Good evening everyone. Welcome to the select board meeting. Today is Tuesday, May 19th, 2026. This meeting hearing of the air select board will be held in person at the location provided on this notice. Members of the public are welcome to attend this in-person meeting. Please
note that while an option for remote attendance andor participation via Zoom is being provided as a courtesy to the public, the meeting hearing will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast unless otherwise required by law. Members of the public with a particular
interest in a specific item on this agenda should make plans for in-person versus virtual attendance accordingly. This meeting will be live on Zoom and channel 8. The public may access the proceedings by joining Zoom meeting ID number 978-772-8220 or by calling 929-2056099.
For additional information about remote participation, please contact Carly Anteneellis, assistant town manager at atmirair.mma. us or 9787728220 extension 100 prior to the meeting. If I could ask everyone to stand for the
pledge allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
>> All right. Do we have any amendments to the agenda? >> I don't have any none. >> Okay. Make a motion that the board approve the agenda as presented. >> Seconded. >> All those in favor? >> I. Chair says I. Oh, do we have the info for the Memorial Days?
>> Yeah. >> So, on Monday, uh May 25th, the Memorial Day service starts at 8:30. Uh the veterans will all everyone involved with the veterans will be at the Woodlon ceremony at 8:30 doing a quick ceremony. Then they'll move over to St. Mary's
Cemetery at 9 to do a quick service over there. Um at from St. Mary's the parade will start at 10:00 a.m. and it will come on down to town hall where there'll be the ceremony. I do not believe this is continuing on to Peron Park. I have
no It is not. It is correct. It is not going to Peron Park. So, it will stop at town hall. Okay. Anyone participating in the parade, please meet at St. Mary's at 9:30. Okay. All right. Oh, no other announcements.
Okay. Anyone here for public input? Oh, all right. Come on down. Which one are you together or you come separate? >> Oh, okay. >> Sorry. >> Okay. All right. Try again. Anyone here for public input. They were so eager.
They jumped the gun. So, um All right. Seeing none. Okay. Now we're going to start talking about Sandy1 Sandy Pond working group Sandy Pond Road working group presentation of the study report and recommendations. Robert,
>> madam chair, uh members of the board, we do have just a brief um presentation to highlight some of the major points of the study report uh which the um board has and I've just asked the DPW director
um to join me. Um so we want to thank you for the opportunity uh to present. Um next slide. So over the last 18 months um as charged by the select board back on uh September
of 2024 um the working group uh was charged with three tasks. One is what we'll call final project concept options, but perhaps we need to get rid of the word final and just stress concept options.
Um, a proposed estimated project budget to include recommended funding options because as the board is aware, there's no dedicated funding source at this time for this project. And then some recommendations on next steps for the project development. And I really want
to thank the the working group that's all listed here. Some of them are here tonight. Danny Ruez, the town planner, Dan Vanelle with the DPW director. Know John Shaolenburgger and Jess would? >> Yes, but you filled in a couple times
from conservation. Jerry Amenta um from the parks um and uh all of our uh members that were appointed by the board that uh really uh contributed to this effort. We we thank the working group. Next.
So, just real quick on the background of 71 Sandy Pond Road, just to to refresh, it's been a while. It's a 2.29 acre parcel strategically located across from the town beach in the Sandy Pond waterfront. Historically, the property
had a single family house on it. um the former uh property owner. There's a history of a lot of violations of town bylaws and the property was often in an active state of um property enforcement. In November of 2023, the town was
approached by uh the new property owner to see if the town was interested in purchasing the property. Uh the select board did authorize an appraisal in environmental screening in preparation for a negotiated amount uh which ultimately ended up being 700,000. And
the funding plan was put together with 350,000 from community preservation act funds under open space and recreation and 350,000 as authorized by the select board from the town's American recovery act or opera funds uh which was funding
that the town received from the federal government uh to mitigate impacts from COVID. town meeting authorized the purchase in the funding plan on April 22nd of 2024 and the town officially assumed ownership on June 20th of 2024.
And so just there is the parcel um that many are familiar with diagonally across and it has that sort of larger front piece and then like a long um uh panhandle uh as mentioned. Uh
next and that was the existing um house that was on the the structure um prior to acquisition. Next, that was the photo of the before the demolition.
And then and then the owner at that time was proposing two duplex uh units uh two unit duplex which you can see this was the concept um at the time prior to the the town's acquisition. Next slide. And then that was that's the
property um at time of acquisition the owner was required to demolish and clean the property and level it to to street level. Okay. So the working group meeting in process and I think Dan Van Shawick I'll
give him full credit with the concept of to think of it as a canvas of an opportunity for the town to sort of develop uh what they want or don't want on on that land. So the we approached it right from the get-go with everything on
on the table, if you will. Um that there's nothing etched in stone, which is still the case, and there was no dedicated funding. Um so the working group met a total of eight times in open session and public meetings here at town hall and on Zoom. We held a public
community design cheret on May 21st um from 6:00 to 8 in the great hall which was uh well attended. Um the working group was supported by a professional consultant from Wesson and Samson that was funded through opera funds to the uh
$25,000 in opera funds per the board and the working group meetings really focused on developing a concept plan and again want to stress concept um as to what could potentially go there what couldn't go there um which and we had
the parameters of it needed to fit into parks parks, recreation and open space needs of of the town. Those were sort of the three um areas as the board will recall. Obviously, we did not acquire the property to build a municipal building or so forth. And we identified,
which is on page five in the report, some initial challenges um and opportunities to the site. So some of the existing challenges is traffic and speeding on Sandy Pond Road would govern a lot of our discussions because you
have to cross the road between um the waterfront and 71. So the issues of traffic and speeding uh in that intersection came up a lot um developing limited and safe parking and safe access to parking. So one of the things that
came right out of the first meeting is we don't it is not to just be a parking lot and that that is a a concern. There is some in in the concept there is some parking uh for the use of the asset but um from the right out of the gate uh not
to have a a parking it just to be a parking lot if you will. Um the narrow portion of the parcel that panhandle um was looked at. There are some challenges there with a wetland buffer and what what do we do or not do with with with
that piece. Um there was discussions on sensitivity to existing residential butters. There are close residential butters that came up when the issue of pickle ball was brought up if you've heard the sound from pickle ball and some other issues. And then pedestrian
circulation really crossing between the two two assets. Um so we those challenges you know remain as we looked through um the process. Um mentioned again there was no dedicated funding and
we were charged with looking at at funding options. Next. So this is the concept plan as a result of the working group um process if you will. Um again stealing the DPW
