Sorry. >> There you go. So, >> okay. Squatman's meeting is open at >> 603. There will be a delay waiting for the rest of the SWATman. in front of you. You were excited.
That was Adam. >> Thank you, Adam. >> Sorry. Great. >> Yeah. >> Sorry. >> That's okay. You told them that we're waiting for
Carol. >> Yep. Just for signature. >> The packet is right there. Red. The red folder is al always the signature stuff. >> Oh, sure. >> Yes.
meeting. >> Did you? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, that's a long one. That took me a long time. >> I shouldn't admit that. >> That was so easy. >> I still have Oh, sorry.
those focused so that >> no you wouldn't my suggestions on the minor adjustments to the in Sign off on the minutes. >> Yeah. >> Move to accept the minutes for December 8th, 2025.
>> I second that. >> All in favor? >> I >> I just read the minutes and signing off. here. I was really like what you just got.
This is the moment when they destroy the kids, you know, they're like, "Oh, okay. See how it's campaign." All right. Thank you, sir. That's for you. Okay. So, these are words.
I saw Kelly just quickly sent a note about she >> it's going to be on the wire that Sarah Stewart she had replied Ellie was concerned that she wasn't on the wire for her payment. Yeah, >> but Sarah's >> I didn't have any wire this week and I
just explained that it's in early February I didn't >> and I don't know if she took >> she did I I saw an email from Kelly from Kelly about she says I'm aware that Sarah's working on some reconciliations
and a warrant and she knows she's on she's taking by the time I got it I Right. That's a big one. $42. Send that Yeah, sure. >> All right. So, um, did we make a motion for the warrants already? >> Just for the
>> Okay. >> So, I would make a motion to, um, approve warrant number 16, account payable, and payroll. >> I'll just read you really quickly what Kelly had said, just clarification. She said, "Here are the warrants for the week." Which is what's in front of you guys. In working on the cash work cash
reconciliation, it was discovered that she had missed a payroll invoice. So, that is also attached for signatures. And then she said, "I know Sarah was working on something for the wire warrant. I will check in tomorrow to get it done. I also know it will have my pay
in it. Thank you." So, she that's she's all set. Joanne, you don't have to do anything with that. And if there's a apparently it's an attached payroll previous payroll and amended. >> All right. Um all in favor >> I
>> I >> Okay. So new business. We've got the clarification of the inclement weather policy updates. Um Joanne, did you want to lead that? I know you had some updates for that. >> Okay. Well, you saw my original email where I just said there were some minor
problems. So, all this is is I gave my suggestions on what the wording was and what maybe the wording could be. >> Okay? >> You guys just have to look at it and approve. And the last one was me offering to be the point person for sending out texts or emails in the
morning when I immediately hear from one of you. Okay. >> I'm right in town. I have all that information. Turn around on my computer, push a button, send it out to everybody else. Yes, girl. No. The select court says yes. We're staying close. Okay. Right. >> But that's what I just really quick was
one of the things that you and I discussed, right? What is that and this and Dave Pops and Dr. Hopson had shared some information that I wasn't to which is the first day that the school closes the student closes meaning roads are bad
don't go anywhere right >> second day the school closes the teachers come in. So it's not always because it's bad that we're preparing for. >> You mean if it's two days in a row, >> right? So the question becomes the first
day when it goes into those other days, those other days is where it gets a little funky that people want to come in and work because they're going to not get something done. So do we need to have, you know, basically a decision
made that second day? Um, and the thought was when we talked about this was having either Joanne or or uh Christina or one of us take the lead and say what you need to stay open or close >> and then Joanne can communicate to
everybody. >> Well, you have to let me know anyway. So, I have to know whether I'm coming to work or not. >> Right. So, we could make it to where >> you know decision. >> Wait a minute. She doesn't follow that. optional.
>> Don't tell her. She already does. I wanted to TJ. >> We can't, you know, in other words, it's like let's not have five people ever. Let's just have a person say make the call. >> And then I think we have to be specific
about which position like Christine was saying because unfortunately, you know, Joanne will be in that position forever. We want to make sure that the policy position, you know, >> so it could be select board chair or a select board member,
>> but it needs to be like first thing in the morning so people are already or the night before >> so people aren't already on their way. >> Yeah. Right. or waiting someone to >> so I think the easiest thing to do just for consistency going down the road
would be the decision coming from the select board chair and then the administrative assistant dispersing the right I mean just policies >> yeah I mean you say I won't always you guys won't always be individually so >> and then that way I will certainly turn
it on decide to to leave >> well turn it over to the person >> like that's a little closing They usually nullify the evening before. >> Yeah. >> So that that would give us right there. >> I'm just thinking if it's a select board
member, then at some point you would have to decide, >> right? And maybe the next board will think of it and >> well I just think that right if it's chair >> then we know chair is making the decision. >> Yeah. >> And we put it in the thing and then
you're you're asked trigger the event. Great. Yeah. >> Is that every every snowstorm or is that >> it like you're saying the second the second time the school closes? It's usually just
>> second day. >> The second day. >> The second day if it's two days in a row. So I guess my question is let's say there's a terrible snowstorm on Thursday just for argument sake, right? >> Would we automatically follow what the school does because it's the first one? You know, like it's
>> Yeah. or and then we if there is a second one then it's the chair that says that's correct come in or >> no that doesn't apply when the school >> no that won't
>> so okay >> the uh where it was getting cloochy is that some people on that second day wanted to come in get the work done and because we were closed Yeah, >> the default is you talk to your
department head. That's right in the doc. You know, if your department head says yes, you can come in. >> Yeah. >> But if your department head says no, you can't. But how can we have one part department saying yes, Jasmine, you can come in. Another one saying no, Joe.
