Thank you. >> Every audio. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, and the bell to six o'clock. Yeah. Isn't that a movie? >> Yeah.
Slide board meeting begins at 6 o'clock on April 6 and we'll begin with the discussion or we begin the meeting with ask
>> oh is it is the meeting being recorded? >> Yes. >> Okay. Go ahead teacher to the flag of the United States of America and to the standy
and justice for all >> also it's the first Monday I can come up so uh I suggested we have a moment of silence for our service people
um as we are in the throws of a lot of stuff going on in the world right now. So just take a moment of silence please >> um I am one of the things that the art ask who's on the phone >> um who this small please.
>> If you have been muted they can't really mute >> on purpose anyway they just jump >> um so we'll be doing that on a regular basis too. Is there anybody else on the house?
Um, one thing I failed to do the first day that I took chair and I was like because I was so nervous about taking chairs, frankly, um, is to thank Cara for all the years that you have sat in the chair. I'm now noticing the work
that it takes to sit in the chair. Um so uh thank um so all right so first thing we're going to do is review and approve the minutes from January 6 20126
I think both of you have done that sign the minutes so there second >> any questions f >> I >> I >> um the second is on The action items review and approve warrant number 20
payroll for payment. Uh >> make a motion to you want to do it in the buffalo. >> Sure. >> Make motion to A, B, and C on the second.
>> Okay. 20 for payable payment, wired accounts payable for payment and accounts payable for payment. >> I'll second I do want to look through. >> Yeah, why don't we do that? Let's look through them and then we will uh see if
there's any questions. Did you see? >> Okay, now that's Okay. You take 30 step toward the water. Yeah. I'm hoping that's it. Yeah. You know, that last time they were in here was supposed to be the last of the bills,
but I saw something else come in and I'm like, what is that? >> No city was going to get back to us. >> Nothing. and then the state. >> Yep. Um so we just need so we have the motion
to second. All in favor? All in favor? Hi. Hi. Next thing up is uh we have a resignation here from it's trustee resignation from the Port of Memorial Library
trustees. Uh resignation from Charles Chuck Benson. Um he was on there for how many years? well over this. >> We the trustees need to meet
concurrently with you to appoint as the new trustee. >> And is not here. >> Okay. >> Who is this? >> Trustee. I sent him a text. Where is it?
Uh, so we do you want us to >> I mean just we do it at the end. >> Okay. >> If not, we could do it next year. >> If not, we could maybe >> we could make our vote contingent upon the vote on the trustees. You're saying
we need all of our votes. >> Yes. >> Maybe we could vote on your acceptance. >> Okay. And then you could when you meet you both separately. Do you think that would work if he doesn't show up otherwise? >> It's a long stretch. Let's see where he
is. >> Okay. >> Okay. All right. So, we'll just put it aside. >> Yeah. We'll just put it aside and we'll see. All right. So to further review, Ray Jose,
we're going to discuss the feedback for the personel housing for everybody. This is an update. Um the guys, you know, were in here last time, the entire team. Um we couldn't
get through all of their grievances regarding snail policy. So I set up a separate meeting just to hear what they had to say, made notes on what they had to say. Read those notes so I misspoke. Could you move that mic up a
little bit so >> don't I don't know why it's not very loud. >> It's unplugged on the back side. >> Oh, is it? >> Plug in the mic. >> Very good. Is that good? >> There we go. >> Thank you.
nicest thing when I should start now. Um, so anyway, the the highway team had been in here, the department had been in here and talked about personnel policy, um, and the changes that were made on it
and had some concerns. So, I took the time to meet with the team, you know, on our behalf and just got them feedback. We didn't make any commitments or anything. the community that understand more thoroughly what the challenges were and um bringing that forth to the board
to you know review what their challenges were and determine the way forward. Um so why don't we just start where you know start at the top on some of those things. Uh okay. So the first thing on the list was
the concern around the CDL licensing. Um, I don't have the personnel policy in front of me, but I think what we did is we originally said that we would pay a third two3 >> 23 23, which was around $4,000.
>> Yeah. And that over the course of the next couple years after that, we would pay a portion. >> Is that right? >> They they were supposed to come up. They weren't supposed to come up and they pay
a third and we pay two. >> Okay. So, the team did not agree. It was a $6,000 cap what we put on it. I have my notes here now. I'm sorry. Um, and the total cost that Ry investigated when I was there. He called them and he said
the total cost was 7,900. The team feels very strongly that town should be paying 100% of the licensing. So that's the first thing. >> What's your thoughts or
>> the board? Okay. >> I already know those. >> Yeah, I mean I remember that we deliberate on this for quite a while trying both town and trying toain them but not
um lose them after they got their certificate. And I think after research what other towns did the two and the reason that we were doing it on the schedule that we had made because we
wanted to make sure you know having kids there was hard pay back for all of it. Uh my thought is we're investing in them. They're not willing to invest in themselves. That
raises my concern. Uh I I have with CDL. I I just gave it up. But I had to pay for all the endorsements and everything and the employer never contributed anything. But I just got a better pay.
>> Yes. Uh now to to help solve this problem, we could pay a third up front. They pay the middle, we pay it again. But I I don't believe we should be paying the whole
boat because uh we've already been burned once. All right. And uh I don't think that because once once they got their CDL and they get an offer, they're gone. There's nothing to hold up. No
paperwork, nothing. It's their choice. >> So if they're not willing to invest in themselves, I think they should work for job. >> I mean, when I think about my career, I have to get my masters for $50,000. I have to pay for it. If after five years
I'm still working then I'm eligible. >> Yeah. >> So it's but in the meantime I'm paying interest. So I I don't know it's similar sort of >> well last year when you know we're hiring these guys. I went to uh two
different driving schools. I found out what was the best option and they have uh a payment plan. they have uh a flexible uh hours for teaching and that and
you know I did a lot of running around and I think this is more than fair and when you look at it all the overtime these guys got this winter if they didn't put anything aside to help them get their CDLs well shame on them.
I I I I sound like a stinker, but I'll stink. Just, you know, you got to invest in yourself. If you're not willing to invest in yourselves, better find another job. >> It's got to be a hard find.
>> I mean, do we need to vote on it or >> you would vote if we wanted to change? >> Do you have any questions on that, B? >> No, just the only thing is don't I wouldn't say shame on them, TJ. honestly like they just
circumstances happen, you know. I'm not arguing with you, you know. Yeah, he could do that, but these guys work hard for the town and >> I wouldn't shame them because they >> No, I it's shame on them for not wanting to invest in themselves. >> Yeah. >> I mean, they got a good job. They got a
good opportunity. >> And uh you know, if you don't work for something, you don't respect it. So I think they they should they should be able to talk and as you know you look at the schedule there's a lots of way
that they can put up their onethird you know there's a payment plan for everything. >> Okay. All right. Um, the other thing the team wanted to know is if they were to go and
get their CDL, they could get, my understanding was that they could get that CDL within a month if they went fulltime. Okay. >> So, they would like to see us allow them to go to get the CDL fulltime and pay them.
>> I think we talked about that. >> Work. >> Yeah. >> No, no, it would be. So it would be like staggered shifts that that you there would be no way I'd be able to do that or the town would be able like we got so much work ahead of us. So obviously it
would be one individual at one time, you know, and then move down the line from there if that was a scenario that we would end up. >> Okay, let me ask you this. Uh the day classes I forget I don't have schedule.
Um, the classes are 8 hours or are they six? >> They they they start at 7 to like 2. >> Yeah. >> 3:00 depending on the time. But when we
sat down and talked, everyone was even in agreeance. It we wouldn't be doing like uh if it did end up going over an eight hour day, we wouldn't be paying the overtime. No, it would just be straight eight hours. >> Sorry, you got stuck in traffic. That's,
you know, that's on you. You know, if that's what you're asking, that's that's >> Can I wasn't here last, >> but I apologize. So, I missed the conversation. I just want to make sure that >> we didn't really >> No. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> So, is the ask, >> just so that we're clear, and I'm not trying to phrase this in any sort of way, but is the ask from from the highway department that the town pay in full for the CDL and pay for us for for
them to go to take the class? You want us to get both? >> That was my that was my understanding what the guys were asking. I >> I just Yeah. >> I mean that's a right you add up you
know whether they're here it's still money out the door for something that wasn't done just the work itself. So so we talked about this when we were >> we did >> we decided at that point we decided that
>> right >> that they had to be on their own. I think the the biggest challenge was that one individual works two jobs because this job is fulfill everything for them financially. So they couldn't go but during the day or during Yeah. during
the day. >> I I forget was last year but um after they they complete the course the school brings them to the test. they can do weekend classes.
>> The timeline stretched out. So that's when we were speaking, we just were trying to see the the soonest >> fulltime class day are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is United Tractor Trailer just as
>> uh CDLA evening classes are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. >> How many How many evenings? one. It's this this one starts there one that starts Monday, April 13th. They both start Monday, April 15th. >> There's only one evening that it goes
>> once a week or >> it has to be by the month. So they tell you by the month. >> Okay. So it's one >> So this is April 2026. It says Monday, April 13, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tracker trailer driving program days
begins April 13, 2026. and CDL evening class starts at 5:30 p.m. April 13th and then May the fulltime days starts May 116. So you can start every month >> and there's night day and weekend.
