6 o'clock. >> 6 o' >> Yay. What date today? >> July 20th. >> Monday, July 20 at 6 p.m. So the board meeting begins. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance.
>> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stand indivisibley and justice for all. Thank you.
Okay, let's begin. Got a few things going on. All right, so the first thing is 80 minutes for 10 minutes, please. Yeah, I'm sorry, but not for me. >> Oh, you weren't me. So, you're What do we say? >> I'm innocent.
>> You're absent. >> No, innocent. >> Innocent. All right. Terrific. And next is to approve a number of warrants. We're going to put these together. We're in a motion only uh
because we looked at these last week. Uh so for to start at the top uh we're approve we're motioning to approve uh warrant number 27 FY26 accounts payable for payment as well as
wired accounts payable for payment. uh for FY 26. Let's start with those two first. So I I >> make a motion. >> Make a motion to approve. >> Warren. >> Yeah.
>> Second. Who seconded it? >> You. >> Oh, I did. >> Yes, you did. Any questions? >> Approve. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Uh motion to approve warrant FY27 number01 wired accounts payable for
payment. A motioning to approve. Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Any questions? All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Uh couple more here. So, approve warrant number 27, warrant number one, payroll
for payment. Uh motion to approve. >> Second. >> Any questions? All in favor? >> I. >> Motion to approve 01 FY277 accounts payable for payment. FY27 accounts payable for payment. This is a
second one she says. And uh FY27 wired accounts payable for payment. Again, also warrant 01. Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Any questions? >> All in favor? >> I. >> I. Uh motion to approve the appointment of
treasurer of collector services to Mass Moon Mooney Finn Sarah Hunter for the term of July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2027. >> Second. >> Any questions? >> All in favor?
>> I Okay. Um, accept finalization of Sar W. Robins estate. The only question, I mean, I just saw this, I just read through it. If you want to take a look
at it. um doesn't really say anything there in there about what the town got from that or the library got from that. This is really for the uh one of the people that's in here. So,
I'm not really clear on signing this. >> I can clarify the library. Maybe the state was worth to the library, not to the town. Okay. But the cemetery, I believe, was left to the town. >> None of that's been there. That's my point.
>> Yeah. And the cemetery, >> it was to a trust for the North Lford Cemetery on Blair Road. That's what the trust was.
>> Yeah. This is this I need to ask a couple questions before we sign it. um only because this doesn't even mention any of that. So, I don't know. >> Christina will be here shortly, but that just arrived today. I did um >> send it to her.
>> Okay. >> Make her aware of it. >> We can trust that. >> Okay. So, I'm going to table motioning approval for accepting the finalization of the summer state document for the time date. Okay.
Any other questions on what we've done so far? Okay. So, I'd like to invite um Megan Paiser. Is that how you say? >> Could you come over and sit there for us?
Thank you. >> By the way, >> you can sit right there. Um, so Megan, you're here to speak of uh some questions or some concerns you had
about a plumbing, correct? >> Yeah. So, I I actually think that this is probably going to take something more than this meeting. Okay. Um, but I am here because um, Joanne said that I should come to this after calling in about my formal complaint.
>> Um, as well as emailing in about the complaint. Um, basically I'm here tonight because I was asked to be and also uh we entrusted that the town of Bamford's plumbing inspector was um, you
know, inspecting us to code, ensuring that our property and that our, you know, basically that our home was was being plumbed to code. And we've learned recently that that has not happened. Um, he has failed to uh,
let me actually just get some photos out. I actually have a lot of photos. It's it's quite quite appalling actually. So So basically what happened was we had a plumber and he came in, we paid him a sum of money, he failed to appear. We multiple times we had an inspection come
out. Um Aaron Petite was out for about 15 minutes. Um after that he said, you know, we're good. Everything's good to go. I said, okay, I don't know filming. I hired someone for this. And um next thing I know, our plumber's no longer showing up. So now we're firing a
plumber and we're hiring a new one. Our new one comes in and says, "How far have you gotten?" And I said, "Well, we passed rough inspection." He goes, "How?" And I said, "Aaron was here." And he signed off. And they continued. So he comes through and he says, "All right,
well, let's start right here." There's that one. All right. This is our vent stack. We have event stack coming up through our second story, which you guys are welcome to have all the copies of these. And the protrusion never made it through
the roof. There's number one. Um, there's no test. There's no second connection of this pipe from the second floor down to the bottom connecting to where the vent should go. That's one. Uh, then we went into
see this. I know this is convoluted looking, but this is my husband holding up the uh level to one of our septic pipes. There's absolutely no pitch. So, when we're flushing our toilet in the near future, hopefully it's going to get clogged. So, there's another there's
another one. Um let's see. Our gas lines were never tested and they're just hanging there. That passed as well. Is this new construction? >> This is new construction. Yes, new construction. Um our plumber put stressors on our hot water lines.
There's so many things that went wrong in here. I mean, there's like what is why did this pass? There's just protrusions. So, we also had it pass where we have now have our insulation has come in and it was passed with two just water lines coming up. I could go
on. There's so much more. I mean, it's it's a mess. Um, so now not only have we cleared the plumber, >> we had an inspection come in that cleared that plumber, and now we're paying a new plumber to go back in, rip everything out, bring us up to code. Um,
and that bill, I just got it today, is $6,500 to fix what Aaron signed off on, and fix what's not to code. And I mean, it's just poor craftsmanship on the plumbers's part, but also, how did Eron not know that you cannot have a metal um
piece holding our hot water line? There's no room for expansion. That's going to pop. There's just It's a calling. I don't want Aaron on our property. I want a new I would My request, excuse me, I should say my request is that I don't want Aaron on our property again. My request is that
we have a new inspector come in, inspect the entire home over before we hire in our new plumber, and really just give us a clear picture of what's going on. And also, what is the legal remedy for this? Like the the financial burden on us now
is is utterly it feels impossible to spend $10,000 on plumbing to now have to spend another 6,500 on something that should have been caught. Um, I mean, cold water lines over our steel I beams, those are going to condensate. That's going to rot our I beams over time. And
I'm just lucky that we fired them when we caught this. I our our um there's no water hookup to any of our radiant heating. So, how could that ever have been tested and passed? I I'm I'm at a loss. And so, that's why I'm here.