>> No, no. I meant in the document it says if it's let's say that we have a snowstorm and payroll's got that's the only thing I could think of that's emergency related that affects an entire employee base
right payroll's got to get done and if you call and say look I want to come in and get payroll done >> and your department head then says okay she's approving you to come Okay, I get that on that first day.
>> Does that make sense? >> So, the first day is mandatory. >> First day is mandatory unless through the >> Yeah, I like it. I was trying to go through the other questions you had, but my computer just did a restart. So, >> Oh, >> do you have it on paper?
>> Oh, sorry. No, no. I know your fault. I had it and then it just >> there was minor confusion about who got paid only because people that are under 19 hours are used to asking that question. I don't get paid. I'm getting paid now. Everybody knows. I understand it.
>> Everybody knows and I went over with Jackie >> if you worked that day. >> Correct. And write it. That's all that's in there. >> So, we're we're good with that one. And then the delayed opening. You wanted to make an adjustment. Um >> in the event of a delayed opening or
early closure due to infant weather, employees who are scheduled to work that day will be paid for their regular schedule hours unless otherwise directed by the time Mr. >> This includes part-time people. >> So that's fine. Does that work for you TJ? That adjustment. >> Yeah.
>> Um and then the third one is the notification of policy. Um, sorry. It says employees are responsible for monitoring town hall communications, but you want to change it to the list of >> I I I I didn't want didn't necessarily want to change the wording, but just be
helpful in that area. >> They will the communication will come from me, but they need to look for it. >> They need to know it's going to >> they have to have some responsibility, >> right? Okay. >> And then the last one was what does the library fall under? And it will fall
under this. >> And may the library speak for >> Yes. Go ahead. Library. >> The chair recognizes library. >> The library trustee chair Mary Frowell maintains.
>> Who's that? >> Yeah, I know. She she she may be here on Zoom. Is she here on Zoom? No. um she maintains that library to to whether falls fall under library policy. So the library has a policy
because the trustees are responsible for setting library policy. >> So because the trustees are responsible for setting library policy, the trustees have a library policy that states >> I think we're going to have to have Mary commit. So here's the deal. >> You're a talented boy.
>> Yeah. The only >> you don't fall under the trustees as an employee. You are our responsibility. >> If if she makes a call that put you in any kind of danger unmistakably, right? >> Then now all of a sudden we have town
employees we have to worry about. >> No. No. I So it's the library policy is that the library is closed that day that gateway is closed. >> That is the library policy. It's the same as the town's policy except for it doesn't have like the secondary call about like the select court being that
day. If the secondary call if if the decision is the library stays closed on that second day as a library employee we say that you're open you're not going to get paid >> I I understand but I guess what I'm saying is please take something Mary >> okay exactly
>> like this is something that Mary needs to be talked like this is something that has to be talked about the trustees because as of this moment in time the trustees have >> Can you can you do me a favor and have Mary on the next agenda >> if per like previously for You know, time immortal since 1892 of the trustees
have had their weather policy. It's not a bar. It was >> No, I get it. >> Because MLC maintains that libraries must have policies because the trustees are actually my contracting supervisor. >> Understood. >> So, because they are my contracting supervisor, it's different.
>> So, the question becomes, is she okay with this policy? >> Yes. Yes. That's exactly it's more of a procedural thing because technically they are my supervisor. >> Yep. So it's this scaffles. >> Thank you. Just wanted to bring that up. You have a like do you have a complete list that you feel comfortable with of
contacts? Do you already have >> Oh yeah. Yeah. >> I was water. Um it's an essential department. Um however, Jasine is part-time admin for them. So she would get as well. Yeah, that makes sense. And police is an
essential. They're handled by Yeah. >> I would just like to add one more thing. The only other reason that trustees have like call on the library is because we close at 6:00 at night. >> Yeah. >> And that is sometimes later than a day schedule. So like we've had situations
where we have to close because the ice storm is moving in at 4:00. Yeah. So 8 days long closed they don't care. >> Yeah. >> And often times town hall is you know ghost town at that point especially if it's Friday. Yeah. >> So what I do is I call Mary and I say listen like we're in a situation where we feel dangerous having walk through
our apartment to get to our door and we're concerned about getting like close the library. >> Well now that you're saying that let's just talk for a second. A lot of times planning our energy team other boards and committees have meetings
scheduled on the day that we're >> Saturday as well. So >> it wouldn't them. they feel, you know, they're all adults, right? And it's not a paid position. We're not expecting them to report to work, right? If they have a meeting that they feel is like
absolutely necessary, >> they can help. >> Yeah. They could always do >> they could always make their own decision or like the boards and committees. I think I get into telling them, "No, you can't come in." >> Yeah. >> Okay.
>> So, if they do do a change, they have to post it again, >> right? Yeah, if they decide to cancel it, it's all over. >> And I think that had recently come up with one of our disclosures. I think I think it was >> Yeah. Um
>> I just think it's better to >> I think it's better to just allow autonomy. You guys make your decisions. >> Yeah. >> Did you have a question? >> All right. Um, so a motion to approve the updates to the inate weather policy.
>> Second. >> Any discussion? >> No. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> All right. >> Mary's texting me telling me she can't get in. So, I didn't uh I checked uh I asked her if she used the link on the
agenda. She did. I didn't tell. So, sorry. You asked for what >> if she used the link that's on the agenda and not an old link. The link has changed. >> Yeah, on my on my agenda the other night, the old link was on. So, I wonder
if this one has the old >> Yeah, she might have the wrong link. Christina >> did you ask me if I >> No, you're fine. >> I didn't hear. No. So, you're going to update the policy? Okay. Want me to do that? >> Yes.