>> Do they have a timeline on that or >> like for how long the class? >> Yeah, because there's a certain amount of hours you got to end up doing. >> Right. So there's parttime and there's fulltime. So fulltime is the daytime class, parttime is the nighttime class. Obviously, the full-time class goes quicker. Um,
>> the duration of the timeline >> weekend class it's I don't know how how long. >> Well, I think and that's something you guys can figure out. I mean, at the end of the day, I think the concern that we talked about before was if you pay for the CDL 100% that's $7,900, $8,000. You
pay for them to go fulltime for a month's time. Every one of them multiply whatever they make times four weeks. That's how much more money to tell invest. And then um what's the third thing? Third thing oh the third thing is
the day after they get their CDL they get almost a $10 raise. So it's you know as representatives of the town we just don't think that it's a viable solution because of the challenges of folks getting what they
get and then moving on. And you can't commit somebody to stay in a job. >> $10 is pretty high. When I crunched numbers after we left, >> $958 something like that. >> Just the CDO from what everyone's at
right now, >> right? >> Would come up. >> You went through the chart the other day with me. >> I know, >> right? And they're going from I have the chart right in front of me. >> They're making 20. >> They're like 27 26. It would
bring them up to 3350, >> right? >> So that's I'm just saying it's not $10. >> It's still a significant amount of money. The day after they get their CDL, they start getting paid or once they test, right?
>> So I mean, as representatives of the residents, we're saying that financially not a smart thing to do. Um, if there was a way to tie them down to commitment to the town, that's one thing. But you
haven't had that experience and you could say, "Hey, you have to sign up for three years." Doesn't mean that they won't leave anyway. And then you can't get the money. >> Let's hope that no one leaves. That's I treat as good as I could. And >> I got to admit, the residents really
embrace these guys when we're out working. >> Understand? >> They do love the community. So, they love what they do. Honestly, so that's the only thing we can do. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, we're all in agreement that we're going to leave the policy as is. >> Correct.
>> Yeah. >> Um in that policy, they have to pay for materials, which is about $150 for them to do that. And um I can't remember, did we pay for the test or
they may have paid for the test? They paid for the test. Yeah, it was 150 that >> Yeah, >> I think I know what physical. No, no, we're talking about we're talking about the CDL stuff still. There's >> you need a mass. >> They got to have a mass DOT physical to
even run a shovel here at the highway department, >> right? But I was just letting her know that we the physical, not >> right at anywhere. a a question. Once they have their CDL, they're subject to drug testing
>> uh federally. Yeah. >> Yeah. So that that has to be taken in. >> I think every I I think every CDL holder >> Well, yeah. Every CDL No, I'm just saying right now. >> So they have to pay for their drug testing, too. You're saying is that what
I I don't No. When once they have their CDL, their subject under law to be drug tested once a year. >> Yes. >> At least. So, what actually what typically happens is it's a randomized drug test where somebody from the safety
uh department, right, we don't really do. Um so, somebody from there, they have an envelope, right, of everybody who has a CDL that works for the city or the town. They pick a name at random. Okay. That day when that person shows up to work, you have to report immediately
to used a company in Springfield, but like a drug testing company immediately. You have to go directly there. >> Yep. >> If you don't pass or like if you don't go, then there's obviously a problem that they understand.
>> I mean, our responsibility of course >> and we we do pay for that. The town the town would pay for it. >> It wouldn't be the town requirement. >> Yeah. >> Well, yeah.
>> And usually after the drug test, if they pass, there's not problem. If they don't pass, they have a certain amount of time to pass test. >> And if not, then it's an automatic. >> Yeah.
I'll be honest with you, I'm surprised just by someone sitting here that they are already subject to that. They're they're handling heavy equipment. >> Well, they are, but they're under under the state law. Way I
understand it, it CDL that determines. I mean like the town could request uh short tests once a year or whatever because they are working on on equipment but once the CTL is passed then it's
required you had a question like >> I was just saying I'd be willing to be flexible on the um pay for the test um andor materials. >> This is a test like How much is the test when they when they
completed the course? How much is the test? >> $150 every every course or every >> endorse. >> No, not every endorsement. Every uh >> scheduled road like the road test, the
INC cab. >> So if you fail it, you have to take it again. >> Yeah. 150. If you can get everything done in the timeline of doing your INC cab uh you know procedures and then doing your driving time, you're good. But >> yeah, >> sometimes people get the INC cab the walkound completed and then they got to
go back, they get signed off on that, then they end up they they don't fit the whole test at one >> 150 you get up to six times. >> No, no. I mean, it sounds like there's multiple things they have to do, right? >> Yeah. >> Is it 150 for all those multiples? quick
enough and proficient enough to be able to get what you need to be get completed in. >> Yeah, >> you can. Then >> as long as you have enough time to do road test at the end. >> Yep. >> With the trooper, then you can pay for the first test,
>> right? If they fail the test, you would pay for the first Are you allowed to pay for the test through the course? >> I thought it was part of the course, but if it isn't, then uh yeah, one one is part of the course. The first >> first one's part of the course.
>> So we are paying for the test. >> No part of the course. They can't take the road test. So that's one guaranteed. So >> they have to do their EL training. They got to do the classroom. >> They were given
good. So then we could What about How are your feelings about paying for the 150 materials? I'm okay. >> I'm okay with that. >> So, you want to vote on it? >> Yeah. >> Um, so adding to the personnel policy,
>> adding to the personnel policy, >> be um paying for the purchase of materials the beginning, >> you will pay for the purchase of materials at the beginning of the course. And we would say up to not >> up to not exceeding. I think the
materials when you end up signing up, you get all that course materials if that's what you're saying. I >> Yeah, I had I had here that they had say pay study materials for up to $150 >> study materials. >> Yeah, like books.
>> Well, we get most of that, but if there's something extra, then we'll pick up that if it's not covered by the court. That's basically what we're saying. >> Yeah, >> this is what they said. know there's something else you can come back to us.
>> I remember when I took my CDL >> and I got a practice book, you know, that was >> 40 bucks at Barnes & Noble. It was something. >> So on that and if you come back and say yes, there is a fee then.
>> Let me know though so I can get it at. >> Okay. other licensing policy does not pay for any other renewal fees associated with licensing to the job and I think we spoke about three licenses that they may that they would get $75
each total would be $225 that we get >> and that's yearly or >> I think so >> every two years our hoisting licenses need renewal now it takes about four to probably four hours of continuing education you sit at home on a computer
four to five hours. You do all these courses. You end up taking a test at the end and then you end up getting your SER and then you're set. You got your continuing education done. >> That's every two years. >> Every two years for wasting licenses.
>> There's three licenses, right? >> If you end up So the 1C if you took it in December and two years in December, you got to take it over take a continuing education on it. It's >> that's one license. Let's say you have the other two, the 4G and the 1C.
>> Okay. >> You jumped it around throughout the year instead of bundling all in one. Yes, they are going to be okay. >> In different times because it goes by the two years. >> Yep. >> You know, for the renewal. So, >> no. Let me ask you this. Are they required once they got their CDL,
>> are they required to have hazmat for handling uh wood products? >> Additional endorsement. No, it's an additional endorsement, but we're kind of excluded being municipality. We're not hauling, >> you know, we're not hauling over the
capacity of diesel fuel and stuff like that. >> No, I was worried about the cabin thing. >> Yeah. >> You know, but you got your class B, class A covered, but hazmat is an endorsement. But >> if you're not carrying the quantity
commercially, then >> I think you're covered under the >> Okay. So, do we want to come back and do we want to pay for the renewal of the licensing? >> Yeah. >> For those three is the CDL renewable
also. Yes. driver's license, CDL like I would just >> CDL >> a regular driver's license is required for your driver >> you gave me that's >> right >> but I'm just saying somebody has a regular driver's license we're not going
to pay that >> no >> okay >> no once they get their CDL the uh class D license >> yeah so the so the licenses CDL They all have to be renewed. That's just
like a regular driver license. >> Uh 75, no 90 because I just did mine and it was denied. So it was 90 $90. >> Learner's permit application is 30. The CDL endorsement fee with CDL permit
application is $10. CDL endorsement fee if taken on a different day than the application. So, different transaction is $30. >> So, are you talking about license renewal for CDL? >> The fees that are listed on the
mass.gov. Uh, >> it was $90. >> Yeah, I was going to say >> it's not $10. >> Mine was 90 bucks. >> I just did mine. >> I even submitted my paperwork and it was denied. It was $90 from the R&B.
>> Now, endorsements are >> those also have to be on there also. Like if you get an endorsement, you have an endorsement for showers. >> That's an additional >> looking for tankers.
Each endorsement is another $30, but we're not >> we're open to paying the license renewals. So, all we really need to know is what are those licenses and what's the cost of those licenses. Um, so again that would be a policy
change. Okay. So if you bring those in Monday, we can update the policy. >> Okay. >> Back in summer of 2025, I put together whole step by step. >> I'll send it out. >> I remember it.
