks are a tough task. I mean, you know, the city's going to know an incident and and like it's hard to keep up with it,
right? So, you do the sidewalk, even if you have a snowb blow, you do the sidewalk, you you leave, you come back 2 hours later, the plow ran down the road, the big trucks are running down on main drags, and they blow everything back in the sidewalk. Like, how many times do you think I'm going to clean that sidewalk for you? >> Well, that's what I'm saying. It It's going to be something that should be
done after the storm. Once you're done the storm and then you get down that's a that's a huge ask. >> Yeah, that's a huge ask. >> Mr. If I may, I think a big part of that, just to echo the sidewalk statement, this was kind of a culmination of a lot of variables cuz the people that didn't get out there in
time to do their sidewalks then immediately walked into like a really frigid freeze >> and it turned into a block of ice and a snowblower is not going to cut through that as well. And I I >> I was trying to explain that to some people. I said, "Listen, like if your snowblower can't do it,
>> we're going to have to go out there with shovels and chisels and >> Yeah. >> you got to get your neighbors involved." And I just echoed that sentiment. I said, "Please just get out there and do what you can." Y >> and you know, be patient. >> But again, like I said, we were fortunate like just to even do around that. It was that's, you know, a day and
a half to do that and a little around the town hall. So like if we had to do the sidewalks down Main Street, you know what I mean? You're getting into days or like I said, I'd have to hire trailers and you know what I mean? You're going to >> you're going to need more trucks when you do. We've been we we're all New Englanders. Most of us are, right? we we
should know and understand snowfall and how to drive on roads with snow. Um, and we've been spoiled for the last 10 years because it was 2015 since we got slammed. So, I think we all need to go back to the basics and just understand we live in New England. We get a lot of
snow and times and we just need to learn how to deal with it. >> Y, >> you know, and we did have, like Mr. said, deep freeze, man. We've had multiple nights, weeks of deep freeze. >> Once you get that deep freeze, you're done. So there's not much we could do. We're short staffed, >> right?
>> Again, it's money, too. It's a lot more money to do that type of stuff. And but I don't know. Like I said, I >> Keep doing what you're doing. I think we're in good shape. >> Fantastic job. >> Uh uh Mr. Manard just give a quick summary of where we stand with this snow
and ice. >> I was just with Ann doing uh I just put in actually today's uh from the last storms in there. You don't even know this one yet cuz I just put them in. So, um, and we were like atgative50 too right now. So, and the only other
thing she didn't have was payroll in there and but my salt bond is empty and I got like $40,000 worth of salt coming too. So, I'm thinking we're going to be somewhere negative9. I want to figure give you a little heads up on that now. >> Let's call the good old days.
>> Just hopefully hopefully it stops. But >> back in the day, the way it was, that's the way it always was, you know. >> Yeah. Good. So, I that's where we're at, I guess. I figured I'll let you know. >> Awesome. Right. We're trying. But that's that's pretty like with all the highs, all the storms, that's everything paid
out. It's, you know, except for the payroll. I think they didn't she didn't do today, but everything else was in. >> Very good. >> All right, guys. >> Thank you. >> Have a great night. Thank you. You guys want to do this? Uh, >> now
if you guys can bring uh Mr. Lamont, please real quick. >> Yeah, that Mr. Chairman, you're on the next agenda. It's the appointment. We did make the appointment. We've never mentioned a step in the salary. So I move to appoint Ma Matthew Gold to the
position of water sewer maintenance operator with a hourly salary rate of $21.99. >> Second in favor. >> How you doing? Right. Grab a seat there behind the uh behind the table.