>> And we will put it under department. >> Yeah. To review the policy to make sure everybody's >> Oh, good idea. >> Okay. Okay. Perfect. >> In the meantime, do you book group the updates? >> We have perfect.
>> All right. Um, so I have a resation from the ES BPSC trade gel. Yep. And it is effective uh effective Wednesday.
Okay. >> He just it really was just more than what he thought. >> Okay. >> Time and stuff like that. He wanted to put more time in. So felt uncomfortable. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And now now that makes you at the
right number. So motion to approve the resignation from Terry Gelanick um from the ESPSC committee effective immediately. >> Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I
um Okay. So we um Jackie, you were leaving this the um Joseph Penn setting expectations. >> Yeah. Uh tomorrow evening Joe is gonna join us at six o'clock and he's going to
join us via Zoom uh Z Huntington and discuss I asked him to come to come to speak with us about what he's doing for veterans. Mhm. >> Um, as you know, I went to Westfield and kind of got an update there of all the
different things that could be direct and I'm not sure I'm not going to spot. I want to hear from him. What does he do? >> Okay. >> Um, the $10,000 that is in the account is not the T. It's not coming in from
the state. That was money that was put there by the town. Uh it's been there every year that I've been >> Yeah. >> So it's not an expense at all. >> And is it reimbursible? Did she say I
Eric's firm neighbor our accountant firm? >> He said that that account specifically was like a state funed. So is it like we put the money there but if it's expended does the state reimburse us? I was just wondering where that came from. That
notion that it was state funed. >> I think I think and this is all what do I know right is there is something at the state level that basically says for people that are veterans that they can
submit let's say that I'm on Medicare. This is the way it was described to me and I would need to go into the details more to make sure that I'm 100% clear, but from talking to the lady in Westfield, the way it works is I have a bill for $100.
Medicare only pays $80. I owe $20. They could submit that bill of the extra to the state. State will provide 75% of 75% of $20. the town would create a fund to pay the other 20%.
Or 25%. I think that may have been how it all came about. Someone did some math, kind of figured that out. I guess it's a guess. But when I spoke with her, she said, "Jackie, that's your talent's money to do whatever you want. You could
do flyers, educational flyers. You could buy flags for the bracelet. super helpful with full. >> Oh my god. Right. >> Yes. >> That's how this came up originally when I had asked >> because he said, "Oh, no. You can't use
it without that state money." >> No. >> Said, "Okay." >> And I know it's true. When I >> I was listening to the account from the couple of times that I did the finances, usually you can see where the state's given you money. Yes. Once chapter 70 or whatever it is,
>> there's nothing signed. So anyway, um there's also, you know, and I talked to Michaela about this. Michaela said there's been a number of people that have come in and taken advantage of the credit that you get as
a veteran. Um if you are uh disabled or and and I was talking to her, she gave me the list. And when I was in Westfield, I found out that gold um gold family members where the veteran was killed during service, whether it's a
son or a husband or >> they get 100%. And it used to be $400 or something like that. >> So that's these are the things that are important for our vets to know. >> Yeah. >> Right. Now she's saying she she and
Michaela that we have 17 I and but that but I also looked it up on on the internet and it appears that that's from census taking. So that might be what she knows about. That doesn't mean that there's not more that don't know about this stuff. Right.
>> There is a also a vet uh process for work from off your working for the town. to work for the town that work away some of their tax. >> Yes. Yes. >> And there is a need for these guys.
That's what I'm hearing from Michaela. >> Okay. >> So, I want to know from Joe, what are you doing? >> Yeah. And then, hey, what I'd like to do is say, so what are we doing about this and tell me what are we doing about this? Can you tell and see what his
thoughts are if he's really wants to sign up for that, right? If he can do it, great. You know, I don't care. But we need to consider uh if he doesn't want to do it, then we got to talk about it.
>> So, that's kind of where I have the list of thing that are available. >> I do have something at home that I can bring. >> Okay. >> Yeah. It sounds like there might need to be some outreach and education that
whoever is in this position it Joe decides to take >> absolutely >> and we spend you know that money to do that >> exactly keep the money in there. I don't even know if 10,000 is enough when you really figure it out. >> Where did that number come from?
>> Right. I don't have a clue. >> I I think that was just the minimum required by the state that count. >> Okay. So more to come but let's just have that first discussion and see what his thoughts are put in uh when
>> and then if the requirement is for more money >> we have to put in budget >> yeah have yeah >> yeah but you get you know what what happens is there's there's minimum income requirements
>> right >> in some cases so we have to look at that but you know that's all a whole thing, you know, there's a lot right >> now. The lady in Westfield, um, she is doing Worththington as well,
>> and she charges them $1,500 a year, >> so we may even want to go down that. I don't >> I'm not What are we paying? We're getting what we're paying >> 2,000.
>> Oh. So, and I'm not saying pushing Joe out either. I'm just saying, >> you know, there's options for different things. >> Well, mention that in my >> So, we'll talk to him tomorrow night, but I just don't want to delay it any
longer because people have been coming. >> Yes. Yes. I agree. >> We move on to the next one. Can we pick a date for the next or unless it's already happened and I missed it for the next department level meeting? the last Monday of the month. I thought
>> I just want to put it on that'll be the >> February 23rd. >> Was that the last Monday? >> Yes. >> Wow. Um so the other thing we're going to put on that while we're on that
subject is we put on clean up of town people start >> Oh yeah get a chance to talk to Joanne about how cleanation is coming in March to do that. >> Yes.