>> I saw it. No, you don't need to. That's okay. >> Find it. >> Yes. I'm looking right. >> Except driver's license, >> right? No driver's license. Okay. Okay. So,
>> you got to vote that again. So, >> do you want to wait until we know the prices or do it now? >> Yeah, let's wait till we know what they are. >> I'll get it I'll get it together for you. >> Okay. >> And specifically what >> Okay. All right. Classification
uh requirements for pay schedule. Um, I went through the pay schedule that we had given before and kind of just redid it with making it simplifying it as much as I could and I spent some time with
Ray. We went through it. Did you have questions since our discussion? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I did notice that we lost your So, usually on your on your payubs, it actually shows you your rate. That's disappeared now for some reason. So
things are happening on our payubs, but now things are starting to disappear like the rates that you end up getting paid. >> Not talking about that, but we could talk about that. >> Yeah. No, that's my most recent that I noticed you since we talked. >> I was talking about this. >> Oh, I thought you meant
>> No, no, I meant this. >> Okay. >> This is part of the personnel policy talked about. >> Yeah, I went over it with the guys this morning and explained it to them so they have an understanding of it. >> Okay, good. That's why when you said $10 for a race,
>> I was looking at the guys that are that have the 4G and the other three licenses and the pay wasn't 10. I was like, "Wait a minute." >> Off the record. $10 is off the record. Let's make sure that's clear. Off the record. >> Okay. So,
all right. So, you're good with this. The guys are good with this. Okay. Good. We'll put that back in policy. It really hasn't changed you guys that much. It's just more or less we're doing it by percentages. >> Yeah. >> Um
the teams. Yes. Let's talk about the statement because I did contact um Treasury office about that and they're investigating why you're not seeing the vacation time separate from illness, separate from personal. So they
they recognize it's something's going on. So they're investigating that. And now you're saying there's something else there that isn't right. They're not showing the pay rate. Yeah, it shows you what your hours work, but then it to shows your current amount total and then your yearly total, but doesn't show you
a rate of what you got paid, like what you were actually working. >> Did it before? >> Uh, we're talking three, four years ago, >> like the hourly rate. >> Yeah, that's not even there anymore. >> It just shows your hours worked and then here's a total.
>> I mean, obviously, it's a systemic problem. I mean, otherwise we just pray. I don't know. Is this normal? >> Anybody know? Is this normal? Is this like >> Look it up. So I don't know. I'm salary so I don't have an hour. >> Oh, that's right. >> Are you Are you talking about your payub
or I don't see I've never >> They even pointed out to me. I'm not going to open their payubs up. But >> yeah, >> they ended up sharing that with me and I said, "Really? I was surprised." >> Is this something recent or since they >> Well, no, it was going on a while.
>> Okay. >> Yes. And I make a suggestion that it's because Sarah has come forward with PAFs, personal action forms, that when somebody has an increase in their pay, it goes into the into Harpers and it goes into their file. And I guess the
guys know how much they're making per hour, right? Might be just the logistic of getting changing it every time. And now she's doing the PA. >> All right. I'll I'll reach out to the Okay. All right. Now, that that I think wraps
up everything that they said in that meeting. Um, is there anything else possibly that they brought up? Kind of wrapping it up. >> I think that pretty much covers it all. >> Okay. >> That the guys are
happy, >> right? We're glad the guys are happy. They're doing a great job. Um, Ray, I'm sending to you right now the CDL manual. It's actually free online >> on the mass.gov website. >> It's 192 pages. Um,
>> but I have it as a PDF and I'm just send it to you. >> Okay. >> Yeah, that was in the paper that I gave you. >> That you know when it gave you the >> came out to South Street. Yeah. >> Yeah. Then it gave you the website to go to.
So I'll find out the cost for the removals on the licensing >> except drivers regular plastic. >> Right. Right. Just tell me that way we can put it in the policy. So >> do that. >> All right. Um Ray, would you mind like
just sitting aside for a second and then I can do the library >> and that way they don't, you know, it'll just be a minute I'm sure. >> Right. Okay. So, Mary, what do I need to say?
>> I'll get you. >> Does everybody know Amy? >> Hi. >> How are you? >> Good. How are you? >> Good. >> I know Amy is the author. By and I would like to present Amy
Chuck for the remainder of his two years >> for the remainder of his two-year ter. >> All right. >> So we make a motion uh or we don't have to formally accept the resignation. because it's already
>> so we would just make a motion to um appoint um >> make sure make a motion to appoint >> Hagr um to um the position of library trustee for the remainder of Benson's term
>> for the position of library trustee for the remainder of Chuck Benson's term. We all >> in favor >> or any questions? >> Any questions? >> All in favor?
>> Great. Thank you. Thank you for doing that. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. You're coming in at the right time. >> Okay, now we're gonna circle back. Thanks you guys. Now, we're going to circle back, Ray. Um, and you know, we
talked a little bit last week giving some feedback thoughts, but we'll do your actual performance appraisal. Um, you actually started in March, March 24th, I think, if I remember right. Um,
yep, March 24th, 2025. So, your increase that we give you will be retro to that date. Um, but at a high level, we wanted to go through I don't know, did anybody ever give you
a form to fill out or anything for your self review? Do you you know, I don't know what the historical process is best. >> Uh, no. I give the guys >> I give the guys review sheets. >> Yeah. for themselves and then I actually
hand it to them and tell them Harry show me how good I'm doing if you have and I tell them I said if there's any issues or problems please note it on there because >> I want to know if I'm doing something wrong you know I have to >> your supervisor I have to make sure you guys are doing stuff right but if
there's anything that you know I'm not doing right then and make it known so I know >> from you know just to share some of my own experience on this is that if there's ever a time you feel like you want to have skip level what they call a skip level meeting which is they would meet with one of us um to give feedback
on you sometimes that's good because employees don't always tell their manager some of the criticism constru >> okay >> thank you >> yep um so there were spots that we were
looking at around um uh we we're going to give you actually the form that we put together for technical knowledge and skills is the first uh part of this um and there's a rating scale the rating scale is outstanding exceeds
expectations meets expectations needs improvement and what's the last one unsatisfactory >> um so from a technical knowledge and skills standpoint want to give some feedback >> sure
um I said that on the job technical knowledge, I think that in the on the road aspect, the foreman aspect, I think that you exceed expectations. Um, you're clearly very knowledgeable about what it is that needs to be done um and how to do it.
Um, so and then on the uh clerical side of it, I felt like you were more in a needs improvement area, which is somewhere what we talked about before. um in terms of you know how to how to work that side of it that there's a
learning curve there that um we're slowly working on. Um, so I kind of met met the expectation that >> I agree with Cara. Um, uh, and we knew that. I mean, I didn't I wasn't part of the hiring process when
we came in, but I think everybody knew that the the learning curve was going to be the administrative side. and you have just done phenomenal with you know I I grade things by feedback really in this job uh certainly the paper
administrative side we can see that you know how you're doing there but when it comes to feedback from the town and the residents what they're seeing the feedback's going to be really positive so that's that's kudos to you and the team
um problem solving and decision I was kind of similar on there um there as my last thought. Um I think out in the field you're deciding you know um jobs need to be done the timeline um
making these decisions seek um you know the the time of the pl was great about that it's been better than it's been a long time um and then you
know I would say that again on the admin side just some concerns and I would say improvement needed um just with that sort of I guess organization um you know like the followup with the snow and ice and things like that like
just that side of it. So I again that specifications >> J thanks. >> Uh no I I agree with Cara. Uh the only thing uh that I could add to that is that uh
you're you're when you're planning your uh work, I think uh from my Okay, I'm not the highway superintendent, but I think uh you need to come to your decisions
more positively only because like like we were talking about last week we're talking about parking lot and Watson Road Watson Park Road and we still have main roads like
door road and beachill road and other roads that should be top priority before this. I mean, you know, if the money is expended on roads, we always have the hot box that we can patch the parking
lots with than that. And I'd rather see the roads brought up first before we do these side jobs. And so, you know, as far as decision making, I think you meet expectations, but I think you need a little work on
that. Okay. You mad at me now. Um, I don't have really >> Can I just chime in a minute? >> You sure can. >> So, I know you're bringing up Bore Road, TJ. >> Yeah.
>> Well, I know they're big projects. >> It's There's a lot of preparatorial work that we've been working on. If anybody has driven down board, we've been doing canopy work >> all spring, all summer, this past summer on top of everything else. >> I can't just go in and put asphalt on a
road without opening the stuff up. You you and I both know that, you know. >> Yeah. But what my my point is, all right, right now, you've got close to a million dollars or a million dollars that has to be used in the next three months or
>> No, we're not going to lose it. We're not We're not gonna lose it or >> I hope I can meet your expectations a little higher. If you were like on that, it's going to disappear in three months. >> No way.