You can grab that. There you go. >> Got it rearranged a little bit. >> Yeah. >> Hi Adam. How are you? >> How are you Mr. >> Good. Uh, by way of introduction, um, David Born, currently the chair of the board, selectman, selectman, Kevin Gospel, >> selectman, Bob,
>> and you know, uh, Mr. Kelly. Um, thank you for, uh, throwing your hat back into the ring. Um, you know, as I mentioned to the previous candidates, uh, you know, it's been kind of a weird time. We've been head down, as you can imagine, though, when you're head down
in the throws of it and things are still moving along, you're kind of like, all right, we're good. but realizing that at some point we're going to have to make a move and uh you know get some uh stability. And then we had Mr. Kelly who was uh who was on medical leave. But
that said, if you haven't missed a beat, um so with that uh we'll ask you to introduce yourself um talk a little bit about you and then we'll have a round of questions. Uh but just to uh set the record straight, you understand as a
town administrator it's more than an 8 to4 job and you understand the salary range as well as we've advertised. Right. >> Correct. >> All right. Great. So we'll uh turn it over to you Adam if you want to just introduce yourself and uh we'll go from there. >> I would like to thank uh first off uh
Jamie Kelly for his years of service. Uh this is a tough job and I think he's he's helped to cushion it tremendously. Um because as as you mentioned, Mr. This job does require 24/7. It seems like there's times where you're about to fall
asleep and you get a phone call of, you know, something that happens that is unanticipated. Uh so, a little bit about me. Uh I I have years of experience. I started off with Chickpe City Government for nearly a decade uh in various elected and appointed roles. Uh then I transitioned
into municipal management in 2018 when got hired as the uh management fellow then assistant town administrator. Then I became town administrator in December or excuse me November of 2020 till March of 2025 and things happened. Boards
change. We're susceptible to who we work for as our bosses. And then I made the decision I resigned and then I went to the town of Philipston and I've been there for nearly a year now. And then uh I applied for this position. I think I could do a lot of good things for Kushnet. And my dream is ultimately to
retire at Cape Cod. >> We're near Cape Cod. There you go. Not a bad place. Um so talk to me about talk to the board. You know, I'm a big believer in um demeanor,
how people handle stress, how people handle conflict, conflict resolution. talk about that and you know how you feel that you deal with times of stress and you know conflict and trying to get to a solution-based uh decision. Thank
you. Uh conflict resolution there's different scenarios uh whenever you're dealing with budgets they get very difficult and you have to be willing to protect the interest of the town at all cost. Um, so there's
times where you have departments and you give out budget guidance and sometimes it's not followed and you need to be able to hold the line. And when you do that, you have to do it in a way where you say, "I sent guidance. This isn't being followed correctly." And you have
to hold the line. That's absolutely critical because the minute you have one department doing one thing, another department doing another, you have lost control of your budget cycle. So I'm very strict when it comes to budget guidance. And when I I issue that conflict resolution with in regards to
day-to-day stuff, relatively easy. I always keep my door open. I have a policy. Any employee come to me. I've always had a great experience working with town employees throughout my entire tenure from all the different towns and cities I've worked for. So, it depends on the scenario and it depends on the
environment. um you get different situations where you know you you're essentially the agent for the board. So you always have to do what you feel is best for not only the the board but for the taxpayers. That's my job and that's what I would
always work to do. And if that requires some difficult discussions that need to occur, that's what happens. You got one. >> Question time. Yes, it is. Can you provide an example of a
successful project you have managed >> recently uh the Nar regional school district uh the year before when I was a Templeton town administrator we had a very difficult budget year and I had to put the foot down but then they had a debt exclusion project for the the roof
uh where the middle and high school roof was deteriorating so we had to do a debt exclusion and I helped the school district out and did what we had to do because we're in a regional with Templeton and Philipston. Templeton had to put theirs on there, call it a special town meeting, then they had to
have their vote and then Philipsson did the same thing and passed successfully in both towns. So, $1 million uh debt exclusion that was passed and uh yeah, they're going to be moving ahead and getting a new roof on the middle and high school uh uh facility. >> Thank you.
>> You're welcome. I'm not being rude. I just typed up some questions real quick here. >> No worries. >> So, a lot of times residents, boards, marketers in general, expect immediate results.
Knowing that a lot of municipal process, whether it's state, local, federal, does take time, how do you manage public expectations while keeping projects moving forward? I prioritize first thing I do. There's certain times where residents will come
in and expect results immediately. I never promise anything's going to get done. But one thing I do promise is I will follow up with the appropriate department head or whatever it might might be whatever the request depending on whether it's a pothole and I noticed you're filling them here in a cushion.
I'm very impressed that you got the hot mix so early. Um, but it's it's really prioritizing prioritizing projects, deadlines, do you have do you have negotiations? When's the contracts due? What's coming up that needs to get done? And setting those priorities because
what I learned in municipal government is you're never going to catch up with everything. But what you can do is set deadlines to meet those goals and then ultimately work with the board on what goals they want to adopt. The select board set the goals. I'm your agent. I'll be working to implement those
goals. Right. Thank you. Um, in your role as town administrator, I'm assuming you've dealt with health care and health insurance and, you know, working to negotiate on behalf of the town and dealing with retirees and employees. And so just you talk a little bit about that
experience and you know how you envision that and what what what experience you'd help you know bring to the town and how you go about uh making sure that our employees are getting the best the best uh coverage but also understanding the the financial aspect of it.
