So, I didn't put it in the uh signature file, Jackie. >> No, no, >> I just wanted you to guess. >> And it's 19, not 18. >> No, warrant 19 is not done. Just told us
19 was not done yet. 18. She did not finish payroll last week. I have that card. That's I think uh what's that? >> Right. You can sit real close right here.
Yeah. Over here. I think it's the same spot I've been sitting in. >> Why does it look so far away now? That was the other thing we wanted to order. Okay. >> That's very expensive.
>> Yeah. She said we're already on. >> Okay. >> We're opening the meeting. It is >> And it's going to be recorded. >> It's recorded. >> Yeah. >> At 6:01 p.m. on
March 23rd. >> Yeah. >> Navy service. Okay. As part of our process going forward, we are going to start the meeting with the pledge of allegiance. So, everybody please stand.
>> This way. >> Flags this way. >> Oh, right. >> Yep. >> You want to take the lead, TJ? I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands nation
indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Yeah, I saw it. Thank you, Jackie. >> Also, on monthly basis going forward, we'll recognize have a moment of silence for those that are military
uh with all that's going on in the So, we'll start that the first let's do it the first Monday of every month. Is that okay? Fine. >> Okay. So,
Everyone has reviewed. Have you reviewed the uh board minutes for January 27th, 2026? >> Motion to approve >> as written. >> Second. >> Any questions? >> All in favor? >> I
tableling uh anything that sits actually all the things that are sitting as the action items uh to our next meeting. So moved. >> Any questions? >> TJ, you want to second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I
>> I >> All right, we have uh I don't know if he's coming or if it's just >> I was wondering if this was your Parker. >> Okay. Can I read what he wrote?
>> Yeah. >> So it says to whom sir? Hello, my name is Parker McL and I am in project 350 Northeast. Is that what that means? N >> I think one. >> Oh, one 350 or 351 or 351.
>> And I was wondering if I could put a clothing donation box in the hallway of the Bford Town Hall. Clothes would be for people sizes 12 through 14, kids sizes, but we will take any size clothing. Also, clothes will be donated to the Gateway Regional Free and
Sustainable Store and clothes will also be donated to the Village Closet from Parker McL. >> That sounds great. So, what he has like a a box that he's going to pick up. >> It's a cardboard box. >> It's just a cardboard box. Okay. My
book, you know, I'll drop it on like Yeah. So, I will get it. Oh, it's not going to be like the one that we have at the transportation. >> No, box. >> No, no, this is just from now until
beginning of April and then it it'll be all done. >> Oh, okay. >> Great. Do we need a motion? I move that we give uh Mr. McLolin permission to such building box hallway.
>> Any questions? Second. >> All in favor? >> I agree and s are they on the phone? Okay. They were to attend to and discuss uh an HCA post community agreement. Maybe let's give us some time since4
back. >> All right. I would suggest then that we move to the highway department. Greg >> and What's on here is the gill engineering discussion. This has to do with that
that uh I gave you last week. >> I get back to you. >> How's everybody doing? >> Doing all right. >> What's up? I don't know. It started snowing a little bit. >> I know. >> I was worried it was going to be wet
enough where it would actually freeze tonight. >> But I don't think we have to worry about that. >> So, what's the story behind that invoice that came or we gave it? >> So, the story behind it,
I don't really know the details of what happened. I know that on October of 24 there was a
project came into effect of $130,759. Uh but Blamford got $100,000 in grant money towards that. and Christina reported she did not see the 30,759
appropriated for it. So we would only receive 100,000 through the onetop grant. That is the one stop. >> Did we get that money? >> Yes, we did. >> So what was it for? Uh it was the Beach
Hill uh project that Skip put together for the bridge on Beach Hill. >> Yeah, it's a bridge project. >> Are these guys engineering? >> It says engineering.
>> All right. So, what is the what's the challenge? I was, you know, >> uh, the challenge was I ended up chasing down some different facets there and I found out after speaking back and forth with
Kelly that there was $19,6464 sitting in an account that wasn't uh submitted to Gil. So I spoke with her. She said process that as soon as possible. I met with Joanne this morning. I got the account number from
Kelly that the money was sitting in and she said only pay the 19,6464 and I put that in with a warrant. We added that today to the warrant that I believe would be signed today. So, >> right
>> that's in there. So having a conversation with Dana Gil, she ended up stating that she knew that there wasn't enough funding to end up covering
the 30,000 that we didn't have that we they expressed to Gil that there wasn't the funding for it. So, when I spoke with her, she ended up stating that anything would be better than nothing.
$26,000 is a big debt. So, she said she'd be happy if she ended up getting half of it, having 13 cent. So, having the 19,64, figuring out where it was, why it wasn't
sent, we did have a previous check that I ended up finding that was submitted to them, but they never cashed it. So, there was money sitting there at that point. So, I chased this down again. After talking to the state, we got the
hund $100,000 uh sent to Bamford. I got the >> EFTs. We don't owe them anything. >> You don't owe them anything. >> No, you don't owe them anything. >> So, it's just getting
>> Well, we I'm sorry. We owe them 19,6046. >> That's it. >> Okay. So, now >> we're up to date. So, Gil engineering should be good. >> Good. >> Yeah. So,
>> and since we already have it ready to sit here, >> well, this was even from 2024. So, the money was sitting there. So, it wasn't We don't have to worry about having to >> Exactly. It was there for this reason. >> Okay.
>> So, >> Okay. chased down the leads and got that taken care of. >> Did you have We're not going to talk about your right though. >> Yeah. >> So, is there anything else that you wanted? >> Yeah, we could. That'd be good.
Um, after speaking with Kelly a couple times today, I have this uh calcium trailer for the roads. >> Yeah. >> That we're talking about. I received uh I submitted the uh paperwork for the
project request to Dave Stokes and he approved it and he ended up sending a uh approval letter to Christina. I believe everybody should have got the uh letter also in her emails. It was forwarded. So
um we ended up getting the approval for it here. Want to just take a look at it real quick? This is the chapter 90. >> Yeah, chapter 90. So, the state approves it. So, at this point,
we had some issues with getting the the money together to pay Gillan or gez Gil engineer ABI for the trailer. So we either do 10% down which I understand we cannot give funding
without receiving product or having a service done which is understandable. So I spoke with Casey uh Weaver last week and I ended up figuring out an option that we could end up doing.
We have a uh commitment to the purchase of the water trailer and we have 30 days after we've received the water trailer for L Pavement. So,
we're not on the hook for it until we end up receiving it. Then we'd end up get an actual invoice >> just like every other account that we deal with or different, you know, businesses. We get the 30 days. It takes 30 days to build this because we're
customly building this for our needs in plan for >> this calcium or other >> the trailer the calcium trailer. >> So as soon as he ends up having a locked in commitment to building this trailer,
they will start manufacturing this trailer and we'll have it in Bford within 30 days. So I spoke with Kelly. We ended up uh I filled out a net terms
application that ABI sent. We went over together, Kelly and myself. She told me to put all our information instead of sending it back and forth. She had no problem. And if anybody had any problems with that to give her a call to verify that we spoke about this. So, we're on
board with that. Um I have the contract. So it's basically just this is the sign area now. Thank you Jackie being the chair. I would think
that you would end up signing it. Um >> on the small there there is there's a lot of small print. I had to read it. So, they're not asking for anybody up front. >> They're not asking. They're just asking for a signature of commitment so they
can start tomorrow. As soon as I get them the paperwork, they're going to start assembling it. I already told them they might as well start putting it together because I was we got the approval from the state. So Dave Stokes did say if there is going to be issues on the town side of things, we can end
he can end up doing it through the state level, but I figured instead of doing that, if there is a way that we can do it before having to do that uh to have this uh having proof of the financing available, that's
that's what Dave was saying. He could write something up. But instead of doing that, if we can just fill out the form, the contract committing to this, we're going to get reimbured. Kelly's aware of it. >> That just came in today. I was doing
with the Here's a picture of it, too. Again, >> there's no money up front. We're good. There's no money up front. >> No interest. If we go over two months, then there would be an interest on it.