director's canvas look at it. I mean anything is still possible. This was through this whole process various elements. So just to highlight, so on the panhandle piece, you can see what came up was a proposed um walking path
that may have some boardwalk components because of wetlands, but keeping that, you know, open space and natural but with a walking um trail was a component there. um the issue of some parking um
for access to the site and this is a delicate balance uh in the sense that as mentioned we don't want the whole thing to just be asphalted to be a parking lot and parking originally started on the Snake Hill uh I mean on the Sandy Pond road side but here you can see the
parking is proposed in concept access from Snake Hill Road that would be safer some other elements that came up was a proposed fitness report. Uh this was a proposal from some members and had come from parks um as a as a fitness um
component. Um there is a grant through Maya for the the fitness court. Uh so that was one piece that was put into the conceptual plan, a proposed um shade shade um shelter. So obviously some kind
of one of the issues there and this came up a lot about talking about trees and appropriate plantings and greening it as much as possible but also potentially having some type of a shade um shelter uh as well. Um picnic tables to some
extent um bike racks uh as you can see on there. Um, and the parking lot here has 14 spaces with one ADA space. Again, that's a concept that could, you know, be altered. And then two elements that
are actually ended up on the other side, though our scope was on this side. Came up the issue of a splash pad or a splash um park. Um there's a lot of interest um in that um for younger users also where
the beach is in is increasingly the pond and not just this pond subject to closure because of bacteria levels and so forth. The splash pad would be tied into the town's water and is something that could continue to be used at that point. If you did look at it on the
other side, it ended up in this concept on on this on this side. Uh and then the proposed kayak access and launch was another element because Sandy Pond is a great pond. Actually under the the law there should be a dedicated public um
kayak canoe uh access. So that is that was one of the things identified and and flagged um in there. And then most of the other items are existing items on the Sandy Pond site. So again, this is just a a concept plan as a result of
that that working group um process. Next slide. And we we'll come back to the image also. So one of the things as we looked at this is a phased approach to to the
project. I think regardless of what how we decide to proceed or so forth, it made sense to have sort of a phased approach. one is as you see in the report if we did everything the estimated cost would be about 1.6 million. Um and then also a way that
we're moving forward with some improvements to to to the site um phasing in was discussed. Now I do want to point out on this slide as in the report the phasing is not etched in in stone. This could be moved around um and
so forth. But phase one uh would be sort of your demo on site preparation, your earth work, your general site improvements, furnishings and landscaping. Phase two, for example, could be the canoe kayak canoe launch and the splash pad. Phase three could be
the nature trail and boardwalk. And there was a lot of concern brought up that, well, why should the nature trail necessarily be phase three? in in the nature trail, we need to ensure that that would happen and not be forgotten. So again, I think the takeaway from the
working group is that a phased approach would allow the town to begin to implement aspects of this and also um with a with an appropriate funding plan. Next slide. So again, the cost estimate of probable
cost for the project. One of the things that the work group was charged with, again want to stress this is just an estimate. It's just a probable cost. It's not again uh e etched in stone. And so what you can see and in the report it gives more of a a more detailed
breakdown. But phase one, that's the 71 Sandy Pond site elements about 676,000. Phase two, the kayak launch and splash park 640. the nature trail boardwalk 303
and the project total would be about 1 six million. Again, it's just a probable estimate. This doesn't factor in, you know, potential donations, potential fundraising, potential inind work. I know that the DPW director took a first
pass at looking at some of this and identified some savings. Uh, but it would be to do everything. uh it would be about a $1.51$1 million uh project. Funding sources, the CPA um the CPC was
represented on the working group. The CPC is supportive of a funding of some component that's obviously applicable to their guidelines that would be subject to the CPC process which the board knows is an application process of public hearing and ultimately town meeting
approval. Uh, one of the requirements too with the CPC funding that came up, it would be nice to have that kayak uh, launch access in place. Town funding is definitely um, something that's on the table as the board knows. Whatever that
would be would have to go through the budget process, specifically capital planning and so forth. grant funding. We there was an initial grant on the identified on the fitness component, but there probably may be some other grant
um opportunities that need to be looked at in more detail. And then donations and or inind donations and opportunities, whether it's a piece of a a component of it or some labor or so forth. So uh there's more to be done
again on on on the funding uh source next. So recommendations uh in in next steps. So the study report of the working group um recommends that that is sort of a
concept after that process to look at it. it is subject to further development into a refined and final project plan. So in terms of next steps, obviously we're here tonight uh to present to you uh the findings and the report and
answer any questions you know through the chair. We are going to be going to the parks commission also as we indicate in the beginning to to present the the report that is to be scheduled. town staff would be continue to develop
and refine the project plan um to include funding plan and timeline. I think a key point that came out of the working group uh since then is that the town would hold uh future public input forum or forums as part of the
development of the refined plan. So in other words, so the working group looked at it. This is sort of the concept coming out of it. Now going back to the public getting public input. What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? There may be some other ideas that
we missed. So, it it's not by any stretch done tonight. Uh and I already mentioned depending on the funding uh mechanisms, um there would be further public process on that. And the last point is that we
will continue the town will continue to provide periodic public updates to the select board and the parks commission you know as we move forward with that. Um and with that that's just a quick overview of the final report which you
have. Um madam chair I'll turn it back to you for any questions that the board has or uh anybody um from the working group if I missed something through the chair. Could you bring back the image? >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Hard when you're looking at it like
this. Um, so one of my question, so first of all, I love the idea of a splash pad. Okay, especially, you know, when you can't get into the pond. But let me ask the question that I know will get asked. How are you going to run the water for a splash pad when we usually
have a water restriction, which the odd even has been going on for decades, so that's not a big deal, but how are you going to address that? >> Right. So um an activity like that is exempt from the outdoor water restriction where we're where required by the water management act permit and
then you know presuming with the clear well project that our water capacity is up towards use what it used to be then it should be a non-issue. Yeah >> because well because so many people think we're out of water but that's not what the problem is. It's that we can't
process it fast enough to get it to every >> right the treatment restrictions >> right? So, it's we have water. We just need to treat it before we can get it to the home. So, I just want to Okay. Um, yeah. So, that was one of the questions. Anything else?
