meeting. >> Yes. >> Meeting is now open for November 24th, 6 p.m. Select court. Uh so the examination there's no previous meeting minutes to
examine tonight. table that uh motion to approve warrant number 10 accounts payable and wired payments. Uh that was already signed. Is that correct? >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. So, it's a motion to approve.
>> Second. >> Any questions? >> All in favor? >> I >> I motion to approve. Word number 10. Payroll is being tabled at the moment.
>> Okay, Ray. Hi, Ray. Please come on up. >> How's everybody doing? >> Good. >> Yeah, I'd rather be warm than cold. >> So, Ray, this is the document, right? This pod council
>> um and this is related to >> state project uh I ended up putting forward. So, this is the contract that we need to end up getting signed so we can go forward with getting
the uh paperwork put together to end up having the pave swale and 1500 ft of Russell stage on that crib wall right before the line asphalted joined together. Um, also the inspection of the
catch basins while we're down there because we jumped ahead. We had time. Safety was a big issue the past two years on that corner. We'd have an iceberg form and you know because there's no water wasn't going anywhere. The side of the road was 18 in higher than the road.
>> So it's filled in over the years. Lack of maintenance. The water had nowhere else to go but in the road. >> Never. We haven't done anything there really. >> Well well I' I've weed whacked and >> you know we trim the trees up on the top so that we don't have overhanging trees.
That's something we do like every other year. >> Uh but there's been no cleaning. That whole swale, the whole ditch line on Russell stage from all forestry all the way to the line is actually a pave swale that's under there.
>> When Dave was here and I was doing ditch work up in that area, I ended up actually finding a catch basin lid. Wait a minute, that's concrete. >> So I got a shovel out, started digging around it. Well, there was a catch basin that was buried under probably I would
say 10 years, you know, material >> cleaned out, >> not the upper part. >> Yeah. >> No, it's starting to break up and it's deteriorating. But we >> I opened it up so at least the water would drain whatever is collected from all down. >> But it was very important before this
winter that we ended up actually getting that level down on that corner because the water just pooling up. You could even see the roads deteriorated because the water had nowhere to go. >> Well, so now >> no. And we're not going to have that problem now because we dropped it down a
good eight inches, you know, all the way down. And then near the catch basins themselves, we got to drop close to a foot and a half. >> So I wanted to get this work done. It should have been done already. >> Yeah. But the problem talking to Ellen
and Laura was they were so backed up with doing the collective bids for winter and the sand and salt and all the bids for the towns. They had no time to put together the package even though how small it was. >> They said they would have to wait. So when I went up for the round table
meeting this past >> two months ago, three months ago, >> yeah, >> we ended up actually sitting down and talking. She asked, she was like, "Look, I know we told you we could do it, but is there any chance that we can end up putting this package together for a springtime project?" >> Ellen is
Lauren and Ellen. >> Okay. Is there any way that we could have done it ourselves >> uh >> without using them? >> What's the What's been the norm in highway? Do they always go to Burk for >> No, this is such a small project. the
time to go around, do the advertisement, get the procurement together, make sure every contractor comes up and looks at the job. It honestly would take up more time than it's worth. So, in the contract, I I wanted to make sure that it wasn't going
to be an astronomical amount of money. For $1,500, they cover everything from the advertisement to the legal fees and everything. So, we don't even need to end up having our lawyer draw anything up or anything. So, at this point, >> basically what you're telling us, this
is a superintendence call. >> Yeah. >> And this this saves time so that I can get these other grants going so that we can spread out some jobs in the town, right? >> It's another tool in my toolbox being a
superintendent to use. You know, I don't want to ignore it because it's there for reasons, you know, to help superintendents. I'm not the only one that would be >> What you need for us is to sign the document. >> Yeah. I just wanted to I'm just
clarifying that knows how to do it, right? Because when we talked to you last wanted to learn more of the paperwork stuff. Well, this is part of that. Absolutely. you're you're leveraging tour but you know in the times when you can do it when it's like
not as busy I guess should do it right saves child >> and I have no problem taking on >> projects in town like I think many of the people in town have seen we're on one side of town we're jumping to another >> you know we're multitasking all the time
and we're getting stuff done and I hope the community is happy and pleased with the highway department Well, we are got a lot of on your work. >> Can I ask will you be putting a screen or something over the drainage? >> You mean when they're doing the work or
do you mean >> afterwards so that it doesn't the like the leaves don't all pile up there and become a problem. >> So if you end up put there they're silk nets when you're doing construction you drop and catch basins. >> But we're not going to be doing that. Whenever I even do a hand swell, like a
paved swale, and I make it myself, you always make like a catch dam before it goes into the basin itself. So, you're driving by, you take a flathead shovel, go in there, scoop the stuff out, throw it out. Um, pretty much the maintenance of cleaning
the catch basin is just flushing it out or even having a back truck suck it out. But you know and that is going to be part of that job too is make sure that the basin itself is sound. Um I believe I gave you the scope of work
that I ended up putting forward in the package. >> I you know I'm not an expert in it. You are. So >> go ahead. It just it's just uh plain jane all the way through from >> the width of the road to
>> uh the road surface being milled an inch and a half. These are all the criteria that they need to know. So you inform of what will end up h happening. U another one of my remarks is I just don't want someone going out there and say yeah we
can do the job unless I explain to them what I expect the job to look like at the end so I know I'm not wasting money at the town. So all biders must walk the project with the superintendent. That's a no-brainer. >> I just want you to hear that, you know,
the board has brought back that this is work that you could have possibly done. I understand you're busy. Um but you know, we want to make sure that you know how to do it if you didn't have her caught doing it. Um and I'll be cognizant if you come in over budget.
