It is really good. >> Okay, good. >> 6 p.m. This begins the February or what do I say? February, right? >> Okay. March 30th agenda for the select
board starting at 6 p.m. rise for the >> Go ahead TJ. >> I pledge >> to the flag >> of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and
justice for all. Okay. So, first thing on the agenda is to review 18 payroll payment emotion only. So, we already signed for that. Is that right, Bruce? Julia.
>> She just said that. >> Oh, you're not the examination of minutes for 9. >> Sorry, I skipped over that. >> We need to examine >> the minutes for February 9th. makes motion to accept the minutes for February 9th.
>> I second that motion. >> All in favor? All right. We reviewed previously reviewed number 18 payroll for payment. So I motion to approve payroll
warrant 18 and warrant 19. >> All four. >> I second that motion. >> Second. >> Okay. Any questions? All in favor? >> I >> I that's for 18 and warrant 19
and then review and approve warrant 19 accounts payable for payment. Motion. >> Second. Any questions? >> No. >> All in favor? >> I. >> And I review and approve the warrant
number 19, wired payments. Motion only. >> Any questions? >> No. >> All in favor? >> I have a guest. Hi, Melissa. I'm sorry. It looks like you're far far away, but it's really nice. >> Yeah, I can sit here. >> You can sit there or sit there. Folks
kind of left it open. >> That way they can see you. >> Okay. >> Take care. >> Hello. Hi. How are you? >> I want to take your seat. >> No, you're fine. >> Oh, thank you. >> And I am joined by one of our brands
as well. >> Cara, one of my many other excellent. Yeah, thank you. >> So, >> I wanted to invite you in. >> Yeah. >> You know, we wanted
um what prompted it was actually a newspaper clipping I read. >> Okay. >> About the discussions they've been having, right, about the uh there was discussion about possible layoffs,
correct? >> Yes. And then there was some discussion that was around some of the funding that we've been giving for the roof. And I'm like, whoa, whoa, whoa. What's this all about? Right. We got the budget. We know what
the budget is. So that's a that is right. At this point, we're not going to sit here and debate whether or not the budget's right. I'm assuming that budget includes the headcount that we're going to lay off. Is that right? So um we have some folks who we will
still reduce positions and we have others that our school committee felt very strongly would detract if if cut would detract from students particular experiences at multiple schools district >> and so that led us to a conversation
about the capital stabilization fund which it sounds like you are. So, I'm happy to kind of explain the lay of the land and then >> the budget you received if it's helpful. >> That'd be great. Okay. That'd be great. Really, it's more of just understanding and then I need to I asked I would need
to ask question. >> Sure. Sure. Uh so, uh for Gateway Regional School District, uh as we sat to budget this year, we saw a 1 and a half million dollar increase without any
additional services. So primary drivers of that health insurance for our employees, uh contractual obligations which again increase annually, retirement commitments for the employees who are in the Hampshire County
retirement system. So not our certified staff but other staff. Um and then we have an imbalance in school choice more. We do have children who choose to come to Gateway from other towns, but we also have children who choose to go out. Um
so with that kind of a differential 1.5 million increase. Um our state funding increased $112,000. So there's no match between what we would need just to keep things as they
were this year and what we would receive in chapter 7. Hold on a second. Just go back for a second. So totally get the whole medical and stuff just all of that. We're all of that stuff, right?
The when you say let's just talk a little bit about that imbalance they talked about. So more people or more kids wanting to go to vocational versus gateway. Is that what's happening or it's the opposite? >> No. School choice is used for nonvocational kids. >> Okay.
>> Who make whose families prefer them to attend a district that is not where they live. So very often, for example, mom might live in Blandford but work in Westfield and there's an elementary school near work. And so that in
Massachusetts you can choose to go to other districts if they allowed and so we see a good deal of that. Um I haven't been around long enough to understand why that happens. The convenience is one factor which we'll never be able to
probably argue against but I don't know if there are others. >> So are you seeing for that balance right? Are you seeing more kids coming into bl or you know I understand what you're saying. You're saying I have a child. I live in Westfield.
>> My My child's been going her forever. >> I'm gonna I want to keep them in like her. I live in West and Right. Yes. >> So, are you seeing more of that? So, in um think of it this way.