>> I don't remember what my other one. Do you have a question? >> Um, just using the phase approach that is proposed. What is the timeline from start to how long do you anticipate a project like this to take? >> Um, >> if we're to go with as presented.
>> Yeah. So I think you know the first phase would take a construction season for sure and you know to go through the funding process. So it's not going to be for a little while and then you'd have to hash out the additional phases from there. They necessarily might not take as long.
There's not as many elements but um but they would take some time. So, you know, especially with we're looking at that the Sandy Palm Beach and the elements on that side needs to be a lot of coordination with the parks and the you know, it's an active beach and when we're doing that work and and all that.
So, with the commission, so that one would take a lot of coordination work, but you know, the the blank site of 71 at least easier to to get on there and start working, you know. >> And then just a question on um cost
savings things. Um I know there was just a few of them but like so for when you say asphalt walkways instead of cement aside from saving some money. Um would is there another benefit to it or
would a cement walkway last longer so it's worth the investment or >> um not necessarily won't last as long but it still lasts pretty long as >> yeah so you know those are more value engineering items that I was looking at
and and I think I would say to the opinion of probable costs it has a lot of conservative factors built in that Wesson and Samson put in there. So, um you know, they want to make sure they cover their themselves and that estimate is pretty high. So, um you know,
ultimately likely it would come in somewhat lower, but um but yeah, to answer your question, it's um it's a way to save money. It doesn't look as pretty. Probably doesn't last quite as long as the concrete, but yeah. Um, you know, my main comment is just
for the public in general that this is a concept. Um, and there will be plenty of time to weigh in. I'm going to have um sessions people come in, give um their input, which is I think is really important. I just don't want anyone to
see this right now and say, "Yep, that's what they're doing. We're going this is just the first step." So, I just wanted to make sure everyone understood that. Um, I guess the other question that I would I guess the question I would have is is there any chance of
getting like a variance to go into that, you know, do not disturb zone if needed or is that just a no-go if you know looking at concepts? Well, we have conservation agents here.
>> Conservation agent's not here but >> we have members of the board. That's what I've been. Sorry. >> So, so yeah, they're here. >> It would have to come before the ship and also get stated. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, there's a process. It wouldn't be just like that.
>> Yep. Thank you. Okay. what I have >> and uh all these public these have all been public meetings public's been invited I know I've seen it so that you know it's not just people here it's been other people that have attended and everything like that
>> yes and and one of our recommendations now will be to take this um back to the public and get further input and we'll be advertised >> back with that >> I could just mention too which was
brought up point I forgot to mention too, regardless of what is ultimately decided with it, that it also will have to go through and I know the board knows this, but just for the record, it would have to go through the appropriate processes as well, whether it's planning
board or conservation, you know, so forth. We're not just going to it's got to meet all of those standards as well. >> I don't know what it's doing. Okay. Um, it has that idle display. That's why I said wiggle the mouse because it looked like it was about to die on us or
something. >> Ah, that's what it is. >> Oh, I see. >> Oh, okay. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, okay. So, what you're So, right now, what it is is it's just being presented
>> um with the concept. >> Yeah. >> And then all that's being asked of us tonight is what to say. Go forward. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten you. >> Okay. >> Yeah, Madam Chair, at this point, we wanted to present the the report and
where the working group has put in all of this effort. This is where the working group has come to a a point. Now, in terms of next steps is to take this work and take it public uh for further input and so forth. And then um
we have to do some more work as well on timeline and funding and and so forth. So it remains a a work in progress and ultimately we have two challenges. Well there are many challenges but two is to come up with a final uh concept and also
to come up with the funding for that. >> Okay. >> All right. So I know we had some public input. Great. >> Come on down. Can I ask one? >> Oh, wait a minute. John wants to ask one more question.
>> Just in terms of that, what is timeline for that >> or per for more public forums or like >> Yeah. Um we would probably be looking to do one before summer gets in full swing. Okay. And then probably something um in
the fall as as well. >> Okay. >> All right. Can you please state your name? >> Sure. At John Schmullenberger uh to Calvin Street and I am a current member of the 71 pond working group and I am
just here today to express my disappointment with the proposed concept plane. >> Okay. >> And I'll I'll fill you in on that a little bit. But first, I'd like to say what I do like about it. The splash pad. I like that very much. and I think it
needs to be where it's shown. The other thing that I like very much is the kayak and canoe launch. Uh I think that needs to be moved to phase one. The reason being is that
there is an area on Snake Hill Road that is currently being used as a boat launch daily, many times a day. And the erosion that's being caused by that is startling. It's getting to the point to
where it's going to start to undercut the roof. It looks like to me. So that's what I do like about what I don't like about it is that in my opinion there's nothing there as as a destination. There's no draw.
You've got a hiking trail that may or may not get built. And if it does, it's very expensive. I think you could probably casually stroll that thing in 10 minutes. You'll never do it again. That's my opinion. Uh
the second thing is the workout stations. I walk by those things many places. People don't use. I know you get a grand for it. What's the point of having something there that doesn't cost anything that nobody's
going to use? And the shade structure and picnic tables I think are a good idea. But your view is of the parking area and the street. And if I had a choice
to picnic there or across the street with a view of the pond, I'd go across the street. So I don't see anything in this proposal that is a destination. Like I said, it's uh one
of the things that was expressed at the sharet and working group. We did not want this to be a parking area only and $700,000 for a lot but to buy the lots to become
basically a parking area. my opinion uh is not a good use of that property. You know, we have an opportunity to do something really good for the town of air in this particular spot and I understand this is just a concept,
but I don't think this is the plan that we should end up. Well, like I said, it's it's a concept that would still need to go to more public hearings, public forums to fine-tune. >> But in order to get to that next phase
of public hearings, public forums, we have to say, look, this is what which I'm understanding the working group came up with to show as a first presentation. >> Yeah. >> And then from there, you take this presentation and you start fine-tuning.