Let me just say that. Okay. Okay. So the more you can do stuff yourself, cheaper it is for you. Use that money in other ways, too. But you have to decide as you go along what you expect. >> Well, this got approved by chapter 90. >> So, this isn't going to be coming. Yeah. The $1,500 is going to come out of my
budget, >> but this project is gonna That's not going to be coming out of the budget. >> Okay. >> All right. So, >> you want you have the Huh? But it first uh to
make a motion. May I sign a motion? >> Make a motion to sign >> to agree. >> All in favor? >> You happy? >> We're not. >> Any discussion? >> No, not really. I thought it
>> I know. And uh all in favor? >> I rise. >> Yeah, real quick. I just want to go over a few things. Um, grants came out. I ended up going to
couple meetings and uh we have an opportunity for the town to have up to a million dollars in construction grants approved through DOT with the right paperwork, the right mindset to chase
this down where we could get some projects that are halfway done, finished. >> Yeah. that don't have the construction phase done already. Um, >> so there's >> Huh. >> such as >> uh the Beach Hill uh bridge project.
Honestly, we uh I ended up speaking uh with Mark at DOT uh District One. No, >> I went up there and met him uh two weeks ago. Uh we ended up speaking about some signage that needed to get put on Beach
Hill for that bridge. Uh the actual rating of the bridge went up. That was the reason why he called me in the first place was instead of having the 13 for the single axle for the tons, it actually is 16 tons now for the
single axle rating. So from a 40 gross uh weight on that bridge, it went up to 42. So that's nice to hear. At least they didn't downgrade it, >> you know, versus uh going up. So, >> what did you find out about the grants? >> So, uh speaking with
>> We love by the way. >> Oh, I do. >> We don't. >> So, they have for the municipal small bridge grant that's out right now. There's six of them that came out this year. And I really would like
I'd really like to see if we can mirror this from the work that Gil Engineering already had. We got to work together. I want to make sure you're informed on we go over this uh the chapter 85 paperwork got sent to the DOT. So, the
list that you said to stop, they have. And if they have the paperwork, they're going back and forth with Gil right now, fine-tuning it. Even though we're not dealing with Gil, they're the ones that submitted the paperwork. So, Mark said he's overlooking all the paperwork that they have up there for the application
that they put in for the for the actual uh not the construction, but the all the studies that they did. Yeah. So, the engineering. Thank you. Um, so if we end up applying, we could end up getting the
bridge fixed and it's going to be under a million. I would hope. I I would hope. The number that I got told was what they were projecting for that bridge repair was 500.
>> Yeah. 590. >> 596,000, I believe. So, let's let's go to a grant for a second. Like, have you ever done a grant? >> No, but I was gonna I was going to actually ask you to sign one that I'm putting together right now for the dirt
roads project or if you can at least look it over and uh get it back to me. I really would like to end up getting it here get this taken care of. So
they uh grant central simpler made it so much simpler for like the key charts on how to apply for the grant the certain uh aspects that you have to end up doing. Uh what you're eligible for what
you're not eligible uh for um requesting 5050 match. You know, sometimes you got to end up contributing >> connection that you can call ups. >> I already have it. I'm already using it. That's how I'm getting all this information.
>> No, you you don't need to go through all the information. He needs to give you the approval to apply. That's it. >> But I wouldn't want to do that till it's done. >> No, no, you got to do this first. >> I can't even apply for this. And there's a >> It's not on our agenda, but >> Okay. Um,
if I can hand you this, I do have copies. You guys can look it over. I I have all the information for the unpaved roads grant, not the bridge grant, because I still want to go over Mark on some stuff tomorrow on a phone call. >> Copy and agenda.
>> Okay. >> There is a timeline. I'm just going to say >> what's the time? Uh we have so the it ended up opening November 6th and January 9th it does end. I know we'll see each other before then but >> Monday. >> Okay. >> Okay.
>> Now that that is going to be for the dirt roads, >> right? >> Uh they have a part in the dirt roads grant for $250,000 a grant for equipment related to dirt roads. >> The town does not have a dirt roller and
I figured this would be a good opportunity that crater. >> No, it's a durable roller. >> Um, this would be a good tool and a good way to get a roller since we have dirt
roads in town for the town. The price comes out under what the 250 we could get a roller for about 180 and that would be brand new warranty. Um, >> is that the single drum 8 ton roller
looking at? >> Yep. >> We had in there 75k was what? >> Used. >> You can get a used one anywhere from 50 to 75. But if you want something that's going to break down, we have to work on all time. I don't even have a garage to even work on stuff. It won't fit in the
garage, you know. So, that's the problem. You >> can get a grant to pay for it. >> That's That's why I'm I don't want to wait too long on this one. Yeah. There's other communities that are >> chasing us or, you know, competing against us. So, that would be good to get taken care of.
>> Yeah. >> Those two folders are you're leaving with us. >> No, I'm taking those. >> Oh, you're taking >> Why? You want me to leave stuff with you or just tell >> you said you're going to leave? Uh, >> I can. >> No, I can.
>> So, you think we need to review it >> to make >> I can make I don't think so either. just bring it in with it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Uh I already went over the work that we ended up doing to the Beach Hill Bridge.
>> Uh the admin bridge update form. I got to submit that to the state. I followed it step by step. Ended up putting all the information in that they need. I'll be submitting that tomorrow. So I'll be updated. Um I would like next week if we
could talk about road bonding. I have a hold file put together to numerous vendors. >> I'd like to end up pushing this forward to have you guys take a look at it and see if we have legal maybe >> let's let's put something together from what I put together. So that would be
good too. >> Makes good sense. >> Um the last thing the bathroom highway um >> that's going to be finished up December 1st. So as of right now the plumbing that was broken underground that was deteriorating. I think it was play pipe
that got all replaced. Mark and Connor were in there working non-stop. They ended up getting tied into the septic system. We had Potique come in. He did the building inspection. He okayed everything. So, uh Mark poured actually the concrete on the weekend so it
settled. Um and then Conor's going to be coming in updating the black pipe for the uh all the plumbing >> and uh hopefully we'll have a toilet and our sink working by uh Christmas time. So, >> good. >> Yeah, I'm running out of tubs of towels. Those things are like $35 a tub. I
already went through a whole case of them. So, >> that would be good to get that taken care of. >> That's great. Right. >> I do have one invoice here for Mark already >> because he's done with his part of the bathroom. So, I did receive that today. Uh I don't know if we can process that
yet. I know we had talked about the financing. >> Well, yeah. No, it's there. the money's there because I know I got the paperwork that you signed and we end up doing the transfer. Yeah. >> So in the building >> building maintenance is has it. Thank
you. Okay. Uh one last >> should begin >> tomorrow. >> Uh one one more thing. So, while Aaron Potit was inside uh doing his inspection, it got brought up that our
backflow meter ended up failing at the highway garage when in May when we had it inspected. So, the backflow meter prevents the water going back into the drinking supply that supplies the town's people.