>> Okay. Yes. >> Russell Stage. >> Main Road. That's your name. Main road because we don't do 23. Russell Stage. I don't want to end up touching Russell stage on the upper part here till the water line that's running down that road
is taken care of. That road isable right now. >> Yeah. >> So, I just want you to understand. I know you're saying projects like that. >> Yeah. >> But there's a reason why I'm not doing those projects because I don't want to be the superintendent that puts half a million dollars of asphalt on a road. Guess what we're doing next year?
Cutting the thing up like Springfield does like a jigsaw puzzle. So I'm thinking of these things and I have a mild list >> and that's why we slowly chip at the stuff but these little things in between >> we can do as fillers it's logistically especially since we have companies up
here doing stuff just because it's not a main road these roads >> residents live on not you know not pulling the grass >> no >> right you said you're doing canopy work in advance of rope work
>> why can I ask Because if you don't end up doing the canopy work, >> I'm asking why in advance because you can use chapter 90 funding for canopy work if you're doing road work in >> if you combined it, right? >> But on top of that, we have a bucket truck. We have a chainsaw training
course that the guys ended up going through. Why not end up having them get the experience to utilize the tools that Bford has already purchased where it's not? >> Why do you need a bucket for canopy burn? because we have bigger trees that
our small bucket truck can't reach. That's why stump grinding. We don't own a stump grinder. We could go buy one, but they're really expensive. That's one thing that we can use. >> So, go ahead.
>> I think >> so. The canopy the canopy account is for bigger trees. The stuff that we're doing is just trimming back branches and stuff. I end up coordinating with Dick Gates, Mark Boomsma because certain size
trees back branches. >> Yes. I just call it canopy work because the guys are in the bucket doing what needs to be done chipping up the stuff. >> Bore Road was engulfed to the center line. We opened it up. I don't know if there's any residents here from Bore
Road, but now you got a straight shot right down Bore Road. >> I think, you know, >> we did have we did have, you know, different uh contractors who go down road complaining that, you know, tops of their dump trucks on the canopies were
getting scratched up from branches. >> There's so many spots in town that need to end up. And I know Christina, you questioned me why there was so much money left in the canopy account when we did budgets. Well, >> yeah, I did ask that. Yes, >> you did. And I explained it. It doesn't
just mean just because I have money in there. Yes, I utilize half it in the spring time or in the fall time. Now that springtime's here, now I have the other half before July comes. I I planned accordingly to be able to utilize that account to the best of my
ability for getting the bang for the buck for the camp. That that's the whole purpose of that >> can understand is if you guys are able to clear out Gore Road, >> do a whole canopy job and >> a whole canopy job. >> What you just said Gore Road was covered
to the center line. We took it all out. You can see it straight through now. So which is it? >> Right from the We're working our way down it. There's a lot of bigger oak trees that we can't reach safely. Okay, that's the thing. >> All I'm asking is we have chapter 90 money if it the canopy work is done in
conjunction with the road >> with a project, >> right? >> We have the money for the highway to do canopy work. We have 44,000 requested by the tree board to do
>> ash trees and canopies and stuff. There's a large. The reason I'm asking is I'm not picking on you. It seems like when I look at other towns and what they're expending on their tree needs and tree services overall, similar towns to Blamford, >> nowhere close.
>> So, I'm just kind of wondering like around here exceeds ours. >> No. No. I actually sent them the reports from uh STAM group, which is special town administrators or >> what town? What towns
>> there was how many group? How many towns applied to that? At least four. Yeah, it was at least four or five local to this area. >> Applied to what? What's Sam's group? >> Stam. It's uh >> Walmart >> small town administrator membership. Say >> it's other town administrator.
>> Town administrator. >> Oh, okay. >> So, they share information. They'll ask questions and they'll say, "Hey, what do you guys do for this?" And people will reply. This is what we do. And you can get an idea of what otherbody >> and recently what one of the things that had come up another town had asked about trade budgets and like what people were
typically spending and I was shocked I shared it with the select board to see the difference in what other local communities are spending compared to what we are spending. And so I'm just trying to understand do we have a highway crew that can do canopy work? If so, why are we spending so much money or
budgeting so much money for canopy work when we also have the chapter 90 available for canopy work? It's just there's a lot of tree stuff going on and a lot of money being thrown at it. >> Well, there is a lot of tree stuff going on. You got Springfield Water's doing a lot of tree stuff that are going down our roads. They're saying they're going
to end up cutting the trees. They drive right past them. They go past their gate and they're cutting trees on their land instead of trees that they marked on our own Lampford roads. I see it. I I drive these roads. You know that's >> I think there is >> I think though just to kind of like bring this all together is that at the
end of the day >> you're the expert. >> Okay. None of us have ever gone out there and done any of this work. However, we're looking at all the finances and right and seeing
money that could be spent possibly out of chapter 30. Are we but no insight as to how the money is spent. We don't know. We don't know to ask you those questions. You have it up here, right? What your plan is for the trees. Even
when um the tree board comes in, there's no plan. We see no plan for $40,000. That's not >> it's just not good oversight financially on what's happening at the town for you
know and we're very sensitive to the chapter 90 money because the other going is resident taxes as you know >> 90 still is too >> chap yeah no it definitely is it is too but it's not it's everybody's pocket not just
>> the chapter 90 funding is crucial to the town because >> absolutely on that question. >> No, no. I know I what I'm what I'm about to say is, okay, yes, the tree budget, we have a crew we that can go out and do tree trimming and take care of some of that stuff. You know what? The town
doesn't have a million dollar, $2 million paving, you know, machine. We don't have the amount of trucks. I don't have a crew of 20 guys that can get a road done in a certain amount of time. the chapter 90 I see it as being very
beneficial for the town to be able to get these roads taken care of and done right, you know. >> No, but like I'm just saying >> you're saying you're saying you don't have asphalt. >> Wait a minute. You're saying you don't have the equipment to do what you need
to do to the roads even though you have the money >> or chapter 90 supplements it by being able to hire these contractors to do what we don't have. >> That's and yes, I don't I agree we could do the tree canopies with it, but I'd
rather have us do the tree canopies that we can handle and then we have the tree budget for stuff that we can't handle. or we get busy with a wash out on Huntington Road or start to grade the dirt roads, you know, and we're busy doing that. We can supplement that.
>> You get together with the tree warden and prepare notes on what trees you're going to go after. So, you're not doing the same >> every every time that I end up uh needing a tree taken down, the first person I contact is Dick Gates. And then like tomorrow, I got a meeting with Dick that we're going to end up going for a
ride. >> And yes, I contact Mark Boomma too on top of that and making sure that we're all So inside it >> the tree board has a budget of what $20,000 >> 40,000
okay but he doesn't have equipment to go out cut these trees >> out he outsources it with that money. So actually if if the tree warden
was on on par with what's going on right wouldn't even need to have the uh his men doing the canopy work. So I mean in a sense uh the highway department is
doing some of the trail works work. So I I I don't have any forms with with that, you know. So as far as uh everything else that that's going on, I think uh you know to push this this can't be work
is kind of redundant because all he's doing is taking >> the branches that he can reach off the road. So what's the big deal? I think the big deal is that when you look at how much we're spending as a town on trees, it's
substantially more because we have the money. >> We have a large $10,000 and put it into >> I know, but we're talking about Blander. We do have we do have a lot of road
mileage in town and that's it. It is compensated by that by that account. >> Well, just saying it's already question. >> No. And I have no problem answering it. >> No, I know you don't.
>> All right. So, let's talk about Did we talk about planning an organization? >> You did not. >> Okay. Um I would say when we met the other day, like on Monday, you talked about, you know, really, and you've said it over and over. I've heard you say it,
you know, really looking at ways to try and make sure that being, you know, using things effectively and stuff like that. And I think from again going from working on the road to being the leader of work down the road, done a
great week there. Great. Um the planning and organization around the administrative stuff, I you know, it's been a challenge this year for uh I think for you and you know, rightfully so. I'm not saying that it wouldn't be because that's not something that we're
used to doing, right? And when we talk about next year's expectations, the expectations may change a little bit, but you know, you have um it's been a struggle on some of the stuff, >> frankly.
>> Can you give examples? >> Let's do let's do the um let's do the Burk thing. Did you find out today anything about the oil fuel bid? >> Yep. >> Did you ever get that email? >> Yep. >> Okay. >> I actually got a lot of questions for the select board on that.
>> Okay. And tomorrow's the day it's due. >> That's lack of organization. That's a great example >> to end up receiving an email on the weekend of Easter weekend with me not being in the office. >> Well, March 11th was when you got the first email, right? If you looked at the
actual CC's and all the different uh emails it was going to, it never got sent to Highway. It only went to the TA. >> Did you get it or you >> No, I never got it. >> Okay. >> So, that's why I contact Yeah. No. And I contacted Ellen and Ellen said, "Why are you getting the paperwork?" Because this
is something that the select board and the town administrator has done in the past. I got three years. >> You say, "Ray, you did it last year." >> You did. >> And you are the contact. Yes, you are. My I am the contact. But did I ever I did not end up doing this.