>> But everything on the paperwork, as soon as it's delivered, that's when the clock starts ticking and we have a good turnaround on it. Once you get a book, you got 60 days. >> Is this something we >> 30 days? >> But we can get them in within 30 days.
>> Okay. Yeah, we'll have a second. >> Okay. So, let's do that first. >> Okay. >> And then we'll get back. I'll take this. >> Yeah, that's that's fine. Do
>> you have a digital copy or is it just paper? >> No, that's that's the copy of the digital that he sent me. >> Okay. Still got it on. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Forward to Christina. >> Right. >> Okay.
>> Unless I can't send it to >> I don't know. I haven't you said you've had issues before? >> I think if you end up contacting >> Do you want to send it to me? >> Yeah. Then you email and I will put you on that email page so you see it. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. And as soon as we actually >> display the screen here. >> Okay. >> Next week or Yeah. next week. >> Well, if we get sooner. I'm not trying to push it, but I am trying to push it because roads the roads are thawing and >> Well,
it'd be greatly appreciate it if you could. >> We hope we get to it. I'll come soon. Great. Do a motion. >> Motion to approve upon legal review. >> What? >> She's doing a motion.
>> Motion to approve contingent upon legal approval of this contract with ABI >> purchase order. >> Purchase order ABI. >> I'll second it. Any questions? >> Second.
>> Yeah, >> agree. >> Thank you. That'll be good. >> That way you can just um grab it as soon as it's >> send it right to them and >> get the ball rolling. >> Give us stop by and I'll
>> Okay. Thank you. That's >> got anything else? >> Yes. Just um one thing I wanted to ask the select board before I dive into this a little
more in depth. Watson Park I know is a nice part of our community and I wanted to see with all these events and people traveling through the park, how would we end up feeling about super
paving the road going into Watson Park? >> You mean the whole thing, the circle? It's 20 2475 ft in length, 12 feet wide.
It's crumbling on the back. I know we had some cars that ended up bottoming out. I I ended up having something sent to me uh in the fall that their underc carriage was getting scraped up and I went to the gadget was pretty bad. The whole >> going to have to be graded and
everything. So, we could do a a full depth reclamation on it, or we can end up doing a 3-in top on it. And I think starting from the bottom and working our way up would be best for the longevity of it. We do have the funding for it.
>> Where was the funding? >> Sorry. Sorry. >> Chapter 19. >> What other Now you have road projects that you wanted to do. >> I do. And uh so an estimate number I just crunched some numbers before I came
here on that with the dimensions that I ended up having. We're just doing like an overlay on it. And we're talking total cost one layer 3 in uh with the unit cost that we're
paying right now 110 a ton. it would be about 61. So $62,000. >> But that's not full depth. >> That's not full. That's an over. >> That's just an over. So I can end up
getting the numbers, but >> Yep. That's just That's just a 3-in overlay over the surface that's existing right there. So, if it's something that the board would like to end up seeing that we end up having it repaired, I'm
willing to put the time into it and uh get that done. >> And I definitely want to see fits. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So concern that always comes up is is it a priority for $62,000 for the
>> So what are your other projects for uh black dot this year? >> Well, we got Nybrook, we got Sperry, we got Shepard, you have other roads that you definitely are working on. >> Yeah, it's only got a it's only got a
base coat about that much on it. It's starting to break apart >> especially beach hill. >> Oh beach hill >> is that on I mean that's a major road. >> When we talked last year we were talking
beach hill war and u is a two-year project which we're working on. There's a lot of work that needs to be on there. >> Yeah. especially uh meeting with conservation and every Tuesday going to their meetings and talking with them
about my plan for Gore. This isn't going to be a quick let's throw some asphalt on it. It's going to break apart. We're going to end up wasting money on it. We have to do a lot of preparatorial work on board. So, >> uh Beach Hill, it's more than just
looking at it to end up putting some material down. There's a lot of low spots that honestly the road needs end up getting off and we end up having to do some drainage on that road. The water is just sitting right right before the
sap uh house on sec was that second no >> by uh Julie >> Julie no after Julie. >> Oh South >> Elvis road the water's right level with the road surface so it's floating the roads float
>> I say. Yeah. >> Without knowing what your plan is, it's kind of hard to say, right? >> Would we love to do it? Yes. I mean honestly today I was walking through doing ADA assessment know what we talk
about on ADA the parking lot out here is atrocious for people that we're not going to trip or you know that's a problem. So it's kind of like it's hard that that to me would be a bigger priority than lots of park
>> because all the folks are coming in to the town hall and if they have walkers or anything it's crazy >> wheelchairs >> right >> so I mean I don't understand you know I don't know what plan to your point you're ask >> oh yeah
you know like you're going to be doing preparation work on two roads be chill road and uh road. Uh now we're talking uh Shepher Road and Nyber Road. I mean, you know, you
got a lot of work out front of you and like uh Jackie said, we have we really need to look at the parking lot here. >> So >> So the parking lot >> you have at a minute share. Here's the here's what I got. This is
these are the projects, right? Something simple, nothing fancy. >> When we do the budgets, I already presented my projects. So, these are going off of previous years what we talked about. But realistically, these are projects that we can get done this year. The parking lot,
>> I understand the parking lot's an issue. That's why today I had the guys go up first thing this morning in the rain and hook the sweeper up to the K Cabota. We strung all the lines underneath the Kabota. We've greased all the grease fittings. We got the pump attached to the back for the uh the PTO. >> Yeah.
>> So, we have the broom on the tractor inside the garage today. That is all greased up, ready to go. >> I want to do it while the road surface is a little damp because then the dust is down. We can sweep the roads. I know you see a lot of broken up asphalt out there. And that's what you're talking
about. People trip over it or don't see it. Like, yes, that does need to be taken care of, but the snow banks finally are melted. I'm not I'm not saying >> I'm not trying to uh make comment about geez why aren't you doing that I'm saying I'm weighing you know I'm
weighing >> priorities >> priorities right and we would love to do them all you owning the budget you knowing how much money and time we have to come back and say okay >> can I ask is it true that uh chapter 90
would be covered for a parking lot That's that's that's a problem. Yes, >> you are correct. >> Because because it's a designated bro it's on our list for state funding.
Yeah. >> 12 ft wide. >> Sure. >> No parking lots. >> No, parking lots are not that's not covered under chapter. >> No. >> So you are about that. >> Is there something that you can do with the hot box?
>> What? That's what we've done every year. >> You know, patching up the potholes in there, making it presentable. >> No, that's what we've done every year. And we also do our own line painting out there. I don't know if anybody noticed that we do our own line painting. >> You know, we we do that. We do that
maintenance every year. Even going around the post office and blowing all the salt and sand away from the building and the concrete and the handicap ramp, that's all in the next week or two. That's all going to be cleaned up. He's
asking all the great questions of what's the part of you know do you have enough >> time do you have enough money right to do Watson Park or you know Watson Park state class 62 remember Watson Park is
in a trust we don't have to use >> it depends on what the approved use of the trust is I don't know I I don't know it very well I'm not sure >> we have to look at the language but you're saying, "Do you have the time to do it?" >> Well, not just that, but logistically,
it makes sense to have it done if we're going to be having a company up here doing vessel stage. >> Can I at 3inch overlay? How long do you really last? >> Be better than having >> I understand. >> Okay.
>> But I'm just saying at a 3-inch overlay, the weather and the conditions out here, how long do you think that would last? >> I would say it been 10 years. Yeah. >> Yeah. Because it's all graded and and
and there's there's there should be a pretty good base underneath it. >> Why do you want to do a full depth reclamation if a 3-in overlay will last decade? >> The back corner is breaking apart. The top surface is, but just like I was talking, we could end up skimming that
and then put a 3-in overlay over it. We don't have to go into the ground surface. Nothing's washed out. We didn't lose the hill, especially with all this rain we've been having and the weather. >> We can end up doing that. But it's just >> a question
for it, right? And you have the time that goes on if but I would would ask you to go back find out about the parking lot. see if we can actually do but I know you two really cleaned it up but let's get if we can fix it we should fix it because
>> I already know right someone's gonna fall >> I already know right off the bat that it is not covered >> but that does it mean that we can't pay we can't pay >> you can pay for it like the town can pay for it to get done yes we could end up doing that >> price us a price on it so we set a sale
>> do the parking lot over are you going to redo the the race structures in the parking too. >> Race structures. >> So, race structures is the catch basins and all the drainage that's inside the parking lot. >> So, I just that's that's a big number to
know. I just you need to know that because we have >> there's one two and you got one hidden in the grass. So, >> like you had mentioned lots of fire trucks. So why should we chapter 90
money on the park? It's just like the cemetery. We we you know when we redid the roads we put a new millage down and that that >> we just have to make sure that we're not changing. >> No, we're just interest
are we in agreement that should move forward on this? >> Yeah, it like you said he feels he has the money and it's priority. I mean, we can certainly look into how much the trust can make that decision. >> Yeah. And the cupcake shop.