>> Uh while they were talk, while Potit was talking about it, Connor was standing right there. I said, "Look, I don't know anything about backflow meters, but can you take a look at it because I know it something you guys have to do, you know, the plumbers." >> Uh, he said it was beyond repair. It's
been repaired multiple times already, and it would just be better to replace the meter in general. >> So, I ended up asking Connor how much it would end up being for updating the meter. uh if $1,400 replace the meter. And by state law, you
need to have a rebuild kit. Every single building that has a backflow meter. So hopefully the fire, town hall, library, all these buildings should have a rebuild kit on the somewhere in the building for emergency rebuild on the
backflow meters that have city water. Uh but ours has failed and since we have the plumber there, I'd like to get that taken care of. So, we're up to code because I was informed that if the EPA find they're going to start finding
when the backflow meters aren't up to code $1,400. >> Exactly. >> Get it done. >> So, I was going to get that taken care of, too. >> No budget. >> Yeah, you can take it from your own budget. >> I'll take it out of uh highway repair or
something for now, but >> I didn't know if the county >> You got to do it. You got to do it. Yeah, EPA don't care how deep your pockets are. >> No, but it failed in May and we're only talking about it at the end of November.
>> I didn't I didn't even know. I guess the guy that did the test got fired or quit from the water department. Um, help me out here. >> Yeah, Mike here was doing the test. >> Mike here. So I I don't have a contact
with him or talking to him, but I was informed that that's who he's doing. So >> get the new meter. We'll get it. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. >> All righty. >> Okay.
>> Thank you. Are you good? >> Just run down my little notes here. Uh, one one last thing that I'm going to end up asking you about. Uh, Thanksgiving is Thursday. >> Yeah. >> Is is the town hall open on Friday?
>> Yes. >> Okay. So, everyone's going to be here Friday. >> Your department works. >> Okay. >> Well, she works. >> Well, I didn't. Okay. All right. No, because some of the guys were asking if they could take Friday off or we had
Friday off and I said, "Look, let me just ask." >> Is it on the Well, I guess >> I don't think it's on the list. >> No, it's not. I don't think it's on the list. So, they were asking if they could take vacation time, but I told him, I said, "Look, that's your own time. Um,
this isn't, you know, >> anything unless there's a storm or something like that." >> Oh, yeah. Of course. >> And I I said that to him. I said that to him earlier. I said, "Look, you know, if you did have the day off, >> if you think you can have them off, then they can take vacation."
>> Okay. >> All right. >> Anything else? >> Okay. We're going to see you Monday anyway. So, >> yeah. >> Okay. >> Yes. I think that will
I think that will do for now. >> Thanks, Rick. >> Thank you, Rick. Okay. Next is review and sign acceptance of receipt and release for the Sumar W. Robins revocable trustual
care of Northampton subter. one time. >> Yeah, that one part of state. >> He's a nice guy. Very nice. Very nice. A motion to second.
>> Second. >> Any questions? >> I >> I >> Okay, we have uh pool. >> Yes. How much is it? >> How much is it? >> 290 I think.
>> 290. >> I don't want to miss that. What she does is it papers. >> It's not on the Oh, in the letter. Sorry.
Each 230 >> $230,000. >> Thank you. You just need one sign. >> No, you have to witness. >> All right. Next is accept the two uh 2026 Lford Country Club annual liquor
license. >> Yeah. >> So, if I could just say um I'm getting ready. They both paid. Um, Adam is doing his thing and I'm just getting ready to put the actual license together and send it to the state. So, you guys could just say, "Okay, go."
>> Okay. >> When I have the actual license, I'll just give it to you for signature. >> Okay. Let's do both of these. The other one is the 2026 plan for Country Store annual liquor license. >> So, second that motion. A motion to accept both.
>> Yep. Second. >> Any questions? >> Favor. All in favor? >> Okay, let's try to go through the process. >> Only if she brings martinis one night, right? >> Right. >> They're free, too, aren't they? >> Of course.
>> All right. >> All right. >> Let's move on to new business. You have a presentation from the advisory committee on the climate leader community designation. >> Oh my god, he's serious.
taking off. >> Good evening. >> How are you doing? >> Good evening. >> Good. Good. >> Good. >> I just have um folders passed out documents in them.
>> The first document is uh the report that Paul is going to present. Second one um as >> sure would like oh >> right there >> um second document is responses to
the concerns that has come that Christina that after speaking with the town attorney long time ago the first year >> the CLC's is that what that is >> this is the yeah this is the report that
Paul is going to just And this is um our responses. And then the last is is just an email from um that I received from Chris Mason and thinks the
green native for western Massachusetts because we were concerned about um the effect of the temporary moratorum for battery you know energy systems and immersion solar.
So he was just saying that point is >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> It's all yours. >> Okay. Well, good evening everybody. Thank you for coming. Um the committee's
charge the scope of work item one require the committee to research the requirements application process and steps necessary to obtain climate leader community designation. committee fulfilled this element using the resources of the Massachusetts
Department of Energy Resources, climate leader website, conversations with the regional representative Christopher Mason and other towns that have navigated the process and successfully achieved the status of climate leader community. Element two of the scope of
the work was to identify potential implications both administrative and financial for the town if it were to pursue this designation goals achieved through the same means side one element three of the scope of work required the committee to gather examples and lessons
learned from other Massachusetts communities that have obtained or pursued this designation. This goal was filled via the same means as item one. Element four required a report of the committee findings and recommendations without making or implying any formal
commitment by the town to pursue or apply for the designation. The board is on the board. Pros and cons. As a committee, we unanimously agree that the climate leader status opens the door to grant money to fund both engineering and
projects that will allow the town to save money for the taxpayer. While the adoption of the specialized entry code for new construction is a requirement, it does add cost to new residential homes who choose to use fossil fuels. The following points sum up the
overwhelming benefits of the climate relief status. Only new construction is affected by the specialized energy code. The climate leader community opens the possibility for planning grants and new
infrastructure for example being solar building codes may become stricter in the future. So take action now while grant funding is still available. Electric rates will become increasingly expensive in the future. So get ahead of the rise in rates.