So, we don't track. So there are 15 children in Blandford currently who choose to go to another school. Okay. So there's that. Let me check. A year ago. I don't anticipate that it has shifted
much. We also have 11 students currently attending vocation. So all in all, given that you send to us 93 students as of this year, >> it's not a huge percentage um and it's
similar in percentage to the other 10. So >> something driving your budget at all? >> Not really. >> It's happened in the past. It's happened continue continuing to happen. So, um, when we learned of the mismatch, we put
forward a balanced budget to the school committee that required a lot of reductions. So, we were talking about um reducing music at Chester Elementary School, reducing a school adjustment counselor at the secondary school,
reducing our director of technology, our assistant director of Py services, our wood shop teacher at the secondary school, and a number of instructional assistants, pretty much one per school. Those are folks who work directly with
students with disabilities. Um, in addition, there were cuts uh 15% to each of the materials and supply lines, things that you probably do as well. >> And that was pretty significant. We heard from the community, we heard from
school members, um, to particularly protect those classes that give kids a broader range of experiences like woodshop, um, like music at Chester Elementary School. um school adjustment counselor is critical for the social
emotional well-being of secondary students. Uh and the assistant director of special education is very important in our community for serving our students with disabilities. That being said, the place in which we could for this
year uh opt to use funds different is to take uh money from the assessment that we have for each town that we in the past two years have applied to a capital stabilization fund for our eventual roof
projects. We are not taking out money that is in there. So we've put in you put in two years worth of contributions as have all the other towns. It is staying. The difference this year would be that in place of hundreds of thousands of
dollars going into the stabilization fund. you would be putting forth a much smaller amount to the stabilization fund and the remainder of the assessment would go towards our operating. How much do we I mean we give you I
should know this but I don't know. How much do we give to stabilization for last couple? So um see we would you would be giving this year 56,000
to the stabilization fund and the pass that was at least 100. I'm going to need to calculate it based on >> I don't need So I think what I'd say is
in FY26 you put forward $173,000 that included the capital stabilization and transportation. But I think you're probably right about uh over a hundred,000 would have gone to
the capital and this year uh that you'll make a similar contribution although it has declined to $149,000 about it sounds like almost half of that transportation. >> Yep. Some of that is still transportation and that didn't change.
Um but it reduces the capital stabilization commitment. I'll just share that for the school committee in thinking um we will go out probably now it will be FY28 before we can do the roof project. We are applying for state
building authority match to whatever degree they choose to do that. We also have some of our communities who are green communities working with us on earth. >> Yes. Can that can your status as a green community absorb gateway and can they
help us with some of what's in there? Because we need to replace boilers. We need to replace the roof and air handlers and there are more environmentally conscious ways to do that than the what's in the building from 2002. How many children are in Gateway? >> Gateway total 724
as of this spring. So you increased the number of students. you're one of the towns that increased the number of students from last year to this year. We see a small increase systemwide which we haven't in some years. >> Um and uh so the thinking I'm sorry just
to finish that thought was we will likely need to borrow when we get to the project if not Gateway Regional than when we have to replace Littleville and when we have to replace Chester's groups because they're all the same age. The only reason Gateway Regional is
prioritized is it currently leaks and so the sooner we can get that done. The warranty is passed um the better, but we will need the others. And so a question for a thought for our committee was we will need to mortgage in the future
for that. We do have funds that we've been collecting and gathering that will go towards that. the state will contribute, but to lose you some of the services you've just heard me describe in this year coming up seemed just unsustainable and detrimental to kids
experience. Couple things. >> Yeah, I'm going to put my hands down. >> Sure. Right. The the challenge that I saw when I was doing this and it came out of the blue. I just haven't read
little journals a lot sometimes. And um the fact of the matter is is that unless you increase the budget, the costs are not. We all think balance is going to go down next year. Ain't happening. It's just going to continue
to go up. Retirement's going to continue to go up. So I feel my gut initially when I read it, this guys can chime in here, was that you're plugging a hole with something that's not sustainable.
So we're plugging a hole over here creating another hole over here which eventually that gets right which is going to mean we're going to get an increase somewhere along the line even if you borrow >> y right >> and I'm assuming and I you know I I don't profess to be an expert in
municipal finance but I'm assuming that that loan is guaranteed by >> or I believe we we take the loan out and then my understanding is as you were doing until two years ago. It's part of
the the payback is part of the assessment over time. >> Correct. For 20 years on understood but you know I want to understand where that comes from because we have a part of that borrow
that can also put pressure on borrowing the town. >> Correct. So I just need to understand that part of it real. Um I'm not you know my initial gut was I wasn't a fan was like if you're going to hire the people hire people let's not them home.
That was my initial gut. But then again I don't want to get town with another half million dollars in the budget or whatever that number was. Do you know what that additional assessment would have been had if you're going to keep these folks on the ones that you
decided? How much more of an increase with the 1.7 going from to what >> right now it's 1.7 million right for us >> just for not >> 1.78 is your annual assessment
>> right for >> I would say and we I don't know that I did the math this way but if our towns had to cover 93% of our million and a half increase. It would have
How much did you increase last year to this year? The total assessment went up almost 10%. Yep. 9.7%. It would seem to me that that assessment would have had to go, and I'm not doing
math right here, but significantly higher. Um, and everyone's would. So you might um at one point the average assessment increase had we not made
reductions and the TR um looked at the stabilization fund differently the average increase across towns would have been 17%. And since you're on the higher end because you have more students yours likely would have been higher.