>> I think it deserves more than this meeting, unfortunately. Um, and I just I don't feel confident in Aaron's ability to care for us or the rest of the town. We had a really good inspection with Nate Guazig and Matt who came out for
our electrical. They were amazing. They caught things, right? He walked in and he found things that we fixed and had our electrician come back. Um, but this just felt wrong and I don't know where to go from here. So, >> but this is how we start Matt. Um Matt
um he's also I don't remember his last name. He's part of the other. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> That's what that's the only Matt I could think of, but sure. >> Um yeah, so that's why I'm here. Um not out of anger, but just out of like where do I go? What do I do? This is this is a
town inspector and um we were wronged big time. Big time. And and I called Aaron, just so you know. I did call Aaron and talk to him on the phone and so did Ryan. Um, and Aaron said to Ryan when we expressed that we were firing Bill and there was no roof protrusions,
he's like, "Oh, I know this is hearsay, but I will say it out loud." He said, "Don't worry about that. Just get those roof protrusions done. When you get your new plumber, we'll get your permit squared away." Come on. There was a lot of things that he said to us. Um, and it's I know it's hearsay,
but I am just blown away. So, no blame on the town, but I do need to figure out what we do here. >> Do you mind if I ask a couple of clarifying questions? >> Sure. >> So, the you said he passed Aaron passed it. So, the rough plum or the not the final post, the rough plum.
>> Do you have anything from like the new um plumber that's out just so that we can see what the new plumber is saying compared to Do you mind if I grab a copy? >> You sure can. You can have a copy of the entire thing. >> There's photos on there as well. And you can have you can have copies of these photos as well. Um, you're welcome to
take copies of anything. >> Okay. We don't have a color printer, right? >> That's fine. But >> that's fine. No. Yes. It's just >> Thank you. >> That would be great. >> Yes. And I know that um Ryan Chafy is on the line. He's at work. Unfortunately, I don't know if he can talk through this or if he can hear us, but he might have
some things he might want to add to this as he's the homeowner as well. >> Ryan, can you hear us? >> Maybe not. >> I can see him on there, but over here. Yeah. Is he muted? >> He's muted. >> He might be muted on his side.
>> He might not know that we're asking him to unmute, >> right? >> Well, I'll just ask him to unmute. And if he doesn't unmute, then this is I mean, I'm sure we'll meet again, but >> um so so I don't know what what their move is next, but I'm
hoping to get some clarification on on what the town what you're thinking and what we should be doing next before I leave today, if possible. just some idea, not concrete. >> Um, I mean, I'll speak from my perspective, but first of all, I'm sorry that you had to go through all this. You know, that's not what anybody wants to
have to go through when they're building. That's for sure. >> So, please accept, you know, that that we are concerned. >> Um, and the next step will be that we'll have a discussion with >> Aaron, >> right? This is what you're saying is
happening now. We need to talk to Aaron and get what what is his thoughts on this. I appreciate the fact that you don't want Aaron back and we and that won't happen >> so you don't have to worry about that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> For the time being >> there or ever really in the future. >> Thank you.
>> Um but uh you know our next step would be to step back discuss things with Aaron and then come to some conclusion as to what we need to do. >> But we may have another meeting just to get more clarity and stuff. I mean this is tough when it's >> Anybody hear me?
>> Oh there you go. >> Is that Ryan? Yeah, this is me. I was not muted. I got I had to Google how to unmute on Zoom. >> Oh, that's okay. Can you give us your perspective, Ryan? >> Absolutely. Um, so I don't know who in
the room is familiar with PEX plumbing. Um, but it is a plastic pipe. Um, it is not copper obviously. It is a kind of a hybrid. Um and it's in itself it's its own system and it has a certain aspect of installation that has to be followed
per manufacturer spec. Um for instance when you penetrate through a floor joist you are supposed to put a plastic collar in there so that way the wood and the plastic don't come in contact and wear through and obviously cause leaks. Um that should have been
picked up but on the inspection. Uh we have standoffs that are steel that cannot be in contact with the plastic because of expansion and contraction. Um our our potential new plumber told us that would have been a leak within 3 to
5 years at most. Um I have bow vents that aren't connected. I have septic vents that are not penetrated through the roof, which was I was advised number one red flag for a failed inspection.
um exposed water lines um outside the envelope of our home that were going to freeze within the first winter. Those are those pictures are also provided that should have never passed.
Um there's a series of incompleted work that we had paid for uh to be completed. >> Um there's so much more I could go on. I just don't want to tie up everybody's time. The pictures are going to speak for
themselves and I I can definitely testify to that. Aaron told me I didn't even need a permit to put the penetration through the roof myself. I'm not going to do that. I've had issues with permits with the town before. I'm going to follow the rules and do this right. I'm hiring
somebody else to do the roof and all that stuff because the current the potential new plumber does not go on roofs, which I understand. So now um just to correct the current proposal just to get us to sheetrock.
Okay. So we can put our ceilings up and whatnot. This is not to complete the job. Just to correct Megan was $6755. Okay. On on top of the additional $9500 that we've already paid. Now, we've had to delay insulation, sheetrock, and both
of those contractors have been paid substantial amounts of money already. >> Right. >> Out of all those expenses that you can like, do you have something that you know like paper or something that has all your expenses on it that you had to incur because of this?
>> Yes, I just they have a they have a copy of what that we were just quoted in the new the plumbing work to rip out, replace, and get us to rough. properly. >> Yes. >> So, obviously, Megan, we can't jump to conclusions here, right? Um, >> but we will make this a priority to
follow up on and get something moving so you're not sitting there wondering what's going on and stuff. We'll keep in touch with you. Okay. On that, >> are we um once we get, you know, we hire on the new plumber and get the permit, are we okay to continue work or do we need to put a pause on? Do you guys do
you want to send somebody? I would love somebody to come out and take a look. I don't want to just close things up without anybody having another eye on it. >> Right. I don't know what the protocol has been completely stopped. >> Yes, we've had to stop. Um, it's pretty upsetting. >> A correction work has been done.