Now, as far as the the kayak and canoe launch, I kind of agree. I think maybe could should be moved up, but that's also something that the working group and all the public who attends have got to kind of side to fine-tune >> so that when it finally comes to okay, we're going to go through capital, go
through this, go through that, go to town meeting, we know that everybody's at least done the best they can. >> So, but I'm sorry. >> I just want um So, you are a member of the working group. Um, were there other ideas that you had that you would like
to see? Can you tell us what those were? >> Sure. Um, one thing that could be uh built there is our play structures for kids. So, if parents do want a picnic over there and their kids have something to do when they're done eating in three
minutes, um, they could have something to play on. Uh, tether ball, volleyball. One thing that I really wanted to have happen was to move the basketball courts across the street. Open up that area
that um is now currently the basketball courts. Get that asphalt out of there. Make it grass again. Put shade structure and picnic tables over there. These are all things that were brought up and kind of
dismissed. So when you say dismissed, it was like by the whole working group. So the consensus was >> No. >> Who who's who decided to nick it? >> Um I think a lot of it was the park
commission didn't want to see the basketball courts moved >> for for obvious reasons. It's just it's still it's there right now. >> Been there for like >> 50 years. 60 years. >> Quite a long time. Yep. >> Yeah.
>> But if you have basketball courts at 71, you got older kids playing basketball, safer for them to cross the road to get over there to do to play basketball. Something as a destination where people will drive, park their car, and stay. My
fear is that people are going to park their car and walk across the street. >> Okay. >> Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Hold on. Danny, did Wait. Okay.
>> Were you? Okay. She hit She was next. >> Go ahead. >> Thanks. >> Okay. Please state your name. >> Yep. >> I'm Marilyn Schmallenberger and I live at 2 Calvin Street. >> Any relation to the um casual coin?
Okay. Um, I was president of the April 2024 meeting and when the discussion of buying the property came up and I think one of the big selling points of it was that it gave the town a great opportunity to merge these two properties together because of
proximity. Um, but when I look at this plan that doesn't seem to have happened at all. Everything is still over on the beach side that was there. Although you, you know, you swapped out the play structure for the launchpad, it means put a sliver of a kayak launch in, but
the master plan and the uh parks and recreation proposal or plan that came forth, it talks about overcrowding at the beach and more accessibility to the beach. There's only so much land there. It's a
very small beach. So, the more we can do to make that more beach beachy um beachy. I hope that's an advert. Anyway, the um
it doesn't seem to be reflected in this plan. Um I have to say myself, I I don't think that uh fitness court thing is going to get used. Um, we drive by one in Chelmsford, which is a two blocks
from downtown. It's next to three baseball parks. It's right across the street from the bike path and it's next door to a senior housing and a school and we we drive by it 12 times a week
and we never see anybody there. Um, and I'm just seeing that as a very good possibility here. Um, the shade structures again, I I don't think anybody's going to want to picnic on a
busy street next to a parking lot, but I could see them being really used for young families who come and spend the day at the beach and want to have lunch and some shade. Um, and so that's really just my objective. This plant just does
not seem to have integrated the two properties. It's like everything stayed the same on this side of the street and some things were added on that side of the street which in my own personal opinion I don't think are really attract um you know to draw
people in. Um so that's basically my feelings about it. So that's why I really felt I had to come and speak when I saw the plan because I don't think it it's what the people wanted when we voted to buy this property. We do need parking. I know that was the big
objection at the May the April 2024 meeting that they don't want to see a parking lot. You know, we do need parking. Um and I like the way they've kept it limited um and put the access on Snake Hill. Um but
um it just that seems to be the only thing that was added that the only real use of this property I think that would satisfy a lot of people. And I also want to make a for bumping the kayak access up to phase
one. >> Um like like John said, we're across the street. We see people unloading johnboats, motorboats. >> I I personally tend to agree with that because you know that's actually been discussed for a long time. So that would be my personal >> when we moved in there was places where
you could put beach chairs or something. It's all eroded now. Um, >> yeah, >> it's gotten kind of >> Well, would not the concept in of, you know, the 71 Sandy Pond, you know, I know you got the parking lot and the picnic. I mean, >> honestly, I can remember as a kid, you
know, picnicking in some places that weren't that pretty and yet I have very fond memories of them. >> So, I think that you have to kind of like take that to account, too. But, >> you know, if you line it with trees nice enough, you're not necessarily looking at a parking lot,
>> you know, and and the ease of having some some picnic tables there, especially if you've got kids and you got the coolers and everything like that, then go across the street, you know. >> Yeah. >> Um, I just think there's nothing besides a picnic tables to draw you over there. So, you come to the beach, you got your
kids all laid out, they're having a great time, they get hungry, you're not going to pack them up, take them over to the picnic tables and the shade shelter. you know, there's nothing over there that I see. I mean, somebody's not going to go do the fitness thing and then have P. Um,
so that's that's the disconnect I see with the fitness thing and that side of the street. I think the fitness thing, the outdoor fitness thing, and I and I'm going to just kind of draw on what I saw when I used to work at Hans Air Force Base because they have a lot of places
where you could walk around and Yeah. and do push-ups and sit-ups and yeah, >> you know, like an elliptic and some of them were fun, but if it's really hot out, you're not going to use it. >> However, >> spring and fall when the snow's gone away, it's a great time to use it if
it's promoted. Um, so >> I'm just saying on that. >> I'm just saying my opinion, but yeah, I mean, if it were me, I would not go do the fitness court for half an hour, an hour, and then have a picnic, you know, but just
if the splash pads are there, then, you know, get some people over, their families in the shade. But anyway, but my big point is that it just seemed like when the plans were done and the working committee, um, however this evolved, uh, it just seemed
like there was no integration. Um, it's like everything stayed the same on this side of the street and just some other things were added to this street. >> Okay, >> that's basically great attorney. >> Thanks for listening. >> Thank you.
I just brought up another question in my head. Hold on, Jess. Dan or anybody actually. Um, on the splash pad, the idea that it's being used if you can't go into the beach, right? >> But do we not have a flaw?