So, if I could answer the long-term question because I think it's a good one. >> Um, obviously I've only been in the district one year. >> I think yeah, >> this is what happens everywhere. Wherever I have gone, we would have had I mean, you've seen the stories from
other school districts. This is not um it's not sustainable our current funding approach. However, um one of the things we are interested in looking at which I will do next year is what is the right
size of our secondary school and our elementary schools if we continue this similar enrollment. So what we've done in Gateway probably for as long as people who work there have been forever is cut like small
cuts, small cuts, small cuts, small cuts, which eventually gets like to where we were this spring with Wow, now you're really cutting into experience and our funding streams are not going to
change anytime soon. Even if chapter 70 is looked at for five years from a commission, a study, a vote, you know, all those things, rural school aid is very difficult to rely on. It's been highly variable these last two years and
we used a very conservative estimate for this year because we don't trust that what the governor has put forward in the budget will sustain. Um, but all to say, I think there's a reimagining of in an environment where this is how much
funding you get, how do we use our resources to the most the greatest extreme, how do we use technology to try to make rural education livable and sustainable >> and that's great. I mean, that's great. >> But I will be honest, we did not do that
this year. And I I think we know that this is a short-term solution, but the homework to kind of figure out what Yeah. And and now we understand the degree to which people are committed to some of the more holistic experiences,
wood shop, music, etc., which not to say they ever weren't, but particularly I think in the world where kids may not be exposed to those kinds of things, but I I think they are particularly I guess my question Nicole why don't you
come up you're part of your committee what was wherever you want to sit um since you're part of the committee and you were part of the decision first of all I don't think that I mean I've done a little research and I think that budgets
where you're going to move from stabilization no matter who stabilization kind of is has to vote can't just arbitrarily We're going to take this money now and put it over here. I'm almost positive that's the case. So the committee is not empowered to do that. >> I don't think that's what they're doing.
Sounds like they're just reducing the contribution to not moving out. >> Understood. But if the town is agreeing to put a particularation, they're not changing it. It's what they report for to us for the amount this year. So
>> my question would be how did you originally because I wasn't here >> I wasn't either make so to me my understanding was our assessment of you we we have pretty big latitude for what what we assess y
>> we understand that like high increases yeartoyear are not acceptable so that's what we're staying away from. Yep. Uh but it is my understanding that it is legal for us to assess an amount that is
used for operational understood that I did that. I'm just saying that and and again let's not get in the legal ease but I I would have thought that it would come back to the board as this is a challenge from the actually from the
committee or the whole committee making this decision that we're going to we're going to plug a hole that is not sustainable with the fund this year and hope for the best next year which you're doing by re-evaluating
right that's what I heard which okay, I get it. But if we're in this predicament next year, they're gonna have to do it anyway. The layoffs and there is no way around it because the town can't sustain that kind of an
increase in their taxes for that kind of stuff. And when I saw the list, right, I'm thinking if you're what I saw was an addition of a number of part-time people or either that they
hit many schools, maybe it adds up to a certain extent. Yes. >> Is that what it is? >> Okay. So, if you release them, you're releasing the debt or the the cost of medical with the all that stuff.
>> Okay. Good. I wasn't sure because >> correct. So some of them are currently part-time positions and so but anybody who works 20 hours a week for us is the opportunity with us. Yeah. So you they cost more than their salary.
I do think that from the school committee's perspective, had we um been able to understand this fully and get in front of it earlier, which I take responsibility for, we could have had that discussion with all of you and and
we can only regret that it it would have >> in the past we've invited our school members to come to the SL board during the budget discussions and just sort of um you know report to us as to what the conversations are and I think we sort of
skip that step this year. Um I think so next year we just yeah well if there's if there's issues during the process that are seeming to be you know something that might be big and they want to come back to work then school
can either ask get on the agenda or vice versa and you know I'm just curious if it's more of whoa what's this and because financially it doesn't make sense to take from want of a gold in another
area longterm short-term break that well >> that that's what what I'm thinking long term going down the line now next year I mean how much can you cut before your
certification as far as you know school goes I mean we're we're depriving the kids of a lot a And it bothers me that, you know, these
students deserve to get our best. And uh I I'm I'm looking at it as next year if if we're in a similar situation and we know the state is not going to uphold their end of the bargain no matter what.
So at what point are are we going to have to make the ultimate decision? So, with all these upcoming uh repairs that has to be done, uh I'm wondering if uh you should be
looking at borrowing early because I I don't I don't like to see the kids short change. You're seeing it all over the state now and uh they deserve better. I don't think we're at a place where we
remove certification or be unable to provide the core subjects. What you see is the loss of things. But some of the things for example that we would like to do in advance of next year is look at our secondary school involvements in
specific courses. We try to run a ton of different courses. So kids will want to be there and want to have different experiences. I like this and I like this and I like this. However, that may not be in the long run as as meaningful as
some larger classes that maybe combine some of those learning experiences because to sustain classes of a certain small size is not good in any it's not even good for the kid in the class. It sounds nice.
But um so those are that's an example of a place where I think we can do more without reducing that experience to just >> well also you know take in consideration
uh students are looking for particular courses. If we don't have it they're going to exactly >> go to school choice and that becomes more expensive. So >> you're in a catch too. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I can
go what are your thoughts? >> So from the school comm I have I have two perspectives as a parent and as a school committee member. Um as a school committee member I know that this was an incredibly challenging conversation for us to have uh because every single
person who's on school committee is there because we care about representing the children and making sure that they are given every opportunity. And our uh at least my mentality going into this was how can we prevent massive backsliding that is irreparably going to
damage students who are most at risk in this upcoming year while we figure out a permanent solution for this problem. So this year we had so little notice which was literally like getting the slide deck the week before, right? It was no
notice whatsoever and obviously we can't deliberate about those slides before getting to the meeting. So it really was like we arro we arrived at the meeting and had to start this conversation from scratch which then progressively put the voting date back because we didn't have enough time even to identify solutions.