>> I'm sorry. No, it's it's not been done yet. We've been waiting because we wanted to make sure we were doing the right steps. >> So, you're asking to do an inspection of what's already there and say >> 100% before you change anything. I would love somebody to come out and take a look and just see the the lack of Okay.
So that way it's another >> I'm actually >> I'm actually going to request >> the >> state inspector only. >> Yeah, I was going to say be a town of Bford. >> We've actually already contacted the state inspector, so he's well versed. Yes. 100%. And we also have a legal team
that's getting involved as well if this doesn't move forward in a positive way. Not on you guys. I'm just saying with our other plumbers. There's a lot of things in play here which is really just not great, >> right? Um, so we've just got, you know, so many irons in the fire. We're just trying to figure out the best remedy at this point.
>> Have you have you contacted the state inspector? >> Yes. Yeah, he was CCD on the email that I sent into the town. >> Would you be okay if we contacted them? Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> He did say that he was going to contact Aaron himself, but I've not heard back.
So, >> yes. >> Do we need another I mean I again I don't know the protocol. We need another inspector if the state inspector comes back and says >> the state inspector did tell me that he would not come out that it would be relied on another town inspector. >> Yeah. They'll probably he'll appoint somebody from a neighboring county but
it would be approved at the state level. >> Okay. And you're good with that? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Good. So that's the next step. Get somebody in there as soon as possible so you can continue your project and get it done. >> So you'll contact the state inspector to
get something rolling for the next step. Yes. Great. >> Also, I'm going to ask that as the property owner that myself or Megan be on the property at the same time of the inspection. >> Okay. >> We want to be notified. We want to
schedule it and we will I will make sure I'm available to be there. >> So, Megan, do we have his information on this email? >> Yes. >> Number is on there. >> Okay. Good. Right. Yeah. Okay. Wonderful.
>> Yeah, we're going to do our best to get this moving so you can get done with it. >> I appreciate it. >> Yeah, you bet. >> And I appreciate you're being as detailed as you are in a change of the board. >> Super.
>> Thank you. Um, so will I in like get a call this week or are you thinking just so I know when to expect and I don't call you again asking what's going on? Oh, we will contact them this week for sure. >> Wonderful. >> Y >> wonderful. Am I okay to leave the
meeting entirely? Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you guys for listening to me. I appreciate your time everyone. >> Thank you. >> Nice to meet you, too. Okay. Um, next up for new business is the um we spoke
what was it couple weeks ago I think about putting together um the since the EPSC team or committee is been disbanded because the goal was achieved when we said it would be probably the end of June or so um we're recommending that uh
we put together a another group but that is not just focused on energy? Is it focused on other types of commercial things? Cannabis, it could be whatever comes into town. Um, so I'll read this briefly to everyone. Um, thank you,
Christina, for putting this together. Blander Community Development Coordination Group. The community development coordination group is established for the limited purpose of improving communication, routing, and coordination among the town boards, departments, committees, and officials
involved in the review of special permit applications and related development matters. The group is administrative in coordination based only. It shall not have independent decision-making authority and shall not approve, deny, condition, modify, delay, or otherwise
act upon any special permit application or other permit application. The purpose of the group is to ensure that when a special permit application or related development application is received, all appropriate boards, departments, committees, and officials are made aware
of the pending application, receive the necessary materials, understand the respective review responsibilities, and are able to carry out their separate statutory regulatory bylaw or department departmental duties in an organized and timely
uh fashion. Each participating board, department, committee, or official shall remain responsible for its own separate duties and authority. Participation in the group shall not alter, transfer, expand, or limit the statutory or bylaw authority of any board, department,
committee, or official. The group shall not serve as the special permit granting authority. Shall not make findings under MGLC4A. shall not issue recommendations regarding approval or denial unless separately authorized and properly
posted by the applicable board and shall not employ impose requirements or conditions not otherwise authorized by statute regulations bylaw or an existing permitting process. The group's function is limited to administrative coordination, including confirming
receipt of application materials, identifying which boards, departments, committees, or officials should receive the materials, ensuring that relevant parties are aware of applicable timelines and review responsibilities, identifying next steps for each participating board, department,
committee, or official. Coordinating the flow of information so that each party can return to its own role and carry out its duties independently. The community de development coordination group shall not replace the planning board, the zoning board, boards
of appeals, conservation commission, board of health, select board, building commissioner, zoning enforcement officer, fire department, highway department, water department, or any other board, department, committee, or official with statutory regulatory bylaw
or department departmental responsibilities. to the extent required, the group shall comply with the Massachusetts open meeting o. Um, so there was agreement amongst everybody in these different committees and boards that this was something that
would be helpful as we move forward. So, I motion to establish a community development coordination group for the limited purpose of coordinating the administrative intake, routing, and review process for special permit applications and related development matters. The group shall include
representatives from the boards, departments, committees, and officials involved in the town's permitting and development review process. The group shall be administrative and coordination based only. It shall have no independent decision-making authority. Shall not approve, deny, condition, modify, or
delay any application, shall not serve as the special permit granting authority, shall not make findings under MGL48. And shall not replace or assume the statutory regulatory bylaw or departmental authority of any board, department, committee, or official. The
purpose of the group is to ensure that all appropriate parties are aware of pending applications, receive necessary information, understand their respective responsibilities, and can carry out their separate duties in an organized and timely manner. The group shall be responsible for compliance with the
Massachusetts open meeting law. So I move to approve the community development coordination group. >> Second. >> Any questions? All in favor? I. Okay. Next, I would like to review the potential candidates for our planning
board. Candidate number one on the list is Tara Lendre. That's not how you say it. >> That's close enough. >> So, I move to appoint Cara Lentendry is a member of the planning board. Do I have a second?