>> I've dealt with various different insurance and we I've also worked with establishing a choice purchasing agreement as well that we never actually utilized. The key there is to util to really have competitive bidding and getting the best plan you could get for
your employees that's fair and equitable. But also I and I think Jamie's to take care of this. You have your enterprise accounts. If you have full-time employees there, are you charging those back to those enterprise funds? Because if you're not
if you everybody's just on the health insurance and let's say you have uh a golf employee for example full-timer and you're not charging that back and the revenue is coming having it come in you're losing money. So it's really understanding making sure you're getting
all the indirects in but also putting out a bid package and getting the best rates you can possibly get for your employees. Uh I've been very successful with Maya. That's that Blue Cross Blue Shield. Uh we had them for years in Templeton. They came in at good. They
were 0% one year. I mean low low increases and then it got to the point where the board decided to vote 32 to switch to Mass Strategic Health Group. Um that happened and then I had to go through the transition process. I'll tell you that was a ton of work by the way when you transition a health plan
over. But we did it. But it was it was a lot. We went through that process. Um and in Philips we have Maya. Um so we're looking at roughly a two to 14% increase. Uh I'll deal with it when we get the rate renewal. That's the range. I don't know where it's going to fall
depending on claims and all the like and the like. But it's really just staying on top of that. Being aggressive with your bidding process. Yes. >> How do you balance economic development with preserving the essential character
of a town? That's a excellent question. That's there's ways to do it through like an EDIC. There's certain cuz that's really a question for the community. And I would
say in my experience, some communities I really push affordable housing. I'm not going to BS the board. I was very thrilled with a project we did for example in Bald section of Templeton. We took I was in charge of the disposition of that elementary school
and when we put that out to the marketplace, we had ended up getting a $30 million investment in our community. 54 units, 49 affordable housing. Because we have this a community preservation uh account in town, I had
to go to town meeting for the approval. and town meeting unanimously approved the funding for that project and it was eligible because it fell under affordable housing. So what the question ultimately is is a Slackman brick what the Slackman want to bring to town
meaning if the people are willing to support it I would say that's the the development you can bring within a town but it's really utilizing all your tools that you have available as a community to further invest because I'll tell you they're going to have substantial new
growth with a $30 million project coming in and that's going to fall into the revenues in addition their two and a half so It's really the community and my job is to follow what that's the agent to the board and then bring the town meeting and they decide ultimately what
they want their community to be with their economic development. >> Thank you. How do you approach long-term financial planning when short-term demands like labor costs, capital needs, or resident expectations are competing for limited
resources? >> It's very challenging. It's it's really uh looking at your two and a half and a fiveyear plan. And with health insurance being the way it is, it makes it just that much more difficult whatever your your regional retirement comes in at,
that just adds an additional burden uh to to whatever the demands are that you have to try to figure out and then try to keep retain your employees that you have. So, it's really a financial plan looking out maybe three years because five years I I don't think that's it's it's not going to be three years is more
of an idea of where you're going to come in at with your budget, looking at a two and a half increase for each of the following years, what your projected new growth could be, and then making sure you're within your levy each year. Um, because I'll tell you, I'm sure the state will tell you when they certify
and you're over a levy limit, you don't want to go back for a special town meeting. So, it's really forecasting, figuring out what you could be. Maybe you could look at some bidding to get the health insurance cost to saving. Maybe you could look at changing the split with the employee to town ratio
depending on your collective bargaining agreements. There's tools, but you just have to look at that. That's more of a goal like I would look at for my first 60 days. But that's something I think should be done because that's what's financially uh smart for the town. Thank
you. >> In your communities, have you uh dealt with solar development like solar farms and have you had any visibility into that? >> Not so much because I've only been at Phillips in a year. I'm working on some municipal aggregation there because they don't have a municipal light department.
