How are we doing? How are you? Doing good. Thank you. >> What's new? >> We'll talk about the room first. So that way text about right something emergency management sure
>> I just you didn't have to I don't know if you had to do anything I added you to a a group on teams in office so there's really nothing you have to do with it it's just another place where we can sort of communicate and store all of our documents for shared
You can take a seat at the table. >> 559. >> Tada Bamford select board meetings beginning April 27, 6 p.m. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Okay, we are going to um
>> make motion to table the minutes or we got them. >> Yeah, make motion to table the minutes of March 9th, 20126. All in favor? >> I >> I >> Okay, new business. Mr. Riker, would you
like to come up and sit at the table? >> That table? This table? >> Whichever table you'd like. You can grab one of those red chairs or grab a chair there. I don't care. >> Give us an update. >> Carter Park.
>> All right. And this is an update on what's going on at B bysentennial Park. Right. >> Right. >> Okay. Today at 1:00 a group of people met including myself who were interested in the revitalization of the park and phase
three. As you recall, two years ago, we began with the major renovation of the park and the repainting of the post office building and that was completed and the following year uh we did some work in terms of planning and cleaning
up the park and uh restoring the fence around the park and that was completed last year and this year we're looking at the park in terms of bringing the plannings up to date. There's a lot of open space. There's a lot of weeds beginning to form. And we're setting up
a volunteer program for the community to participate in and also to maintain the park during this bicesentennial year in a >> in a very appropriate way. Um we're very fortunate. We have number of people who volunteered and more are coming forth.
We have uh the uh form which is called Gladford Volunteer Liability Waiver Relief Form that everyone is going to be signing and copies of those forms will be uh deposited with the town manager um
before the people begin doing their volunteer work. So that is covered. >> Christina printed some out for you. Do you already have them printed? Does >> I asked for them? >> Oh, you did? Okay. Can you just pass that, please? >> I want to make sure I have the latest. >> Yep. You bet.
>> Thank you. Um, as we move ahead, we have a little more than $1,000, I understand, left in the budget to be spent before July 1st. Um, and that will be used for materials for
the park this year that will need to go on the ground before July 1st. um we'll need as soon as possible some ballpark figure of what we have for after July 1st. Assessing the park today, we
realized that the uh the uh actually 4x4 or 4 and a half by four 50 years ago, the wall on the right hand side of park is deteriorated badly and is collapsing and needs to be replaced by probably
next fall. uh we determined that it wouldn't be appropriate to do it during the growing season because it probably kills for the plants that are along that wall and not provide a good opportunity for them to reestablish their root systems. So, we'll do that in the fall.
We'll look both the town and possibly the community in terms of some grant money um to pay for that wall u that'll be done. In the meantime, we'll get some estimates of what it's going to cost to have that done. U there's two areas of
the park that we observed to have uh 14 by 20 or larger flat stones that have been either removed or have fallen down and need to be replaced. And again u that I think will probably be under the
town's maximum for um uh spending money to have it done. Again, the wall on the inside that is stone is bulging toward the inside and may need to be replaced in the next couple years. Right now, it
is stable. It's not falling down or coming down at this point. >> But again, it's a situation that should be done in the fall because of the planting in in the ground will be killed off by moving them while they're in
prime. So, George, just a question because you mentioned $1,000. What's that? I don't I don't remember that. I mean, we have the trust money, right? >> That's the income from the trust money. >> Oh, gotcha. Gotcha. Gotcha. Okay. >> And we'll fine-tune that in the next couple of days so we know exactly where
we can go. What we need from the board of selectment at this point is um that figure be confirmed of what is available that we can spend and a step-by-step process we need to follow before we
spend any of that money. Uh do you want we we I assume you want us to use the town's tax exempt number and we'll need copies of that and we'll need um >> any other forms or authorization we need
to spend money either out of our pockets to get reimbursement or in some other fashion. >> Well, there's um again Christina always on top of it. She's She pulled uh we've got $8,900
in interest that we can use. It's in the bsentennial part,000 >> the trust. Yeah. >> The um that's the interest, right? The trust itself holds 14,500, right? >> Um of course, we don't want to eat all that up at one time, but um there is
some funding in there. >> So, I can take that off of our follow-up. We've already given him the number. >> Yeah, he's got that. >> Okay. >> Yeah. $8,91. >> $8,900 >> and one point. Okay. >> Um,
if I could, I'd like to suggest that you kind of come up with what you think it's going to cost after you've talked to everybody, come back, let's have a discussion about it and say, "What's that going to do to the trust?" Right. >> That would probably be more than we needed to. >> Yeah.
>> First phase. Um and >> yeah, but that's also that also has to pay for, you know, later when we do those railroad ties that are >> the problem. Yeah. >> Won't there be new monies to buy one for
>> not much off of 14,500? I mean, there'll be some interest, but >> it's been sort of lingering at that. It doesn't >> this amount here is an accumulation over several years. >> Correct. Correct. >> Rather than what return the past year by the investment. >> Correct. So now we can look to find out
what the investments will have earned beginning July 1. Use that next year >> and we can do an estimate on that. >> Okay. >> What that's going to be is that going to be you don't make a lot of interest on $14,000, >> right? >> So you know.
>> Okay. So that's that that's been a little work with that number and I don't think we'll be spending that much money on between now and July one. Um, I just want to make sure that that that that money, whatever is left of that money can be used next fiscal year and will
not be frozen until I want and unable to be used. >> Right. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, that's the important part there. >> Okay. >> Um, let's see. Um, we've done measurements, so we have figures and and knowledge of spades and
what gets used. And we're going to, as I mentioned before, get some uh information about various plants be appropriate and would bloom on a cycle basis, not all at the same time, but so we'd have color throughout the season um in the park. And I think for the
knowledge of the people we have volunteering to participate, I think it's going to turn out really really beautiful. >> Beautiful. And uh with a touch of red, white, and blue for the >> good. It would be good for you, George, once you guys decide if you're going to
put anything up besides flowers. Let's say you're gonna hang something to at least have a discussion with Jen Gerard because she's leading up the 250th for other things that are going on. She's trying to learn what everybody's doing. So, we don't have flags over here that
look like this and flags over here that look like that. This is one of the things came up to me today that there is a seems to be a lot going on as there is >> among different town and the importance of coordinating >> well that's why Jen is doing it she's coordinating make sure everybody knows
but thank you George >> the only other thing that we're we're concerned is we need access to the uh basement of the u post office because equipment from other years has been stored down there and we don't have the pass key passcode for the loss We'll get
you in there. >> So, if you got the pass key, then we get tools out, the hoses out, the timers out, and all the other kind of stuff that was purchased three years ago. >> Well, there's only like >> lots of holes in the timer. >> Yeah, I assume there. >> Yeah. Well, it it it was I had when I
had taken out of there in the late fall, I had put it up in the stage area. I don't know if anybody moved it from there. >> Maybe you can get it for me then tonight and uh then I can put it in place. >> Yeah. >> Okay, that's great. >> Great. Is there any other things that you're aware of that aren't work? Because I thought everything was stored
down there at the post office. >> No. Uh well, when I I didn't have access to the the post office, so I just put it in here. I made sure it was empty and I stored it up on the stick. >> Everything else should be there. >> Yeah. >> All right. So, why don't you come back
like another two weeks and kind of give it Where are you? How How's that? >> All right. Thank you, George. Appreciate it. Okay. Uh let's talk about um >> fire department. >> Fire department. The uh volunteer fire
department memorial bench. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Come on up. >> Congrat Yeah. >> For Mr. Aley. >> How are you? >> Good. How you doing? >> Good. So, as you guys know, we've lost a very
valued memory of the community, the fire department. >> Um, the association or the volunteer fire department would like to do some sort of memorial, probably a bench, possibly some plantings around it. >> Um, I'm looking for options as to where
we could do something. As you know, our fire station is >> has no real estate. Yeah. And there's very little for the training center that >> so kind of looking to you guys for where we might be able to put something.
>> You're thinking a bench you were saying and some plantings around it. >> Yeah. >> Um I think that either the park or this side or the other side. I mean I don't know. Watson Park gets a little trickier because we have to just make
sure that I guess within context of historical we'd have to just talk to the historical and make sure that we're sort of in agreement >> right where it should go. >> Yeah. Um have you thought about where you'd like to see it or have you guys had that discussion?
>> In my own head. >> Okay. There's actually a nice flat spot across from where the leechfield is for the town hall on the inside of the paved loop that goes around. >> So, it's on Watson Park side. >> It is. >> Mhm. >> Um, obviously, you know, maybe we could
do something here along town hall, but I know things are tight. There's the play set and then COA has their >> community gardens over on that. I know that side's wet, too. >> It is. Yeah. >> Um, so I don't know if I >> really want to do, >> but that's what you'd like to do is put in Watson Park. It seems
>> I think yeah I think it's right but I think it should be like out front where the the barn is near the American flag >> you know I think that would be because that people will see it >> sure >> you know and and I think that would be
appropriate I don't know what >> if you want to get us um >> I can sketch something out >> just more specific size and what types of plants and then we will just run it by um historical and just make sure we
have that conversation and then we can get back to you with for sure >> information. Go ahead. When you want to do that like what's your thoughts? Another week or so? Couple weeks like >> so we'll put two weeks. >> Two weeks. >> Okay, that works.
>> Yeah, >> I think it would be worth having the historical society here as well. >> Sure, >> we can do that or we can even talk. Well, it would be the Watson Park Committee, I would think. >> No, it's historical um committee. Commission. Thank you. Historical
commission is Watson Park. Historical committee is >> total general. Yeah. >> Right. Oh, okay. Okay. >> If you want to see when they're available, I'm pretty flexible for nights. So, >> okay. Yeah, let's do that. So, goals. I'm going to put Mark Boomma and
>> Yeah, we can do it all together and that way it's done, right? Okay, sounds good. Two weeks. All right, >> see you in a couple weeks. Okay, good. That was it for new business.
Um, is Christina here? >> No, she should be here any minute. >> Okay, let's skip over that then. Let's talk about Council on Aging and the ADA uh 60 plus workoff program. Well, >> Jack, you look in the Manila folder. Yes.
I did. >> Okay. >> So, could we talk just chat? You know, I I mean, if what was going through my mind is >> I'm really I love the idea. I mean, when you guys brought I know that it's been brought up before, but the fact that,
you know, it's something that we could be doing and other towns do it. Um it, you know, it just would make it nice if we could start July 1 because that's when the new year kind of starts, right? New festival. It'll give us from July through October because that's how we
work with Sarah involved in everything. >> Okay. You know, payroll department everything. Um, so what I passed out to you folks are three pages. Three pages of basically what the program will entail. It will be open to anybody 60
years of age or older. Um, they must own or live in that residence. >> Okay. And there's only um or be a spouse of whoever owns the resident. Um the hourly rate will be the state minimum wage with a maximum allowance of $1,500
per tax year or 100 hours per tax year. Um only one abatement will be given per resident and there cannot be more than 10 volunteers accessible through the program. Um there um >> could I ask questions? only one
abatement. What's that mean? >> It's considered an exemption. >> It's an exemption. >> It's not an abatement. >> It's really not an abatement. Um they're not going to be given a check. They're going to be >> right. >> And we budgeted for this, by the way. We did put the money in there for that. So,
>> um the thing that Sarah is going to touch on, um >> she's on >> I don't know. She had another meeting she said, so she may not be able to join right away. She was going to touch on the Medicare
portion, okay? >> Because that's something you're going to have to take the SL. We'll have to decide on whether the town pays for the Medicare or we look or if we pass it on to the person getting that exemption.
>> Um, other terms too, right? I've asked I've asked Otis and I've asked Honey, sorry, I don't have a voice. I've asked Otis and Huntington and both have told me that they put the burden on the the taxpayers. It would come off of their paycheck like a deduction. Um that would
just mean that the funds would need to be available if the town needs to decides to adopt paying those for the resident. They would have to put that into the budget as well. >> I mean, you're not really counting a lot of money. I mean, they're only talking a maximum of 1,500 for the tax,
>> right? Medicare is not good to other00 per tax year per person, >> right? >> Max, not everyone's going to want to do that, you know, TJ. Some people only want to come in a few and that's fine. >> Yeah. >> Some might want to do more.
>> Now, where how does uh Medicare come in? Because that's part of Social Security, >> right? So the monies that they save, doesn't that have to go through the state and the feds, federal government?