>> You and I you I gave you this paperwork last year. You are listed as the contact. You filled everything. >> Am I the signator? >> Oh, you're not you can't sign this. >> So then >> I signed You gave me the amount did this
last year. >> Who is this? Laura from Fur said this. >> Ellen. >> Ellen and Laura. >> I'll call her Laura. And on FY26, this is FY26's you are listed Ray Ray Halt as the point of contact.
>> Yeah, I see that on there. >> But you didn't get the email. >> No, I didn't get the email. >> Okay. >> I didn't get the email from >> March 11th. >> March 11th. So, I ended up having one meeting today. I took care of that and then I started calling around and
figuring out what's going on. One thing that I ended up finding out today is that our uh through Burke Oil, who we get our fuel through for our gas for the bids, we are at our limit. We met our quota. The diesel estimate, we're at
3,734 gallons that we have to use before the end of June. Otherwise, it goes into an account. uh 5 cents on the gallon rolled over and gets stored and you get charged
for it until it's depleted. >> Now you get charged 5 cents on a gallon. >> 5 cents on a gallon. Now we have six months otherwise that disappears. So with the fuel cost this this meeting that I had with uh Ellen today with the
actual price of fuel the way it's going this isn't a bad thing. This means that yes, we weren't frugal as say, but we didn't leave the trucks running all the time. We shut them off, put the hazards on, put the flashers on. Uh we did
pretty good on the fuel for the actual uh for the shop itself for the diesel. Uh but then for heating oil going into this heating oil bill now
I didn't do the heating oil last year. Did I? >> It's all one. >> All one. So, I don't I don't remember doing this heating oil, but I ended up spending a good 3 hours going through all the paperwork, contacting all the vendors,
getting all the information that I needed to find out what is going on here for the heating well because I don't want to overshoot it because you take it into consideration, our library is going to be closing coming up this year. I talked to Nicole, she ended up saying to
her knowledge, they're not going to be running the heat in the place. So why are we going to have that at >> I think they have to have to have the heat through the pipes and stuff, right? >> Probably low though. >> Not not a normal amount of heat. >> Conversation I had with Nicole, she
stated that it was going to be winterized, drained everything out of it. They were going to end up doing the construction. They weren't going to be running anything in the building. That's what Nicole told me today. So at that I took the number from what the fuel was, you know, for the heating oil in there
into consideration of taking that off of there. Now the town hall has a 10,000galon heating oil tank. I didn't know about that. So I called John Hoppy. I talked to John Hoppy about that. Am I correct? It's 10,000. >> John is on top of making sure Marivido
delivers all of the oil we order at the end of the year. He talks to me about that all the time. So we can make that quota because >> yes, John told me about this five cents and he doesn't intend to have that. He's always he's been regulating this oil, but you have to talk to him. That's all.
>> So I did talk to him about that. I'm hoping by the time that the end of June comes, we're going to have 3,000 gallons well 3 and a half thousand gallons of oil used. But that also is a a storage
uh charge 5 cents. So, we have at least oil in the bank. Yes, I filled out the paperwork for forcog. Let's use up what we have. We have another bid going out. But I can tell you one thing, I didn't go as steep as
we did last year because of these these facets that I'm thinking that we have to end up being aware of that are going to be happening. If we're not going to be using oil at the library, all right, I don't know what's happening with the post office, but we got to keep going with that because we still have it right now. that's going to be there. Yeah.
>> So, I ended up lowering the the numbers a little bit, not much. So, yes, I have that taken care of. I will be getting that over. I just wanted to make sure that I brought that with me tonight so that I could explain to you guys what I ended up finding out today. >> When will they actually come back twice?
You know, >> uh >> this isn't >> so >> or how's that work? >> You know, like here's my concern, right? is we're just doing Ellen talked to me about it. >> Yeah, >> May. She's going to end up having in
May. The bids are going to be closing, she said, accepting the bids in May. And then from then then they will take some time. They're going to need some time to process the bids and then put everything for an acceptance. That's
that's what I ended up gathering from her today. >> So, we do an estimate budget. So, then >> what do you an estimate? >> We have, right? You gave us an estimate yesterday, right? But was that before or after all this stuff that's been going on? >> That was before we we talked about this month ago,
>> but still like >> started too. Well, not just that, but we we were on a fixed price anyways. No one ended up uh no one ended up saying, "Hey, we'll be a low ball." You know, like it was a fixed price that we were signed up for. So, we didn't end up they
didn't win the bid. They were just the fixed price that we had for the uh meeting. >> We didn't get that done. But yeah, it's going to get processed tomorrow. And Christina, I can end up giving you copies. I know you want carbon copies. said
>> I I I I don't >> because I I got the whole file past three years I put together. >> Email it to Ellen and Laura. Can you copy me on it? Yeah, >> that's good enough. And I sent you last year's email about last year's if that's helpful to you at all. >> The FY26 for fuel bid results and
stuff. So lock in prices for last year's. Yeah. just >> I got all the way back from 2024. >> Okay. Right. I would just say to bring it back to the planning organization. Um again, I had your role work. You know, I think you have a plan. I would like to
see you talked about to see a plan so that we know kind of what's in your head. But what I would suggest for this situation that came up today, um, with the oil thing, I would I put a digital reminder in so that next year, like three weeks previous to this, you get a
reminder that you should be able to look out that email, right? And you have all your stuff in a file somewhere where you can look back and see this is how I did it last year, right? Just sort of that way next year, it's not going to catch you by surprise. You're going to be on top of it. say reach out to someone if
you don't get you know it just stuff like that I think >> so so what I'm gathering here you're responsible for ordering all the getting oil down uses >> calculating
>> not calculating orders >> no I don't have my signature on there blackboard and the administrator >> it's not it's not ordering >> it's not ordering it's just it's just confirming the numbers supplying the >> estimates
>> estimates of how much we will use so that this regional group can put out a larger bid. Right. Right. And get lower prices. >> That's part I understand. >> So, but he's not ordering it. >> Oh, he's ordering it. >> But he's coming. He's so he he's
basically if he's not ordering it like >> John calls the company that we use it says come to bring us oil. So when you say order, that's what I think of when you're ordering the oil. If you >> So who's calculating what all these
buildings are used? >> The highway department is ordering. >> They're calculating all the fuel that we use our building. >> That's how that's how it's been. >> You're right. Right. He's estimating what we're going to Listen, we have to
get through this and session. >> Are we not doing your >> We're in debate here and I I'm trying to understand why the highway department I know they ordered the gas, they ordered the diesel, and I can understand them ordering it, but who's doing the
calculation? The highway department. How much are we putting into the highway department? I think they were reaching out. >> You're asking me a question. I can't answer it because something that happens is there. >> All right. >> I can't answer.
>> How come he hating should be required of the people who are in charge of the buildings? >> He's in charge of the buildings. Then I don't have someone in charge of building. That's the problem. >> I thought that's what Hoppy does. >> He's a very He's part-time. He's here. He like cleans and he helps out when he
can, but he's not a maintenance guy. It's not the overall maintenance guy. >> It appears to memorial services, >> you know, we're pushing more stuff onto the highway department. >> And you know, now now we're going to
hold his feet to the fire because of the pricing of oil. I mean, this this uh a little disturbing to me. >> Let's talk about it. I mean, this year we don't have a choice, right? I know we don't have a choice, but I'm I'm saying
>> he's not in the loop. That's that's what bothering me. >> If there was an email that went out, he should have got it. >> Well, I'm going to call Ellen tomorrow and find out what the hell that was. Excuse my husband. >> No, I talked. >> Right. Because at the end of the day,
they're responsible to make sure the highway is on their distribution list. >> AB Well, absolutely. But now we're asking him questions. She don't have the answers for because >> he never got the email. >> So why aren't we holding to speak to the
fire? Go get Ellen and cook her. >> We're not at this point. I think here's what I'm hearing. I'm hearing two things. One is Ellen, did you do your job and make sure that our highway department will number one? If not, why
not? Number two, the other thing is you're saying, at least what I'm hearing you say is that you understand where he would estimate kind of fuel he's going to need. >> Yeah. >> But fuel doesn't always mean oil. Oil
heats the buildings. So he's questioning, should I be worried about what heats the buildings or do I take care of my trucks and whatever is what you're saying? Right. All right. So what has happened is that historically >> good
historically and maybe we need to readress it and say who owns forecasting what the oil is going to be the oil bill >> management person >> right >> we have refused to hire a facilities person for years and that gets in the
way of all this stuff. So what happens is people pick up this stuff that's not necessarily in their job description. That's what's happened. >> Yeah. >> And this happened to be thrown on the highway probably years ago. >> I'm guessing it was thrown at highway years ago because highway wanted to say
like they wanted to own it because it involves their fuel. They used the most fuel. >> I don't know. >> Yes. >> So what we have to do >> want to get yelled at for you owning it when I spoke to the person who made you own it in the first place. >> I spoke to Alan this morning. She said
the protocols been for going on is that the select board and the administrator gets the email and then from there it gets >> we're not even talking about the email at this point. We're talking about who's responsible for forecasting the oil
that's used in the town. That's it. >> Yeah. The whole town. It's just going off of numbers. I don't know. You could you could end up going off of the number and add some to it. Take some away from it. That's pretty if you don't know what's happening in town with buildings to what you're doing in your
own building. >> We have to as a board decides where does the oil calculation lie. It certainly doesn't rely on the TA. It's not her role to be the facilities manager. The town select board has no clue, at least
I don't, how much oil everybody uses outside to see in the bill. >> Well, there is one way to solve that. Well, I sent him the green community. >> Yeah, I got >> That's what you were going to say. >> I got the green community report and then also I did my research and went
into even further. Uh I ended up Matarvo >> Mirabito >> Marabito. So 514 2025 for some reason all my emails stopped uh I stopped getting invoices from them for fuel or for uh
heating oil and they said that they were directing it to the the town instead of at the highway and you get them and then pay them. That's what John explained to me on that because I was trying to figure out okay what happened why they all of a sudden stop. It was every every
month I was getting one up until 514. So I ended up reaching out to them and they gave me the printout list of every single building, every every tank. So out of five tanks, that's what they fill. Well, on top of that, they said, "Well, there's a sixth one, but it
hasn't ever been filled." And I said, "Where's the sixth one?" Cuz it's not even on the on the the list. >> Okay. >> It's for the water department. Has an emergency generator at >> Nree at the pump station. See, I walked in.