So, we're going through an aggregation. Uh but in Templeton, for example, they have a municipal light department. >> So, the solar there's a lot of restrictions with solar. >> Got it. Okay. I was just going to ask him. >> I think it should be it should be electric light. So, >> Right. Right. If you've had any um if you've worked on any
>> we got to figure out a way to get a cushion that light really good rates. >> Yeah, I know. I' I've been in contact with some other communities about that and I'm like how so we can have a further conversation on as
a board. Right. >> I think that's that's thing you and that's why I'm working on if I if I may. >> Yeah, of course. Yeah, please conversation >> because I I think that's an obligation like as a public servant, right? We're all public servants. Our job is to do what we can for the public good of our
residents and like and like when Gasper said about looking at electricity, that should be a goal. That should be a goal. If you haven't done aggregation yet, got to do it. You got to look at maybe doing another consortium. Whatever you got to
do to lower the rates for your residents, that should that that's greater, >> right? >> That would be a goal of mine. Okay. >> With a port of course. >> Tell me about the most difficult employee situation you've ever had to handle. What did you do and what was the
result? >> Nothing like being a town administrator during the co when you had to essentially do hybrid models. Uh I will say and I I really thank now Ed Augustus but when he was city manager of
Worcester I watched what what he would do with his employees and I literally followed his same lead because and I got push back from employees. Some didn't want to come back some came back. But I will tell you what I never did do. I never implemented a policy where
vaccines were required. Good. >> This is more of a a general question. Do you believe there are types of information that the board should get right away? And you also believe there's certain
types of information that should never surprise the board or the public at all? I always do my best to update the board on any matter that might arise so they're not blindsided and I always put do not reply at all for openly.
>> You all know that. >> So when you see that you're like I know, >> right? >> Um I think you in your background you were on the school committee. >> Yes. >> Did I get that right? So, you've got some So, how how do you interact when you're dealing with the school
department in your community, you know, how is how do you balance the needs of the overall town fiscal health, but also understanding the needs of the school department and, you know, what they're trying to accomplish? And it's just an interesting dynamic that I've always
found. And I don't know that there's any real right way to handle it other than if you know it, then you can be part of that process and be much more effective. >> Yes. Uh the the school committee is going to advocate
for what's best for their students. Totally understood. Same thing I did when I was on the school committee. The difference between a local where I was in versus a regional is the local has
uh ways to control the budget differently. In a regional, it's it's different because they set their number and then it gets sent to both towns or multiple towns and you only really have a say
over the assessment. We're on the local side of the house. I find it a lot easier to work with the school district because let's say your deficit is 500,000. You could tell the schools, look, we'll cut 250, you got to cut 250. And you find common ground like that. I
find local much easier to work with than regionals. In my experience, I hope that answers your question. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, that's it's helpful. >> Sure. >> What would you describe as your biggest weakness? socializing too much at town hall
>> the what >> socializing too much at town hall around the coffee machine or whatever it might be you know you want people to want to come to work and everything and sometimes you want people want to feel appreciated where they work and you know sometimes I I'll you know stop by the
offices I'll socialize and I get to my desk I'm like I didn't even do anything today you know that's my biggest weakness >> well that's not good I still get things done I mean but you know I'm going to be honest with use like Casper, you know, it's Gas. It's Gaspa.
>> Oh, my bad. So, >> Gaspa. >> Gaspa. I'm sorry. My My name People mess up my name all the times. >> Can you pronounce your last name? Cuz I I pronounce it Lamontine. Is that right? >> That's good. You got mine right. >> All right.
>> Yeah. Lamontine. Yeah. >> My bad. I do. >> No, it's no big deal. Have you ever received feedback in any of your work history that have has actively affected you to the point where you've implemented a change in how you
do things and still stick with it to this day? >> Not that I could recall. >> I know it's a broad scope question, but you know, every once in a while you hear something or you learn something from somebody and it sticks with you for a long time. I mean generally what I'll do
is like when I'm not work technically not working right in the weekends I'll come up with my list of things I got to do Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday you know whether it's posting the meeting this day but whether it's you know getting the minutes done there's certain things like that I got to remember that got to get done by open
meeting law guidelines. So I'll I'll come up with that not only that but my favorite part of the job is projects. So I'll think of what projects need to get done or what needs to go out to bid um and then set those deadlines. And I usually have a calendar where I'll where I've learned when I started being
a TA is keeping track of those certain dates like when questions are due, when I need to issue the addendum, when I need to uh when the bid opening is just to make sure I got everything right or because I don't want to get into a bid contest. You don't want to go through
that process with the inspector general's office. >> Heard about that. Um >> not me. It's a sore subject that um all right so obviously
you know the job is it's it's 20 I don't want to say 24/7 it may be you know like 217 or 215 um being close to a cushion so you know would you envision yourself commuting are you looking to relocate or
what would be if you were successful like what how would that how would you handle that dynamic? Well, luckily for me, my wife wants to move, so I'll be planning on moving. >> Got it. All right. >> All right. Any other I'm I'm good with my questions. I don't know, gentlemen, if you have any other questions.
