being 6 o'clock. I'm calling to order the select board meeting of June 16th, 2025. If you'd all join me in the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one
indivisible with liberty and justice for all. This meeting is being telecast live by chs for tele media and being recorded for later viewing by the public. Um, we do have Jeff Hardy. We do have Jeff Hardy on
Zoom. Is that right? We do have one of our members on Zoom tonight. Um, and let's see. The first thing on our agenda tonight is our discussion with the town's uh state legislative delegation to discuss legislative priorities.
They're not on yet. So, move on. They're not on yet. Move on to the next item. Okay. So maybe we will go ahead and do our public service announcements if you would. Sure. Um I will uh I'll read this first one and then I'll invite Evelyn up to to speak
to it. So um the first announcement we have um tonight is um for the Arts and Technology Education Fund Grant Awards. And with that, I'll introduce um Evelyn Thoren to come up and um speak to that
as she does yearly for us. I'm Evelyn Thorne. I'm the chair of the Arts and Technology Education Fund Committee and uh as usual over the past 29 years, uh we've appeared before the select board to give out our awards. Uh the applications become available in
January. They're online uh with the town and they're also online and sent out by email to all the staff of the Chumsford public schools. The deadline is March 31st of every year and then again we uh will meet in April
or May, make our decisions. Sometimes we have interviews if we have any questions and we streamlined it a lot during COVID uh so that we wouldn't be getting together and a lot of people you know thought that was great but we still will do that. we didn't have to do that this
year and so we had a few applications this year. Uh we only have one award this year. Um we're planning on uh having further discussion so that you're aware of it of changing part of the bylaw to try to make it a little bit
more available for those that would like to apply. Right now it's very restricted. So that the part of the bylaw where it says the applications are available in January and the deadline is March 31st and the funds for the
following academic school year. And so some of the discussion at the last meeting was to change that to have maybe two awards per year in the and the money given in that year. So if they needed it and they saw that there was a need for it where sometimes in the future if we
wanted to give it to uh say one of the um one of the clubs they may not have the same advisor and we want to make sure that we have our program summary sheets come forward. That is the way that the person that has accepted the award and the money is accountable not
only to us as a committee but accountable to those that have donated or to the taxpayers of Chumsford that this is how their money was spent. So, we wanted to make sure that they did that and the money is available through the line item in the um Chelsea public
school uh department and that way then it go runs through that and any items being purchased become the property of the chumps of public schools and that was our way to get around trying to have a 1099 and then maybe causing some other difficulties with our staff because they would have to have it as income in a
given school year. So, we are a nine member board. We have Kirk Marshall, Carrie, Miko, Terresa Evans, obviously we have Jay Lang because by statute uh that is the the superintendent or his designate. So a lot of times Dr. Linda
Hirs will show up. I'm on it. I have been on it since the beginning. So has Beverly Barrett. So there's only two original members still remaining on this committee. Hannah Barber, Elizabeth Hastel, and Candy Chase. So um everybody
is very enthusiastic. they everybody shows up. If they can't, they want to zoom in. They want to make sure that they're part of everything. So, it's very nice to have active members on a committee. So, without uh going into more detail because I think some of you know that if I get a mic, I can keep
talking for a long time. Um the award this year that you have seen in front of you is Mary Ellen 40. It's an award for $370 for fostering fine motor fun. So, I'd like to call her up. I'd like her to explain since we only have one this year
to explain what this is and other comments because she has received the award uh several times in the past. So, I'll turn that over to you Mary. Thank you so much. I just want to say thank you to the ATF grant and for all the people that donate. It has made such a
great difference. I'm a teacher at the integrated preschool. Um, and my goodness, we have a lot of supplies and things through the district, but the special things that we've been able to do through these grants, and it's not a ton of money, but it's enough to make a
big difference. We have built a sensory play area in in one area of my classroom. I have an extra-l large classroom, and so it's a place where students with and without disabilities come together. Um, lots of the materials
are expensive. One one year I applied to this grant and received a a projector which is able to put light onto the wall. So the children build blocks. They make shadows and it's a place where kids who are on the spectrum, who are nonverbal, who have sensory um
difficulties um can come and be comfortable. Um they they have they come every day. Uh where kids who don't have disabilities love to go and play with them and and all the kids are learning through this type of play. Um this year the the title was fostering fine motor
fun, but we're purchasing some special lighting light lighting up blocks that they can build with. Um and it's very sensory friendly and it's just just a wonderful great um opportunity for all the kids to play and work together. So
um so just thank you to the committee and to all the people who donate to this. Um congratulations. Thank you. Um, and thank you again because if it wasn't for the original select board, the board of selectmen, um, we they
would brought forward that warrant article in 1996, we wouldn't be able to do that. Um, and you also were able to, um, experience some of her excitement about that. And when we had individual interviews, that was the same across the board. No matter who came in, they're
very excited about teaching about children learning and about making sure that they have as much as they can in uh supplies and uh things to support the curriculum. So, thank you again. We'll see you. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Representative Arciero and
Representative Catalo are on Zoom at this point and I know Representative So maybe we can hold Can we hold the rest of the public service announcements um since we have kind of a timeline with them? Okay. So, so we have some um Hi, our
representatives. Representative, hi. How are you? Sorry not to be there in person uh today. Uh had a little crazy scheduling things. So, happens. Happy to be here virtually. Good evening everyone. Great to join
you. Evening. Good evening. And we're just Mr. Elliott is Representative Elliot said he should be arriving in about five or seven minutes or so, but we should start without him. Okay. Well, good to see everybody. Um, sorry
to be virtual, like I said, but um, we're in the midst uh, of the budget season right now. Um, we have about a 62 billion proposed budget and by our constitution, I know there's a few new