>> Well, if they if you folks decide that the town will kick in that portion, then um it needs to be included in the budget and Sarah has a percentage of what it would be. Um if we pass it on to the taxpayer,
um they will have to report it at the end of the year, >> right? which means they'd have to have a W9. They're going to have to have a W9 anyway. >> Um, so in other words, they won't get money. What they'll get is an adjustment on their taxes, >> on their
>> but they will still have to pay Medicare tax, whatever that is >> from the federal government. It doesn't matter what way it's being paid out. If it's being paid in a deduction or being paid in fiscal monies, income is still being generated in one way or form. That's why that would have to come out
taxes. >> I I'm still I'm still trying to contemplate how the town paying a portion of Medicare tax to the government, >> but they're technically employees, TJ.
>> They're they're acting as employees >> technically. Yes. Yes. >> Okay. So, their their Medicare comes out of their >> social security. It could, or it could also be the town can opt to put a lump
sum, say for those 10 people, let's just throw a number out there. Say three grand is what they're going to charge for Medicaid. I'm just throwing it out there. These aren't exactly >> Medicare, >> right? So, the town can adopt to do that. So, that way Joe Smith can just get a tax right off of just like, I
don't know, $1,000 as opposed to 98. >> Let me just stop for a second. I don't think we have an option here. We already budgeted the 15,000. Right. Right. Yeah. >> So the option on the table is the W9, meaning that if you sign up as 60 plus,
you have to take care of the Medicare portion >> and it's not outrageous because again, all all the surrounding towns do this things. >> Yeah. Well, no, I'm just I'm just trying to figure out this this has become a little more complicated in my mind than
when we first talked about it. you know, now now we're involving uh tax first federal and okay, the state's going to want their bite. What's what's that story? >> No. >> Do we know >> the only Medicare?
>> Yeah. >> And honestly, Sarah would be able to answer more questions on that because >> and that's only going to be if you're sick between 60 and 65 because once you have Medicare, you're not taking out on Medicare anymore. So I it's it's really
regardless of whether you had the Medicare piece or not, you'd still have to file a W9, right? So >> So are we in agreement that we would have the you follow what the other towns do and have the residents have it come out of >> Oh, yeah. That No, I don't have a problem with that. I'm just confused.
>> We need to say that. I don't know if we need a motion for that. >> We need a motion for that or no, it's just part of the program. >> I'm just taking off our follow-up. I have in my office too a list of the policies, procedures, >> I have a list of the template that can go into our office. So that way people
when they have available um I can email these to you guys too. That way if someone say the library has an openly this is how they fill it out. So that way it's very uniform across the departments. >> I also have like a policies and procedures so that when someone is put in this position they are given this.
This is what you're agreeing to by taking on this position. Um so they >> and they need to understand the Medicare portion >> right >> so okay so let's say we've made the decision right decisions made so you can update your document here and when do
you think you would really want to roll this out to the population so they know what's going on I mean just because we're having it here doesn't mean it gets out there in the world for everybody >> what I'd like to do sooner than later um is to get a memo out to all the
department heads and say this is what we are planning on doing. Um if you have any jobs that you need help with or that you know um not to create a new job but something you
actually like say the town clerk's office >> as mailing is going out and she needs envelope stuff they're the accessory or the tax collector >> um that type of thing and um you know we just um the department head comes back
with what they need and presents it to you folks. >> How about cemetery work? >> Why not? >> You know, uh, breaking around the shrubs, things like that, >> digging graves,
>> but no, not so, >> but but there will be a process for approving those. >> It has to Yeah. by the assessors because they have all the you know qualifications people the age and they
own the property. >> So you'll run it through the assessors. Okay. >> So we're going to shoot for a July 1 launch. >> Okay. >> Excellent. >> And how are you getting the information out to residents that the jobs are available? Well, as soon as we get everything back
from the department heads, you folks get it. And um >> do we have to post it? Like is it like something you have to >> legally? Yes, you have to post it. Um that would depend. So my initial thought was to post um again, I know the library
is going to be here, but like normal places within our community that people see. So like maybe when like a bulletin board towards the front of the of the door, >> the library, maybe the post office just to see something to that degree. >> Um maybe
>> journal. >> Okay. Yeah. Where because I was going to say online, but I don't know if >> that's money to go in the country journal. >> Some people might be using the town website. I mean, so that's always >> I say we utilize the things we already have, but spend more money.
>> And I think um the chair recognizes Mary. Mary, you had something you wanted to say? >> Um, it was answered. Thank you. >> Okay. Okay. So, thank you very much and and I know Kayla, you're not feeling the best, so I
appreciate you're coming in. >> Um, all right. Well, if you feel like you need to give an up, you know, some of the changes or you need an update or whatever, feel free to get on the count, you know, get on the agenda. Just email Joanne online. There's a form online that you can fill out and get right on
the agenda. >> Thank you. >> Thank you guys. >> All right. Okay. We are How do you say you're going to not do that? >> Um we're to come back to >> Nicole's not going to be here. >> Oh. Um so we'll table it. >> We'll table the library with Nicole.
>> And I think she said that she could come to what was next week. Okay. She'll add that to our agenda. So >> library. So make motion to table >> the library. >> Yep. >> Second.
>> Oh, I can't do that. >> All in favor? >> Can't do that. I made the motion. >> Favor. >> I think I >> All right, Michaela. >> Oh, thank you. >> Oh, sorry. >> That's okay. I'm here. >> Um, we wanted to talk about the hours.
One of the things just for the department heads that are here that we're going to do is post the hours of when people are in the building. Um we have, you know, and the only reason why one of
the reasons is that we're in the building for the residents. That's why we're here. Um, and if you're not in the building when when folks are available, we should know when they're available, how to get a hold of them. And frankly, the next one of the things that we're
going to do as part of the whole ADA initiative is to put something out in the entryway that will be a scrolling type of thing on a television that says, you know, constantly comes up with here's who runs what, here's where they
are, here's the times. We do have residents from time to time that come in and get very angry because they say you you know here's what you said it is and there's nobody sitting there. Now we've tried to fulfill those and I'm not picking on you. I'm just saying in general we've tried to fulfill that by
filling these roles right now. We have someone in collections that's in here just about every day but Friday I think she's here all day. >> Um we got Jasmine in water. We've got you and assessors. Um the discussion we wanted to have you you Michaela is just
talk about you know originally we had said Monday Wednesday then I understand that you no longer doing Tuesday you were doing Monday through Wednesday because you you really needed that to catch up on what was going on there right >> um now things are getting more in line
and you're feeling Monday and Wednesday is that right are the right hours for you? >> Yep. So I went from Monday through Wednesday to catch up on all the filing. Now that all that filing is organized, now that there are systems in place that's pretty much run by run themselves, I found myself um helping out all the families on
Tuesday, which was fine. >> Um but I also know that I don't it wasn't necessarily necessary for me to be here on Tuesdays. So >> um so Mondays and Wednesdays have worked out really great. I've been here the same now. 9 to 4. >> 9 to 4.
>> Y >> and um yeah, that's when I'm here. >> Um, >> how do folks get a hold of you if you're not here? Like what is the process? Because usually >> you're you're scheduled for 9 to4. Is
that it? If it is, it is. That's what we tell people. >> So, yes. So, that is my posted hours. Yes. Um, I >> you answer the email. >> I enter the email as much as possible. >> Which is the assessor's at or is it your name is assessor? >> I have both. I have access to both. So,
however people want to use that, they can email me or leave me a message. I pretty much >> I haven't been getting as many messages, which has been really great >> on the phone system. >> On the phone system, cuz when I first started, I was getting like 10 at least. >> Okay. >> So, now I have like two or three, which I think is >> Okay, that's great. That that's a great
site. >> Yeah. So, >> um so yeah, those two ways people with me. Um >> Okay. But >> yeah, they try and keep updated on the hours, too. Like I know in May I'm going on vacation. >> Okay. I've already emailed Wendy. Well, Dave knows about it and so does the
board, but I emailed Wendy to let her know, hey, please post this on the site so that way people can see. >> Okay. You're not doing work on your personal time, right? >> No. >> Okay. >> No, I'm not. >> Okay. Now, the other thing, and I wanted to bring this up with everybody that is here that has offices in this building
while Michaela's here. I know you want to leave early, but let's let's have the discussion about cleaning. Michaela. I I've seen Michaela. I've seen Jordana. I've seen Jasmine. They're all cleaning. They're getting mops.
They're wiping down stuff. And I'm like, what are we doing here? This is maintenance work. And they're getting paid way too much money to be maintenance people, right? And that's the way I look, you know, that's just me looking at things. I don't feel that
people that are paid in hourly wage to do specific types of work should be doing maintenance work with those hours. If there's not enough time, if there's not enough work to be done, boy, we got tons of work to do that we could move to somebody, right? We are always in need
of people wanting work. >> Yeah. >> And you know, I'll say it. I mean, I know it gets dirty around here. Even though you may not see it when you really start look when we cleaned in here, it's already dirty again. Yeah. Right.
>> So, if that's make it known that I don't like we we don't prioritize cleaning over our actual task, right? >> I know. Just an observation. >> No, I want to make sure. No. Okay. >> I'm her
at all. I'm just kidding. Um, so yeah, that this goes for everybody in here that has an office. I I don't want you to feel at least I don't think any of us want you to feel like you should be having to clean up after, you know, >> yeah,
>> mice, whatever. And >> don't don't we have janitors? And >> we we do. I just think so. I totally agree with you. The concern would be um because I know I worked in this office for a long time is that I don't know that for what we pay to our janitors
that they are able to clean every room every week. So I don't think that that's happening. So if they want to, you know, just tidy something up. >> I wouldn't say don't do it because I don't think every room is going to be spotless every week. That's not what we
what we pay for. I think he's just >> No. If I could >> Yeah. It it's very limited what he does. Um it's I believe once a week. >> Yeah. >> It's him and his wife. But I will say he does a lot more than just for us um you
know dusting and cleaning, right? There are excuse me, I'm sorry. There are vendors who take care of a lot of stuff around here that people have come and gone throughout the years and he has like the institutional knowledge of you know what goes here, what goes there.
>> He does repairs, he does the buffing of the floors like he does. So I'm just thinking if we say don't clean then we may end up with a pretty messy only because we don't have him budgeted for that unless we want to budget more and if Poppy's able to do more on her work. Well, I will say this.
>> Go ahead. >> Because part of, you know, maintenance and and and and um just overall upkeep of town properties, I did have a conversation with him at one point because I know that we had all had conversations about having a
comprehensive maintenance plan for town property. >> And I didn't offer it to him. Obviously, we can't do something like that. But I did ask if there was a position is that something you would be interested in >> because of his knowledge and because you
know >> if we were to hire somebody I don't think any of us here could tell tell the new person >> hey this is where you go and you know >> and I'm not happy on this is just >> I'm just letting you guys know I threw it out there.
>> Yeah. And I don't he's full time at there there would really be no way for us to pay him even close to what he makes. Our office gets a lot of foot traffic like a ton of foot traffic because of the collector and even myself. So >> I don't know if maybe we're the
exception. >> You know, look, this is just me. I if if no one else feels the same way. I mean I >> I mean I picked up a mouse in a cup. I'm good. >> I know you did. >> I mean Yeah. And I I don't necessarily think >> it is. I know. I didn't recognize it.
>> Who's that guy? >> That's not the first one, by the way. >> Oh, no. I know. I named them. >> Oh, wait a minute. Now, we were just talking with uh Margaret about jobs that, you know, the elderly could do.
>> That's a possibility. >> Y, >> you know, >> I mean, but you're only looking at 10 hours. >> Yeah. But I mean once once you get something clean, maintaining it clean is a lot easier. It's getting it clean that's the big hassle, >> right?
>> I think in just in this sort of small town setting, it just ends up being that, >> you know, we all end up kind of tidying our spaces. There's just not >> tidying is different than cleaning up >> dead fly, >> right? I mean, >> I mean, dead spiders, dead flies,
cobwebs everywhere. That's I mean we shouldn't have to come into our office and have that. >> Yeah, >> I will say I agree 100%. I >> no doubt >> context. >> Sorry for whoever may be from the city of Springfield listening. That's a large
city. They had a huge janitorial crew and my office was filthy, disgusting, dirty. Everybody's office in that building was there were >> Yeah, but that's just management. >> I'm saying it's not it's poor management. It is. But I'm saying even a
even a even a city with so much money that hires a company, >> the work's still not getting done, >> right? >> But I totally agree. Nobody should have to work in, >> you know. >> Well, if we if we use the elderly got to buy a bunch of slippers.