>> And you want a price for the parking lot. >> Yep. >> Okay. What else? with that. >> Now, is the parking lot going to be just recapped or are you going to end up grinding up the whole parking lot down to the base?
>> I don't know. I don't know if you I'm sorry, but I don't. >> You're you're you're the type superintendent. You >> you do the survey and tell us what you need to do. is the right thing to say for
>> all right we do something else I believe of that I pretty much Uh the thing is done that I wanted to do. >> Thanks Ray.
Are you okay? Bring up next. All right. So thank you Ray. Uh people sure and I see you guys here. I know you're here to discuss
uh post community agreement. Correct. >> Correct. Yeah. >> Yeah. Can you just give a high level of the projects? We don't need to go into detail. Okay. You're more absent. >> Oh Okay. >> Do I need to press anything or is this
Okay, great. Um, >> so my name is Isaac Fleer. I'm here as legal counsel on behalf of the applicant. Um, which is the name of the applicant is Fred Rock Farms Mountaintop Cannabis LLC. Um, but I'm here with Mike
Zap, who is the sole owner of of the LLC. Really, it's he is the applicant. Um, I'll I'll give a really kind of uh highlevel overview of what's being proposed and if you have questions about anything in particular, we can we can
dive in deeper. Um, but what's being proposed here is um indoor and outdoor cannabis cultivation and uh what's called cannabis product manufacturing um at 39 Imp Road. Um the property
currently has a residential building that's 3,000 square feet uh where Zach is that's his primary residence because he lives there and then it also has a existing out building that's kind of like a um sort like a warehouse space
and it's about 4,000 square feet. Um there's also a a small water building with water tanks in there that's about 68 square feet. just a former uh spontaneous property.
>> Uh John Van owned it. >> Okay. >> John Ben back um I believe he sold in 2021. >> All right. And he he got it from >> I believe so. Yes. 2004 was it? Maybe >> something. So what's the
>> it's 39 39 >> 39 G. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Um and so what's being proposed is um he's going to use the existing out building for indoor canvas cultivation.
And then um in stages he plans on uh eventually building three additional green houses um that are um 100 feet wide. Um yeah long this. Okay.
So 100 by 50 each each of them. So there' be three additional green houses and then in the back of the property. Um he would do uh an outdoor grow area um that in total is about 20,000 square
feet but he wouldn't be um cultivating the whole 20,000 square feet because the the way the licenses work is they go up to a certain amount. Um and uh I think is up to 15,000 that that you'd be doing >> 10
possibly. >> So they measure it by canopy which is the space actually occupied by >> by plant. So, it's going to be it's going to be something on 20,000 square feet because that that would include all
of the rows for uh now does the property how how many acres is the property because it does it above uh shed land and for Springfield.
>> Uh good questions. It's over 100 um acres of of land. Um, and there is, let me see if I have an exact uh, acreage. >> It's definitely in there. >> Yeah. >> Um, you don't know off the top of your head.
>> You do. >> It's 111 or sorry 11 acres. >> Okay. >> Um, and there is, um, pull up the site plan. >> Um, so there's wetlands over here, that
dotted area. Yeah. >> And um right here there is uh it's labeled as Watson Brook and it's it's what's called an intermittent stream, >> right? >> Um so both of those have a 100 foot buffer zone around them. Yeah.
>> And um >> the the um proposed use is well outside of that. Yeah, >> because we're going off of the this this site plan was put together using the GIS map, which is never 100% accurate. Um
but what we've done is we've we've placed the buildings with a enough leeway that even substantial inaccuracy in the GIS map they'd still do well outside >> but the existing buildings now isn't
there access road for all >> the the access road runs right here. >> Okay. Okay. So, it doesn't it does not go through the um it doesn't even go close to the sorry doesn't even go close to the um the wetlands.
>> It's been a while been out there. So, >> yeah, I imagine. And um there's no additional uh roads being uh as part of the >> It's just an access road. >> Exactly. >> Yeah. Exactly. >> Um and the product manufacturing that
would be taking place, it's it's taking place in these two small buildings right here. And it would be the product manufacturing very limited. Um it's some um so what what they're doing is they're uh for product manufacturing is taking
the um the cannabis flour that's grown on site and um uh extracting um concentrate. And uh there's various ways that uh
cannabis operators um extract um this this distillate, this concentrate. >> And um a lot of those ways uh utilize chemical solvents like ethanol or butane. Um that's not going to happen here. There's going to it's he's
exclusively proposing what's called solventless extraction. So it's essentially a mechanical process. Um without getting too technical, it's it involves there's two different ways he's planning on uh conducting the extraction. One of them is um involves
using ice water and basically an agitator. >> Uh and the other one is what's called a roset press, which is just uh pressure and heat. Um >> so there's not going to be any house, no explosive. >> Exactly. Exactly. >> Did you say indoor and outdoors?
>> Yeah. So the green houses are the indoor and then the back lot um with that 20,000 square foot area will be the outdoor um grow. It's going to be completely enclosed in uh by a fence with uh you know cameras
as required by the control mission regulations. Uh it'll all be 24 camera surveillance. Um yes. Any questions?
>> You're just looking for >> Yeah. So, where we're at right now is we're trying to get on the agenda of the planning board for a special permit. um and had a real trouble getting uh getting
that scheduled but we're yeah we're getting special perm from the planning board. We're here tonight to talk about the host community agreement which is the other piece and then simultaneously we'll be applying to the state for the um for the three different licenses indoor cultivation outdoor cultivation
and product manufacturing. our normal process. >> Um and I think through the standard you said right? >> So the CCT had a template that they provide >> um in the past our legal council has taken back not to sign that they have
drafted a template for us that the CCC has kicked back to us and said is insufficient. >> Yeah. So, it's kind of a tennis match. Um, u, and you know, I know that you're indoor, outdoor,
cultivating, manufacturing. How big of an impact do you think that this facility would have on the community? >> Impact in what sense? Again, >> in all senses. So in terms of traffic um the uh at full capacity when all this is built out and
in an ideal world you know really running at full capacity uh Mike is expecting maybe three to four full-time employees um it's going to be a long time before it gets to that point. Initially it'll just him but even at full capacity we're not talking about a
lot of uh back and forth. It's not open to the public. There's no retail here. Um it's you know it'll be the equivalent of >> ship in and ship out. So is there trucking that's going on or is that not a concern? >> Yeah. So uh very little since they're
primarily um only they're only processing what they grow on site. Of course uh eventually you know when they've got their finished product it does have to get sold to somebody else. So there will be um there will be transportation but it's it's not going to be um
>> it's not going to be 18 wheelers. It's not going to be 18-wheelers how it it's it's going to be. I mean, typically uh in the cannabis industry, especially for um a operation of this scale, it's mostly vans and and it wouldn't be um anywhere close to like a daily basis. Do
you have any like sense of full capacity, how often you'd be uh shipping in or out finished product? >> It would depend. I mean, maybe you could consider once every two weeks taking something down to the Boston area looking
>> Yeah, it's it's all already basically it's clear it's it's cleared farmland. Um, and >> that you used in the past, maybe we look at all three and like >> for a host community agreement. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, so my law firm primarily
focuses on we mostly just represent the cannabis industry. You've been through this process with a lot of towns. >> Is this familiar to you then? What I just described? >> Yes. Yeah. So, I mean, we always uh we we always ask to use the model template
because it's we know it's going to get approved. Um, a lot of towns don't want to use the model template. We're honestly at this point in uh you know how the CCC handles these HCAs. Uh it used to be
much more of a negotiation back and forth between the operator and the town. Right. At this point you kind of try to work with the town to we agree to whatever the CCC will accept. So, um, if you have a template that you've used in
the past, I can certainly tell you what I have seen the CCC um, flag or have issues with, which frustrated. >> They they they've told me what they have issued with, and then our legal council back says, "Well,
>> don't sign theirs. This is what issued with theirs." So, it's like these conflicting things. So, >> right. Um, and this this this host community agreement template that the CCC put out is newer. It's only come out within the last year and a half or so. Before it was, like you said, more
of a sit down and the CCC would accept the negotiations in terms of the town and the vendor. >> Yeah. So, previously the CC didn't review HCA at all. They would just say, "Provide us with a copy of a signed HCA and that's we don't care what it says."