members of the board. Welcome. Um, there's a constitutional obligation to have a balanced budget every year. So just to sort of take you through uh where things started in in um in January when the the first house one and house two was filed by the governor was sort
of the starting point of the budget discussion. Um, in April, the House proposed our version of the budget and then uh had our debate and passed uh $62 billion budget
and the Senate uh had their debate and their version of the same budget. And now we're in something called the conference committee. So, there's three members of the House and the Senate that are sort of reconciling the differences in the bill um to have a conference committee proposed budget to
come to the floor. uh this we anticipate in the next few weeks uh to um put forward in the governor's desk and uh that will be the process of vetos if there is any and to get uh you
know this bill done by um by August 1 is our deadline and so a couple of things I think were were written to representative and I uh to discuss today first we're three for three on our earmarks that were for asked
um for the the town of Chumsford um including 25,000 for the Chumsford Council on Aging 25,000 I'll let actually representative Catalo talk a little bit about his earark but then also 50,000 to reduce and eliminate
the species at Freeman Lake which is um Representative Elliot and um so we're very happy to get those uh budget items that were um discussed and uh asked for by the board into the
into the house budget and we anticipate you know by August 1 around that time that those will hold serve uh and be available. We have a few other things too. Um today the uh budget writers um chair Michael Witz in the house as well
as uh chair and senator Rodri's came to agreement on the the closeout bill. Um, and that's a supplemental budget that was ending last year's fiscal year. And part of that also um was the um sir tax money or so-called millionaires tax. Um,
and so this number is about $1.3 billion. And remember um both of the monies that that are collected from uh the sir tax that was passed by the voters and ratified by the members of the house and the senate. Um that money will go specifically
earmarked to transportation. uh and education. And so we have that vote um coming up uh this Wednesday would be the the the sort of conference committee vote on the closeout bill using that money. And just so you know too, I know there's been some discussion
about the millioness tax. It's actually uh performed better than anticipated. Um so we we end on the closeout bill of $1.3 billion in those two um earmarked um subject area areas and then the monies for the millionaires tax in this
fiscal year too um will will be used um for transportation and education pieces um in this fiscal year 26 budget. but also like to add that part of the supplemental budget. Um, one was, I
think, very important for our area was the regional transit authorities with $73 million. Um, and so this is for the LRTA in our region uh to improve infrastructure um to improve services and also something on the education
fund. I'll just touch on it. Um, well, was the special education cost and I know President Gataldo had a few things to add to that. um and that's on $248 million. So, we understand certainly the struggles um that cities and towns are having in those in those categories. And
um these things will help as we we start moving through our budget process. But we anticipate um to to you know to have that budget uh the supplemental budget passed um this Wednesday and soon after that our our
fiscal year um 26 budget will be coming before August one as well. And Simon if you had anything to add to that. Sure. Thanks, Representative. And uh thanks to the members of the board and the town staff, town manager for
inviting us to come in again. Um I also want to compliment the members of the select board and the town manager for having such a good line of communication with the delegation again this year. It's something I feel like every every year around budget season, we come back
and we thank you for being so communicative and really it's not to be taken for granted that a municipality will be outfront in making clear uh the priorities. Um the earmarks that were mentioned are one small example of that.
Those were communicated to us well ahead of when we had to file earmarks, giving us enough time to speak with each other among the deleg delegation to divvy them up to make sure that we were communicating to leadership in the house that these were all of our priorities
together. And so for instance, the 30-year mark that the rep didn't mention is for tree canopy restoration. It's all over town. It's not just in my district south of 495. It's for the whole town. Uh just like we know that chomps residents are served from all over town
are served at the senior center. Um also want to thank you for communicating to us priorities in your budget. Uh and a quick shout out as well and I know there's a lot of coordination between the town and the school district. Uh one of the things that was mentioned was the cir uh circuit breaker reimbursements
for special education which obviously has a major impact on the fiscal health of the town overall because such a high proportion of the town's budget goes towards the school district and this has been a major pressure point. So um we included we we had a significant gain in
the regular fiscal year budget uh but out of the 593.5 million that are dedicated uh out of the sir tax funds the fair share funds that the rep just mentioned for education 248 of that uh so so nearly half is going to
the special education cost for circuit breaker reimbursements for local districts. So, we hope that that is something that alleviates some of the pressure that certainly Chsford School District has been has been feeling uh on that. Another smaller thing, but something that I think is becoming increasingly relevant in Chsford is uh
we invested $25 million for high dosage tutoring to support uh literacy among students in grades K through three. And we know and we've heard from the community that as Chsford becomes more of a diverse community that that is uh is certainly again a pressure point on
the school districts it's creating costs and the state you know we're doing what we can to make sure that the state is a good partner in that. Um so again just just want to thank you for uh your collaboration for the line of communication which remains consistent and produ productive and uh look forward
to answering any questions. I know there are a few other things on the list that we haven't hit on yet. So, happy to to go through those in the manner that makes sense for uh for the board and I hope that we don't end this call without uh at least me learning where select board member Hardy got his shirt because
I am going to want to purchase one of those. Thank you and happy flag day a couple days late. Well, I have to get ready for the parade. You understand? Of course, representative, I didn't see uh select
board Hardy shirt. Now I see it. Yeah, I thought you were saving that one for me. It was like a softball. I appreciate it. I obviously spend too much time online in my closed repeat. I
like repeatedly and you can go into my I when I first got out of rehab, there was a woman staying in my house to watch over me. said she had never seen a man with so much so many clothes. I like being colorful. I mean that's you know.
