Hey there. >> Crazy. Uh, it's 4:59. So, >> I'm going to be recording. >> Yep. >> Yes. Are you recording? >> Recordings in progress.
>> I'm relying on your expertise. >> Does uh Joanne have a record? No. >> Did she have a reporter? >> Yeah. With us? >> No. Why? I already I set up that. >> Yeah. >> All right. Should we start?
>> Morning. Greetings. It's 5:00 p.m. and the uh this is the joint meeting between board water. What day is today? Today is Monday, March. Monday, March 7th.
All right, guys. Where's yours? >> Seven eggs to vote in. >> You're gonna have to speak louder. >> So, uh, change order 7A is first. That's involves SCADA, I believe. Yes. Okay.
in the past. >> That's one of them. >> How much was that one? 12. >> Yes, that was the one that was redone. Is that >> I think 1128. Roughly about 28 down to 12. Yes,
correct. I know you guys are being desperate. So, right. >> Yes, >> that's exact. >> Yes, definitely. >> It's actually I think it's behind like it's very close to the beginning. >> Yeah, there's a signature
beginning. Wait for Christina. >> We can vote for it though. So >> this one in particular, >> yeah,
this >> the one we talked about before, TJ, it has to do with the the rebuild of the SCADA system and basically there is uh parts and pieces in there that was engineered in am I
right saying this to do with the emergency shut offs and stuff >> and then we've decided not to go with those shut off but they still have to be built into the system that's why it went down to 12 right one of the reasons >> uh also the contractor there was a misunderstanding in their original
number we walked through it right >> they recapitulated their numbers as well. >> But if if I can >> go ahead >> dubvtail to your comments, >> essentially what it is is we redesigned the emergency stop circuit and the
handoff auto controls. Okay. >> Yeah. >> To give uh a better safer methodology for emergency stop and controlled by the operators. Okay. >> Okay. where the handoff auto is located
where the like if you're downstairs in the pump room in low grade >> and there's an emergency if you hit any of the emergency stops all the pumps will stop. >> Okay. >> So like for example, if there's a pipe break and water's coming out all over
the place. Yeah. >> You hit one and it doesn't matter where you are in the room. All you have to do is hit any one of those and it'll stop. Pumping will stop. Okay. >> Okay. So, that saves the person down in that location. So, that's number one,
>> right? >> It gives you an opportunity without uh for a an immediate stop or a controlled stop where you can ramp down if you hit the estop, you can ramp down your DFD,
variable frequency drive quickly to prevent water hammer, >> okay? >> And pipe brakes. So that'll help you out on that. That would have to also be programmed into the VFD, but that's an added functionality there. Okay.
>> Do you know Do you know what water hammer is? >> What's that? >> What water hammer is? >> Great question. >> Yeah. >> So, uh, water water is not compressed, right? Like you can't take a bunch of water like a balloon >> like you can with air, right?
>> You can squeeze a balloon. >> Yeah. Uh but inside a pipe, water is not compressive. So if you imagine water flowing through a pipe and all of a sudden it stinks hard. It has a certain momentum and since it can't expand and
contract, what happens is it has a it has a a shock wave, if you will, >> of energy >> that it bends through the pipe until it hits something hard, then it bounces back and kind of goes back and forth. But what'll happen is it'll hit a bend
and push against that bend and push against another bend and uh it can it can damage the pipes. >> Exhibits forces and pressures on the pipe. Right. >> Yeah. >> It's like a pressure spike through the system. If you at your house >> Yeah. >> If your washing machine shuts off
abruptly, right, that solenoid valve, I was getting water hammer on my washing machine and you could actually buy these little components to suppress the water. But there's other ways mechanically that you can do it. In this case, a variable frequency.
>> Okay. Now, uh, how much pressure are you talking? >> Oh, I I don't know. >> I I don't know. But I >> a treat, >> right? >> Yeah. >> So, and the pressure it depends on how much flow you have. >> Okay.
>> How fast you stop. It's it varies. >> I'm not a process engineer to answer that question. Sorry. >> All right. Now, I thought I just wonder because you have pumps in this water. So, if you got a pump pumping, there's going to be pressure. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. So, I imagine the pressure would like almost double if you shut it down and it you get that that backflow. >> It could. Yeah. And what what this would
do is it wouldn't have that hard stuff. >> Okay. >> Right. This prevents the hard stop. >> The drive can be programmed to prevent the hard stop. >> So it stops quickly. >> Yeah. >> But it doesn't cause that the water hammer transients pipeline which are can
damage >> something like a pressure in a way. >> In a in a way. Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. I have to put it in my shirt. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Like a spring. Imagine a spring. It kind of
it what this will do is Yeah. >> It won't have that. >> Yeah. >> All right. I'll go with the slinky side. So, >> appreciate you asking the question. >> But that that brings up a good point when he says that a lot of times in the
past we've done repairs or a fire department that has shut off a valve or just somebody closing closing a hydrant. We did and you can actually cause that to break on actual pipe because of >> we had somebody pulls a hydrant full
suit through the plant that caused the break all the way up here at the bottom of Russell Stage Road. They never traveled that far through the point miles away. So I move to approve this $12,31987
for change order number 7A. >> Any questions? >> All in favor? >> I I'm not sure where to sign this thing. And can I sign it or >> No, you can sign it.
I >> Is there a place you sign it? Yeah, this was the standard form for the EJC form. >> Yeah. >> So, I was uh I thought it would be on the left.
>> Yeah. >> Is this it? >> Says by the title. >> Yeah. I didn't know whether was the veins. If you want scratch it out >> and put select.
>> Okay. On a positive note, this is the last one outside of this H, which we'll talk about probably eventually, but for the project itself, this is it, right?
>> Yeah. As far as I know, far as we all of us go. Yeah. one other than that other A8 that she said. >> Yeah, eight. >> You never know coming around. >> Yes,
>> I guess Jasmine. >> Jasmine would I believe give copies to Yes. >> Yes, we need copies. >> That is correct. >> So, what's next? >> Uh the next one is change order number eight. And that one I think Jackie all of us
discussed that pretty in depth at one point. >> Yeah. Remember that? >> Yeah, I do remember it. Um the only question you know that I came up with that I wanted to ask you guys what this number eight that is coming up change
order number eight is for >> interest right. >> Yes. It has to do with the with the delay of >> project. Yes. >> But where I'm I'm just and this is the only question I think that you guys can answer for me is
>> we did have a delay in project totally great because there was some I mean the guy had come in here to get us. So I remember all that. >> Yeah. >> But we finally paid it. We finally got up
today and still nothing happened. My understanding is this project's been dormant even since then. >> Is that correct, guys? >> Yeah. We've not moved on it because >> why? Well, that's the question. >> A couple of different reasons. Where we
were in the design. >> Yeah. >> This 7A allows us to get us to the to the whole plate to help have us finish the design. because this was need this was needed. We were at a stopping point, a juncture
point if you would to revise design and get it moving forward. So, we were like, I the contractor's like, well, I'm not going to make any forward progress on it until we get that approved. Okay.
So now the design is going to move forward or the construction is going to move forward and then part two to that is the um uh is the interest >> supposed to charge to this out
>> but problem is though we signed that contract >> did and that contract also says that they would be substantially beat by February 24th 2025 so over a and it's not substantially complete and they're supposed to pay $1,500 for every
day that they are not substantially complete. >> So, >> you want to answer that off? >> The best I can answer that is essentially if there were delays in payment and they decided to put a work stoppage. I'm not their lawyer and I don't represent. Okay.
>> But I and you can get them on the phone and ask them to, you know, answer that question for you, >> right? But I would presume in their mind they said, "Okay, we can't continue work. We're not getting paid. We're owed all this money." They put the work stoppage and in accordance with
Massachusetts general state laws, they had char they had charged their >> and then they refused to bring any work until that was taken care of. >> Until that's taken care of >> and that has been taken care of to date, >> right? >> Not not a not the I get that
>> and that's why they're not starting. That's what >> So they did they look at >> they didn't move forward and and I guess the question is when you get into and Mike I may need your help on this because I've never been in this situation but liquidated damages
>> then what you have to do is figure out every little thing. It's not just a number but you have to figure out every little thing that is a damage. >> Right? And it's going to be very difficult to do that. Can you help me with that?