Um, yeah. So now the CCC in order to get licensed you have to have a CCC I mean sorry you have to have the HCA that the CCC has has approved. Um there isn't really any way around that. Um if the
town um and we it's at this point most towns have reached either something along the lines of the model template. Um there there are certainly some, you know, variations that the CCC does approve,
but um and but they have pretty strict regulations on what can and can't be in an HCA at this point, and they they do they're pretty strict about it. They're not super consistent about it, which is frustrating. Um I have seen some things get approved in one case and then
rejected in other cases. I think they're starting to get a little bit more uniform. It was sort of the roll out was a little bit sloppy but um at this point we have a pretty good sense of what they will and will not approve. So to the extent possible we're happy to work with
you and kind of give feedback. Obviously you know you don't have to accept our feedback. Uh you know we'll provide whatever kind of feel. uh this process is u the the outside growing that's limited growing because you know you're
not going to grow in the winter. >> Yeah. That that would just that would probably harvest. Yeah. >> I I don't know. I don't know guys are to remember what when they first uh passed the cannabis act of Massachusetts
the regulations would fill a novel because they they had to have special venting special lighting and I mean it was >> they haven't gotten shorter >> they've gotten a lot leaner I think they've been taking some of the product
and testing it but no serious I mean you guys are coming in when it's been the most leisure. So I because I was on the committee with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission when this all started. >> Yeah.
>> And I'll tell you it was pretty scary. >> Yeah. >> I'm sure the legislature was already smoking it when they came down. >> Yeah. The I mean the the regulations are are pretty meticulous uh to this day. Um the in terms of you know everything from
uh from security to venting, order mitigation. Um and we we've already drafted you know the order mitigation plan impact plan all that's included in the special permit application. Um, so we've >> So what what is your time like for what
do you look next >> for to get to the to get operational? >> Well, well, yes, that's question, >> but at what point what are you looking for this HCA?
>> So we need the HCA in order to um submit an application to the CCC for a license. So, the sooner the better, I would say. Um, once the application is submitted, it usually takes about uh 30 days for
them to have it deemed complete. >> Um, there's almost inevitably some kind of uh request for more information, no matter how complete try to make it. Um, I usually tell my clients that once the application is ready for submission, we
should expect a provisional license approval within about three months. Um, because it's got to get you complete. Then you've got to get on the agenda for a hearing. Um, so at short it's going to be two months. Three months is a reasonable uh time.
>> So stay just a question out of curiosity. What's the shelf like this product with cookies and uh brownies and all that? >> TJ, you want to be here all night or what? >> I'm just curious.
>> Uh they could it would depend upon what type of additives you put into it, but you can have around for a couple of months. >> Oh, okay. >> Thank you. >> Well, you'll be hearing from us. >> Okay. Good luck. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. And I'm just curious, um,
what's the best way to get our application into the planning board? Because previously we, um, I think Mike delivered it to the the town clerk. Is that right? >> Uh, and it apparently what happened is it just sat there for like a week before anybody even knew it was there. Uh, I
talked to I think the head of the planning board and he suggested we just show up at a planning board meeting and deliver it in person which we're happy to do. I I don't see >> know what their dates are. >> Yeah. I don't see the schedule.
>> Okay. >> I asked. >> Okay. >> And it would be great if we could get it if we get something to the board members prior to the meeting so that if they have questions, we can also answer them at the meeting. >> Okay. Fantastic.
>> Great. Wait, you said you you spoke to the chair. Did he not give you a contact information? Do you need his contact information? >> Oh, no. I have contact info for the chair. I just I just haven't gotten a clear Well, I haven't got a date at the meeting. I don't know when the the next plan of the meeting is. >> You wanted to get information to him
before the date of the meeting. So, could you do you have his email? >> Yeah, I sent Well, I sent everything. He has it by email. >> Okay. >> But I but I want to get a I mean, we have like the nine, you know, >> I can put it they have planning has a mailbox. Leave it with them.
>> Okay. So, leave it with you now. Is that totally fine? >> Okay. Fantastic. That's what I'll tell. Well, thank you and I apologize for all of the, you know, changes, dates and stuff, but >> I appreciate you making very much. >> Sure.
>> Um, so should I just give it to you right now? >> Thank you. I appreciate it. >> Looks like I don't want any like tacid approval of me accepting this is me accepting. >> No, I will um I'll follow up with um Greg. Is that
>> Yeah, I'll follow. Thank you so much. >> Thank you everybody. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you. >> I just gave I just gave her all >> that. I think they're out of heat right now.
>> Sorry. Well, you take it outside. >> So, since you gone. Okay. Sorry. >> All right. Thank you. the next discussion um when when Christina had a discussion but let's talk about general update for the energy signing committee
that um very quickly we did get a letter from the state relative to ever source enter >> uh is starting
>> the challenge there is and I did talk to the attorney and we turned We will be brushes. >> Okay. >> Okay. And that's going to cost us some money. >> So, we're using gun >> is >> No, no, we're using
>> Yeah, that's good. >> Um, we won't know because we don't know how many meetings we're going to have to attend, >> right? Until they start sending questions. I'm just going to be honest with you. I
can't handle multiple intervenor. I'm a point person. Okay. So, we're gonna have to figure that out because intervenor on every single one of these projects that come in. >> I'll work two times. >> Yeah.
>> Right. >> So, that's something we don't have to solve right this moment. I'll keep going on the Eversource one. >> Okay. >> But it's going to get to be overwhelmed. >> So, yeah. afterwards and just talk about what it involves. >> Yes, >> I'll know more after I go through.
>> Okay. >> But um you know, bottom line, you the attorney normally will represent you and what will happen is they'll send a bunch of questions in. Maybe you answer those questions. Uh tell them what their
conditions are you like to see done. So you know for example we want a shy about we want you know situation whatever those things are the attorney's going to represent us >> and what's the turnaround plan for the questions okay
>> because you can bring them >> you can always bring me to >> work on you >> yeah but it's going to take a board it's going to take it takes a lot of effort you know got to fill it in we gota set it back you gota Right and it may things
that we can't answer. The committee can come up with answers possibly, but the committee is together every two weeks. >> Um, and some of the stuff might have time earlier. I'm just saying this is a new world, this whole intervenor thing, right?