Sorry, Jeff. Okay, so good to see you Jeff. So we have a list of some representative. Oh yeah, and we have represent here also. Yes, I don't I don't have any more comments on uh select point. Do do you have anything that you'd like to add? Um I I don't know if you want to go in
order. you want an update for some of the things that uh I've been working on uh in North Chsford and the Westlands. Um I would like I would like that. Thank you. Yeah. Okay. Sure. Um so like my colleagues uh thank you for thanks for
having us. It's good to it's good to come quarterly um to to exchange ideas and and communicate. I think I stay in touch pretty closely with the town manager and uh and members of the board.
Um, so I I can say uh I know that we're talking about earmarks a little bit. Um I was as we sort of divvied up the air marks, I was able to get 75,000 for um treatment at Freeman Lake. Um fingers
crossed that these air marks are going to hold. Um, you know, interestingly, I just left the I left the governor and the secretary of administration of finance uh just just a couple hours ago. We had the Canadian premieres and the
governor's uh in the state house today and um you know I happen to get the secretariat's ear relative to FY26. 25 is going good. We're hitting our benchmarks. I know Repiro and Rep. Catalo maybe spoke a little bit about
the certax, but this year is is pretty good um in his opinion and we're watching closely next year. Um but for the air marks looks like we you know we're in good shape and we got to you know draw that money down, you know, fingers crossed that there will be no 9
C cuts seemingly. Uh Secretary Gorkitz did not um mention that at all whatsoever. I'm a member of the committee on ways and means. So, it's good to keep, you know, I kind of keep tabs on on where we are and where we're going. Uh, but um, you know, other
things that, uh, I just as recently as today, I've I've received a a number of complaints relative to the train horns, the long prolonged horns uh, from the Williamsburg condominium complex. As you
know, there's 420 units in Williamsburg one and 120 and two. Um, so I I actually attended uh a meeting for um Williamsburg one and planned attend the condominium meetings and two um
surprisingly much to my surprise and I I won't belabor the issue because this will be coming up um at a later time before the board of selectmen. I reached out and sent a letter to CSX Railroad who purchased PanAm and in my history and experience in the city of LOL, they
were very unresponsive and uh we never really had uh great luck with working with uh P&M, but CSX did respond um and they're willing to work with us. They know the information. I like I said, I sent them a letter. I forwarded an email
to the town manager today and hopefully get on the uh on the agenda for the select board to see if we can do something about about the the horns. Um I can hear them across the river in my house. That's how that's how low they are. So long story short, um to the the
town will have to create uh apply to the Federal Railway Administration for a quiet zone. CSX will support that. Um there's been C when CXS bought Panam, they're putting 100 million into the tracks which contributes to more of the
trains running that spur and uh there there's more to come. So I'll I'll I will stop there. Um and I'll come to see at a later date. Ledge Road, I don't think I have to tell you about anything on Ledge Road, right? Uh I've been to all the meetings, all the hearings, the zoning board of appeals, attended the
neighborhood meetings with the neighbors that'll come to uh Wednesday night is seemingly the the final and hopefully the neighborhood will be supported. Um I know that there's been discussion about fair share. Um is there anything you know the
Marramac River boat access that does move albeit at a very slow pace? We knew it would. Um Mr. Manager, I don't know if there's anything to add other than uh we've been in touch uh the fire chief with um uh money will be in the FY26
capital plan construction 2027. I know it's a lot slower um than I would like, but um at least it's in the plan. Design permitting is well underway. Anything else on that, Mr. Manager? No, I think that's it. I don't I don't think
there's any other progress on that. Um, so if there's any other questions, that's that's some of the sort of more updated stuff that I have for for North Chumpsford. I know there in the email there's, you know, questions about um
new new tax exemption for seniors, um, local options for lodging, etc., etc. I I I can have, you know, I have some updates. I don't know if my colleagues want to jump on these, though. So, I know that Representative Catalo has to dock out at um 6:30. So, if we if I
don't know if there's anything on this list in particular on our list of um legislative topics that we propose that he that he uh specifically would like to comment on maybe before he before he has to go.
Sure. Go ahead. Go ahead. Oh, no. Nothing. I I'll let you go representative because I'll add something might take a little longer. Okay. Um thank you. So on so looking looking through this list just a couple
of points and I will be very brief on the municipal empowerment act. The last time that we were here before the select board and discussed that it's my understanding that the board supports the act. the uh refiled act I believe
has some small changes to the percentages that are in there and so it would be helpful to us to have your feedback on um you know anything you would like to see different as that makes its way through the process so that we can ensure that we are
advocating in a manner that's in line with what the town would like to see on that. And for those who who don't know that that concerns uh giving municipalities like Chsford more flexibility in how they tax certain things including lodging and meals uh as
well as a vehicle excise tax. Um there uh was a question about um prescription drug costs which is always top of mind for so many of us, so many families, so many employers. And I did want to mention that the legislature passed last
session and the governor signed into law major prescription drug cost reform uh in January in early January before we we started this session. Um and just so for example, one of the important details of that bill is that for common conditions
like diabetes, asthma, certain heart conditions, the bill requires insurers to eliminate cost sharing for uh uh requirements for one generic drug and to cap co-ayments on one brandame drug at $25 per 30-day supply, which is for some
of those drugs a very significant difference. Um, and glad to continue the discussion about how we can be doing better on that issue as a state. I'll stop there and glad to answer questions if there's time or talk about other issues as well.