Um, and that's going to be as >> Yes. So, I think those two things are going to take up. Yeah. >> And any um budget things that the departments want possibly?
>> Yeah, we need to talk about it. >> All right. Um then we've got we had the Eversource sighting meeting on February 3rd. I thought it was fairly um well attended and you guys both did a great job speaking. I felt like um you covered
everything. I didn't say anything so I sat quietly. >> Um but what were your takeaways Jackie? Um the next steps through your video. >> Um couple things. one was uh obviously we we filed the intervenor
document petition >> um and I'm g with Christina talk to Mark and see if he's going to be the attorney represent represent if not I have done a search outside found some others that just
focus on that kind of work so there's that option um the second thing is they said if you are going to respond if you have questions to send in the questions by the 18th. So there are questions that
we didn't really get answered directly. So I'm going to put a document together for next week so you guys can look at it before I send it in. Okay. I'll probably slip it out to everybody and say, >> "Okay, >> these are the questions, right?" Because they they were some evasive answers, I should say.
>> Not answers. >> Yeah. not even right they weren't even amazed that they were audiences. Um the biggest challenge that I took out of it was the
uh challenge of they ever source laid it out there. >> Yeah. >> That they know was signing up to do this and work >> yet they wouldn't say who it was. I understand that. I've been in those
types of jobs and they can't disclose their customers, right? However, the vendors that are coming through are really coming through because the state is saying don't do this. They have nothing to do with
Eversource. All Eversource is doing is they're told X amounts coming in, get ready for it. Right? Those vendors don't report to them. don't have anything to do with them outside of once they're set up, they connect to Eversource and that's it. So, everybody's looking at
Eversource is having that answer yet. It's not Ever6, >> it's the state. Oh yeah. >> So I think it may be time to to to do a more senior level letter again, but this
time possibly to other senators and >> legislation. As a as a town, we need to understand what the plan is because it's being forced upon us, >> right? versus we want to spit the table.
You know, if you plan on if in your plan in order to meet that energy goal is three best operations, you know, where the heck are you going to put them? What are your thoughts here? >> Well, we should have two. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. But I It's going
to kill us if every one of these you have to do intervenor. It's going to cost us some men. >> Yeah. >> I can't I don't have a bandwidth to do all this. >> Yeah. Right. >> Right. Um, but I think we should at least bring it up to the level that it needs to be
at the EFS all. So, I'll again try to put something together that we can send them. That's and it's not just what's coming, it's what are we going to do about the safety challenges. >> Oh, that's
>> that's what we're really following. >> Yeah. And that that falls on our destructive part of the Bible. >> That's right. That's right. Now, um so I will look to do that by the end of the month. We'll have something.
>> God bless you. the the the other thing that you should know and I'm going to put it out there is that I did I did reach out to the assessor u to find out more about okay if Evasurus does come in what kind of money
is that for and he said it's another $800 some thousand >> on top of what they pay >> top what they pay so ever source because it's based on the investment So, it's based on $64 million investment.
>> Um, >> does that >> it's been right as the stuff depreciates. Yes. I don't And I would, you know, when we really get into it, I'm going to want to see that whole depreciation table. >> Yeah. I just don't want anybody to say, "Oh, well, you said it's 800 and then
>> right the first year, >> two years now, >> half a million." >> So, this is all a part of making decisions though. So, that would be that whole picture. And this was a quick he did this quickly. This is not like but I know it's going to be a big number,
>> right? So we just need to be cognizant of it. It's part of the whole picture, the whole story. Um and uh so there's all this I mean this is the kind of stuff find out what's
>> we did the average source walk. uh would find I mean from what I can see the problem is that you know everybody's like doesn't want them to come really close to the road it's the only place they got if they go to the left the wetlands they go to the right they go down in the ditch
>> so the only space they have is to come >> sucks but what you know what everybody has to understand is you run them out >> what's 800,000 So that's the town's funding at our
>> I just can I just say so one I think intervenator uh status for this project is great because gives you a seat at the table you'll get as much information and obviously we want as much information as possible but for this particular project
for the substation expansion we can't it's already in approved use >> so intervenor status is not going to get us to get them to stop. >> No, >> in other scenarios, in other cases, it
might, you know, a vest or or a solar whatever interveners status, you may get >> to that. But with Eversource and with substation expansion, that is a pre-existing pre-approved use. So, there's no really stopping anything.
>> Yeah. Right. >> Did they address anything about like visually what they'll do? Didn't talk about it. No, >> there's nothing visually they can really do because like Jackie said, they're coming toward the road. If they plant, you know, salaries or something,
>> they'll be planting them in the boat, >> right? >> Oh, that you're you're talking feet. >> Is that allowed? >> I don't know how many. >> No, they have to be 15 feet from the road, >> but 15 feet is not
>> at all. Well, and it's and it's just there when you go down there. It's huge. >> Actually, I I mean, I'm not for it or or I'm not against it. All right. Uh it has to be it has to be. But one of the things that they didn't mention that
I'll burn out is that you have at that substation, you have a north,southeast, west junction of all the high tension plants. So if they're expanding what's going across those lines, expanding the
substation makes sense. Okay. Uh the question that I asked about the oils, I worked for a short time at GE two weeks and that was enough to uh >> well that was a long time for a guy that
worked outside. So anyways, uh they they they have all these different oils that they put in these transformers. And if you talk to Dick Bates, when he worked at General Electric, when they
were closing, they had to actually go to private households because when they would put up a new building, they would take all that dirt that they dug out and they would give it to other people who wanted to build their lands. Well, when they closed it, they had a boat in debt
at their back >> and it cost them millions of dollars in charge of that. >> So, >> that was one of my concerns is what what are we putting there? Now, I know they have different types of transformance.