>> And it's going to take some time. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Um, and this is just the first one. And this is probably going to be the easiest one. >> Yeah. >> Right. I think. I don't know. Um, but you know, I did talk to the attorney
about it and uh said that uh it's good that we did it. We agreed that we did it and it's good to have a seat at the table to put your conditions on the table when stuff comes up that you actually have a place, right? Um but
it's going to be it's not going to be zero work at the end of just to let you guys know. Uh, and I, you know, I would hate to fall down and not be able to respond and then let the town down, but I've seen it do all
>> um, also we had a meeting with, you were there, Tara, you attended. Um, we had, uh, mayor of Agawa came in as well as a number of representatives from Beckett. Um, and I did contact, you know, uh,
Brena gave me a list of names and people to contact and we did contact them, but they're also very, very busy. You know, they're having meetings constantly as well and they just didn't have the time to attend. Uh, you know, and the purpose
of that meeting really was to try to garner what are some like things that we do. Uh so for example they're all you know there is challenges when it comes to financials Agawan not so much right because we're a big city but the smaller towns a challenge with that challenge
with safety challenges so there are like things that we would have more let's call it uh you know representation at the state level if we had elected officials together at the state level. >> Yeah. Um,
>> he seemed to have some good um insight anyways and a lot of experience with the >> Oh, the mayor. >> He shared everything. >> Plus, he was an attorney by trade. So, very he shared everything that he had put together um with us. I mean,
>> right. Right. But I don't, you know, honestly with the level of work this takes, it's a lot just to keep up with all these different towns and what they want to do. >> And that goes to the conversation that you were talking about with letting the state know this is the work that you're
working on. That's right. To volunteers, >> maybe maybe they knew. I mean, they knew. Well, I had said um every time I attend these hearings, I talk about I
stay focused on the representing us on the in the committee on the safety challenges that we are under, water challenges that we are under and the financial burden is putting on and the pressure it's going to put on our
and finally I got a phone call from the guy that needs to we are. He said, "Help me understand what what is why you keep bringing up money and why is this a challenge for the town?" They they underestimated little what we're dealing
with. We don't have, you know, and I said under normal circumstances, we're absolutely fine. Our boards and planning, you know, everything is fine. when you exponentially increase the volume, it's gonna cause some
challenges, right? Um on one of those meetings, quite frankly, there was a lady down there and she says, "I'll tell you what everybody step back and say it's all your state is basically what she said. The state does not want to have to do all these
themselves." That's right. >> So they're going to do they want total patrol over the big large bus operations. Anything smaller than that they are going to send to the
>> town. Town will do all the work and then if the town says nay the the uh vendor will have the ability to escalate to the state. >> Yeah. Okay. an overturn. >> But then the state has to >> then
>> well not necessarily the state take the work that we already did and say you didn't do your job. >> So then you start saying okay well why should you do all this work? >> Was the man that you spoke to receptive to >> Oh yeah. Yeah. I I just think it needs
to go higher than >> so's next boss. We would go to the EFSA to be the the executive team that sits over >> the energy facility sighting board. >> Right.
>> And they're in Boston. >> Yeah. >> Um EFSB is actually having a meeting Ast which I'll turn out too. They will and everybody >> Okay. Scared me.
>> Scream. >> Anybody can attend these by the way. This is open to the public. >> Now, you're attending on Zoom. >> I'm attending on Zoom. It's in the middle of the day. >> Yes. The um uh they're going to talk about the fees that they're going to
charge to these larger vendors that are doing the best things and martra that is going to be sure take over control and take our feet. >> Yeah. >> Right. So it's it's going to be more discussion of that.
So if they they if they take over say like we say okay you know we don't have manpower to deal with this they're going to take it over >> right >> and then what happens to the taxes to
>> oh the tax will >> yeah but we don't get to negotiate >> um >> the state the state takes over >> they take the bill and then we get the scrap >> we can for pilot tax.
I was talking about fees that they charge for this that or the other. I I asked uh Greg after that if he if he uh knew what the pilot program was about
and he you know as far as the chain of command like when we got >> and and he said you know the application should go to the town administrator first and then to him well special
committ bylaw go to the planning Right. >> So when someone comes in looking for a special permit, how do we work that chain of command >> as part of the
>> should there be at least seven copies like we do when we're we're doing a building permit for a house. All right. So in that case uh there should be seven copies when they when
they come in and looking for their special permit they need to have copies that have to go to uh the planning board conservation zoning board all fire department everybody so we can't just accept one permit
>> right as part of this of the money that we got from PTC to be part of the entertainment committee >> one of the outcomes from that will be exactly what you're trying which means that committee is going to work together
and create a process >> that everybody's involved. So, as an example, in our planning uh our planning bylaws today, our zoning bylaws today, when they get that application, they send out
email to everything, fire department, everybody. >> If there's no response within 35 days, it's implied to good. Okay? So, if you don't see that email, you're not going to reply, right? So
that whole process needs to be >> Yeah. Like when I was talking, right, >> we have to go by the bylaw. So we're going to have to bylaw, >> right? So we're going to work on that as partisan. That's part of the
PBTC kind of help us design that process. >> So that's coming, >> right? The the next thing that the committee has to worry about is the overlay map is done, but the overlay map has some challenges. It's not, you know,
Kim found some problems with it. So, we can't meet outside the committee. So, next week, you know, April 1, we'll have our talk about ordering that. Bylaws are in the lawyers fields right now. Both best solar, we should get those back.
They have a ton of questions on that. So that has to go to the committee and then the committee is also going to take on fees. So our fees that we charge are not very high. When I started looking at what the states charge >> doesn't make sense.
>> Well yeah like that chart we're 89 growth. I mean those are minimum. >> Right. Right. So we could do better. >> Oh absolutely. Um, but that's, you know, that's kind of where we are. But it is
every day there's something. >> Um, and you're right. If anybody walks out the planning board, we don't keep our folks on these boards, we're not going to have.
So, it's the update. Christina, what you got? Um, well, we have been working a lot with the budget. We've been meeting with Kelly and Sarah and finance committee.
Um, trying to firm up everything on the budget. I think we're in a really good spot actually right now. There are some little gaps that we need to fill in, but I think we're in a good spot. Um I have been working on the draft for the annual town meeting. Right now
as it stands 29 article well we added a couple today. So probably like 32 articles um right now. I'd like to get that um
obviously as soon as we get the budget up as soon as possible, but also planning board uh they posted in the country journal on March 19th for their public hearing. Um
they're going to post again in the country journal and the public hearing is to be held on Friday, April 3rd. So if they can get their finalized report to you guys about the bylaws, right? like they do their whole report,
they vote during their public hearing on April 3rd, they can get all of the report to you or completed. They can attend the Monday, April 6th planning board uh select board meeting
basically to ask for approval to have the special town meeting and you know have the beated on. Okay. Um then hopefully I have already sent out an email to legal. I don't know how this special town meeting warrant is going to
have to be worded. I guess um I don't know if section by section I'm going to have to do article by article or if an entire section can be deleted and we can place it. It all depends on an entire section was
affected. You know what I mean? we can't complete an entire section if that section doesn't exist in the update. >> So, I reached out to the attorneys for an answer on that. Um, hopefully it's easier than step by step and if it is, I
hope to finalize the special town meeting warrant and get it out by Tuesday that April 7th to everybody >> if I could bylaws. Oh, sorry.
>> The bylaws section by section >> we did there's like if you're like for example the best section that's in there today. >> I looked at it section 16 that's so in the email when I sent to the attorney he said the bylaws that have been updated
the only section that's affected is section 16 but there's section 16.1 16.1.2 two section all >> so if they've all been so I just need to hear that from legal and if that's the case then that warrant I can get that together
>> you're going to have two though >> two articles though >> no you're going to have best is one section solar is another >> okay >> so that's a whole another section I think >> so two articles and then >> is it three is the overlay math third
article that these are all the questions that I sent if I can do it one two three I can still get it done one day that's fine if it's I have to do section by section in previous language and new language >> then that'll take a little bit longer
>> change >> so um if I can get it done by April 7th uh I hope by between April 8th and April 10th that's Wednesday approves the warrant
um I would have Jo added to the Monday, April 13th select board meeting so that the select board can review and approve or the town clerk would need to attend and a constable.
We could post it Tuesday, April 14th and then I've spoken with Dave. He will be away but back by April 28th for a special town meeting five months. This is if everything goes by that very tight time frame. >> Okay.
>> So, April 28 best >> basically what Detroit said it's kind of the same as the moratorum was soon as they're voted on in the town. >> I don't think so. No, >> I think we have to wait for >> the approval.
