Evening. Welcome to the select board meeting of Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Our first meeting of the new year. I'm going to briefly run through the agenda tonight. Um at 7, we open with community input as per usual, followed by
appointments. Then we're going to have a discussion of select board fiscal 26 goals review, road maintenance plan discussion. 8:10 we're going to discuss uh shared services followed by uh information on the community preservation act funds. 910 uh we're
going to do the public town administrator evaluation followed by uh an annual town meeting discussion in which we'll look to confirm the time and date for that meeting. 9:40 we're going to have the TA report, then review of warrants and minutes, cemetery deeds,
liaison reports at 10, community input at 10:05, and then adjourn for the evening. So, with that, um, like to open it up to community input, we'll start with the room. If you just want to say your name and address and and what you'd like to say.
>> Eric Palace, 105 Null Farm Road. And I just want to say, um, I've had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Isaki shortly before the new year to discuss volunteer opportunities in Carlile in general and a few specific opportunities in particular and based on that conversation I'd wish to offer my
personal endorsement for his appointment to the fire station building renovation committee and uh since I'm up here um and like it says in your >> comment per person keep >> it's as stated in your packet I'd also like to just confirm that the entire
environmental sustainability committee unan unanimously supports Keith Terrarian's appointment to the DPW building renovation committee as the ESC representative. Okay. Okay. Thank you, Eric. >> Thanks. >> That's it for this room. Does anyone
online have any community comments they want to make? >> Go ahead. Just say your name and >> Yes. John Balentine, 268 F Street. And first I'd like to thank all of you for all the work that you're doing trying to balance uh budgets and deal with uh the
world out there and we all know who worked on town committees how challenging this is. Uh the comment I have is regards the meeting that you had it's in December and when you were sort of wrestling with the taxes and budgets and everything else and what came up was
the question about housing. Um, and I guess stepping back and looking at the, you know, strategic plan and other things that we've been looking at is that the sense was that there could be up to 300 more housing units in Carlile
over some period of time. And if you put that within the budget situation, if you had a hundred more units in, let's say, five years, that gives you approximately a million and a half of revenue, which allows you to sort of balance the budget issues and school and everything else.
So that's, you know, and obviously this is, you know, has to go into a lot more detail to kind of go through that. So my suggestion and this is something that to think about regarding your goals is how do we come up with a sensible housing strategy and policy going forward and
that you know the planning board has gone through the whole MBTA the whole town has gone through that discussion so we have a lot of information the housing trust that's one of its agendas is how to help you know create more diverse housing some of it affordable housing
and so my suggestion is that as we go forward this year and every over the next couple years, how do we develop and encourage more sensible housing, maybe friendly 40bs and everything else so that we can get more housing that provides more revenues which is the main source of revenue for the town. So
that's a suggested for goal and obviously this is something that we the housing trust will coordinate uh through your liaison and we'll be working with the planning board on this. So that's my thought. >> Thank you. >> Great. Thank you.
Are there any other comments from the community online? Okay, seeing none, we're going to move on to appointments. So, let's start with the DPW building renovation committee and let's start specifically with the committee
appointees. So, I know uh the MSC has voted to nominate Travis to be on the DPW building committee and the ESC has, as Eric just mentioned, uh nominated uh Keith Tyrion to be on the uh DPW. So,
let's start with that. And then we have three um volunteers currently for the atlarge seat. And then I' I'd also like to see if we have an update. The other seats on the DPW were board of health and conscom. And so I
we'll have a discussion about those remaining seats, but let's start with the uh Travis and Keith if someone wants to make a motion on those. >> Yes, >> I move. Are we voting Travis and Keith in? >> Let's just do two separate motions and do it quickly.
>> Well, I vote Travis. I don't know about him, but I'll go on a >> move to appoint not to to appoint. I'm appointing him or I'm approving his appointment. >> We're to appoint. >> We're appointed. >> Oh, okay. I approve. Read the >> I appoint.
>> I'm reading off the thing. I approve. I appoint I move to appoint Travis Snow to the >> as the municipal >> as a municipal facility. Oh, there's a thing here. As a mun as a municipal facilities committee representative to
the DPW building renovation. >> Is there a second for whatever that motion was? All right. Any more discussion or deliberation? >> Seeing none, let's take a voice vote. Oh, and I should say we are all I never didn't say this at the outset. All the
select board members are present, so we don't need to do a roll call. Um, let's do a voice vote. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Great. Congratulations, Travis. >> And we have another appointment for Keith. >> Let somebody else. I move to appoint
Keith Theran as the environmental sustainability committee representative to the DPW building renovation committee. >> Second. >> Any further discussion or deliberation? >> Seeing none, we will again do a voice vote. All in favor?
>> I opposed. >> Okay. So now the question is um do we know and I don't know Ryan have we heard anything from board of health or consom because I know there was some initial discussion about whether they wanted to appoint someone to this committee and we
wanted a fivep person committee. Did we get any feedback or are we still waiting to hear? >> Still waiting conservation meets this week. >> I'd really like to get someone on committees on the board on this committee.
>> Okay. So for now we have two open spots. One reserved for consom appointee and one reserved for a board of health appointee. And then we have three applicants in the packet for currently the atlarge seat. And um those are Tom
Balada who's online, Mark Bernstein who you know from Fincom and many other committees and was it Andrew Ostramm who is uh an abuter to the DPW. three excellent candidates. Um, so I didn't
know how we wanted to handle that. Does anyone have a particular perspective? Do we want to look at the actual committee? Because we had discussed making this a larger or smaller committee. >> Um, I certainly welcome volunteers, but right now we only have one at large seat. >> You know, go ahead.
>> I was going to say I I read through Andrew Astramm's letter. I don't know him personally. I appreciate his position, but does that represent any sort of conflict of interest that his uh land is abuing? I mean, normally when we're in a butter, we recuse ourselves.
>> I think that's right. I would say that >> is that do we know? Is >> normally I don't know. >> Okay. >> And uh certainly familiar with with Tom. He's been involved in the transfer station and the DPW and has a wealth of
knowledge in terms of construction and and and all those elements and and Mark is uh well involved in town and expressed his interest very recently. I know Tom had expressed his interest earlier. Um so I don't does anyone have a particular
candidate they'd like to nominate? >> Uh we because we don't have a fincom slot or it's already >> there's no fincom slot. >> No fin slot. Okay. >> The the so the we have >> two of five have been appointed tonight. The three remaining seats are there's a concom seat, >> a board of health seat.
>> Okay. >> So we don't feel that we should have a fing seat. >> I think it would be valuable actually or to have >> we have that on the fire station or anywhere else? >> No. >> Did we have it on the police station? >> No. >> There was no fin.
>> It's not a bad idea though. Is it the start? I'm just thinking if Mark he's who's on FinCom, >> correct? >> Since he's volunteered. >> Oh, he did volunteer. >> Yeah, I I think you and I are looking at the old packet. >> So, there I have a new packet. Oh, >> you do? I'm not >> It's not It's only in the one drive.
It's not in the packet. >> And he had he had sent an email over the weekend and then sub Mark Tom and this a butter guy all put their name in the hat. >> But we didn't create a formal >> in the charter. We didn't create a
formal income sl as at large >> at large. >> I mean, we could revise the charter and add fin. We could >> I mean, I think that's a larger question, but I think in future we should consider putting a fincome rep on these major building committees. I think
that's a good practice. >> Yeah. >> But we can only do what we have now. So, yeah, how would I would do Mark? If he's he's a glutton for punishment, I guess he feels he's >> rolling off the Yeah. >> town committee. I I I support having Mark on, but I think I would support uh
uh amending the charter to include a fincom seat and then um >> there's also a chance >> support um >> there's also a chance um >> for the at large >> and I think as we were discussing this there was a question if given all the
building committees if like consom or board of health may decline >> putting someone on the committee >> put somebody else on. So, we could put someone else on. >> We may have to revise the charter regardless. Um, >> that makes sense. >> So, we we could either add if they if
everyone appoints, great. I think the more the marrier, especially at this phase. >> So, I'm not opposed to going the fire station committee is seven. This one was set up as five because we didn't think we wanted to get it up and running. >> Yes. >> Um, fire stations fully staffed. I'm not
opposed unless Ryan you have any other thoughts of ultimately making this a sevenperson committee if we have adequate >> just means you have to have four any given time as well. >> The only fear was volunteerism. Yeah. Seemed to have it. >> Yeah. So um
>> well should we hold off tonight then on any >> Well, why don't you Well, I would say we should put Mark on. Let's get going >> and then we can get add more later, right? Anything wrong with doing that? >> Yeah. I mean, I would I would also advocate for for Tom just given his interest in this and having
>> our time. >> What's that? >> If we had both, do we get over the charter limit? >> We we don't have a we don't have a spot for two at large right now. So, we can't appoint >> We can't appoint both right now. >> But, as you said, we could amend the charter. >> We could amend the charter. I don't know. I don't know if we can.
>> Can we do that within the agenda? >> No, actually, no. >> I don't think we can. >> It's not posted that we would do that. >> We could do that next week. We could find out we can and you want to get we have to get this thing up and running. So we we need the quorum. Um we can
follow up with consom and board of health and get clarity on where that stands and then our next meeting we can amend and make the remaining appointments. >> Um but do we want to we should appoint someone tonight that large seat you're saying? >> And then we'd have a quorum so you could
start meeting. >> Great. >> So >> well I'd recommend Tom Batada then. I would uh nominate Tom Bada to fill the atlarge seat um >> based on my assumption that we can amend
the charter at a subsequent meeting for adding a fincome rep and then Mark could serve as that fin rep >> as opposed to the ATL large rep. >> Correct. Yeah. >> If we're going to amend the charter, why don't we just amend the charter to say three atlarge seats? Would Mark officially be representing?
>> I think it's better practice. I mean, personally, I think it' be better practice to >> create a Okay. >> Yeah. >> And for the fire station, we have four atlarge seats. So, we kind of did that. On this one, it was a little >> I just think we ought to change our approach and always have a finger. >> I agree.
>> Okay. >> I agree. >> Does FinCom feel like they would be stretched thin in that case? >> Well, Mark volunteered. >> Oh, I realize that, but not specifically as a representative of FINCOM. >> They may be. And that's the that's what we're dealing with right now on cons board of health with all these building committees too. Yeah. It's
>> everyone's stretched thin. >> Everyone's stretched thin. Yeah. And so >> I think we have to have some flexibility. Um if >> in this case we know we can have a FINCOM rep on there. So I think it's a good thing. So I think the action item would be we can we can vote on Tom and
then with regard to Mark's candacey we can amend the >> amend charter next week and and have clarity around bo and cons >> just make sure he then volunteers as >> and have Finn come I think because they're meeting >> they're meeting several times but I'll
talk to James make the formal >> okay okay >> Brian is it possible to get clarity as to whether Andrew Astramm's uh self-nomination would constitute any sort conflict of interest. >> Of course, that would be good. >> Yeah, but it's I mean there's two things. Is there a legal thing? And the
answer is probably not. But then do you want somebody who >> he may not have an agenda, but the fact that he is a but a butter leads one to believe there is an agenda. So I want to know why he put a picture of his house on his application. >> That's true.
>> He said not only that he can see. >> Oh, so he's actually saying I want to butter. I want I think he's he's like >> I think he's kind of said it then. I don't I don't think it's a good idea in my opinion. I mean, he may be a great guy. I don't know him, but
>> it's not a great start. You don't want that because if he doesn't like something then does he not like it because the way it might look from his window or because it's a bad >> At the very least, I think he'd have to be recusing himself from pretty much every vote, >> right? >> Which would make it that useful. >> What's the use? Yeah. >> Anyway. >> Okay. >> Okay.
>> Well, we should get that. We should get a read from council for the future, right? >> The butters like for these building projects, >> right? Yeah. Right. >> Did you make a motion? >> I did. Do I need to >> uh Is there a second to the motion to nominate? >> Okay, >> let's do a voice vote. Oh, any further
deliberation? >> No. Clarification. This is to >> appoint Tom Bada as the atlarge member of the DPW >> building committee. >> Okay. Voice vote. All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Congratulations, Tom. >> Congratulations, Tom.
the work begins and I will follow up with all the parties uh that we discussed um and make sure that Mark is in the loop and Fincom's in the loop and we'll we'll we'll re reconvene on this at our next meeting and get this straightened out. But you have a quorum. So, >> okay.
>> Um hopefully that that can ramp up and get going. Uh Ryan, you had a couple of notifications you wanted to provide. Are there any other There's no other volunteer >> Yakuza guy, right? >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yeah, we discussed it, so I immediately thought we did it already. So, >> uh, we heard from Eric. I spoke with him
this afternoon. I had a good conversation with him. Um, I reiterate everything Eric said. He's he's interested for all the right reasons. Has some interesting experience and I think would uh make a great addition to the committee. So, uh, if someone wants to make a motion,
>> I would you go ahead. Uh move to appoint Utaka Ishigi Zaka as an atlarge member of the fire station building renovation committee. >> Second. Okay, good. Any further discussion or deliberation? Seeing none, let's do a voice vote. All in favor?
>> I opposed. >> Great. And that one is now fully staffed. >> Excellent. >> All right. Thank you for catching me on that. So Ryan, you had some notifications you wanted to provide. >> Yes. I'm notifying you that I appointed Richard Anise of Carlilele to serve as
our interim building commissioner. He is a qualified local inspector. By Mass General law, a local inspector can serve in a building commissioner role on a temporary basis either to provide a gap in coverage to coverage gap or to seek the building commissioner's license over
a year. It's um according to Rich, he's looking just for this temporary position to help the town out. So, he followed Scott Hammond who followed John Mativier, the trader. Can you h >> strictly and what's the difference between a building inspector and a building commissioner? >> Why is that
>> the authority level? So the building commissioner can manage all of the inspecting staff and handle other other issues like zoning etc. A local inspector is just for building inspection.
But they are similar very similar. >> But can the commissioner doesn't inspect them, right? Um they do commissioners qualified to inspect. He >> is. >> Okay. >> So I'm going to explore with Aubrey a couple regional opportunities that we've
been looking at. >> And if those are not successful and they're they're harder than than you would think to find, then we're going to advertise sometime in February for a full-time or a part-time commissioner. >> Right. >> And then um they'll probably be in place
before the end of the fiscal year. >> Okay. See if we can get someone. And then the fire chief also appointed two firefighters as noted in your packet. >> Yep. >> Great. >> Okay. Great. Love to hear it. All right. With that, let's move on to the item
number three, which is select board fiscal 26 goals reviews. Now, as a as a reminder, these were the fiscal 26 goals we set out in July of this year. We're now in the back nine, probably the back eight of the year. Um, and I wanted to
just take a few minutes to quickly go over these and really look to set the priority for the agenda for the remainder of this year. Some of these items we've made really good progress on, some we haven't. Um, and I think some we do already have planned on
tonight's agenda and future agendas. So, I thought I'd just step through that and then if people want to chime in with with their thoughts, um, that would be helpful. So I think with regard to the fire station renovation project and the DPW project, those are moving a pace. We've made good progress, much progress
to be made, but the committees are now up and running. So um don't need to really talk about that one. I know >> let me just So my read is fire station. And it's going to be a pretty good hike from now till the May meeting to get far
enough into it to um to get bids to Right. That's the path is clear. >> Yeah. >> But the timing is not. It may roll to fall if we can't get it done. Right. >> We had a meeting today. It's a >> It's a coin flip. Yeah. >> That we make to meeting. But
>> it doesn't mean it's not it's a good goal and we should try. >> It's a It remains aggressive, right? >> Potentially. >> I'm not clear on DPW. Is it also to get that far or is it just to get to >> get to get the design >> schematic >> design funding >> which is like what we already did with fire station? >> Yeah.
>> And that seems more realistic. Is that realistic at this point? Probably. >> Yeah. >> We're ready for town meeting vote. >> Yeah. >> Special town meeting we're saying. >> Oh >> well. No. The first no >> actually. Yeah. Special town meeting
2026. It might maybe if then over the summer they >> but the design the money for the schematic design. >> I think we need to work with fincom or we the select board need to figure out timing of this. You want it to go to the fall or you want it to go to the >> Okay. So that
>> I and you were you didn't touch block house yet, right? >> No. And the I think the difference in the the DPW the one thing that does need to happen is the designer potentially the designer selection would be a goal to have. >> You don't need a vote to dop the
committee can just pick somebody. Well, we need to pick a designer for the >> Who's a we? >> The Well, the committee. >> The committee. >> Yeah. Without they don't need us voting. >> No, but that's some that's a bit that's a work element that needs to be done before. >> Okay. Right. Well, Travis, get going.
Just >> What are you waiting for? >> Okay. >> So, on to the boghouse. Um I know there there's work in progress. There was an update in your uh TA report about this. Um, is there anything from a select
select board standpoint we need to be doing more of or less of? I'm I'm I'm assuming we'll just have this slotted into the agenda as the project continues. >> There'll be a lot of moving pieces here as we go out to bid for for someone to complete this project. The article 97 question is still there. There will be a
lot of items coming that the select board will need to support. We're assuming that you want to move this forward if there's no change. >> We kind of said we did at the last meeting, but >> yeah, >> the sequence wasn't clear. Is it the first thing 97? What what comes first? >> We're moving it all at once.
>> Yeah. And I I will tell say that the um housing trust plans to put in a request for CPA funds. >> Uh that would be presented. >> Yeah. So I want to talk about that when we come to the CPA portion of tonight. I understand where that fits. Yeah. Okay.
But that is the that is the intent of the cat and and it's still unclear to me how that sequences out and whether you we engage the I'm told the third party funer the pieces are not real clear.