>> Yeah. But the the ones that I had worked with those oils were so highly dangerous that if you go down 23 by the corner of Dickerson road and you see those transformers that are all r that old oil eventually they're going to leak because
it eats from the inside out. >> Yeah. >> So that was my main concern and I have to apologize. I almost lost it the second time I thought. >> I'll admit that. >> But that's okay. It did break. Um, so I I I agree with you on that and I think
that the seated table really is to make sure that you know for example we asked the question about noise now when we went to visit that day get close to that thing it's noise so when we asked about how you measure
well we already measured it well I mean that's not the way you do it measure it and maybe measure it after >> you've already measured it it's not >> they They were very nervous. >> Yeah. >> The Yeah. >> Huge. >> Yeah. The the project leader was the
same guy that was here before. He seemed extremely nervous. >> Really? >> Yes. >> He was shaking. >> Well, he did not anticipate he was going to get the kinds of questions that >> he should have. >> And they had one guy that was very good at answers. >> That was him.
>> Yeah. >> Which guy was that chief? >> That was the I don't know. You you did have the board from Boston at Rams meeting. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And then you had the Eversource guys which almost numbered as many as
>> so many. Right. >> And they do that because they don't they want to make sure that there's there's a question comes up that they have experts. That's what >> Yeah. >> But so that to me that's kind of the direction that it took. So we do we do
need to do the intervenor to have a seat at the table to make sure they are in the mud you know things like you know the woman that got up and spoke about can you do this you know all summer long I'm going to have dust coming through my
own you know so it's kind of like protecting the residents this process >> and honestly even if it is only you know 15 feet of rope furniture they have to work with it is not our problem or responsibility figure out a way to make that visually less obnoxious. Right?
That's on that. >> So you guys figure it out, right? And if there's something you can do to remediate not only the visual aspect of it but the noise aspect of it >> then we want to see you guys that the question becomes I think I'm sorry the
question becomes if we can get to the to the root which is to connect not every source state what intent they have to build the others if nothing happened every source would be like why are we spending $64 million
Well, but you got to remember >> it's not their money. >> That's coming from the feds. >> Yeah. >> They're they're just making money. They're just doing work and being paid to do that. >> Ded paid 39.
>> But that but >> the feds give the state the money and then the state gets suspended. >> Yeah. But it's it's not going to be fun. >> No, but >> and you know, you should know that I've already started looking at and keeping
an eye on that money is available to us money and it's a real process, >> ugly process. Um uh but if we can get any of this money back, we will, >> right? But just so people are aware that
we're going to go after that money. Um and as far as the 800,000 that was a ballpark. So you know just understand and emphasize that's a ball. um you had talked about and I know you sent out some emails when we were at the
um MMA stuff, >> right, >> surrounding um select boards and administrators of getting together um and having a meeting and talking about what we wanted to do as a group to um
reach out to legislature. Do we want to pursue scheduling that a little bit more um aggressively at this point? I will say Cath Kathy Gordon from Becket had reached out prior to the holidays. I told her I would absolutely sit down
with her. She had to cancel. She had a >> another thing. She said she can't touch after the holidays. I said, "Okay." So Kathy um I've also spoken with their conservation um they attended a few of our meetings we got in. So I definitely
know that they're interested. I think we reach out like most of Western Mass and that people want to join via Zoom, >> join via Zoom, right? And then come up with a plan for what do we want to be >> the message that we're sending to our legislators and um how are we going to
send it and we want to like >> so remember how they sent us that you support us in this and we signed off on it and sent it. >> Yeah. I'd like to the only reason why I want to have the dialogue to your go too is
to understand where are they really >> you know right what have they done I think it's just a good makes sense all I've already said no follow this morning to the mayor
you reach out to conservation you think that who I know somebody Tracy Deo. She I used to be on a board with the city of Springfield. She works she runs the recycling program, but she would know somebody. >> Yeah. >> I mean, I can ask Tracy. Here's here's
my thought right. If the board and or the chair and or the mayor and or the town administrator is not engaged and is not interested, I'm not going to waste time on somebody that's not interested.
>> Yeah. You know what I mean? Yeah. >> Because then you're just talking to somebody who has a personal vested interest. >> Sure, that makes sense. >> It's got to be somebody represents town and feels >> and is, you know, town voice, >> right? That's what I'm that's the person
I'm trying to get to. If this mayor doesn't respond to me, I'm not going to go chase >> because that means they have no support, >> right? >> Yeah. Um, so that's yes, we're going to do that. I hope my initial thing was to
bring him to the energy committee. >> Yeah, >> if you would prefer we bring it to a select board meeting. >> I mean, >> I don't know. What do you guys want to do? >> I think it makes sense to bring them to the energy committee if that committee is willing to do it. If they not something that they want to take on,
then we'll definitely do it. >> No, they definitely do. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Okay. And then you guys just >> Yeah. We could even do a joint meeting if you wanted to. >> Yeah. For that.