>> What's that, Jen? >> We have a lot of >> The chair recognizes Jen. >> Yeah. Hey, >> we have a lot of what? >> We have a lot of people come in for our meetings. Um, like today we have people from all over and it just it's awful. >> Yeah.
>> What? They don't want to see that. >> Yeah. >> And I'm not going to claim it. >> Yeah. I mean, I don't know what the answer would be to try to see if Happy could do more hours and if we could afford that. And I don't know. I don't have an answer for those >> description of what janitors.
>> That's a good question. >> Um, not since I've been here. I don't think there's a a list of what exactly happy does. >> Oh, him specifically. No, I think uh what what it was was it it started out
as can you you know do light janitorial work >> once a week and he said yes and I think it grew to what we have today. >> I don't think the janitorial part grew. I think that he took on more of >> he took on uh like building maintenance basically more than janitorial
>> and plus when Pat when Hoppy comes in like he sets up the auditorium for the meetings and and things like that too. >> He does a lot. I will say >> he does and I sent him a text which is not enough but I he has always
>> answered every call. if he couldn't if he didn't know the answer, he he's he'd say, "I'm going to call the vendor." >> You know, he's he's great. I you know, I can't say enough good things about >> but he's not a janitor. >> And that's okay. >> You know, I kind of Let's just lean on
TJ's idea for a second, though. If we did do the 60 plus and maybe someone wants to say, "I'll adopt a room and come in every two weeks and clean or something." We're not talking about every day. It's just cuz cuz hobby comes
in and vacuums and he'll do the floors. >> No, he doesn't. >> No. Okay. >> That's why we do them. And I'm not saying that to be disrespectful. I'm just saying we wouldn't do them if he did. >> He have them every week. >> No. >> I think he may do When you say the floors, you mean like the buffing and stuff? >> I mean just like general like vacuum
mopping. And the only reason I know that is because like we'll have like out of winter, we'll have the same giant mound of ice in the same spot for weeks and months at a time. Okay. >> That's the only reason I know that. Not and he probably has other things he's doing like Yeah. >> Right. Right. And again, we're not
knocking Hoppy here. That's I never saw that as his job, frankly. The maintenance that I'm talking about. I never did it. I always, you know, I saw, you know, I ran across a similar problem when we had visitors here from other towns and we brought food in that day
for cookies or whatever. And I'm like, "Oh god." You know, it was a mess, filthy. And you're like, "Oh, you know, you don't want that. You don't want mice hanging around when you have people in here. It's not It's not sanitary. We have the We have the seniors with the
food that they bring and stuff. It's just not sanitary. So, I would say it's something that we need to consider and maybe using the 60 plus. >> No, I I think that's a good way to go. >> Could I add something to that?
>> Yeah. I don't know that if the mice are because anything's being left out or food or anything's necessarily dirty, but I agree that it's not sanitary, but we are located in an area where it's almost impossible to be to keep mice out. We
could put um some sort of trap or something that people are okay with um to deal with the mice, but I just don't know if we're >> Yeah. getting ready. >> We can live trap them and you can take them home. would have been your own form.
>> Okay. All right. So, let's at least consider we'll consider using the 60 pluses possibly maybe. So, maybe we say adopt a room for a month and this is how many hours that is rumors that this is something that's done. So, Sarah's home community um in what is it called?
Hardwick. >> Hardwick. >> Hardwick. Um she says she she has two seniors that come in, one dusts and one vacuums. And she says it's like once or twice a month. >> Perfect. But >> so instead of hiring hiring, let's do
that. Let's Okay. So we'll look at it as wait until the 60 plus thing comes up and then we'll come up with something there. >> Um Sarah did reach out to me today for contact legal to discuss the program. So I think Sarah's already trying to put together
what >> Yeah, we talked about it earlier. >> Sorry. And I'm sorry everybody that I was late. story. Um, >> you know, department heads can come and sit at the table. That's why >> they want to have to move all the chair.
>> Yeah. Um, all right. So, on to the next thing. We're >> Do you need anything from me in regards to hours? You give me an email. You need the hours. Do you need me to Okay, >> I got them right here. And you're not really impacted with the move. So, >> no, please. I was asking for about it
and I said, "Do you need me to bring anything up to the sle?" She just said, "No, we we're not really moving. We're just >> Right." >> just kind of So, >> okay. Yeah. I'm sorry. I told everybody that you couldn't make it and that we would just have an email about hours. Are you Is everything okay?
>> Yeah. No, I just popped up the point. It sounds horrible, but I'm okay. >> Did I make that up? Did you not tell me you couldn't make it? >> No, I told you I was going to make it to the meeting. I said I'll be at the meeting. >> Okay, let's keep going. >> Okay. Sorry. >> Um, sorry. Just want to keep this on track. All right. Fire department.
Is there someone here? >> No, that that was one that couldn't make it. >> Well, I asked Adam and he said that Mark Funma was going to be here. >> Oh, he was here and discussed the possibility of the bench. >> Okay. That that was what was on the
agenda to be discussed. But as far as departmental, Jackie, you would be correct. No one here. Well, Ray is here, but I don't think he's here on behalf of the fire department. >> Yeah. >> No, we were going to talk to him about the $20,000 volunteer program. So, okay. So, we'll
table that at. We'll talk to him about that after. Town clerk. >> Doris isn't here either. >> Oh, she's here. There. Where's >> over here? >> It's like you're hiding. Come on up. >> Come on down.
>> Come on down. >> The price is right. So, same discussion about the hours. Um, my understanding is you're here Mondays, right?
>> But my posted hours are Monday nights 4 to 6 and that's it. >> But what are the hours that you're actually available? >> Well, see that that that's going to depend week by week. But yes, Mondays I am here from 9 to 3. Then I can actually support it. But I have no set hours for
any other day. So 9 to 3 and then 4 to 6 Monday on Mondays >> almost the whole day then um so but you have I mean again this is for communicating to the residents but you have where folks can get a hold of you
if they need you or something right I mean how many hours >> same way the emails and you know the phone and the phone >> right do you have specific like do you do 20 hours a week? Do you do 19 hours a week? What do you say? >> No specific.
>> You have no specific. >> No. >> What is budgeted for Tom Clark? I can't remember. >> I don't >> nine. No. >> Because on salary. I don't know how that works. >> But I was told I can work anywhere from two hours a week, but that's ridiculous.
Up to 19, but I can't do more than 19. But we all know I do normally during all elections, >> right? >> So, >> right. >> But I'm here normally I am here Monday. >> So, normally eight hours on Monday. >> Why can't you do more than 19? Is
because of benefits? >> Yeah. Are elected officials benefited? >> I don't know. >> But I was not >> elected official. >> I was told when I first started here I couldn't go over 19. >> I I'm sure you were. I'm sure you were.
Yeah, not I not arguing that. I just wasn't know I I just wanted to know if there was another reason that I'm not thinking of >> done with it. >> So salary elected town clerk >> uh the budgeted amount >> was
>> the finance committee so far has recommended 26,508, >> right? Because I am here three days a week but they're not posted because Monday's a definite it could be a Tuesday I'm here. It could be a Wednesday. It could be a Thursday or any
day of the week. But Monday is the day that I am here >> available. >> But I'm also available during the week. >> Mhm. >> Cuz I you like tomorrow I will be back >> from 9 to 3 and then I'm here on Thursday
>> because you know we do have payroll every other but I still but if I have something else I may come in Wednesday and do it instead of Thursday. Mhm. >> So that's how but I do try to get up to mostly it is to 19 hours.
>> Right. >> So >> so if we post if you know to your point you've got posted hours for Monday right for the general population. But if you make if you post my hours, it's also going to affect
my budget for elections because if you put on the website that I am working 9 to3 on Mondays and then if I come back from four steps and you post any other day, those are now going to be the hours I am going to have to work during
elections for like in person early voting and I have to work Saturday in personally loves it. >> Okay. >> So, and that's why Mary knows more about it than I do because she's been here at Town Park longer and why it was always
just four to six were posted because of that. >> Probably a lot less need. >> It could be. >> Not it was not saying that that was a very long time ago. Not saying that. I'm just saying >> I'm just wondering if you we could
change the hours when it's around voting time. Like if we had the regular hours and then why not? >> Well, I think the point is there isn't set hours, right? And so if we >> Well, that's what I'm saying. If should we have set hours and then just adjust them around voting time?
>> I think that would be a little bit too confusing. >> Voting hours. We're obligated by state law by the changes in the voting. We have to have additional hours. However, we are absolutely obligated to have
those hours the same as our posted hours. We can have additional hours, which we do make for early voting, for inperson voting, >> right? >> And if anybody needs us, they can call and leave a message because we'll be
happy to see them by appointment. >> Right. cuz you have to figure like during the primary in September I'm going to have to be here from 6:00 in the morning >> after 8, >> right? Yeah. >> So, >> and that's the election.
>> Yeah. >> Right. And then the primary in November and then I have to be open on Saturdays. >> Yeah. >> For inerson voting >> during elections >> and one night during the week, >> which is normally Monday. Isn't there money in the budget for elections? Is
that not what you get paid? >> I get out of that by salary. I get paid out of the election. >> You don't? >> No, I did not. I This is what it comes to. >> Isn't Isn't there money put aside for uh people who help?
>> That comes out of my but I >> not out of your salary. >> Not out of my there. She It's not It's nominal. So there is a line item called salary/wages. We just talked registar. Is that what you were talking with me though, Larry?
A registar. >> Something different. Okay. I'm sorry. Registar. Uh $60. >> Okay. >> So my only my concern is the appearance of and I'm not in any way, shape, or form saying that town
office is not doing what they need to be doing. My concern is when we have this position and we I just want to make sure that that it's fair to other positions that the hours that we're working our I'm trying to think if there are any other positions
where it's like super flexible with the hours that they're supposed to be working because when I'm looking at the salary divided by you know it comes to about $27 an hour if for the 19 hours a week. So my point is I just want to make sure
that the 19 hours a week. Obviously I know and trust you. Let's say down, you know, we end up with another town clerk and it's like, well now there's 19 hours a week that they're supposed to be if they're only working eight then they're making, you know, $50 an hour, right? So I just want to make sure that that's
like clear and fair across >> position on the person. >> Correct. Um, so that's why I'm I think I'm thinking that if we could get more hours regularly posted and then I understand the fluctuation around
election time, but it just seems fairness-wise that we need to have I don't know. What do you guys think? >> Well, I'm also trying to avoid again the jobs there for the town and the residents. So, I'm also trying to avoid
residents coming in and not knowing when they can talk to the town clerk. Now, we'll post it out there and say, "Here's where she's she's here. If you want to see her physically, this is the date you could see her physically, right? >> If you want to get a hold of her any other time, this is the email address and here's the phone number." If that's
the case, what's the turnaround time for that? Like, do you get back within 24 hours? Does it, you know, I'm trying to set the We all are trying to set the expectation for the rent. days that I am home, I do check my emails, right? >> Y >> and I do answer
>> people. >> So, you would say turn around in 24 hours. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. So, what you're saying is, I mean, what I'm hearing, you know, I haven't been around that long. I've been around in the world a long time, but not here.
um is just you're saying is that you have what you would call the really flex job but you'd call flex time completely one day the rest of it's flex time whenever you are available basically >> right and like I said I normally am here
three days a week but I can't guarantee what three days except for Monday >> what other day and Thursdays because every other Thursday is the payroll so I am here on those Thursdays And my hours are 9 to 3.
>> So if we So Monday if we posted Mondays and Thursdays 9 to 3, then that would be your 19 hours. >> Yeah. >> But then you still have the four to six on Monday, >> right? >> Plus those other days that you're
talking about, >> right? Because it's election year. I'm going to be your >> Okay. Is there a time that we could post on Thursdays that instead of doing the nine to three because we can't you can't have those extra eight hours, right? If you're saying you only work the 19, you
then could we post like a four hours for sure on a Thursday. Would that be >> okay, but where are you coming with the 19 hours already with Monday? And >> cuz Monday being Oh, never mind. Monday is eight hours. Sorry. I was adding those for six. >> Okay. So would I'm saying if you if
we're not looking at posting 19 hours, could we post for sure on Thursdays? Would you be willing to post for sure on Thursdays that you're here like 12 to 4 or something? Like when are you typically coming in to do payroll? >> I come in in the morning. >> Okay. So could we post Thursdays
9 to 12 or something? And does it have that be another day that people could come in physically to see you? >> That's fine right there. >> Okay. I don't you know look I don't know how often residents come in but I have heard residents do come in and then there and
it's not just you it's others. >> No I work on Monday and that's the day they normally do. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. Good. Well, a lot of residents think that, you know, it's a five day a week thing and, you know,
they I don't know where because maybe because they move in from big cities, but they don't understand small towns. >> Oh, yeah. Time. >> No, I get that. >> But if you put it out there, then they know that I have to be here on a Monday. If I want to talk to her personally, I have to be here from this time to this
time. Yeah. Right. and put it out where people can see it and that then there's no question versus coming in on a Tuesday where >> she's not here and then getting mad because she's not here. Well, you're right. It's a small town. Yeah. >> But at least we need to set your expectations.