John is signed off now but we're going to meet on Thursday. So I'm going to maybe try to get a little more clarity on processes. I'm not clear on that table. So I wouldn't think It will make spring 26. >> It will not.
>> Right. So >> the town meeting for >> they won't be ready. >> I don't know what >> Oh, docu You mean documents for >> Well, securing approval. I don't know what that means, but I I don't know that there'll be a thing in >> Yeah. I mean, the the um the CPA
application, assuming it comes in, >> will to some degree be a vote by the town about whether or not they support going forward with this, you know, >> but I don't know what the ask is quite frankly >> for CPA. >> No. Well, maybe I guess, but yeah, maybe
with the CPA. I'm not sure. I'm not really sure. So, let me let me take since I'm asking the questions and I'm on that committee, so I should know meeting on Thursday, I will volunteer to try to get some answers. It's too bad John >> signed off, but because um it would be
useful for him to have heard that. Okay, >> so Highland building um update on that. the the school committee will be deliberating the Highland building tomorrow night and taking a vote to of a recommendation to the select board at their following
meeting. Um I'm not aware of any uh purposes that they've identified, but and I' I've talked to uh someone on the committee that's been kind of sharing that. But um I'll I'll do a debrief at our next va
reports about >> they have some choice ABC or they have no choices. They're just >> they're going to be discussing it tomorrow night and I'll give you a I'll give you a readout at our next leazison report. >> All right. But um yeah, I just don't even I don't want to speculate, but
they're discussing it tomorrow. And our >> There's nothing public. There's nothing been made public like >> no >> a gym or artist space or >> nope. >> But I want to let them deliberate and have that deliberation before. >> Yeah, that makes sense. Okay. >> So I I will um they'll either as the leazison report or as a very brief
agenda item that will be on our next meeting because while they won't have voted, they'll have kind of taken their position and then we can decide how we want to proceed. >> Right. um Benfield. So, this has been something that we have not addressed in the first half and we do need to address. So, um
what we're looking to do is schedule um a tour there for the select board. Um we're reaching out to Benfield. I'm sorry, what was her name? Was it >> Moren? Moren and the the property
>> um manager too. >> Mal is the M. >> Yeah. manager of the project. >> So, we're looking to get some times where we can go out there um and for us to meet with them, tour the facility, and then I think the follow on would be
to have kind of the summit where we bring people together and discuss issues. >> Yeah. I mean, I like what I read here. I don't didn't recall that he said this, but I I like it like if we should really have Simon and Noah like it should be serious. >> So, this is on our kind of priority list
for the back half in our planning meetings. Yeah. And they wouldn't be coming to this. >> No, no, they the first meeting I thought we'll have a tour so we get familiar, but then sitting down with them assuming >> that would be a good thing. >> That would be good. >> So that So I'll we'll have we'll have
I'll follow up with an email with potential times and dates that we can >> Okay, >> we can work with. >> Now, are we also thinking this tour could include a 15 minute or 20 minute time with anybody in the building that wants to >> Yeah, we can have like a little panel.
Yeah, input session just have a coffee hour. >> Yeah, we'll work out the specifics, but the idea is >> posted as a meeting and >> it'll be posted as a meeting. I'm sure the mosquito will be there and then we'll just we'll work with them to figure out what the attendance >> is. So, >> great. >> But it'll be a facility tour. We can hear from the residents. We can hear
from >> um the property manager and just get get a lay of the landscape. >> Great. Okay. >> Good. >> CPA. >> Okay. CPA, we're going to be discussing this uh later tonight and So let's let's hold off on that one.
MBTA communities thing >> do we need to discuss that one? >> No. Please no. Um we're we are going to circle back to trust funds and um we're going to be having our planning meeting tomorrow and I >> is that you
>> mentally said if if you're ready we can probably allocate time on our next agenda but let me know what your timing looks like but we can certainly get you in into one of the next >> Yeah based based on where you're at or when you want to bring this back to the select board for any discussion.
>> Maybe not the next one but the one after that. Okay, perfect. >> So that >> we're hot on the trail. We've got our committee. We've had a couple meetings. The holidays kind of slowed us down, but >> no, no worries. >> Back to it. >> But we have space for this and so we'll we'll address this. Um and it sounds like we'll we'll at this point plan for
the meeting after next to have an agenda item on that. Uh volunteer support. So this is about the I know we're doing new training, new volunteer training and we're putting new processes in place. Um, from your standpoint, Ryan, are we
making progress on this? Is there more the select board should be doing on this one at this point? >> No, we we have the annual training for our volunteers. We have the information that they they get when they become a new volunteer. A lot of people in town volunteer for
multiple things. So, it's not that big a lift. It's really just codifying the process and and making sure that we have it scheduled, >> which is an Aubrey, basically an Aubrey, right? It's now a Gretchen function. >> I would I want to raise my hand and say
um maybe after you get that piece done, there should be a chair's handbook. >> There's a lot to being a chair. We've learned with LSC and I learned the hard way and I've done it for 20 years and I still learned the hard way. The annual
>> on town meeting about all this rigomearroll even as recently as this weekend. and I spend time trying to dig out old minute meetings that oh >> Melissa couldn't find and I thought I gave them all to Alana and then I'm like well no I didn't actually. So I mean
there's a lot to it and I really think chairs need special training especially the ones that aren't supported by a Gretchen. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> That's going to be a thick handbook. >> It doesn't have to be thick but you know it's important. >> We're developing a whole video based on David's experience. >> Yeah.
>> Hi David Modell. There you go. >> We'll do an info video. Um, and Ryan, the the create a code of conduct, I know we had talked about that via the policies and I I don't remember where we landed on um have because we talked about having the code of conduct for volunteers. We have one for the staff
and we've been working through those policies. Um, did we include volunteers in those policies or do we need to carve that out? >> Chicken soup. >> So, volunteers do fall under the employee handbook. >> Yeah. Okay.
But most towns have a or some towns that want to do this have a code of conduct policy. >> Okay. >> We do not. >> No, that's a pretty good one. >> Yeah. >> So that might be that might be an action item for the back half of this year is to do that piece of it. Would that be
working with Aubrey or would that be >> Gretchen? Um >> that would be Gretchen. It's not a >> So, she would likely assemble from our cohort a group of policies for you to look at andor recommend one. >> So, maybe we because I know we're
meeting with Aubrey on our personnel policies. Maybe once we clear those, we can look at the code of conduct for volunteers. I think the personnel pro policies are a priority. We want to make time for those and then we can >> move on to this. >> The regional school committee has a
decent one. Okay, shared services we're going to discuss tonight. Have a first discussion on that. Um, so we can talk about that more later. Uh, long-term building capital planning. Um, and that that was really looking out
over a longer term, the 20-year horizon, trying to get a read on the some of the bigger capital items that are looming. >> Is there anything we should be doing in the short? I know we're going into a budget cycle and we have capital planning in process with regard to this goal. >> I would consider it complete and we
presented >> the financials that are guiding these large projects. >> Okay. >> In the financial forecast and capital planning. So, and that'll be an annual thing. So, I feel like we've accomplished this goal. >> Develop a combined road pathway covert
5-year management plan. We're going to hear about the road maintenance plan. We've been talking about coverts and and we'll be discussing that. So, I think we've been tackling that. We'll continue to tackle that through the budget process. Um, transparency and communication, promote transparency,
communication, and collaboration. That continues to be a work in progress. I think we'll be uh talking about that more at our next meeting. um and some some some process issues that have arisen that we want to make sure we um we discuss and and and define the best
path going forward. So, uh there'll be more on that. >> Quick question, sorry. On the um first one under connectivity, um h have we been able to pursue any grants for the um you know the road pathway culvert
remediation? I saw that the state is going to pay for the >> road >> 225. >> Yep. >> repair. Um, but any other uh opportunities or pursuit of grants? >> So, we've received two grants with through the safety committee's work for
the connected carile sidewalk project that came before you. It's a $500,000 complete streets grant and a $99,000 shared spaces grant. I applied for a leap design grant which we did not get but then the state opened up more design money for complete street. So I applied
for that as well and we'll know in the next month or so. >> So that project is funded. >> We've been starting to talk about whether or not to go for culverts or pathways with a strap grant and people in the community have different different views on that. Um,
I've been recommending the Culver side, but there is a a large contingent of residents in town that that want to talk about pathway extensions, especially towards Conquered and Westward, uh, as you remember. And then for other grants, we're looking at MVP
action grants and other climate resiliency grants for Culvert Culvert repair. >> Uh, the Culvert grants that come out are not are not good for Carile. They're they're much more small bridge grants. if you think of it that way. So, we don't want to turn one of our smaller
culverts into a bridge because it would go from 250 to a million. >> Yeah. Even though they are ecologically sound and the right they're not necessarily the right product for us. >> Mhm. >> So, we are applying to as many as we can to try to carve into the I think you'll
see a lot of it in the next year or two at least come out of the capital plan. It's not going to save us, but it's going to help us. >> Yeah. Good. And is the Bedford one is that >> how much what's the amount of that is that cover the cost of those the Bedford projects that are in the road maintenance plan we'll be discussing. So that's half a million dollars.
>> I still want to take credit for that but it just showed up in my inbox. This is awesome. >> And you get to take credit. It's your inbox. >> I've never had that happen. So it was two two miles of road from the Bedford line to East Street. >> That's half a million dollars if I looked at that >> which is >> And the bridge they paid for, right? The
bridge >> bridge they are paying for. Yeah. That's not us. Do they say why? >> But they're paying for the repaving or >> we just came up on the there is and I've researched this too, but a larger capital plan for the state that our numbered road was on and we got moved up. So
>> it's nice. So it was something that Jim was targeting and it just kind of lightning strike. So we're pretty happy about that. So thanks Simon and >> Barrett. If Simon did it. >> So good. We just found 500,000. this spring 20 of our 2029 or 2029 plan is it
2029 yeah >> part of the planning is so that we can try to attack future stuff with grants too so >> yeah I mean but that's significant >> um conservation land management we're going
to discuss that more um at our next meeting we're going to in our planning meeting tomorrow um we're we're looking at doing a joint meeting between the select board Hanscom and the LSC. >> Okay. >> To get everyone in the room to discuss some of the >> um concerns, questions, recommendations
that various >> stakeholders have. Well, I haven't reached out to them to schedule it yet, but we we're we will be discussing it at our next select board meeting. >> Great. >> Based on your goals, we organized staff. We've told you this before, but it fits in here. I'd like you to see how it fits in. The sustainability coordinator is
now working with conservation on this long-term land management future. So, It's not only a board and committee effort, but it's staffed. So, we we do think we'll make a lot of progress. So, the goal is for that plan to be developed about five years out and for all the committee and volunteer work to
meet up with it with their input so that we can continue to work on today and the future. >> Good. >> There was no change in budget to that. It was just a restructuring of staff. >> And you've been we've been working on the MVP action grants and and that's
proceeding. So that report is final. It just went final and now the working group or committee is working on the action grant. >> Okay. >> So that's happening and it's more of a planning board function than yours. So >> and they're taking they're appropriately prioritizing it. >> Yeah. Okay. Good. And you you'll take
credit in your goals, but it's really them. >> Unless it's in your inbox and you'll take credit. >> And then the climate leader grants. Um I know work is being done there. We had a meeting gosh couple months ago to talk about the various opportunities there and I know that there's a plan in place
to secure those grants and support the projects that we have in our capital plan. >> MFC invested a lot of design money that we're working out to apply for an accelerator grant this spring that would be up to a million dollars for Grant Robbins HVAC systems. And then we are
working on a design grant for town hall for the roof in RTU. Then that would lead to whatever's left in climate leader money plus some ask for town meeting when that project's ready probably next year.
>> And just to note, I mean the obvious is wasn't it last fall? We were one of the first towns to get the designation uh be approved as a climate leader. So, >> yep. We were in the >> make sure that >> we were in the first group and we would
have been sooner if they had more. >> We would have been earlier >> goal last year and we accomplished it. >> Yeah. >> Thanks to the hard work of um >> the team. >> But yeah, so in terms of the the goals we identified in in in the summer, um I
think we have we've we've addressed many of them. We have work to do on those. we have plans to address the ones we haven't spent time on. Um and so I feel pretty good about that. Obviously, new things come up. Um and I know, you know,
we heard from um John today about housing and that that is an issue that's kind of grown out of >> uh the municipal Yeah. >> or the uh >> my brain's not working tonight. The MBTA communities law. Um, I don't know that
we need to amend our goals tonight, but I think we should. >> I think the goals are I think you I think it's going very well. I, you know, better than most years. I'd say we're pretty far along, but I I mean, my cautionary note is that two notes, I guess. One is, you know, very soon we
get caught up in the runup to town meeting. >> Yep. >> Town meeting's a sponge, right? It takes up a lot of emotal energy and meeting time. >> Eight meetings to town meetings, >> right? So just >> from now >> technically >> right >> so right so you exactly you have to be
judicious with which of these you pursue. >> The second thing which I talked to Ryan about in our evaluation is a lot of select board experiences walking out the door. Not to say that it's not replaceable but you're going to
have two new members brand new members. You got a freshman here, >> right? >> I'm just saying there's a lot of work to be done in the summer >> when you have your next planning session. >> Yeah. >> To really educate them and make them get
those people thinking about what you know is accomplished. So, it's kind of on you two guys basically. But, you know, >> and >> well, Christine, yeah, she's been through one cycle, but I'm saying >> I've been through two cycles. >> I'm just saying old veteran. I'm just
letting you know. Anyway, but good job. >> Okay, so I think that's helpful. I think we're going to we and in in our planning meetings we are looking at this and we are cognizant of the things we need to make time for going forward and we will do that. Um and it is a robust agenda
and with the budget it will be even more busy going forward. But with that, why don't we It's 7:41. So, let's move on to the road maintenance plan discussion. And in that, there are there are two elements. There's one Ryan's overview of the road maintenance plan. And then
there's also the Uttabon Lane study that we want to discuss tonight. So, Ryan, do you want to start with the high level plan or how how do you want to attack this in terms? >> I'm going to go through the plan at a very high level, leaving time for the Ottabon Lane discussion. And the goal
tonight is to really just give us a brief on we've we've seen this plan. >> What do you want from us tonight? Is this the road maintenance plan? Is it just a >> There's two two goals. I would like you to see the current funding levels. It's going to be important for the
discussions during capital. Fin's already talking about >> recommending bringing down the level of funding for this because there's not enough funding. >> Right. Second thing is there's there's a lot of these popup requests that are very important. Ottabbon Lane is one of them. >> Yep.
>> The complete speech project is another that are going to eat into these reserves unless unless you fund them properly. So the overview allows you to then prioritize the the asks that are before you. >> Okay. >> So I will you have someone here.
>> Yeah. So Mark is gonna follow me. I'm going to give you that high level and then he's here from Nich in order to talk about the Ottabbon Lane study and answer your questions. >> Appreciate that. >> So Mark, if you'll give me one minute. >> Okay. So this is in your packet. The the
idea here is that each paving year, so I know we normally go by fiscal years, but this is paving years, so we're going into 26. >> This is all built out of a chapter 90 budget. So chapter 90 is authorized by town meeting comes to us from the state and is is functionally its own um
financial category. >> So is paving year 26 the summer of 25 through May or what is it? >> It'd be this summer 26. >> It's coming up summer which is our fiscal 27. >> It's fiscal 26 and 27 but we call it paving year 26.
>> So it's the season basically from I don't know late spring to late fall or something. >> Yeah. And it's fine because chapter 90 falls outside of the fiscal cycle. >> So what this shows you is the paving. Everything in white is from the niche paving plan and prioritization which we
paid for and agreed was a a great thing for the town. Yellow is what U. Jim thinks is a priority fit into proper paving categories and priority. >> Can I ask just a general question on that? If it's yellow, is it also white?
Do you know what I mean? Like is are these items that weren't part of niches, right? >> These aren't part of niche's recommendation, but and it's from Jim's standpoint, these are at the same level of of need. Okay. >> But um remind me, so the PCI low, the
higher the PCI, the better shape the road is in. >> Yes. But you the over the alternative dimension of the rack and stack is frequency of use, right? >> So you can have you can have a a
let's say a lower in this case looks like a lower PCI but it didn't make the niche list presumably because it's not as heavily traffic. >> Correct. In prioritization doesn't mean it doesn't need to be paved. And also when recommending bundles of paving, >> you could have something over here
that's a 41 and we're recommending a 71. It's because of the mobilization costs and the efficiencies that are gained by a project. >> But that's not clear from the cost. >> It looks like the two that Jim picked are the most expensive things on the menu. >> Yeah, they are.
>> What's heard? Because he drives it and he sees how beaten up. >> I know, but it's expensive. So what's his rationale? Or maybe what's Nich's response to his proposal. >> These are all these are all categorized as roads that need to be repaired
>> by niche. It's just they had to recommend at our funding level what >> well I mean we'd like to repair all the roads but the point is money is not so were these in some later year at the time? >> Yes.