required to pay taxes and should take advantage of taxpayer funded grants that can have long-term financial benefits for the town. For example, fiscal year 2025, the town paid $62,18711 for electric power and $74,78941
for fuel oil. Grants can reduce and possibly eliminate these costs to provide some degree of self-reliance and energy independence. Climate leader status will fund grants to install PV solar which will provide free energy. At this
time the green community grants do not fund PD solar source. The process to apply the steps for Bford to achieve the climate leader status are the same for every town. The best model for the process that we could determine
was that of Ashefield. Ashefield is a town of about 1,700 residents and in many ways is similar to plan for the department of energy resources lists six steps to become a climate leader community. This is a brief over
the elements. Step one is to be a green community in good standing which Bford is at this time. Municipalities with temporary moratoriums on the permitting of groundbounded solar PV systems and or battery energy storage systems remain in good standing pending the outcome of the
temporary. Step two requires the establishment of an advisory committee for the purpose of advising the town and coordinating clean energy activity. The makeup of the committee may include representatives from the town's department such as public safety administration,
transportation, and town residents. For example, Ashefield had four volunteers. Palum, another small town of 1300 people, consists of three volunteers. The remaining four steps would be the responsibility of the committee
established in step two to reach out to the town residents and departments to understand needs and concerns culminating in town meeting to vote on committing to three things. Decarbonization of municipal buildings and vehicles by 2050.
two, zero emission vehicle first policy, and three, adoption of the specialized energy code. Once the town has voted and passed these three warrant articles, the state will provide the resources to help the committee create a decarbonization roadmap to achieve the goal of net zero
by 2050. This will complete the requirements to apply for the climate leader community. And we have many examples of the documents that Ashley used for that process. The funding options are dependent on the program opportunity notices found at combis.com
off offered by the Department of Energy Resources. EV solar is integral to the substitution of fossil fuels to reduce emissions and provide a twofold benefit. One, locally sourced and sustainable power and two, a predictable cost structure that is independent of utility
grid rates. The second point implies the value of the PV solar will increase as utility grid costs increase. Ground source heat pumps could replace fossil fuel furn oil furnaces for heat and hot water powered by PD solids. Grants for
analysis and design are found on the ponds in the ponds on the combis uh website. Funding is not subject to clawback as long as it's used for the designated purpose. Bonds appear to have latitude
and award criteria and may or may not have a 10% match requirement. Town funding is not necessarily required for the million dollar accelerator grants. The decarboniz Oh, sorry. Thanks.
>> The decarbonization goal can be achieved using a gradual approach that addresses trigger events such as necessary replacement of vehicles, equipment, rooms, etc. The zero mission vehicle first policy is based on the availability of a suitable
zero mission vehicle that does not exceed the budget for a comparable internal combustion engine version uh considering available rebates. It's important to acknowledge that all aspects of the climate leader program are voluntary and the town can opt out
of the climate leader community program and its requirements at any time. An observation. Although not specific to the scope of this committee, it is worthwhile to note that as a green community, Blandford is eligible for grants. Some example projects are EV
charging station funds for hybrid or plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles, weatherization, and more. These grants can provide community enhancements that future climate leader projects will benefit from and build on.
In summary, the overall process requires volunteers, possibly the service of some paid town employees for the ordinarily required services associated with a town meeting, notifications, preparation of warrants, and working with the committee to provide input to the process and
goals. The return is significant funding that is designed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote energy independence, and reduce operational costs for the town of Lford and its taxpayers. Eventually, the carrots will disappear and electrification will
become a mandate. We should be in front of it, not behind it, said the chair of the community of Walbridge, Massachusetts. And then you'll see there's a list of supporting documents that you know if you want to dig into the details all day. >> Oh, this is a mouthful. That's a lot to
absorb, right? >> Well, sure. It was it was quite a bit to go through to analyze and and organize. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Go ahead. >> Can I be devil's advocate now or wait? Okay. All right.
What this is setting up is a monopoly for the electric companies. Okay. Right now they use fossil fuels to create the energy. Okay.
As from what I understand with solar and wind turbine that is not a substantial uh supply otherwise the batteries last 48 hours that so up
here in Glamford okay we don't have brownouts we have total blackouts wires come down every household has at least two or three different types of
energy to keep their houses warm. If we rely upon electricity and the wires go down, the last ice storm was about two weeks before people had power. Thank God they had generators
and they burn wood. So going totally green as they they call it, how is that going to work in in rural towns in in the hills like this?