>> I just want to interject, Jackie, that everybody after the meeting that I spoke to very happy that you stepped on. >> She did a great job. I got a lot of good feedback on that. >> I got goosebumps. Thank you. >> I could get elected president
be the first woman got my vote. Yeah. >> Well, you know, it's what I really felt for the town. It's not everybody in the town, but you know, everybody cares about safety regardless of what side of the spectrum
you're on. You care about your safety and that's what I we all care about. >> So, that's that. >> And then you got your um the bylaw completion. >> Yes. We just uh wrapped up the solar
bylaws last or Wednesday. Uh I was on TVC today. We cleaned up the document if we're ready to send that to legal. We're going to wait for Christina. Um because we need to get legal and discuss, you know, who's going to look at our bylaws. Can
>> I just ask because I I'm still so unfair on this. >> You're saying and KP law represents It >> was KW law. >> Okay. I was going to say there's no way. >> That's what I was clarified.
>> Okay. All right. >> I clarified that with the Got it. >> So, it's not the same attorney. So, okay. That makes a lot more sense. >> But we need somebody that really knows. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know, so there's >> and there may be someone within law that does.
>> Don't know. Yeah, that's I don't know if I'm saying it right. He's the one who I usually talk to about this stuff. Okay. >> But I am in no way saying he's the expert. Not in no way saying we could do better. >> But that is that's a starting point for
us. >> Okay. You think we should start there? >> If if you want to start with our I >> out of respect for them, we should start there. Like >> so the three things that I'm thinking about is got we got to do the bylaws
solar first. We're still doing the math. The math should be done by the end of the month. their first task, the overlay mapping. And right now, by the end of the month, PBPC is taking the solar bylaws, putting it against the best bylaws
and kind of doing a check to see what's different here, right? It's not a lot of different. We just put it all under solid mass, right? Uh from there. So, we need that for them. We need the uh
intervenor support. So, we got to talk to about that and then one other So, we'll figure out setting up Mark or whoever you >> Well, so Mark requests to be copied on
all correspondents whether it's with Jonathan or whatever. So, it would be starting. Okay. >> All right. Did we hear anything from Ray? for tonight? No.
>> Okay. Storms went well. I heard good things about the roads. No complaints. Um >> town administrator. >> Um >> yes, I do. Nicole, did you join us? >> I knew there was a reason she was just
to see you. >> Sorry. Um so um over last week we had the Do you want to go? >> It's just the It's the contract.
>> Sure. Sure. Um so there was modifications to the contract that the town attorney had created in combination with the architect and the OPM. Okay. um last year and what we had decided on at that point in time was instead of creating entirely new contracts have a
clause built into those contracts to extend their work and commit those people to us for the rest of this project so that we didn't have to go back and rehash things out. >> So we just had that contract clause essentially amended um to create the new contract if you will. It's just an
updated contract. One of them is even just called I think like a change order contract. Um, and that just reflects the next phase of our expansion, which is the construction phase. So, Christina, Joan were nice enough to get those out uh from emails and they are awaiting
your review um and then whenever you sign them. >> Okay. >> Let me know. Think they need signatures. >> They do. >> Where? >> Uh >> I signed. >> Oh, that's not the MBLC one. The ones I sent to Joanne. >> You might not have them.
>> Oh, yeah. I'm so sorry. That's the MBLC stuff. So what Christina's talking about, Christina's been a busy B as well. That is the MBLCated. >> Sorry, they're not in the for >> right here. No, that's >> not.
>> Sorry about that. So Christina had a contract and you are totally right, Christina. Those do not require anything else. >> Okay, you are 100% and Bill Cwell are signatures. Do you need our signature too? I believe that your signature is required somewhere on
there, but I don't know where. >> There's no line or list. I mean, I'll sign it >> if you want me to sign it somewhere. >> I'm so sorry. I just under the impression that it required I know that DRAS does require because they were going to send it to Carol according to
DRA. So DRAS does have >> DR I have >> right here >> and I believe that there does have your signing online there. Uh Scansa it's strange that they don't but maybe they have just a different procedure.
>> So I have a question. >> Yeah >> the dollar bills are >> Yes. >> Those dollar amounts are aligned what we >> Yes. That's aligned with >> the way you described it was just >> contract. Let's keep these guys going with us. >> Yeah. Um, so the dollar amount prevents
them from charging us more. >> They're like that is the amount that we negotiated with them that is in line with the grant payment and we negotiated that before we were even given the second construction phase grant. Um, so that had been nailed out to make sure
that when we asked for the construction grant, we asked for the correct amount that would cover that cost. So the grant covers everything in this contracts. Um and then we also just received as Christina is um the contract that
Christina has is the final amount that is given to us by the MLC for the planning and design phase that we just finished. And we actually ended up getting I believe it was like $40,000 less in grant money. So that required an
amened contract. And that's not because we're getting less grant money because we are getting less reimbursement. It's because we used $45,000 less than they expected us to use. Okay? Which also means that the town had expected and set
aside um actually more than $45,000 because there was a slight increase in the town's end to make sure that there was an unexpected cost, we would be able to cover it. So they suggest that you set aside more than the 100% match. Does that make sense? So when that was voted in March of 2024,
the amount that the town set aside, uh we have more than $40,000 unused at the end of that phase. So that will be left sitting in whatever account it was put into. Yep. So all of that is also and then I believe the only other thing that I wanted to bring up and discuss that
Christina and I had talked about was the pod situation. So, the conservation and planning board has been kind enough to allow us to borrow the group that they're currently in um for the essentially one year and four months, five months that will be in the town
hall. Um but we hope to be moving into that space sometime in May um with it totally like you know totally emptied by May. So that way we can kind of take that month to move things in in a way that doesn't impact the function of the library to the patrons. Um, in addition
to that space, it would be heavy beneficial and is covered up under the grant cost to have a storage unit because we cannot allow a single thing to stay in the library as is. >> Um, I'm making plans the artworks with Williamtown Art Conservation Center and
they will be um restoring and storing the artwork. They don't store artwork, but they'll evaluate and then restore the artwork and like keep it. Okay. So, we are we're navigating the artwork, but for the large table um and some of the other bigger items, we don't have her
for the like this room, but we have the ability to get a storage pot. We hoping that it would be appropriately acceptable for the town's uh parking lot in the town hall to have a discussion about where that could be located town hall that feels amiable to highway and
everybody else for just that one time period. >> Are you going to repeat us all that stuff? So, the table that we're going to be putting in there, that's one of the biggest things is the table and then the desk. And those from 1892 in the original library. So, they're going to be getting refinished at some point, but we want to store them before they get
refinished. So, we'll definitely be using those. And then the other things that might be going in there would probably be going in there being like the totes. And those are seasonal things that we use primarily for like the kids programs. Um, so I've already started breaking those down by season. So, I have like monthly totes to make it
easier for convenient. And I'm eating like crazy. So, anything that like I suspect we wouldn't need or use um that I in good conscience get rid of, I'm obviously doing that as you would do if you moved your house. Um but unfortunately, like you know, >> we don't want to get rid of things that we know we'll be using again.