>> Like what was the year they were in? >> I mean were they in a recommended plan? No. the the the plan from Niche was only a fiveyear plan. And then they gave us the backlog of roads we need to do. >> I mean, maybe the niche guy can talk, but >> he didn't do this plan. So, >> you got $400,000 of road. You got half
your road budget in the two things that Jim says that Nich doesn't say. >> Correct. >> So, it's legitimate to challenge that. >> Y >> or prioritize it. Like, >> so adding these lower >> adding these was how to get to
>> Yeah. to get to $800,000 worth of funding, which was Nich's recommendation. >> Right. >> And then the peach color or orange or whatever. I'm I'm a little color deficient. Um that color is >> what we're calling parody roads also
prioritized by by Jim and I. >> These are the roads that um have come up in consistently in your your feedback sessions as as a need >> from the community. >> From the community. The bottom boxes show you that year as it relates to the
total road maintenance budget. So on the left you have costs, the paving total from the plan that's outlined above plus contingency for an annual cost. As you can see this plan, this robust plan for 26 is too high. We would have to do alternates and cut it down >> because that includes the yellow and
>> correct. >> Fuchsia from above. Okay. >> Fuchsia. >> Yes. Fuchsia. >> Right. >> And then the revenue is what we project for chapter 90. I will say based on the last couple years that is a conservative estimate so we hope that it comes in higher >> right >> town meeting is if you approve that
level of funding the 800,000 minus the chapter 90 expectation and then the reserves come from >> this is to be approved in the spring >> yes >> it's part of the capital plan right so but in the larger context of the capital plan and the trade-offs that have to be made is it possible that we I mean
certainly we sounds like we we want to get under 900 anyway right for starters We want to get >> under 900 and then do we want to get down back down to 800? >> Yeah. And I think that's we're going to get into that in the budget process. >> Yeah. >> And I think this is going to be a natural area where we have to
>> there's savings to be had. Right. >> Well, not savings but deferment. >> Well, deferral. I don't quite understand a parody road that's a 67 quite honestly or any 67 but or 74 or 70. I don't know. >> Maybe we have to lower the cut.
>> We're not and we're not trying to do that tonight. It's that's going to be as we look at the budget and the fincom goes through it and capital like one of the things that is discussed is >> where can we get and between roads and culverts
>> you have to balance that give them some direction >> there's a question so you have reserves of 100,000 to for the revenue but then the next year it's negative 47 so you're saying you've basically used your whole reserve above and beyond so you we have a reserve right now 53,000 because you
end up with -47 the following year. >> Correct. >> Okay. I just want to make sure >> So we know this is a stretch plan. >> Y >> we would have to work on it. >> Y >> also sometimes when you bid for roads in particular, it does come in lower. These are conservative estimates. >> Okay.
>> Because they want the job and it's competitive. >> All right. For 27, it's the same exercise. White, yellow, fuchsia. >> Fuchsia. >> I don't know why people are people joking when they say fuchsia. This is >> really completely wrong. I think it's a little more peachy. Yeah,
>> you don't want to call it pink. Call it peach. >> You'll see that >> if we continue to stretch ourselves, you have the same reserve >> problem. Um, we hope that that gets filled by additional funding from this. >> But you are rolling forward to whoever Travis said you rolled forward the
deficit into the following. >> Yeah. >> And then this is the first time maintenance crack seal shows up. You don't think you need it next year? >> I do. I think we need it every year. So, shouldn't it also go in the prior slide? >> It should, but it would bump out what we think are priority roads and parody
roads. >> So, what you need it, you need it, right? >> Yes. >> That's a discussion we're going to have to have, though. >> Well, I mean, I think in my opinion, you should put it in. If you think you need it, put it in because otherwise you might make a suboptimal
uh decision on the year and then, oh, gee, we forgot about crack repair. If you if this is all the funding you're going to give us, then we would not put it in 26. >> You wouldn't do it. You'd defer it. >> We would continue to attack the backlog. >> Okay. >> And just to be clear, these dollar figures in 27 have been adjusted.
>> No. >> No. >> Adjusted for what? >> Inflation. >> Not. They probably should be. It's a good point. >> We also didn't increase the state uh funding level. So, I do think that'll wash, but that's You just got to trust me on that. Um maybe you don't. for 28.
This is in green. New color. Just want to show you the new color. >> You like green. >> That's the state project that's coming up. >> Agree on that. >> So, anything that we didn't do in 26 27, we would move to the 28 year now that there is a a big funding hole. >> So, you you're saying the state would pick up the green. >> No, the state is picking up the green.
>> They're doing that now where >> Bedford Road. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> 28. >> Yeah. >> So, actually it shouldn't doesn't even belong there. >> Can't we just make 2826 and >> call it a day? >> That's what I said earlier. So you have no um no what white color roads or the
niche plan just didn't go out that far. >> Bedford was the white roads but it's been picked up by the state. >> Okay. All right. So there's a savings. So you could kick some of these other projects down the road so to speak >> and then Yeah. Right. >> Okay. >> Got it.
>> 8 29 and 30. Um, we think they're pretty far out, but you'll see the we start to do a little bit less maintenance because we focused on the front end like buildings and other capital projects here in town. Um, and it's five years out. So, we still need to rep prioritize
things, but the reserves start to come back at that point at an $800,000 spending level. >> So, the the question I would have as we go into the budget process is which of these roads scheduled for 26? Obviously, you want to get them paved and all that, but what which can you
push out a year and not incur a larger cost next year? >> You're always gonna incur a larger cost. >> But I mean I mean in terms of the nature of the project because it goes from milling and paving to reclaim and paving or something like that. Like are there any of those that that really need to be
done next year from a cost standpoint? Because if you kick them another year, you're going to >> the ones that say level or mill. I guess that's what that's saying. >> Hard to know. Yeah, >> they don't deteriorate linearly. >> And maybe we don't know and it's it just doesn't there's not that distinction and
we just make our best um >> estimates. >> Well, that first very first line item in 26 heel road it's rated as a 51 which you know relatively low and the estimated cost is almost exactly the same amount as the
overage. So I mean theoretically that could be a candidate for bumping down to 27. If you asked us to recommend, we would take the parody roads off. >> Oh, okay. >> Why are they're parody roads? >> I see. >> Because every year there's a to cut, they're going to we're going to cut those. I think that's
>> But I think we need to see where the budget comes out. We might say we can only we need to cut we're not going to use any town money and we're going to get down to just the chapter 90. >> Can't Right. I mean, those are the traits. I agree with you completely. If you're going to build buildings, >> can't do it all. You can't do everything
at once. >> Can't do everything. >> Yeah. I just came uh I bless few time I've had for personal reason I won't say why but I have to be in Lincoln and they got some really crappy roads and they ain't they ain't doing this
>> and they're like us a little town >> take some video when you're down there bring it back >> so we can show everybody but I mean so I think from my standpoint that's the plan and then as we get to the budget process we're going to have to prioritize for 26. I don't envision we're certainly not going to do all of
this. So there's going to be some kind of um prioritization that has to happen. >> Yes. >> And having the Bedford having that 28 year open really helps. >> Huge. Yeah. >> When is our timing to make the decision of which roads get because ultimately the select board makes that decision,
right? >> Yeah. So it's it's good to bid them in April. So right before town meeting, >> but we'll bid them in a way. >> You'll know the budget. We'll set the budget. So we'll know >> we'll know what but then we I'm saying the rubber meets the road. Don't when we
>> getting good >> when we >> I know if we don't hit these speed bumps. >> So So Mark, so what we wanted to show you is that's the plan. >> Um >> it can be changed obviously, but
anything that's added to the plan takes away something from that plan. And this plan does not do enough to address what what was recommended to address. >> So it's it's already a compromise and it's going to be even more compromised as >> in April. We'll decide which roads fall
this upcoming year to bid for the spring. >> Yeah. If you don't want to approve this plan, then we can wait to publish it until then. >> Well, I think I think it's a twofold thing. In the budget process, which is well before April, >> the magnitude of the spend on roads
>> Yeah. has to be >> be decided and in that will be kind of not final picking but more or less picking right because you have to know what you're going to cut out and then I guess it's a matter of finalizing the package for quoting I mean you wouldn't do it in a vacuum you can't just say
arbitrarily I'm going to cut out 100k you'd have to look and say well this much can come out >> as you started the conversation David you said well geez Jim's added these things and we are going to have to decide are we going to go with you a recommendation of Jim Hall and then you
know and take something else out. We'll just have to do that. I was asking when is that happening because that's something that people care about. I think or I care about >> I think the preliminary like I say is probably February or March right when we're doing budget cutting because
that's what I'm trying to say you can't just arbitrarily say okay cut out. You got to think about what can be cut out because it's a choice. So you're already kind of making the choice even if you're not absolutely finalizing and saying you know sorry autumn lane you got to wait till next year. So just to remind so we
do this uh public outreach in the summer in the early fall that's what this resulted this plan was the result of that >> right >> so it would be regressive to not approve 26 now >> um it would you basically be redoing the
process you did in the fall which we can move it to this time if you want but we didn't because of the budget and town meeting dominance so we do this off cycle create the expectation for the coming year and then when we did try to go road by road with you. Um, with all respect, you lost your minds because
it's hard to to weigh this road and that road. So, the the expertise >> the expertise of the plan was was what swayed you. >> Right. >> Well, so don't we couldn't we back up a second. So, you're saying we
should approve what we talked about doing last fall, the plan that we that developed out of the community input we had last fall. Yeah. >> And but now we know that there's a pretty good likelihood that we're going to cut out some of the revenue that
would have been applied to this plan. So don't we have to know what that difference how much we're going to cut out and then I'm comfortable saying to Mitch and DPW and you okay you got to figure out a way to cut X amount out of
it. We'll we'll trust your judgment on it. You know far better than we do. But don't we doesn't that have to happen before we could can approve this? >> You tell us the funding level, we'll tell you what goes. >> Yeah. >> So, I think there's a need to push that ahead then, but you know.
>> Yeah. We have to We're all saying no, we don't wait till that's exactly right. It's in the budget season that we do exactly what you said. >> Yeah. So, so I'm just thinking maybe this has to be done in February. >> Yeah. When you're doing >> determine the amount that needs to be cut, >> right? I'll check in I'll I'll get synced up on Fincom and once we know like
>> Okay. Okay. They know most of the information at this point and and they're getting into the budget marathon. So, >> well, I mean, we know from and it was in the minutes from last, which by the way, Gretchen did an excellent job. The minutes reporting on the meeting we had with Fincom. It's kind of in there,
right? Like, hey, we've got an operating budget increase of 6% or whatever. We got to get, you know, four. >> So, this is part of it. You can't disagregate them, >> right? >> Okay. >> Okay. So, Mark's here from Nich to talk about Autobond Lane. >> Yeah. So let's So we're gonna move on to Ottabbon Lane. >> Yep.
>> Great. >> Mark is here. We have the report um in the packet. >> Yep. >> And also uh Karen is here. Hi Karen. >> Hi >> from Ottabon Lane. >> And um she has the the report and had a
chance to review that as well. >> So do you want to turn it over to Mark? >> Okay. Go ahead, Mark. If you just state your name and who you're with. >> Sure. My name is Mark Gabriel. I'm a senior project manager with Niche Engineering. and just confirming everybody can hear me. Okay. >> Yep. Y >> thank you.
>> Excellent. Great. All right. Um so yes, you have the uh packet. Um and we were uh asked to review the existing drainage pattern at the intersection of Conquered Street and Ottabon Lane. Um this was
brought on uh because uh we were hearing that seven Ottabon Lane had some reoccurring flooding and erosion issues uh that the home that the homeowner brought up. that's happened over the past several years. Uh so we went out uh to the site uh to do an investigation.
This included a site visit uh documented with a lot of pictures. We met uh with the homeowner and the department of public work superintendent. Um after we got to interview those people and also take a walk around and look at some publicly available data online. Um you
know the study brought us to the conclusion that you know the northwest corner of that property of uh 7 Ottabon Lane it acts as a a natural low point in that area and uh that it's receiving uh runoff from both uh from the conquered
street area uh and uh some of those adjacent private properties that are there. Um you know we concluded we went through the study gave a lot of information on it happy to answer any questions on the study. Uh we did provide recommendations for disconnecting uh the runoff uh from
conquered street to Ottabon Lane uh within the public rightway to help redirect uh storm water flow towards the north uh which ends up heading down towards Butrick Pond. Uh we provided some recommendations on installing some asphalt curbing and raising the entrance
to Ottabon Lane, the grade there slightly uh and potentially um you know the last resort of installing an an inlet at that intersection. Uh we also took a look at the existing culvert that was just south of the property that also
discharges uh at the south side of the property. Um and we recommended some maintenance activities on that culvert uh and reviewing the existing swale that the culvert discharges to just south of the property. Um, so these recommendations were all in the report and you know if that those
recommendations are put in place some regular maintenance you know we'd expect that that would help mitigate the storm water runoff that flows from conquered street uh onto Ottabon Lane in that area. So I'm happy to answer any questions. >> So I had a question in your
recommendations um >> sorry I'm just trying to struggling with PDFs here. Um there were two recommendations as you mentioned. One was the curbing the low were the two recommendations separate recommendations
or nesting recommendations? Um meaning there was a yeah the um the conquered street curb the that option is that kind of a
first first attack at at fixing the issue. They are not no they're not nested. Okay. So one recommendation would be uh they they reside on their own. So the first recommendation installing the concrete curb and redirecting the flow
north towards um you know heading north towards Butrick Pond would be just one recommendation in and of itself. If one didn't want to let that sheet flow continue down to Butrick Pond, you know, then the second recommendation would be put in place, which would be capture that storm water, direct it to a pipe,
and send it to an existing inlet nearby. >> Well, I think you also mentioned that some additional study would be needed to make sure if we did option, if we proceeded with that option, we're not flooding people down the hill.
So would that study have to be done or are you you know do you think that this is a viable option based on what you saw? >> Yeah. So I think that this is a viable option. I still feel that it would need some uh look at the grading. Um I think
by using the term you know flooding the people to the north I think is just just a bit strong. I think what I'm seeing on that roadway in and of itself is that it's a country style style drainage along the road >> along this is conquered road >> correct in this area.
>> Okay. >> Yep. >> Uh no curbing it. It the storm water is in the gutter between the edge of the pavement and and the the grass or the earth berm say uh to the off the road. Um but I was seeing the potential I
think there was the one of butter to the north where um storm water if it was in the gutter may want to uh dive into their property similar to what's happening in conquered um at Ottabon at the moment. >> Yeah.
>> Uh so that may just need to be addressed with the driveway apron in that area and then kind of heading down the hill the rest of the way. It it seemed pretty much a good shot down the hill again in like a country style drainage down towards the bottom of the hill. >> And another question I had, I don't know
if you can answer this. I know the homeowner had said that, you know, this this is a relatively newer issue in that it it's really been um severe at times over the past several years. Was there anything that you could tell from the grading of the road that
caused this or is it is it just changing um water runoff and can can you tell from looking at it because I know they repaved that road as well conquered road. So the simp the the simple answer is I I can't tell by
looking at that >> if I would have to go by my gut and my experience over time is that it is I did not really see the roadway being repaved or regraded in a sense that it was pushing storm water recently in this direction. Um I would have to say that
it's probably the change of storm water rainfall over time. uh the quicker intense storms that we're getting, uh the the lack of infiltration of the water, the and the higher runoff that you're seeing. That that would be my gut. Um that would tell me that.
>> And my last question was um does this runoff create a problem for the road in that you have a lot of water running down the side of the road? Is that would that damage the road itself over time if it's not addressed? Uh, sorry. Are you talking about in
which condition? If it's not addressed, >> no. The the runoff that that goes down between the in the gutter there next to the road because there's no there's no curbing, there's no anything. Is that eroding the road? >> So, in the current condition, how
conquered road allows storm water to come down and then and then head down Ottabon Lane. Yeah, >> I am seeing some erosion uh over time in that on on the edge of Ottabbon Lane, the south side of it as well as where it discharges onto the property uh at seven
Ottabon Lane. Now, if you're asking about, you know, implementing recommendation one uh heading and so you redirect storm water, well, it's it's what storm water does today for the rest of the roadway on that side. uh it would
just be adding a bit more storm water that comes down conquered road. It's uh you know not that much more of a stretch of road, but it would be adding that to it. And country drainage is intended to you know allow the grass and the roots uh to be able to handle it in that area. Seem pretty stable on the edge of the um
the west side of conquered road. Uh but again that would be looked at in a future uh review of it. ask any questions, >> questions, comments. And >> Ryan, this would be funded out of the road maintenance plan or the culvert plan >> road.
>> It would come from the the funding you just saw. >> So, it' be part of the road maintenance plan. >> But is the I I think you were asking the question I had. We would try the 35K thing and see if it works. Is that basically the theory? >> Well, I mean I >> I mean that's what they're they're not
nested as you said, right? So is that you try the 35K and see if it works, right? >> I I would think so. I mean, he's there's two recommend two separate recommendations and I >> one the belt and one's the belt and suspenders. >> He can answer that. I think >> he's nodding his head.
>> That's correct. >> Yes. Right. >> I think we kind of have our answer, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But I think for the homeowner and and Karen is here and Karen, you can please provide um your perspective. I think that what's critical for for the homeowner is to ensure that the ro the
water is not is diverted away from her property and diverted away from Ottabon Lane. >> Yeah. I mean a couple of concerns and and appreciate the thought that has gone into this and the recommendations I think are where we likely would have
expected to come out. I I guess from my perspective, I can see, you know, kind of the inclination to go start with recommendation one, see if it works, and then go to recommendation two. I can't tell you, you know, what is recommendation going to work, not work?
To me, it seems like removing the water from the surface is probably really the only surefire way to avoid the problems that have been consistently getting worse both on conquered and on Ottabon in terms of the water and the damage that it's doing.