We don't have like all this battery stuff and solar big solar fields. They're not helping Bford or any other small town. They're supplying energy to big cities. All right, that's the whole
basis to take care of the big T. All right, so how how is this going to help us if we're all relying on electricity? I mean, there's a lot of infrastructure here that we're talking about and I'm not putting you
guys down or anything. I think it's great work what you did. I I was on a green community committee, too. But I'm looking out for the people who live in the hill towns. If you don't have solar on your house,
that's the only way it's going to help us here. And how many people import it? And the government is not legally supposed to take our tax money and use it for private homes, even though they
do. So, I mean, there's a lot of questions here and like I told you guys when we started, you know, you've got to ask a lot of questions. So, what's the alternative for small towns? >> TJ, if I could just say, >> go ahead. >> Say something on that. That it's
important to note that this only affects new construction. So, if you have an oil furnace or propane or anything now, you're you're okay. It's no >> right until until 2015. That's that's what the legislature
declares 2050 we're going to be green. >> Well, that's the that's the goal. >> That's the goal. >> That's the goal. As far as it the only major thing would be like new construction, but even a new construction, it doesn't mean it all has
to be elected. You know, you can still have fossil fuel things if you want, but you have to have the provision for uh for electrical solar system. And if you you know, you know, doesn't say you have
to completely eliminate all the all the fossil fuels. You do have to there are certain requirements for electrification. have to have, you know, a provision for, you know, uh, electric,
uh, dish. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um, yeah. So, that's, you know, that's what I was saying that. So, it's not really preventing people's, you know, >> making there is a there is a clause in
this uh in the new construction. If you put an addition on, you don't have to do anything to the new uh code unless you put on an addition bigger than
>> I was going to say just one other thing. I think it's important since since commercial solar commercial battery has been a controversial say the least. It's important it's important to understand that um that
this is basically for for municipal this is this is not doesn't have anything to do with commercial solar or battery. This is grant funding which the town could use to provide energy uh um standing
initiatives. So it's basically this is basically all for the municipality. >> Okay. >> And uh and and the other thing is that although there are some requirements for new construction, uh it's important to think that if
you're thinking of the taxpayers that everybody everybody now in their current state is okay. There's no requirements for them to do anything. uh even as far as I know, you know, by 2050 it doesn't say everybody has to get
rid of their oil furnaces. It's just new construction. So, so for like 99.5% of the people in Blandford, this could be something to reduce their taxes. And there it there possibly if if somebody
from outside was coming and wanted to build a new house or something, they they would be affected by this. But they would probably be affected in most other towns by by that town too because a lot of towns are going this climate theater
route. So >> So if I could if I could play Devil's um I mean I could envision that I think what you're saying is let's just take this building as an example. We need a
new Bruce. We pay a lot of money to keep this building. So you're saying something like that they did a grant, >> right? That's where to go. >> 160,000 for engineering up to a million dollars for the actual process.
>> Right. Not necessarily just a new roof though, but if the new roof was required in order to have solar panels, >> understood. I would expect both. Right. >> Yeah. >> Um but I have, you know, I mean, I need to kind of like absorb. I had a whole
bunch of questions as you were talking to get clarity more clarity for myself around it. I'm not really sure what what are you asking for tonight? >> Tonight was just the presentation >> and that's just the presentation. >> So absorbing the information then we'll come back and take a look at or what's
the next step? Yes. >> And now it's in front of the board to decide if you want to take those specific requirements to town meetings, have the town vote if you want to do the new stretch energy code, zero emissions,
all of that. >> Right. And I would and what I would want to do though is lay it out in a simplistic way. Not that this is simplistic. I'm saying in order for people to really understand the difference between this and what we're dealing with with bigger solar and best
>> very excluding the uh the major uh large scale solar and best batteries and that this would have to be presented before town meeting so that everybody understands what this
is to present it at town meeting and just read it off. You can't do that. You're going to have to have a special meeting for this like we did before when I was on the green community committee. We had a meeting where it was an
information meeting and everything was explained. You took questions and that and a lot of questions that we couldn't answer be brought back to the door >> to get the answers from here. Right.
>> Right. There's six steps. We have the first one. We're green community good standing. >> Right. We would also need to have a committee green community. We're not really the ad hoc committee. I
get ahead. >> Let us let us just step back and absorb it. >> Sure. Sure. Absolutely. >> I would I would suggest that >> once the three of us have kind of gone through it. Do >> you have any questions and say we may
have some questions, >> right? >> Yeah, sounds good. Thank you. >> Thank you. I have a >> Oh, wait. I got ahead of uh oh, let's cheer. >> Uh I have a question about um so we're like
are we dissolved uh at the at the time? I mean we don't really have >> you're not dissolved in any way. But I mean, what are we going to be continuing to meet for if we already presented and we're just waiting for you to get
>> you're going to have to follow like I have to with the door any new things that come up. Remember, they set up a pattern. All right? Like like you have the six steps,
okay? And that's going to change. they this doesn't stop. Yeah. I mean, you made a good presentation, but you're going to have to keep your your ears open for any changes that come because they are going to come.
>> But I mean, I want to be clear. What you're saying though, for my own sake, what you're saying though is that you're asking does the town feel that this is of uh an initiative that we want to start
supporting and put together a town committee, right, >> to focus on this and they would be the ones that would keep up with everything. >> You guys have done your due diligence. >> I mean, we may or may not be part of
that. That's right. Committee can be hosted a lot of different but what I'm wondering is now um that our what we were supposed to do was to look into this and then make the
presentation to you and then you would consider whether you wanted to go >> right and I don't feel comfortable making decision one way or the other until I absorb it right I mean at the end of the day >> you guys know from one of the other types and you guys have a contact.
>> It falls in your court, folks. >> So, I just don't >> say that. >> I don't know if you're expecting us to continue to have meetings because I'm not sure what we would be meeting. >> Well, all we're at this point all we're
asking is that you keep your ear to the ground. >> You know, you know, you know the contacts. You have the contacts. All right. So if something comes up, you know, it it would be appreciated by us,
right? That you know, you you may remain in contact. You don't have to have a meeting that just kind of you're here to the ground because other than >> once you have your presentation, we can't dump it on the town administrator.
She's got a hands full now. that it's just a courtesy to to ask you to uh just keep your stuff up. >> Well, let me just say that you might want to keep in mind that there is certain opportunities to become a a climate leader community and there's
others. They have to like 21 20 or so. I think there's another batch from the what's the next day? >> I it might be the end of the year when they >> so there might be another opportunity. So there's going to be competition for the money. So >> now >> this I have one question because the in
fact the town already has an energy committee right to deal with the commercial solar so forth. So that that potentially could be >> potentially they they already have they're overwhelmed work right now. >> Yeah. Well, I can I can imagine they're
saying you already have an question would be whether you want to create another in which case you have to officially appoint. >> It's really whether or not town you know again board has to look at this a little
deeper just to understand it more. It's been a while since we discussed it. Um, and if we have further questions, I would want to be able to wrap back around and have you guys come in and answer those questions for us. That would be the next step. I think
>> there's one more time that I want to say um and that is it is um the document about town concerns regarding CLC stacks that's in your folder. At the end of that, there's an appendix A
and it uh takes you to the Ashfield um PDF file and it shows every step that they took all like what you were talking about TJ all the town meetings and the articles in the p if you want to understand what they had to go through
>> that would be the >> the one to look at. It's just it was 24 pages long so I didn't want to tune it out for everybody. I don't blame you. >> I didn't know the towns in the in Massachusetts are currently under this. I mean, the green community a big push.