>> Yeah. Because it doesn't, you know, make sense and the grant does cover it. We looked at options and there was it was very simple >> for like a year. So, what we looked at? Yes. >> For like years, >> it was like $2,000. Yeah. So it's like >> the only question is where?
>> Yes. Yeah. >> I think that's probably like a fire department, highway department. >> That's what I was thinking. So with your permission, I could connect with fire department, highway department, or if you would rather do that at departmental meeting, like you tell me how you want department.
>> Okay, perfect. I just wanted to make sure that it'll excellent. So everything I think is in in order for us in our timeline is looking reasonable and everything's good. I do, you know, one thing that we haven't really talked about, we haven't
really had to it is wish I wish we would have somewhat like the water department when they did their big projects is have a a project review discussion every month or quarter something maybe. Yeah,
it goes through where are we with the project? Where are we with the finances? >> And any change control must go through. >> Yeah, >> change control. I'm sorry. >> Um, so if they come to you and say, "Hey, we're changing X, Y, and Z. It's
going to cost an additional $40,000. It needs to be." >> Yeah. So, I know that like change orders with the construction project through the MPLC, there's like a certain amount of them that are expected and like that is a built-in committee thing. >> It's a contingency thing. That's probably built in. >> Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. So, we have
contingency. Um, it is like >> I know as still want to know. >> Yes. Yeah. Of course. It's just like I don't know if I will be able to necessarily like change where an outlet is like. >> Oh, no. Okay. Increased cost.
>> Okay. Yeah. Okay. Okay. No, no, we will not be increasing the cost for our project. If anything, we are hoping to keep it lower as we have done already. That is the goal here is >> under budget and early. That is our library story. So, >> can I ask you a question?
>> I have an open book TJ in that library >> a thousand times and I go up and down those stairs about four times a day. >> She still does energy. >> Yes. Exuberantly. Oh my god. And and all
this is going to go in storage. >> Well, actually the majority of the things in the attic are I use every day, which is why I go up downstairs. So, because the library itself has absolutely no storage in the downstairs area, everything that I use for our pre-K programs, our craft programs, um a
lot of times our book clubs, anything like that is stored in the attic. So, I have to go up and down. So, I go up and down into the attic at least three times a shift sometimes. So you're getting your So >> you'd never know it, but yes.
>> So yeah, I have gone through the attic. There are some things in the attic that I'm sure we'll be getting rid of like but they actually won't fit like out of the attic currently because they're like >> I don't know. I think that there's like a high top chair in there from God knows fine. But we're
>> all that stuff has to go on storage too. >> Yes. But a lot of that stuff is not as like this stuff is not as much as you would think. like the attic. The only portion of the attic that is um like going to call usable storage space is
the spot that's over the uh gable end that faces the street. And because there's uh steep eaves, it actually is about a like 10 foot wide space with three shelves and about two feet between each shelf. And then it's about I think
like 18 feet long. So, it's like a 10 by 18 foot area with shelving units. And the shelving units are not like completely packed or anything. Like, it's This is manageable. It's going to be a lot of work. >> It's been years since I've been up there
and I've been up there. I saw Oh my god, a fire truck. >> It is probably a fire trap without a doubt. It is definitely a death waiting to happen, which is why we're getting a new library. >> I used to love it up there when I was a little kid. I thought it was like >> It's magical. >> Magical.
Yeah, it's magical with like birds and rodents. So, you know, it could be Snow White. But anyway, so yeah, it will be a lot of uploading and uploading. The only other thing that I want to mention before I let you get back to your regularly pointed schedule is that we are hoping
to do a book brigade in some fashion to sort of kick off our grant like space. Okay. And we're hoping to have that orchestrated. I was thinking today when looking at the calendar, it might even be a nice thing to do like the Memorial Day parade weekend. It might be like a
convenient time point to like >> have this idea of like we already have a police officer, we already have road closures, >> you know, take an hour and not close the road the entire time, but just stop traffic and like break it. So, just like we'll do this book brigade. Um, and it's more ceremonial than like actually
useful, but it does have a purpose as well. Like it is actually getting folks over here. It's just not intended to >> I love that. Yeah. Okay. So, I just want to throw that out there. Do you have any other questions? >> Oh, no. >> Well, you know where to find me if you do >> in the attic. >> Get a copy to you. Want to take what she
will take it? >> Yeah. I think we'll motion to approve the um the amendment date February 9th, 2026 um with um DR for the construction um doc
work scope portal library. Second. >> Uh any discussion? No. >> All in favor? >> I. And then just in case, motion to approve um the change order dated um it just it doesn't have a date. It says
anticipated to begin January 26 with Scansa. >> Is that it? January. um with Scansa uh and for Moral Library. Is there a second?