>> I'm good with questions. >> I'm all set, Mr. Chairman. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thank you. from a process standpoint. Um, you know, we'll we'll talk about things and, you know, me personally, I'd like to get with this the screening committee one last time just to get
there out of respect for them. And, you know, the board did vote at the last meeting to keep the the um the advertisement out there until we find a candidate. Um, so I just want to make sure you understood that dynamic, but I
do appreciate you uh coming back and showing interest again and giving us a chance to to meet with you and um you know, I appreciate you taking the time to come down here. >> Well, thank you for reaching out uh and wanting me to come in for an interview. I I really uh think you have a lot of
potential here and uh thank you for the time you've taken and uh thank you for everything you do. I know being a selectman is also difficult in a community as well being a town ministry. So I just want to thank you for your time and >> appreciate everything. It's already
got to get mine right from what I understand there's a few hours up in the Chap Holio area. >> Oh yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. My mother's Polish. >> It's See you later. >> Leave on that now.
>> You can go straight out that door. a parking lot straight ahead of you, right between the two buildings. So, have a good night, Adam. You too. >> Take care. >> All right. Uh, all right. Next item is our golf OPM RFQ. I think Dave uh Flynn is here,
chairman. Um, we sent off that initial document to get this part this process started. Um, we forwarded off to Mr. Kelly and Jamie Velasquez and we've run it through town council and I believe those markups >> town council got back to us today. Mr.
Chairman, it's uh it was printed this afternoon for the board. Okay. >> Uh I had a conversation with council, gave him my concerns. Some of his comments reflect my concerns. Uh there
weren't uh major concerns other than uh I asked the board to look at the project description and make sure for example that the capacities listed
uh are the ones that the board is looking at and for phase one, phase two and phase three I think can be addressed in another time. >> All right, gentlemen. I've had a chance to look at it quickly, but quite
frankly, uh, town council and our procurement officer knows a hell of a lot more about it than I do. So, I'm going to rely heavily on on that. I don't know how you feel, but I would hate to get in the way of this process and keep keep this uh, you know, install this. So, I'm okay with this going out
as uh, has been presented and reviewed by town council. Leave it up to you guys. >> I we I literally got it when I walked through the door. So, I don't know if if you two gentlemen are comfortable with it, knock yourselves out.
>> Yeah. The only thing I actually had reservations on in general was just making sure that we didn't lock any lock in any design at this point. I mean, >> the OPM I mean, if town council went through it and made updated changes, I feel good with it. >> Right. This is just to hire an interview. You're right. and then
they'll be interviewing people and and then once you get that OPM, they then can work with the board on design and the the committee and all that stuff. Correct. >> Correct. The OPM does not design the facility. The OPM is acting on the town's behalf and working with us as a
professional engineer or designer when we select the designer and then go through the process of making sure built is what we wanted. So this is just the first step in getting a professional required for projects over you know the threshold set by the state before we
even select the designer and finance the design basically handhold us with the whole process from conception through to construction and just by way of background for the people watching Mr. Flynn, your day job requires you to develop these things and oversee these
RFQS and all that stuff. Correct. >> Correct. I'm the assistant superintendent for finance and operations for the New Bedford public schools. >> Right. >> Multi-million dollar projects all the time. >> Additionally, have you seen and agreed to the changes of town council? >> I have not seen any proposed changes.
>> We just got it this afternoon and so we haven't sent it out yet. Literally, it >> Okay. So, do you guys want to just hold? We're going to meet next week. We're going to meet next week on the 17th. I mean I Dave I mean I we can hold off if
you need to take another look at it but I think they're funery in nature. It doesn't you know just some addition added wording from the November 3rd town meeting added language to clarify that phase one upgrades are subject to the RFQ. Right. So this is sort of they're
not major changes but we can hold off if that's what you guys want to do. I don't I don't have an issue with that. Could we do a motion pending the golf management >> feedback? Like if you have feedback and whatever. >> Yeah, if I could just get a copy of it.