That's what they that's what they explained, but they said they haven't filled it, but it's on the list, but it's not on our list. So, if if a company has something on their information, I would that's at will call for an order if needed. I would I would hope it would be on that list, then at
least we have a a log of another site that we need to end up. >> So, this has to do with your review. >> No, hey, it's chopping this stuff down. I know. >> Yeah. >> I don't have to go after this. >> Is that tank? Do we know if the tank is over?
>> I don't know. The water part. >> It's full. >> So, it it doesn't get used and that's that's fine and dandy, but the tank should be on your >> on the list. I would think. >> Yeah. And so, you do have an an order of
how much each building uses. >> Okay. Well, that was one of my >> From July 1st all the way. >> Are you gueststimating? >> From July 1st all the way to today. >> You did the research >> to had this thrown in my lap today at 6:30 in the morning. I started chipping
away at this. I know you've got your doubts on the clear and stuff in the office. But on top of that, I think I handled it pretty good today. Being able to do all this research, have a meeting with a resident >> and come back and take care of business and get this whole complete packet done
to inform you of what I have to do today with that. So, >> appreciate. >> Okay. Communication. >> Okay. I said I think your laborers stated or showed that you communicate very well
with them. Um they seem to understand what their tax are um what order. So I think that communication on that side um is is great with seeds. I think
that um maybe uh it's some increased communication with us if you have any concerns or problems so that we can help you you know on our end. So if there's any um any questions you have or issues you're having on the admin side just
definitely come to us one day for those and we can help. So, same idea for sides. >> So, can I comment on that real quick? >> So, one thing I got to say being in the seat for over a year now and you're
asking for me to bring information to the board >> just specifically only if >> issues >> and not an issue with something on the admin side. this something that we can help resolve is what I'm saying if you have a problem
>> like I like you bring us information weekly on you know what projects you completed and you know like maybe that side of things and we don't I don't have any I don't have any knowledge on that so I don't have any questions concern that that >> that's why you're here the expert
>> I'm just saying on the other end any concerns that we can before it's an issue come to us and say hey you know whatever I need help with before. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So the can can we want me to go on to the next one?
>> Sure. >> Um I was think so the next one is interpersonal skills teamwork. I think your team holds you in high regards. Um they want to work for you. >> Excellent job there. And I think that your community outreach has been uh fantastic. the literally we're hearing
lots of lot of praise got probably more letters than I think as Trump. So um in terms of that interpersonal skills would be >> thank you turn the whole dynamic around with
you know the highway being highly thought of in the town which is great. >> Yeah. Um, so I just want to make sure that you understand it. We recognize all that. This other stuff is just stuff that just
needs to get done. >> Um, I also said exceeds for the adherence to company policy and safety. I think that you made that priority right away and brought that up to date with you talked about.
Well, one thing I do have to say is when Christina first got in office here, um, there was a lot of stuff missing and you guys really held Dave to the fire and gave him the list of stuff that we desperately needed up in the garage. And
just building off of that is making a safer environment, you know, no accidents. I I I gotta say the guys are really picking up on safety being my number one goal. Honestly, I don't need
to be doing CPR on anybody or first aid, stop the bleed. I really need them to pay attention and I got to say I'm very proud that thank you Christina for pushing the mule over the edge. >> I just want to say I'm proud of you for
what you've done. I, you know, for a new highway superintendent, I'll tell you, you made some of these old guys look terrible. >> Not trying to. >> No, I know. But I mean, you know, you know, the child, you know, you're you're
good and I appreciate that. I hold confidence. Thank you. Thank you for that. >> I think that goes into the self-management, which is our last one. Um I said that I think that you're confident able to speak clearly about your the projects um that you need to complete have completed in emergency
situations that I've been on tax streams with you um you were effective you know and responded clearly and um confidence in time manner um so my feedback for you self management
always think that you have something like for me last week when we asked you if you felt like you had any areas to improve on and you and I know it's a hot spot to but like I just feel like
there's always areas, right? Like I've been teaching for years. There's so many things I still need to learn, right? Like I just think that that's important to self. There's always to to get better at our jobs, right? So that would be my my one thing there. of
night. >> I'm sorry. All I did as we're talking all I could think of that's the school teacher in here. >> There's always something we can improve upon. >> Oh yeah. Right. >> You are. >> But it's, you know, for me it's all
about I think back on the residents again very positive. Um, my expectations for the next six months, let's say, is really nail that paperwork. You know, get the dates down on your calendar when you're
expecting to see something so you can look for it. So, if you don't get it, you can proactively reach out on it because those are the things that are going to get the town in trouble in a bad situation. And that's what, you know, that's why we're here is to support, make sure the residents,
>> that's all. And you know you've yeah I was I'm pleasantly pleased as J is about how well you've done as going from worker to managing those folks is not easy to write your respect in regard
um which I think to be done but no but I just want to see some improvement on paper work hate to say it the we gave you and and if you ever think that you still need support in that area, just need to say, "I need support."
That's all. >> Okay. >> Okay. Basically, got your back. >> Right. >> Right. Um, so that's I think that's pretty much a wrap. >> Oh, you kid all. Thank you.
>> I kept saying, "Do you have anything you wanted to say? Oh, you're saying it good. >> So, I put those um as I know that we don't like the four letter G word um but I put those as um goals and objectives for our next review. So, just
um be on the paperwork side and system to help you um with staying on top of that. The minus, you know, obviously just stay within budget, which for those things that are in your control, some things that are out of your control, fuel cost,
we don't know what's going to happen, stuff like that. Um, but to stay on budget for, which is nothing new there. Um, and you know there's processes in this town that you know we all I struggle
with sometimes the processes because I don't know who's doing what and I have to learn myself. So like that thing that I laid out today with the you know how do we go through the process of getting us to sign off on stuff as we go through I'll be sending more of that kind of stuff out. So you just have record and
say okay for this I gota this. >> It's tough. It's tough to remember, but as long as you have it written down, I think you do. >> Any any improvements you want to see there? >> Oh, God. I should >> I'm just a commentator.
So for increase. >> So before we go to that, if there's one thing I know when we ended up having my review, we cut it short at the end and we kind of rolled out of here. There's a couple things I'd like to go
over with the select um the licensing reimbursement. If I'm going to end up holding my license here and leave these guys, I really would like my licensing reimbursements.
They not a percentage, not partial. I'd like to pay full, you know, the drivers, the CDL $90 one that was just denied. I really think that would have been would have been nice, but we don't have to worry.
>> We denied it. >> Yeah. Oh, just now because it wasn't in the policy. >> February was my birthday and I got denied because it wasn't in my policy and I didn't >> I didn't realize it. I was like, "Wait a minute." >> Well, okay, now it's understood. I read
it and I said, "Well, it's not in there." So, >> what we just said changed the policy, >> right? So, you want retro back? >> No, no, no. It's >> Is that what you're saying? >> I'm not really worried about retro, but I know I got hoisting licenses going to be coming up pretty soon. Um,
>> and I think that's what we agreed to cover. Right. >> Right. Yeah. >> But this this uh my contract with the town is separate from >> right >> the policy. So that's why I'm just bringing this up. That's why is it in your contract?
>> No, it's not. >> So, that's why I'm asking TK if I can just make sure it's in there, you know. >> And and uh this is for your uh like the licenses that like renew >> every two years. >> Every two years are the hoisting
licenses $75 license. >> So, you want to reimburse. >> All you have to do is come in with the receipt. Yeah. Yeah, that's understandable. >> And if you want to do retro on that $90 from doing my CDL, I'm not saying no.
But if you want the receipt, >> that would be greatful. >> This goes back to the conversation. What are the licenses? What are the >> Yeah. Right. So, we have >> And that way I can put it in your >> $95 or $90 for my for my CDL.