>> How many towns? >> 19 right now, but a lot more that are looking to gain that designation >> and similar. So, I sent Asheville, Bellum, Burough, those three that's just about us.
>> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much all. >> Thank you. for sure. >> Okay. All right. We're going to do we're going to skip over uh the library director discussion just for a moment and to the EOB
grant reallocation contract amendment uh with the water department. Yeah. >> Thank you. All right. Sorry. Sorry. >> All right.
You want to just quick update us again and what this is? >> Sure. So, the the town has a grant current grant from the executive office of economic development for rural development uh for $350,000
water department to do uh three projects. design of a water storage tank, design of a booster pump station, and some water main design and construction. Uh, and
a fiscal year 25 contract from the Commonwealth to to do this work. Uh, my name is Mike McManus with Right Pierce. We're currently underway with the uh design of the storage tank and the rooster pump station. Rooster Pump
Station also has the design of uh the water mane replacement. Um but that the you know so of the $350,000 grant $125,000 was allocated for construction of the
water. It's not likely going to happen this fiscal year. Um and there was another grant application to the rural
development um that for next fiscal year that was denied which was for replacements construction of replacement construction of a new ozone treatment system after water treatment. >> Yeah. Right. It's part of the consent
the free consent order that the town is under uh from D. Uh so and but as part of that uh supposed to be your 26 uh grant, the town did get $80,000 to
design a new raw water inlet, which is also part of that uh D consent order. Um, so we collectively spoke with rural development with EOED and said there's this portion of the fiscal year 25 grant
that might not get spent and so that it doesn't get lost, could the town reallocate that to the design of the ozone treatment system? They said it sounds uh it sounds reasonable within the the contract and framework of the
initial grant. Um, so there is a contract amendment request form that they uh they want the town to submit to as to take that $125,000
grant and reallocated to ozone design. Um, but also part of that would be design and construction of uh an inlet screener. um the basket strainer if you remember that. >> Yeah, >> that pool filter basket strainer. Uh
that would also be included which was also part of the consent order. >> So if the town does this, it goes into the state uh the state approve it. Um if there would be revisions to the contract
will be to sign and then uh the tax move forward with design to meet all of D's consent order requirements. >> We get a copy of the consent order. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yes. >> Um
>> and we did so we also had a meeting with D recently where we gave them an update. Um and uh so the consent order is an administrative consent order. Right now it's like these are the things you have to do. There are penalties associated
with the administrative consent order. >> Um I think it was 10 there were 10 items done seven almost done seven. The seventh uh would be completion of the state project that's that's undergoing.
Um but D at this point is saying you're showing good progress. We're going to put uh milestone dates for those remaining three items and they'll finalize a consent order. >> We um okay for this let's just we'll
just go ahead and do this one now. Um >> all right. So I make a motion to approve this reallocation of contract amendment. Second. >> Any discussion? >> All approve.
>> Hi. >> Um, couple things. If still owes Sarah, our treasurer, the information of how much more needs to be done on the state project so we don't understand the finances on
that. >> Did you need to sign? >> He did. >> Oh, did Okay. Um, and this is just for the design phase, right? And when you talk to D, did they say anything about moving the grant that
we wanted the ozone? >> So, the design will give you a good price and the the goal is to have it done before the next grant cycle. >> Okay. >> So that you can put that price in the grant.
Yeah, we didn't have a very accurate price of what was part of the problem. >> Okay. >> Right. >> Okay. We're all set. Now, do you get this back or do you get this back? >> Um, Jasmine sub. >> All right. Anything else you guys? No.
>> Thank you. Thanks. That's you. Okay. So, we're gonna move back to the library. >> Yes. Uh, next up is the library director, Nicole, to give an update on the library expansion project.
>> So, okay, Nicole. >> Hi. Hi. So um I just wanted to give a quick update about where we are on the expansion project. As you know we submitted our plans the MBLC midocctober and they were reviewed by their independent consultants and given back
to us with no changes. Um so we are green to go from the MDLC for that project as it is designed. Um we were the first community to submit that uh by months which is really wonderful. So we've come in quite ahead of schedule um even for our own schedule, not even the
state schedule. So we are um in a really good position with that. And then we had to uh to work with the architect on creating a budget with the independent reviewer um for like the estimating costs amy which is a company that they
hired to do the budget work. Um we went through many iterations of this budget based on reviews that we did along the way. So, I went through all 24 26 pages of the budget line by line to make sure that every single thing was something
that the library needed to have um was appropriate for the scale of what we were doing and was also um priced the best it could be. And after tearing through the budget, they had to resubmit it because we took out and altered quite a few things that um just didn't need to
be there. They were like key boxes, mats, things that just were not essential for the library project. Um, so they resubmitted it, gave it back to us. We went through it multiple times again and then um had it to a point where we knew that the budget would um
accommodate all of the needs of the library has in uh money set aside for um cost escalation over the timeline of this project, which right now is in about two years from now when it will be completed. Um, and also contingencies that are set at the standard amount for
the trade, which is 5% for an owner's contingency and 10% for design contingencies. So, if there's something that we weren't able to foresee, that money is there for us to be able to use it. Um, out of the amount of money that we uh had the the budget bring for, you
just pull out the exact number so I can make sure I'm giving you the right ones. Um the state covers 75% of eligible building costs. Um that 75%
came out to being uh 5,479,539. Um so that is a pretty huge amount that the state is going to grant to us. We do not it's not a competitive grant at this point. They guaranteed that we would be given this money if we pass the design phase and if our community accepts it at
a town vote. So we are guaranteed to get this funding in this amount if the counts people of Lambert vote for it at the special town meeting week that we hope to be having on December 9th. Um that money you know obviously doesn't cover the entire cost. is 75% leaving
the remainder for our community to cover at 1,166 or 166,622. So the number is 1 comma166 comma 622. So because of the amazing work that Dr.