Anybody still there? Okay. Um, does anyone have any any questions for Representative Casaldo, I guess, in particular? I'm good for now. I had two issues I would love to talk to. It's not a question to represent
catal let him off the hook. Um first is uh this I know we've had this discussion with this board before. I know um manager Cohen and I have had this conversation about chapter 90 and the governor and that's road and bridge improvements um for 351 cities and
towns. Uh I'm the chair of the transportation committee. So, right now, we've been working uh on this legislation. Um it's a little bit more um than just the road and bridge uh repair piece. There's also a piece
dealing with um with expedited bridge repair as well um as culvert um covert revitalization as a lot of communities are dealing um with uh storm water uh federal storm water mandates across the
state and we've seen sort of our climate resiliency change um over the last 10 to 15 years. Um, so as of right now, Governor Healey has put forward as part of the $8 billion transportation plan, um, a little over a billion dollars,
$1.4 billion for a chapter 90 bill over 5 years. Uh, traditionally the legislature has done every year, uh, typically. Um last year it was in the line of about $300 million. Uh 200 million for the majority of the cities
and towns and hundred million for cities and towns in western Mass uh specifically dealing with road mileage. Um the formula that um is set up for chapter 90 specifically um takes into consideration road mileage but
businesses as well as population or sorry I should I say employment business and population. So in Western Mass it's been difficult um with a less population less bigger businesses in that area for the formula to always work for them. Um so right now we're working uh with the
House Ways and Means Committee to come out uh certainly with with a product um that people can be proud of um in in cities and towns across the state and legislators uh will be proud to vote for. Um, so I I will say that there
there has been, you know, obviously more push from the Mass Municipal Association and others to have a multi-year piece, but to this point at right now, I don't I don't know what the years will be for this plan, but I do anticipate
um that we will be rolling this out in a few weeks. Um, I haven't gotten the official word yet, but but we continue to analyze the numbers and the categories. So, that's one piece. There's another um question I think folks asked us about um expansion on
MWR. Uh I know we had this conversation last session um when Speaker Mariano had actually talked about MW expansion during the housing bill. So last year um the legislature passed the Affordable
Homes Act which invested $5 billion um in um in housing production across the state in particular $2 billion for our our housing authorities including here in Chsford. Um but I think the conversation was that we had with this board and I know we've had with the town
manager as well is hey look with MBTA communities um that's 177 communities throughout the state um with aging infrastructure uh I know my the towns I represent in Ch I mean in west in Westford as well as Littleton um are having these
conversations around grid capacity around infrastructure water and sewer um and so I know that conversation comes up about expansion on MW and I know to my understanding they've they've been going through a series of studies to you know
to take into consideration the expansion and in adding more uh cities and towns to that and I know that'd be something that that chumps would be interested in. I heart and heart know that with some of the larger pieces of legislation we put forward, whether
that's MD communities, whether that's um our transportation improvements, we're looking at an $8 billion transportation plan um in in this um in this fiscal year and what we've done um for the expansion of housing production with the
Affordable Homes Act that we're going to need improved infrastructure. that is going to be something that this state is going to have to look at every city and town is because water and sewer are becoming very very difficult to to have enough resources um and enough capacity
for cities and towns. So I just wanted to touch on that. Okay. Does anybody have any questions? Um, is there anything on the list that anybody wants to specifically I mean, do you want to go through the list? Is there anything that anyone wants to
specifically ask questions about? Well, there's a couple of things that haven't been covered yet. I'd like to hear, you know, what they have. Do you want to We can just go through the list if you'd like. Um, I mean, it looks like we we've talked about the MW. Um, and it sounds like it's on your radar that the
towns in the area are looking into it, right? It is, Chair. Thank you. Um, we've talked about prescription drug costs. Um, I added chapter 90 road and bridge. It wasn't necessarily on the list. So,
okay. Um, FY26 state operation budget and supplemental fair share funding for municipalities. I feel like this is could have been covered unless anybody has any specific questions. Um, now what about local option taxes for lodging and meals? Does anyone have specific
questions about that for our representatives? I think they they asked us to look at that again and see what we feel about the new percentages, which uh we can do that maybe for our next meeting. Yeah, I think the governor filed municipal empowerment 2.0. And included that were
many of the provisions that were in municipal empowerment 1.0. I I don't I don't have any idea um the likeliness of that moving through. I know there are some there are some concerns in the legislature.