>> Well, >> only because it goes to court then have to substantiate the the >> understood. It cost us more to go to court than it is just to pay. >> Right. Right. Right. >> But still, I mean, I I I found a sense
that day we were in the meeting, all of us, for the first time hearing that they're charged $22,000. They stood they should have shown that they were going to start charging interest when the thing was too late. So I mean >> it would have been nice to got that to get that notice. Yeah.
>> Right. I have a new relationship with this basic >> other than this project >> from from what I understand. Um >> I've worked. No, no, no, no. I I'm not I'm not interpreting that, you know, I can't >> Well,
>> to try to answer the question that was just posed about the relationship. >> Uh the previous superintendent and he hired a consultant, >> right, Mr. Kevin Sheay. Okay. I worked with Kevin when I did a project with Elm
over at Springfield Water Sewer Commission. Okay. I did the SCADA upgrade over there. Kevin had worked there and uh I think even Gordon was over there too, right? So they had those two gentlemen had a previous
relationship with Elm. We only had two biders on this project. Okay. And I think they also had a relationship with Bay State on on the project as well. So that said, Bay State and another company in Westfield, Roars,
uh those were the only two biders. We didn't have a big bidding field on this two biders and the apparent low bidder was Bay State. Okay. So, as far as I heard from Kevin and as far as I heard from Gordon, that they that they worked
with him before, they had a good reputation, the relationship was good, and that's all I >> Yeah. Okay. >> What do you guys want to do? >> It's not what we want to do. We got to do it. We have to We have to pay him up taken care of. >> How much What's the figure? We have to
pay up 22,000. >> Hey, on I talked to Kelly. Kelly said that once this is paid, this $12,000 $995 left in the project. Right. >> Right. She said that if you choose to go
to the reserve, your own reserve, which is really your capital, what are you guys calling your capital expense, take it out of there and pay it. >> Yeah. >> And you don't have to understood anything. >> That's the way I understood it too. That's the way I understood it. >> That's what she told. >> But then there was another option that
we discussed the other day >> was the other funings, the federal funding. >> Did we use a portion of that if we had to? >> Yeah. >> Okay. That's why I was asking because this project's already >> Okay.
All right. Just thought I'd ask. And it doesn't hurt. >> Especially when you're looking for money. >> Okay. >> So, once you pay the the 22K, when did they start? >> I wait for the 22K before they start.
>> Oh, they I get it started immediately. I'll get this design done within a week or two. >> Yeah. for 78 and they can they'll convince more work for the 22. >> Yes. >> No. >> Holding is kept.
>> If you know being a business person and you coming from the business world too, you know, you probably would use the same thing. >> I know I probably would. >> Not not if it's a good customer. >> Well, that's true. >> I mean, even if they negotiated and said, "Okay, cut it half." So, >> yeah. Yeah. >> You know, we're not we're not made of
money here in this town. In fiscal year 25, we paid 800 858,469.34. That's almost a million dollar in one year. >> Yep. >> Say they're a year behind. >> Y >> Well, I want to address her uh the young
lady's com Christina, sorry. Um comment about liquidated damages. Now, if there were no delays that were attributed to non-payment and their decision, if everything was running smoothly at that
point and they kept falling behind and we could absolutely say, "Hey, look, you know, all we've moved in accordance with the contract. There were no delays on our end, the owner's end, or the engineer's end." Correct. >> Guess what happened? Now you're late.
>> Yeah. So now in a court of law, you have something to grab that with. Okay. Make them pay that. >> What did the town do that ended up being a year behind? >> We sat on the We sat on the thing. We didn't sign it.
>> Not a year. >> Not a year. >> No, but that was part of it. That was the second part. First part. We sat on the first one. We sat on eight. We sat on eight for what? Five months? Six months? We settled that. >> I thought we just found out about the last >> 78.
>> Yeah. 78. Yeah. >> Yeah. We settled that five months also because remember when Gordon and Christine said she wasn't going to sign it because it wasn't her job to sign it >> and then they would Yeah. The select board had to go before the select board.
>> That was seven. >> Yeah. Because then it had to go before the select board and then there was discussion back and forth. Then they wanted a discussion about >> Yeah. I I think I mean my take would be
my two cents is we had argued this past you want to take it out of your capital take it out I'd write him a letter though professional letter that says but basically about customer relationship you know
$800 something thousand this is >> this is payment with no discussion they're not even at the table >> right no I agree with you on that I I do agree with you on that point. >> Yeah. >> Um >> uh >> I just felt that we should have got some kind of a warning up front that they
were going to do something of this sort of say, "Hey, look, if you don't pay within a certain period of time or you don't sign this within a certain period of time, you're causing us a delay and causing us to delay other projects, we are going to start assessing a fine or assessing
fire under us." >> Yes. Yes. Right. So, uh, but Bob was quick to come in here. He's not here now. I wish he was so we could have an open dialogue about it. Say, you know, >> hey,
>> show us a little appreciation here. >> U, but that's, you know, I mean, I already I already It's really whether or not we're not going to take them. It would cost us more. A phone call would
probably I would think would fix too. >> I think that's not cool. Every time it's possible it's fine. Let's just get started with the project and get it done. >> So, all right.
Look at that. So, this is Can I Where is that from this one? >> Wow. We will write a letter. I >> definitely I I I think anything else but that. >> So this is
>> some kind of communication on that >> project's coming up that they would want to >> Well, they have a couple coming up and I really >> it's well within your rights to do that. >> What? >> Write a letter. >> Oh yeah.
>> Yeah. It should be. And I think I said in the last meeting, in the last meeting they expressed an interest to continue working >> Yes. >> on the ozone project and whatever water projects are up and coming. So >> would this be a case for us not to be
able to throw out their next? >> I'm sorry, Peter. I couldn't >> Would this be a case that we could throw out their next bit? >> I mean, I've had past experience working with and and they weren't good. >> Okay. You know, >> are there other Let me ask this. Do they
do they hold a captive audience? Is that right? I mean, are they like one of the few else? >> No. >> Okay. >> All right. Then I move to approve
uh the eight. It's what document >> change order >> change order n >> or what is it? 22,000. >> Yeah. >> 22,000 what?
>> $22,271.75. >> 75. That's nice. >> I move to approve $22,271.75 to be taken from capital expenditures. >> Which is the bucket? >> You mean
retained earnings? Well, they call it cava in their in their line. >> Earnings is the same as free cash, which >> I know, but remember in their budget, >> they do have a line item that's changing the name. Yeah, but as long as they have
money in there, >> right, they have already checked. So, >> last time I checked, >> I don't think I don't think I touched it. >> So, I approve. So any any questions? >> No. Second, first
question. >> Or nay. Good. >> Yay. >> Okay. All right. Project is over outside of getting the work done. >> Okay. And to answer your question, Pete, about throwing them out, if they're the
apparent low bidder in future work, um there are, you know, mechanisms that the town would use to try to not work the project. They can always dispute it. Um and then that sets up, you know, how how
legitimate is your uh claim that they're not a viable contract? you know, can they do the work? Um, do they have the the skills, the knowledge? And it gets, from what I've heard, it's hard to not
award a contract to an appearance locator unless there's um some contractual problem with their bid, >> right? >> Uh or extensive u history, personal history, like if if
this went to court. >> Yeah. and it was a long drawn out there's a lot of bad blood that there isn't in the town's best interest to to do the project with them that might seem >> the um
>> so you have to allow them to bid is what you said >> they can bid we have to go with the most responsive responsible lowest bidder so even if they are the lowest bidder and if we don't feel they're the most responsible and responsive those are two criteria that we can >> if I could also add to Christina's
comments that meets the bid requirements >> and the scope. >> Okay, so that's the other criteria there. >> Um maybe you're maybe your well-crafted letter,
>> right? citing future projects and working in this area because what we only had two people bidding on the SK project and maybe it was the other system integrators and electrical groups
in the area, right, that were very busy. Maybe that's why they did we didn't get a good field. But the next these projects that you put out with Mike for the ozone and everything else, give yourself a lot of time, you know, give yourself a little bit more time to give
contractors an opportunity to bid. I would I would also reach out to contractors. I did. I reached out to integrators um to try to get them to bid on this project. So, let them know about it. So, those things help in your favor. and
maybe you know citing the other projects that are coming up and I don't know if they're you don't want to give them work because that gives them an un fair play advantage I'll pass them >> I mean at the end of the day you know it's just it's not good business what
we're doing it's not >> I I just don't get along with it Bob at all >> oh you did I was not aware of that he never mentioned anything nor did you Oh, you guys are kind of the You're the project, right? Believe. Is that how
>> you're the owner? >> No, you're you're the owner. We just administer you hire us to help administer your contract. >> But you don't know. >> You're the owner's representative. >> Got it. Yeah. >> Um so you are
>> Yes. >> Okay. >> Construction manager. So who would have been you know I'm just trying to figure out and this is just for my own education you guys is that because we've got other big projects with if someone's if a if a vendor
starts charging interest for some reason for whatever reason who's responsible for making sure that we know >> I think the contractor >> once he has an official intention.