There were no good choices which is certainly not the fault of Dr. Mazaro. So it is it was a situation where we tried to figure out what can we do this year just right now in the time that we have which was one month at most to
prevent students who are the most at stress the special ed students students who are um you know with the guidance counselor um having their emotional social needs met which rely the rest of the classroom experience relies on those needs being met. what can we do to make
sure that those um students are not disproportionately impacted? And a point of interest I think and I think it's okay for me to say this is that Lambert has an additional family that we suspect and believe is coming in with 10 students
>> 10 students that are from my understanding all requiring special education services. So, especially as somebody who's representing Blandford and Bamford students and that's my role on school committee, I gave that significant consideration beyond the like normal
amount of consideration that I would give it is like how can we serve these students who are coming from North Dakota, South Dakota, >> moving into Blandford in the next month and starting Gateway for the first time in September. >> How could we possibly serve them? And they chose Bamford because of Gateway.
That's why they chose our town because our school system has such a strong special ed program. So with that knowledge, I could not feel like in good conscience representing the families of Blamford that I could advocate for any position. >> Question is that
>> most student both those students are not in the budget >> there and is it do you have enough in the reserve to pick that up? So that's like $300,000. Um it really depend I don't and I don't know the specific needs or
the spec when students will start. So so that's we'll deal with that and we have to >> and we have to one way or another. There are um >> ways in which we are sometimes reimbured for special education. >> I you know I offer to you as much
support as you need to try to figure out what's the right way forward. >> Thank you. So, you know, anybody that's here that has some understanding of all this stuff more than >> Thank you. >> We have to be careful.
This would be substantial tax. >> Yeah. if we were to take them. So this is not again the year goes by super fast as should know from a planning standpoint we need
to figure this out short term. >> Right. >> That's that was the conversation that we had. >> Y right support you and help you kind of figure that out. Um, I understand the need, >> right, but I'm not so sure.
>> Yeah. That it would go over well. >> Well, and that was something that we were mindful about. So, one of the options was to rely completely on the unreliable state federal aid funding and just trust that it would work out. And nobody felt comfortable with that
option. That was not seen as a sustainable good choice. Um, but my understanding is that if that allotment that we receive does exceed what we budgeted for in that exploitation, then that extra funding would be able to be put towards potentially in the future
offsetting other costs. >> Like it has to be spent right away, but it has to be it could offset those costs. >> The other thing we're working on is getting a better, more up-to-date estimate of what are the projects going to take and then, as I mentioned, what
are the funds we could stack. So, MSBA and RE to try to reduce the burden if we when we need to borrow and to to try to balance it over time. So, I'm not suggesting we go at multiple roofs at
once. I don't even know if we need to. So, I think the idea is also come back to you with a better picture of here's what we're seeing. Yeah. So you could start thinking, oh, okay, we might see a bump this year because the assessment will be higher because we're beginning
to pay off debt. >> So maybe maybe have a re, you know, three months at this, hey, what's the what's it looking like? >> Definitely. I'm sorry.
We'll know a lot more about the state budget in three months which will be very helpful in what we do now is just as frankly well everybody needs health insurance
>> we have very good health insurance >> health insurance is killing >> it's the town's health insurance >> it's great the health programs I don't know you know they have a dental program um social emotional eye doctor
>> gator the the doctor that school based health children at school have their appointments at school >> it's amazing pick them up it's amazing that is truly one of the I think biggest perks >> that for a second >> yeah families moving in because we have
this great program in the west well >> but they're also contributing tax dollars to use that because that that those families do pay property tax and if you have like elderly people that are essentially >> yes but like I mean specific
>> this is very yeah >> it can I think it can we have to represent the residents at the same >> does have a plan for growth is that a is that a priority to continue growing population just out of curiosity
>> that's a that is a damp And I and I really wish we had an answer to that. >> I see. Okay. Thank you. >> Interesting. I mean, it's solvable. >> It is just great.
>> I know in the past they was a goal to try to keep some of the kids in, you know, try to get something that keep those kids, you know, they've both places. That's still something. >> It is. And in fact, this year we had 31 eighth graders apply for our internal
vocational programs. We have filled them and that's the early education early education and care and advanced manufacturing or wealth or advanced metal fabrication technologies. There had been a significant there is a significant shift this year in how vocational programs are accepted
students. they are accepted by lottery no longer by um merit regular because so we don't know yet because those lotteryies haven't been pulled but it is in my opinion highly possible that we
will see more students retained at Gateway um because quite frankly Gateway students were really good students who in a merit-based system likely took a number of seats at Goldmith and Westfield And without that being part of
the decision, which has upset our families to be quite honest, and that's a state shift, um I think it's possible that 11 students you have now, two of those students are graduating this year who if they're we don't know if they'll
be replaced with two students or if your vocational assessment down students will strong. I also just want to put a plug in for the vision impaired program at Gateway that is making massive revenues and
actually earning back the the funding. So that is something that statewide uh people have moved from all over to actually send their children to this vision impaired program which is the only one in the entire region.