I don't know if if the chair or reputative Elliot's correct uh there the the governor's omnibus bill does cover a lot of these issues which is still in committee right now. Um, I think with
the sort of enormity of the budget issues that we're having, I mean, everybody, you know, I think we all know it from from, you know, from municipal to state to to federal, it's the uncertainty really in the private sector, uncertainty of the the effects of tariffs, the effects on on the federal
level. And so our budget that we've been able to do with partly with the sir tax, but also remember we have um if not the most robust one of the the most robust rainy day funds of anywhere in the
country. Um what does that mean? It's almost $8.3 billion. It it allows us to invest in, you know, the programs and and our particular values in government um without
uh enormous uh repercussions on on some of these bills, whether it's the the the you know, using some of the tax money um for our transportation system um and investing in in particular programs within education, the free lunch program being one of them. And so we've been
able to insulate ourselves from some of that, but we also are mindful that won't be forever. Um, so we're cautiously optimistic in the budget moving forward. Um, but certainly those 3 in the morning um wakeups that I think chairs and and
and and select board members and and and legislators have about, you know, the effects of cuts on things. um those are going to continue and I think we can do the best we can here to to insulate
ourselves um locally and through um locally I mean the state of Massachusetts not in Chsford necessarily but giving ourselves more options if you will um you know not to be you know have those draconian sort of cuts on on the
services that we depend on. Okay. Does anyone have anything? You know, I I can just jump in a little bit because I know um at least on Ways and Means, we heard loud and clear throughout the nine
public hearings that were held uh and I attended throughout the state, you know, the discussion particularly in the western, you know, smaller communities, the the the education funding formula um is is of concern. And uh I I do think
that dialogue has started relative to um you know you'll notice this year there was a significant increase in the cost per pupil for communities uh across the state. Uh I think that's a start. There was an increase in transportation funding for and it you know that in
large part will benefit rural communities. But I you know that did that did initiate a discussion on the education funding formula and how can it be a little bit more equitable if you will knowing communities particular
small smaller rural communities are struggling with education costs where that will end up I don't know but there there is a dialogue that is that is taking place. Okay. Um, does anyone have We also have something here on
statewide ban on plastic bags. Yeah. So, I think I heard a Yes, it's it's on the list. It's on the list. All right. Yeah. So, um on that piece, um you know, that that's something that's been discussed statewide. I know the towns that I represent have have have had that
ban already. Um it certainly only makes sense to to you know to to have that banned there for all the notable reasons why. Um we we covered I think the other thing we didn't cover was the bottle bill expansion right? Yes. So are these things so is is the statewide ban on
plastic bags. Is that a is that a bill? Yeah. There's over the last few years chair there's been a number of bills that have been filed to specifically do that. I'm in favor of that. Um uh I know not all cities and towns feel it's a one-sizefits-all. Um I certainly think
the um reduction of our our carbon footprint and um to do more renewables is is certainly what our children are teaching us even even more uh than than the the values that we have here. Um but that is a bill that's been filed over
the years and I think a lot what we've seen is a lot of home rules or people have been doing it locally. So, for instance, the three towns that I represent, uh, Chumsford, Littleton, and Western have all done it. Um, and, you know, I I think it's it's not a it's not a um it's an if and it's won't. It's not
an if, it's a when. So, I do I do think it's going to be um one of those issues that that's going to get a little bit more momentum. As well as um probably around an environmental bond bill, which is slated to come this f uh this legislative session. I think you could
see conversations on environmental issues such as that as well as one that's been kicking around uh my goodness at least 15 years. Um I know select select board member Wo just knows this one well. Um there's five
bills right now in committee expanding the bottle bill to include the NIP bottles. Mhm. So, um that's something that uh that has been kicking around for a number of years. And um again, it's I believe it's not going to be a
um and if it's going to be a when I I hope that includes water bottles, too. Yeah, there's a whole host of them, Pat. Uh a whole host of of bills that that kind of cover those things. Um and water bottles being one of the biggest culprits as well. Sure.
Okay. Um, and then one of our one of our favorites, the uh the double pole conversation. Great. Sure. If you have any any updates or comments on that, representative, do you have anything on that? I I don't have anything other than
it was uh it was and continues to be plagued the other communities that I represent and one of the more the second to perhaps CSX or Panam, one of the more challenging problems uh in the city. I can remember as a city councelor at one
point we had 400 double polls throughout the city and it was you know we just had to get to the point where we we would re refuse new service which is unfair to the you know to the new property owner but um I I don't I don't have anything
updated. Uh Mr. Chairman there was a hearing on June 4th. There's there's a number of bills one being a commission dealing with it. Um, but I think um I know Pat uh and and and Paul uh I think I've I've been here when we've had these
discussions in the past too. Um and so that's it's it's a little frustrating uh that we haven't moved from um forward on this. Um but it's something a lot of communities um certainly do support and uh it's on our minds right now and these are a lot of things that we're going to
be tackling um this session. So, I know there's one in Vinyl Square that we have to take care of. It's gone now. It is gone now. Okay. See, there you go. Um, can I just give a couple of more updates? Um, uh, I had written a letter
to Mass DO, uh, approximately two years ago, a little over two years ago, when I received some concerns and complaints from residents on East Richardson Road. Uh I guess my my my letter made somewhat
of an impact because there will be a public hearing uh on potential improvements. Uh let me just get the date. It's I think it's upcoming. I have sent it to the town manager and I July July 8th. July 8th. July 8th. Um I think
that's good news because I had placed you know subsequent convers calls to mass DOT um following more concerns of of the it is a very dangerous intersection. Um so my fingers are crossed that you know the mass DOT or
mass highway will you know put blinking make some traffic improvements against traffic signals they're proposing. Yeah they a traffic signal could be on the way which I'm I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Um and the second second thing is I did notice uh at town meeting that
uh town meeting passed an article relative to pet cemeteries. Um two years ago I did file a bill for Mary Donovan relative to um creating a statute to protect pet cemeteries. I did refile that bill um and I did see it go through
town meeting to do to do a study of some sort. So, just wanted to update that. There's something pending at the legis. Yes, Mary does. Mary's reaches out to me quite often. Um, but you know, it was sent the study uh two years ago and you
know, maybe we'll u get a little bit get a little bit more progress this time around. That would be helpful. Thank you. You're welcome. Okay. Does anyone have anything else for our representatives? Mr. Cohen? No.