Hopson has done over the last year ensuring that the town is well positioned for this because we were able to come up with a building that was um within the scope of what we had initially set out to do for the budget. Um the town is now in a position where
there is no estimated tax increase for any residents for this project to be fully funded. Um no tax increase whatsoever. So initially Dr. perhaps had been planning on this and had planned for a number slightly higher than that. The reason that we have a number even
lower is because of some unexpected generosity to our community and to our library specifically. Um Sar Robbins and Sally Robbins um previously had been generous with the library and given notice an amount of
trust funds to the library years ago when Sally passed away. when Summer passed away in um I think it was July of 2024, June. Oh, it was April. I'm so sorry. Or April of 2024. Um he left in
his trust, just recently found this out. Um about $890,000 that he specifically wrote in there to be used for the Porter Memorial Library expansion project. >> Wow. >> It's amazing. Yes, it is absolutely
amazing. Um, every time I say it, I've just I can't even I can't even process it. >> So, >> yes, sir. >> That generosity is what brought down the town's portion of this project to the 1,166,62.
Um, it covered almost half of the town's portion, which is just unbelievable. Um, so we are in deep deep gratitude to Son and S Robbins. >> We'll put his name somewhere. >> The trustees were thinking the Sally and
Sar Robbins community room. >> Yeah. >> Because that seemed fitting for his role in Bford and his love of the library and the community that the library has supported. >> That's wonderful. >> Isn't that amazing? >> Yes. So, we um so now we have we have a
building design that the MBLC has approved of that was created by the community and by our talented team. Um we have the funding lined up from the MBLC and this $5.5 million grant. Uh we have $890,000 from Sunner. The trustees
have generously given another $10,000 to this project from their funding. So now it's $900,000 from um trustee and and Sun Robbins trust funding. and the town is on the book for an amount that will not
increase taxes at all. So, uh that that was my mission today to come here and tell you that. Um but if you have any questions >> Oh. Oh, yes. Yes. I'm so sorry. Thank you, Christina. I'm so excited to be able to chase. We have the warrant for your signing and approval. This was
created by Dave Hopson, read over by council, approved by legal >> by our legal bond council as it's been. Do you want me to read the warrant or would you like to just read it so that you can see all of the glorious legal? >> Yeah, we'll record it. >> Okay.
>> So, we have like a blowout of the financials on this like a real Dave. I know you do. >> I I know if you talk to Treasury and stuff too or anything like that. >> Christina and I talked to s today.
>> Okay. I can estimate and that's all we can do at this point has been on the bids but the actual final cost will be nor do we know timing when we'll have estimation is in
fiscal 27 we'll have borrows money and that reason is because SBA reimburses on a fiveyear four year schedule. So we're our building
on ahead of schedule. So we'll need to pay money ahead of time from state. So we'll be all said done. If not, if we
continue as continue to put $185,000 in stabilization for the next several years, >> we'll be in really decent shape. The question will be how much we have to borrow borrow that what final amount is that bond and talking with Sarah
Christina today may not even want to bond that amount. You may want to just continue that payment off done with it and bonded because that would allow us to have more reserve or other things that we have. >> Right. I was just going to say that same thing
>> like fire department this building roof on gateway buildings right other stuff that has capital. So we did talk about getting the appropriate paperwork done and in decent shape. So the real
question becomes when we all know that money, how we how we temporarily borrow that money and one of the things that Sarah said today was if we have this amount of money from do we use that when do we use that to
pay down and at this point it looks like you could potentially invest that money at a higher rate paying borrow money so it' be better off invest that money and pay it off at the end But those are all things that happen as
you go through the process. So as said next step next next week they'll do anformational session then you sign today it's supposed to tomorrow be the night that meeting and the warrant is to to
authorize up $7.5 million borrowing but we'll come nowhere near that. >> Um so we just need to make sure we explain to people how first >> that that even though the warrant is written for that 7.5 million they're not
that's not what the town pay >> I understand it >> we just need to make sure that >> are you going to go through all that at the town meeting and >> thank goodness >> we'll go through on the information session and then if there are specific question I'm sure
>> thank you so much for your support through this whole process thank you for your hard work >> yes incredible stuff >> the team did a fantastic job this project >> really >> we are so grateful you're looking to take out
>> I when I have wrapped my mind >> around I hope something >> when this goes to >> I more than happy when the library project is well underway and things have been checked off the list off the plate
I I feel like it is the least I can do for the community plan for to help with the fire department at any way possible experience I've gained this project. So, we signed already, but I didn't do a motion. >> A motion to approve. >> My motion to approve
>> for in the amount of >> I don't have to. Is this >> It is on the sheet that it was just taken. Mary said we don't need a motion. >> 7.5 mil. >> I can actually give you right now. Hold on. I've got this number right here. 7,546,161.
So 75 to approve $7,546,161 for >> the library project. >> Second. >> Any questions? >> No. >> Okay. All approved. I
>> Thank you so much. Thank you very much. Thank you. >> Mr. Sun saved the day. >> Oh, he's great guy. >> Did you ever put that on?
>> I don't think so. What's next on the agenda? >> We're waiting for the town administrator because she wants to request approval for a couple of things. Yeah, we got approved the uh special town meeting.