>> No, I agree. It needs to be posted. >> And then part of that is if you're going to be out for some reason, like you're sick or something, then that needs to be posted and you know, let Christina know and Jo and all that stuff. post that may >> Oh, we can post that.
>> Well, we're not gonna post it. We're not gonna post it for at least another 30 days or whatever. Don't worry about it. >> So, let's talk about the move for a second because I know Jen's moving into board of health's moving across the way. >> Jen moves. I really can't, you know, do
anything >> do anything, right? Then I have to call state to get permission to unplug the state computers. >> Okay. >> Before I can move those. >> Are you planning on moving? >> I'm moving from one end from this side. >> Oh. Oh,
>> just to the other side. Okay. >> That's it. >> Okay. >> So, I told conservation they were moving into the water department when I was having those conversations with Sabrina, which is what I think we had talked about because there's so much room in the water department. You said >> I thought I we do her first then she
>> No, no, you're not done yet. Oh, sorry. >> You mean I don't want her to stay. If she wants to go, she can move. >> Okay. Did you had more about moving with? >> Yeah. I want to understand what you need like if I don't know when Jen's moving. >> You have that date in your mind when you're moving.
>> I don't know. I have to paint the room. >> Okay. Well, one of the things and that's why it's good to have a collective discussion about this with everybody here is that it's cheaper for us to have it come in and the telephone company come in
on the, you know, not necessarily the same day for both companies, but at least do everybody on the same day than have them come in by the drink. Okay. Well, we want you here on Tuesday to move, let's say, a computer or whatever. No, we would rather say you're moving
here on this date. You're moving there on that date. Let's pick a date. >> Kind of like moving the phones, right? >> So, the library is moving on the 19th from what I understand of May. >> So, do we want to do the same day? >> No,
>> no, no. You want to do it before then. >> You want to do Oh, >> if possible. >> Okay. >> If not possible, then not possible. >> The 19th is a Oh, never mind. Wrong month. So, but what I'm saying is that for for you, you've got a lot of stuff. If you want to move things around,
you're going to need some manpower to help you. I would think >> it is true, >> right? >> You can't move those tapes. >> Yeah. >> She has a husband. Yeah. >> Um >> Yeah. Okay. >> What's that going to do? >> Monday the 11th. Would a Monday be a
good day considering that's people there and there's a lot of people in the building. Does that work for you, Den? By Monday the 11th, do the move. That gives you >> two weeks to paint.
>> Are you painting or you want it painted? We're having someone paint it. >> I'm not going to paint. >> Okay. I wasn't sure. I didn't know. >> I told Jed I'd help her paint it. >> Okay. >> Is everybody aware that Jason sent an email that he was not aware that his >> No, because he's not That's That's not
what That's what I was trying to say. I didn't tell those people they were moving into there. I was confused by that. >> So that's >> No, that's like the tiniest place we wouldn't want to move people. >> Okay. >> So, can we commit to the 11th? So, we can put that on our It's two weeks out.
>> You can, but there's no guarantees. >> Well, there's no plan in place for paint yet, right? Is that what I'm understanding? And paint has to take place before she'll move in. >> Yeah. Well, that's what I'm thinking. Can we commit to the 11th to have the schedule the IT people to come in is what I'm asking. Oh, well, you don't.
Well, no, because let's step back for a second. We're jumping right to the date. The the the challenge is is that you can't move the phones and stuff until people are actually ready to go to where they're going, right? You can't move the computer lines. There's no computer lines. It's just plugging in the
computer in the other room. >> Um, so everybody has to come up with what's their dates, what do they need, right? We haven't even talked about the fact that she can't move everything herself. Who's going to help her move? We got to get
>> move all those filing cab and and the cleaning that's going to have to occur because once you move everything, you're going to, you know, it's going to be a mess. Um, so you guys, in other words, we can't wait too long because
>> I can't do anything until >> she's gone. Right. So once you decide what you want to do, Jen, then we'll get somebody in here to move because you got to have your phone line and your computer moved to that room, right? >> And then you got to move your stuff. So
if the You're telling me the 11th isn't going to work for you. >> I didn't say that. I said there's no guarantees. >> Okay. When can you >> There's only so many hours I can donate extra time. >> I understand. Yeah, >> I understand. So, you tell us what works
for you on that. >> As far as what? >> As far as when you can move so we can move your phone and your computer. >> I don't know. I'd have to sit down and see who I have to help me. >> Okay. >> Yeah, >> there's no help. >> I'm not saying you have to tell me right
now. >> This whole project is we don't have any help, >> right? >> We don't have anybody that you can say, "All right, here's a list of four people. You can call them and they'll come and help you move your stuff." You know, there's we're kind of like in a
>> And you don't have enough committee members to >> No, >> we don't have a committee. >> I have one that's got a full-time job. >> Yeah. >> That's >> Do you think if we reached out I don't ever go on the Facebook Blford pages. Do you think if we reached out and asked
for um some people to possibly come in and volunteer a couple hours on like a Saturday that we would get like four people to help move? >> Not on my weekends. So sorry. >> Oh, I'm just thinking if we're looking for people that aren't working full-time. >> Um >> she's saying she's the one overseed on
her weekend. >> Oh, okay. >> No, on a Thursday, a Friday, a Monday. >> I mean, do you think that we would get volunteers? Is that an option? I don't know. I don't Yeah, there's a there's people that want to do it, but you know, I don't know who
you're going to get. Don't you know, >> it's not like Yeah, we don't have a budget is what I'm saying. We don't have unless we want to bud use some budget to pay movers. I don't know. >> Going to have all these people move. >> We had talked about the fact that there would be movers here helping with the
library move. Um, >> and where did you get these helpers? >> There were movers. They are paying movers, >> right? But I don't know now that there's any flexibility for help. I we I think we initially thought there would be some flexibility to have them help us with
moving other things in the building. I don't think that there is going to be that. I think that the budget is pretty strict for them just moving the library stuff. Right. So, if we want to look at the cost of hiring some movers to help with moving on a certain day and we could try to like get things done at
once here, then we could we could look at that to get some actual help with movers. >> Why don't Why don't we take it as an action item to see if there's any funding to get by volunteers and I don't think you should have to pay.
>> It's who's going to get the volunteers. If you're That's what I'm saying. If it's up to me and I'm getting my own volunteers, I can't give you an exact date. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Well, that's fair. It's very fair. >> Okay.
Okay. >> So, now let's talk about Thank you. >> Thank you, D. >> We'll we'll figure out how we can get some volunteers to help you, too. So let's talk about planning and conservation. >> Yeah. So they are moving into next door
into the water. There's a huge rum. Water department has a whole corner of it. >> Well, that's what's >> You want to join us here? Water. >> Yeah. I mean, we definitely mentioned it in front of water. I mean, we mentioned it at last meeting. Said we were going to do it.
>> They're paying for it. >> Not enough. >> They don't. Let's not have that discussion there, right? I mean, fine. >> Are you okay? Do you have any problems with changing the way the arrangement of the room
>> and making room for >> use this half over here? >> Actually, that's where the superintendent's desk is at the moment, right? >> Because that's where all the computer plugs and all the phone jacks. And >> so, do you use this half over here then? We use both because her office is on the
front corner where yours used to be on the front corner because that's where those jacks are and the ones on the back corner is where highway used to be this back corner. Yeah. Over here. >> So that's the phone jacks that used to be over there. >> Yeah. >> So now to be able to utilize this side,
>> you operating out of that office. >> At one time we had two or two departments. >> We did and now we can't have two. We can. Okay. Well, I'm just saying you said you were going to have it come in. I know. But you guys said that you're going to have it come in. So, you're going to have to move some jacks onto
this side >> to be able to >> or at least some sort of extender for a temporary and the uh >> Yeah. going to be almost like a big undertaking. Steve, we already pay >> Steve hours to be on site. It's not I
mean and I don't disagree with that. It's not a big undertaking. It's not. It's making sure that people are engaged and know what's going on so we make this a smooth transition >> versus just go in and do it >> right. Well, I mean I did send a pretty detailed email about it.
>> I know you did, but we haven't had a discussion about it till now again with everybody to make sure that everybody knows because the library is going to be in here in a heartbeat. >> The 19th is what? two weeks away. Two and a half weeks away. >> They're coming the 19th.
>> Yes. May 19th. So >> So have you planned on what rooms you're actually using for those? >> So the landing board, >> the library is going into where the planning and conservation are now. >> Farther. >> Yeah. So the idea was moving planning and conservation temporarily
>> with their storage where it's cut off for the the uh >> some of the stuff they have tagged. They've been working for the last like month or so um three weeks on tagging things that they would need in their office, things that they don't need at
all and things that might need to be stored on the stage. >> Sure. We have plenty of room. >> Yeah. So hopefully they're they're not taking like everything obviously with them. They're taking what they just what they need. >> Sure. Certain plenty of conservation. >> Now we did we did give some of those
wall cabinets >> to Council of Aging to use some stuff which they could actually use to source some of their stuff which would be close at hand. >> Okay. >> But then the only thing is then what are you going to do at the council of aging stuff? >> We don't want to mess with count. Have you met Margaret? You don't want to mess with Margaret.
>> I know Margaret very much. >> I've had a few runouts. >> You know better. Have you guys tagged your stuff of what you >> I know Sabrina was working on it. >> I mean I've heard several different scenarios as far as where conservation is going. So
>> in the water department So, somebody said we might >> No, I was just told no in the >> Well, the conversations I've been having with Sabrina, I'm not sure if you are on those emails when she was asking questions because the board directed me to to handle conservation planning and
the conversations I've been having with Sabrina are that you're moving into the water department. Um, and that's what she prepared for and she's on the >> So, is that mean the desk moves or does our our files go with the desk or file? >> So, your office space would be here and
then whatever you need like on your in your daily office, whatever. If there's files that you're not you don't use on a regular basis, then we could um move those onto the stage temporarily. And if things that you don't need, we'll have a day that we get rid of stuff. And your
meetings can be held here. >> Correct. >> I think we have like four bio cabinets that we actively use. No, >> there's I mean there's lots on and there's probably things in the water department that you might not know that we could get rid of >> cabinets in that room that we're in that
I don't know whose they are. >> So some and some of them are empty too. >> Yeah. Right. So we we have four. >> Okay. >> That we would like to keep with the keep it off. and the cemetery has one and I'm going to take that and move it down to the uh new garage.
It's mulch proof. >> Yeah. >> Council on um cultural council has a file in cabinet in there. >> And have they marked it? Probably not because they probably weren't on Okay, I'll reach out to uh
it's not Sue anymore. Who does runs culture? >> It's still Sue. there there's no reason why some of those filing cabinets like uh can't go up on the stage. >> Yeah, that's you know >> because they're access I mean so
>> you know it's not like personal bank accounts or anything in them. >> Let's bring it back for a second. Um, can I just say water department, if there's things that you want to get rid of, anything you want to clear out of there and you want to put a post-it note on it that just says, you know, get rid
of, then on the day that we move, those things will go wherever, you know, we're going to I don't know if we're getting a dumpster or they're telling people come if you need a filing cabinet and take what you want. Whatever we decide to do, right, >> we can get rid of those things. >> Right.