>> Second. >> Any questions? >> Yes. I am choosing uh to have a note upon this opportunity for Carrie to be pointing to part due to the incident
that uh the incident that took place in the town hall uh Friday the 17th of July. I feel this was a personal attack on my character as a board member. So I have to
not approve of this whole point. You're either abstaining or not approving it. Both. >> Did you get that? Thank you. >> Oh, I'm approving this because
there's been a lot of rumors going around. Okay. For the past year and a half, there's been attacks on various people in town offices by people who
sub subvert accountability. Time and time again, we ask for volunteers to step forward to help us. We get nobody. We have a a person that
has been involved with the town for over 10 years in various capacities and after everything that's been she's been accused of, she's still willing to put forth her time to help the town. I don't
see this from the people who are all watching complaints. A person can only be pushed so far when they're going to push back. And this is what happened. Okay? You can't push a
person and then when they finally break, you say, "Oh, look at look what what they did. Look, see their behavior." Well, what about the behavior of the people that accused her of certain nefarious things that I have no proof
of. She's done she's done a great job for the town. She's been there for us every step of the way and I think she deserves to have this appointment and that's why I am in favor of it. I that's that's
just the way it is. Unless you're willing to come up and take the place and do the work that she has done, I'm not accepting any complaints. Personal stuff ends at that door. Any personal feud ends at that door. This is
town business. And this is where we do the town's work. Okay? If there's personal grievances, take it to a lawyer. If you have a problem with the a department, take it to the department.
But the town, we don't operate on rumors and we don't operate on intimidation. Jackie's been received emails. I've received mail emails about this. All of this is rumor. I have seen no
fact and I've been working with Tara for at least five years now and she's always been working for the town. So unless you can prove to me that she's done something to hurt this town
in this office, I'm sorry. I'm for her. Thank you. As TJ said, I've received communications from members of the public and who expressed strongly about their disappointment. I considered all that input in my decision- making on this as one of the
select board members. Um, I will say that I don't condone, you know, behavior of of uh within the chamber. >> You know, if you've got to do if you've got to give each other feedback, give it outside the chamber. So I don't condone
that in any way, shape or form. So I just want you to be aware of that. But for me, after consideration, this candidate is recommended for appointment to the planning board. While concerns have been raised regarding this recent incident, the candidates's
overall record of public service and more than two years of work with the town, I'm sorry, 13 years of work with the town should be considered during that time. I personally, I'm just going to reiterate what TJ said, have
not seen this behavior ever in the past. The incident appears to be an isolated event rather than a pattern. As far as my own personal experience has been with Cara, she brings 13 years of municipal experience and a strong understanding of
local government. We are challenged with getting planning board uh individuals and we can't afford not to have a full planning board. Um, based on those qualifications,
experience and famili familiarity with municipal operations, the candidate is well suited to serve on the board. This recommendation is based on the needs of the town. The planning board requires dedicated members. The candidate meets these criteria is is
positioned to make a positive contribution to the board. I don't condone, as everybody knows, after that I was very upset. Um, I don't condone the behavior, but it doesn't make sense to not put her on
board at this point. So, I move to appoint Cara here. We >> got a question right here. >> Not public comment. >> Not a public comment type. Um, I move to
uh appoint Cara Montender to the planning board. >> Second. >> Any questions? All in favor? >> I >> She She meant the board. I know.
>> All right. Motion pass is done. Bad decision. I'm on regular decision with the right decision. We've lost so many members of the finance committee because they can't work. >> Yeah, this is not public.
>> I'm sorry. Wait until the end. Wait until the end and you wait. >> I have no >> understood >> at the end. >> Okay. I move to appoint Ronald Reine as
a member of the planning board. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I questions? >> Um, what position is he for the planning board? Is it the uh >> I don't know. >> It's a uh >> is it the full member or the
>> No, it's an appointed member for one year, >> right? There's two different >> there's two different there's >> there alternate and there's a permanent. So, is it all permanent or permanent? >> I don't know. Can I as the chair can I recognize tell me what that is? >> Uh, yeah. I we haven't discussed it with
the rest of the board, the existing members of the board yet to uh as to where the the placement of these um appointees will be. But we will move on it and uh we'll let you know.
>> Okay. >> They're both important positions. very important positions. Great. >> All right. So, let's move on to the ABCCC annual quarter report on active limiter licenses.
Do you have a copy of the copy? Okay. So, this is to identify any discrepancies between the ADBC report and local work. I find no problems. >> You find no problems? >> No problems. >> Okay.
>> It's just Shellyley doesn't need to be on the agenda. It's just for your information. >> Okay. All right. So, we don't need to approve anything. It's just more of a recordkeeping thing. >> Do you have any questions about this? Is something I didn't know what it was either. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Appoint a FRTA advisory board representative for Bford to be Carol attender's replacement. First of all, what is FRTA? >> National Transit Authority. >> Okay. And what what do they do? Do you
know? >> They offer um ride share services like they do they give brides. It's the Franklin Regional. I was never on board, so I don't know. Car so I'm not entirely sure. I know that there is a program that they run that offers brides and
that you can pay like some portion based on your population to participate in that program, but that program had cut back on some of their services. >> And it just didn't really work for residents for whatever reason. Residents weren't happy with it. So, we stopped kind of participating in that portion of it. But I don't know if there are other
aspects of it that they offer other things. >> We sure recognize >> Marget can help. >> Marget can help with that. I'll retake the world of free target exclusive. Is that fair? >> Yeah.
>> More you do less I have to do. >> Um. >> All right. Joanne, is this under me? This is an invoice for the association of um >> for the finance. I'm just want to make sure you want it paid out of your account, your finance account.