>> Second. >> Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> So, that's approved. I'm not going to sign it because there's nowhere for me to sign it and I don't want to like it up. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Thank you. And I'm sorry that I didn't get those two earlier. As you can see, one of them was just pushed out today. >> That's fine.
>> Thank you. Um, only other thing. >> Oh, Jackie, you I got this. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Have >> a good night. >> Got something from Eversource. We need the digit account for this. >> Oh, yeah. I just wanted to to talk about this briefly.
We've had three incidences with Eversource of these build these checks being returned by Eversource and they're starting to get angry and saying they're going to shut things off. Okay. The first one was in November. I sent it to Kelly. I
don't really know what happened with that. I never heard back from this one I sent to Kelly. What Jordan's problem is, she's putting dates and not account numbers. So, Jordana is trying to match up by which I think is dangerous because
three times Eversource has >> we have a bunch of Everour >> have returned their checks saying this is not. I'm not hearing. >> Well, okay. So, maybe this is something we talked to Sarah and Jordana about because this is Jordana inputting it,
right? Is what you're saying? >> Jordana has No, that's from Kelly. Jordana has to look at that and match up and make sure it's paid. So, she she doesn't have a she only has a >> I don't know if this is where the errors are.
Okay. We really should have >> So these are bu >> just want to ask on on these these check stops not just a date. >> Got it. Do you I can just send her an email. Can I keep this? >> Y >> I'm working on by the way getting back
to her. >> All right. And then um we got the Hilltown community ambulance report. Um total calls from October to December were 16. They responded to 15, transported 11
um 26 cent seconds to response and 17 minutes 15 seconds for response time which is pretty average. Um and that's it. Thank you. Oh, this just breaks down
types of calls most medical. All right, just one other thing. There was a company that Weston Samson, Weston Samson is the engineering company for the fire department built. They had sent me an email probably two weeks ago
now asking that I sign off on a audit that they're doing for the project. I think they use an outside service to do this audit. Um, for me to say yeah, yay or nay, I would have needed historical information that I don't have access to.
I've never had soft writing and so that's not safe. So I anyway uh sent it all over to Kelly, asked her for the information and instead of just giving me information, she actually she signed off and said that this is incorrect and she gave all the backup
documentation. So um I will send this back to but their audit of what they paid is incorrect. >> Wow. Fantastic. Okay. >> All right. And then
I'm sure you have somebody that you've been in contact with. >> Oh, that's like publication session. >> All right. Um, this for next time over next time
there. Oh, this is still up. All right. So, Jackie, did you have anything else? You had Do you have anything else? Oh, the only last thing
the the team that I wanted you guys are the team feels like they as a committee they should be together. Now originally we put the committee together to do the pies over
>> what we're finding just as an example 89 road you know planning will go out with an email to folks do their bid but there's no tying it back to make sure that actually done it. So for example,
89 Chester Road got approved. Women of Health was not at the table or was fired. So through the discussions that the committee's having like we need to have proced where any application that comes through
that's energy related. I say >> everybody on that committee gets together to review it up front >> so we know everybody has that done
>> but just quick question now uh ways is project >> what I understand >> and do they have a project manager that's going to be answer both of this committee. >> That's a good question. I have not I you
know we haven't dealt into the blade what's going on there. >> Yeah. >> But I feel I don't know what's going on there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. There's a lot of unknowns. >> They should have a project manager that the committee should be communicating
and that's also whatever source or any other major project that's going to happen. >> So we're normally they would just go to planning. That's see that's the thing these all of them prove it and then it's like >> what happens next right and I'm not
saying they do that because there's certain followups most of that followup is done by Jason >> as building inspector right the commit we we formed this committee to have oversight >> on the whole on the whole project all
all the different projects that are present coming up And so therefore, Jason should be com communicating with that committee. >> Yeah, we've had some discussion about
that. >> Yeah. So, as far as keeping the committee, I I'm all for it. I think it's a good thing. >> Did we put an end date on the committee? I think it was up to the select board's discretion, but we can make it indefinite. >> Yeah. I think we need to
>> Yes. Projects aren't going to stop, right? >> Yeah. I said again, if you're going to have permanent committee, there's going to be a financial because they I mean you're you're going to need a budget for this committee just
like any other committee. That that would be that would have to become part of discussion. Well, we kind of left it as being the energy. Remember, we put the money aside. Yeah. Anything we could do with the energy.
>> So, and we want to get that money back. That's the plan. Let's try to get that money back. >> Um, it's just the chairs of the committee. I don't see in the future that I I don't know. >> I I know that it should have a budget.
It should have a budget. got it >> because like put forward >> we put forward the 200k and hopefully we'll get reimburseed some of it part of it whatever >> right >> but that means that
each step that going forward there have there might be a financial end that we will be responsible >> right so I mean we have to consider a budget for that we don't know what it will be or where it go, but it only
seems obvious. Well, it's obvious to me that there's going to be some expenditure there. >> Well, legal advice alone. >> Yeah, I hear you.
>> Um, that's public comments. >> All right. Um, so we are closed meeting then. at 7 >> 710 >> 710 acceptance >> that battery clock >> all right meeting is adjourned
>> oh good >> it's official all right >> I have no growing up >> on growing up you as the rest of the male species Thank you. Thank you.