>> He should be >> because his contract is >> Yeah, correct. >> His contract is with you. >> That's kind of what I was saying about notifying us like you are overseeing the project. So, aren't you also like and at
the conclusion of a certain amount of project? Okay. You're you're a third of the way through. They should have a third of of the money. That's their their hope. Or do they get paid at the end of the project? How
>> do they get paid? >> As it's coming out, you're the overseer of the project. >> So, you're the one that's going to give the word. That's it. This is complete. So far, we owe them that much money. >> We process all the the the pay
requisitions. >> Yeah. >> Okay. We review the work. We write a letter to say that the work's been completed or not. >> If we feel that it has, we'll award 100% of what they're asking for. If not, I
hold back money, which I've done. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Because I don't feel they were as in on one or two that they were as far along as they said. Right. >> Okay. We hold back money and then we make a recommendation for the town to pay and that goes to you.
>> Yeah. And then there's a whole process that I don't want to get into between the town paying it and then getting reimbursed from the D. Right. >> So, every one of those pay orders that come in, pay requir on the on the uh interest. Has anybody
actually done that? Because in the contracts, all amounts not paid when due will bear interest at the rate of prime plus 2% per annual. >> Okay. Okay. >> So, how do we know that the 22,000 is correct? What is that based off of? >> I I got their spreadsheet that they sent
me. I forwarded the spreadsheet. >> Okay. I >> I I opened up the spreadsheet, modified the spreadsheet, and confirmed that I put a 3% column in there to
calculate the value so you can see the value. And then that corresponded to one of the numbers. I don't have that sheet with me today, but I sent that information and it was all done within Excel according to their 3% calculation.
>> So, it's $22,000 for two invoices that were two months behind. >> Uh, no, it was more than that. I believe >> they had they had all their >> Yeah, they had everything laid out. >> So,
>> and I don't have one, but >> I do have >> I'll look at the switch. I'll attach the switch to the CEO of a state. >> I mean, I just I just voted what they had Jack corporate office and
whatever happens happens. If they feel like, you know, they run into a little customer satisfaction, then I can do that. I'm not going to beg them. It is what it is, >> right? You guys agree. >> Yeah. Yeah. Definitely 100%. Thank you.
>> I'm going to flip it to you guys and they're excited or you want the inside out. I guess I >> All right. So, I want to make I was thinking about this the other day. Did we put money in the budget for training?
>> Yes, we did. >> Once this thing is up front. >> Yes, that's >> okay. >> Yes, absolutely. >> Sure. That was that was the biggest issue for the original engineer that did the
project is they felt that the staff there didn't get enough training. Okay. >> It's what's it? Well, uh, its
um Kurt Neil is going to do the training and our engineer will be there to make sure that that training is sufficient. >> Let's go to see um the rural development fund reimbursement request form. >> Excuse me. Before I do, do you have any
other questions? If not, I'm gonna >> No, I think you know at this point we should keep doing this work today. We don't really hate it, but extremely not happy about it. And I'll attach the spreadsheet. So the CEO of the
spreadsheet and what we're looking at. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Unless she had questions about it. >> Yep. Um I did send that request form to >> Did that get form get filled out?
>> Yeah. Um >> well there was one we need your this town signature before it gets forward and sent back to u to the executive office back.
>> Thank you. >> You're welcome. ago. >> It was the reimbursement request. So Mallerie >> Mallerie Sullivan. >> Yeah. >> The only reason I know her name is from working state a little bit. So was I you
sent me something to find? >> I sent the two of you. Uh it was a PDF. Um and it's the a form uh the reimbursement form and then back up uh showing our our invoices and then
payment of those invoices. And uh Valerie and so we prepared this for for you to get reimbursed on the engineering fees for the storage stake station I think through December of last
year. Uh She gave it to us to sign too, right? >> No. >> Okay. No. >> Good evening, everybody. Drive safely. >> Yeah. Drive safe. >> So, I I sent it to Mallerie to check it and say, "Is this is this good? Does it
look good?" She said, "Yes." Uh, it needs the town signature, but specifically you because she has you on the form for uh >> all the stuff for economic.
Oh, so does that have to probably should get changed first to get a new one or >> Well, so as long as the select board reviews this and says that it's okay to sign, I'll sign it. That's that'll be a logistics nightmare going back and changing.
>> Um, so >> I don't I can't. >> So, so we I'm sorry. We It's a reimbursement so we can get money back. >> Yes, this is to do, >> right? And basically it's get all the cost for
the engineering all that stuff for that particular part of the project. And since she's on rural development has to sign her for the town. >> Yeah. >> None of us can sign. She has to sign >> because she's as signatory because I have to do that down there because every
year we designate who the signatory is for our our rural development, our one stop, all that stuff, right? So, we have something that we can review or >> Yeah, she's she >> she was going to go look real quick.
That's what she said. >> So, even though we're not done with those projects right now, we get a reimbursement. >> My fault. >> Um, >> don't want to get back to that. And then
uh they had asked for an update on uh on the projects through their portal and I I did update the state on those two projects. >> That's good.
>> Thank you. >> Well, since that we want to I don't want to run out of time. Um there is the discussion of the recently received grant funding and I copies of it too. >> Oh boy.
>> I have stuff that we discussed over there. You have I have enough Oh, So, uh, there's a number of grants and earmarks that the town has received for for water work.
Um, and on this on the sheet, uh, the first one, row A, there was a grant from rural development for $80,000 for raw water inlet replacement construction. And let me step back a
little bit. Remember there's the the pending consent decree from D to the water department for violations of the disinfection byproduct. >> Yep. >> Uh there's a couple of things that the
town has to to do to satisfy that consent decree. >> Yeah. >> One is replace the raw water inlet and and basket. And the other is to replace the ozone
disinfection. Not disinfect the ozone treatment system. >> And what was the second? >> The basket strainer. It's a small little >> Yeah. It's like a throwing piece that's in the in the
>> So, uh those three things are the things that we must do >> remaining. >> Remaining. >> Yeah. Uh there are other things like the capital improvements plan. Um but those three things are what's remaining. Uh and I I think the town's probably said a
lot of times to be we don't have money. We don't have money. We don't have money. And they're like here you go. Here's here's the money to take care of these problems. So uh the first one row for $80,000.
That's for construction of the raw water and lead replacements. Um and we we can uh >> ask question. >> Yes. >> That pay for the whole thing. >> Thank it hasn't it hasn't been designed
yet, >> but I we we think it it could we think it could pay for the raw water screens. >> Well, let's go through all of them. But I do real quick follow up. I'm so sorry. Yeah. So for that $80,000 one. So that's
for the construction. So we don't have money for the engineering of it or the design of it. Oh, we do. Yeah. Okay. Sorry. >> Hi. >> Okay. Um, and then, uh, if you look at
row E all the way down, uh, below, >> $290,000. Uh, that's a EPA grant uh, for ozone system construction. So those are two grants that just came in
from the state uh for construction of specifically for construction of things on the facility. Then if we look uh up above in the in the the first box section items B and C,
this uh this is a rural development one-stop grant uh from fiscal year 25. This is what we're working through now for $350,000. >> Um the first part of that grant,
$225,000, was for the design of the pump station replacement and the design of a water storage tank. That's currently under contract with Wright Pierce. We're going through the design. That's what this reimbursement request is for. Um
there was also a portion $125,000 for water man replacement uh constructional water man replacement. Uh at the previous meeting we had talked about reallocating those funds from constructional water man replacement to
design of the inlet and the ozone system. We reached out to rural development. They said yeah it's it's within everything. So, we prepared the application. They approved it and the contract I
think >> it's already all set. >> It's all set. So, instead of that $125,000 going to water main replacement, if you go to the next box down below, um we've we've provided two proposals.
one for $75,000 for the ozone system design and the other for $50,000 for the inlet >> and and strainer design. >> Um that money that was above
>> Yeah. So the the money in the boxes Yeah. >> match. So it's not like >> there's two pots of $350,000. There's just one pot of $350,000. But all of that is from that fiscal year 25 rural development grants.