>> Yeah, >> actually I sent Jonathan a note on that clarify. So, we'll have >> Yeah. >> The way he wrote his note to me is that they're in effect. So, what he was saying, this is what he said. This is
maybe I'm misinterpreting. He said if someone walks in today, the new application, but they're not approved yet, it goes by new bylaws. New bylaws will be in place by then. And I'm like,
well, I interpret that as voting. So, we can we can check with them. Okay. Because that's important. I did also talk to them about people who were critical of those
bylaws. Last thing is that gets typed. Uh he told me that as long as we have to put anything in the bylaw that basically says you don't want it here, it should be okay. You put anything in
there, any words at all that that basically doesn't have a valid reason behind it. Don't get caught >> wetlands or >> you know just you you have all the
conditions you want that sort of thing. You just you just can't go in and say we don't want it here. It's not about >> change integrity of the changing the integrity of that's not a
thing. It has to be health related, safety related or welfare. I think we cover all anything else. All right. Um,
so uh, Greg or wait is it wanting to raise your new bed or something? You're the chair. >> Let's do >> what is after in the interest of my hours. Can I be
excused? >> Um, we need executive session. >> So, red where you left off after. >> Yes. >> A lot has changed. So, Ray, tell us what you're thinking
about how you've been doing. >> We've been doing pretty good as a whole of the department. I think I've shown my leadership skills. are definitely uh are there from being a laborer to jump into this uh position.
My knowledge of the chapter 90 is definitely uh sharpened. Having the connections of different aspects of the state vendors
or God having these different tools basically for the department and for educational purposes for myself been a big help. Is there any one area that we should or two or three or
>> if there was something that you said, you know, hey, you know what? I could do do a little bit better here, what would it be? Not much honestly. I walked into an office that a tornado rolled through unorganized
documents everywhere. Ended up going through all when we ended up having the uh the uh audit come in. We ended up putting all of her paperwork in to the
archive room. That was real good learning curve for at least a good three weeks a month going through every single file and figuring out what was going on all the way back 2016 to now. There was a lot of
shooting from the hips. let's just say earlier in the the day being able to actually know and open up a drawer and have a file right where I want it to be.
That's a big accomplishment for myself being organized enough that I can end up having that rather than having a pile of paper sitting on my desk. Wait, where is it? learning learning how to lead the guys more and
having patience with my crew because I know that these guys don't have the experience and they need someone to teach them the right way to do things so that I can step back and let them do what they need to do.
And I think I do that's coming back to your question. That is one thing I need to end up doing. >> Stepping back and letting the guys do more because the past year I've educated them enough where I can start stepping
back. But one thing I got to say is I do love being out there in the field with them and seeing what we're doing and getting my hands dirty. being in a piece of machinery, >> staying up for 15 hours plowing. You know, it's a lot of people aren't out
there in the middle of the night when the snow, you know, is flying. It's a total different world, you know, a lot of people don't even want to even see the snow, you know. But, uh, >> true. >> Yeah. So
I mean I say I will say that feedback obviously has been very positive for your group and what's happening dayto day that's out there the winter time you know right used to bring up um I would say
this just needs to be you guys also um you know as I agree with you with with you're reflecting on is the most important thing which is delegate. Once she goes from I'm a worker to I'm now a
supervisor, manager, whatever. The art of delegation is good because if you don't, you can never keep up with your job ever. So I I will applaud you that recognize that you dedicate work. which you know
this was the year of educating ourselves right uh but I think from that dayto day getting stuff done I'm not an expert in roads I don't know I don't even know if you do it right frankly but you know who
knows until time goes on and we see how TJ would probably be the better person to say I can go out there and say it looks Right. Right. But I don't go for that. >> Well, I I'll I'll say this that the
integrity of the dirt ropes this winter was one of the best winters we've had as far as, you know, the condition of our dirt roads. Your crew and you did a fine job with that. Uh hopefully
we can work on that especially if we get that calcium trailer to work because that'll firm up the the roads a hell of a lot better than just braiding and rolling. Uh the part about delegating
when your crew do you think shows leadership as far as delegating them to do work? >> You want a name? >> Yeah. >> Mario Godel.
>> Okay. All right. He and he's one of the oldest ones in your group, too. >> Yeah. Is he okay? >> Is he a good guy? >> No, I can rely on him from any dayto-day task. I call him.
>> He knows what I'm thinking before we end up having something happen. >> I really uh bouncing ideas off each other definitely make the day a success in any situation. you know, the other the new guys, I
definitely see some uh leadership skills and definitely uh some potential for their future. And that's why I'm trying to conform them to what Blandford needs. You know, that's that's that's the key. We got to end up making sure that these
guys are going to work for Blandford, which they are showing those skills and the knowledge. They're listening and they're absorbing everything that I'm putting out of. And not just that, but they learn from each other who has better strengths and who has the
weaknesses. So basically, if we go out and start running the excavator, everyone knows what spot they need to be in. I don't even have to say anything at this point. Everyone knows where they need to be because this individual can end up running the excavator confidently
>> and safely. >> And what I end up I wouldn't say dictating but end up uh requesting of them to do >> gets done properly. >> I think um
>> comment >> not the middle of >> part of the review. >> No, >> you don't want public comment. >> Can you wait? >> Can you wait until the public comment time? Well, it has to say no. Yeah, you
have to. Sorry. >> I'm sorry. >> Um, so about that part of it. >> I do not. >> So, let's talk about there's the part
that we were the most concerned about. I, you know, first of all, kudos to you for getting those guys up and running brand new off the street. You got Right. Management part that we were concerned about.
>> Okay. What would that be? >> Really oversight of the paperwork and the things that happen um outside of the daily
superintendent type. So I'm just going to bring up a couple of things right just to demonstrate what I'm talking So the u although we are we have not had our discussion yet about the seat bed
but the gu of the person suit it's expected that a manager will take care of that period whether whether they agree or they disagree should come through you to
us it's just the way it works It's very rare that we did it because they were asking for it to come to the table, but it really is management type of role. You represent us, right? We represent the
residents. That's our job. Um, so I just that that was probably something that I was a little surprised at that you should be able to take that. That was one example. Another example is
the union discussion. You know, I'm saying to everybody here, don't worry discussion. We are going to get into labor laws. You can refer to the document as a personnel policy. That's it.
When we talk about this, we talk about the personnel file. Union's gone. No more discussion. So just just to be aware that you were in the union, you know, management stays out of union business. You know that. So we need to
stay out of that business, right? They if they want to unionize, go unionize. But we're not going to talk about. So that is something that you need to stay far away from discussions. And that's why I directed them to select
board. >> No, no, no. >> Well, >> you just tell them this is no longer the union. This is personnel file policy. Personnel policy. >> Right. >> Okay. And if we as the representation of the town says this is what's in the
personnel policy, that's what they don't. If you are discouraged or a concerned as an employee or the manager of employee, you come in, you tell us you're discouraged. If we don't change it, they'll change right we are going to talk about
but that's just an example of and and you know Ray I hope take these things as mentor because there's no all of us want to see you succeed right um >> I tried when I did read that policy
which we did receive what a week ago basically >> so up until then that other policy was in effect that we talked about. So when the new one came in, I did break down as much as I could for the guys
>> and I didn't want to mislead them and give them >> incorrect. >> Exactly. And that's >> the conversation, right? You were with us. >> I was with you. But things changed from
the conversation and that was up that wasn't that didn't have any effect of what I was putting into that. that was completely selective. So at that point any decision I figured that you guys set in place >> and again these are just management that
you that's that's all nothing is I loved moving guys it really was an enjoyable conversation I hope they they appreciated appreciate that >> they did they really did so
>> um another example was recent actually um you were to have I was on that email that seems that you were to have responded about getting money for the snow. So is it snow and ice
reimbursement uh for the recent storms, right? The state was giving out more money >> and we were saying even though I saw Christina follow up a couple of times and I said Christina stop one more time.
We're not micromanaging them. Let them do it. And did do it. Now when I called the state, state had said, "You're late. You get in no money." I called the state and I said, "Well, how much money would possibly
lose?" It's very to you as to what that is, but probably upwards of, you know, let's say a high sign 50,000 >> who had 50,000 because all my numbers I crunched only added up to like $3,100 when I talked to Peter with Maya or uh
>> I have it doesn't whether it does or it doesn't. I was looking for you to reply. Either you could have said, "Hey, there's no money here. It's not worth my time and effort." Right. to the state. Um he had
said to me, "Look, if you guys still want to apply, you can, but if you think it's $3,500 is not worth going after, that's your call." But no reply is not good, right? When they offer and you have given us feedback, don't
want to be micromanaged. So I told her, "Stop." >> I wanted to see actually if >> reply to Christina or reply to state really. >> So this is This is more again of I don't
want to buy at all. You know, I want you to run your own budget and you do what you think is the right thing to do. But when I see stuff like that happen, I'm looking for you to go back to the state or not. I didn't know how much money was there. >> It's me. I I I had actually asked you to
just let me know. I got So again, I don't want you to think that I'm making stuff up or I'm picking on you because I'm not. I want to hear that. I want you to accept this as this is mentoring advice. Any questions investments?