I would rather have that done, you know, in the first instance as opposed to trying the curbs, diverting the water. I I guess maybe we need a little bit more information or more detail around what that curbing would look like, how what the plan is to sort I'm not sure I
understand what it means to sort of raise the road a bit and ultimately that water is just going to continue to go on down the road, right? It really needs to be drained, I would think. Um, but obviously that's a decision you all are going to have to make. I will just say
that, you know, this is now we're years in and every year that passes, we may not see like a lack of stability so much on conquered, but I can tell you the loss of trees along Aottabon is is from from erosion and trees just kind of falling out of the earth and losing
their roots is pretty significant. A number of big big trees just sort of kicked it on conquered street. Now, I don't know that that's solely attributable to erosion, but the topography of the soil there has certainly changed. And Mark, I'm you
didn't you haven't you weren't here 5 years ago or even three years ago to see it, but the level of erosion and the the sort of you can see kind of where the water has gone and the path it's taken in in in the drainage there is really significant. So, I do have concerns
about simply putting curbing in and pushing the water further down the road, both for my property, but also, you know, my my goal in raising these issues was not to say send it to someone else and make it someone else's problem. You know, I'd hate to see this then become
an issue for the houses north of me um and just have the water pooling. So, you know, I think it's I think it's a tricky answer. I think that the the best thing we could do would be to drain it from the surface. I understand that that comes at a greater cost. Um, and I I get
that you guys have priorities that you need to weigh. I'd ask that you consider sort of the significant damage that's accured to my property alone over the past couple years since I first raised this when you make the decision. >> Thank you, Karen. as as I do have
another question uh for Mark the for recommendation one the first two items are install the asphalt curve raise the entrance for item two it's install the asphalt curve and raise the entrance is is that work the same under both recommendations or
>> meaning if you did recommendation one and it turns out it's not sufficient >> have you already done $35,000 >> have you already done a good portion of the recommendation too. Do you know what I mean? >> Well, some of it. >> Some of it. >> That's correct.
>> Or is it a different raising? And so either way, you're raising, you're installing the curb and raising. >> One and two would have been done, I presume. Right. >> Unless they're done in a different nature under recommendation two and one, right? >> Correct. So if you do recommendation one because that's what you have funding for
currently and then you you know you think about you're going to do recommendation two the following year that that would be of course less of a price the following year because you've already implemented part of it >> maybe not the fall 35 but it's yeah >> correct. Yep.
>> And the study mark that you u list here on the first recommendation um this is to this would be done after uh the curb and the raised entrance are done after points one and two to see
what's happening to the water that we're trying to make flow down to Buttric Pond. >> That's a great question. The bullet points aren't in order of what would be done. Uh I would say that the study would actually be the first thing. Um
and looking at that, I can see why you would think it would be the last thing here. Um, I feel that it would need to be uh a re a survey along the edge of the roadway to make sure that we don't create those issues for the neighbors to the north. Uh, and to see if there's any
areas that need to be protected if that storm water goes down there. Uh, and um, a study just to confirm, you know, when I say study, more of a hydraologic and hydraulic analysis to make sure that we're not going to be creating a problems as it heads to the north. And
so if you if that study then were done first and you determined that it wasn't going to um do what we wanted in terms of having the storm water flow continue to Butrick Pond then would that um suggest
that we go right to recommendation two? It may suggest that >> but having walked the roadway I would be I would be surprised if it suggested closed drainage system necessary >> uh under this uh based on what I was
seeing on the walk out there and what's there today. >> Uhhuh. >> But you're right. It it could come as a summary of the study. >> As a what >> summary? >> It could come from the summary of the study. But >> again, I don't believe that that would
be the case. Uhhuh. Okay. >> And this culvert is not a priority culvert. Correct. >> It is not. No. >> Okay. Because I think the other piece is this >> the culvert that's you know that's another component of this is that the
culvert may be clogged and I think I remember the photo of >> the ground flooded on the other side and it's like so >> it's all I'm guessing interrelated. Um, >> yeah. >> And you probably can't necessarily ignore any individual piece of it. And
the swale. What was the swale again? Remember we went through that definition exercise. >> Do I have to I have a question for Mark and a question for Ryan? It's a question for Ryan. Is it a private road or a town road? >> Autobon's a private road. >> Okay. So, there's that, right? Because
once you start fixing private roads, you're going to have a lot of people raising their hand to be fixed. I know I feel bad for people, but I live on a private road. We pay for everything ourselves. Like that's the deal, right? >> We Yeah, we would have to enter into
at least a memorandum of understanding with the autobond, whatever association exists or for that common land and then work through the legal requirements of us working on that site if we were to do it. >> Okay. Is that
>> Did I misread Did I misread the report, Mark? I thought it was I thought the recommendation was confined to the public road. No, I I mean I >> Okay, >> I got there's there's an intersection there, right? So, at some point it's it's going to touch
>> the the top of Autobon, but I I didn't understand from the report that any of the recommendations resulted in working on >> Autobon itself. >> Yeah, that's a fair statement. Okay. U the Mark question is more technical. You've got a soil rating hydraulic soil
group. Is this is the rating the permeability of the soil like how well it drains and if so is A better than B or what does it mean? This is >> very true. It is about how well it drains. Uh so that was just doing the
due diligence on the property uh to make sure we understood what type of conditions were out there. And yes, an A type soil does drain better than a B type soil. and and so on. >> So what did you There's a color map but I can't really sort this out. So is it
poor drain is is it poor per is one of the issues besides the fact that a lot of stuff is flowing down from Indian Hill or whatever is it poor permeability that's uh part of this? Uh, no. This they do have from what I
was seeing on the soils map. >> Yeah. >> Some potentially higher groundwater table to the if you're looking at their house directly east of the house in the pool area in the backyard. >> Uh potentially poor draining soils with a with a bit of a higher water table in
that area. >> Right. >> Again, that is just uh facts from the study. Uh but >> I mean it's a point, right? If the water gets into the purple, the purple's like a No. No, the purple. >> That's not where the flooding is though, right? The flooding. We're not talking
about the backyard near the pool. It was It's the side and the front yard. >> So, it doesn't >> So, I don't know. I don't have the map in front of me, Mark. So, I don't know if that's if the >> if that was a similar issue in terms of the the water table or the level. just getting to the point that it's just
the storm water runoff and the soils map are not necessarily one and the same in the the issue here. It was just data that was provided for the project. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yep. >> But there I mean the I think what is clear is there is a significant amount of storm water runoff that is going down
that >> I think there's a lot of water coming in. Yeah. >> It looks like the drainage actually isn't >> bad. The soil type isn't bad. I guess >> in the heavy rain events though it's all >> right. I mean it's it's yeah I understand the issues >> and the the culvert and all that stuff doesn't seem to be
>> nothing's helping right >> um working or the patterns have changed. >> Okay. >> So for the two clogged pipes is there anything that can be done in the near term for cheap that will help uh alleviate the problem. >> I know Jim was out there looking at this
right >> maybe >> or is that under the co >> indefinitely. It just depends on >> Well, that really that will only cover a fraction of the problem. Maybe. I don't We don't know. But I mean, I would say at the very least, let's get those do, right? >> Yeah. I mean, that's a near-term fix.
Let's at least help in that regard. >> We're not ignoring this one. We're just working through the >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> 100 or so that were identified as needing this, >> right? >> Okay. >> Back to the covert plan. >> Yeah. >> Um, we got it.
>> Okay. So what what what's the action item for the select board tonight? This would be part of the road maintenance plan. >> So there are more than three options, but I'm going to try and distill it to three. So the first option is to do nothing. The second option is to have us do this immediately. So we we do
have the chapter 90 funding to put this out to bid. We could bring that to you so you know what it looks like or we could just execute it. The third option would be to include this in the summer maintenance package. But the second option would you wouldn't do it in the winter, right? >> You wouldn't.
>> We would start the process of the bid. >> We could get it done in April. >> Well, it sounds like Mark is advocating even if we chose option one. The first thing to do is another little study. >> Yeah. And the study would be something Nichch would do.
>> That's who I would recommend. Yes. >> And is that a piece of the 30? What is Maybe that needs to be bid out. Just the study. Are >> you What are you thinking on the bidding? You just bid the whole thing. All of right. Mark saying if the study says it won't help, then why would you do the rest?
>> Yeah. Mark, what's what's your read on that to >> to do that first step of making sure the mitigation doesn't create more problems to the north? >> Yeah, I don't I don't see that as as a big study. I mean, we would want to get some survey to take really a better look
at that area than using two foot contours on LAR uh that we used as part of this study. Um, I'm sorry. >> Nope. >> I thought some thought someone said something. Um, so I don't see that as a big lift. did not include it though uh
in the 35 because my thought was that you know this is a a a not a heavy lift of a road improvement project with like some curb and some asphalt and just making sure that there are no issues with the storm
water, you know, wanting to flop off on another property as it heads north. There aren't that many properties left before Butrick Pond. Uh so the idea was that whether if that is if that just gets handled directly by the town in and of themselves. That's why I did not
include any studies into that 35K there. >> So the study you put as your bullet item is not quite a 35. It would not be done by niche and not be 35k and >> it's not really a study in terms of >> it's surveys I guess right. Some more surveys. >> It's survey and engineering of it especially if this is going to go out to
bit. Correct. So this is survey the town would do rather than niche. I'm a little confused on that. >> Because of the size of the problem, we did not give a fee for what it would cost to do survey and bid documents. So that's not included in there. >> But you know what we can do, what we
can't do, right? So >> yeah, we would need we would need a >> third party to do this, >> right? So I think I guess my recommendation is have Nichch quote that do that. See what it says, right? You can do that with the money you have today, right? the budget money you have
today in the 90 funds. >> Can we do that in fiscal 26 money? >> We can do the whole >> both recommendations if we want. It just means something else isn't going to get done. >> Right. >> So you have every option. >> But so Mark, you're saying though that so what would it cost to do if you were
to win the bid? What would it cost to do the study you're describing in that bullet under recommendation? >> You might you might disqualify me. >> Oh, I don't want to get into that. >> They're they're in our house contract. So, >> pardon? >> They're on our house doctor contract. I I can bring you that bid. >> Yeah. >> Okay.
>> I would I mean it's winter time. You can do the study in the winter time, right? >> Let's do the study. >> Correct. Bring it back. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> Do that and then we'll >> I mean, just from a a moving ahead, not >> if it finds that the if it finds that
the the recommendation would be effective and not create more problems, great. >> Does the board feel like we would want to >> move forward with this? support the 35. >> Yeah, I would do that. But if it turns out it's not enough, >> right? >> Then you got to think about it because then they really >> 35, we can find 35, right? But you get
to six figures. You're really displacing some other >> No, but you're displacing I mean it's an equity thing. It's not that we don't like these people. It's that there's other people also waiting in line for things to get >> right. Well, and I and and what I'm what I'm hearing from from you, Mark, is that
I don't think you would have put recommendation one in there as a recommendation if you didn't think it would work. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> So, it's not a >> right. >> So, I think I think we proceed with that. We we we answer the question of
does this create more problems and then we um if it doesn't then I think it sounds like the board would be supportive of proceeding with the project. The recommendation one. Mark, can you send me that proposal or do you want >> Yeah, pull one together for you. Yep. >> Okay. Real quick, when you say raise
autobond, do you mean did you mean put a a blip on uh conquered or is it actually raising Ottabbon? >> It would be putting a um it would be putting a lip somehow between Conquered and Ottabon because you can't just put
the curb in along Conquer up to Aottabon Lane and uh let the storm want to keep going north. It will then it will continue down Ottabbon Lane. So you got to lift the front entry to Ottabon Lane either with some sort of lip or um just micrograding of of the main entrance in
the public rightway. >> Okay. So I'm I'm going to ask that I be allowed to do that legal small legal investigation that I don't think is going to be a problem. I just want to make sure it isn't. >> Yeah. Okay. Good. That's fine. >> Great. >> Okay. Thanks. That's good.
>> All right. Okay. So, we have some action items on that. Let's get that moving. Um, thank you both for attending. I appreciate it. >> Yeah. >> Thank you all. Appreciate it. >> Good night. >> Take care. >> Good night. >> All right. Thanks everybody. We went a little long on that one, but it's good
discussion. Um, so let's move on to shared services discussion. So, included in the packet was a report from 20 January 2024, two years ago, around shared services in Carlile. Um my commentary on this is that again sitting
in the fincom meetings taking a look at this year after year we talk about level service budgets the truth is if we really want to affect our glide path we either have to reduce service in some areas and or find a way to provide services >> I agree
>> more efficiently and the shared services is a way to do that potentially if if not improve some services. So, it's important that we look at this um and that we work with Fincom to identify some opportunities to investigate. And Ryan's looking for five
potential options that we could evaluate for the town. And I think there's some that we can pursue that don't require like a grant to study. But this is going to be important because we're at this point where, >> you know, if we don't do something like this in multiple areas, we're not going
to achieve our goals. So um discussions around um potential areas. I have some notes. Um one area that let me pull up my notes. So in the area, you know, a few things
and this this is part partially working with uh the administration and the school committee, but at at the Carile public school, there's some some opportunities identified that we're also going to be talking with the school about. uh we are sharing some services now in terms of HR in terms of facilities um sharing finance services
is another area where we can we can make some gains I think for both the town and the school um I know it's been discussed at the school committee >> but also um areas of looking at is there a way we could do be doing transportation differently because right now we're kind of uh subject to the
>> the um >> oligarchy >> the oligarchy of Bedford charter um and also you know the it's come up in the the preschool discussions, but also what are things we can be doing? And David, you you you've mentioned this multiple times. Are there special ed services that we're currently doing in town that
we could work with the region >> to provide in a in a more a higher level of service in a more cost-effective way? I think and I'll I'll interface with the school committee on these, but these are all things I think have been discussed at a high level, but I think we need to put some some priority. >> Well, and an opportunity just crossed
our plate today. I I commend Jim O'Shea. I think he was a great hireer. Uh I sent him a note to that effect and I >> think he was tremendous for the school. >> But if we wind the clock back before that time, there was a lot of discussion about a superintendent's union. There
was little appetite for combining the school with the Carl's conquered schools. But there is a construct called the superintendent's union where the headquarters function which they have appends a school. It doesn't functionally reduce the independence
of that school to do its own thing, but it does take a high salary and you know a portion only a sixth or an eighth of it or whatever. We already have a standard. We have a we effectively have a shared superintendent for the high school. So, you know, it's not that big
of a deal. Um I don't know and I don't recall at the time whether we extended that even to sped services but it makes it more easy to do. So I would strongly encourage strongly encourage the school committee
to take that on as the first step before they do a recruitment. >> Yep. >> And and that you know again it's not as dramatic as combining the organizations. >> Right. >> Uh but it does you know I think it could be you know we we already support the
quality of the leadership in conquered because we obviously send our children there for high school. Um, and then Ryan, you mentioned you've mentioned dispatch in the past as a potential. >> Yeah, it's it's come up in conversations here,
>> uh, police, fire, dispatch. I I think the things to explore are some of the things you just talked about, senior leadership and also >> and that's also mentioned in the report as well. Um, and is typical for town of our size. I mean there are you look at
the analoges out there um these are not things that are unheard of these are >> every all the small town I mean you're are you the chairman now of the small town something or other >> president >> the president so Mr. president, >> the shared president. >> Can you tell us, you know, some other best practices that you're learning
about for small town? >> Things that we do on our own that a lot of towns our size will >> I mean, I've been pretty >> pretty clear with the idea of internal shared services. So, every >> that's a low hanging fruit. So, we agree that's certainly
>> there's still structural problems there that that would need to be addressed. So I think LAN use should be combined into a a multi-function single stop type shared services. Same with finance department. There there are opportunities to expand our current existing relationship with the school.
So we do HR and a lot of the financial processing so we could formalize some of that relationship and probably find efficiencies and um and then we just talked about public safety eventually DPW and facilities
you know those could be explored in years out but that's talking about glide path. So, I read the 20page report. I liked the um health one in particular. They point out the very valid point that infectious diseases do not know town
boundaries. Um and they point out that in both dispatch and in uh health in Carile, there is some potential uh attrition due to retirements. I love the idea of not having to like eliminate or lay off employees. So, it would be
great if these were sort of an organic part of the process that was going to happen anyway. Um >> and I think they also pointed out the uh what was it? Building inspections. Those are those are three. I thought the strongest candidates was health dispatch
and um building inspections. >> I did not see library and school as a candidate myself. >> Well, school is not school and we didn't at the time of this report. It was >> school superintendence union is not school. >> Okay. >> It's school management. It's kind of like >> it's management. Got it.
>> It's kind of like, you know, if if uh Sandy and and so forth take over paying invoice. I mean, it's not as simple as that, but >> right, >> you know, you're moving a piece of administrative load to a to a share. >> Yeah. >> Okay, that's a good point. Clarification.
>> It requires some study. I see Brian's on here and you know Brian if you want to chat with any of the former school committee people who chased that we are all around >> and happy to talk to you and finance >> I will continue those conversations and
if you've heard any of the conversations I've had in the last couple of days um superintendent union regionalization they've all come up um fortunately the Carile school district is taking off a strategic plan process next week and uh
you know >> okay >> timing wise this works out well and we can gauge the appetite of the community for some of these things >> right >> thank you >> I to add to that um Ryan mentioned and I thought it was a good point the HR and finance functions if there's a internal
shared service I know we've worked at that with the DPW and trying to I'm sorry the yeah well public >> what is it the >> facilities >> facilities to to combine those and if if we were to figure out a way to combine
those things over time. That might be a valuable thing. I think there's already some cross sharing of HR functions. >> So, the town does all the benefits for the school. So all the benefits processing um they prepare all the warrants and bills but we do the processing of those
and um the accounting runs through the the business office currently through through the consultant but um everything comes eventually to the town because it's not a separate entity. And Brian, um is there discussion uh at the school
committee level about the um that question and you know the con the whether it makes sense to continue with a outside consultant to handle the school's um finances? I know I'm simplifying it,
but or uh is is there is is is the is it on the table to try to move more of that over to town hall? >> I think anything is definitely on the table. Um but I would also say as the
chair and the school committee has not met yet. We're meeting tomorrow night for the first time since Jim's uh announcement became public. um as the chair right now there's also a little bit of a for the next six months or while we're through this transition
uh wanting to maintain some status quo um because we're losing some significant uh institutional knowledge in six months time but I think it bar is definitely on the table >> and is there anything that um
either select board or more specifically town hall staff could be doing to uh help understand uh both the costs and benefits of any of those kind of uh improvements or changes.