If you want to vote next week, that's fine with me. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Next meeting. Yeah. 17th. >> Okay. Why don't we get him a copy? Kevin, everybody can take one last look at it and then we'll put on the agenda for the 17th to approve final final.
>> Yep. Then we'll be done with it. >> Keep the ball rolling. >> All right. And just so everybody at home knows what Mr. Flynn mentioned, OPM is owner's project manager. >> He oversees the project. So,
>> thank you. All right. Thanks, Dave. All right. Next item, gentlemen. I put this here again just for some visibility. It's there's a project at uh on Middle Road. We're not taking any action. I just wanted to make sure. We're not taking any action tonight, but I wanted
to make sure that as things are coming into the office that things aren't getting lost in the shuffle. You guys can take a look at this, but again, just to make sure that >> Mr. Chairman, understand what's going on. Yes, sir. >> I have reviewed this because it was in my book. Um, and I just want to make one
comment because I believe planning board's visiting this on this uh 19th of this month and I spoke with the chairman of the zoning board of appeals. spoke with the clerk of Arizona Board of Appeals with the special conditions and the paperwork here is a little bit convoluted, but the backside
of the paperwork supposedly was recorded. However, I don't know if this is the real It does say town of a cushion office of planning commission. Um, and it contradicts what the zoning board of appeals special permit was allowed for. Um, this says to support
local contractors wishing to store supplies and materials at the local projects. That is not what the special permit was for. The special permit says owners hours of operation they identified owners employees vehicles and equipment only. Um talks about employees
be limited 3 to five a day. Pocket is a site plan. Material material bins to be screened and landscape equipment to be stored in storage in the equipment storage area only. Trucks vehicles to be stored in garage. So there's there's a little bit of confusion. I just want to
bring that to the town's attention. I did speak with the building commissioner on it. He is aware of it as well. And I guess the opinion of the building inspector lies where where I'm sitting as well as this was not granted by the ZBA. And I do believe the ZBA did a
great job in talking to this individual to make sure he understood that this was not um for the general use of any contractor out there. It was for his own business and his own use. Period. So this was should be the order conditions from the special permit should be
recorded on the deed. It just it's a little convoluted again um to respect to the applicant hopefully if this is not true what was submitted to planning board but I think planning board is looking at it in a different um scope of service but um it is not for that use.
So, um I think that's important for everybody to know because zon and board of appeals issues a special permit with conditions. They need to follow that special permit and those conditions and not vary from that um in any way, shape or form. And when I read through this
packet of information, it seems to be contradictions everywhere. So, >> do we need to send this off to town council get some get their eyes on all this? >> No, I think this thing planning board needs to be aware of what the zoning board of appeals did. It's always nice when the left hand knows what the right hand's doing. So,
sometimes people don't read through what other boards and commissions are doing and it gets caught up in the in uh confusion and then things start happening in the community that weren't allowed and it just letters from above that all agreed that it would be for the applicant's use and they had no problems
with it of that nature. But um the applicant did go first round to ZBA and they absolutely said absolutely not and then they came back without prejudice and came back and said it's going to be for my own use and that's where the conditions will lie. So I think ZBA did
a fantastic job with this um applicant and you know I think it's a great use of the land space. I know there's some other things with chapter um that are in here to mention in there. I won't go into great detail about what is in forestry and what is not. He does have roughly 5 acres out of forestry. So, um,
and I talked to Miss Costa, the assessor, and I said, "For now on, when people in the community, and there's several people that have land in chapter, I think it would be nice for us to have a plot plan of the land and what is actually in chapter and what is being
held without being in chapter." So, we understand that for development purposes, if somebody comes before the board, zoning board or planning board, they can easily identify what is in chapter and what is not in chapter. If the whole apostles in chapter minus the house lot, that's fine. But this is a
particular situation where there's been a small piece, a five acre, roughly a five acre piece kept out of chapter. So that's neither here or there. That's for the assessor to deal with. I just want to make sure it's on the record of what the special permit was for and the contradiction what they go on the planet
board for. >> Okay. Very good. Thank you. You're welcome. >> All right. Next item. Again, we uh board was contacted by uh Mr. Eli D. Ro. Hi, Eli. How are you?