Absolutely. Districts pay tuition for our for their students because if you're a small district and you have one vision impaired student, you can't really have a program. >> Yeah. >> But we do. >> And that program brings in how about $290,000 or something something significant. So it is a a very
significant um contribution. >> I'm going to wrap it up because got you know 90 days. >> I look forward to it. >> Thanks. Thanks for the >> Thank you all. Also,
>> we don't know. >> So, >> no. >> The next thing on the agenda is HCA's post community agreements. Um, I gave you a copy of the uh post community agreement for Belure. You would copy and
you know, we're not going to go through them right now. Yeah. But it's I'm I'm trying to research and be into how HDAs should be more robust. I think I think what we have and uh for cannabis is one
thing but the world is starting to change here with the solar coming in. Has to be more let's say robust financially robust. So this is one that's already in place. Yes. because we're thinking about the one we're going to face with
>> the other right but at the same time HAS in general are going to become more of a thing >> as we move forward with whether it's ever source whether it's all the other stuff that we're talking about right and
what's odd about HCA that I found was that it's you know it's really lucrative the first five years because you're supposed to get 5% of the revenue Well, some of these small businesses still don't make revenue for at least three to four years. Yeah. >> So, it's kind of like why why bother,
right? Um, so I want you guys to see what we do about it. Give us feedback. I'll come back with feedback. I've had it from the HCA. Um, obviously it's something that's drawn up by the attorney, right, to make sure
we're covered. But I will tell you that after researching it a little bit and kind of like following the bounce ball, the town hall, no one person is managing the HC. Yeah. And that's a problem.
So our attorney Oh, yeah. Um, okay. So that's that. Yeah, I gave you a copy. >> Yeah, >> we're going to skip over um resident
contact table uh B that is >> okay >> on the appraisal for Georgetown group. >> Chapter 61 second. Sure. Second. Any questions?
>> Favor. >> All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. >> Uh, resignation for Gateway School Committee vice chair carries. >> Is she here? >> No.
>> Um, so I make a motion to accept car's resignation. I'll be sad about that. >> I'll second. >> Second that. Any questions? What? >> You don't need to accept.
>> Oh, I know. All you need to do is acknowledge. >> Oh, >> we acknowledge that Terry >> Robert is uh resigning. >> So, we're going to need another person to join us on. So, we did have someone I
think >> Yeah, you're on there. And then there was someone else who put papers out, right? I am not >> the chair recognizes no. >> I'm so sorry. >> Sorry. >> I am not I am not
running them. So I have found something that is running um she has papers. However, so I think that she has she was not up for rest for re-election this year. So I think she has one more left to her. So
there just need to be two. >> So I know that I'm also >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Sorry. >> No, that's okay. >> Incredibly dedicated so many years from
Yes. All right. Where to help? >> We're going to table >> so I don't have to. >> So till next week. >> So we're going to we're going to tablet update >> to when? Next month. >> Yes.
>> Next Monday. >> So next Monday. Second. Any questions? All in favor? >> Great. Come on up. >> Yes. >> Oh,
on there. >> You're up first. >> Sorry. I'm sorry. >> That's okay. >> All right. So, um I believe that two weeks ago I came to this meeting when we had our departmental reviews and spoke about the um the needs for town hall
space uh at the outside. We've already lovingly gotten through the inside. Um so the units that we would like to have um on the exterior that we need to know placement for the first most important and urgent one is the storage unit. Um,
it is 8 feet by, I believe, 17 to 20. I'm not sure the exact length. Um, but it is standard storage unit length. Um, and it is being delivered by a local company from Pittsfield. I can give you the name of the company like Safety Storage. Um, so sorry, I should have had
that up. And it will be able to be delivered anytime next week. It'd be luckily sooner the better. I'm living with quite the pile in the uh library right now of moving stuff. Um we just need to know where to stick it. So highway department and fire and police
department and your glorious board. >> Brownie points don't count. >> Well, I would think we should talk to highway and make sure that it's out of their way and then you know fire and police just make sure it's >> Do you have any thoughts? Sorry. >> No, no. Do you have any thoughts on
somewhere in the parking lot that is out of the way and is not getting in your way at all? >> Well, this parking lot here. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It's where we had been talking about it for
>> end up unloaded some stone or put down some 6x6 so it's off the grass. >> Um or does it need to be on the asphalt? It was not specified that it needs to be on the asphalt, but I assumed that it
would be on the asphalt. Let me see. It says um >> no one's going into the storage unit, right? Like in a wheelchair or >> Oh, god. No, no, it's just it's just staff. So, like we wouldn't want it to be like in the middle of mud, right? Um
I don't know. I know they can put it on like grass. I don't know what needs to be done. I I had imagined that it would be on the asphalt like off on the side somewhere. So, I didn't inquire about a grass placement because I didn't think we'd want to kill any of the grass. And it will be there for Memorial Day
weekend. >> It will. Yes. Yes. It will be there until >> be there so after the construction. >> Yes. Until after the after we're moved in. Like we need to keep the stuff in there until we move it back into the building. So, November 27th is what we're looking at right now. Um that is
our goal. >> Oh. >> Yeah. So about a year and a half. >> Okay. And how many storage units for? >> Just the one. Just one. >> Just the one. >> Just one. >> Okay. >> Y. >> And you'd have to put it on six by sixes. >> Yeah. Because you don't want to sit on the pave, of course.
>> Oh, yeah. See, I don't know this. That's why we have you. >> Yeah. You keep it out the ground so it rains underneath. Otherwise, it splash back. You don't need that. We have 6x6 down. >> Where would you Oh, amazing. Yeah. So if you want to like like an X marks the
spot situation. >> Okay. >> If if you could do that >> catch up and figure out what the length on their comments. >> Yes, I will send you the email from them. It says that it is um approximate size. It says 8 by two but that can't be correct. I think it's 8 by 20.