>> These grants have deadlines, right? >> They they do we can if if I think we'll meet the deadline and the deadline is uh this fiscal year. >> Yeah. Yeah. But I think we're
>> we're good. But what what you guys have is uh an agreement um that the the water board water commissioners signed at the previous meeting and I guess we weren't sure if
if you guys needed to sign agreements between >> Yes, >> we weren't sure. That's right. Correct. >> She has a signed copy. >> Well, why we talk about this? >> It's for the the sign. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I thought we did talk about that.
>> I wasn't sure if we made a decision. >> Well, we knew we were going to move the money one thing, right? We all agreed to that. >> So, I assume that that meant we >> Well, that's kind of what we thought, but we just wanted to make sure we
>> that's why we asked. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So, then this Yeah, this is grant related. All right. >> So then we'll
start cranking out the design through the horizontal >> and we have been talking with vendors last uh month. >> You know, typically I'm sure everything is different, but would you say that $75,000 for the
design of the ozone system is ballpark or how much of that is going to need to come out of town? No, no, it's >> that's 75. That will cover it. >> Is that the same for all the other design work? >> Yes. >> Okay.
>> So, we're okay there. >> You're okay. >> We get into construction that might be a trouble. >> No. >> Yep. For the construction. >> Yeah. So item D, item D is an earmark, a congressional
earmark uh for 1 million 92,000. That year mark has a requirement that the town provide a 25% match. >> And that if you look all the way over on
the right hand side, that's $273,000 is the town's match. the town can come up with that match through retained earnings, um, town funds,
>> or it could be a rural development grant or an SRF grant, provided >> that the money is not from the Fed. So like with SRF, >> yeah, >> SRF Massachusetts, Massachusetts kicks
in a bunch of money and then the Feds kicking the model, >> right? And if you go for a grant for um something other than the ozone or the
uh the uh the scree, >> you can say this print has to come from state fund. It can't be co-mingled funds and if that's approved you can apply
that to your 25% match. >> So you're saying earmarked does that that doesn't mean guaranteed? >> No, it's been signed. >> Oh, it has. >> Trump signed off on it. >> Okay. So
>> and it's in the budget so the money is there. as long as you have the match >> 25 >> the 25% and um with a lot of these matches now when you go for reimbursements um
you can only ask for 75% of what you're asking to get reimbured. So, if you if you have $100,000 worth of bills, send it to um to the state because it's coming to it's coming from ETA.
Uh they'll only pay $75,000. They won't pay the whole >> Okay. >> Yeah. It's kind of like when we did we did the FEMA when we did the FEMA grants, we had to have a certain amount we had to pay out, right? the other
amount we had to pay for. I mean my my take is always I could be wrong is that can't ever and then so the 273 is the 273 right you got to
figure out right you don't want to lose >> what is it $7,000 >> right >> over 273 getting the money great >> but we have that >> we have to work.
>> Do you agree with that? I mean that would be mind because you don't know if you're going to get into that >> through other means, >> right? So at some point you want to be dependent on >> what we could use. I'm sure there's a list of uses for
that. >> Yeah, >> it was it was for water systems >> and but nothing specific. So they could use this. >> They could use it to replace the one at the treatment plants. >> Okay. >> I don't know if Steve could get a new truck.
>> Depends on >> I think we've been down that road before. Maybe you don't want to go down it again, but >> real bumpy road. >> Okay. >> But so I see what you're saying. >> So there's a list of projects that um we've been talking about and we're
excluding water main replacement for those projects. Um, but it's the the storage tank, the booster pump station, uh, ozone treatment, the raw water inlet, and that electrical upgrade. Um, from the transform it down at the
bottom of the road, the no country mile up to the treatment plants. Um, those are those are all projects that could dip into that ear. Um for the the storage tank, we have uh
there's there's three types of uh material you can use for a storage tank. There's steel, um concrete, and then there's a a blast fused steel. Um they're all good. They're all
industry approved for water storage systems. Um they all have their uh pros and cons and doubles of cost. The uh concrete storage tank was the road we
we've been going down. Um but the the budget estimate for that is $1.5 million. We've we've contacted the vendor who does the glass views to steel and it looks like that's around the $900,000
range. So there there's significant uh capital cost savings going with a different type of material, >> right? >> Um there's the blast fuse to steel tanks. They're all over the woodlands
and they're they're all all different kinds of water systems. So it wouldn't be out of the ordinary for a water system to have glass to >> Yeah. I just want to make sure that I understand it. So we all understand it.
So the things that we're most concerned about are the things that the state say. >> Right. >> Right. Those are the top three. >> Top three. Yes. >> Right. >> Storage tank is not in that. >> So >> Right. That's outside. >> No, the storage tank isn't. The booster
pump station is not. All all the state cares about at this moment is the ozone system, the raw water inlet, acid treatment. >> Right. And as it stands for
those three >> Yeah. >> right for water, bas out of this one, too. Well, the inlet uh we think will be around $80,000. >> Okay. >> Um and the the ozone treatment we think
will be around $300,000, >> right? I remember you said the basket strainer. >> The basket strainer will probably wind up being 15,000. It's it's really >> depends on what design we go with.
>> Yeah. So, call it 400,000 out of a million. >> Well, you also have the $80,000 grant from rural development in row A, >> correct? >> And you have the $290,000 grant from EPA
for Oz >> that comes off of that. >> That's specifically for Oz. >> Okay. And the first one's specifically for >> you know from what the board's talked about has talked about it's not so much about
the work right it's how are we going to find the money at the end right just everybody kicks in what grants and then we go well how are we going to pay the other part >> yeah part yes there is no match needed for those two grants or ozone or the
There's no >> construction. >> So it's about for the construction of the ozone would need maybe 10 grand. >> Maybe. >> All right. So for then the raw water inlet which costs 80,000. We're covered
with that because we have the 80,000. >> Maybe it's a >> Well, we got to get through the sign. >> Oh, okay. Got it. Okay. >> Part of the ozone we want to do the electrical
once gets new more power, >> right? >> And also all the skate improvements that you just >> right. >> You don't want to burn them up. >> You don't want to burn them up and protect your fle >> this then.
>> Sure. >> Uh so this is the the reimbursement request. square. That would be your signature. But so there's invoices associated with the the booster pump station and the storage
tank totaling $115,618.38. And >> that's all the invoice got there. >> Yeah. Yeah. So this is just a a table. We had already we did one >> request a long time ago for $11.
>> Okay. And then uh this will take us up through December of last year. Um but yeah, this is all of our invoices and this is this is our uh accounting system showing
that we >> can you guys just take a look before I sign anything and then just in the future you got the mill just um even if I'm copied on it just make sure you put on the agenda so that the select worker do it before I sign it. I don't want to
make that vote through having to change gets to sign. Yeah. But they do have to look at it before I sign it. >> One thing with uh the congressional year mark and the uh the EPA grants is they have Gordon's
name in email. >> So >> I get Gordon's emails still. >> Okay, good. >> Um but I don't obviously we can't get him to sign. He >> No, no, no. Not to sign. It's just >> how do we change that >> within but if you if you go to them and
say change change the email to this change the signatory >> so I'll have to be on the look for EPA email >> yeah you don't want you don't want them to be sending Gordon emails >> right >> and then be like time's up
>> I'm gonna be still clear to me like how much money you guys did have to come up with. >> Hopefully not much. >> Hopefully not much. But >> that's why we keep looking at this. That's why we keep working. >> No, no, I'm just talking about >> realistically you're going to have to
come up with that 273,000. >> Yeah. >> This this year >> utilize that. Yeah. >> It'll be good to keep that in mind as we go for brackets. >> When you say this year, do you mean fiscal year 26? Do you mean?