Nobody. I I wonder I wonder if I could just ask a general question given given all the uncertainty that we're hearing from the from the federal government. Um is are there any um potential um opportunities I guess to fill the
fill gaps that we might see as far as um reduced revenue from the federal government that you're aware of or what what can we do? What can you do? Yeah, I mean, you know, in some ways, Pat, I think the frustration is your hands are, you know, tied in some ways,
right? Um, we can give you the tools and the toolbox uh to assess yourself um if the town so wants to move in that direction, but we haven't passed that particular piece yet, which increases that that amount for hotels and rooms um as part of the governor's plan. Uh I
initially talked a little bit about that kind of 3:00 in the morning concern or anxiety uh about things being funded. So from our end too, Mass Taxpayers Foundation had said um 15 to 16 billion if the tariffs or the cuts were to go
through in a $62 billion budget, which is not only draconian, but it's going to be devastating. Um you know, certainly we've continued to move forward. Um again, I've talked a little bit about what we've done. the sir taxes outperformed the initial discussion. I
think there was some concern from the object, you know, folks that were against the millionaires tax that, you know, mass economy would, you know, hit the pits and people would move to New Hampshire. That hasn't necessarily happened. Um, it's overperformed right now. So, that's one piece to it. But um
I think there's also the other thing is when you look at enormous cuts to um educational institutions, nonprofits um that do in a lot of cases um sort of this boots on the ground work uh in
human services and um and advocacy uh that's going to come back to the state too. So that's on our minds as well. Um right now Pat I would say uh that we're we're certainly trying to be vigilant and move forward with a
responsible budget that's balanced. Um and with that we're we're also um very cautious. Uh and that is done. You can see that by the work of our ways and means chairs and the speaker and the senate president in the sense that we
have one of the most robust um rainy day funds of of anywhere in the country and that shows um that we have been very cautious. Um I I know that a number of us have served during economic crisises um uh and I've represented you in
Chsburg. We've gotten through it. It's been difficult. Um, and I do feel that I don't have all the answers, but but I do know that that Massachusetts is is certainly in in better shape than a lot of other states across the country. So, to kind of add to that a little bit,
actually, I have a question regarding Medicare costs because I feel like that's more of a question of how our state representatives are liazisoning with our federal government to to um advocate for us. Yes. And you know, Medicare costs for the town are a a huge
huge hit in our budget. Um, this year in particular, they went up 17% or something. Um, so is that a conversation that, you know, the state reps are is that something that's being monitored? I mean, I hear you talk about prescription drug costs, which is wonderful, but then
that's wonderful for for all of us at a personal level, but it doesn't do much for the town. I think anytime when you have when you talk I mean the mass tax paid mass taxpayers the pioneer institute others have talked about um the num the numbers that the sheer
numbers that that could change um if any of these you know tariffs and cuts were were instituted um and I think right now it's a lot of uncertainty I can't point to one particular space I'm going to say you know this much will be cut or won't um I
could certainly give you a more comprehensive list that we've heard through, you know, through Doge and and other things that would affect the state. Um, but I think I think right now it's it's having to be vigilant and and and move forward with um, you know, the
work that needs to be done and finding um, the best way to get resources that we need. I wish I had a better answer for you in terms of all the effects of all of state and federal government. But I certainly do know that um when it comes to, you know, education, when it
comes to transportation, two two pieces also um that are affected by the federal government. We've done a, you know, a solid job of putting into place resources through the the certax um category. And you know, the the Ways and
Means Committee's had their um their conference committee and just released, you know, that budget today again with investments in um in education with um special education costs uh as well as regional transit authorities and the T
across the state. Those are things that we've been able to do locally. And I say locally like Massachusetts, but 47 I mean um let me rephrase that. 45 to 6% of our entire budget is healthcare um and our reimbursement from the federal
government. So, a lot of a lot of those categories um and especially that subject matter gives us a lot of anxiety. But I don't have a specific answer to you on how things could change other than I think we're all kind of buckling up and um being vigilant and
doing the best we can to to find the resources we need for our constituents. I can't add much more than that. Even as Representative Esier is correct, you know, the the largest piece is is healthcare, right? 40 46% last year it
grew by 2.8 billion. So there there will be legislation moving through the legislature for um for reform. Additionally, there'll be more prescription uh reform, but particularly acute care in our emergency rooms. That's where we see dramatic increases.