I was just looking at the email. Uh I appreciate the fact that you search that good. That made me feel good. somewhere that went did it figured it out came back said this is what the that's what I that kind of things really
accept um probably the only other thing that there was two other things that kind of hit me a little bit which is the bird thing they didn't have man power to do it after you paid them and I know they did
a bunch of stuff they did it cross the line then all of a sudden as soon as pick it No, that doesn't work for me. He They paid those guys $1,500. They could be as friendly as heck out there, but it's not
Then it becomes your problem. You paid him the money. Now it's your problem. Right. I don't want I mean, this is just me. I I I and I don't and I don't speak for the rest of the group because I have things to say
but for me it's kind of like no if you do something and they didn't fulfill their end of the obligation problems right to you agree >> you're talking about the walkth through >> talking about perog >> so percog is a wide range of
>> the the price >> the bidding process >> the walkthrough >> that we paid yeah >> we didn't just pay him $15 $100 to have someone come take the names down. We paid just so you understand the breakdown of what we paid for was we
ended up they do all the legal work. >> Yeah. >> They do all the advertisement. >> They do all the collection of like the pricing and what it's going to end up coming up to. Um, it's I just didn't want you to get misunderstood about them
just coming to have someone stand here to take names of companies and, you know, make sure that they're pre-qualled. Um, >> so what Jackie saying is, did you follow that through to the end? I mean, >> it's not even over yet. It's still going. >> Okay.
>> Are we getting bids? >> Yeah, we got one bidding. >> It's bidding is over. >> Bidding's over. We got one bit. We got a got a project. the >> okay >> company is going to end up doing say it again till we ever finish. How
long how long does this >> June 19th? It's the project's going to be completed. That's the last day of this. >> June 19th. >> Which one is it? >> Russell Stage. >> Oh, and some people are getting confused too on this Russell Stage because I've had
multiple calls about this. Residents are wondering when is Russell Stage going to be closed and paved all the way through. >> I I have to reassure them. It's not all of Russell Stage that's going to be yet done. It's just that lower section where
we have a problem area. >> Yeah. >> Wait, why don't you do like a list of projects that you're currently working on and Wendy could have them on the website. >> That's a good idea. >> I actually saw something like that in
the paper >> for another town. >> For another town. Yeah. where they have listed not only that gives the sense to the community the work that's done everything >> um anything that you know I mean I think there's always room for improvement
right always >> of course >> and by you're delegating more what I say you're that's how much time to is all >> well when I first came in I The big thing was being a working
superintendent. So, juggling the clerical plus juggling the field. Well, I'm juggling both sides of the the deck here. And now that I can see that, the guys are more than capable of doing the projects.
>> Yes, I'm showing them how to hook up stuff. I'm showing them how to end up. Basically, we're in springtime now. Like, you're worried about the parking lot out here. You don't touch the parking lot in the middle of winter. You touch the parking lots in this area. But I just I know. I'm just But there's
other facets in town that you don't do until you're into the seasons and as you go through them. So, you're going to see stuff happening in town. And it's it's just as time goes on. Like it's not nothing's going to get
>> left or not turned over. because my head was in this whole ADA thing today and I saw I was like >> yeah I don't have any questions or concerns right about um your expertise in the area um the fact that way you
work with your guys want to work I see that they are feeling proud of their work um like uh Jack said community response has been fantastic Um, I hope that I mean I think we're super lucky to
have Jack on the board as coming from management, right? And I I'm hoping when you walk away with just taking her chair system as applying it because I mean I know being in my position I'm always
like what can't you know I I just don't think that we're ever at that point where it's perfection and I think that we're lucky to be in a position where get management skills. Hopefully what I would like to see is
next time you taken those things. >> Most definitely. Oh, the way the way I look at it, he's come a long way, you know. And uh
he has I think Ray needs to learn a little bit more about management skills and delegation skills. uh your leadership is unquestionable. I
mean that shows over the past years what we had for superintendent and what they accomplish and what we've done here shows good leadership skill but leadership skills isn't they all isn't
the whole ball of wax. It's delegating and trusting your your crew to do what's been delegated and your job
is kind of watching through the back door type of thing. Otherwise, you delegate and you go back on the job three or four hours later to see the progress. So you
know who you can trust on on the job and shows leadership on that. So you know the people you can rely on. Now the earlier before I asked you who would you rely on? You instantly said Mario. Okay.
That shows that Mario has learning the skills that you're teaching. Okay. This I would like to see on the rest of your crew. So therefore, if you have to
hire an outside contractor, one of your crew can oversee that and you can trust them oversee that while the rest of the crew does another job. The whole crew can't be doing one job. So, and you know that you know that's
and so I I I see that you're learning how to delegate. I I see that your management skills have improved. Uh their paperwork is still a little questionable, but I think you made that
progress in that. you're still on road to but I think what you you've done first almost yearly tenure uh you've grown pretty quick but like everybody says there's always
room for improvement and you have to see the areas where people can tell you well you need to do this you need to do that but you can hear it but if you don't see it it doesn't get done so but I I I think it did job. I appreciate it.
>> And to to tap on to your remarks there, one thing I can say is how you're saying that to end up having Mario also teaching the other guys. There has been that educational
transfer, let's say, between Mario and let's say the greater. >> Mhm. I can end up having the guys get in the grater and move the grater and actually learn the horns. I think if anyone hopped up into an old grater and
have that many horns sitting in front of you and not knowing what lever does what, you're going to end up hurting yourself or hurt the public. The guys can move it. They can operate it. There's multiple things. Even like when we end up having South Street Cobble Mount B, everybody cycled.
Everybody was with a truck with the with the thermometer checking the actual heat coming out of the trucks, logging the truck numbers, logging the amount that and getting the tags, you know, the weight slips. So, and then jumping in the winter, I was really worried about
it, but everyone picked it up pretty well, honestly. >> See, those are the things that we don't see. >> Yeah. >> You know, so that's nice to hear. >> Yeah. Is there You said that there was a paperwork concern. Yeah, off the top of your head, do you think I could end up
doing better in the way >> like you're doing a great job grants? There's that I I don't have a question, but uh I think that the timeliness of getting the work done like uh uh
Jackie has suggested with the extra snow removal. Uh these are things that you have to stay on top to because a lot of time sensitive and uh I know you got your hands full, but
that's just an excuse. You know what I mean? You're willing to do the extra effort, and I'm glad for that, but sometimes it takes a little extra than that. I hate that. You're working for salary. you put a
hell of a lot more hours. >> I think my husband like 30 days. >> Um, okay. So, all in all, you know, pretty good, right? needs. I I really want to see as we progress
uh you know one thing that would be extremely helpful and in fact I've started to make my own list frankly because I can't keep up all my mind all the different things that you're asking for even like one page this is what I'm
ask this this this coming from here here that way we don't have to keep repeating ourselves was that was that >> that's also more of a budget Well, it's all your thing, right? Because as he's as you're thinking about like the highway, like you're learning,
too. And I get that like the highway and the tanks and the bathroom and all that stuff is big for this and you need to kind of assess that highway building in the future is in the future. So, don't
know when it's will it happen one day? Yes. But it's hope hopefully. Yes. Right. But until then, I really would appreciate just kind of taking a step back saying what's going to happen here that I have to be prepared for. All right, so we can plan in advance.
Same thing with machinery, right? You come in now and ask for various things of machinery. What is it that we don't know that I need, you know, that we need to have that? So that's management day. You're
constantly thinking about what's gonna happen versus what's happening today in this minute, right? Um, you know, it's like you asked for this to decide, can you sign that be really great if it was this week? Well, maybe we should know
three months ago. I I don't know. That's a might be a silly example, but it's stuff like that. But hopefully, you know, you'll get something from it. Really, really press on that stuff.