>> Okay. >> Yeah. When when it's time to submit the application to one stuff. >> Okay. >> We want to do it. We want to make sure that you're requesting $300,000 and also identifying that it has to come
from state money only to match the federal match. sense. >> Yes. >> Is everybody >> The good news is you're flushed with potential.
>> Yes. We'll try to >> Would it be better if I scan it and send it to you? >> Perfect. >> I'll pass you guys. >> Thank you. That's it for
>> you guys. So it is uh what? >> Yeah with the >> meeting is with the >> guys. Anybody?
>> The water stay. I guess we can >> at least somebody >> I'm going to make sure they get the copies of the chain. >> Um I
expend >> Yeah, I looked at it. I know. >> Puerto Rico for days. Everybody asked the table.
>> Um, you got to open >> 558. Are you sure? If you dare. >> I mean, nobody's exempt me here. Brad, do you want behind you? >> You want this one?
There's a troublemaker. >> Yes. >> And Kelly's with us. >> Okay. actually. >> Yeah, it's still recording earlier. Hey, Kelly, can you unmute yourself real quick or do
I have to do that for you? >> Kelly, while you're here and before we get started, I just have a quick question about this. I had this Eversource bill that was left on my desk. It says care of the water department. So, while I have you and the letter department here, um it says,
"Your Eversource Electric account is passed due and your service is scheduled to shut off on March 23rd. To avoid shut off, please pay 1,76706 by March 20th." >> Um, is the water department like, "Okay,
>> talk to Jasmine when she gets back." >> It could be um Hold on. It could be one of those where they sent the check back and we had to reissue. Let me go in and double check. >> That's actually a small one. A lot more.
>> Can they legally do that? Shut off a water department. >> I don't know. You have the account number. >> I do. It's 72 070 1747.
>> Okay. >> Are we We weren't open yet. Yeah. Oh, thank you. Um, open at 60. I guess 601 here. Um, thank you guys for coming. Brad, do you want to pull the chair so that you're
>> Sorry. I got to find out about this real quick. >> Okay. >> Pete's in the back. >> Pete, do you want to come up? >> The last >> Go ahead, Kelly. >> The last bill we paid for them was
December. So, they've not paid January. Um, and that might be February. I'm not sure. It depends on the the date. >> Yeah. I I I can't tell either. The date of the notice is February 21st.
>> Okay. Yeah. So, they still owe they owe January. Um, because the last payment we made for them was 1,76706. >> That's what this bill is for. 1,76706. >> Okay. We made that payment January 15th. So I would think they would have had it
by then. >> The check cleared. January. Yeah, that's over a month later. They're telling us that they >> Yeah. Um I can't see if the check cleared. Um I don't have access to the bank accounts. Um or Jordanonna would
have to look at that. Okay, no problem. I will have to take a look. Unless there that's the there's no way they would be paying the exact same amount every month. Great. >> No. Um the check number though, let me give you that so it'll be easier for them. It would be 137
37. >> Okay. Thank you so much, Kelly. >> You're welcome. >> Pay electronically. >> No, they're paid the same way. >> They're nail. Yep. >> That should be good. >> I don't think we all have the options to
pay. >> We have so many different accounts for ever sourcing. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Kelly. >> You're welcome. >> Yes. I was just looking up your email. I
know you had a list of things once. >> Yeah, that's right. Is that >> Yeah, it's in your Did I not see it? >> No, this is what we're talking about. >> That's it. I thought there was a whole
list. >> I know, but I thought there was a whole list about Oh, okay. Um All right. So, Oh, there's All right. First thing we were going to talk about was any
overages in the current budget. any challenges where you're at budget this year so far, >> right? >> No, that's not >> No, I mean I know you go over you're
over on a couple of them on the regular budget, right? >> Yeah. >> But your total budget is in in place. >> Um making making it work. I ended up having a meeting with Dave Stokes on Friday and there's a lot of new
guidelines out for chapter 90 that we can utilize chapter 94 to supplement a lot of these uh needs of the highway department, but I don't want to end up utilizing a lot of the chapter 94 these needs unless we need to uh because I'd
rather put the money into the roads, you know, and other services, right? But >> so a question. >> Yeah, go ahead. question for actually Kelly. Kelly, you know, he's got his total highway budget. Forget about winter, forget about winter
>> and just >> right and in that budget on one of the lines is over a bit. Does he have to do an inner transfer or do you just let it go? >> For right now, we'll just because the bottom line he's still positive, we'll
just let it go and we'll do that all at like one time toward the end of the year. But like right now he spent 60% of his budget. So he's still, you know, it's pretty good. >> Okay, good. >> Now, which which over time which winners
are we talking about? We talking about salary. What? >> We're not talking about winter. >> Not winter. No. >> Okay. Um, it's actually go to page 30 of 57. It is the garage maintenance repairs
is >> I got to do a transfer on that because the check that came back in uh it didn't go into the garage maintenance from the transfer that that's what that was over. So, Kelly will end up uh getting that situated
>> classification on that. I have not seen it doesn't look we at the end of the year because I haven't seen anything from that I think >> sent us yeah they have not sent us invoice for this year yet and I just got
the um budget for fiscal year 27 but nobody else here has any challenges >> library looks good >> I didn't see anything that's helped out that's been a problem >> we were looking about 80% right now
>> 67 Seven. >> Someone took my cheat sheet. >> I don't know. >> Always there. >> Legal is going to go over. So, we're going to have to transfer some of that to the other account. >> Yeah.
>> All right. Council on aging. That's >> Yeah. on a over >> on their expenses. They are they're at 71% of their their department budget right now >> as a whole, right? And then the Council
on Aging and Expenses is over though with at 132%. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> We shouldn't be over at all. A lot of our payroll was being charged to our expense account and I had sent you an email about that. >> Oh, you're right. And I had haven't we
haven't got that fixed yet. Let me run the report right now so I don't forget again. >> Okay. >> So, that'll fix that one. >> That'll fix that. >> And water department, how are you guys doing? Where are they? We're doing good.
Okay. All right. Um, next thing we wanted to talk about was um, the rearranging of some op spaces possibly. We have an opportunity with the library is going to be um, temporarily moving into town
hall. Um, what are the dates again? We would like to be in May is when we would like to start moving things into the planning and conservation room. Um, we'll be opening operations in that new space before June 1st. Like June 1st is what we're looking at to have it
officially. Oh, over here. Okay. Because moving it is our construct start date and it'll be for a time period of what we >> November 2027, we're due to move back up to the library. So our thoughts were since we have this opportunity where we will have the library will have some
funds to help with them moving here and we have you know some things moving around in town hall that it might be a good time to rearrange some offices if you know I've heard people talk yeah clean out get rid of um I know there's a lot of filing cabinets over there um and
maybe just rearrange like for example the water departments are all by themselves it's a very big space I don't think I think we could make a better use of that space. Um, and so we wanted to touch base with you guys first. We also have this accountant office that's empty. Um, and possibly another space
down here. I don't think Jason supports this office very much. We wanted to do some arranging. Um, what your thoughts were if people, you know, want to move situations or I don't want to touch base with you guys. >> And Julian is on too. So that if you
have any questions or anything, >> our intention was not to displace or shake the boat. >> No, clear. >> No, we've been wanting to do that. It's then this is just a really good opportunity for us to do that. There's we're just not I I think that we can
agree we're not making use of the space that we have building. we have these huge rooms, you know, and um and then the especially like the pling conservation, it's just like this weird sort of alley of filing cabinets and it's just not a very it looks like we just moved in and it's not, you know, a
nice space. >> And I I don't think we're going to solve it here, but you know, we really wanted to have a discussion with everybody, get it out on the table, maybe put a smaller group together to discuss where everybody has their input as to what they think needs to happen. um because
we we're not there every day to know what kind of space people need. Um certainly, you know, try to be on a committee to help, but the thought is just, you know, I mean, honestly, when you come in and you see
this lovely lady here cleaning stuff. >> Yeah. >> She tied up. >> If you move me, I will clean it. Can we hire you to come and help? It
never gets clean. >> I was like, "What are you doing?" >> Sorry. >> You know, it was nice that you do that. >> I say move it all around. I mean, why not? Like, I I'm for whatever. I mean, if you want to move me, by all means. I just think it for for our department at least, it makes sense that me and
Jordana have the same space because we we need that communication kind. I feel like I'm always at her desk, vice versa. But I mean, >> I think yours was the most recent to be rearranged when we did, you know, we made sure we put everyone in that same room together. Sure. I'm thinking, you know, I I was thinking maybe we need
another room set up like this where we have the equipment set up to run another Zoom meeting so that it's not just the slipboard room. And if we have meetings running at the same time, maybe, you know, after the library moves out of that space down there, maybe we set that up like that. And then maybe next door
we're able to fit water department and you know another office that needs to fit in there or like I said there's a helmet if someone wants to be by themselves there's there's an empty there's no window but it's an empty office but I hope it like all work
together so not one person is you tell her you have things that you need to clean out or you want cleaned out you want stuff moved you can't do it all by yourself you need to do it together so you're not hanging out there by yourself trying to do Right. >> Right. As easy as possible.