It's a yearly charge that comes in. >> It's for the finance committee if they want to. The the finance committees just so like I am part of the stamp group. You guys go to the M MA conference. Finance committee has their own that they would have to pay membership dues
to. >> Okay. So, this really should go to >> Yeah. But I I'll Are they going to do a cover sheet for that and get it paid or >> Well, I'll have to ask them. >> Okay. I can help with that. >> Okay. You can help with that?
>> I can help. I just want to know if it's okay to pay. >> Yes. I would also want them to know about it so they can actually use it because it might be use. >> Oops. >> But yeah, if you could do a cover sheet and go ahead and >> Okay. Do you want to see this? >> Yeah.
>> Okay. Yeah. >> You guys, >> she's just asking. >> Well, there's a mailbox out there, too, Deb, that there's stuff in other things that are sitting in there that you might want to look at. I've never been told of that. Where is that? >> In the copy room.
>> In the copy room. >> There's a whole bunch of boxes on the left when you come in. >> They're real thin. >> But if you don't if you don't want to pay, that's fine. If you do want to pay it, Joanna will help get it paid for you. >> You'd like to know about it. >> Okay.
Um Okay. All right. Let's do a departmental review. TA you know that >> that would be me. >> So did you guys review Sarah's contract and the award letter yet because that
was on the agenda? >> Yes, >> you did. Okay. >> Y >> um so I put together a summary for the board. Um it's different than the ninepage document that I had initially given you last week. Yeah. But this is
just about um the funding that the water department is receiving and just some questions I think the board should follow up on and just so that you guys can have an a working idea of what is going on >> with that. >> We should read this meeting with the
water department. >> Absolutely. Right. >> Yeah. Sure. >> No apologies. Thank you. >> Um, there was an email that was received and then there was some back and forth with Nicole Sanford from uh Springfield Water Sewer in relation to a wetlands
protection act filing on Beach Hill Road and Otis Stage Road. >> Yes. And so it looks um I so I put together a summary of that for you guys too, but it basically um there's some concerns with mapping location information and issues identified by
Mass CD. Um I just and I put a recommendation here for the board to follow up that you see a full copy of the notice of intent and all attachments. uh written clarification from the engineering company on each mass D comment and
confirmation on whether the city of Springfield uh Springfield Water Sewer, I'm sorry, signed or authorized the filing. So, there's just a bunch of information in here for you guys. Okay, >> that is in relation to that. >> We'll just take a quick look. Sure. >> Okay.
All right. We can do that. >> We'll talk about this at one of our next. >> And then we also received another um an intergovernmental agreement for uh Blandford Roadwork
um from Springfield Water Sewer and I read it over. I've checked with Springfield Water Sewer. This isn't like one of those things where they're giving us something and you know it it's not like that. It's a request. They received a request from highway to
perform um that road work. >> So they've drafted this. I interrupt. >> Yes, you did. >> Yes. >> And I need we need Ray to explain. Is Ray here?
>> Ray. >> Okay. Ray's got to be for here for to explain that. Okay. So what Sprinkle Water Sewer said is uh this is from Ted Sweeney, the chief procurement officer for Sprinkle Water Sewer. We have prepared this IGA for Blandford to perform road construction
and maintenance on Julius Hall Road. If the agreement meets your approval, please sign and return a copy. And I had asked if this was in relation to the um funding request that that we do every year for Springfield Water Sewer where they um accept requests for certain
projects that they will contribute funding towards and he said no this was this was a different >> Is this for them specifically? Is this work something that they want? >> No, this is something that according to Ted Sweeney >> we've requested. >> We have requested. Okay.
>> We'll need Ray for that. This IGA is separate from the highway's funding request. This IGA was initiated by Blamford Highway Superintendent. I will be working on another IGA related to their funding request. So, just so everybody knows. So,
>> correct me if I'm wrong, but the funding request that they that we came up with was like $20,000 for fever, whatever, >> I believe. So, but there was some followup that I believe Ray had to do on that one because she was unclear if it was >> for
um the town did receive notification of uh chapter 90 project approval through Mass DOT for the Beach Hill Bridge engineering. So, it did get approval through Mass DOT. Um, and I also put
together another likeformational sheet. I don't know if I have enough copies for everybody, but I will make copies for you guys. >> And that's pertaining to the 39,000 or is that >> correct? 39,000. We don't know what else.
>> That's just 39. Well, we managed to get through split payroll and end the year somewhat unscathed. Um, there were a few little bumps in the road, but I think as of
today, they are all straightened out the additional checks and all the stuff. Did >> did you get to root cause? >> Next question. Okay. Um, all right. We'll skip that for now. Okay, let's
see. Um I think I mean I have I've also completed um this is all the stuff that I've been working on all of July for everybody to look at. If anybody has any questions that feel free to ask me I mean you'll see some stuff on there that you're going to be like oh we did that two weeks ago. Yeah because it's
still July. So I just work I keep a running >> thank you >> thing. You set this course, right? This is if my headlines don't make sense, it's just that makes sense to me. It's not
anything um official. Okay. >> I don't think I'm forgetting anything, but I could be. It's been a day. Um, did you guys have any specific questions that I'm Am I forgetting anything specific?
>> No. >> No, >> no, no. I mean, you have everything every everything that's so good. Um, and Ray is not here. I thought Ray was gonna be here and his guys were gonna be here. >> Oh, that's right. That was supposed to
be tonight, wasn't it? >> Not on the agenda. >> He is. He's there. >> Oh, just right. >> High routine discussion of the next stage. >> Oh, >> there you go. Hiding stuff on.
Okay. make one last com but this is not you know I just want you to know that we in this >> unfortunately may not have been right >> unfortunately at this time I do not
because I honestly don't I am very concerned about me being here by myself, walking out to the to the, you know, walking out to the parking lot by
myself. I will request that someone walks out. I'm afraid to park my car. I don't know what's going to happen. I've dealt with this for a while now and it does not seem to stop. I don't think but right now I don't
think it will support >> anymore. But I'll get over it because I've got bigger and better things to go on to than stuff like this. So >> I'll get over it. I will swallow my pride and I will move forward and I will
serve Blford to the best of my dedicated professionally. We don't ever want you to feel like you're not being safe. That's for sure. >> All right. What was it for? >> Sorry, this is the stuff for chapter.