Um, but we there is concern with the with the Medicaid piece uh in the federal government and that bill moving through through Congress because Massachusetts receives 16 billion in reimbursement. So any hiccup there and
we do have very stable reserves and and the Commonwealth is one of the strongest economies uh in the nation. You know, that being said, any let's say a hiccup in Medicaid, that's that's a big hit. So, but we're moving forward um cons,
you know, conservatively uh trying to, you know, wade through all the cacaphony in Washington, but um still moving moving forward as repier and Catal Catalo mentioned with the values of Massachusetts and you know,
we're stable and we're confident that you know, we're going to make it through the next year. Um, as I mentioned, the secretary had said the economy is softening a bit, so we'll have to be a little bit a little bit more conservative, but they're keeping an eye. You know, luckily, I'd say the governor and the
attorney general when it comes to federal resources on NIH or Medicaid or any education, you know, they're they're fighting the fight for us and um and that's an important element, too. Okay. So, um, thank you to all of you
for for those answers and for for Pat and, um, the chair asking the questions. Um, I just want to circle back with with one thing you said, you know, on the on the local option 2.0 and that there's some concerns that's moving slowly. I think with everything you just
described, which we all know is is coming in in and the general uncertainty, um, you know, it does give me a little angst that, you know, I I agree government needs to kind of move slowly and methodically and and with participation across the spectrum, but
when when these times come and we know the budget crunch is coming, um, we happen to be well prepared for it, too. I'm I'm pleased with that. Um, but we need to be able to move things along a little bit quicker and and I know you hear that every day, but
but you know, me as a board member here, I want it to be heard from me and and the uh from me and the rest of the members of the town that I'd like some comfort in knowing that you guys are as stressed as we are, but I'd also like to know that that you and the governor are prepared to act um
quickly if things start to change. Yeah, I I think Representative Riiero and myself and Catalo can can say with a certain level of certainty if if that's possible these during these times that the governor is I mean the the governor
is ready to look I spent 24 years on a local level. I get it. I get that you manage resources um to their fullest and you know some of these cuts they they hurt they they hurt a lot and we see it throughout the
Commonwealth with school budgets and and and town budgets and city budgets. So, you know, we understand we we hear you loud and clear. Um, but uh I I think we're going to, as I say, we're going to use all the tools in the box um to to
continue to maintain uh the level of services that we have in in Massachusetts. Thank you. Repier has been down there longer than I, so he may know better. All right. Well, if nobody has anything
else, um thank you. Thank you for coming. We appreciate it as always. Nice to see you. I think we've lost representative but and I and we will furnish the committee as things progress with you updates on the issues that the
affformentioned is issues that you sent us and emailed to us. So we'll we'll be sure to be vigilant about those changes and make sure that we're moving in the right direction. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you're welcome. Okay. So with that we will return to um
public service announcements. Okay. Thank you. All right. First one um at this point celebrate Junth the commemoration of freedom and unity where on Chelmsford common on Saturday June 28th 11 to 3. Um
check it out. Local food vendors music keynote speakers and performances. For more information, please contact Chumsford's diversity, equity, and inclusion committee at um www.chumpsfordmass.gov854 diversity-equity-incclusion and committee.
um for more information. Uh Chelson Market on the Common announcing the 2025 season of the artisan and farmers market. That'll be every Saturday from May 31st to October 11th and that'll run from 11 to 2:00 um
on the common. Uh project update from Mass DOT for the Chumsided Lowel bridge bundle replacement project. Phase one BL uh bridge closures begin June 2025. Um the Mass DOT will fully replace two
bridges in the town of Chelford. These include Westford Street over I495 in Chelford and Route 3A Gorm Street over I495 on the Chford lower line. How will this affect you? The contractor began early action work in April 2025,
including signage and temporary traffic installation in preparation of the phase 1 bridge detours. Following the completion of this work, the contractor anticipates implementing implementing the phase one bridge detours as follows. Gorum Street Bridge phase 1 closure to
be implemented Tuesday, June 24th, 2025. So that's next week. and uh the Westwood Street Bridge closure to be implemented 24 hours a day from Thursday, June 26th to till July 3rd, 2025.
The bridge will reopen on July 4th through Sunday, July 6th. Following this reopening, the phase 1 closure will be implemented on Monday, July 7th. Each bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic 24 hours a day for approximately
12 to 18 months. A local detour route will be implemented at each bridge for all vehicles. Pedestrian access will be maintained across each bridge during these closures. Bicycle access will be maintained for Westford Street during the closure and will follow the
vehicular detour route for the Gorum Street Bridge. When phase one is completed, the bridges will reopen to all traffic. Um, more public information from Mass DOT. This is for improvements on Route 3A Princeton Street from Richardson Road
to Technology Drive. An in-person public information meeting will be held for the Route 3A reconstruction project from Richardson Road extending southerntherly onto Route 4 to the intersection with Technology Drive. A traffic signal is proposed to be installed at the Route 3A
Princeton Street Richardson Road intersection. How will this affect you? to the Route 3A Princeton Street, Richardson Road intersection will have improved safety with the new traffic signal. Access management will be consolidated at driveways. Pedestrian and bicycle
facilities will be constructed as well. Um that meeting will happen on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 at 6 p.m. at the police station community room at two Old North Road in Chumsford.
Uh there is a special town meeting um a week from tonight. A special town meeting will convene at 7:30 on Monday, June 23rd at the senior center at 75 Grten Road. A copy of the special town meeting warrant is available now on the town's website. Any resident of the town
who is not an elected town meeting member may attend sessions of the town meeting and participate in questions and answer discussion portions of the proceedings. Links to the town meeting presentation document and the finance committee's warrant book will be found on the town meeting web page at least
one week prior to the town meeting. Um fourth of July festivities. Um so a listing of the festivities for the 3rd and 4th of July. Uh Thursday July 3rd from 3:00 to 900 p.m. Art festival at Chumsford Art Society Chums
Center for the Arts. 5 to 10 pm uh the country fair will be held and that's sponsored by the Chumsid Lions Club and that'll be on the Chumsid Common. 5 to 7 PM Martin and Kelly Country Band concert from Nashville, Tennessee sponsored by the Chumsford Parade Committee. Enjoy
food and drink vendors on the Common. 6:00 p.m. to 6:15 the Suburbanets will perform, I assume, on the common as well. and 7:15 to 8:30, the Chelmsford Community Band will be performing on the common. On Friday, July 4th, from 8:00
am to 1 pm, there's a country fair uh sponsored by the Chelmsford Lions Club on the Center Common. 8:30 there will be a 8:30 a.m. there'll be a flag raising by the police and fire departments at the Center Common Flag Pole. 8:30 a.m.
there's an arts festival for at the Center for the Arts. 9:30 a.m. uh the Carson Road race begins and 10 am the Independence Day parade starts in uh comes down North Road into the center.