>> A shred bin would be super helpful. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> The thought with planning planning and and conservation can use this room right for your base. >> Um uh but we may want to set up a plenty of
room temporarily if you want if there's room because there's plenty of space. That's what I was going to bring up. I mean there my senses there's number of file cabins over there that are not used. >> Yeah. By consolidation
have a dedicated room for meetings and multiple. >> Yeah. Right. So even if you moved if you wanted to move your office into this this room next door, but then after the library has used that space where you
are now, we could at that point turn it into another meeting room. >> I mean I conservation desk. >> Okay. >> Right. What we could do though is put, like I said, put a small group together kind of like music and make sure
everybody has input, right? So, we're not changing something and you go, "Whoa, whoa, wait a minute. I don't agree with that." Um, maybe, you know, you're either you're the chair, your uh decisions on behalf of your team or you go back to your committee and say, "This
is what we're thinking about." That's fine. And I don't think it needs to be a huge expense necessarily because really we're just going to be cleaning and throwing stuff out and putting a team together to work on that stuff. Get some volunteers to help. >> We won't be throwing out anything we're
not supposed to be throwing out, >> right? I'll say that now. >> Um, so if you have anything that you want to just you can email it to us if you don't want to save and then you know we just don't want to insult any of your
roommates or whatever and just let us know what your ideas are, what where you might want to be and where you don't want to be and then we do >> we want to try to get a team together need that much. >> I don't know if it needs that much. I feel like it's conversation.
>> I don't know. >> Can I ask a question? >> Yeah. >> Would you like an office here? >> No. >> No. I like being where the guys are working so I can >> here. I don't know if you >> I know that. But I mean,
>> I was just asking >> to be able to conversate from the garage to the office making calls. It definitely makes it a lot smoother. >> We do We do have a little office space up at the salt shed for the building inspector. I know Brad knows about the office there. >> Okay.
>> We have spare tires in there right now. Um it's heated. >> There's no facility or anything for bathrooms, but >> we need an office. >> We call it we call it the mouth. >> So luxurious.
>> Does it have access? It does have computer access, but it would definitely take some work to clean it up. And uh >> well, I was just asking. >> It's just if if needed, it's a little corner. We're help in other words, you know, action needs
to come out of this meeting and are we going to sit in a room someplace and kind of design it ourselves or how are you thinking about that? Because >> we need someone to move it too like like even if like >> well we have to order we have things bent here. There's a whole
>> But it's like if we want to move doors, she's got filing cabinets that weigh so much. Like we need that's going to be >> I have a question. We have a year to figure this out, right? Because you're going to be occupying space for a year.
>> It's not what we're figuring out. What you're doing after what you guys are talking about, right? >> I mean, I think it has to drag on for you here. Everything drags on. Correct. >> Well, if Bob's going to be starving, someone want to prepare that June.
>> Well, I'd have to be moving. I like in an ideal world, it would be lovely, as we talked about last meeting, if at some point in April that room could be getting cleared out so that way May 1st I can start stuff in. >> So, we need to start looking at throwing things out >> from them next month.
>> Yes. And I mean, I'm normally one to be like the first one to raise my hand for. It's not that I don't get against me, but like I have everything I can do to move my stuff from the library into that room. I can't manage other like shifting. Okay. I'm like,
>> "No, no, no. I'm asking that." Okay. >> No, what I'm trying to say in that she's saying it is the same thing, which is maybe board of health wants to have. >> We do. >> You would like to go to the accounting. >> You want to go to the account? It's
sometimes it's tough for us to have a meeting when the um town cler clerks up have their hours during our meeting and it's people are coming in all the time and we're trying to have a it's sometimes not it's not every time like
today was >> you need a bigger space or you okay with that that space? >> I don't know. I'll let Brett decide. >> Does that would that work for you guys? Yes. Okay. >> So, is this like a twostep process or
like going to vacate so she can start to move in in April? Then longer terms will figure out where everybody may get out. >> I don't think it has to be perfect with by you know April. But >> originally I thought we're talking about
death conservation year. >> I don't think we're going to move conservation. My understanding was that we weren't going to move pler conservation office into here because we have so much space right next door, but you're welcome to use this space for meetings.
>> Um, which when that came up, I thought I think we really need another room that that other boards have meetings in so that we don't end up with this. You know, I know there's going to be scheduling things trying to figure out who's going to be using this room at what time. So, where are they going to
meet for office space? If it's not like a meeting like a key, but Nicole needs that. You need that. >> No, no, next door. >> Oh, I'm going to be in the planning. The current conservation is going to be the library next. >> So, I guess I'll have to look around
here. Yeah, they're meeting here. >> What about >> Well, they want she wants >> She wants a county. >> Oh, we want to stay where we because our bulletin board's there. >> It's okay. >> We need the little map.
>> You have to give >> and they need they do need >> they need >> if you need an office. Does the building start taking his office over? >> Yeah, we can double check with him. I don't think he's in there much
>> and I think that yeah area as well. >> So you're all you need is a desk maybe four or five. >> Okay. >> All right. And then a place to meet. >> All right. The place to meet checked off
the list. Yes, >> we can move four or five of those filing cabinets, whichever ones you want, into your new meeting area, whether that or your new office area, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Library,
>> not all of them, but Right. >> We actually have learned that the U town hall classroom has more square footage than our current library. >> Wow, that's Yeah, it says a lot. Um, and then we have I just found out today
because I've been looking for shelving. Um, Pittsfield Library has shelving that I'm going to go take a look at that they will be willing to lend to us. >> It's Harvest Hold the finest of shelving from 1970. And um, it's metal shelving. So, we'll be able to they've lent it to
other libraries before, so we I already have a map out laid out. They'll actually have more shelving in that room than our current library. >> Wow. >> And it's actually more accessible, shockingly. It certainly isn't perfect and it doesn't leave any room for like a story
time or like um desk space or like you know count like there's not there's not room for like the regular library functions but is perfect for holding our books for checking books in and out like processing materials and then when it comes to doing preschool time book club those things we'll work it around the
schedule of town hall and you know this space for a book club the gymnasium for preschool time because they're you know wild anyways so it's perfect >> so it's not your conservation No, I'm sorry. >> Yes. Right.
>> So, you don't know what are >> I gotta believe it's similar to us. >> I think they have a lot of things. >> I think moving all the stuff out of
>> Sorry, Kayla. I love that question. So, who's going to move all the stuff and then clean out that? >> That's why we need it. >> Well, first we need to know what's not needed. So, we would need I would ask that conservation like arc put your
names on filing cabinets king info because Joanne, are you there? Can you unmute yourself? >> No. I'm giving up. >> What did you say? >> Oh, no. Just I'm looking for Joanne. She's on here, too, but I don't think
that she's able to participate. Um, no. King Information Systems has not come yet. >> No, they were here today. >> Oh, they were here today. >> And they took all the shredding and they all the um that's why I'm saying like all and Joanne sent out an email last week or the week before that said any information we want to get rid of. Today
was the day to do it. So, I don't know if there should there is anything else or if there is >> like >> it shouldn't be a big amount. >> So, we can send out an email since the clinic's not here and we'll have
everyone mark anything that you want or tag it in there um so that we know you want to keep it and if there's stuff that people haven't marked then we'll know we can get rid of that or we'll take a look through it. Um yeah, this is it's becomes partially volunteer
>> the library already. >> We have that annex which is like corner of that room. Yeah. So that's going to turn into right now that's where all our local history stuff is. Um we're going to kind of like I'm going to try to make that an officeish. Okay.