>> It better not be two feet long. Um so um yeah. So I think that that is the uh that is the length of I'll send you everything that I have. I can also send the select board as well. Um, so I have the I uh >> you have an idea where you put it,
right? >> Um, probably over by Christina's office like right along the edge of the building somewhere. >> Okay. It's a local >> spot. >> As long as we can just access this side
of the building. So maybe if you want to um just kind of show what your thoughts are. >> Perfect. >> Tonight or next week just so the statement >> and can I like when he gives me the spot is that good enough I can order it and
have it put there. >> Yeah. As long coordinate with Ry to get the um whatever put down. >> Perfect. All right. We'll coordinate and sooner the better on that. photo set all up. >> Beautiful. Yeah, I think that the company has to set up the actual unit
because they are responsible for it. Like they're liable for it and that's part of what we pay them for is to like set it all up because it has to be like >> essentially they are ensuring that it's not going to leak. >> Um so I think that if we do anything that voyage their their warranty on not
leaking. >> I would just CC um highway sorry and fire. Yes. On the female and just say like maybe let's picture this is where it's going. Just FYI
>> and I'll wait for their good braces. >> Absolutely. You know everything so I have to let you know too. Um, all right. >> So, that and then the other item that I would like to find a location for is we have, as you both know, I'll show you know, we have an after hours drop off
bin that is um like the little zoo book drop. It's about 3 feet by 3 feet by four feet. Um, that unit we would like to have outside. My thought was that under the awning somewhere under there would be sensible.
So, if there's, you know, you tell me how you want me to determine where to get that moved, that'll be getting moved May 19th by our >> blocking. Okay. What I'll do is I'll I'll take a picture of where I think I'll put it. I'll draw a little circle on the picture and then let you all know and that way you can decide. I just need to know that
before May 19th. And then the Better World book bin, which does go on asphalt. It's that green bin. Oh, yeah. >> Um, that's been a huge success for the community. People love that book bin. Um, we've had people coming from like
even out of town to use that book bin, which blows my mind. Um, we would like to have that also be able to be moved over here. I need to coordinate with the company for that though. So, I have no that's just like a it's like a ball of wax trying to get a hold of somebody at this like organization. Um, so I'm just
wondering if at the same time that we're going through where is everything else going to be if we could identify a location for that and if highway fire and police put everything in front of Christina's >> No, we can't box her in. She'll have no view. She'll look like she's in the middle of like land. No, we can't do
that. Um, but that one does go on the asphalt. Uh, and it's important because it has to have access for a like delivery truck. >> Oh, okay. >> Um, like there was chosen. >> So, okay. Okay. So, I just wanted to make sure that I was getting your permission to ask the person who makes the decision. So, like that's okay. All
right. Um and then other than that, there's um there is no other questions that I have. Um the quick update would be that we have shelving from Pittsfield that we are borrowing and picking up May 8th. Um and John Crane has volunteered to do that for us. >> Um yes. And they're lending us the
shelving for free. And that shelving will be put into that room. Um, and the week before that, so May 1st through 7th, is when we're going to be getting into that room and doing a whole scrub clean. And I believe that the deadline for planning castation to evict that
room was set at April 24th, 26th, something like at that last touch. >> So, I just wanted to make sure that that was progressing. I know that when I was there last week, I saw um some really good little uh postits on things that gave me hope that things were moving. Um, so I just wanted to make sure that
everything there. Thank you so much for being so wonderful about all of this. We are still on schedule and it's our 100% design development submissions were put in today. So, uh, they've already started the construction drawings and
now once those come back as everything being fine with the design development stage, um, the rest of the constructions can be done and we can go about it. So, we are on schedule. >> All right. Good. Thank you all so much. Thank you >> Ray. I will respond to you in email and
can we touch base tomorrow? >> You take your time. >> I guess we're sitting over here, so I'm sit by Joanne. Go ahead. >> How are you? All right. So, last week's meeting that we ended up having, the board requested some quotes
after I brought up the project of Watson Park to end up having the parking lot done here at Town Hall with asphalt. So, I did >> Yeah,
>> I ended up getting some different quotes on it. The only thing is he can't end up using the chapter 90 funding for the parking lot because we do not have a commuter parking area. The town is willing to make a designated area for
commuter parking only and keep it maintained for the public. Then there's a chance that we can apply to have it done through chapter 90. >> Yeah.
Commuter parking. So it's basically >> designate >> you have we have the signage we have to get it painted it has to be presented >> right >> uh then we end up sending pictures to the state and then from here on forward we would be a commuter parking area town
hall parking lot. So that means anybody can park there at any time 24 hours a day. So >> so like to carpool >> to carpool. >> Okay. So that that's one. >> How many park spaces does it
>> minimum has to be one? >> Just one. Just one. Yeah. >> So >> yeah, it's not bad. >> So that we cannot do. We have to actually go off the state specs on that.
>> Um >> that's good news though. That's >> Yeah, it is. I went out there Friday and I measured out the parking lot. We got a 200 road footage. Uh we do have two raised structures in the parking lot to end up incorporating that to a paving
job. You're talking anywhere from 1,100 to,500 for debris structures in the parking lot. My thoughts of looking at the uh the swale that's going down the center of the parking lot is that it was patched
and put asphalt on it. Over the years, it's kind of settled down. The compaction wasn't there. Another thing is the two structures we have in there. One's on the far corner
in the lower end of the parking lot and we have one right in the center of the parking lot. where that swale goes to. Before we end up capping it, I would like to end up making sure that the pipe is good underneath if the town wants to proceed.