>> Um you're looking to uh revisit uh purchased the property on Main Street. Used to be the Christian Auto Sales, turned into the doll shop. You purchased it. You're looking to reactivate the car dealership. By the way, the place looks great. >> Oh, thank you.
>> Great job. I think it looks great in the neighborhood. So, good for you. Um because we do have to ultimately have a hearing. Correct, Mr. Kelly on this. Um Mr. >> Yeah. So, I've had a conversation with Eli. Um
I've known the family for a long, long time. Anything they put their hands on, um always turns out to be a a great asset to the community. They always do a great job with all their properties that they own. Um terrific family in the community, long-standing family of the community. Um, I remember when they were
just little kids and the dad put a roof on my house 25 years ago. Um, so I'm very familiar with the family and I did look into this and I was familiar with it being an auto dealer back in 2004 to 2014 for a decade. Then it turned into
boutique of dolls. Everything was done by a special permit by the zoning board of appeals. So I think we can act, this board can act simultaneously with the applicant in zoning board of appeals. you will have to file with zoning board of appeals for a special permit to to
operate that as a car a used car um shop we'll call it. >> Yep. Yep. >> dealership, whatever it may be. And as the chairman just alluded to, we would have to post for a public hearing and that's like a couple of weeks. So, we can get that going. Um we can surely if even if we get out in front of whenever
you can get in in front of ZBA next month and I think it's every month they do that stuff. Whatever they do, we can obviously approve it with a condition of approval by special permit from ZA. So, you'd be all set at that point. >> Very good. Right. So, we wanted to make sure that this continue to move forward.
So, we can uh Jamie, what's to post to do a hearing? What What do we need in advance? >> Two consecutive weeks in a newspaper circulation. >> So, we wouldn't be able to do the 17th. We could probably do something at our first meeting >> in March. >> In March. >> And it could be >> we'll stay on top of it. It could be uh
the motion could be subject to uh grant of the special permit and incorporating any orders of conditions of the special permit into the license. >> Okay. Right. It's something we can >> know. This is Adriano. This is uh the
used car dealer who will be >> Hi, Adriiano. Nice to meet you. My occasion heard a lot of good things about you. Did you? >> I don't know if they're lying, but whatever. >> Just saying. They spoke very highly of this year. Um, >> so I mean we can we're going to move this the chairman, he's in charge of the
agendas, but we can get this thing advertised in a newspaper. What I would advise you to do is go um the clerk for zoning board is our building commissioner clerk Walsh. You can go over and talk to her, see when that you can get this thing on the next agenda. Okay. >> It should be relatively quick for ZBA.
It's kind of just, you know, >> application from her. >> It was this. just go get it done and then we'll move simultaneously. And like I said, I don't I don't see any hiccups in it as it was a car dealership for 10 years. So, >> thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. Appreciate you guys. All
right. Take care. Great night. Thank you. >> You know, we are going to meet >> Yeah. >> Okay. The schedule at the end of the meeting. That's all right. >> All right. post the public. We should
ask we should ask somebody to post that public hearing this weekend because it's two consecutive weekends so we can push that as fast as we can. >> So here's the only issue, gentlemen, is I have a work commitment. We would be schedu we're going to meet on the 17th to get back on a regular schedule, but
um unfortunately I have a work commitment on the 3. I don't know if you gentlemen would be open to doing like a Friday afternoon meeting of the 6th at the end of that week and then we can do all that. You can do all that stuff there.
>> Whatever. I don't I don't try to go out too far with my schedule, but I'm usually pretty flexible as you two gentlemen know. So, I always say it's up to Mr. Inkley. He's the working man. >> Yeah, that far out is fine for me. >> I mean, I don't know that that would be an issue for residents >> to get here, you know, to come by in a
on a Friday afternoon if we're going to do the hearing on that on that location there. But, it is a business it's a business district. It's always been there, you know, and I think it's >> they can always submit in writing if they have a question too. >> Right. >> That's what this actually this one for
middle road was done. There was there was a Butters that submitted letters of support. Okay. >> Right. And or letters of concern um if they couldn't make the meeting, which is this works out fine, too. Right. >> Okay. So, >> so I just want to put that out there. I hate to have it go on, you know. So, if
we can do the meet on the 6th, you guys are good for that. and it's set that date. >> Yeah, we can push out some push out the advertisement and let people know >> direct to Butters if they have any questions >> and they can't make it, they can reply, >> right?