>> Um which is what it is already sort of. It just has a lot of our historical things in it. I think I think there's some >> that's when it's done. >> Oh yeah, when it's done. When it's done, that room including that annex is totally empty and open.
>> Yeah. So that'll give us >> Yeah, that' be great. >> Yeah. Oh, I can't wait. I cannot wait. And we'll also just as a side note for the the meeting space that you're going to use potentially another room for. We will have our entire community meeting that is a perfect meeting space that's
accessible after hours with code and we'll also have a sixperson small meeting room as well in addition to two study rooms that will also reservable. So the public um you know and anybody at town hall will have the opportunity to yeah access all that.
>> Perfect. Yes. T minus what? 18 months >> counting down the box. >> So, let's send out that email and then once that's marked, then we can come back to the table and look at a date, have someone comment about garbage and then we get schedule a time for people
to come in and volunteer, all that stuff. Okay. Um, and then I'll post that >> in the intro. If there's something else that you're thinking about that would be, you know, you should let us know.
Um if has everyone had a chance to look at the in weather policy and if you have chance to implement um implement any questions on it or any did any concerns or issues come up with how it
worked? >> Just to throw it out there. No, we had a situation in which there was a school vacation where library would have been open because it was a Friday, but town hall is not open really on like nobody's here on Fridays.
>> So, um I connected with Mary and Mary looked at the weather and it was a very good call to not to not on that Friday, but Mary connects with Ray. It's a little chained. Yeah. >> Mary calls Ray. Ray's like, "I won't be able to plow the parking lot." And then we're like Tracy won't be able to plow
or to get the sidewalk. And then um yeah, so it's been it worked out fine because this is what we've always done. But like just to throw it out there like that's like we have the >> Okay. >> the Mary Kit because she's especially because she's positioned ideally across from parking lot. She's able to uh scope
out the parking lot >> and then you let your employees know. Yep. I let my staff know. I post it. Um and you know it all works out. It's just safer if everybody stays off especially with us. >> We are grateful. >> You can do the driveway anytime. Even a
dust thing will come plowed. But >> no, you always do actually like you know I had a patron who was like hey it's pretty sloppy out there on the parking lot and like I was like oh and I like before I even sent a text to Ray. He like read my mind when he came into the parking lot and it was actually the guy was walking out and Ray had just come
through and he WAS LIKE LOOK AT THAT. THAT WAS FAST. ABSOLUTELY. He's been really good about getting up right every every month. So, that's awesome. Yeah, no complaints. Um, so we had originally rolled out our um policy a few weeks ago and then there were questions and concerns that we um Joanne helped us
switch some things around. So, we just wanted to touch base with everyone and make sure there were no water specifically the water. Sorry, we said that it where it says there's some there's some
departments like highway they're always working in climate weather, but then we got to Jasmine as an example. Jasmine isn't necessarily bad weather. She doesn't go
out and do anything with water. Is there anybody else in water that we need to be concerned about about that? >> Steve, they have to be here. So, >> okay. They're already has a file on it way in still in the
past. So the change in the policy that's where that was the only issue that was always open because uh uh part-time if if they're scheduled to work and they're part time we close town hall.
So Jasmine if they're scheduled that day I just wanted to make that clear. Okay good. That's all we had on our list. Do you anyone here have anything they wanted to bring up? they wanted us to work on or
um I'm having a problem with phones. I think it was like two or three weeks ago that the phone system went down or access came out and worked on it since that time. I can't receive
any phone calls from COA or the office. >> Yeah. people are having trouble trying to leave a message or get through and so therefore I'm not getting any phone calls through the emails which is how I get them.
>> What's your extension? >> Uh you know 400 I think >> and so I mean I tested it myself to leave a message and left a message. I wasn't sure if I was getting connected to the right department, but I left a
message and >> they did call out. We I can send them a note tomorrow come back. >> Yeah, I they um I reached out to them. I told the problem. >> Okay. >> And they gave me a ticket number. Um but nothing has happened.
>> Can you send me the ticket? >> They didn't have a guy from Westfield. >> What's that? They didn't set you up with uh the rep in Westfield. >> They just >> He came out 10:30 at night and fixed my phone for me. I couldn't believe he was
there till about 11:00. >> Really sat with him for about 45 minutes and he ended up reprogramming the whole phone. Ended up uh linking my phone to the shop phone. So whenever someone calls, if I'm away from my desk, at least now I know that someone's called
my phone. >> Great. Uh he really uh very smart guy. >> Yeah. They just gave me a ticket number and said they would take care of it immediately. That was last week. >> It's important that I receive phone calls. >> They were just here last week.
>> Yeah. >> And they they didn't they were just here last week. >> They might have missed her phone though. >> They might have. >> Well, when when they come, do they have access to your phone? As longach, >> anyone else?
>> Yes, >> I got a recall for a Ford Explorer. Uh, it's for the COA >> vehicle. It came to the highway department. I fig I'd give you that. >> Thank you. >> It's a little plastic piece that's gonna
fall off eventually, but I guess they >> they have an escape. >> I see. That's what Sorry. SUV. >> I knew what he meant. >> There you go. >> All right. >> So, you get that taken care of. >> Was texting me. She couldn't figure out >> Yeah.
>> how to turn it on. >> Oh, yeah. I thought that was a mic. >> It's okay. Thank you. Anyway, Julion, >> any public comment before we >> I got a couple more things. >> Yeah. What do you got?
>> Uh just so that everybody knows uh I have posted the invitation for bids on the peg board uh front of the building for the Russell Stage project. that's uh posted. So,
we'll hopefully get some good bids in for that. >> Can I just ask a question? Do you mean the one behind the glass? >> Yeah, behind the glass. >> They need to be able to like look through the whole bid. >> Okay. >> So, if you could just leave one either in the town clerk's office or my office available viewing at any time. You can
leave it up there if you want just so that people see it, but they need to be able to flip through it and read it. So, >> if you could leave a copy. Uh >> I can do that tomorrow. >> Okay. >> I'll drop that off. >> Sorry. Go ahead. Uh, another thing our we
probably know, but we've been losing heat at the highway garage. >> Yeah, >> there's been probably I would say six times that we've lost heat. This morning I walked into the garage, it was 38 degrees in the garage. Again,
ended up I don't know what's happening, but inside of our tanks there, it's jelling up. Now, I did reach out to Matarbo and telling them this so that they can add a more heavier uh kerosene blend mix to it so it doesn't gel up.
So, they did that. It still didn't work. I ended up blowing the line back out, hooked everything back up, reset the furnace, it fired. We got heat today, so that was good. At least we got that up and going without having to call Chris at Sunset Oil.
So, on top of the oil tanks being outside, which isn't, you know, good that they're not covered, our fuel tanks and our gasoline tanks that not just my department uses, but COA uses, uh, we
also have the fire water department comes and uses. >> Uh, I've been I ended up buying a bunch of filters because we've been going through so many filters. The amount of sediment in those tanks that are coming out right now is an astronomical amount.
I end up taking the filter and I pour it in a pan and it's nothing but rust coming out of them. So, I'm changing filters every two weeks on the on the pumps itself because what'll happen is it'll just trickle down to a slow, you know, pump. It won't even pump a gallon.
>> What did we just have done to those? Was it just the outside painted? >> No, we didn't even go that far. We didn't. >> No, but I do have all the quotes for the two companies that ended up coming by and we ended up especially Beerman Fuel
that does all of our inspections. We had our inspections done on the tanks. >> Okay. >> And that was one thing that they brought up saying, "Look, your tanks aren't even labeled. They are labeled, but it's so sunbaited." Yeah. >> You can't even see the labels on the thing. And not just that, but
>> the tanks are compromised. the rust, not like holes, >> but the rust is coming through. >> And I wanted to end up presenting this to you guys to end up seeing if there's something we can end up doing coming into spring now to at least have the
companies come in, paint the three tanks, the the fuel, the gasoline, and the oil tank. So, it's looks good. So, it's good eye fuel. And also if we can end up putting a cover over them. A lot
of places they end up having some type of leanto or solid canopy over the tank so that the weather the sun doesn't bake the tanks. Basically I got hoses that are start to dry rot crack because the hum it's not good.