We knew it was going to be the biggest part. The rest of it, I would say I wasn't sure how you were going to take the management crew. And frankly, stops a bit. So, thank
>> just uh just to be quite frank with you, that paperwork came in Friday. I worked on it over the weekend. >> Yep. >> And got it to you tonight. All completed. I didn't put it off. >> Y >> I used my own time. Do all that stuff,
which I have to do and management. >> Right. >> So, I three months ago, I wasn't thinking about that. Three months ago, I was worried about Beach Hill Road and ice. I was thinking about Birchill and Ice, you know, like
this came up. We had our chapter 90 aotment. Okay. I ended up doing some research into this. You've had some input on it. >> Yeah. >> And it's something that we ended up putting together. I know we put in the budget like G saying the list of stuff
is in the budget that we end up doing and the list of importance is that list. >> I can't tell you what the future's going to bring, >> right? >> That's why we do basically general maintenance on
everything that we have. You end up putting your hands on it. You see if it's bad. You end up knowing that, okay, we got to weld this plate. We got to fix this plow. We got to put away the plow stuff. That's what we've been starting to do. Fix it now. Grease it up. Lube everything. Make sure you seal up all
the electrical components so it's not going to end up baking in the sun since it sits outside. So in the fall time, we can just slide that right in the back of the truck, clean it off, oil it up, and it's ready to go. >> So if you had to say, and I dare say the word goal, if you had to set a goal for
yourself um for the next six months, Based on feedback, what would you say your goal? >> My goal for the next six months, >> I have multiple. >> I mean personally, I'm not talking about which bro I'm saying like personally
within the management position like what would your goal be to come back in six months and you know have accomplished whatot in the management position. I would like to end up seeing
a storage facility, the quantit tent up at the yard. So, we can end up putting our equipment away and stop wasting money on repairs on equipment just sitting outside. getting beat by the sun.
That's something I'm putting together as superintendent. You know, I can't have anybody else do it. The select board can't do it. Um, and I hope you would end up helping me, you know, prove this. So, we once we get the numbers together
and actually get this bonet hut put up at the salt yard. It's not going to be a concrete slab. It's not going to be a heated garage, but gez, at least our $300,000 Mac trucks can sit under cover and not be getting weathered in the sun.
>> Yeah. You know this from when I first started seeing how this department was being ran on an everyday basis with no plan for the future of preserving our equipment. Making sure
that our equipment was ready when needed was a big problem. So those are things that I take into consideration now being in this position that the select board might not see. the residents might not see it, >> right? >> But it's something that is important
because I'm saving money >> and I'm educating the guys so that like you're saying, I step back. They're already doing it. I showed them how to safely take out Sanders out of the back of the max. You don't just you don't just end up, you know, putting
a fork on it and pulling the thing out. You got to sling it and chains and make sure that it's level, set it up, cover it, make sure it's good. I have no worries about that. I I go up check on them, make sure they got everything they need, they're good. But the big thing is
definitely preserving our investments that Blamford has purchased over the years and making sure that we're at least one step closer to longevity of our equipment. >> And then honestly
down the road, maybe I'm the right guy to pitch to the town about a highway garage. That was one thing. I didn't see anybody actually pitching anything to the town and showing them diagrams. No one going up to the yard and seeing it. I know
with the fire department it was a distance thing, but I never see anybody up at the yard. You know, we're not going to rent a King Ward bus and bring everybody up for pizza, but >> sometimes that works.
>> No. And hope that's just >> how long was that tent that you keep the sand in for the town next to the highway garage. How old is that? >> I can't even tell you how old it is, but
honestly, it's a hazard and it's going to be coming down this year because the >> I'm just curious if you had >> I have no idea. Yeah, I know it's been there for a ton of years. >> So that's logic 10. It it is going to be coming down this year. >> Yeah, >> because the actual canvas itself is
ripped in multiple spots and when we had the heavy snow, it was just pooling up with big ice cubes. And if that ever ripped on a resident getting sand in there, it would have been a liability for the town. So that's why it's done. It's coming down. We'll get a new one put up
this year so it's safe for the residents. You don't have to worry about that. >> We're gonna have not tonight. >> Oh, yeah. >> All right. >> Okay. >> Okay. George,
>> the chair is George. I'm going to say this in front of because I think it'd be easy to say. I've worked in this town for 50 years and I've seen a lot of highway superintendents do their job excellently
and I've seen them do pretty spot and this past year I've seen a tremendous change in terms of quality of work taking place and began in the spring with a uh the care of where road where I
live and the improvements that took place. It wasn't a patch job. It was a reworking of the road to make it last. It's just the first indication I saw of Ray's ability not technically not only
technically but in terms of recognizing a long-term investment. And I've heard a lot about long-term investments. I respect that tremendous and I saw where road get put into such good shape and it
has last so well this past winter that it will need in my opinion some finer work this spring as compared to other years where there are huge potholes that need a tremendous amount of repair work and expense.
I was asked by the select board to be the leazison with miner valley on the dirt roads around town. They gave me the opportunity to travel those roads as well as send out questionnaires to people living on those dirt roads. >> Right. >> And those questionnaires came back in
June and what we learned those questionnaires was tremendous. Folks had a chance to see the results of those and what we saw was transition taking place. We saw people lived on those roads for long periods of time criticizing the
past and how bad the roads were maintained and how this wasn't done that wasn't done. the the ingrained negative feelings that people had about the highway department and their fair of the roads over the years. And we saw at the
end of those questionnaires a great brightness of people recognizing that things are starting to change. things were taking place and it was so nice to see that. But when I came in here and
talked about the results of those surveys, talk about the work that done on those roads, I was able to say positive things. We're on the right track and things were taking place. Ray the representative valley myself at
least met one or two times talked about the roads talked about what we saw. I walked the roads with Pioneer Valley representatives and we checked off things on the roads, but we saw positive things taking place in Great. And I say
I I I want to recognize that it was through Ray's leadership that this was taking place. Second point I want to make is that because I go out on higher road and in and out during the day being retired, I have the opportunity to glance of what's going on at the highway
department. One of the things I've seen this past year during the spring and summer was work taking place on equipment. And I slow down and look and who was leading that
that work on that equipment was Ray and I saw the troops the the workers gathered around learning from him on how to do welding and this and that and the other thing. And this transfer of skills from what Rey has learned to his team
shows me real leadership. The other point I want to make, I've had the opportunity to be in Ray's office several times this year and one of the things he has is a whiteboard and that whiteboard changes with things being posted need to be done. And you can see
by how they're posted that when he has an opportunity to assign a task the fill in time to get it done, he doesn't because those things change. They aren't the same things on that board now that were there three months ago or four months ago. So he's able to manage time
and task which as a former manager myself is really a critical issue. And I want to say that we're very fortunate now to see a team leader as well as a manager in this position. And I think
the two things are really positive. The last thing I want to mention is the relationship between the highway department crew and Ray and the town people. I've had the opportunity to come across
workers on the in the field doing work and stop and talking to them briefly and they have positive attitude for what the project is doing whether it's ready for the uh death Jones project of cleaning
up the area so that that can be presentable to the public or it's working on another project they're one or two man project their attitude is hello, how are you? You introduce yourself to them, then they introduce themselves back to you and they might
take a minute off their job to talk, but it builds that relationship between the town and the group. And I think these town show appreciation for what they're doing. >> Well, George, I hope I hope you know that.
Well, I what I'm saying is this transition that has taken place this year under Ray's leadership has been significant. I I think you what I want to say. >> Thank you, George. I just want to say thank you from us in the department and
honestly we do work for the people of Bamford and we only want the best for them. Yep. >> And we do enjoy learning about how Blampford came about, even if it's from Chip.
Well, no, honestly, like, you know, and and George, I got to admit, your conversations are never short. Don't take that the wrong way, but we do enjoy it. time on that
time. Is there party words? Is there anything you want us to negotiations? >> Tomorrow is Tuesday. >> All right. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. want to mess with >> public comments tonight. >> What's that? >> Public comments. >> You just did comment. >> That was your public comment. >> No, no, that was the part of the race
evaluation. >> Can we do Can we do another public? >> Yeah, >> that was we were public. >> I have a couple other things to consider. Oh,
>> sorry. Oh, sure.