>> Yeah. I was just going to mention to have that train coming from >> the corner. >> Yep. It passes all around. >> Uh so by my calculations, this is all I just used the data sheets from the state. >> Yep.
>> Crunching everything in. We're talking it would be anywhere from $61,756. That's just the asphalt. That's with a uh a mill and fill. So, basically, we'd have a company come in,
mill it. We'd end up putting 3 in down standard, take about an inch and a half of milling out to the surface. >> Well, it wouldn't have been in your budget for this. We can do it anytime. It's chapter 90. No,
>> I understand. But you have your budget is also time for your people, right? You do all the other stuff that's under the list. >> Why not? >> Why? >> Well, that's why I've been push that's why I've been presenting all these things because
>> I I'm not biting too much off the chew. It's just the iron's hot right now. So, we might as well strike it while we can. Otherwise, let it sit. As of July 1st, when we end up redoing the bids for next year, the prices are going to change.
They're going to go up. Everything's going up. >> And it's something that we could end up doing. And logistically, the reason why I brought up the park before the parking lot here was we're going to have companies in town like Russell Stage
here in town. So instead of paying them twice to come out here, charging us an extra $3,000 $4,000 to bring all their equipment up here, if we have any projects that we'd like to wrap up or get started uh for July, it'd be
something that I would like to end up doing. So that's one thing. the the town for doing the town parking lot. I have an estimate of $61,756 that would come out of the chapter 90 funded plus we have to end up getting
the the signage and then we'd have to paint all the lines and put parking down. So that is for the parking lot for the uh Watson parts.
I know Christina brought up doing a uh full depth reclamation on that road. I walked it and honestly the cost factor of doing a full depth reclamation, we could end up doing the
whole road in Watson Park and coming back out. Basically, just to explain what the full depth reclamation is, you're basically going to take all the millings that are there, grind them up, they add an emulsion of liquid asphalt to it, and then put it back down on the
ground. That's what full depth is. You're grinding everything They end up after they grind it up, they end up bringing a grater in. They smoon the surface, compact the surface, and put the material back down onto the actual road surface.
I don't think we need to do that, honestly, but if we want to end up going down that route, we can. The price for doing an FDR in the park itself would be a fiveday process on a 3in bill of hot HMA going
on top and that would be $80,69541. So comparable from having an FDR road going through Watson Park, 3-day process of a mill and fill going through Watson Park would be
$66,175. That would be what an inch and a half and an inch an inch and a half base after milling and then an inch and a half top. Up top would the milling build last longer because there's not a lot of traffic. >> You don't have the only heaviest trucks
you have is making sure during the winter that we plow that access to the back so that we can have heat there during the winter time. I think that because it's not a heavy travel road that might make sense because >> yeah,
>> it would last longer than normal because >> No, it's just the traffic it would would hold up. >> I know there's not a lot of traffic. >> It would be nice to see more people in that part, honestly. Okay.
>> So, that's that's a couple of numbers that I got together for you guys. >> I appreciate that. >> You know, where I struggle more than anything is that I don't know what is on your list. So, it's hard for me to even hear
is the money there or not. Um, you know, I mean, chapters 90 isn't like tons of money. sitting there really used. So I don't know what your plan is for everything else. >> You know how much money is in the chapter 90 funding?
>> Well, no. I mean in general like for your year, right? Slash made a plan of suppose we're going to do here's chapter 90 money. Here's what we're going to get our turtle money whatever. But I don't know what that looks like to know to say yeah let's go out and do lots of park.
You may say, "Well, it's really a road here that's more important to us part." >> Yeah, I think that's >> Yeah, I think what what she's saying is how much chapter 90 money you you've got that's coming to you and what are your
priorities for that? You know, I I think that's what we're asking. >> So, I have projects. I've written them down >> on the budget request. for this coming year or last this year.
>> What I wrote coming up this upcoming year. >> That's what we ended up doing. >> After July 1st, July 1st, >> if I can end up getting a couple of these done before July 1st, why not do them, you know, >> if you got the money,
>> we have 1,555,445. That's what's in that account in our our chapter 90 account 57737. That's our state contract number. >> Wow. Over a million still in there right now. >> Yes.
>> So, I'm picking and choosing the >> the projects that we need to do. >> Yeah. after last year having the claims come to the town from the vehicles ripping their underc carriages off the cars.
I I I'm embarrassed to end up having that happen again this year. And even if I have to take the hot box out there and go out there with the guys, we we can end up at least patching that washed out spot. But it it definitely I figured it would be something nice to end up doing
the >> So you're saying that priorities? >> Yeah. Before July 1st, we could definitely get this with the numbers that I have and the prices on asphalt that are already in the our contracts that we signed with vendors.
>> This is completely doable, especially since we'll be in town already. >> Okay. Can we deliberate on it later and then we'll come back? Yeah, next week. That's fine. >> Okay, >> that'd be good. Um, I believe did you guys get to read my
letter I sent to legal? >> I ended up I thought I spent some time writing that to make sure that I didn't want to end up being on the defense and being like, "Oh, well, I already knew what you're talking about." But I just wanted to make sure he understood the importance
>> of putting together a contract, you know, on the town's terms, right? >> You know, so did he get back? >> He's got it on his list. Yeah, he did at least send a note saying he's working it. So >> So he's working on it. I was hoping he maybe would have it today, but >> No.