>> So, let me Brian, let me step in. I was going to send you an email on this today, but with Jim's announcements, I I said I'll send it tomorrow. But what I did want to do is just uh schedule a time for you, me, Ryan, and Jim to get together to talk through some of these things and and and figure out
>> Yeah. how something like this might work. Um, so that we could both sides determine I >> I think there's a potential win-win there for the town and for the school. But what I and that one in particular, we want to have a meeting with with the four of us initially to to hash out some of those details and then see where that
goes. >> Good. >> I'll send that email tomorrow. I guess the catch >> we at one point we had sort of an informal IT relationship. Is that also formal? >> That was in there. Yeah. >> Yeah. the it doing that now because I know Scott and them are pretty good over
at the school side. Are they doing stuff for town on the other? What I would ask if we we should explore everything as Brian put it best everything should be on the table >> but it we would need a consultant to come in and um or a study to work
through what that would look like because it's just it sounds simple but >> it's not as >> it's Mac versus non-Mac and >> so it's not as good a place. So Scott is certainly a talented IT director and we could benefit from from his relationship, but in terms of saving
money, it would have to be thought through >> and and maintenance is now pretty much integrated, right? >> Facilities. >> Yes. >> Yeah. That's completely coming over to the town budget. >> I want Okay. >> Yeah. >> I mean, I think the progress is great >> on that, but it is all kind of around
the edges of the big chunks. The time is coming to Scott's point that and maybe it's a great thing for you to tee up for the next select board in terms of next year's goals to really get more serious about action plans toward those
regionalization opportunities. >> I would Oh, go ahead Christine. >> I not you know on the topic of shared services but was included in the report. Y >> it points out that we still mail out property tax bills. it seem to insinuate or maybe I want to insinuate
>> that those don't need to be mailed out. >> I would have to look into that and I also know that would cause you and me significant pain >> really >> everything's online. >> There's a significant senior population who >> right >> don't agree. >> We we did make the little change to only
do them send them twice a year now. >> Oh really? Yeah. >> That has caused a little pain but not sending them at all would cause a lot. >> Oh. So, it serves as a reminder for many residents to pay their taxes, which we certainly do want, >> but the statutory if you miss a payment, it's statutory that there are fines and
fees attached so that there isn't favoritism and that type of thing. And so, if they miss that payment, then they have to pay extra. We don't like that. >> No. >> So, the reminders help. >> Okay. Did we have any more comments for the CPS at this point or for the schools on
>> Brian? If you're joining for this part of the discussion, I we'll probably move on to other topics within shared services if you want to. I know you have a busy day tomorrow. >> Um I was going to uh stay on for um community preservation as well, so Okay, just stay on for a bit. >> Great. Um Ryan, I think I know the
answer to this, but it's it's the part of our budget that is increasing significantly every year. Is there anything else that can be done in the areas of like retirement and health uh health insurance? I know we're part of like these consortiums. Um is there
anything else we should be looking at as a town to mitigate some of the increases or >> and I know it sounds like it wouldn't pay dividends immediately, but but legislative pressure would be important. There's a there's a big statewide push. It's health insurance is crushing everybody. So,
>> it's one of those rare moments where all towns combine >> with the same problem. We we do need to look at the structure of our plans, but that that causes retention and other issues if we're too draconian with those changes, but working with the unions and the employees to come up with the best
possible price and package for health insurance would be important. >> The select board could support that effort next year. >> And we we are adding the high deductible plan this year, which hopefully will help some employees and the town maybe. >> Um but retirement,
>> that's just what it is. >> Yeah. um continue to advocate the OPEB level of savings should be thought through every year, >> right? how fast we want to go with that compared to how much we want to drop services or regionalized services should
be discussed. And um that includes the regional school. And I I will say on that point, the the region is definitely way ahead of most entities in Massachusetts. And even I would say even our town when we started making the OPED
contributions many years ago, >> we were ahead too. >> We we weren't ahead and we decided now we're ahead. So, I think it is on the table to look at. We We need to have a plan and we need to stick to the plan, but we should we if we just keep blindly
putting in the same amount every year, it may not be it may be time to make an adjustment there. >> Yeah. I mean, we've looked we've looked at that with the the guy that does the >> and FINCOM is looking at they're looking at that this year. I know it's a topic, >> right? I mean, having sat in a lot of
those discussions, I it's not abundantly clear that we're that getting off our path is a good thing. I mean, we're in a pretty good >> we're in a good path. We're not a crazy path. Like, we're No, we're in a good path, >> but we're in the top cile now, >> aren't we? Don't we feel like we're
better than average? Well, but if it's if it's, you know, it's a balance, right, with the other uh financial uh increases that we're facing and if we >> we may not
it's a topic FinCom is looking at. So, they'll have a recommendation. There's a little we could, you know, there's a little trimming of that. But I think I agree, you know, going back to your sort of opening remarks, Scott, true shared services in a meaningful way is
is probably the >> Yeah. >> best single thing we can do to maintain a decent level of service without a crazy tax bill. >> Yeah. >> Period. And we're we're we're spending money on buildings. We've we've kind of
bellied up to needing to do, you know, once in a generation rejuvenation of a whole bunch of buildings. That's just what it is. And we obviously statutoily, you know, pay our retirement and we pay into the OPED and we make sure all that
is sound and, you know, now we're at operating budget things and that's what we have to do. Is there anything in the area of transfer station or DPW that we should be looking at? I know there's the action committee and >> so there's future efficiencies in
combining facilities in DPW or looking to share some of those top level functions. I I wouldn't recommend that now, right? >> Because we're in we're already in a bridge from Gary to Jim to some future, but we should think about that future. Uh the transfer station in many communities often comes up as if you
were to not provide transfer station services, it would save a lot of money. >> Where would you where would people >> Everybody would have to contract it individually or we could get a townwide. >> Wow. >> Um but that's a culture changing and town changing effort. >> Moving the curb aside. Yeah.
>> Yeah. would be >> so DBW functions are they're there are future efficiencies um like like any of these top level positions but you you would lose in any of these right dispatch >> police fire DPW you're going to lose that I can call Jim and he can come fix
my tree >> right right >> um doesn't mean you're not going to get service it just means you're not going to get that what Carlile expects for service so identifying what is a no-go in this or what you do want to explore is extreme extremely important because once you identify it,
it's going to become one of your hot topics. >> Yeah. What where are we? So, we talked earlier interim building commissioner. Where are we? I mean, is that a thing that could be regional or is that >> I'm heavily trying to so to explain it.
The building commissioner, it probably requires somewhere between 20 and 30 hours, which is a which is a benefited position. uh we'd want to pay more on the 30-hour end so that we could attract a building commissioner because there's not enough for all the towns, but we probably need closer to 20 hours of
building commissioner. So, we'd be paying that excess 10 hours. So, I was hoping that through regionalization >> and find somebody else, >> we could absorb and maybe help them hire a local inspector or revenue share or something that would allow us to save money. But, that's not as easy as it
sounds. uh people with well functioning building commissioners like we had with John don't really want to share it because there's not a replacement out there >> right and they may not have the 20s I mean one of the things that strikes me I tend to think of contigu contiguous
towns right so there's five towns that touch our borders they're all in the 15 to 30 40 population I mean they're all significantly larger >> they're all pretty well managed Right. Uh but maybe that's not the universe
right there. In reading rereading the report in the Northshore, I don't think proximity to the town was that big of a deal. They had town here and a down there get together and >> Yeah. >> So certain things maybe are not
geographically tethered, right? >> Unfortunately, I know you're not talking specific about this, but building inspectors are because they do have to inspect. they have to go physically here >> whereas some of your other functions you don't you should be here for like facetime but you don't have to be here
>> right >> like it >> I mean you have visibility into a lot of small towns right so you kind of have an idea of what >> all I'm saying is you take a big town take any town and you say well could we share well they're like not really because we're pretty busy right you know
whereas maybe there's another little town that has the exact same 20our problem that we have >> Foxboro has a shared health agent >> with other towns in the area. >> Pretty big though, aren't they? >> Yeah, they are. >> Most towns our size share functions like
that. >> Um but most towns like us are not here, >> right? Western, >> right? >> They're west the Cape on the southern border. >> Okay. So, in terms of what you need from us
tonight, I mean, I think we've we've talked about some potential things with the school that we'll some of them we'll follow up directly with with Brian and Jim on. Um, we talked about dispatch. We talked about Do you have enough information
from us or do you need like a formal >> You said we should try to select, right, select a list >> and perhaps it doesn't have to happen tonight. >> Yeah. But if if you identify things, what we can do is is through they're not
free grants, but through um planning grants like this study came from, we can bring you what it would look like to actually do some of these things, which I think is important because there's a lot of unexpected consequences and there's a lot of towns that have gone through this and I think you'll want to know. >> So sure, regionalized dispatch, but
there are consequences to doing that. You're going to lose. >> No one's saying to do it, but we need to evaluate it, right? So you should see what that is like or what it has been like somewhere else so you can identify whether or not you want to go down that route >> for some of the potential things like with with CPS is
obviously we would coordinate closely with the school committee but are there grant fund do you think you could get grant funds to look at some of the things that have been talked about or >> I I could get grant funding soon. Um the first thing they're going to ask me is what what does your board want us to look at?
So, that's something um I see Brian's still out there. Maybe we can also discuss because maybe there's some things that as a school committee when you're doing your strategic planning you want to look at and we can support getting grant funding for some of the questions we don't necessarily have answers to if that's if that's something you're
interested in. >> Well, I mean I would say right I out of if if five is a number, let's just say that's a number because do we is that in our goal? Five. >> Well, I would take four, six, five. He's looking just for some specifics that he can put a grand out for. >> Well, I think two of them now are kind
of joint with the school, right? One is happening anyway, I think, which is >> internal shared services, right? So, >> I mean, that should be one, right? Because that's >> kind of happening pretty well anyway. Yep. >> And now we have a new one. Yeah. You're
going to talk to them about that. So, there's two of them right there. >> We can get a grant for that one. So we can you know >> maybe you know and then I think we've talked we've we've learned dispatch health and building are three that did you have another one on >> those are the three I named
>> yeah I think I think you know there's five like >> those are five right >> y >> unless we also want to um and maybe this isn't maybe they're not maybe you're not ready for this yet with the transition that's coming but the the
finance and HR and personnel that come. >> That was the first one. The first two are school. One of them is internal. >> Oh, okay. >> Which is all that stuff. >> Okay. >> And then then there's possibly now with the superintendent. >> So those are 205 and then the others got
to me that's >> and we can also again we can work with the school committee to see if they have a request as they talk about these options that that we can work with Ryan on getting a grant for. >> I'm good with that list. >> All right. >> Are others? Anybody else? I think it's about as good as we're going to do
tonight. >> So, it's good. >> All right. Great. >> We're not as behind. >> You're catching up. You're catching up. >> No, I thought we This was the This was the gauntlet this stretch. >> Um All right, Barney. >> Okay,
>> CPA, let's get into it. So, um I'll start with what I think is probably the simpler conversation, which is the um the projected list of um projects that
as far as people have uh communicated to me or to the CPC as a whole, we expect to be um coming as uh applications for this round of funding. Um, Ryan, are you able to put that up on the
>> Yeah. What's it called? CPA activity. >> It's potential CPA projects. >> I have that one. >> CPA activity 123125. >> No, that's different. That's a the Excel spreadsheet. You You all haven't seen this because I just did it this afternoon. >> Um,
>> sorry. Give me a second. >> It was in that email I Yep. sent you, Ryan. You >> want me to send it again? >> I got it. It's a word document. I got it. >> Okay. Yeah.
>> Sorry. Excuse me as I put this up. >> So, just to remind folks um because we have set the town warrant to close on February, is it 12th? That first uh select board meeting in February. Our
the CPC then has um a deadline of groups sent um sending a brief summary of what they're planning u to apply for by this Friday and then their their full CA CPA
application needs to be in by um uh I think it's the 2nd of February so that then the CPC will meet right after that and review them and be able to recommend the ones that should go on the warrant. Uh yeah. So here's the list. Um so we um
we know that uh Gleon Library, which um received a grant um two years ago for $767,000 for the interior renovation and um of the library.
uh that those the costs for that project have gone up. And while the um trustees and others have been doing a a fair amount of um private uh fundraising and have successfully raised uh some money,
the they currently believe they're going to be short uh about $500,000 um for if they want to break around this year um to cover the cost. And so, um, I
had a conversation today with Caitlyn from the trustees about, um, and they're going to meet, I think, shortly. I can't remember if it's tomorrow. Tonight, tomorrow. >> Day after tomorrow. >> Pardon? >> Day after tomorrow. >> Yeah. Um, but I think they will be coming in for a
um request of somewhere in the $300,000 range. and and they need to lay out sort of how they would what their fundraising plans are to make up the remaining amount that they think will be short. Uh
then the Highland building. Now, uh Ryan, you I don't know if you are part of that. I mean, sorry, not Ryan. Um, Brian, I don't know if you're part of that conversation, but my my intelligence is that um there's an informal group of
members from the historical society, historic commission, and the school committee and a few others that are discussing uh submitting a CPA application to to do an study of the
infrastructure to finish the study of the infrastructure of the Highland building, particularly including the um water and septic connections that would then demonstrate uh that that the building could be used for
another purpose. And so they would that is eligible for CPA funding. Um and I just put a guesstimate in here of 30 to 40,000. It it may not come to fruition. I mean, maybe you know more about the Highland building since the school
committee is discussing it tomorrow. >> The school committee is talking about it tomorrow. >> Yeah. Yeah. That's >> And is the school committee discussing this idea or is there a whole new idea on the table? >> Uh what the school committee will be discussing is how the school may or may
not have a use for the Highland going forward. how you may or may not even though last year those discussions resulted in a decision that you did not have a use for it but now that may change now. Um
I our goal is to sort of close the loop on this because we want to get back to the select board with the request from I think a year and a half ago now um whether um you know the school sees a future use for it or not within our needs. So
>> okay >> uh more to more to come tomorrow. And you think we reach a decision tomorrow night or that that we'll just opening the >> I we won't vote on it, but I think we'll have a >> yeah pretty clear direction following our discussion >> and I'm going to update the select board
on your discussion tomorrow night. My understanding is you would make a formal recommendation at the following meeting. >> Yeah, we can't discuss and vote in the same one, >> right? >> Yeah. So, okay, >> more to come. >> Yeah, more to come. All right. And then um this is really from town staff
including the gentleman sitting to my far right that idea of uh digiti digitization or andor preservation of e the historic town documents that have been uncovered as we've started to go through all of the boxes of papers that we have here.
uh or digitate digitization of the land use documents um potentially CPA documents which I'm not I don't know if that's eligible but anyway that's on the list um has to be determined pretty quickly to meet the deadlines. Then
under conservation, open space outdoor wreck, um we uh may receive an application from CCF, which is the Carile Conservation Foundation. It's a nonprofit independent
organization, but they have been um completing the work to on the conservation restriction for the Woodward land. And the remaining piece of it is the legal expenses and they may um submit an application to cover those
legal expenses. About 25,000 is my guess. And then uh the amenities building. Uh Brian, I'll I'll come back to you to say a few things about that. All right. But I just and then just to finish up, we have under affordable housing. Um,
and David, you can share more with us the next time around after the CHT meets, but my understanding from communications I've had with John is that um they're they're considering an
application for approximately $200,000. And then finally is the grant to renew the um rental assistance for Carlile residents, which is the one we've been doing for the last couple of years, and it's a renewal at the same level, which
would be 50,000. Um Brian, do you want to uh tell us a little more about the amenities building and where that stands? >> Sure. and you will get an application for that because I have it 90% complete.
Um we are still running off an estimate of 1.7 to 1.85 million allin um for the building. Uh last year it was looking like it was going to come in closer to the 1.7
1.75 um amount. Um I will put it in sort of assuming the 1.85 with the current assessment that does put it I think it's 462
um and we can talk you know about that with the um conservation uh with you know with the CPC um conquered is moving forward with voting at this in their town meeting which is in April. um in terms of using
CPA funds to fully fund their portion of the project. So um I do feel this year the timing is is hopefully aligning. Um I'm also pleased that it's their meeting first. Um so if the town turns this down
then um I don't have to do the the presentation to Carile again unless we're a little bit more confident about what our neighbors are planning. >> Yeah. Okay, >> great. Good to know. Um, any questions
from anybody? I have a comment just to you know one of the things that I think we've discussed and also came up in the the fincom meeting is that given all the the budgetary pressures that we you know we
really as a town need to look at these funds and make sure we're spending them on um important items that that rise to the level of importance >> as as other things because we may we may not we're not going to be able to fund some things um out of our regular
budget. Um, and these funds are useful and you know just because we have them doesn't mean we should we should spend it all. So I think you know just putting that lens on it as we go >> as we approach town meeting will be important for all parties. >> Yeah. So I I mean I wanted to pivot to the spreadsheet to try to understand
that. >> Yeah. Do which one do you want to look at? >> Um unfortunately my computer is crapping out on me. >> There were two there was one spreadsheet with two tabs. Right. Yeah, >> I was more interested in the categories. Well, this one the only thing I'd say is
which has always been brought up and go down the bottom to the current >> is it's subsidized money. It's not >> Yeah. >> as subsidized as it used to be, >> right? >> And I know Mark Bernstein in particular and some others have raised that as you know maybe we should maybe it's part of
our >> look at the search charge. >> Yeah. >> Just don't don't vote as much money into it. Right. But setting that aside, the second sheet, I I always thought that there was an open category, but what
this tells me is >> historic. Is there an open category? >> Yeah, it's Well, it's the undesated, >> right? But I didn't wasn't seeing that here. >> Well, because none of these because they all have to qualify under one of these. >> So, what is our balance right now?