>> Well, that's why I wanted that's why I was talking to Dick about if he would meet with me and Steve and we could go through the room >> and we can figure out set up >> and see what's available for rooms and maybe we can move you know one way or the other way
whichever >> works better and then we can let it know what we need our needs are for >> the different hookups >> for planning too >> and you should yeah include pa >> planning too right >> and I so you should be part of that walk
through, Edna, someone from planning to decide where in here is a good spot for you. And keep in mind that we are planning on having it come in and do some more um hookups for computer and phone lines. So that shouldn't really
hinder where you want to be over here. Okay. >> Go where I'm told. >> Do you have a lot of file cabinets, Edna? >> I was trying to get down go down to one by archiving. Mhm. >> But all my stuff
Jason's office and I don't have a key to do anything. >> Okay. Oh, so you need to be able to get into there. >> We can get you in there. >> Do you need >> you need a desk set up? You need a
>> computer. What do you need? >> Some sort of a desk is kind of huge, but I don't care if it's that one. Yeah. >> Okay. >> As long as there's some kind of a table or that's fine. >> And I have a laptop so there's no
computer set up. Sabrina >> um >> you work off of Wi-Fi then at that point. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So just I mean this is what we signed. >> Yeah. >> We do have a TV bothers.
>> Yep. I saw that. >> Rig said, "No, we're not keeping it." I'm like, "Yes, we're keeping it." >> Yeah, >> it works. It works so much better. >> Is there any other moves that we need to be thinking about? >> Um, Sabrina, do you have any questions?
I know you've been working hard over there with stuff. >> Yeah. Um, well, I am a little confused on the move because yes, we were initially told that we were going to go into the water department, but then in the last >> My fault. I said,
>> was it? Then in the last email, we're told we're going into the building uh department with planning. And I I thought that actually worked out better to have planning and conservation in one room >> and that and then the um building
department go into the water department. I don't know. The the building department room is is tinier. I don't know if there's room for like full two office space spaces. It's just kind of like the one desk. Have you been in there, Sabrina?
>> I've looked through the window and I know well like I'm pretty sure that I mean planning and me like we can share the same desk >> if they want to share the same desk and even like the same computer if they want to have a login on that computer. Um,
and I have those two other screens, so it's set up nicely. Um, I don't know. In Southwick, I share a room with planning, so it's just natural for me. >> Um, I know it's tiny, but I think I don't know if if the building department
could move their things into the water department, that would clear up the entire room, and we could possibly organize it to have both planning and conservation together. >> Yeah. Um, what do you think, Dick?
>> I I would agree. I mean, I I actually when I came here, I thought that's where we're headed. Something like that. >> Well, my concern is that we haven't had any conversations with Jason about moving because we had not been we had not talked about moving any of his stuff
out of there. So, at this point, we've only been talking to planning and conservation, and I'm not I'm just trying to follow up and see if we've talked to um >> How much stuff does he have in there? >> He's got a desk and and a looks like a file cabinet. >> Just the one. >> That's not a lot of stuff.
>> There's not a lot of stuff in there. >> A round table, but he >> Oh, for his Yeah. >> When does it like once every two weeks I see him? Go ahead. >> But I was I was thought that we were
just going there. I was never aware of the water. >> I wasn't either. >> Was it until I sent the email? I'll take the I'll take the hit. Spoke out of turn. >> Okay. One time there were two
departments in the present building inspector's office. >> Oh. >> Oh, it's tiny. It was a different location. >> That's really small room right now. Well, I mean, there's a big round table. Um, there were there were two
departments in there, two desks, two golden boards, two file cabinets, and so on. So, it has been used for two departments at one time. And I from what I know of Jason, he he often isn't here on he used to have like Monday night
hours, but I don't know that he does now. Not that obviously you shouldn't be you know contacted but um you know it's it has been in the past two >> TJ had brought up in an email TJ do you remember in response to one of those emails the office in the copier like at
the end of the >> copier that was what the Watson Park room or something at one time >> I have no idea what's beyond that door >> commission >> yes it was historical seven members down the hall floor
recognizes Mary. >> Uh, thank you. That room where the historical commission is now used to be the break room and we would use the round table that was in there to do mailings and
>> just any stuff. Plus, it was good for lunch. >> Historical moved in. >> Now, does historical still use it? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Not very often. >> Okay.
>> We cannot talk about it over >> since we'll talk about the door. >> Okay. Let's bring it back around. Select board. >> Slug board. >> I'm here. >> Let's make a decision. >> Are we >> I thought the decision was already made. So I am >> Well, and that's fine. Well, let's just
clarify the decision. The decision is made. We will move conservation and planning into the water area. You guys will kind of figure out where everything's going to be. We'll leave Jason where he's at. >> I mean, it's on the door. Not to be his thing's on the door. Like, if we move
him, we have to like >> take all the stuff off the door. >> Well, we're going to take >> That's a lot of work for what, two years. And then you're going to have to put it back. >> Yeah. >> I just put a a a paper up there and you know, she's a temporary office with her
planning. She doesn't want to move out of Jason. >> I think let's just leave it. >> But let's just leave it the way it is. All right. Everybody in agreement? >> Agree. >> Yes. >> Okay. That's what we're going to do. >> All right. >> Okay. All right. Um
>> water department. >> So, we'll have to have some follow-up meetings on this if you're going to have people come in here and volunteer to move people and all that within the next week. Well, I thought we were agreeing to get a price on moving and see if we
can get volunteers and if not, we have a price for moving. >> Okay. Who's going to put together the information about what that is all entails the moving? >> I can I'll reach out to some. >> Let me just get um I was looking through my emails and I was using keywords. >> Well, it should be up to the department
what they want want moved, >> right? >> Yeah. >> All right. I'll follow up on that. >> Okay. All right. Let's go on to the water department. How's it going? We have a water super if if folks want to leave that were involved with the move
discussion. >> You may do so. >> The only people we have up next our planning board. Is there anything else? Yeah, they we were going to talk about bylaw changes. So, yes, plannings we still need than that. >> Yes. >> So, you guys will coordinate.
Make sure you include planning in your conversation. >> Sabrina, too, right? Because she's Yeah, >> I get a hold of you. >> Thank you, Sabrina. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Where's Ed? >> Edna's here. She's hiding.
>> Where's she? She's hiding behind. I can't see her. >> Edna. >> Come try up a chair. >> We could do planning first and this is gonna be quick. Um,
all right. So, >> I tell where is it? >> So, really at this point, it's what we went through with the when you guys did your hearing, right? >> Um, I have two letters for you.
>> Okay. >> Okay. I have two letters to give to you. >> So, while she finds it, I'll just in case anybody they had a public hearing on Friday, >> Friday and >> and they planning is here to present to
the board their final vote on what they drafted for bylaws. that will be included at the annual town meeting. >> And so that's what Edna is here to present to the board so that we can have it. >> So this is this is the us approving
>> the board certifying our um our vote to zero that they were accepted. Okay. and we uh been presenting
the rough draft which has to be then put into the warrant. I thought we were going to have to draft the darn but I've been advised that we don't have to do >> Yeah. >> Whole's going to drop the language or this. >> Yes. >> Okay. I just want to
>> what we agreed to. Is it Am I misinterpreting what you asked them? You asked them which I told them to do. Am I misinterpreting that? >> I don't know that we got Let me check. I'm going to look up the email right now. So, just so we're all on the same page.
>> I assumed that I was going to have to draft the language for it because I thought it was going to be a special town meeting prior to annual town meeting. So, months in advance, I reached out to legal and I said, "Listen, if we're doing this," because they were involved. Legal was involved with the bylaw process and so obviously
they know. And I said, if I have to draft this language, I need to I need to know now so that I can start a living document so that I can update it as we go because if you throw this all at me at once because it's that it's a lot. >> The language and how it has to be done
and the formatting of it for it to be sent to the AG's office, it's a lot. Um, and I didn't hear back. >> So then I had a conversation with Jackie. I'm like, Jackie, what do you think I should do? like because here here's where I was unsure
unless you have changed the entirety of the section like so we'll say it's section 16 which I think uh >> both are replacement so they're going to we're going to >> cut them completely out
>> the old bylaws so both both bylaws are brand new >> so then you just insert the language >> so and that's you're 100% There's no area of the old bylaw that's well then in that case we would then just have to exert
>> and and all they're really my understanding >> and I was going to look that >> is that they're going to put together the verbiage in the annual town meeting warrant that basically reflects on the bylaws. We are not going to put
48 pages, right, of information. That's where I thought we would do >> would be the summarizing. And we usually had PBC to assist, but Aiden has led. So, yeah, don't have that. So, I assumed
that the planning board was going to have to draft it in the next couple days that you were going to go to the meeting. you have a job meeting and then you are going to take bath prior to >> what?
>> So this is your correspondence with Jonathan and uh we need to approve the final bylaws prior to the end of the old town meeting. This is you asking him a question. If yes, let me know and I'll get the final version to you on May 7. >> He responded. >> So this is then I'm going to scroll
down. He says, "We don't need to, but we're happy to take a look and recommend final tweaks, if any, before the warrant is finalized. Once the warrant is published, you can still propose revisions to what is
printed via motion at town meeting." So, on the floor, >> right? >> Your next question was, could you the language, which was my original question, >> right? and he said, "We will draft three warrant articles for you. One for the
overlay district, one for the solar and best bylaw, and one each for solar and best bylaw provisions. We will plan to get that final version to you prior to May 6th." >> Yep.
>> Isn't that what is that what you're expecting or No, >> that I that's what I was hoping. Greg, I saw Greg briefly today and he said, "No, Edna's doing it." And I said, "I don't want Edna sitting there doing anything that we've already arranged." >> Understood. And I just realized just
like 15 minutes before we got in here that she was doing something. So, we're good. >> Yeah. >> I'm more than happy to to have legal do it because >> it's a >> Yeah, I was I was just confused because I knew that there was the conversation with legal. >> I'm not looking forward to doing it.
>> Please do it. So, and that's what we pay them for one item. >> Okay. So, would we have to do something here? >> So, I would the board should make a motion to accept the planning board's
request to include the articles at the annual town meeting. >> Okay. >> Um, >> I motion a second. >> Yeah. Yeah, you got it. I >> agree. >> Agree. >> Agree. Any discussion?
>> I do want to actually just um can I just ask let the questions know that what the email that was sent >> um just so that I we we were sent an email um just this afternoon and I just I promised that resident that I would just um let those questions be heard. >> Oh, that's from
>> Yeah. So, Miss Mr. Durka was just asking um that our residential options um to add ground mount solar systems as long as it's less than 25 kilowatts and no taller than 25 ft. Right. Do we
know just if those are still are those changed at all? >> They were not changed. Okay. We're not going to have >> Oh no. >> 25 ft in the air. >> We talked about that in the meeting. to >> be able to reach the peak of the roof or
>> All right. Hold. Did I think I had a question? Oh, >> yeah. Was discussed and denied. >> Okay. >> Um the other question was Oh, uh were there any
storage battery storage um regulations on homeowners? >> Residential. Oh, >> we we used to have them separate as tier one and tier two >> and we decided to just leave it as uh
the sighting committee recommended and not seemed everything would have to go through some >> okay >> what what just to share >> what the attorney said is that and we're going to meet on the 6th I'm going to
meet with the planning board and they had the attorney still had not nec necessarily changes as much as recommendations as they normally do. So he said as long as we don't change something like add something net new you
know like uh I don't know what it would be >> something that didn't exist >> something that didn't exist discussed >> we will be fine >> to go to annual town meeting >> okay >> so um I'm going to go through those recommendations with the planning board
on the 6th rewrite put make any changes on the solar or best on the seventh and make Everybody gets the updated copies. >> Aren't you also holding a sighting meeting? Greg told me on the first can that be done then?
>> No, I didn't first. >> Okay. >> Never mind. >> Oh, no. That's No, no, >> that's with this that's with the energy team for something completely different. Oh, >> okay. I I wanted to do this one with the
planning board because it's just kind of like >> I have the agenda and it's a joint >> you'll know that. >> Yeah. Okay. Glad >> the other thing that I need is I do need to discuss things were already here
um is we have a problem that with a warrant article that needs to be added as well to the town for PBTC came from for the entire year. So, >> no problem. >> It's That's not a problem.
>> Yeah. >> I'm glad you brought it up though. Is Did we already have it in our >> well aware of it? I asked Greg to take care of it. So, >> yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. Cool. >> Thank you, Edna. >> Am I done? >> You are done, my dear. Um, what is this?
>> Uh, I thought Adam was gonna be here. >> Okay, Adam's not here. We won't talk about that. Okay, let's talk to water. >> That has nothing to do with water. >> We did that already. >> Just something I wanted to talk to you about.
>> Oh, to me. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. So, let's talk to what? So, some of the questions you guys, where are we with the superintendent job? Any any bites? >> We've had three. >> Three.