>> But does any of those things help with the rust of side? No. >> Uh no. That's where at the same time. Do you have any idea how old those tanks are? >> Uh Brad, can you help me with that? >> Tommy Ackley was one of the guys that helped put those tanks in. There's
actually in some place in one of your file cabinets. I don't know. It got lost down here up to there, but there was actually a file that had the exact date that they were put in and the company that put them in everything. It was
actually a file one banks because there was an underground tank there before and it rotted out and as you recall when they had to tear up the whole front of the garage because >> I thought it was because of a spill. No,
>> no, it was before that way back. >> Okay. >> But for for us to build up in a diesel tank or gas tank, that's got to be old. That's >> they're double wall tanks anyhow. They're double wall tanks. That's why they don't have containment around them.
>> Right. But they but that's prevent leakage. >> Yeah. >> That stop rust. >> Originally I had problems with them because when Mitch was here, Mitch, I think it was. They were bumped up in their used motor oil back in there and it turned a lot of sludge into the
bottom of it. And I had to use some stuff that one of the vendors gave me to clear that out to help clean that out of there. because of the sludge that was in there as we were getting our diesel was almost black all sludge and everything
but that was allowed 15 years ago. But >> the other thing that used to concern me is if anybody's ever noticed those diesel tanks and that oil tank are directly underneath
of a high tension block >> well placed with you There is something >> if if it ends up compromising the first wall, we do have an alarm system inside the building that is up to date working that's been tested.
>> That's been tested every year when we have the tanks tested. That is part of their actual test for that. So it'll tell you if there's actual compromise the first wall to the second wall at least holding what's leaking. But we're not leaking yet. So that's good. >> Let's look at the trap.
>> Yeah. From my experience, >> I was just going to say from my experience, I used to be a site professional this way. It's not something. >> Yeah. >> If those tanks, if those tanks need
attention, >> the town needs to find a way to replace them or fix them. You want to spend a lot of money down the road. >> Oh, yeah. Last look at the quotes. >> Yes, you brought. So,
>> the tanks just passed inspection, correct? >> They just passed inspection. Yes. >> Yeah. It's not a rust that's a problem. You got water in the pool. So, I give you some information on company that will come in filter your fuel water.
>> Thanks, Pete. >> They definitely need to be clean. >> Okay. So, the quotes I got is for the painting. >> Okay. >> All right. That's what I got. Two different companies. JF Petroleum does all nasty tanks. They travel all the way
from New York border all the way to Boston. So, I figure they're a reputable company. They're a little bit more than Beerman Services. They that do our tanks as of right now already like with services. Uh, whenever we have anything
happen, they're the ones that even do the inspection. of the town already as it is. >> So what are the prices? >> Huh? >> What do you got for prices? >> All right. So the first price that we have from uh JF Petroleum is $12,21. Uh that is with label with all the
proper labeling on the tanks and then uh with the abrasive on the surface and paint and everything. And then uh with the actual with Beerman, their price was 13,000
$677 to just get the tanks up to quote code with all the proper labeling. >> So this is they're both quoting on the same exact job. >> Same exact job. Quotes mirror each other. >> Those quotes are over 10,000. You need
to seek three. >> Okay. So just you need to give the same scope work to another vendor >> get theirs. >> Do you have a >> question? >> If the tanks are rusting on the inside. >> They're not rusty on the inside though.
>> They're We got to end up They last inspection I made sure that I asked him how bad's the inside. He said the inside's clean. >> It's just there's contaminants at the bottom. Everything. It's like oil and water. when you end up mixing your salad up, you know, it separates out. There is
a fine line on the bottom, but the pickup tube itself only sits a foot off the bottom. So, you're never sucking the bad stuff. So, at the same time, if we have a company coming and paint, we're going to do the inside and out. Make
sure that's completely clean. >> Could the rush becoming something? It could be because our system that we have right now for our metering systems outdated and replacing the counter that we have cost more to replace the same
system that was there from the early 90s as it would have been to change it to a new counting system. >> Yeah, but I I mean the pipes on it's all steel. >> That's Yeah, >> that's probably where your rust is coming.
>> It would be nice to change everything over. I would love to see stainless cuz stainless lasts forever. >> Yeah, >> honestly, I don't know if there's any regulations or laws on it, but you know, if we could upgrade the tanks and the big thing is somehow figure out how we
can end up putting a cover on it, >> you know, and have some type of lean to over it so that I don't have to have the guys go out there and shovel the snow >> because they won't deliver the the heating oil if there's a >> budget. Will you get us a third quote
and then Yeah, >> we can talk. >> I'll get that together. We'll get a third quote for you on that just for the painting. We'll go from there. >> Be good. >> Um, do we have any other questions or comments before we close and then go to
the office? >> Um, I I was just going to share that I will be actually in Bford next Monday. Um, so I'll be there in the office. So, if you want to come by, see me, have any questions or, you know, whatever, um,
I'll be there all day. >> Thank you. See you Monday, Kelly. Thank you. >> Good night. Bye. >> Bye. >> I got one more thing. >> Huh? >> Is this a budget thing? >> Uh, no, it's not. It's just a question
for you, Carrick. Uh, >> specifically, >> why? So getting everything archived in the office, I had about four generations of superintendent >> going through stuff.
>> Yeah. and boxing up and figuring out what to do with and I ended up finding communication from Senator Adam Hines of Massachusetts and there was conversations about this
cobble mountain road opening up >> and you were >> that's a big >> the chair >> at the time >> that's a that's a >> and what I ended up finding so far reading this whole article from the state going back and forth from
deep camp turning over uh was no one ended up going to Boston to end up fighting >> the ownership of that road. So, we got to the point where we had attorneys and
we were ready to argue it and we're told that we could win, but the win would be pushing the gate back about 200 feet. It cost us the money attorney fees and it was just not worth it >> instead of opening it up.
>> There's Yeah, that we were not ever looking at actually opening it up. We were only going to be able to push it back. Were you guys working with Granville at the time too since they have the other end of the road? >> Well, Russell was in between. >> Yeah, the other thing that's on here is Russell.
>> That was Josh at the time and he was like I mean every time we see him it's still pop. Um, yeah. I mean, I think he left right as we were like wrapping that up as we were hearing back from the attorneys and
we did all this work and Dam came back with like just no that it's like we had all we had filed all this paperwork and they just came back with the hard >> but also it's not our road. >> Yeah, >> that we don't own that. >> That's the state. What is it that
>> he's maintain? Yeah. >> So, so yes, we have I mean I'm not saying that we couldn't at some point dig into it again, but we did go as far as felt that we could and then we felt that it would be a waste of counc money to to fight to lupate that.
>> Yeah. 200 feet. I agree with you on that. I'll definitely go for the full length of the road because after having a meeting with Scott Lumis, uh Branville's uh superintendent a couple weeks ago, he ended up stating that they're going to be closing 57 now and
they have a project going on over there for some polar pipes. Now, he ended up actually routing. He had to backtrack to see what the detour would be. He's got a total of 21 miles out of the way go that someone's going to have to end up going in an ambulance if they end up having a
heart attack. >> That road's closed. What about >> because the road's closed? So, one thing that >> he even was talking about was >> well, what about seeing if we can get this gate open temporarily? >> Go for it. >> Because right here it says temporarily.
It was supposed to be closed and >> temporarily means temporarily. Here we are 2026. >> I know, right? >> Nothing's happened so far. >> Watch temporarily. >> Yeah, temporarily. So, >> if he can push it from that side at least for that would be great. I Well, I
would say we'd support him. >> Well, I was going to say, is Blamford gonna back Brandville at the same time, if I even speak to Russell too on this to end up seeing >> Yes. >> Let's get this open for this at least this time period and then see what happens. >> Yeah. >> You know, if nothing happens,
>> maybe they turn over. they got a 57 and they'll probably put a to. So that's that's a big loop. So I just >> I've been doing a lot of reading and going through paperwork that I've seen all the way back from 97 and this was one that caught my eye and your name was
on here. So I wanted to ask you about this >> if you and if you um have more questions you talk to Josh contact >> he'll talk. Yeah. >> Yep. That was the baby. So he and he would be happy to help you with it if
you want to come. >> Okay, that would uh that'd be good. So I just wanted to ask you about that. >> Yes, we're going to close the meeting at that time. 6:4
>> Good to see you. I haven't seen >> you. I got those containers. >> Yeah, I got so We're going fast.