>> The flaw being if you don't want anyone to go into the beach to get into the water, >> Yeah. at Sandy Pond, you should move the splash pad >> because how are you going to keep those kids out of the water at the pond from the splash pad? Unless you've created
the splash pad to have like fencing that you can only access it one way. Just something to think about. Okay, Jess, hold on. Dan, you were next. >> Uh, thank you. Uh Daniel Ruiz, Sound Planner. I just wanted to clarify one
comment. Um so I know it was stated that the parks commission kind of made the decision as to kind of where the plan went. Um the there were multiple people on the working group that also agreed with that um that decision. So I I don't
want to just make it sound like it was only the parks commission that kind of made the decision as to where the plan went. Um, and and I was one of those members. Um, and the other thing I wanted to talk about was the fitness one. So, I I know that's kind of a
tougher cell in the sense of getting people get to go there and actually getting people to actually use it. But, um, so I live in Chsford and there's a friendship park is right up there. I frequent that with my kids all the time and I see a lot of people using those like you said more spring and fall, not
really in the dead of the summer, but I do see it used a little bit more frequently in those off um heat um seasons. >> Okay. Well, if you do a fitness center, do one of those things where your legs go like that. I would love that one. All right. You and then Jess. Um I don't
know you or Dan or Danny might know but since a lot the fitness court is getting a lot of attention and if it was to be some other not that but some other recreational would it still be eligible for a grant from M IAA or does it
specifically have to be that type of so the chair the the Maya grant is specific for the fitness but it could be some if it were to be some other element there may be some opportunity and I think this is all good
conversation that these are all you know potential elements Jessica 8 Mountain View Avenue also chair of the conservation commission so and member of CPC so um one of the things I filled in for
Janet Pradakus at the meeting last week And uh notice it was highlighted as the final concept plan at best. >> Yeah, that was very bad wording, right? >> Yeah. And uh one thing I would strongly suggest in the timeline of future steps
would be rather than have town staff start to develop a final plan and funding sources, there should be public forum ahead of time to get feedback from the general community about is this a useful plan or not. I personally think
the fitness court would be like the exercise bike I used to have in my bedroom. Great place for clothes being nice too. >> Yeah. >> One of the things I think would make it more attractive as John said to keep
people there would be instead of individual fitness court that may or may not get used. And I would again love to hear from the community on that. but something that involves a team game of some sort. Um something team oriented
and that was the attraction of say moving the basketball court over. But if that doesn't work, certainly there has to be some other things that could be that could draw group of people or kids to play and you know families could sit and buy and watch and they could run back and forth
and but also play structures. If you're going to have a picnic area over there, there really should be something some static play structures for little kids. And I think I was the one who mentioned the other day tether ball, but it's a it's nothing that has moving parts that
could easily be removed um necessarily. U although people can be creative. Um, but I also don't think the uh picnic structure on the 71 71 side needs to be
on concrete. That would certainly save some cost, but why hot concrete for picnic structures? Anyway, my big point is to, you know, take this to the community and get more feedback sooner rather than later before you start
having staff spend time. Madam chair, just to >> yes >> clarify on that. That's absolutely the intent is to get some further public input first before um you know getting down into the into
the weeds as they say. So there's no question there needs to be more public input. One of the things they just one of the challenges with this site that came up specifically at the Cherret uh with some parents with young children. One of unfortunately one of the
challenges is Sandy Pond Road and the intersection as everybody knows there are speeding issues. Um there are in this our police and folks and DPW are continue to find ways to to try to make
that safer, but unfortunately we have that very busy road between the two. Um as far as that further synergy and what came up, we could definitely put play structures and so forth on the 71 Sandy Pond side and that came up at some of
the iterations. However, at the public chet, a lot of some parents that were there with small kids are concerned about, you know, the circulation which is in the report between the two um sides. Not saying that it isn't
possible, it's definitely a I think a consideration is that intersection and um that Sandy Pond Road. And as the DPW director explained, it came up a lot at the at the um Sharet and I think he has
previously is that intersection does not meet the the warrants that are required, you know, for an intersection as far as signalization and and so forth. Correct me if I'm wrong. So I just um but this is exactly why tonight a smaller version
we want to take it you know to the the people again at least to get the good the bad the ugly as they say on the plan. >> So couple thoughts. Um I maybe it's already there and I just don't remember.
>> Is it is it one of those light up cross? >> Um oh it is >> we do now. Oh, okay. Um, also you could put a sign like, you know, before you reach crosswalk coming up. Okay. So, there's for signage. Hold on.
>> But just a thought that's popped into my head and I don't know if it's going to work, but what the hey, I'll throw it out there. What about building up an over >> a bridge? >> Dan's over there going, "Oh,
cannot believe she said that out loud. >> I'll just Well, Robert, I think he was right. We have done a lot for safety wise because on this image, it shows kind of the old configuration. It's really squared off now. The intersection when we reconstructed Sandy Pon Road in the sidewalk and we put in the flashing
beacon. >> Oh, no. It's much much better there. But if that's still a concern for people, it's just the thought that maybe for some of these areas that are really busy, maybe we should go up >> over there like
that. >> Jesse, you had something else? Yeah, as a as a resident in that area, um speed has come down, but if you're driving anywhere approaching 25, which you should be, you have cars crawling right up the backside of your car.