>> Wow. >> One. >> Oh, that's not good. was all the way in Ghana like >> you had some. >> Okay. >> The other one didn't have all the licenses and appropriation and we
actually met at the last water department meeting and discussed that particular one. >> Okay. >> Um we kind of put it on for the back burner because we had half of what he needed. thought he would have it license in treatment which would be the more we
really need instead of the treatment >> and he did have that. >> He did not have that. He just had an OIT. >> Okay. >> So, we have just received over the weekend another applicant whom I'm very pleased with and I haven't had
>> no >> I haven't had to I haven't had a chance to uh have a meeting with Peter. We're going to call a meeting within the next uh week or so so we can discuss this particular >> I'd like to push this as much as I can.
Um this after you do the evaluation this person has treatment license. They have mass DDB compliance experience. They have surface water experience for direct surface water. Um they have they they do have limited uh department head
experiences as far as budgeting and payroll and contracts and that kind of stuff. They do have um and the other Yeah. >> Here we go. Yeah. >> The other gap that they have is um they have a D1 O which that's more or less
where he would take over at that point because we want them to be in the office. We want them to do as much as they can as far as uh grants and making sure that all the other things as we just picked up >> is taken care of. Um
>> meets definitely meets all the minimal uh criteria. Um has a strong technical background on a lot of things. Um our minimum is a T2. Um they have a pool T3.
>> Can I ask what's required to run? Um, our plant it takes a T2 as a minimum. >> T2 in full. >> Yes. >> Yeah. In full minimum and a D2. >> No, our system's a D1. >> That's a D1. Yeah. >> But we prefer But we prefer the D2. Is
that why we have it written? >> I'm not sure you guys just D2 or not, but yeah, our system's a D1. >> Okay. >> Um, but the person also has a E1 operator in training. Now I don't without questioning this person and finding how far their operator in
training is, they could be right on the cusp of >> actually getting in full starting period of time >> um depending on how long. Um >> okay, >> this person has also got uh treatment
plant experience um with Westfield. They've actually worked in Westfield and some treatment plants regulatory reporting for mass DD. Uh they have a very strong uh setup with that. They have an excellent fit for
that. Um supervisory leadership and training that is a minimum. They don't really have a whole lot involved in that. the same on the uh financial end of it. They're little I got to ask more questions
because they don't list a lot here, but definitely uh they do show resume of keeping logs and time and records and that kind of stuff. But as far as the actual grant contract budgeting experience and that kind of stuff, they might be a little more on that. Uh
emergency on call response, they are on board with that all the way. Um, >> okay. So, >> so basically you got somebody who doesn't have that other skill set but wants to somehow get there. >> Correct. >> Okay.
>> I would like to uh like I said I'm actually going to try to get a meeting set up for the law department so Pete and I can discuss that and Steve also like us be involved in it too. >> Excellent. At that point, >> how much longer is the posting out there till May something? Is that right? >> Well, we like the longest.
>> It's May. We have it posted till then, but we'd like to try to get things moving here so we can get going by. >> Yeah, that would be nice. >> That's good. >> Have somebody that. >> All right. So, now >> sending the resume that you're
considering the board. >> You know what? Copy. >> They're gonna ask me and I'm gonna say I've never seen them. >> Indeed. >> Indeed. So, >> the recent one that came over on the weekend >> actually have a copy of it right there. TJ has a question.
>> The one is the one. Okay. >> Okay. Got it. >> Yeah. >> Uh when I was at the uh Pioneer Valley Planning Commission >> Yes. >> meeting, uh there's I think they said seven other towns looking for water
superintendent. >> That is correct. And they might be eight soon because there are some some other guys that are planning on retiring. >> Yeah. >> That I just heard about. Yeah. >> Now, this this is oldtime position. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. >> And this person will back up Steve and Steve will back them off. >> Yeah. >> Update on what he's feeling about. >> Oh, last week he was possibly retiring because the insurance went up so much. But >> yeah, our insurance went all the towns
18. Yeah, it was a lot. >> Ideally, Bernie would retire and possibly Norine stay on on as a weekend operator. >> I'm certainly not encouraging anybody to leave or do I think everybody should do what's best for them. I just I keep hearing
>> he wants to retire and he's not getting the information he needs. And I'm like, well, we've sent it and so I just want to make sure that he has what he needs and he's doing what he wants. >> That speaking of that, you just spotted me on something that just came across my desk a while ago. Um,
>> talent. Yeah, I'm sorry. Um, open enrollment since Bernie has healthcare. Um, >> treasur. >> Can we get some stuff from the treasurer who >> Yeah. So, I had a meeting with Maya who is that's they handle our insurance. And
I asked her about open enrollment. Sometimes it's roll, sometimes it's a certain time of year, all of that. She expressed to me that the treasurer collector sets the date for open enrollment which would be Sarah. >> She does handle the benefits.
>> Correct. >> So I I don't know if maybe that's why she handles it. >> That's what I was told by Maya. >> Most of the towns the treasurers do all handle that. >> Okay. So that's not out of the ordinary. >> No, Ryan takes care of it for us down there. Okay. >> And he just did an his open enrollment
is May 2nd through the 22nd. >> Okay. That's one of the reasons why it came across my desk and I have to think about it. So, >> um, but that's why I wanted to ask the question. So, if anybody can have an opportunity to or if I can have Jasmine >> ask.
>> Yeah, >> Sarah. >> Absolutely. Um, I think I also sent Didn't I send >> that would affect everybody, correct? That wouldffect >> Oh, everybody who's um >> Yes. >> the the big packet. um from Maya with
all the information. Didn't I send that to all the department heads already? No. Guess maybe. >> I don't think so. >> All right. >> Okay. So, let's talk about rate increases. >> Well, let's talk about the budget first. >> That kind of like falls into that. When
we did the um I asked the finance committee to get with you guys and go through your revenue and your Did they do that or have you have you seen the whole picture yet? >> We haven't. I haven't had a chance to talk to everybody about that yet. Um,
>> but when we sat down and we did our budget for this year, we used our projected revenues for the budget so that we wouldn't exceed that off of our budget. Now, what's not included into that? >> Yeah.
>> Is any of the grants. >> We don't put grant money in the budget. >> Well, it looks like in here it's added into the ledger here. >> Well, so grant matching funds. Yeah, >> that we would. But if it's not, that's what I'm saying. >> It's not in the budget. >> It's not in the budget. So sometimes
it's reimbursement funds to um funds reimbursement grants too. Yeah. Okay. >> I'm just talking about revenue coming in, expenses. >> It's always been my in the last two years, it's been my thing to try to figure out
>> if there's been any changes due to the I don't I want to say just the debt charge. The debt charge is one of my biggest worries. If the percentages for the loans have changed, that would change what the debt charge
would be. And if we don't change the debt charge to match the percentages, >> aren't we not locked in to a rate? >> Yeah, >> we should be. It should be. That's what I'm saying that I'm just worried that somebody somewhere along the line cuz you know yourself, there's been many many people in and out in and out bones.
Those are your problem more than anything else. Exactly. >> Those are the problem. The other ones have set interest rates. >> No, but you're right. That's the ones I'm worried about. Those are the ones that that's >> loan. >> No, that's No, these are even older. These are these USDA loans and >> the 1 2 3 4 one.
>> Yes. >> Right. The one, two, three, four. And they're the ones that charges our settlement >> and those are the ones that could be a problem if they're not collected correctly. >> And we've talked about refinancing for a better rate, but we haven't >> but we never got to that part. around.
We were waiting until we actually had like good standing so that we could refinance. >> Yeah, cuz remember we were >> Yeah. >> there for a while. >> Now that we're there. I don't know how good rates are right now. >> We we could certainly ask her. I mean, it's it's not,
>> you know, it's Sarah who would who would tell us whether or not we can get a better rate on those loans. >> Right. >> For sure. >> Oh. Um I actually have an answer for you on that. Okay. I asked Sarah about open enrollment which is what I was just conveying to him about the rate on those
USDA loans. Um about a year ago some a man from USDA came and had a meeting with us with Gordon. You I don't remember I think you weren't there. No >> probably I would remember that one.
>> Okay. So, um, what he said to the water department was, "If you want to lower these interest rates, you have to take out another loan. We'll roll them into it, but it has to meet a certain criteria and be a certain amount." So, >> of additional money,
>> right? So, basically what they're saying to you is if you want us if you want to adjust this incredibly high interest rate, you need to be more indebted to us. That's so unfair to a small municipality. That's so crappy.
>> It is. It really is. And they had you over the barrel because how they ended up with that was because of the uh ecoli bacteria counts that originally got when this was the school and that's how we ended up >> in that situation. >> Now I do just want to say on record
because this was over a year ago. There may be other options now, right? >> That was the option that was discussed at the time. >> So it might be worth pursuing. >> That's the only information I have on I mean, as an action, we're going to have to because when you look at the overall
year, yeah, for next year, we had to take over $200,000 out of retained earnings to bring you guys in the black, right? So, >> and then you're what was the difference? We ended up with >> 60 bucks at the end of the day. >> $65.
>> Yes. >> Yeah. >> So, that left I think a little over 150,000 in your retained earnings. So that says that's not sustainable. So next and part of it just to remember the skater loan starts now first payment
>> this year. >> Yeah. So that was about >> thing I think where it threw us really off. Yeah. >> Because I don't think anybody had ever and this is way before your time, you know. So I don't think what anybody ever did was originally set that up correctly. So they started spending out
of our line item accounts. I know that really threw us into a tail spin >> and now we're paying for that. >> There was a lot of um >> wanting to borrow from Paul to pay Peter type of thing and it was explained no we
don't do that in municipalities and so we operated within >> if I remember right the discussion back then was that Wright and Pierce wanted to get paid upfront before we got the money from the
We can't do that. >> And that's what caused the problem though, right? >> Yeah. But that's what he did. >> We took out of those accounts that were sitting there to pay right and pierce up front >> which is should have known better. It's legal.
>> Can't pay in advance should have known. >> Can't do services, >> right? >> And I was not aware of that part of it. I thought they were just moving from whenever >> the other person said that, hey, >> we're going to take it out of this account and I'm like, okay, normally you
have a line item you take this out of but >> but regardless, all the money that was spent out of those accounts have been paid back. We're back. We're whole. It's not like you lost money. It's not like if he paid out $50,000 out
of your regular budget, that money is back, >> right? Because reimbured, >> right? So, or the loan, >> but that went to the general fund, right? >> Cuz that wouldn't have come back to us because if you had money coming in, it would have went back to the general fund, >> right? It doesn't go back to the It's
part of the loan. >> Yeah. But it doesn't show on paper here. It shows in the general fund. >> In your general fund? >> No, general fund. Well, actually it would be if your general fund yours is separate. Yeah. Right. So that money is already getting needed. Bottom line,
what we're going to have to do is, you know, I know you guys did a rate study. You know, you need to look at that back to hear back. >> I know. >> I just got all the information and he's not making me happy right now.
>> Oh, no. It's not you. Um, but I what I'm can I just say we talked about this last year. We really need to put him put his feet to the fire and say what is this rate study saying because come next year the town's going to have to pay the
bill. >> That's where we're at, right? I don't think you'll have enough in retained earnings. Well, that's why I want to sit down and go through the everything by everything and make sure and along with our collections
>> for $101,000. >> Let's talk about that. >> Yeah. >> What we found out Okay. >> Yes. >> is that's outstanding. That doesn't mean it's delinquent. >> That doesn't mean it's going to get paid either. So, >> no. No. But it's not delinquent. And you
don't really get too excited until it becomes delinquent. It's still >> some of it is delinquent though, right? >> Well, part of it was this check that got lost. >> Oh, >> we found 24. There was there was total of what was the total? 20 $30,000 that
was the >> A little bit more than that, but yeah. >> Yeah. So, let's call it $24,000 of that was the payment from the town >> to the water department. >> Oh, dear God. Our check got >> how that could be.