>> You had nothing else, right? >> Um, I did just one thing. One thing. Um, sorry. Sarah had reached out last week and asked that I coordinate with you guys to sign the ban note. And so that's I need I will need to have select board
the week of between the 22nd and the 31st >> if we could coordinate at least two of you to come in and review the band paperwork and sign the band note so that I can send it I have to send it to the bond uh agency and all that stuff just
let us know before we go to to questions um or not questions but comments this bacon Wilson thing Christina Ina from the summer estate. >> This is and I know this just came in. So
maybe we do it next week because here's where I'm going is that there's nothing in here about us. It's all about someone else who benefited from trust. I'm not yet
put it aside for we'll we'll table it. Okay. >> All right. Public comment. Yes, ma'am. Um the community development coordination group. Um we had spoken
earlier and you wanted it to be in the bylaws and I I really think this needs to go on a special town meeting or be approved by the town. >> Okay, we'll look at it.
Mary, can I just say I did and as long as it's an um adjunct committee that they're not making any decisions, then the select board is allowed to form the committee. I that's right from legal. >> So
should it or should it not be in the bylaws? It doesn't have to be just like the ABSC committee. >> Any other go ahead? >> I want to start with something positive
and that's this uh select board recently held an information session and I really appreciate that. I thought there was a lot of information that was really important for us all to know and so that's the plus. I also want to say
there's one thing that was not in that meeting or any other time and that was about the decision made by the attorney general about the moratorum. I read in an obscure place a little line
in an article about Southwick that said Flandford was disapproved. I had that was on July 9th. I had never heard that any place that our moratorum was not approved at that point and I did
>> I think we notified I I think we had a notification. >> I would love to know where that is because I've looked through the minutes. I've looked at the agenda. I looked through the country journal and never saw it any place. So if you can point that out, I would appreciate that. But I
also think it should be in the website. There is a reference back to one in 2019 on our website. But if you search moratorum, it does not come up anywhere. So >> I would like to know that TJ, that would be helpful.
It was a 10page letter. I got it right here. The only place I could find it was on a lawyer's site talking about this decision. Okay. >> And I think that there aren't very many people that know about it in this town.
I've asked a number of people that are very involved that didn't know about it. So >> when was it issued? >> It was on March 11th. Four months ago, right? >> Yeah. >> We were in moratorium for four months, I
think. So I would like to see that >> about it. I just didn't know when I I was aware. Right. >> I would hope that you would we went through hearing after hearing special meetings about that time. Did I ever hear about it?
>> I just wasn't sure when it was. I know it was it took them a while to respond. I remember that. And then it was like by then it had almost become a moot point because it only ran through May 1st anyways and it was like six more weeks or something. That's what I seem to remember.
>> But it does point out that the decision that our town made was not illegal. It did not follow the law of what's required in Massachusetts. And I'm not sure that our bylaws that were submitted will all be accepted either. And I'm
looking forward to hearing about that. Oh, so you're >> the state doesn't like small towns. >> The state wants renewable energy. They don't want pollution that we're getting. Look at the smoke that we had in the air the other day. We need to do things very
Let's stay with comments. So I I hear you. So you're you're you're pointing out as being and just so I'm clear that um just so I'm clear so I know what to do, right? based on your comments like this is that you feel that it was since it wasn't posted that it wasn't legal.
Is that what you're saying? >> No, no, no, no. downplayed by the town and that it should have been heralded and applauded that that Lauren Healey should have been her ages should have been applauded and it should have been pointed out to
everyone to hear and it was not >> although I was a little >> Yeah, let's go back >> comment. All right. Did you have anything else? >> No. >> Anyone else? >> Go ahead, Greg. Yeah, Greg Garfield, uh,
Julius Hall Road, also chair of the planning board. Thank you, Greg. I just would like to say something about the appointments and the planning board. >> On June 4th of 25, a mob came into the room.
The chair plan board quit, another member quit. Who who stood up? Two, three of us stayed, right? Ed stayed because I stayed. I stayed because she stayed. And Sarah stayed because we stayed. We didn't even have a
quorum at that time. All right. So, we had another meeting. We asked a lot of people from town and that mob I call it a mob cuz it was nasty in in this room over here in the in the gym. And two people stood up. Ron
was one of them. Thank you, Ron. The other guy was Brian Nimrodski. He quit. That's the kind of commitment. >> Scott, too, though, right? Didn't Scott stand up then Scott? >> Well, Scott, too. Scott didn't quit. >> Yeah, but he was at the same time. Three
people stepped up. It was Scott. >> Yes. >> But another guy quit. So, we're not getting any commitment from the mob people that came in here, >> right? We still have. So, in June, we have
an election coming up and you have a caucus. Nobody runs. Scott got nominated. He got elected. Ron got nominated. Didn't take the nomination. We need We need people that are willing to work.