>> Oh, I know. Oh my god. >> And that can be intimidating as well. I know it doesn't I think a signal would be unworkable, but I still would love to have the select board consider a four-way stop sign. that has worked
wonderfully at Graten Harvard Road in Central A. And if you're a driver approaching on Sandy Pond from either side and you know there's a stop sign coming up, you're going to start slowing down, putting up, you know, 25 mph, you
know, there's some people will obey it and other people won't. And that's where it gets most dangerous for kids. So that's my two bits. >> Okay. And I think at the Sharet there was a lot of residents or people in the area for something like a four-way stop
sign. >> So I just would love that to be revisited. >> Okay. >> All right. Anything else? Just >> one last comment. Um, you know, there's been good ideas and I know this will get, you know, we have a lot of time
talking about public input, but also just all of these great ideas also have pretty high cost, you know, like moving the basketball court, which, you know, I would say sure that's that's a great idea, but then we need to know the price
tag that build the bomb was at. Um, so you know, it's it's we're at the process now where it's like, okay, it's just a concept. There's no wrong answers. We're talking this through, which is great, but also as we get further, we have to kind of say, okay, we're going to move the court here
and put it on this side, which is a great idea. It's going to cost $1.1 million. Just throwing that out there. I I'm probably way off but just saying that um you know each one of these thoughts probably will bring up the cross further and further and that has
to be taken to that's all. >> All right. Well, thank you everyone. This story is not over. Hold on. Pauline, >> good evening madam chair. I just have a very short question for Robert. Um I
followed along this uh committee meeting for months. I missed the last one where I believe maybe the concept plan was finalized and I don't want to say finalized. I want to take that word out. The concept plan you are presenting tonight was agreed to. Am I right or
wrong? Agreed to by the membership. You have 14 members. >> Right. So um through the chair to Pauline that this was agreed to as as a concept um but not it was not the intent
of the working group that this is like the final but that at the end of this working group process this is where we were at. >> Sure. And that's what I wanted to clarify. And do you remember the vote on that um I presume motion
>> to bring this forward tonight? >> March. Yeah, what I can do, Pauline, let me check. I don't know off hand what the exact vote was, but I can get that for you. >> Well, I'm gonna guess that it was in favor of moving this forward to the select board. >> Yeah. Oh, yes. Yeah. Yeah.
>> Okay. That's really the point I wanted to make. I appreciate it. Thank you so much. >> Appreciate your work. >> Thank you. All right. Well, this was a great discussion, some great ideas, and it in the the process
continues. So, thank you everyone. Okay, so we're going to go next up, Dan. You have a uh execution of contract for 2026 2028 Groon AIX media replacement. >> Yes. Yeah, Madam Chair, through you. Uh
so, this contract is for our treatment media for the PASS treatment at Grow Pond water treatment plant. And so this time around we bid it similar to like we do with the road paving. So it's one year with the option to extend it another year or twice. So total of three
total years. Um and obviously we would come back to you next year if we if we recommend extending it. So um the bids came in Calgone Carbon Corp which is our our current media supplier approved at the plant bid it um 235,600
per vessel change out. So, we recommend moving forward with that. And um and Kimberly did actually she put this together, noted in here, the Army has agreed to pay for these the media replacements growth bond. We're um working on that. Yep.
>> Okay. Any questions? >> No, I have not except for in the motion that should the name of the corporation be mentioned or it doesn't matter. >> It should. Okay. >> Yeah. So, I'll make a motion that the board vote to execute the contract for
the 2026 to 2028 growth pond AIX media replacement in the amount of $235,600 per vessel project to Calon Carbon Corporation for signature by the chair. >> Seconded. >> All those in favor?
>> I chair says I. Okay, >> that's it. Thank you. Well, nice to join us. Thank you. >> All right, Robert, >> Madame Chair, members of the board, uh
good evening. Uh in terms of the administrative update, you have in your packet the warrants that were reviewed and approved since the board uh last met on May 5th. and I will get uh right into uh the action items that I have that
touch upon the administrative components for tonight. And of course, if there are any questions from the board, I'd be happy to to answer them. Uh the first is I wanted to just provide a brief update on the town's energy contract. Uh, and I
would like to propose to the board that in the in the near future um I would have the facilities director uh come back um with a more detailed update on energy and fuel. But as the board can appreciate, up until February 28th, the
one saving grace on inflation and costs was the price of fuel and energy was sort of staying low. Um that all changed uh with the situation in the Middle East starting on the the 28th as the board is aware though we're in the middle of the
finalizing the FY 27 budget as the board knows and as was presented. Uh that is why we increased the reserve fund amount to 175,000 uh to take into account unforeseen volatility on fuel and energy. Uh also
we increased in the DPW budget uh on snow and ice and on DPW uh fuel modest um increases to sort of address this ongoing um volatility. There's no question that if the current
trend continues that the issue of energy and fuel is definitely going to be a budget driver uh for FY28 uh and have impacts on FY27. So, I think it's important uh we're continuing to monitor on a regular basis and we will
keep the board updated as we move forward. I'm going to be talking with the departments in June relatively short about some energy conservation and fuel uh conservation measures as we move forward. So, the the main update for
tonight was the energy contract that we have for electricity. The town has a three-year um contract. This one was ex this one expires on November 1st of 2026. And we lock into a a rate um for those three years. And if the rate goes
down um we get a blended rate, a lower rate, that's a positive. If the rate goes up, good news is we're locked in at that number. So we're currently locked in at 12 cents per kilowatt hour until November 1st. Well, shortly um or
recently, Constellation Energy contacted the facilities director and I with concerns about locking in for a a new um lock in amount um before November 1st. So, in other words, we'll be at the 12 cents until November 1st, but really
recommending they could offer that we lock into a rate now as it continues to go up. So, um, Chuck and in in consultation with Dan and and with representatives from Constellation, uh,
we did lock in at 15 cents, um, effective November 1st. So, we're still at the 12 cents and locking in at 15 cents. They're anticipating constellation based on the modeling even if the situation in the Middle East was completely resolved tomorrow that the
kilowatt hour could be at by the end of the summer somewhere between 22 and 25 cents. In fact, it looks like it's going to May is going to close out maybe at 17 cents. So, there was a sense of urgency to lock in at the 15. Now again as I
mentioned if it goes down we we do get that blended rate but the likelihood of that based on everything that's being seen is is is little to none. So um we are 12 cents until November 1st. Uh
we'll be um locked in at 15 cents uh come November 1st, but in before we get there, we'll continue to keep the board um updated. Uh Carly and I have met with the uh firm that oversees the municipal aggregation for the town for the
residents and this municipal aggregation they're looking at the same thing as as being proactive to lock into a rate um in in July at the latest and we'll keep you updated on that. So unfortunately there's so much volatility and it's not
it's not um positive from a financial um point of view. So, um, just wanted to give that, uh, brief energy, um, update and I have, um, Chuck is preparing a more a detailed presentation on, uh,
energy and fuel for the board in the near future. Our natural gas, uh, contract, we're locked in until March of 2027. That's also being monitored. At this time, it's not the same as the
electrical situation, but that will probably U change. So, we'll keep you posted on on that front. Um, Chuck, we anticipate approximately that at 15 um cents versus 12 cents on November 1,
that would be about a 10 a potentially a 10 to 15,000 impact to the FY27 budget for that balance of of the year, which we we are prepared at this time we could absorb. So, We'll
keep you updated on that. I don't know if there's any questions at this time, but that's so the energy snapshot for today. Um the next thing in your packet as discussed at the May 5th meeting is a proposed draft letter from the select
board um for the Main Street uh TIP project as mentioned at the last meeting by the DPW director and I um the Main Street project which was scheduled for FY for 2029 which we've been pushing to
actually move up is being moved back to 2030. 30/2031 due to the situation with federal uh transportation um funding. Um I will say I'm not an expert but if the federal gas tax gets
relief uh this will probably be moved to 2077 but that's just my own opinion. So um there is a draft letter for consideration by the board um you know for your approval and signature. These do are important for the MO and the TI
to receive and basically is advocating the importance of the project as well as if an opportunity presents itself which they often do this project is ready to go. It's the highest scoring project on the tip now and that we remain committed
to working with them to try to get this uh even sooner than 2029. But we'll see. I don't know if there's any questions on the the draft. >> Shouldn't say the town of air select board is pleased. >> I already switched it.