>> That didn't come out of that. >> Yeah. Right. Um, >> I see the million one, but I don't know. Can you lock >> uh Ryan? Can you lock the top so we can see the headings? >> So, this is just appropriations. If you want balances, we should go. >> It says remaining balance. Oh, no. Oh,
remaining balance. >> No, just on each each grant. >> I see. Okay. We should go to >> So, how much money roughly is >> in the coffers? I guess that's the question. >> Yeah. Um, I know that uh you know, we just got the amount we got from the state, which is a little under 100,000.
And so we're the search charge the portion that the town um provides through the search charge on our tax our property taxes is about half a million dollars and then the state match this time around is about another
hundred,000. >> Right. But I'm saying balance. Right. >> What? Right. Um >> I have it. I can call it. >> Do you have it right there? Okay. >> Kelly prepared this for me. And by the way, I do have something I want to share after this about we Kelly and Brian did a quick analysis on the if
we were to change the searchcharge amount just what what that tax savings would be. So I I want people to see that too. >> So is it three Can you blow that up a little? >> Yeah. >> For our old eyes here. Here we go. So
about three million bucks. Four million >> right here. This is their total 3 million. You have two 2.3 in undesated, >> right? >> 115,000 historic, nothing in open space. >> So 636 in community housing and that does not include the appropriations to
come, >> right? But but I mean that's just sitting as the >> but we'll realize from this 2026. >> Okay. So another half million is falling in. >> Yeah. >> So So your list that you sent Ryan was >> a million and a half something like
that. library is how much? >> Yes, if you go >> 300, let's say, >> pardon >> if you did everything that you have on the list. >> Yeah, sorry, I should have added this up. But >> the only thing I would caution is that the amenities building is in this total from last year. So that
>> Okay, so don't double count that. >> It's about a million, not a million and a half. >> A million of new requests. >> New requests. >> Okay. >> Is really soft numbers. Yeah. >> So the the 3.1 includes the 400, >> right? the amount that was allocated last year.
>> Yes. Okay. >> So, we about a we could spend back to your point, >> if we did everything, we'd spend about a third of the balance. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Um and do we want to do everything? Well, maybe not. But but there's a lot of money there, right? There is a lot of money there and we're in a tough
>> thing here. And so certainly, >> I mean, again, the biggest one first, the library. If if we as a town don't have to spend operate, you know, capital dollars as another pro. We got plenty of projects we're spending our money on.
>> That seems like, you know, a good if it qualifies. I mean, that's >> that's if if if if that money is not approved, Barney, then they have to raise it privately or what what what is the ask you >> if it's Yeah. Yeah. You I don't know.
You're you're are you participating in the the conversations with the trustees about this? >> Yeah, >> absolutely. So, and you know, our next meeting is on Thursday. Um, we've talked about approaching the state. Uh, Simon Gataldo has kind of told us talk to the
hand. So far, they've not >> talked to the >> There's no money >> as in Yeah. >> No money. >> No, no money. >> Um, and you know, we continue with private fundraising. We had a very successful books and bruise event
>> uh right before the holidays. Um it's just I feel like people are kind of tapped out. We have some large donors who very generously at the outset of the fundraising campaign said you can come back to us for sweep up funds but um we haven't really wanted to go back to approach them yet.
>> What is the balance again? >> So our original estimate from the architects was we needed $2.3 million and their latest estimate is costs just due to inflation have gone up by as much as 500k. So hence the additional request
>> and the funds that you have the gap is currently is it the 500? >> Yeah, we've we've raised the 2.3 that we originally set out to raise. >> Community was very supportive >> and that could be funded through CPC funds. >> Yeah, it could.
>> So this is heading towards the the design documents are finishing it. It's heading towards availability to bid, which would give you a hard number. >> Yeah. >> These are all based off estimates. >> Yes. >> The problem with putting it out to bid is you you can't sign a contract without having the full amount. >> Yeah.
>> So, you want to have about what you think it's going to be so that you can hold that contract. >> But the bidding it would give you real numbers so you know the actual is it less, is it more? >> Yeah. I'm assuming timing wise you don't necessarily want to wait till town
meeting to get the additional funds to take it out to bid. It's like a chicken and egg thing. >> Yeah, >> it is a chicken and egg thing. We were hoping we'd be out to bid by now. And >> the hold up is >> construction would be starting in January. That was >> the holdup is >> waiver. So the there's an architectural
waiver needed for removing the central staircase. >> Ah yeah. >> Which >> uh the waiver is not for central staircase. I'm sorry. >> Historic staircase. >> The central one's not historic. >> No. >> No. >> Which one was put in the
>> uh So, if you are driving by the library, there is a front entrance that is never used that leads to an old oak stairwell that is now an emergency exit. >> Interesting. >> Mix mix my stairwell. But that's what they're waiting for to finalize the design. >> Yeah. >> They think it'll be approved and that
would >> Oh, go ahead. You go. >> Well, I was I'm just thinking about this. So there's really are you thinking Christine that you have to wait until you know about the wait till town meeting to see what's approved for
>> you know the trustees were hoping to raise the funds before all that that this is a significant setback to the original timeline. >> Yeah. >> Um yeah we do have a chicken and egg problem though. Um >> I don't know what their what their
>> I've not heard them mention town meeting so because I don't know if there's a way to get a private individual to you're saying you have to know you have to have a confirmed amount of money in order to
put something out to bid and to sign a contract with somebody >> well to sign a contract you >> Martha and I talked about this so transferring endowment funds to the town um transferring the donation funds which I believe are in the endowment and then we would need an memorandum of
understanding for the use of some of the other funds that are going to fund this project by priority order. Once we had that in place, we would feel >> you could put >> legally stable to sign the contract. >> Okay. >> And all of this is going to happen as long as there's enough money. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. >> But let me ask a different process. Bernie, >> maybe they're getting to that point. >> Say, Travis, what? >> It's okay. I was saying, >> well, it sounds like you're going to they're going to pursue additional private funding between now and town meeting because >> Well, we're hitting up all sources,
right? So, CPA, private donors, going to continue to hit up the state, >> but CPA, you can't get anything out of CPA until town meeting. That was what I was going to ask, >> right? >> You guys don't >> The CPC makes a recommendation >> to town meeting.
>> It's a town meeting that you guys decide. You don't we don't tell you what to do. you tell you Utah. >> So in this situation, >> you'd have to calibrate how much maybe library is going to raise on its own and then decide if you're going to backfill or whatever, right? That would be a recommendation, right?
>> And then to your point, Ryan, but you couldn't go to bid until town meeting had approved that because you'd need to know that that money was available, right? If I was town administrator for a day, I would say um if all of that looked like it was going to happen, like let's say there
was some CPA and some additional fundraising you were going to have it, I would go out to bid right before town meeting. >> So you could do that, right? Even with the caveat that >> Well, because we get the bids back, town meeting would happen by the time you get the bids >> back. Yeah. >> Ah, but okay. But let's say the bids
come back and the town said >> then you >> Wow. Well, then your own. >> I would bid it. I would bid it so you had the number at town meeting. >> Ah, right. Okay. >> And then you can adjust the CPA >> anyway. So, what's the action for us? >> Yeah. There's nothing, right? Because it's all up to CPC to decide, right?
>> I mean, it would be in it would be worth hearing from the select board. uh if you felt that CPA should um that we should use CPA money to fund the entire difference.
>> Ah >> right that is one option and if between now and the Maytown meeting you know additional funds were raised privately than we could you know before we >> it's going to be harder to raise
additional funds privately you're already on record saying >> we'll pay for it. So I'd rather No, but I'm I'm just asking for your input because one of the one of the sort of guiding principles and it's not part of the statute of the CPA statute is that
for big projects in particular the the our practice has been looking for um the entity that wants the funds to be doing their own fundraising as well. Well, one could say that the the library trustees
and others have have done have raised a significant amount >> but not enough >> and so I think the costs kind of outran the fundraising effort, >> right? But that happens all the time. So I mean I think >> but it's a two3 one third. >> Yeah, I think you want to >> get the two/3. They should get the two
>> thirds and then >> then we we fill in with the third because I mean I remember when we were raising money for the regional school building >> there were things we wanted that MSB >> school business whatever the guy the
state would not pay for right >> and so we we said we'll raise it privately and if we can't raise it we won't do it and that's what happened we didn't >> right >> nobody's going to contribute to a an amenities building which is a fancy word for bathroom Right. So, that's a good
use, right? No, we don't object to re-uping that one, right? >> That's a question for >> Yeah. No, I I >> Right. >> Unless the Yeah. Unless people in town change their >> I'm going to check. Yeah.
>> So, okay. So, I mean, that's already a chunk, which is already in there, but it's a piece. I I'm more in the bigger picture of given that there's a $3 million balance, should we ease off the throttle on the CPA search
charge as a way of >> Yeah, why don't we >> the budget more? >> Yeah, let's take a look at that because um it maybe to some it might seem significant to me the savings of if we we're currently at 2%. if we went down
to 1%. This is an analysis that Brian and Kelly did. >> Um I don't know if you can make that a little larger. >> So you're saying your house like a million. >> So >> four is in green. So I guess we'll use that one. >> Yeah. But he So right and if you look at
the notes at the bottom basically he he says that the average single family for fiscal year 26 would say well fiscal 26. Yeah. >> Let's see. you know, it wouldn't go into effect until fiscal 27, but it would be
160 just under $169. And I looked at ours, you know, we everybody just got their tax bill, so you can calculate it for yourself. And >> you know, if you if you cut it in half what's on your tax bill, >> but it's still a p is it a percent of
>> It's a percent up to a certain value, I believe. >> Right. There's an exemption in there. Um, >> isn't it a >> $100,000 exemption? Yeah, >> you take the first 100,000 off and then it's >> it's on most of your bill. Yeah, it's a percent, >> but it's very >> But I mean, so what you're saying go up a little. So on the on I don't know, we
use the 14, I guess. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um on a you know, that's probably a 16 $18,000 tax bill. >> Pretty close to 17. >> All right. So on a $17,000 tax bill,
>> you're paying only 300 33 bucks. Yeah, you know, okay. I mean, all right. So, that's that's okay. I think that's a reasonable position. But then spend then we should be a little more liberal with spending if we're bringing in 500 a year
>> unless and this is something I don't know the answer to but is there a way to identify over the next five to 10 years things that the town is going to need to do that could qualify for some funding
and that's something I know >> that's the key thing and >> and it's hard right because a lot of things don't >> but I know it's on fin's radar it's something they're looking at is Most of these items might be CPA so we don't spend all money. So path wasn't pathways at one point wasn't that going to
qualify? >> No, pathways do not I've learned. >> So I've learned everything you really want doesn't qualify. >> Right. Because Massachusetts anything that is along a roadway that along a paved roadway is considered transportation. >> Perfect. We just won't pave anymore.
>> Right. So it has to come out of transportation. We can do >> just mill don't pave. >> Right. We can do paths through the woods. Yeah. There you go. There you go. Yeah. Go back to dirt roads, right? >> You can do paths through the woods.
>> Oh, yeah. You can do trails. Sure. But you can't do s, you know, anything that's >> So, is there there must be since there are 318 towns looking at this, there must be some examples of creative use of
CPA funding around, right? Is there a way to get at that? Like, >> sure, you can. I mean, there's a great database of all the CPA funded projects for this state and you can peruse those. The um >> it's a great summer project for >> the ones the old the ones that are from
earlier, you know, in the in the um passage of the statute which was what 201 13 I think or 12. >> They're not really legal. >> Some of those are not. >> No. >> No, but
>> it's just too long too long ago. >> Yeah. But there have been a ch there was a challenge on this sidewalk question. >> Yeah. >> And that's why there's a very clear ruling on that. >> Yeah. I was curious. I didn't understand that. I don't I'm not up to speed on it. Is the the the pathways that are gravel
that are like out to Kimbles, you know, >> that's considered a because it's along a roadway. It's cons whether whatever you considered a sidewalk a sidewalk to get people from one place to another. And so that's considered transportation. not why, you know, why do they have
their head up their tail basically? Like why don't they do things that people want? Like is there some higher authority that can be appealed to? >> Well, theor No, but the the thinking was, you know, you your your operating budget, you know, should cover all those
sort of basic maintenance things and and or something like complete streets, right? A grant. >> This isn't an operating budget. >> So, let's talk about affordable housing because that's definitely a subject, right? >> Okay. And we're so we're at we're a little bit over. Okay. Um >> give me just 30 seconds and then I'll back. >> Okay. I'll time you
>> because again I want to be able to articulate this on Thursday. >> You know there's the the affordable housing people would re the committee and various people who are proponents of affordable housing would really like to have bigger chunks of money available to
buy parcels and do things. But the the the conundrum as I know it is you can't really well I don't know this. you what you can't do is you can't bid on real estate without the town proving it. So I don't think there's a mechanism but correct me
if I'm wrong to approve a large chunk of money to be put into something that could be used without a town meeting. No, actually I mean if you look at what conquered has done and they do this every year they have c it's almost automatic every year the CPC approves
the same amount of money to go into their housing pot. >> Yeah. >> And they have a and I I don't know what it's called. Maybe it's maybe it's the um legal entity. They have a legal entity that we don't have. We used to have >> okay
>> a um >> housing authority. >> Housing authority. >> Okay. >> But in conquered what happens then is that's why they're doing a lot of affordable housing in conquered because they have this pool of money that the staff people know is going to come to
them every year. And so they don't need to go to the town for approval because it's already been approved at the >> so they could actually purchase real estate using that money. >> Yes. >> So that's something we should look at because that seems to come up as a as a
townwide objective is affordable housing and yet we >> scratch and we're doing it again with the bog house. I mean the bog house is a worthy thing but it's a very complicated thing because it's got chapter 97 and all this. It would be nice if we had
something set up so that >> when opportunities came up, they could just buy the thing and >> Yeah. >> We I mean I guess maybe that's something for that we need council's advice on >> because we do you all remember we used to have the two entities and
>> then they fought and then they all >> Yeah. And so then the town voted actually to dissolve the housing authority and I don't know if then that I I don't understand what the housing trust authority is but they do I mean look
David they are they still have 560,000 sitting in their pot. >> Whose pot though? The housing >> the housing housing one >> the trust we >> Yeah. Yeah. That's what's there on that. Uh >> right. >> Good. So you've got over half a million >> but is that enough to
>> you said that that conquered has a housing authority. >> Yeah. >> Can the trust buy things? >> So if if the >> if the town bought something they wanted to manage then you would have a housing authority in charge of it. But we don't have anything to manage. >> Right. >> So if we this hypothetical please don't
print this but if we had if the boghouse was the towns Yeah. >> we could have an authority that would run it. >> Right. But we don't have anything to run. So we have a trust that >> but we can. >> And so do do you do you know can the trust legally let's say a a property
comes on the market and it could be purchased for it probably couldn't be but let's say it could purchase for a half a million dollars. The trust could legally uh p purchase that on behalf of the town. >> I don't think so. But I will check if
you want me to. Well, what would be useful is >> because you that the town meeting has to approve the purchase of >> Right. But if if to Barney's point, if there was the authority, it wouldn't I mean, it would be worth understanding those rules because I could see putting more like a million bucks in there. I
mean, you need some real money because nothing's going to be 500, >> right? >> That would allow >> opportunistic purchases to happen. Right now, it can't happen. And I tried to explain that to some people on the housing trust. I don't think they fully understand it, but it's like no, you
know, it comes up. This is real estate and we have to put it on the docket for an eight months from now meeting and hope it passes, right? That you can you can't do real estate that way. So, >> you know, it would be useful to understand more of that and that I don't know if that would be in time for this
aortionment, but as a long-term goal, that would definitely be something. >> So, I I will ask, do you want the staff to look into that? Is that a priority? Um let me let me do a little bit on it first because um the CPA coalition
uh is really knowledgeable about all this and we don't have to pay for we don't have to pay for our town council if they know how this works. So, let me do that first. Um, >> because I would love to do that work, but I would love to know if all of you want,
>> right? I'm not sure. Right. I I don't know how involved it is. So, let's because you're going to have the chapter 27 stuff that staff are going to have to do maybe with the help of a consultant, but yeah. Okay. >> All right. Let's uh >> let's move on. >> Let's move on. >> But, but just to to round out though,
sorry. Sorry, Scott. But just so if FINCOM and then the select board could agree on what are the some of these long-term expenses. Yeah. >> That we know would would qualify for CPA funding then we could have a conscious
strategy of maintaining a certain balance going forward to cover those things. And and I know I know it has been discussed that specific question was brought up in the FINCOM meeting and we can reiterate in that capital plan do a scrub. Yes. >> To say what could be CPA and make sure
we're not missing anything and it's on your radar even not as a formal request but as a >> oh we want to keep a potential chunk of money. Okay. >> I'll take that as an action item follow up with. Okay. >> I feel I feel confident that the capital plan as it exists today Yeah. >> has been scrubbed in that way. >> Okay. Okay. >> Yeah. I think what needs to be done is
the historical society, the historical commission, the recreation commission, >> and the um affordable housing trust need to add their stuff to the capital plan. >> Okay? >> Because really really what I would like
to make sure that we have CPC or CPA money for is those projects that they think that they're they're going to be proposing that we don't know about. >> Got it. um examples and and I don't mean to like call anybody out but the splash pad um pickle ball courts these affordable housing options and uh I know
the historical society has designs on some of the upgrades at the cemetery and that's not all in the plan. So >> yeah, >> it's really that there's a lot of people who are depending on that CPA money that just haven't >> well those expressed it. >> I'm assuming that'll point will be raised in these departmental meetings
coming up. Yeah, but some of those entities are >> Yeah. >> quasi independent and or not may not be because it's a little technical. >> No. >> Is is Julie pretty versed in this too >> of what qualify? Like would Julie know if
>> No. Speaking for the CHT, I mean the only thing right now on the radar screen is the black house. So I assume at some point that's CPA eligible. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. Absolutely. >> Okay. >> All right. Let's move on to the the town
administrator evaluation. Um I that was included in the packet. Um it's been provided to the the TA and to everyone else. It's a public document. Um in the interest of time, I I won't go through all the details. Uh but I did want to say that once again, this is a select
board provided universally excellent review of Ryan. Uh we each met individually with Ryan and provided more detailed feedback for the public portion of this evaluation. Um each select board member sent me both their uh performance scores which in the evaluation is
summarized on page three uh with Ryan earning an average of 4.7 out of five which is outstanding exceptional and he performed well again across all the categories that we we measure. Um and each select board member also provided a
public comment that is attached to the end of the document. Um, and you are correct, David. Yours is single spaced. I apologize for that. Um, I won't read through those, but you know, to summarize, um, you know, in my mind, Ryan continues to set the standard for leadership and
management within the town in the town government of Carile. In his role as TA, he continues to effectively push forward on the challenging tasks of redefining and improving the culture, processes, and services of Carile Town Hall and overall town governments. He's exceptionally dedicated and hardworking
with a genuine commitment to his role, his colleagues, and the long-term future of our town. And that's reflected in both our comments and his scores. Um, and at this point, I'll leave it at that, but I certainly invite other select board members to to make a brief
comment. But again, um, for those of you online, Mary Lynn, um, I can it's in the packet. I can email you this and and our comments um and all the information is is there. But again, I want to express my my appreciation on behalf of the select board to Ryan for the for the
work you continue to do in your role. >> The amount we're accomplishing uh with with your leadership and support is >> is unprecedented in my time in town. >> Yeah. >> And you can see it actually in the discussion we had about our goals. >> Yeah. >> There were a lot of big hefty ones that
we made progress or completed. Right. Well, on the shift, I would say also, you know, it's conscious on our part, but we needed Brian to be on the other end to get us day-to-day management and be able to set
up a much, you know, higher or more strategic set of things to do. So, thank you. >> Yeah. So, yeah, this is a tremendous town to work in. If anyone hasn't served as a town administrator, I recommend you do. It's rewarding work, especially
here. The volunteers, you you especially put trust in me, have candy conversations with me, and push me. So, I appreciate that. The volunteer boards and committees here are are I don't I don't think they're rivaled, at least in the region, in terms of their
involvement. And although like the discussions can get here and there, just the the the passion is is why the staff likes to come to work. Any scores that I have here are directly attributable to my staff. Um, if if I'm anything, it's a coordinator of very talented people who
who bring these things to life and who are excited to do it. So, I appreciate everything they do and I believe that um these kind words you've written here are really a reflection on the staff, >> but it takes, you know, a good leader to
assemble that stuff, >> right? To uh pull that all together. No, it's the >> Did you want And so um >> I I sent it to you thinking maybe >> do you do you want to do this now? Okay. >> If if we're done with the with the select board part of the evaluation.