Gary's willing to work. Ron's willing to work. Who else from the mob ever stood up? Nobody. All I hear is blah blah blah blah blah from people. Nobody's helping. Nobody's doing anything. They're writing stuff. They're getting information off
the internet, putting it back on here. That's a bunch of garbage. That doesn't help anything. We got work to do. Nobody has helped with the work. I appreciate Ron being on the on the board, but the rest of you that come and don't
want people to do the work in this town, step up and do it yourselves, right? I'm fed up with the crap. This is a lot of stress. The last year has been hell and I'm not going to put up with too much more of this >> So, get ready to step up. Some of you
mod people, you think you're so smart, step up and do it. That's all I have to say. >> You want to? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, first of all, I want to say I go to a lot of planning board meetings
and anytime and I'm on conservation and I always say, Greg, I do not envy you as one iota. What you have to deal with is very different than what we have to deal with. Very different. Conservation is an
appointed position and planning is an elected position. And I think that there was some confusion and Christina, I understand you did a lot of work on Wednesday, so I appreciate that looking into if the select board could nominate
oh in an elected position. I think there was some question regarding that. I asked the question that night because it was an emergency situation that happened last year because you did not currently have quorum. This planning board right now has four members and does have a
quorum. I don't want to get involved in any of the whatever happened arguments any of that kind of stuff. I did a little research on my own and I think the town would it would behoove us to do what other towns have done in the future
to alleviate any suggestion of impropriy. It was a little strange that nobody knew that there were positions that kind of thing that people are saying. But a lot of towns, other towns our size and much
larger deal with this where select boards do appoint um elected positions and they have a process and typically that process is and they're different varies by town but to summarize it's like and Christine if
you want to look it up Amherst is a good example. they uh they will for two weeks the select board would say hey we don't have enough people to fill this board we're going to appoint somebody is there anyone interested >> um and that alerts the
town and it would completely alleviate it wouldn't even mitigate it would alleviate if anybody thinks that somebody's getting appointed for any dubious reasons or whatever it and I'm not saying that that's happening I'm saying I'm hearing what what's happening
so I I think in the future >> if we had some kind of process in this town that dealt with the select board nominating elected positions, this could all go away. There would be no fingerpointing and no one would feel
like they were left out because I do know that somebody did step up the Wednesday night when they heard it was happening. Nothing was posted discussions of nominations to planning board positions. It was decided it would be covered under new business. So no,
Ron wasn't listed. Cara wasn't listed. No one knew, right? Someone that got wind of it because they were at the meeting said, "We are interested. We would like to step up." And they were told it was too late. >> So that means that there was a third person in the room that night, but I
wasn't allowed to ask a question until after that was interested. You might not have been interested in them. They may have been running for the wrong reasons or I don't know. But I'm saying it opens the town. >> It was never too late. >> They were told it was too late.
>> Who's told it was too late? >> I don't want to mention names, but they were told it was too late. >> It wasn't too late. >> And I asked then and I >> mentioned in these meetings, it's been mentioned at town the last town meeting, >> but it's not on any agendas. I think I
think that's part of the problem. But I'm not saying that we need we've already solved this problem. What's happening now? You have your people. I think it's great. You need your people. I don't envy planning. >> Okay. >> I'm saying >> look at you're saying look at Ann process.
>> Yeah. Or any other town that does this because it is >> when it's an elected position. Yes. If three weeks after the election, the select board places someone in an elected position, whether it's for confusion of people that were supposed
to be running, it says on the website, even that day, Wednesday, it says bronze term was 2025 to 2028. I mean, there was confusion, >> right? There was confusion. >> And so, I think this rushed process made people feel and be able to give voice to
legitimate voice to how they were feeling. The way they did it may or may not have been correct, but I think the town really needs to >> I I would like to make comment on that. Uh I was invited to a meeting three weeks ago up in Chesterfield. There are
many small towns that are looking to blame her because we have put bylaws through and that ammeris what's the population that's a hell of a lot bigger than any small town
>> the problem is getting volunteers now you said that someone was willing to step up >> I don't know who told him discuss it with any of you individually and I can I'm happy to do that. I don't want that
person if I don't want to speak for that person they're not here. >> Well, I I don't want names. I just want the person who wants to help. I I would love their name. >> That person that wanted to help wanted to be interviewed and and expressed that and it was weird. The timing was I'm
just you know that's for future. You're >> Thank you for that. Anyone else? Go ahead. >> First of all, I just want to say Greg, I was on the for three years. The reason that I got So, there's that.
>> And I'm going to actually read something because I don't want to go off on a tangent. Um, I'm just expressing my deep concern about the lack of accountability. Oh, first of all, I want to know, was there an apology name for this outburst on Friday? Was there an apology made by Farah?
>> Yes. to everybody to see >> I don't know all I can say is >> I did not get an apology but she apologized to you because she knew you guys were voting interesting okay so I'm expressing my deep concern
about the lack of accountability in our local appointments and the message this sends to the community when a former board member verbally attacks another public official during a meeting an apology should not automatically be a standard for future service. Yet, Cara
appears headed or she did get another appointment despite repeated concerns about her conduct. Her behavior during Richie Neil's visit to town was widely viewed as rude, unprofessional, and disruptive behavior that revealed a pattern rather than an isolated
incident. And there is a pattern. She got a she's got a no trespass order for Russell Potton. There's plenty more I could say, but I'll leave it at that. Um, residents have shared similar experiences with the board. I know I have. And yet there seems that this
seems to carry less weight than ex explanations or personal circumstances offered on her behalf. This selective approach discourages volunteers and drives good people away. It also disrespects newer board newer board members like Karine who was elected by
the community and has worked to maintain decorum under difficult circumstances. I give you a lot of credit for you because I would have lost my a long time ago. Um, let's see. Hang on. Where am I? We are we're repeatedly told that experience matters and that people are hard to
replace, but everyone starts with no experience and experience should not excuse behavior that would not be tolerated from others. Public service demands higher standards of conduct, not exemptions. The people of this town have voiced their desire for unity and a fresh start. Continuing to reward
division undermines that goal. If the board wishes to restore trust and encourage broader participation, it must apply consistent accountability to all. Actions have consequences, including at the ballot box residents are watching. >> May I just ask question? Absolutely. How
come this was not brought before the board? Any bad conduct from board members or department members is usually brought before the court. Well, there was there wasn't any incident on Friday that you were well aware of because you were all here and there was no accountability for that whatsoever. You
still a planner. >> Well, are you going to step up and and take her place on the planning board? >> Is that right? >> It'll make it right. >> No, it doesn't make it right. >> No. No, it doesn't make it right. >> But we need people. >> I did my three years on the finance
board and the reason I got off was because of Cara. I want nothing to do with her. She does whatever she wants and I don't understand why people don't see that. I that just blows my mind. I could tell you plenty more stories but I will not. >> Yes, Terry.