>> Okay. >> And then um >> down to the last sentence there. uh tip scoring TC scoring project on the tip and we'll be ready to commence well before the 2029 program date
>> instead of and now it says and we'll be ready commence >> well before the 2029 program date >> second to last sentence in the first paragraph >> okay yeah >> ready to commence so with your permission I'll make that
small edit which I missed and And if we can just use your stamps if that's okay so we can get it out far. >> Yep. >> Does that work? >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Do we need to take a vote on that? >> Sure. I make a motion that the board approve
the uh letter um to the Montrusive Metropolitan Planning Organization as presented with the two edits second. >> All those in favor
say okay FFY. Yeah, it's a federal funding. >> Oh, thank you. That's right. >> I thought the same thing originally, but >> uh next. >> Yeah. And then lastly, Madam Chair,
members of the board is just a um brief uh parks department update. As we talked on, uh May 5th, the parks department uh remains in a period of of uh transition. Um after the the meeting on the 5th uh
in consultation with the parks commission I did make an interim appointment of Miss Jerry Amenta who's actually here tonight um as the interim parks director because as we reported to the board we are in a situation where um
the the director resigned the assistant director position is vacant and obviously though we would started that hiring process. The director should be involved um in that process of the assistant. Uh and we're in the uh spring
about to start summer. There was the need u for a a full-time presence at the parks also at a time where we're commencing with the hiring process for the director. We're starting those interviews actually tomorrow. So um
Jerry came highly recommended. I think many folks may know him, resident in town and was previously on the um parks commission for many years, a a coach uh and has sort of hit the hit the ground running. So I asked Jerry to just come
just so the board um could see him. I don't know if Jerry uh just through the chair real quick uh has finished week one, I think. >> Yeah, just and you're still breathing. Good for you. >> This is the coldest I've ever felt. Yeah. Yeah.
>> No, it's been great. >> So, I don't know, Jerry, if you're just briefly to the board or if the board has any questions what the last week's been like. >> Yeah. So, um the the first part of it was park appearance, right? Park maintenance, field maintenance. Um I
think it's it it needed um improvements. Uh so that was the first priority. So, we made I made a lot of progress I think over the last week. Um just general yeah landscape maintenance stuff. Nothing you know didn't get deep into the weeds yet but
um um yeah spending a lot of times on ball fields. Um I've outreached to Jeff Thomas who's a good friend of mine. He's been coming over a couple hours a day to you know institutional knowledge which was really important really helpful especially the first day I went in there.
>> Oh yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, it's there's a lot that even though I have experience in a lot of this and um a lot of management leadership roles in my professional career, there's nothing like opening those doors and trying to figure out where everything is, you know, and so um so that was great. And now I'm kind of a
little more self-sufficient um and doing field maintenance, field setup. Um yeah. Um making progress one day at a time. There's still a lot to do. there's a lot of touch-ups, but I think a lot of the general maintenance in the park um in my opinion has improved in the
parents wise and you know it's good to hear the feedback from the town um which I am you know I guess close to in the sense that uh my kids are four and fourth grade and sixth grade so I know a lot of the parents that are still active in the parks and coming to the games and
softball games so I'm hearing a lot of good feedback which is good um yeah and I I think I could address one thing at Sandy Pond Beach. So, we did clean that up in terms of parents and mowing and just general maintenance. So, lifeguards um is Did you want me to
address that? Yeah. Um lifeguards is a concern. The we we kind of heard that from um previous parks director. I was on the commission up until May first um in March. And it's not just isolated to air. It's common now throughout and I've
heard it on the news actually recently. I think just just kids in that age group are doing different things. Um so but we have to solve the problem and the steps that I'm taking immediately are I put a blurb together to Heather in
the in the school system. I think it's important that we push the message to the kids that we need help instead of putting up a poster and expecting them to you know address it as they walk by talking with their friends. So that's one step. So we did that today. So, it's uh my best to have it done in the daily announcements.
That should help. Um Rotten Country Club. Um uh Rotten High School, Littleton High School. I have contacts out. Orchard Hills is one where my kids went to three years in summer camp. So, I have contacts there. I've emailed the director there asking, you know, I'm not
trying to steal life cards. And I know they're experiencing the same thing, but maybe if they want extra shifts. Um that worked for us last year when we went to Rock Country Club. Um, our wage is competitive. Um, it's just about getting getting life. We have to get it.