>> I think we are and again if there's any you know questions or comments um please contact me um about what's in this report. Um we also for the first time well I'll let I'll let you do this portion Barney. Um
so for the f for the first time we uh decided to try um via a questionnaire to the staff to get input from the town hall staff uh for the town administrator's annual evaluation and um
so I developed a uh three questionnaire and worked with Aubrey on just the wording of those questions and then she um arranged to send that out under my name. Um we included all staff uh except
those that are members of unions and and we also um left off any Carlile public school staff. U and so the um the respondents questionnaire was
confidential. It just the responses just came back to me. didn't go through Aubrey. Um, and they and my uh my uh introductory memo to all the staff said that it they won't be shared with
anybody uh including the TA or the HR director. Um, I checked with council about this and we'll we will maintain them as uh documents um for the town, but they are not subject to public
records requests or anything else like that. It'll go into the uh just archive for the town documents >> and and none of the select board members have seen the anything other than what you're presenting tonight. >> Right. Right. Um, and so I'm the one
that prepared this summary uh totally on my own. No one else has seen it until now. Um, but the three questions were, how would you describe your interaction with the town administrator and his effectiveness as a manager? And um, just
step back for a second. I think this was a really interesting thing to do because you you get a little bit of a um behind the scenes look that in many cases is very similar to the kinds of things that we um noticed or commented on, but
there's some differences too. But on this first question, the staff responses were overwhelmingly positive and complimentary. Many noted Ryan's skills as a communicator, teacher, mentor, and listener, and appreciated his support for individual professional growth and
the implementation of staff training. Several people described um challenging or stressful situations that they were in a in their role uh as town hall staff and um Ryan's ability to really help
them navigate that challenge and also to deal with the stress they were feeling. Um uh several people um commented on the efforts to professionalize the staff and his encouragement to staff to innovate and improve department functions. One
person said it resulted in quote enhanced operational efficiencies. >> How corporate? >> Yeah. Unquote. And uh improved resident services. Um several people commented on the uh increased social opportunities
for staff to get together and Ryan's evident caring for his staff. Um one person liked the public rec recognition of staff and and thought that people appreciated that the town administrator recognized their hard work. Another person felt that it was inappropriate.
It was not good management because it tended to bad feelings lead to bad feelings and a competitive staff environment. I have three quotes under that section I'd just like to share. Um, one is, "It has always been done this way." Sorry, I should start again.
Quote, "It has always been done this way." Unquote is a phrase seldomly used in town hall, and I credit that to the TA's leadership style. Next comment. Of the four town administrators for whom I've worked, Ryan is the most effective
I've ever worked for. Um, and the last one is the way he treats others has resulted in a friendly, positive atmosphere at town hall and he's respected by the employees. The second question was, "What concerns, if any, do you have about his staff leadership and what suggestions do you have for how to
address them?" And so, this is where you you kind of see the other side of things. though. One person said while he appreciates the TA's efforts to professionalize the human resources and personnel functions, including better management and training, quote, "Ryan
sometimes moves too quickly for departments to react," unquote. Um, another staff person was unhappy with the lack of consultation by the TA about office changes in space utilization.
Um, and one described, uh, I'm just laying it out here because there's, you know, mostly all positives, but a couple of people were critical. One person described a quote, toxic work environment, unquote, and noted the high number of staff turnovers, terminations,
and resignations under this TA. Um, several staff noted their concern that Ryan will burn out. He is quote available almost 247 unquote. Um, one mentioned they were initially intimidated by the TA's manner, quote,
"Until I got to know him," unquote. Um, two mentioned that the town should have more equitable, fair salaries across departments. And several were concerned that we are not preparing for his successor, thinking that he'll be
snapped up by somebody. Yeah, a few quotes. Sometimes my comments are misinterpreted or overanalyzed. and now I have a better understanding of how Ryan processes information. And another one was um I see him doing
his utmost to make time to meet with staff one-on-one to be available to all staff when they want or need him, but he also has a lot to do and I don't know how that can fit in his schedule. Um and finally, the last question was what other feedback would you like to share
about the TA's performance? Um there were a lot fewer comments in this one and um all positive. Uh I'll just the quotes here were um quote, "It is unusual to find a town
administrator as competent as he is who is dedicated to helping departments and the town rather than exercising control and pursuing their own agenda." And the other quote is, "Ryan is very focused on the overall well-being and
growth of the community while maintaining a fair focus on long-term sustainability." And that is the end. >> Thank you, Barney. Thank you for >> And we'll have to decide, you know, maybe down the road whether this is
something we want to continue or whether there's a different way to do this. But >> And this was not in the packet, correct? >> Correct. So, um, we can certainly we will certainly add it to >> add it to the minutes >> the minutes. Um, >> and and it's certainly a public document now, so we can make it available. And I
would just I would just add the the commentary that some of the uh critical comments I I think are just the natural >> um impact of change. And we're, you know, Ryan's actively been working to >> uh with us and with everyone to um
>> provide more accountability in town hall, >> become more uh resident service focused in town hall. And I think, you know, in doing that, you're you're quite often some people aren't going to be happy with that change. And so, um in a in a way, I think I think that's a sign that
real change is happening. Um, and certainly we want to >> carefully consider all the feedback, but that that is something we expected. >> Yeah. >> Great. Well, thank you, Barney. Um, I think if there's nothing else, we can move on. Or do you want to react to
that? >> Because that that was a lot. So, um, overwhelmed by positive comments from from people that I respect. So, um, that >> you don't know sometimes. So, it's nice to hear,
>> right? >> Uh, in terms of of anybody in the town of Carile who works for the town that feels they're being treated unfairly or they're having a bad day or they they think anything can improve, then all of those things should be should be
expressed and sent to people who have the ability to do something about it. So if that's not me and I understand why it wouldn't be given my position of authority then I hope that they would reach out to an elected official an HR director or some some external entity so that that situation can change because
nobody deserves to work in an environment where they feel uncomfortable or unsupported and um so I I hope anyone who feels that way would would reach out or find a way to remedy it and if I could I would. Do you have
an budsman? >> We have an HR director. >> She is she functions as that. >> Yes. So she does she does operate independently in that role. However, we're acutely aware that she's also the assistant town administrator and part of
the executive office. So we're trying to work on ways to um create avenues that would even be around that. But in any hierarchy there is there is some end to the >> the person that you can go to. So
>> we want to make sure that those avenues exist. Um it's hard with public records and open meeting law to have confidential >> things. So So you know that was a a great way around all that or great effort >> and u I'm going to think about just ways
to do that. I wouldn't want to do that or or not have any place to go. So I hope everybody feels like they do. Yeah. Um, and maybe I should I was going to send this out to all the staff. Um, and maybe I should include a note from me
that just says, um, the importance of that we had this discussion and you made it clear the importance of >> I would, you know, run that through Aubrey before. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Okay. >> I don't think we're a little bit out of our swim lane to be going direct to staff with communications.
It's nice that half the people did respond. I assume the other half maybe felt they didn't trust the confidentiality of the process. >> Well, I think it's probably more likely at least looking at the list of who didn't respond. Yeah, because we we sent it out before Christmas, but then I sent
a head Aubrey sent a reminder under my name about >> uh 10 days ago >> and got another group of responses. And looking at the people that didn't respond, it's you know, >> it's a random. Yeah, I it didn't I I'm
guessing >> overlooked or just didn't feel the need to or >> you know, half is pretty good. I mean, you got a good set of data points, but I'm just saying it's it's interesting. You did the 360, which is hard to do. I've looked at >> 360s in my own, you know, organization, and I've always come away saying
>> it ain't worth it. You know, it opens up too many things. But I think you did it well and and so yeah, it's a piece of data, but I definitely without obviously you were very careful not to reveal who said what, but the broad outcome and how that might get communicated back. I
think Aubrey would be a good Okay, sound important. And did Aubrey look at this? >> She did. Uh but I finished this very late this afternoon and so >> yeah, coordinate with Aubrey and see what the best way is. Um, and the and the last thing I'll just to clarify if
it's a question is uh we received this tonight. So this this input was not part of our process intentionally. Our our evaluation as a select board was based on our experience and not any staff. >> Right. >> Okay. >> Okay. Let's go. You're behind. Let's go. >> Thank you very much. Well, took more
than 30 seconds. Um, all right. On to annual town meeting. So, uh, we want to confirm the time and date for town meeting. We had we had um designated May 17th to 19th talking about that Sunday
through Tuesday as a range. Um and so we're looking to narrow that down to a specific time and date. >> Right now we have it that it's going to be Monday, May 18th based on your conversations. >> Uh traditionally you would start that at 7, but you'd mentioned some other start
times. And then the idea that it would be one or two days. I know that there's always the possibility that it's two, but are you targeting a splitting of days or is it one day and if we can't get it done a second day? >> I I know based on what do we have? We
don't know what we have. >> Yeah, I would I I feel like it's going to be two days espec >> Well, okay. So if we start >> So one question is can we start at six? >> Is this a Monday night or >> Monday night
>> 18th? I think or seven is guess no six we should try for six >> I think seven I've said it before you know seven's sort of an artifact of the computer world which is less now >> I think you know >> a lot of the first hour quite honestly is like
>> Wayne got the memo for the last time and he was much more >> no no but it's I don't mean that it's still there's still a lot of procedural stuff at the beginning >> there is procedural stuff but again improvements that we've recommended that we did enact once you hit court more of the the meaty stuff up earlier if you
recall. We did >> Okay. But once we hit quorum, we start. >> Yep. >> U Ashley also learned that you need more stations, check-in stations to make sure that that goes fast. So that works well. I think you know trimming at the edges and getting started quickly is huge
because >> that ideally if you can get four hours of meeting time, you should be able to get everything done. So, I would like I mean I don't know without knowing what's in the warrant, but >> I would always try for >> Yeah. 6:00 start and try to get it done
would be my >> recommendation. Off the cuff recommend. >> Yeah. No, I I mean that tracks with what I was thinking. Um and whether I mean we can we can plan on one night. I I tend to think by hour three if you're not really at the tail end of it, it's like time to call it.
>> But depends. Some people, you know, we go through and then Wayne says, "What do you want to do?" And most people like let's get it done and half the people leave anyway. >> But again, if you start at 6 and that means you're at 10:00 versus 11:00, I think it's a lot easier. >> I continue to feel that there are, you know, more aggressive use of consent
agenda and just >> yeah, >> really identifying the important, >> you know, we're going to have a couple building one or zero to two building projects to discuss. >> Until we see it, I can't really say, but I mean, right, >> you can reserve both days, right? Is there any savards or other things going
on then? And that's going to create problem. >> We reserved both days. >> What? >> We reserved all three days. So >> all three days >> in case you wanted to do Sunday, but >> but it sounds like it's a Monday and a Tuesday as a relief. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And start at six. >> I you know, again, I can ask our
committee next week, but >> six o'clock. >> Six o'clock. >> Yep. >> All right. Six. >> Do we need a motion? >> No. >> Okay. Okay. Let's move on. I like that one. Item nine, town administrator report.
>> Wow. >> We could do a warrant if you want a minute. We can do the warrants and minutes. >> I am good. This is my town administrator report for it is not January 8th. It's January 13th. I knew I knew that that was going to be a problem and I will fix
it. Um I had a coffee hour today. Um first time in a while I only had one guest, but it it was an important conversation and I was able to give coffee to the staff. So, um, maybe they didn't know that it was because it was a TA coffee hour and they thought I was being nice.
I'm likely to go to the library next with their permission and I'm considering holding a publicly announced coffee hour at the DPW to uh to start bringing people to. >> That's a good idea. >> That's great. I don't know where. We'll do it in the trailer maybe, but
>> use their coffee machine. I'm going to find the worst spot so that >> rainy day on the in the bays >> and the water's coming in. Bring your boots. 6 in >> water. With town meeting season and budget season coming up. I encourage people to sign up for our newsletters,
email alerts, and podcasts to stay informed. We do a podcast on every Warren article and cover all of this stuff extensively for people to digest hopefully while they're exercising or driving or or doing whatever they need. So, it's easy. for our HR report. Um, we
had some appointments earlier, mainly Richard Anise, our interim building commissioner. We appreciate him serving for a little bit while we find our permanent hire. Aubry's report also includes a lot of information from Chief Soros about the fire department. Some of it we'll get into, but we had a
promotion of David Newman to captain and EMS coordinator, Lloyd Burke to first lieutenant, a couple new hires, and a lot of our our staff is now working on their advanced EMT, which is going to help our service delivery and even our
revenue hopefully. The Council on Aging is still looking for a part-time uh van driver if you know anybody. And we've also started our review process. So tonight, you heard mine that officially kicks off the review season. All of our department heads and employees have completed their
their initial evaluations, their self-ealuations that have come to me. We'll schedule one-on ones with all those employees to discuss their goals, their performance, and their professional development plans. That should take about a month. So in
mid to late February, we will report that that has been completed. For department updates and information, the annual report for 2025 has begun. This is the report process for all departments and town activities. We are working on streamlining this, making
more ADA accessible and with with any with any luck, we we are going to try to put this in for an award given uh Gretchen's level of work. So, the awards are based off of not only aesthetics, but accessibility and the ease of information finding and use. You want to
see our town reports, they're on the town website, and we have all of them back to the 1800s. They're a great read. Route to sustain sustainability day has been set by the ESC. That'll be Sunday, May 3rd at 1 PM. And you have all been formally invited. The Council on Aging
and Human Services and our other resident services departments, mainly the library and the recreation department, received a grant from the Mass Broadband Institute. It's connected and online program. This is going to provide 30 internet enabled devices and assisted technology and remote health
monitoring to the equipment and equipment to the town for no cost. Some budget updates. The finance committee will begin its marathon meetings tomorrow. It'll be I'm just sleeping here for a week or so. It's going to be fun. We're going to do our long meetings and they're actually very informative. I'm bringing some staff
members so that they can see it and see some of the the other department's requests for professional development. They will provide a recommendation to you based on the conversation with the departments about service levels and cost. This will inform your February, March, and April deliberations with the
finance committee. We're also working with Chief Amandola and Chief Soros finalizing new employment contracts. We've extended offers to continue their service here in Carile. Those will come to you for a final final vote and will be part of the FY27 budget. for capital project updates. Our elevator project,
we had a pre-construction meeting with our design firm, the facilities department, and the contractor. This will begin in the spring with submitts, and it has already started in advanced planning. Barring any schedule changes, the first elevator will be the the CPS elevator in the grant building. That
will start the day that school ends and will be completed before school starts to maximize that time period. If they can do town hall and the library simultaneously, they will. Or they'll follow each other back to back. The reason for starting that late, not only for the school, is also the schedule of
the contractor and the availability of all of the equipment, which is um a lot of lead time for a lot of elevator equipment. Town hall bathroom renovation and mechanical room expansion. We do expect the restroom renovation project to begin
in the next month or so. The mechanical room expansion has been brought in-house. If you remember, the costs were prohibitive. So the MFC authorized facilities department to do it on overtime and using some of our own skills. So that'll happen in the spring when they can fit it in. Cemetery
mapping. We are continuing to be fascinated by the cemetery's history and where everything is. Gretchen and Jim are are spearheading this effort with your cemetery committee. Special special props to Gordon for his investment in this. The mapping has slowed, but most
of the most of the cemetery has been mapped at this point with um with drones and maps and and all kinds of other interesting things. >> For CPA projects, the Diamond Park study, the subcommittee finalized their contract with Lula Designers to assist
the committee with the redesign. This will result in in some type of design and cost estimate that will come, I believe, to you next year for the actual rehabilitation work. This is under the authority of the recreation commission.