But let's just stay stay here for a second. $24,000 that was found and I'm just going to say it in a place that it shouldn't have been in the first place. It should have been identified some other way. So we have reissued that check or whatever they're going to do to
clear it up. >> They can't they will cancel it and reissue it. >> Yes. >> So but we're not talking about $119,000 delinquent. That's a totally different animal. >> Yeah. >> Right. We're talking about 30 $35,000
delinquent. 24 of which was from the town. Okay. The rest of it is I don't know folks. >> No, Kelly was remember how she had explained that like the bills just went out or something. Kelly had an explanation as to the
>> All I'm saying is that that's not going to solve the problem. >> No, no. I'm just saying we got to learn to start >> and that was in 2025 by the way. But I would be wondering what is the process for the other 12,000 that's delinquent that is delinquent. What is our process
for you? >> I can't remember. I apologize. But remember we had spoken about could it be a lean? Could it not be a lean on a tax bill? >> Right. Right. >> Right. So there's other stuff we could do, but that's not going to solve >> correct >> the fact that we're in the hole. We're not in the hole. >> Well, I haven't seen honestly and
truthfully. You got to show me that we're in the hole because like I said, we redid the budget. >> We're not yet >> for our collections, >> right? >> We are still good, >> right? But can So if >> in that same way we've done it, that's the way we've done it for years,
>> right? But this coming year, >> yes, >> you're going to owe a skate loan that you didn't owe before, >> right? >> You didn't have to make a payment on SKA until this year. This >> Yeah, but that's a reimbursement. That's not a That's not what No, that's a loan.
>> That's not free money. That is a loan. >> That's a loan. >> I'm sorry. I didn't >> Okay. So, that's why I'm saying about the the debt payment is in here. >> That has to be readjusted >> because if that's a loan to upgrade the plant, that's part of >> you're saying the debt charge on each
personal bill. >> Yes. Yes. That not >> to be about the budget. >> No. No. >> Oh, no. No. No. See, what I'm saying is >> you're saying on the bills that you're sending out. >> Yes. on the on the bills that you're sending out because that's a rebuild on the if that's a rebuild on the plant.
>> It is >> that would be considered a debt charge. >> Well, then yes, you'll have to figure that into the billing >> into the billing on the debt charge. Not the water rate. >> The water rate would stay. >> So, as a followup as a follow-up so we get it on record. >> Yes.
>> Because you've already talked to me about this. Yes. >> You, me, Kelly? >> Yes. >> Sit down and go through line by line. >> Yes. and say what is going on here? >> Yes. on this. >> I think it's the best thing >> inclusive of what really should be on the rateayer.
>> And then I think >> if anything, >> rateayers need to know ahead of time that by July 1st, their bills will be going up so much due to >> whatever it is, >> the skate alone >> whatever rebuilds over that we're not
getting any grants or loans. >> And then you might want to put your phones on silent you're going to be getting last. Well, I mean it is a gent just a gentle reminder that you had to vote to get the town had to vote. >> Yep. >> They voted. But I understand it's a lot.
>> The bill is coming due. That's the problem, right? We didn't have it before. We didn't have the bill wasn't >> We've been paying it on, >> you know, we've been paying. We've been paying um a state regional contractors. We've been like all that,
>> right? SCADA is not it's a loan that you don't start repayment on until it's um substantial completion. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Right. >> Right. >> So, we'll talk about it. I mean, I'm just throwing it out there. This is what
we got to do, right? >> The the >> Definitely. Now, this kind of flies into the next point we just want to talk briefly about, which is the grants that are coming up. We got a
couple grants that you guys just got to went through, right? 80,000 for one. And what's the other one, Jasmine? There's two. Aren't there two? >> The other one, the ozone. >> The ozone, right? And the ozone is a state requirement. >> Yes.
>> Right. And I think both of them are >> the inlet. >> Yeah, >> they're both consent orders. We just got to start >> the >> We didn't sign that, but we were in discussion with it. We got to make sure
that we actually go and vote. We never voted. That never happened. So, >> I signed it though. >> I know she I had her sign it so we could get it done. I as she called me. I said, "Yep, go ahead and sign it." But I'm saying we as a board never had that
dialogue. We got to be really careful about that to make sure that they get through to us first. Right. >> My my absolute biggest concern is that we do the pro, you know, we have to do these projects. What is the build going
to cost? This is just design work, isn't it? >> No. No. >> Are both of our 100% grant? Yeah. >> Okay. >> Not Grant. Don't say Grant. >> Oh, sorry. No. >> Wait. >> Oh, these are grants.
>> No, these are actually >> So, in you already have the the engineering for both of those. >> They've already got the plans done for both of those. Yeah. >> Okay. Good. >> Yeah. That's B. That was basically all done. And
>> they're not out. They're not going to come to us and say you can't use. >> That's what I asked. How long? and Nathan. >> No, you're good. We're all set here. >> Okay. >> The only thing is though, I think the grant money has to be used by a certain window. >> I remember reading that on there.
>> I'm sure there is a reporting. Yeah, that I'm sure there's a reporting. Um, >> yeah, I think the intake is supposed to be done by the fall. >> And how long does it take to do? >> Excuse me. >> How long does it take to do the project? >> The intake they expect to have done by
this fall. Yeah. >> Give that to Jasmine. >> Okay. >> That's the process. Just so you have it. >> Um, was there anything that you guys wanted? I mean, I'll reach out. Brandon will come up with some dates.
>> Yeah, definitely. Um, and then we have the other federal earmark money. We have that. That's for infrastructure. That's the million or whatever. >> But we have to do was it 2% pay back on that.
>> No, we have to do a 270,000 match. I think it's 200 >> if we use all the money. Whatever whatever we do, we have to have a match for whatever we use out of that. >> They say we possibly get grants to pay that match. Have to be >> It has to be a state grant. >> It can't be another federal grant pay.
>> You can't pay federal out of federal. It has to be a state grant or a local. >> Well, maybe after we kind of really sit down, look at the numbers, we can kind of determine >> what should you do next, right? Financially. >> And the other thing was told to us, now
I I've got to check into this. The other thing I was told to this part of that earmark money since it is an infrastructure money, it could actually be used for some of the other projects like the part the extra money that you need for anything if we run overrun on
the intake and or the it could actually be used towards any of that. >> Billy, I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. No, I was just going to ask do have they given you like okay here's the federal earmark uh frequently asked questions like an easy something that might like in
writing >> I actually asked for that and he said he can do that for us they said they can actually do that >> I think that would be super helpful for me anyway to understand I want to see it from the federal government saying this is >> this is what you can do >> you can do >> oh I don't and it's not that I don't
trust you it's that >> I can say things and people hear them differently than I hear Right. >> Correct. >> We all speak the same language, but we all say things different. >> You can you can tell this guy one thing, then he'll tell me and I tell her the time it gets to her. It's completely 180
degrees different than what it's called. >> Don't end up back here in this room saying, "Well, Brad, you said >> correct, >> it's we have it in writing in case you get that from >> we'll get it we'll get it from representatives from the federal or we can get them from the D on that side of
that." Uh, I'm not sure you I'm not sure, but whoever you've been in contact with that has been giving you this, just say that the select board would like something in writing just so that we have it. We can reference back to it and that we're all on the same page. >> I was just telling they're afraid of a knee-jerk reaction. So, make sure you
have all this covered. >> Perfect. >> Okay. >> I, you know, my only my only comment was going to be it just came back to me. you know, it's like had it 60 plus moment almost 70 moment. Um,
with that money, that million, right? A lot of the stuff that we've been spending money is inside the water building, let's call it, or the water infrastructure, right? Infrastructure, >> but not the end pipes and stuff like that going into homes and whatnot.
>> What's your thoughts on that? I mean, is there a need to be looking at that as being more of a higher priority than other things? >> There is to be there is a need for that because some of the piping goes back to early 1900s, you know. Right.
>> And just the coating on the inside of some of the pipes, you have a 4 inch pipe and it's down to a 2 and a half inch on the inside. >> Right. Right. And it's not because of >> it's just the nature of water distribution that it coats that,
>> right? >> And um >> I mean I I know that we're always going to have I'm sorry. >> We think a lot of like I know we're always going to have problems where we got to meet the state's requirements of getting things
done. But man, I'm concerned about, you know, it's all about >> Well, I wish I wish when I was on the water years ago when I was on the water a few years ago >> when we did the uh I think it was >> I can't remember it was Mark or whether
it was Gordon was was a commissioner at the time, but we did uh >> we did down by the library. We did that whole three. >> Yeah. >> Down in Glasco. Yeah, >> that actually was very >> in today's retrospective looking at
things that thing was done cheap. >> It was like a hundred some thousand whole street at the time. >> And we did we did all of the drops to the houses. We did all the corks. We did all the water lines to the houses. Everything redone the whole way down the street.
>> And it's a short street, >> but that was what we were hoping to be able to do throughout. >> Yeah. And we were hoping to plan like a project every other year or every couple years into capital. >> It'd be great to use some of that million >> million mile.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Is there any water lines that go down South Street? >> There was at one point there was an inch and a half or inch that was just barely under the surface. >> Yeah. >> That went up to the top of the hill at
one point. And I don't know you. >> I think that's been cut off that >> quite a few years ago. I think you guys Yeah, it went up along a rock wall. >> We don't have like confirmation of this. Like is there something somewhere that gives us like that we know? Oh,
>> yes. Gordon did a uh did a full scale GPS map of all the shut offs and all the lines and so we do have that now. >> I just haven't set eyes on recently. >> Okay. Do you have a list of Sorry, Christine. Do you have a list of um roads that would be like top priority to
finish? And then you do okay would be one of them. Uh Lord Street of North Street. >> Some of the lines there are 1909 1913. >> Wow. >> But you would work in conjunction I would hope with whatever plans Ray might
have. >> See that was the whole idea. We were wanting to do Russell Stage Road because I I came to the board. I don't care. or you were only >> we were in like a rush to do Russell state drone and it didn't work out. >> Yeah. Cuz we didn't want to do it cuz we wanted to hold off and let the water
department put a water line in but then the funding we couldn't line up funding and everything so we ended up just doing a quick job doing overlay over top of everything which only lasted a few years but >> Okay. >> I think yeah
>> I think we're good. >> This was a good discussion. something that we haven't had a chance to. >> Well, yeah, we need to continue these discussions and uh >> do you want me to get some budgets? >> I'd like to uh get some comprehensive plans together for this after we meet
and we figure this out um and have some timelines set up so that you actually have some bulletproof timelines that you can go by. >> Okay. >> At some point, I'd like to make sure that we >> I know it's not going to be a fun thing to try to stick to, but we're have to try, you know,
got res. So, >> okay. >> Wow. >> Ray, we didn't really have you on the agenda. Did you have anything important >> that you needed to say about that? >> What's that? >> I missed dinner. That's >> okay. Sorry. >> Me, too.
>> So, any any residents have any comments? >> I actually do have something that I want to end up going over. I did bring this thing behind her. So, >> just interrupt. >> Oh, hold on. Yeah, sit. Come sit for a second and then we'll grab real quick. >> Yeah. Okay. >> You want to ask?
>> Took him a second to walk. >> Well, your chair. >> Yeah. Come on up here. >> Oh, I thought you said sit back down. >> No, I have a seat and we'll ask Katie her question real quick. We'll get >> I'm so sorry. >> No, you're you're like >> No, I wasn't like go sit in the corner,
right? >> Go ahead, R. >> So, quick thing that I have going. End up just I wanted to end up L uh LB Corp with
Steve Gity is coming up. Obviously, people probably seen the work that's been happening on Russell stage on the lower section. Logistically, like I talked about before, we had the park that I presented as having a project here in town that I
asked the select board if we'd be interested in having the park done since they are going to be up here already. >> Mhm. Is there any plan or any decision that the select board has made on me processing the paperwork and putting in a project request to uh
>> I think as long as this chapter 90 we were sure on that then >> okay >> I'm fine with that is chapter 90 >> um race he's 100% certain 100% so I've done my homework I even checked twice uh
so that covers I'm I'll start doing the project request or um I >> think if you had to estimate like how much you think that is going to cost you >> what Watson Park >> you already did that right the >> Watson Park >> no we haven't touched Watson Park yet >> estimate
>> oh yeah the estimate yeah I got it right here I gave uh gave you guys a copy and >> thought it was like 65 it wasn't that >> is it for overlay So,
hold on. I got multiple projects here. >> That's the parking lot. >> It was like 61,000, >> but 61,000 for overlay
>> or >> for a 3inch top. Full depth. Yeah, >> the full depth is $28 a square yard for a full depth reclamation. It would add it would tack on I remember for
Watson Park for the footage that we have. It would tack on about 35,000. >> Sure. >> If we ended up wanting to do a full deck reclamation, that turns into a five-day project at that point. I just had it when I stopped at the office and grabbed her. All right. It's >> been me all week. Don't worry about it.
I'm sure you'll find it in a second. Can I just >> No, it's probably sitting on the desk. >> There was an overlay done and it didn't last very long on Russell stage. >> Yes, because there were other issues there. >> Okay. So, but you don't those issues exist unique to Russell stage and shouldn't really be considered.