>> You want it instead of just writing it down. $75 per license. All right. Um, the continuing education, if I end up doing any continuing education, I would like to make
>> that's automatic paid for. >> That's automatic. It just mean uh the treasurer or the assessor class that's on pace for that. >> I just want to make sure it's in my contract. So, that's why I didn't see it in here. >> It should be. >> So, it would be nice if that's in there.
What type of >> uh law degree? >> You can send that bill to TJ post >> anything to do with job related duties. I would like to make sure it's
>> well what they did like when Cole was the uh assessor she was in the assessors there. They had both classes in Boston and uh I would drive for Eden down and
checking on a motel and let them book classes and when they got out then when they were done I'd come back but they got reimbured but had another problem. >> Yeah, >> that that would be good. >> We just have to up to a certain dollar
amount give us an idea. So each continuing education through Bay State Roads that we've been doing is $200 a class >> for one second. Yeah. >> Because we're working on the budget. Like the budget's pretty much finalized. >> So if you're going to agree something to
pay something that we haven't included that in that 27 budget, just so that I just want to put that out there. >> It's it's selective on the superintendent for the classes that are related to the job. It's my job to watch
the budget to make sure I don't go over what the courses that are needed. Like let's say for the guys, I'm the one that chooses that. They don't just say willy, hey, I'm going to Boston for this one course. No, you're going to the ones that I >> No, this covers this covers you.
>> Well, I'm just bringing it up, too. I know you're talking about the budget. >> Yeah. >> Same with the ones that I would end up choosing. I'm not going every week to a course. >> No. You know, there's probably five courses that over the year are important to make sure you keep up.
>> So, you're trying to kick that out of your budget. >> The expense account is adequate enough to take care of the crew and the superintendent for those courses. Plus, >> okay. So, you just want it in your contract. >> It doesn't change the budget. That's
just so that there's an understanding. That's >> okay. I'm not going for a law degree. >> I just uh that's that's it. Honestly, the clothing allowance, everything that was in there still will just leave the same.
Um >> any more questions? But these are just as difficult for us as it is for you. >> No, it's not. It I I understand. I I just wanted to clarify that while we have the time to >> Yeah. No, that's great. Okay.
So, you want to start with um right now I think if I'm not mistaken just You're making 77,230, correct? >> 76 on the contract. >> Yeah, but you got a bump
>> 2% that threw in there. >> Um, and my recommendation is to bring you up to 80. No 80 was what we originally posted the I believe
>> um >> so some research it looks like that's comparable to the surrounding areas um Chester 75 to 90 to 85 73
I I think >> I think that's that's >> I mean when you when you're have to take into into consideration so like like a lot of departments they they take portfolio >> Yeah. but you're talking like a that's a
like% is 81,000. So that you're talking like 10%. That's that's a large 20%. >> Yeah, >> that's like 20%. >> Yeah, that's a that's a big jump. >> What is the actual number on that?
>> I don't know. I don't have >> from 78 to 85. A 4% increase would bring you to 80,330 which is $3862 an hour up from the 35 and 78 cents an
hour. So that's bringing you up from 77. But you know I I I think you know with with all the improvements that he's done and everything you know right now >> I'll go down to 82. >> You look at the percentages you get >> discard.
>> So at 82 again you're looking at like a 8%. Yeah. That's I mean that just feels like a big jump to go over anything. Well, that's just how I get, you know, but it's old. No, you don't agree with
me. You do the one. I don't care. I don't know. I I know you're thinking of percentages in that, but when when you figure I don't know. I'm figuring all the extra time that goes in and uh you know I think a lot of people here
are underpaid and taxpayers should own up to it but the budget is made but I I think it's worth it. That's my argument. I think it's worth it when all these broken stuff happen.
I don't think too many of the people living in town argue. So in your part, >> if I may add one thing. >> So there is some municipalities in the area for like wintertime work where the
superintendent ends up having optional overtime just for the winter budget because you can exceed the winter budget. I worked all winter long without any overtime. Straight pay coming in started trucks before the guys came in.
Just so you're aware. Yeah. The guys come in at a certain time there before they're there and I'm there after they're there. You know, I I I really, like you were saying, work does come home with me a lot of time. Now that I have my phone forwarded from the shop to
my actual cell phone with the help of the uh phone company, >> right, >> I'm taking phone calls at doctor's offices honestly and taking care of stuff at the same time. >> Just a note there. But basically that's part of your job.
>> It is part of my job. >> You know, so what I'm trying to do is help you compensate for it. >> And uh that that's all. >> You know, we all know that you're there for when every supervisor has to be. >> Exactly.
>> You know, someone's got to prepare to get the work done. calculations I look for perfect but it has there's been folks in the world in the first three months who negotiated
group because the experience and we gave that >> are we talking about having rainy here? >> So money >> I I was a laborer when the town hired Rainey to fix the issues that were at the highway department. Right.
>> I didn't end up asking Rainey to come here to train me how to do the job. Rainey was here fixing issues from when Dave Wald was here. >> I just want to be clear with you. He wasn't just hired to be my uh teacher. His time was extended.
>> He extended his time and and hired specifically to train >> to help train. >> Well, after his time was off. Yeah. >> So, but I just want Jackie be clarified. >> I wasn't the one that asked for Rain to come here. Rainey, I believe Cara >> Well, he was already here. He was
already here. They were not they were not hiring. They they were not >> No, I know. But I was under the impression because I was a part of it. But so I don't have that knowledge. I was under the impression that when he was offered the job, he negotiated. He
negotiated support him. >> No, that was his and he was kicked off the table. >> It was asked. I don't think >> Yeah, >> didn't suggest it. I think it was
>> I think there was a big ball rolling. >> Yeah. >> And it just was so big. >> He ended up taking care of a lot of the issues where that ball got away >> before there was trouble in town. I'm old and I probably have a bad memory,
but my memory suggested that the whiteboard >> I just got to say >> the transition to be a lot >> the transition was really smooth. >> I think part of the discussion was getting a administrative assistant. >> Yes.
>> And you did not want >> I didn't want one because I want to learn this. >> Yeah. because she didn't also because she didn't want us to be paying out of the budget right for administrative assistant because you know that was part of what Rainey had on was not you know
that budget and within that he wasn't pay >> well I was worried that if I had an administrative administrative assistant in my office doing the administrative work that we would be talking percents at a low number for raise when you know
that that's I wanted to learn this I wanted to prove to you I could do this position. >> You know, that's >> I think Rainey was part of the position too when when we kept Rainey on because he was able to introduce you to the
certain people that he deal with with the state and other >> things too which help you. >> It's beneficial because I know a lot of people now by face not just a number on a on a pad. >> Yeah. >> Mary's laughing at me.
Well, but that's the reason why 85 experience. >> Yeah. >> Still not completely there yet on the experience. So I don't feel like 85 is on the top top as test. That's like you know that's not normal.
>> That's why I came down. >> Yeah. Negotiation. So please ask uh each I mean I'm just also trying to be fair like you be had it meets expectations
it's not exceeds so to go anything over 5%. I mean 5% would be the 38.98 >> if I was a laborer with the overtime that I'd be making with all my licenses.
I'd be making that >> which is a discussion that we had before you took position. I know, but I just I just want to say that though. >> No, you you have where I'm at between.
>> So, yeah, >> you're trying to convince me and I'm >> No, I just think it puts it I think that you're putting us in kind of a crappy position to be honest with you. >> Well, >> because I think that you saying 85 is >> and if I give in, then I'm in the crap. >> It's not about giving in. I just think
that that's a ridiculous. What were you expecting, Ray? Let me ask you that. >> I was expecting 85. Know some people might laugh at that, but a lot of time. >> I'm not laughing at it. >> No, I'm just saying. Can I put things a little bit of perspective? >> Well,
>> I make good. >> Okay. I have college degrees. Not saying that that's worth more. You can do You can do so much more than I can do. You can get in a machine and go do you can build things. You can do all these things. I'm not saying that my college
degrees are worth anything. That's not the claim that I'm making. But I'm just saying if you put it into perspective, right? It's one department. I'm a town administrator. Every department comes to me for everything that they need, which is fine. That's my
job. But and I do my job for 875. But your job is one department. And you think that I should only make 2500 sport a year? >> I'm not I'm not ranking on you for
>> you. That's that's fine. I'm just saying this is in the in the terms of this town. It's a small town limited >> and I'm I'm okay with that. If I wanted to go make $150,000 a year and be a town manager in a different town, I could do that. >> Of course,
>> just like you. We worked for the town of Lambert in and it's a small town, an aging population. I knew what I was signing up for. I knew that I was never going to come here and ask anybody for $100,000. That was just, you know, out of the question.
>> I'm not saying that your job isn't worth $125,000. I don't think any of these guys are sitting here saying that you're not worth 125,000, >> but we're not talking about,000, >> right? But for we might as well be because the numbers are all relative to what we have to work with budget wise.