>> That was it. >> Just that was it. >> That's it. >> That was it. >> Any public comment? We can do that now before she comes back. No. >> That was it. And uh I think
>> I am so confused >> my entire life. >> Okay. >> You want to talk about the next step is uh request authorization for funding. >> So yeah, so that's actually appears twice on here under new business and under town administrator. So let's just
skip right to town. >> Okay. Oh yeah, we're talking. >> Okay. So, I've had several meetings with both conservation and planning. And as everybody knows, there was a vote to
approve up uh $200,000 to go towards the uh efforts of the revision of our bylaws and everything to do with the sighting solar and large energy projects and plan. So I'm requesting that the select board make two motions tonight. The
first motion uh would be that the select board vote to authorize the planning board to access an additional 30,000 from the previously approved 200,000 set aside under article 4 of the special town meeting which requires select board
approval for any expenditures. And this 30,000 will support the planning board in conjunction with the energy project sighting and engagement committee in addressing pending and future commercial solar battery energy storage applications. So it's for the planning
board to have this funding available for them to go out to seek outside professional services for the revision and updating of our bylaws. I go ahead to approve >> I motion to approve the $30,000 to come
out from that account of $200,000 in support of the planning board and >> any questions. Okay, last >> all in favor. So the second request uh is I was trying
to work in a way that I could have administrative support for both planning and conservation under the umbrella of the conservation agent role that we already have established. That didn't work out. So the other option is we take a number at your discretion. I would say
anywhere between 10 and 15,000 again from that 20. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> For the planning board to go and seek outside uh administrative services >> from that 200 >> from that 200. Yep. Sorry. >> Right. >> Um so that they can get what they need for administrative support for the time
being. But the caveat I don't know moving forward when we do budget season if you guys want to consider an administrative support position for planning, but right now we can't do that. So my recommendation is that money come from that 200,000 so that planning
can get the services they need. >> Now just question what where are they uh looking to get information for the bylaw? >> I don't know that's the planning board
would have to speak to their >> point of order. You already voted on planning board. You're not discussing. >> No, we're still talking about planning. >> For planning, right? And then so the next for the >> for the for the outside services, they're both for planning. Both of these
are for planning. Conservation already has their >> their money. Um where are they going? I don't know. It's up to them. It's up to their discretion. They can use PVPC. As far as administrative services and support, I don't think that's a huge role that's giving away too much control
to another company to make decisions. Uh so I think for the administrative support, I think it makes sense for them to reach out to PVPC for administrative support. >> As far as their outside professional services who they seek, >> again, I would defer to planning board. I
>> okay >> for them to make that decision on their own, but they're working in conjunction with the next step. Okay. So, >> so the motion is to vote to take an additional 15,000
for supporting the planning board with an administrative role until the new season. >> I would say it's the end of the moratorum. >> End the moratorum. >> Yeah. >> Well,
>> up to you. It's up to you guys. Yes. >> I would rather I would rather >> until the money is expended. >> Right. Until the money's expended. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. Uh I motion to approve the 15,000 rather than 200,000.
Any questions? >> No second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I You're going to send that on. Um, yeah, >> that's it. >> Well, there was a couple other things on
that about them. If anybody signs up for the notices for that the Department of Public Utilities sends out, you will have noticed that a uh notice of filing public hearing and request for comments was sent. This is not specific to BL.
This is >> the DPU reviewing Eversource's three-year energy plan term report. Um, it's not specific to Glamford in any way, but irregardless of that, I did uh
draft public comment to submit to the DPU. Um, >> this is basically grading ever. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, I will be sending this if you want me to I don't know if you want me to read it, but it'll be
available on our website as well. >> And then just a general update, some of the things that uh I you've talked about in the recent couple weeks, one of which was the unregistered motor vehicles. I just want
to get everybody on the same page. We do not have the necessary statutory language for us to issue noncriminal disposition fines for unregistered motor vehicles. Can't do it. So >> why is that?
>> Because you never adopted the bylaw language. The bylaw as it stands right now does not have the language necessary for noncriminal disposition fines to be issued. >> That's another bylaw. >> We also don't have the bylaw that would allow you to attach it to taxes either.
So number one, you can't issue the fine in the first place in a noncriminal disposition matter for for this, right? You can issue it for snow and ice removal because it's in the snow and ice removal bylaw. The language necessary is
represented there. It's also represented in the consumption of marijuana. um that bylaws where the language that's necessary to issue a noncriminal fine is in that that language is in that bylaw is absent from the bylaw of unregistered motor vehicles.
>> So how do we get rid of them? >> Well, what you can do is you can adopt the language in an a future meeting so that you can issue these noncriminal disposition fines. But right now the only way to remedy it is you would have to take the
district court order. >> So I just wanted to get everybody on the same page that so right now we can't issue fines. I have spoken directly with Jason. He is aware of it. Um tax classification hearing and
setting the tax rate. Dave, can I bother you for a second for Okay. Uh, we were sent a list of dates to pick from, >> right? >> For the classification hearing. Do you think December 1st is too soon? >> No.
>> No. Uh, if it's okay with the board um during our December 1st select word meeting, we will also hold the tax classification hearing. >> Okay. >> No, it's not. takes about five minutes to tell you that there's really no
difference in classified. >> Okay. >> I did have somebody so I I sent out I'm moving on now subject. Sorry. Um I sent out three requests for quotes to vendors on state contract for a roof assessment
>> um and quotes for repairs. On Friday, John Hoppy met with the only person who replied to my request for quotes, which was Rockwell Roofing. And their general consensus, I haven't got anything in writing yet, but their general consensus is you need a whole
new roof and the skylights need to come out. Moving right along. I will wait until I get back something in writing to give to you guys, but I did say to them in reply. I understand that the general uh census here is that
the whole new roof needs to be replaced. With that being said, are there any repairs that you can suggest that maybe get us five more years so that we can start putting money away towards a new roof? or are there other more innovative
uh ways to address our problems? He said that there are some fixes. He can't guarantee how long they would last us, but I don't have that information. It's not worth >> getting into a big discussion right now. >> Fix. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, that's what I did ask. I did
ask, is there a way that you can do like some short-term repairs just to get us through? he did say. So, he's going to come back to me with some more information, but when I and when I have that information, I'll give it to you guys. But I think it was important to let you guys know that um overall needs
new roof and uh the skylights, I guess, are a problem. >> I don't know why they ever have to jump in. >> I think a flat roof in New England is insane. Um but who am I? Uh I think for now to keep things
succinct that's where I'll call it a day but and then you have to I know you have to motion to close the meeting not to reopen motion to enter into executive session.
>> Oh wait is there public comment already asked. Oh, sorry. >> Motion to move into executive I have a motion to move into executive session. Executive session pursuant to GLC 30A section 2183
to discuss strategy with respect to litigation if an open meeting may have detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the chair. So declares 282 >> not to note >> not to recate.
>> Second. >> Now you have to do a roll call. >> Roll call. Roll call in. >> Roll call. >> Yeah. >> Roll call as it relates to >> uh you just say roll call in. Jackie Curry. Yes. >> Okay.
>> Cara's absent. and carries. >> Thank you. >> There you go. >> And You're not recorded, right? >> No. >> It is. It's freezing.
>> Really? So,