>> When you have a pipe burst under something like a grenade, that's what causes failure. Not the failure of the >> It's not the only thing that can cause failure, >> but it's the that's that's what caused the problem. And not to throw the water under the the bus on
>> there was find out how long overlay really last depends on what you got underneath of it. >> Exactly. He'll tell you it'll it'll find a fine compaction. You'll be getting 15 to 20 years out of this park. I'll be out of this seat and probably living in
Florida at that point when someone else has to end up throwing it. very >> I was going to say it's not used very often. Yeah, there's not a lot of traffic on that road. >> No, that road is not used like if you do the fine compaction. Yes, you're looking for something of heavy equipment driving
on it. Trucks North Bersford from Tonolino and the Corey driving on it. Yes, you want to end up incorporating that into a project so that you know the longevity of the road is going to last. I don't think that fits having the park done. If we want to end up spending it,
we can. But honestly, I think milling it, putting an overlay over it, we should be seeing at least a 15-year on that park area. >> You see a car maybe three times a day when I'm driving by. Um, >> yeah,
>> I have to agree with Ray on the on the traffic part of it. Mhm. >> The only thing is Ray, take a look at your water table >> because that park is sitting on ledge >> and we all know how wet that is over there and that water freeze and thaw
freeze and thaw >> that could affect your outcome. I just had this happen in the town I'm in now. >> We did a wonderful job. We did a full depth reclamation. We did the two and a half inches and everything. Everything
done nicely. first winter in one particular spot which was very wonky and was really out of shape. We figured we straighten it up. I put three loads of inch and a half dense grate in there to try to straighten all that up. Well,
after the first frost, the first heavy frost, I ended up with cracks a half inch wide running down the center even >> from the water underneath coming up because we didn't do a sub drain. >> Okay. And I for whatever reason I not
knowing that topography of that ground I mean I I look at it now and I wish I could go back and just make a sub drain underneath of it to get >> so like talking about subdrains like you're talking about Russell stage on the upper part before that curb wall. We found
>> a paved swale. >> Yes. >> Two and a half three feet down of filled up material over the years. >> Yes. >> We got it cleaned down. We're shoveling it by hand. and cleaning this out so that we can get to the good pave swale on the lower section. The upper section
is gone. >> I'm doing this rip co dropping off sub drainage tomorrow and we're going to end up laying that all the way through up to where the ledge is to go into that per the second basin. >> Uh drainage back here, >> huh?
>> I'm like you put some drainage back here right now. >> No, no, no. We're talking about Russ stage. I want the pave to well to last the longevity. >> So can we wrap it back around? >> Well, I want to just make one more point to him about this and and he is correct because
>> Tate Walker and I when we were working on the highway department when we went down to Russell Stage Road, we used the grater and a loader and all that material that you have piled up there at the salt sh came out of the ditches 90% of it on Russell Stage.
>> Really? That's where >> where all that p from whole forestry all the way to the line. >> Yeah. Yeah. We went from up there up above coming up this way, you know, is what we did. We didn't ever make it down to that lower session. >> You're going to see a little trick. Taking that steel wrist on the mini,
taking the track to trailer truck tire and we're going to start squeegeeing the whole thing right out. It's the easiest way to do it. >> One more thing that besides that. >> All right. So, what did we decide? >> We decided yes to Watson Park. >> Good.
and pay attention. It's my job. >> I didn't know if we were going another 35,000 or what. No, go ahead. >> We'll do a mill and fill >> y >> on Watson Park. >> Perfect. >> That's that's what we're going to end up doing from there. I'll project
>> about the machinery up there because of the stone and pipe. Uh >> what where the leeching field is. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That that's only mowers that go up there now. >> I know. But he's bringing up big material up there. I mean big >> the lead field stays on the right. I
know it doesn't move, but I'm just at like the vibration of the ground and the milling and all that. That's not You have no concern that I don't have any concern about >> it's I would say we're good. >> Um, one more >> one more thing. So, uh,
>> I I want to end up doing a walkthrough with Dick Gates. They brought them out already on Sperry Road and we just have a covert pipe that we have to end up addressing on that road and Sperry Road is a project I would also like to end up
pulling the trigger on. I'm not asking you to say yes or no now, but by next week I should have an answer if we're set with that one covert pipe. the guy's been doing preparatorial work on that road to be able to get it paved.
>> Um, so I'll have another one for you, too. But I will start in the Watson Park so when Steve comes up tomorrow, I can do a walk through them on it because they are the ones that won the bid for this year. >> So I'm going to put on our list that you're going to um come back with prices
>> for Sperry Road >> for Sperry Road. And then I'm going to come back with a >> Okay. >> I mean, this is in your budget and this is chapter 90, right? >> This is chapter 90 chapter 90. >> No,
>> but that's I have to make you aware of this before I end up >> make aware, but you know, I trust your judgment. >> But before I end up filling out a project request, I want to make sure that the board is aware of what I'm planning to do. >> That is the correct thing to do. >> It is. That's fine.
>> Well, uh, one more thing. So, I ended up, uh, contacting through Sourcewell Clear Span. I'm looking NA spoke with >> Anybody who doesn't know what Sourcewell is?
>> Um, Sourcewell. Does anybody know what Source is? >> It is. >> No. Sourcewell is a government contract and >> like combines. Yeah, bid. They bid large contracts and it saves you money. >> Saves you money, time. You You can find
out what they've done in the past. You can >> find out their uh >> their work history, everything. Um >> so I'm still in communications. I had a three companies that I did reach out to.
Uh Clear Span is one of them, Hawkeye is another, and then Blue Scope is another company. Um Hawkeye called me back. I missed his call. I tried calling him back today. He didn't answer. So, I'll end up reaching back to him. Uh Brad Williams has really been helping me out.
Clear spam. We've been looking at some different sizes. >> Gorgeous >> for the yard. We can put the millions of dollars of equipment that we have undercover for a change where it's not going to be heated. It's not going to be
a concrete floor. It's going to be millings on the base. The blocks we would end up setting on the outside. We'd put our containers inside of it so we can lock all of our equipment up and have everything out of the weather. The grater, loader, max,
>> all the trucks can fit underneath this canopy that we can end up getting >> and everything. Not everything we own, but like the >> the high value piece of equipment we have, we can end up
>> is this just an example of the >> that's just that's just an example. That's okay. >> That's that's not a pitch that's not a picture of the site. That is >> Yeah, >> it's going to be a 60 by 80 canopy and it's a trust logic shelter. >> Um,
>> how much do they run? >> 170 is the quote I had from Clear Span. So, after having my meeting with Dave Stokes and going over all the new avenues that we can end up utilizing chapter 94, I know it would be nice. I
want to see if I can end up getting a lower number before, but we can utilize chapter 90 for cover for for our road equipment. >> Oh, okay. >> So, we have the funding. Plenty of money. >> Road equipment. Does that count? >> Yeah. >> Oh, >> yeah. No, that's He said, "Why? Why is
all your equipment rusting out here? Our maxs are all rusted out. Our loader looks like it's a 20-y old loader and it's only a six-y old loader. >> And we started talking about it. And he said, you know, >> look into it. So, I ended up I didn't know that we could use chapter 9. In the
past, you couldn't use chapter 9. >> Correct. That is correct. >> Is that number installed? >> Yes, installed. >> Is there any warranty? >> Uh >> 20 years, isn't it? >> I got it right here. Hold on. Just give me a minute. No, there is. But just give
me a minute. >> And you know exactly where you're could put this and the right place to put this. >> We did the the uh site work up there looking where it would end up going. >> You did, but the company did the company say yes, we agree this is a good site. Brad came out and or he actually ended
up doing a Google maps on it just from his office when we had our conversation. >> This is a lengthier discussion because >> because let me just say >> if we start pulling the trigger yet on this. >> No, I know. But if we start looking at
the firehouse again >> and it winds up at the salt shed, this thing has got to be in an area that's not going to be impacted with the build. So, we don't want to, you know, unless you could pick it up and move it. >> Now, it looks like it's on blocks that
you could pick it up and move it. >> So, Jackie, before you came to town, when I started working here, y >> we paid multiple companies come out here and do plans site like uh soil analysis and stuff. >> And I was part of running the excavator
up there, digging these pits for >> something Johnson's. It was a friendly >> that was what the third one or second. We did two of them when I was here. So we did the site we did the site analysis and they came up with an idea being on
the far side of the property. >> I have to I'm good with that. I just want to make sure we think about >> what I'm explaining to you is I am taking the knowledge of where the building would be
>> best suited where they wanted to place it and having that away from that area. >> Right. >> I'm not going to put it in the same spot that we dug the pits where the building's foundation would be >> good with that. >> Now, if you guys would like to see one
of those actually erected, go to Sand. >> Sandersfield. Yeah. Oh, really? >> Oh, is that right? >> Yeah. Sandersfield has one. They just put a new canopy on there. So, >> I know because I I had looked into it before I left and after I left, u they continued on and put the new canopy on
and that canopy was over 20ome years old. It was almost 23 years old. >> So, my previous employer, I gave him a call. They were sweeping. I ended up talking with him and he said he got 15 years >> out of his. Now, he didn't have the heavy mill, >> right?
>> But for 15 years, that's >> pretty good. Anything else? >> So, um, >> you good. >> If we got a highway garage fire department up there, that would >> We don't have anything else is what you're saying. All right. >> You're telling us.
>> Katie had a question. >> I have two questions. One, um, there was something in the agenda about um, new water rate uh, study. Are we any closer to getting separate water rates for the
amount of water a household uses so that people aren't paying the same as >> meters? This has been going on for years. >> It has been. Yes, it has. And we just got a bunch of stuff rectified in the last week or so with the new reader and
everything back on board. Um, and I apologize for this being stretched out so far, but one of those things and it should have been done years ago >> so that they've actually charged for what they use >> right >> instead of a a good amount
>> but do we know when that might go into >> I don't have an exact date yet I would like to be able to give that to you in a later date with one of our other meetings once we have a conversation about that I don't want to prematurely
say that something's going to happen and and >> not comfortable >> get false hopes. Yeah, I don't I don't want to do that. >> As long as it's in the works, that's great. >> It is definitely 100%. And let's put it this way. I will tell you this, >> we are reading meters now as a to get
baselines. So, we do know there's going to be a lot of individuals who water bills are going to drastically and then there's going to be a few others that are going to consider. >> I don't think so. So, just so you know, that is in the works right now. And we
actually are reading leaders at the moment. Right now, we just don't have all of them. >> Yeah. >> To where we could do it >> because we had to get it into the Vadar system was the other problem we had when we switched. We were almost there with the old system, but then when we
switched to Vadar, we had to go through some hoops to make Vadar work with the system that we were using. >> Thank you very much. The other question I had on the two documents uh from the planning board, the solar UDA and the best
>> there understandably in um the solar in the best there's something about fire, minimize the risk of fire and so on which is logical. Um but there is one piece that's in solar that is not in the best and I wondered it says um one of
the purposes and intent minimize impact on scenic natural historic and agricultural resources. >> What section >> is that? >> What section is it? >> B it's 8.1 purpose and intent first
birthday item B is in boy. I think that the minimize impacts on scenic, natural, historic, and agricultural should also be included in the best because that seems to me from trying to understand all this best and solar that that's
pretty important. >> That's fair. >> So just it would be great if if you're working on it and talking with legal to just put that in there before it goes to the town of meeting. >> Thank you. >> All right. Any other questions? Okay. Meeting is
adjourned at 8:10. It was personally we wouldn't even do the ministry, but we can do you. >> I'm sorry. >> Don't worry about it. >> There's 20 copies that >> sending an email to zoning. I'm
>> sending an email to zoning and I'm going to tell them where their new office is going to be. open their new office. I'm sure >> I mean there's a ton of room in the town clerk. >> They're never here. Can we move into the town? >> No. >> Why? There's a whole office.
>> Jason can share his vacant office. He's not >> Jackie. They have a whole classroom. They don't need a the >> Oh, I I know what you mean. Yeah. Because Florida Health is going to move across the way, >> right? So there's going to be zoning
one. >> I just don't >> I don't think they have to >> get Oh, okay. >> But I need to know how we can spend money and get reimbursed. >> Oh god. I said, "Well, send somebody up
to get some plants and I'm not have her come all the way back here if she want to spend a couple hundred bucks." >> So, I will spend couple hundred bucks and tax for >> Oh, you need to
>> see