That's all I want. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> That would be 3,000. >> No. Uh >> yes. I mean, in terms of I I'm looking at it in terms of percentage and like across the board, we need 25 for breaking. So, I feel like a four to 5%
is is a decent raise if you're talking about a contract. >> Are we going to if you're going to end up keeping it at the four four to 5% you're talking about cabbage uh overtime for winter up to a certain amount? I
mean, let's say 20 hours >> overtime for winter time. >> Yeah. I don't even know how that what that would look like. >> Let me see if I can get the information together for you. And >> I don't know if you're trying to sew this up tonight, but could end up
getting the info for you. You know, it' be something that would just be during the winter obviously when the winter budget's open. I mean, you know, when you think about the word of budget, you know, even though we can go over what we put in there,
>> town still has to process budget. >> Yeah. I know the process. >> So, it really doesn't matter with their budget or it becomes, >> right? >> Well, that's where, you know, frankly, in winter time, if they're hit zero,
there's stuff going on or you get another 105,000 budget. So, you know, >> well, >> that's kind of where I at the overtime. I mean, salaries employees don't get over if you get over time that it's
overtime. That means anybody gets a salary employee in this town over time and this town >> and then you'd be managing for hours just right. >> So, I would I would make a motion to uh
put the increase in for 5% to $81,78. There's a second. >> I second. >> Any discussion? >> Any discussion? >> No. >> All in favor? >> All in favor? >> I have this. If you want to sign
Yes. >> Any other questions? >> No. Any any comments from presidents? I just quickly comment that my work with Ray this year and I think back I had you also saw opportunity was very very
positive and I think uh first year out jumping on this going to take on administrative responsibility as well as quote secretarial work and getting on top of everything in its office felt readily available to his team as well as
community. I think it's as a alltime restorative outstanding accomplishment. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Any other comments? Okay. >> Can I finish with department report? I
got two things I need to put in front of you. >> Okay. >> We summed up stuff with the whole review, but I have a couple things I need to put in front of you. >> Okay. Uh after speaking with Allan, we ended up getting the uh the bid in from Melbourport uh for the lower part of
Russell Stage. It came in at 79,187.75. If you if the select board is okay with the number, I'm going to do a email tour including everybody and accepting the bid. They were the only one that bit on the job, but
>> we need to end up getting this done. I want it done before July 1st. Well, the 19th is the deadline. They need to be off the road for this. >> I just need to notify you. That's all I have to do. And then at that point, if you you know, you guys say go ahead. Huh? Yes.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, I just need to notify you. And then I got to end up sending her an email tomorrow saying that the select board approves town accepts the bid. That's the number. And then she starts getting uh the bonding and everything together for
>> want the signature on anything. >> No, you're going to have a signature page coming. But she This is the first process. >> Okay. So, you guys need to see what you're getting approval for. Do you have the contract or whatever?
>> Regular state contract. >> That's through uh art. That's the bid package that they end up putting together. It has all the scope of work uh for the entire project. >> Um do we need to run this by attorneys?
>> It's up to you. >> We could always say contingent upon approval by >> so just the the whole thing. I just got to explain this to the select board. I could have put this package together myself. Could have,
but going through forcog, we could keep paying Mark to look at all this stuff and yeah, and then have come back and go back and forth. But they put the package together so all the legals are taken care of. So, I'm not trying to vouch for
ORCOG, but I'm just telling you the truth on this, that we don't have to waste the town's money. I'm talking to the lawyer and having him look over stuff, signing stuff, or making up a contract, sending it back, going back and forth. When we do the bids through the fork,
everything is binded in that contract that we signed for the bond. It's all bond. That's I just want to be clear on that so that there's an understanding of what the process is with this. So you can contact Mark I you want to
>> I just know that in my however many years on SW board any contract that we sign to make sure that we see >> I mean I don't disagree >> time sensitive >> is
approve it and sign it and say approval from >> I just have I'm going to end up sending that an email with everybody included and then they'll start getting the paperwork thrown So >> we just need to sign that hot
contentions are fruitful from >> No, you just need to verify that. I acknowledge telling you guys that's it. Just acknowledge that. >> We acknowledge that gave us >> with the bid price, >> right? With the bid price. >> Totally. >> So there's nothing here for us to sign.
>> No, that's just the whole bid package that was put together. If you want to know how many tons of asphalt, you want to know how many, you know, gallons of white paint we're putting on the road, that that will show you. >> Oh, there you go.
>> We acknowledge that you gave us this bid from LB Corporation and we mass for 79,187. >> Sounds good. >> We'll make a copy before. >> No, you can you can have that copy. Oh, all right. Oh, I just need the paper
clip back. Running low. >> You're gonna This is your You're watching waste is going a little too far. >> So, okay, that's taken care of. Um, OB ended up getting uh after talking to
Ellen today too with Forco uh we have we have the town is the three years is coming up for the fire extinguisher alarm sprinkler testing inspection services
that fire job. >> No, I I talked with Adam. I called him. I had a meeting with him today too. So I spoke with Adam. >> He said that this is what we've done in the past. This what happened was the company went out of business. The new company took it over. They took the ball and
>> ran is on. Yeah. Yeah. Protection those crazy bills that we get people. >> Yeah. >> So we have here's the information. I have a copy. Take that home. Read that. See what you
think. Um, Dolby was saying that he was going to try making it here tonight. I asked him because he knew about it. Uh, but we have we have till the uh 15th, I believe, on that,
>> right? April 15th. 4:15. >> I'm going to email that to you guys. >> Okay. >> You can keep that. Honestly, I got one at the shop. >> Well, there's three of them and only one of those. So, >> well, you photocopy it. My printer's running pretty low and
toner is not cheap. >> I'm still wondering. >> This is not Adam doing this. This is you or >> No, this is >> I don't know why this came up with you and Ellen >> because this is this ended up this the three years are up. It's coming up. This
is another bid package for the sprinkler systems. We can opt out. It's >> I know. But I'm saying that this falls under the umbrella of the fire department. So, I'm confused as to why Laura >> Well, they come they come to our shop. They There's other things in there, too.
Like, I I understand what you're saying. She just sent it to me because she knew I was coming here tonight to present this >> Facebook app. So, taking care of this or are you It's due the 15th. >> No, Adam. Adam says he agrees. So, if the town is going to do it, since I'm
guessing the select board's going to sign it and the administrator is going to sign it, that we're going to approve to end up going through it, that's where I'm guessing we're going to go with this. This isn't anything to do with the highway, but >> Right. Yeah. >> They come to my building, they they
service all my fire hydrants and stuff, >> right? >> This goes back to department heads are responsible for their own stuff. What happens is that you're coming in here, you know, just like the oil thing. Somewhere along the line, it wound up being yours. Somebody gave it up
probably and then it landed on your lap. >> I think it was the town's original. >> Doesn't matter the town. But why do you distance yourself from the town? >> You are part of the town. That's why I'm saying I notically try to say like the town as if you're separate from
>> No, I'm saying this is because it's not like a highway thing. It's a town. I see the town alleneral just continue for a second. I know you're trying to do the right thing and you're doing you are doing the right thing. Yeah. >> What I'm saying is that we're trying to
make sure that people take accountability in their own departments for their own stuff because then next year when it comes around we're going to see oh Ray gave this to her this last time. Oh Ray by the way you have fire extinguishers. >> Oh I'm not looking. >> Right. Well that's what
>> but do you understand why it gets confusing? Yeah. Nice. >> And this tells us to provide the name of whoever is going to be chosen to participate next time around. >> Yeah. >> So, we need to >> So, it's $50 a building.
>> So, >> this Oh, this is just for the testing. >> Yes. For the ongoing monitoring or anything. >> So, do we write about them? Speaking of, do we know if he ever got Deborah White that information? I never
saw on that. So that lady from Mass. Anything else for >> Yeah. So I have the signed contract uh from one Clarion for the water trailer.
>> Oh, okay. >> So I have that. I'm going to end up uh getting this. I I thought Mark was going to sign it and then send it, but he didn't send the signed copy, right? >> He just sent the contract. So then we'll send it back to Mark. Yep. >> And then he'll go over it, sign it, and
then send it back again. >> Right. Once that's >> what I laid out, right? >> Yeah, I know. >> Mark, did it turn? >> I Kelly is notify them. Just wait for that. >> But at the same time, >> one document signed by everybody, right?
Okay. So, at the same time, I ended up getting one clarion on to fill everything out and had everything with all the dates and >> and that's the document you need to f you need to >> and email to everybody signature. >> Yep. >> So, you get the signatures on one
document. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> So, I'm just telling you I got that going too. Cool. And then at that point, I'll get you three copies of the uh the other bits. And I think that's about it for tonight. We all don't beat the top. It's just one.
>> Huh? >> We don't have to make points for him in the meeting with her. >> Oh, okay. >> All right. >> Anything else? Right. >> No, that'll be it. >> 757. >> Calling meeting. >> Thank you very much.
>> Board meetings get to seven. >> Thank you. sat here an hour and a half to have enough period of talk. >> We She asked people. >> I've been waiting. >> She asked twice. George,
>> I'm sorry. I didn't hear it. >> You spoke. You spoke during public comment. >> You spoke during public comment. You you said what you said