So, I think a lot of it is just effort. We just have to continuously push the message out every day and to do that. It's the only way I think we're going to have success. We just have to be louder than the next town or the next program trying to get them to to, you know, want
to have interest in it. So, I mean, my message was, hey, you want to spend the summer at the beach, you know, join the historic Sandy Pond lifeguard team, stuff like that. I was trying to jazz it up, but um returning lifeguards, Cole New, who I know who I've reached out to him, saying, can you, you know, a lot of it is just, you know, your friends, you
know, you're kind of bringing in your friends, um, you know, to do it with you. Um, so confident we'll solve the problem. I'll keep Robert you updated um maturity update you but right now we
have four we need 11 and it's that it's that high school range you have to be 16 um so I think also the last thing I'll add on that is I think I think they think it's hard like they they need to
go out and get certification they have to you know and a lot of them I've heard of going to golf courses Um, and maybe they just find that easier to, you know, it's just easy. I can just go there. But, so I'm trying to message out that it's not hard. They just have
to get a week certification. So, you do have to like, you know, step >> which can benefit you in the other things that you're doing because you never know, >> right, >> when you're going to be out to eat. So, we need your help, >> right? So, >> so, so that Yeah,
>> that's a great point. So, you know, so that could be part of our, you know, our messaging. So, it's all about outreach. Again, >> it's a life skill, not just a skill for the job. It's a life skill. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, yes. So, that that's those priorities really is just general maintenance,
field maintenance, improvement, and getting lifeguards. I would say I categorize those two as my interim um goals. >> I think we've gotten, you know, being a lifeguard, that used to be job for the summer. >> I did. I loved it.
and there's so many other opportunities that you know kids aren't necessarily seeing that >> so it's a shame >> yeah on the news it seemed to change and all they said was it's just not >> I think the pads
>> because we're not as outdoors as we used to be we were outdoors because our parents literally kicked us out of the house >> go away when the lights come back on I'll let you back in the house Yeah. >> So, >> well, we'll get there. It's just
constant effort and that's uh said that's top priority for me and and >> so and part of the problem is because you need 11 is to cover the hours so that you have you know can do it seven days a week that the the beach is open.
And I think there's I think there's some misconfusion >> out there after you know what we had talked about it uh last month and and there's some confusion as to what the hours are going to be. So I know that it's opening later than it usually does
and part of that's the life dart issue. So the season will be shorter but it's still the plan is to open it every day. Right. >> It is. Yeah. Right now it is. Yep. Life of course. Yeah. >> Yeah. And yeah, and I don't know how much I we can push that message out to
the town because then eventually it is a town that maybe the parents can tell their kids, you know, if you want Sandy Pond open, a lot of a lot a lot of residents do use it, right? It's mainly it's still generally near residents that are using it, >> you know. So >> yeah.
>> Um but I'm gonna I'm gonna try all those different channels like I mentioned. Um even Lawrence Academy there's there's you know, there's students there up this age that stay there, right? So,
yeah, it's just it's just going to be constant effort. So, I'll update you on the progress of that. We're just I'm just starting that now. The first week was really just about >> kind of getting >> Well, it sounds like you've done a a lot already. >> Yeah, we we have >> Yeah. >> Just quick question. Where would
somebody go to get certified? Um I I don't have that information off the top of my head. I forget the um it's a part of the board of health. Um we have I have all the websites. Yeah, Red Cross of health. >> We have it all on a document. I just can't think of it where exactly they're
go they go. There's different sites that they do it. They might even do it at Orchard Hills in that in that pool there. They do lessons and stuff there. I think they have a certification I'm not sure um certification process there. Yeah, there might be other satellite as
part of the response. >> Yeah. >> And an idea that came up just today, happened to see Dr. Brenda, it won't help us directly this season, but he had a good idea that moving forward in the fall in or the winter that if we offer
the Red Cross certification up at the high school, u he'd be willing to to be supportive to that. We might be able to create a a pipeline up there as well. But we do reimburse um if you get certified then you join us. The town is
always reimbursed for the certification and um we have competitive wages. Keep that. I'm glad you brought that clarification up, Madam Chair, because it did come out afterwards that we needed 11 lifeguards at the beach at one
time. It's 11 for the current staffing of noon to 6, >> right? because they can't, you know, they can't work eight hours a day. >> Yeah. >> Seven days a week. >> Yeah. >> They could, but it's slick labor. So, that's probably not a good idea,
>> you know. So, um I think you've got some great definitely positive energy out of you. This is awesome. Um, and I do think that, you know, we have to utilize social media even better than what we've been utilizing it as far as, you know, even come up with like example every
Monday at 10 o'clock you're going to post this is what we need and then keep those going so that we don't run into this problem next year too. So >> yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Better succession plan for sure. I'm not sure what it was preview. Well, I do know I mean it was just word of
mouth and it's you know >> right >> you have a brother and sisters but I think that is no longer working. You just got to change, >> right? The world's changed. Yeah. We got to adapt to it better. Yeah. So, yeah, I think that and there's a lot of things that we could change for a lot of our our town processes, but um this is
great. Thank you for the the uh positive energy. >> Tell Jeff we miss him and to thank you for helping out. >> Yeah, I will. >> Okay. >> I will. Well, thank you. Thank you for having me. >> All right. Come again. Thank you. And just to conclude on the park's
point, madam chair, just in terms of process, so uh the interview process um screening committee uh will start tomorrow. Um there are two parks commissioners on that screening uh process. Um the screening committee will
make a recommendation or recommendation one or or two candidates um to the parks commission which will then interview the candidate for candidates and then the parks commission will make a recommendation to me which I'll bring to
the select board uh for ratification. So we will keep you updated um on that process. >> We're looking for that energy the troph. >> All right. >> All right. Sounds great. And that in concludes my report, manager, unless there's any questions from the board.
>> Nope. Thank you. Okay. >> All right. I know nobody put anything, but do we have any new business board member questions? >> No. >> Okay. All right. Next up is approval of the meeting minutes from May 5th. I didn't see any issues. Did anybody else see anything?
>> I didn't see anything. >> Okay. Make a motion that the board approve the meeting minutes on May 5th, 2026 as presented. >> Seconded. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> And the chair says I. Okay. And now we
come to that annual event. We're going to reorganize this board. So, I'm going to throw in a recommendation that I think we should let Chris be. >> I sent him a motion. That's >> Do you want it?
>> I accept Chris. >> All right. >> Chris is the chair. You as the vice chair and I'll say that's my record. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> I'm fine with that. >> He just he heard chair that he didn't
hear. Anything else? >> All right. So um so the motion is to make Squan Tavaris chair mean vice chair and you clerk remain clear. >> Okay I'll second that. >> All those in favor >> I chair says I
>> and with that >> I make a motion to return. >> I'll second. >> All those in favor I >> I. >> And chair says I. Good night everyone.