>> Um, yes. Hi, Terry Arfield. So, I've known Cara since she was a small girl. Um, I have never known a young woman as intelligent, as dedicated, as hardworking, and
uh, as good a person as Cara. I think this came about from the harassment and the intimidation and the bullying that she has felt for years. That Russell Pond was 10 years ago, if not it had
nothing to do with her. It was her mom. This bullying, this bullying, >> no, this bullying has been taking place, this intimidation online and in person for a very long time. Yeah, I would have
lost it as well. And Karen, you have some culpability in this as well. You ran on a platform that said, I it hurts my heart because we are so divided. I'm going to step in and and do something
about this. I'm going to try to bring people together, right? >> And you did nothing. You did nothing, Adam. You knew. You knew that this online harassment of Cara, this negativity campaign that was being run was going on. You knew that
people, >> you never you need to call off your dogs on her. Seriously, >> stop online harassment. I need to say something about this. If you were on Facebook, I sent out a plea. I sent out
a very nice plea to everyone to please stop this. >> I would not be involved with Facebook whatsoever. I s know that because I am not. >> This is what I'm saying. You have no idea what I have been going through.
During the election, my constituents were called. They were voice mailed. They were harassed. They were benign because they had signs on their yard. People were afraid to put signs on their yard because of the harassment. I said nothing online about this. And then
after the election, my people and myself were called loud, angry, and unintelligent. And it's online that was on Facebook. >> So don't tell me that I I have been any part of this because I have not I have
told Jack told TJ I remained silent. It is not my responsibility to tell people what they can and cannot say. I can only ask them to be nice, which I did. And you can go look on that Facebook. I will send it to you. It was a plea to be
nice. And I even talked to Cara and told her I had no part in this. But yet this continues on me. You're calling my constituents mobs. >> You're calling them mobs. You call them angry. >> You call them loud. No, you still I'm
talking to you in general. These people here too >> are calling them mobs. They're calling them uh my gang. That I am a puppet. How do you think that makes me feel? Is this something that I should I should have to deal with? No. But I'm being professional. None of it hit Facebook.
Okay? Because why I'm asking people to please please let's get over this. >> This go both ways then. >> It went way more than both ways. So it is still going on as proof Friday. It's still going on. I can't even ask a
simple question without being verbally assaulted in front of a room full of people and then told to take it out in the hall and then being screamed at in the hall. >> And that happened on Friday with >> two people >> when Richie Neil came.
>> And then after that I was verbally attacked by another person again because I had a picture taken with some geese because a family wanted to rescue these geese. I knew the person I know I'm very good friends with with the the rescuer I
Russell. They asked me if I could help and I said yes and they said could we take a picture of you? I'm like sure. And I was prosecuted for that. Prosecuted for taking a picture with baby geese. Really?
>> 13 years of dedicated service. >> She started new. She started new. I will give 20 years of dedicated service. I think that perhaps we can show some grace and >> I would be I have sir if she's willing.
I have shown grace. >> I have shown plenty of grace. >> How about a public an apology to Corine. That would be awesome. >> I received no apology. I was embarrassed and humiliated and and I felt so degraded. I haven't
slept. I can't eat. Other things are happening in my body that I'm not fond of. I have the shakes all the time. Why? >> You can hear it. >> I don't feel safe anymore. >> Is that how I'm supposed to feel in this job?
>> This is what's going on. I'm sorry, but yes, >> I not attribute to any of this. >> We have to stop talking about it. We have to move forward. >> You know, as long as long as this animosity is going on, it's going to
hurt the town. I'm here to help the town. I've been here for 28 years trying to help the town in various forms. I've seen all kinds of infighting in and departments and that, but it was always about the town. This is personal. This
does not belong in this building. Why did you let it happen? >> We did not let it happen. >> Let me Where was >> Let me just let me just say, hey, >> why >> I stood here myself with the congressman
here. >> I walked over there. I saw this happening between Corine and I said, "Please, ladies, take it out of the building." Neither listened until I said take it out in the hall
>> or take it out in the hall. >> Take it out in the hall. >> Well, right. We had a congressman here writing a check for a million dollars. >> Right. >> And I didn't want it in here of all places. I didn't know what the reason was. >> Right. I had no clue what the reason was as to what was happening.
>> So just tried to move it. I don't you know it's just nobody helped me. Nobody helped me. reason why I'm in here tonight so I can walk her out. >> Now, am I gonna have to be here every night for this? >> No. >> No. >> I hope not.
>> No, she's not going to have to be. >> Why not? >> As long as we let it die here and now. >> I hope it does. >> Well, yeah. I hope it really does. >> But but we got to get that word out that it's no longer tolerated. The subject is
over and it's done. But there's going to be certain people who don't even show up in this building that are going to carry it forward until they someone actually gets hurt and that is on them. >> All right. So >> they're cowardly. They don't come
forward and face up to what they have done. >> I agree. >> Thank you. >> I want to say one last one more thing not related to Cara, not related to the incident at all. last Saturday. I I am a registered independent.
I've lived here um in a couple months it'll be 31 years. Last Saturday I went to the Democratic Committee meeting myself. >> Um as these guys can attest. Um and I went because although I lived through
and people that know me know I am no I do not care for Donald Trump. Sorry TJ. Uh, and >> the only the only argument only thing I've ever said to any of my children that I regret was related to Donald Trump and I, you know, I am not happy
with what's happening in the nation. But during our first reign here, um, of Donald Trump, we did not have this division in this town. I think unfortunately an unintended consequence of a lot of people getting political in
this town is that it feels like there can be uh a you versus them. We've always had the good old voice. We've always had that here and we always had the voices of reason that would come and would vote when something needed to be voted on and things would all make
sense. It was never these are a bunch of idiots, these are a bunch of idiots. Right now, this town needs a huge hug. And I think although I totally agree with everybody's right to vote and have their words out there, I think an unintentional or potentially slightly
intentional byproduct of having a Democratic committee in this town, which we haven't had in 40 years, is it is contributing to this tenor. I would say >> raising awareness. 99.5 is not right
now. >> Yes.