>> No. Well, that's that's one thing. Okay. >> Um, so I have the three the three companies that I ended up talking to. I don't know if you want the information or not, but like I said, the mark >> those three
>> Yeah. the three quotes and then one player came out low. I end up sacrificing a little bit of uh I changed some things around on the machine or on the trailer to end up
dropping the price, which they're all uniform. They've been all uniform, but I was surprised that it changes so much. One Clarion does a lot of work with municipalities and they pump these out for towns all over America. So, after speaking with Barbara, uh, she really
was down to earth on getting a sale made, and she sent me all the paperwork that I needed for it. >> She's one of the three. >> No, Barbara is one of the uh sales representatives at oneon. >> No, no, you had three quotes though,
right? >> Yeah. One. >> Yeah. How much is hers? >> Uh, hers came in at 24, >> 598. This is the uh water trailer. >> What? >> Yeah. So, if people get thirsty in town,
we can do doortodoor services. I'm just kidding. Don't put that in the water. >> We're being held to it. Now, then it's for the roads for as long of the roads. >> I think um given you know, do you have
anything else on your plate right there, Ray? uh working with conservation from here going forward, we ended up changing the driveway application because there was some conflicts of permits
not including conservation which I I'm fine with. Just take a look at them. The old one is the one you'll see it it says ifable uh applicable for conservation and I agreed with Dick after sitting down with him. Um,
>> one of these aren't the same groups. >> Yeah, they're the two are different. So, I ended up Friday going through and revising a copy that is more suitable and making sure everybody is on board.
>> Good one, right? >> See how one says if clickable. That's the old one. We don't want it to be >> on the bottom where it says conservation commission in the box. >> Okay. So, this is
>> that's the old one. >> We're getting rid of the old one because honestly, >> why not have them >> with this? >> Huh? >> Conservation. >> I've been working with them. >> Okay. >> With conservation. So, he was happy with it. I did have two
different drafts, but that's what the uh driveway permit's going to be because yes, I can go to a a applicant's property and they say, "Hey, this is where I want my driveway to be." Okay. >> Yeah. >> No water. I'm good. But who knows what's further in.
>> So conservation, I think it's definitely good to have him on board so there's no surprises. And then at least before they get their permit, both department heads sign off on. >> I think um the last thing that we had on
here was the feedback from highway team. I'm going to say that we put that on next week's agenda more time. This is going to take some time. I don't want to just let go
have discussion. Um so so motion to table next Monday. Yeah. Motion to table discussion of feedback with highway team policy. >> Any questions? All in favor?
>> I >> Yeah. I'm just looking at the date. >> If I can't make it, I'll end up trying to make it on Zoom. >> All right. That'll be fine. >> Thanks, Ryan. >> Anything else? >> Perfect. Thank you.
>> Um, all right. Any questions from Got it. >> So, one one thing I just got to ask. So the work I put into for Watson Park and the town, what we're going to table that and decide whether we're going to end up
>> a little bit. So >> well, the reason why I'm asking is because we got Nicole, the librarian, who wants to put containers. That's why I was kind of saying on the grass. >> Yeah. >> And then we have other stuff that's going to go into the, you know, parking lot area. I just That's why
>> Yeah. When I mentioned the grass, my wheels were spinning already. Like, wait, if we do pull a trigger on this parking lot, I want to make sure that the parking lot's clear. >> That's brilliant. Yeah. >> I just don't want to be moving it twice. >> First, how long that would take?
>> Uh, I'll end up calling up find out some prices on some signs. I'll order up a sign. >> Just putting up some signs. >> One sign. Um then if that can go on the grass if you think that that's okay.
>> I can set it. We'll bring the loader down and set everything up so that you know it's >> I mean worst case we have to grass. >> Yeah. >> Pavement was that other we can we can have that weight >> even if we can put it underneath the
overhang on the like on the concrete. We have the Kabota that's low enough we can get under there. >> No idea. I have to talk to the company yet. >> We'll come back to this and you just if
you could just confirm that we could use for that one. >> Okay. So yeah, I would say then you would ask for situation, >> correct? I just >> Yeah, let's just make sure
ask. Yeah, make sure. >> Yeah. So that would be any question. >> Yes. Um Mary is recognized. Last night, I sent a letter to both our state senator and our state representative
>> saying that both my husband and I are decidedly against permitting someday hunting because where we live, we back up to a wooded area. We have deer coming through there all the time. It's open
and it goes right down to the reservoir. We also own property on Shepard Road which is wooded and it's abundanted by other wooded properties. And Sunday is the only safe day that we can put down a
path or walk around our property road. And I asked if anyone had to consider that they increase the number of deer that are taken by hunters
as as a a side effect to having Sunday vote or Sunday content. So I just throw that out there. And we are a rural community. a lot of homes back
up to living property or conservation property or hunting would be allowed. So, I know there's an awful lot of other things that are on the place. And the other thing is um for Watson
Park, I would really love to be able to walk around that corn without worrying about kids ride their bike around. >> Thank you. Thank you. Any other comments?
It is 711.