Cranberry bog dam number one. Um much like me, Megan didn't know there was a cranberry bog when she took on the conservation role and how much she was going to learn about cranberry bog dam number one. But we we've been working on it. The ground penetrating radar and emergency repair investigation is now
complete. That's going to go to the the conservation commission for final approval and that'll start as soon as the weather allows it. So that's shoring up the dam. Then we are putting out in our IFB for an invitation for bid for the phase one repair work that includes
everything but the the famous spillway. And then the hydraologic studies are almost complete. That information will go to the conservation commission and form phase two. So we believe that the cranberry bog dam number one repair will take up most of next year and the following spring, but it'll be
completed. Megan told me today with the hydraolog hydraologic studies that those are uh going into the final phase. They're taking data from some of our volunteers in town including that in the report and they'll give final recommendations on
the the amount of flow allowed at Greeno and of course the final phase 2 design of the cranberry bog dam for building construction projects. You got a little bit of an update today on the on the library renovation. So, I won't spend too much time on this, but the committee is awaiting a decision
from the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board for a variance on the historical emergency exit staircase. Once that's complete, design will finish. There'll be a cost estimation and then the project will head into um a financial discussion about whether
there's enough funding or not and how we can make up that difference heading into an annual town meeting vote. The police station renovation is on budget. the only contingency spend so far related to the dirty dirt. All the dirt has been removed. We worked through
solutions with the OPM. The OPM did a great job working with our ACOM, our advisers on this environmental hazard on how to deal with the very low water table. So, they put a uh they dug out a a hole and it immediately filled with
water in the back where the um where the garage is going to go. So, they redid the design on it to make it a shallow foundation, still structurally sound, still allowed by permitting, but that will go um less into the ground, so they don't have to dig up as much dirt and disperse as much water, but there's
still going to be water displacement. So, we worked on how to do that and fit it in within our budgeting contingency. So, we're continuing to work on this project. The your building committee is all over it. they're receiving their um monthly report and then we are also
meeting with the chair of that committee and and I are meeting every week with the OPM in order to monitor this project. So, we feel very good about where it's at, where we are budget-wise, and and we'll let you know if there's anything to be concerned about. Your newly appointed fire station renovation
building committee met for the first time last week, and they met today. They reviewed the the newest versions of the design to get up to speed. Some of the members are meeting individually with the architect to make sure that they're also up to speed. They have been told to
maintain your project goals and your project's financial targets while also advancing advancing this work. The main holdup right now could be the conservation commission. They need to properly delineate delineate the wetlands. It's winter. There's usually a moratorium on that. So, they're working
on a a a variance to make sure that that's done. Um, that could be a showstopper because without the wetland delineation, the the design can't finish by April. >> Oh jeez, >> there's a morator. >> That's why you want one on DPW committee.
>> Yeah. >> Um, that I will tell you that everybody's working as fast as possible, but it is a super compressed timeline. So, um, I'm confident if your committee tells you that this can't be done that that it it literally it couldn't be done. And I told >> that's a gate that you can't mess that
up. You get in way worse. >> Yeah. >> You're way worse shape if you shortcut that and you have to redo it later. So, you know, if it rolls back to the question of one or two, they tell me >> if these building projects roll in the fall,
>> so what? Right. >> It's a goal and it's aggressive goal, >> right? point is to get there. >> You know, the point is >> we shouldn't hurry up and wait and we absolutely shouldn't >> shortcut a critical step that might put
us back. I'm sure Travis is well. >> We're going to wave the >> fully appointed committee member will you should need someone on consom on committee. That would help that >> actually. Are you on the fire station? >> No, he's DPW. No, >> DPW. Who's the fire station rep from the
Jerry? >> Jerry. Okay. Okay. >> From the MFC. >> Yeah. >> Some discussion topics. You're you're all having your personnel policies meeting with Aubrey and eventually we'll need to approve those. We have scheduled your legislative delegation to come and speak with you and one of them will be
at your next meeting. Uh that's when Simon's coming. Um I should say Representative Galo. Representative Galdo is coming to your meeting at your next meeting and then Senator Barrett's coming in March in person. So we're going to prepare that for you. And if you have anything specific you want to
talk about, it would be good to send it to us ahead of time so that we can allow them time to prepare >> and have an answer. >> Budget and town meeting is going to dominate your spring as you know. And we haven't stopped working on the cell tower RFP. Town council has finished a final draft. We're going to send that to
the the consultant that's looking to bid, make sure that it all makes sense, and then we'll bring it to you for approval, and that'll have to go to town meeting for lease approval. But that could move pretty quick assuming there's no other hiccups. We have a slew of signs in the Rotary as
you know. Um we're diligent. If those are approved, we take we put allow them. If they're not, we take them out and we talk to them about the the process. So, um all >> who actually places those and retrieves them? >> The the entities that
>> do it. And some people I think just think I don't think it's that nefarious. They they just think that everybody puts things there. So, we usually take them out, find out who did it, and and educate them on the process. Signs are a lot. Gretchen manages that,
and it's a lot. Some staff recognition. Speaking of Gretchen, in addition to her regular duties, she has expanded her professional portfolio by managing procurement projects and pursuing grant opportunities. Most recently, her efforts resulted in us being awarded an accessibility improvement grant. This is
a competitive program administered by the Massachusetts Office of Disability. If you remember in my goals from last year, we talked about doing a ADA assessment of the town. This will add any liabilities or things that we need to add to our capital plan, things that are unknown. She was able to secure this
grant which will allow us to do an evaluation with the consultant that she's procuring right now. Um, so two two things to mention here with Gretchian. First, she did that independently, sought the grant parameters, wrote it and got it. And she also then procured who was going to be
doing it for us with her new procurement skills. So, >> this is this is an advanced executive assistant who is destined for more. Speaking of succession planning and >> figuring out how to keep people, Captain Robert Coning, as reported by
Aubrey in the fire department, he served the town of Carile for more than 40 years as a call firefighter. So, four decades of service is an extraordinary commitment. any field, but is meaning especially meaningful in a profession that routinely places individuals in harm's way for the safety of others. So 40 years as a call firefighter in this
town is is just tremendous service. His dedication represents the very best of of this type of service, consistent, community focused. It's also the long-term commitment that keeps keeps us safe and allows us to maintain financially this call fire department that helps every resident town, not just
with safety, but with finances. So thank you to Captain Coning for his service. I think he's going to stick around and help us with some equipment and other things because no one ever actually leaves >> service of Carile. >> And then Captain David Newman. He's new
newly promoted to captain. He's a fire department member with many talents, including his work as an EMS coordinator. He's invested hundreds of hours of his personal time to improve the department. Is a great example of towns like Carile able to field members in in departments like this. He also works closely with many municipal
departments offering training to staff and insight on how we can better serve our town's vulnerable populations. He never misses an atrisisk meeting or um the ability to contribute to the rest of the staff in terms of finding those residents who are vulnerable and who have needs. So, thank you to Captain
Newman. A couple um meetings for you. You have just a basic meeting schedule so far, which is nice. >> We do have a meeting on the 27th. >> Yeah, I was going to say I noticed that missing. Oh, rather than the 24th. Yeah. >> No, 24th is something else. But
>> we do have a regular meeting. >> There's a regular meeting stuck in there. >> Yep. January 27th. >> Also, you're aware of a >> Oh, that's the one missing. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> You're aware of a dog nuisance hearing request? >> I have worked I haven't stopped working on this for the last month to to six
weeks. >> Um I do think that there's still a chance that mediation is possible, but it doesn't seem likely that it's going to be successful. So, these are are two neighbors that disagree on what's going on, which is the point of a dog hearing. >> So, I do need to schedule that with the board.
>> Typically, you want to do this as a standalone meeting, and I do think there'll be a lot of testimony and information you'll receive at this meeting, but we would like to get it done soon so that um the complaintant thinks that we're doing our due diligence. So, probably late January, early February at the latest.
>> Yeah, we we'll schedule that. after your TA report. There's a couple of things I have from a scheduling standpoint >> and uh there's some attachments in my report, but unless there's any questions, that's all I have. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thank you, Ryan. Um to that point, let
me um let me just jump ahead to a couple of dates coming up. One, um Carlile Public School, there's a tour for uh new school committee members that they're inviting FINCOM and the select board to. that's going to be held on January 21st
at 9:30 a.m. It's going to run approximately 90 minutes and we're certainly welcome to attend. If people plan on attending, please let me know so we can determine if we're going to have a quorum and we'll post post it as a meeting. This is similar to the >> I do not plan to attend. >> This is similar to the if you went on
the previous tour last year. It's similar in concept, but um >> if you know today, let me know if you plan on attending or not. The the key is we want to make sure we post it if we have at least three of us there. >> Did you say 9:30 or not? >> 9:30. >> 9:30. Okay. >> January 21st. >> Yeah.
>> 9:30 to 11. >> Um second potential date. Uh so Ryan and I met with uh Chief Amandola as part of his contract negotiations. Uh we'd like
to schedule another executive session to discuss that with you. either the options are either Friday morning or the week after next. So, we wanted to see if folks were available this Friday morning, January 16th, let's
say eight or nine. If you're not, it's it's not critical we meet on that date. If not, we'll schedule it for the week after next. Given Ryan's schedule next week, >> we we can't at this point because I would have to get the agenda posted by 8 tomorrow morning. >> Oh,
>> no. Today's Tuesday. >> Tomorrow, right? Wednesday. >> Wednesday at 8 a.m. for Friday at 8 a.m. Right. >> It would have to be later. >> Okay. We could do it at >> 48 hours. >> No, it won't be 48 >> because they won't post it at 8. So, we could we could have a meeting at 9 theoretically. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> You want to do nine >> or >> Well, >> I can't make um >> I could do I could >> It's How long? Half hour. >> 30 minutes. >> Yeah. Well, >> can you get the thing posted first thing in the morning?
>> 9:30 would help. >> 9:30 is okay. I'm supposed to meet >> has to go through Ashley. >> I'll be at 10. So, yeah, I can do that. >> I I'm getting on a plane at 11:00 a.m. and >> Okay. So, the answer is no. >> So, then you're out on the week of the 26th.
>> But, you know, I four of the five. I mean, if everybody else can make that >> I can make that time. >> Can we have a conversation? Like are we allowed to Could you have a conversation with Barney or No. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Well, why don't I can make 9:30?
>> Why don't we Why don't we plan on 9:30? >> 9:30 on this Friday. >> This Friday. >> The 16th. >> The 16th. >> Put it in. >> And if your flight's delayed, you can call in. >> Yeah. Do you do callins for executive session? >> You can do >> You can.
>> Well, this you have to bring your red phone with you, boy. >> I can't do it in person on Friday. I'm going to be out of state. So I would >> Are you allowed to do out of state? I guess you are. >> I would need to zoom in. We've done executive sessions. >> Well, I could zoom in. Yeah, because it's not departing till >> I was assuming this would be a Zoom or a
call. >> So I could join via Zoom if that's >> invite the calendar invite. >> We'll do a hybrid. Um I'll be I'll be remote. >> I I'll come in because I'm supposed to meet Aubrey at 10. So I'd probably come in. Okay.
>> I'm already here. Okay. >> But whatever. Either way, I can support it. >> Okay. We'll do it hybrid so you have the option. >> Great. >> So, we'll get that posted. Thank you. Um, dog hearing. We do need to schedule that. Um, >> haven't lived till you've had a dog
hearing. >> And, you know, I I don't know. I'm a little con. Normally, I'd say maybe we could meet before our select board meeting on the 27th, but I'm not sure this one's going to get done in an hour. >> Um, >> okay. So, I don't know if there's a
>> Ryan said he's trying to work the issue still. >> Well, I Ryan has been trying to work the issue and I'm not optimistic. >> Yeah. >> Um, would anyone have availability on Monday or Wednesday of that week? >> Which week? Sorry. 26th or the 28th?
>> 28th? >> 28th. >> Um, >> 26th I can do. 28th I can't do. >> I'm the opposite. I have a commitment. >> I'm sorry. What time? Yeah. >> I don't know. Six or seven o'clock. >> Yeah. I I have a commitment.
>> I could support Monday. >> Oh, in the evenings. You're saying now >> this would be probably an evening given that >> I can do >> We have a select board meeting on the 27th. We could try to do it before then. I just don't know if an hour is going to be sufficient.
>> Yeah. >> I wouldn't recommend it. >> I can do Wednesday or Monday. Yeah, I can do either one. I'd rather do Mondays. >> Okay. >> Early February is also >> What about the following week? >> It's okay. It's okay. >> You don't You You don't want to You don't
>> I like it. I mean, that's >> the one guy likes it. >> That's part of our job, you know. >> Is the next week better or >> You said Travis, you can't make Oh, neither one you can do. >> Wednesday. Okay. I have conflicts, but I >> cannot do either Monday or Wednesday. >> Cannot do, but I have the February 2nd
through 6th there. I'm fairly open. Well, we don't have a meeting the following week, so we could do >> That's easier. Do it on Tuesday. >> Yeah, the third at say seven or is seven work well for people that slot. >> Yeah, sure. >> Sure. Whatever you want.
>> Okay, let's do it on Tuesday, February 3rd at 7 p.m. Bring, you know. >> Okay. >> Send out the word. >> You think it's an hour or you think it's longer? >> I think it may be longer. >> Wow. >> 7 p.m. >> Right. >> Okay. Hard to predict.
>> Yeah, >> that that's an inperson. >> That's an inperson only. >> There's no there's no zoom in for people wanting to see it. >> I >> Oh, well pe people in town could zoom in, but >> I'm just wondering. >> I'm supposed to have surgery the last
week of January. If that happens, then I probably can't participate in person. >> I think you can zoom in on a dog hearing. >> You can. I just it's a little trickier, but >> I'd like to key people to be here in person. >> Yeah. Some of the res some of the
abutters may want to do it via Zoom. We've had that happen in the past. >> Schedule it for hybrid. >> You're safer to schedule for hybrid. I don't know yet because I don't have a confirmation date and maybe I can hobble in, but I don't know what the doctor will tell me. I can
>> Ryan, do you think hybrid is >> 5S1? >> Yes. >> I think we won't. It's pretty dangerous. There could be a number of participants. So, >> what is >> I hope everyone's here in person, but I just was wondering if people wanted not members. Yeah. But like, but I guess if
David wants to be on, that's great. >> No. And this would allow the public to >> Yeah. >> observe because I think in this one there's a lot of interested parties that may not come in person, but we probably watch the proceedings. >> All right. >> So, exciting. All right. So, you got
that one, Ryan? February 3rd, 7 p.m. >> Okay. >> And and we'll get a little rundown on the specifics. >> Yeah. >> Before then. Okay. >> Okay. All right. And that's it for me with dates. Let's move on to uh warrants and minutes. That's
>> We have a December 16th minutes. >> 21. >> I move to approve December 16th minutes as written. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion of deliberation? >> Good job. >> Seeing none, let's do a voice vote. All in favor? >> I
>> opposed. Motion passes. Let's move on to cemetery deeds. So, there's deed transfer requests. There's three of them. >> Okay. >> Barney, do you want to read the motion? >> Absolutely. Move. I move to transfer
land in the public burial ground at the green cemetery as described below. Can I do all three at once? >> Yeah, you can read all three. >> I can. Right. Deed 863 lot C 55A grave one to Scott Evans of 199 Heield
Road. Deed 864, lot D 165, graves two, three, and four to William Hoe of Actton, formerly of 54, no 54 Noel Farm Road and deed 865, lot
D, 329, Grave 3 to Lynn Zoo, XU, of 136 Wolf Rock Road. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion or deliberation? Seeing none, we'll do a voice vote. All in favor? >> I I >> opposed. Motion passes. I will uh pass
these around for signature and we will move on to liaison reports. Does anyone have anything they want to share from their committees? There's going to be some at our next meeting. We'll be discussing some of the issues and
questions around like the LSC. I'll be meeting with hopefully have an update from the school committee and obviously FinCom and all that. So there'll be a lot at the next meeting. >> Anything else? >> Nope. >> Nope. >> Okay.
Lastly, I'll ask for community input. We'll start with the room. Seeing none, anyone online have any community input? >> Mary Lynn, >> the last >> Gez no. >> I'm gonna Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you for Thank you for attending. Um, okay. So, seeing none,
we'll move on to a motion to adjurnn. >> So, moved. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Thank you everyone. Right on time. Close the gap. Two minutes. >> Well done.