>> Regular mail email. >> The nice thing about it is if you got to do it for us, we got to do a public hearing. So does a ZBA. >> Your butters list is going to get done anyway. So >> correct. Okay. All right. Very good. ZBA meeting is on the 17th. So we'd actually have some time anyway. just see if there
was any other concerns. Ultimately, the ZBA would be granting the special permit anyway. So, well, plenty of time to address it. >> It might work out better. All right. Next item. Mr. Kelly requested to be on the agenda. >> Mr. Chairman, uh
I put off retirement a couple times. Uh the uh Bristol County Retirement Board has told me that if I go beyond this month, I have to redo all my paperwork.
So, uh, I'm willing to fill in and keep going on a, uh, dayto-day basis, but I just wanted to let the board know and it's not blindsided.
I've got to give them a date certain and I so and they gave me a date certain by February 28th or I've got to get all the notary publics and everything else all redone and my time with the state
reertified and so I' uh we've got to uh I've got to actually pull the trigger. >> Okay. So, you're saying that your last day with us would be on the 28th? my last day uh until I retire would be but I can
still assist the town. >> Got it. Okay. So, be more like as a church leave you like a like more like a pdeium employee or how would that >> uh it would be in negotiations with the board but I'd go under the retirey restrictions.
>> Got it. Okay. >> Of all of that. >> Okay. All right. Good to know. Great. Thank you. retirement for a little bit. >> What's that? >> That's it. And thank you for putting out retirement a couple times for us. I appreciate it. >> Well, it gave me the opportunity of uh
having my wife be able to put the house in order with not me being the beast of bird. >> There you go. Good. Good. All right. Thank you. Uh gentlemen, anything under any selectman's announcements or anything that you guys want to talk about? Rough. I will say happy belated
birthday to Select McGasper once again. >> Thank you, sir. >> Good for 39. >> Yeah, tough tough year, man. >> Congratulations. Tough year. >> Yep. But thank you, Mr. Angley. I appreciate it. >> All right. Anything else? >> Happy Valentine Day to everybody. It's coming up.
>> It's coming up. That's right. For those uh families who are off to February vacation, stay safe and uh enjoy. Hopefully, we won't get too much snow while you're gone. Or if you're staying for stations, uh good for you. Um, one can I can I
>> So, we've had um in the town with this deep freeze that I know again we could we talked about snow and deep freezes, but for all of you folks out there, I I need to repeat this because we've had a couple of houses now with frozen pipes, vacant houses. If you are going to leave
or you have a family member that has been put in a nursing home has left, you you can call our DBW office and let us know that you're leaving the house vacant. We can either shut your water off completely or we can monitor your
house for water usage. Jamie Lynn's been taking care of that. Our assistant town accountant, she's been on top of it catching excessive water use. But it would make it a lot easier if you know a house is vacant during the winter months to contact the town. We promise we won't
say anything. We'll keep it extremely confidential, but it'll be beneficial to you and your family so that your house doesn't get ruined because we've had two houses would a good amount of water damage from frozen pipes because nobody's in that house. So, please, if you know, if you have a family member
that's vacating the house, I I've had this discussion in previous years with snowbirds, people taking off and leaving, you contact us. We could put your house on alert. We could watch your your dwelling while you're gone. Excessive water use. You give us an emergency number to call somebody in the family so you can gain access to that
house and figure out what's going on before your house goes underwater and you lose it. Um, or you create so much damage from mold, it's unrepable without excessive cost. Please just reach out to us. That's what we're here to do for you. Um to try to work in coordination
with our residents to save your homes. If you have somebody that's ill and out of the house, just just reach out to either the assistant town's office, our DBW office, and they can get a hold of our assistant town accountants office to put you on watch. Um it would be a great service to you and your family. So,
thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Yeah. Very good. All right. We do have our next meeting will be February 17th at uh it's four o'clock. Um we do have an executive session. Reason for convening executive session mass general
law chapter 3A section 21A number two to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-un personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with non-un personnel. The board will not return to public session at the conclusion of the executive session. Is
there a motion to vote in executive session two? So move >> second. >> Uh roll call vote. Mr. Gasper, >> yes. >> Mr. Hley, >> yes. >> I'm a yes.