Uh last uh Town of Cham public notice um for the annual town meeting. Town of Chamstead will convene the 2025 fall town meeting on Monday, October 20th, 2025. Articles to be included on the warrant must be submitted to the office
of the town manager at 50 biller road prior to 4 p.m. on Monday, August 4th, 2025. These are for citizens petitions. Petitioned articles must carry the signatures of at least 10 voters. For more information, please contact the
town manager's office at 978-250-5202. And that's by the Chumsson Select Board. And that's all I have this evening, Madam Chair. Thank you, Pat. Um, next up we have general public input. Do we have anyone for public input? No one on Zoom.
Okay. So, next on our agenda we have committee vacancies. Okay. The committee vacancies uh this week as of June 16, 2025. Agricultural Commission has one unexpired three-year
term ending June 30th, 2026. Uh, the Commission on Disabilities has one unexpired three-year term ending on June 30th, 2025, one unexpired three-year term ending on June 30th, 2026, and two three-year terms ending
June 30th, 2027. The Council on Aging Board has one unexpired three-year term ending on June 30, 2025, and one unexpired three-year term ending on June 30, 2026. Historic District Commission alternate member has
one three-year term ending June 30, 2027. Holiday decorating committee has two unexpired one-year terms ending December 31st, 2025. Parade Committee welcomes all AC uh
applicants. One-year terms ending July 31st, 2025. And the tree committee has one unexpired three-year term ending June 30th, 2026. If you're interested in serving on a town board or committee, please complete an online application
available on the town website. For more information, please contact the town manager's office at 2550-5202 or TM office chelms mass.gov. Thank you, Pat. Um, and I just want to note that the unexpired term on the tree
committee, um, Jim Martin just resigned from the tree committee after, uh, 12 years. And uh I think it's it's notable to to say that he brought a a wealth of knowledge and experience to that committee and had a lot to do with a lot of um coordination with the DPW and
they've they've done a lot of really amazing projects over the last few years that he's been a big part of. So thank you to him for his service on the committee. Um next up we have licenses. Center. And first up, we have a license
for a one-day wine and malt beverage license and expansion of entertainment license for Center Brick House Pizza. And do we have someone from Center from Brick House? Hi. Good evening. Uh good evening. Jimmy Spalding, owner operator. Uh that's my wife, Diana
Spalding, as well. Um, we're just looking to do uh the one-day extension of the license, which would entail uh what you just referenced in regards to the beer and wine, as well as having some music outside um in efforts to kind of make sure that we're not disruptive of anyone else in the center. We're
going to go straight acoustic music this year so that we wouldn't have any kind of volume issues as well. So, but as far as any um you know, the plans, it's exactly kind of scripted LA same as last year. I've already been in touch with uh Lieutenant Poor from the fire department and Dian's been in touch with the chief
uh at the fire department as well. Okay. Are you doing a stage this year? Uh yes, you are. You're going to permit. You're going to get proper permits. That's already been worked on cuz last year we were up against that was the guy that got it. Thank you very much. So u
but that's already been worked on. I believe that was squared away Dino. I reached out to him. Yeah. Perfect. Thank you. Yeah. Is this the first year that you guys have applied for this? This is the second. This is the second year. Okay. Last year it was you also. Yeah. Okay.
Does anyone have any questions? No, I don't. No. So, so as far as the total capacity, it's not going to exceed the 94s, which is what you have inside. This is this would be the outside tent and uh not tent tables in stage. Okay. Because uh because inside we will not be over
the capacity now. Okay. because the the building commissioner did note in his um his letter the combined capacity should not exceed 94 and I I you know I thought it was it yeah no I mean it was vastly over that that's why we last year we
were certified in um the the crowd control that me Diana and Christina our manager do have that so I don't know if we filled the application out wrong I'll double check that now um but it certainly was the intention to have that outside right okay but while maintaining
the code inside Sure. Okay. Thanks. Oh, it can't exceed 94 inside and outside at the deck area. I'm guessing he's referencing the deck. Yeah, at the deck area, which is kind of I mean that's how we operate every day. Yeah. Is under those conditions. Um I don't think that he meant relevant, but we can
ask him for clarification on that if you'd like. Okay. Okay. Okay. If nobody has any more questions, I'll take a motion. Um motion uh for the board to approve a one-day beer and wine license for Center
Brick House uh pizza on July 3rd, 2025 as presented. I second that. We have a motion and a second and we will do a roll call vote because we have um Mr. Hardy on Zoom. So um I'll do a roll call vote. Um Pat
Maloney I Pat will just Yes. Jeff I. Aaron. Yes. And I'm an I. And the motion passes. Congratulations. Thank you. Have a good day. Good luck. Next up, we have a one-day all alcoholic beverage license for the Chumsford
Public Library. We have someone here, Jeff. Hi there, everybody. Uh, so thank you again for having us here. This is our sort of bianual show, the Chelms Art Society, which you referenced in the July 4th events. After
July 4th, they move that show into the library and uh once in July, once in December, they have an evening reception. They provide wine. Uh we have a tip certified server there and uh yeah, we usually get between 50 and 70 people. It's usually a pretty nice event.
Okay. Does anyone have a questions? No, I'll take a motion. Okay. Uh motion to approve a one-day all alcoholic beverage license for Chilford Public Library at 25 Boston Road for
July 17, 2025. Um as presented. Second. I have a motion and a second. I'll do a roll call vote again. Pat Maloney. I. Pat. Yes. Jeff Iron. Yes. And I'm an I. The motion
passes. Thank you. Good luck. Thank you. Have a good night. Next up, we have a one-day all alcoholic beverage license for St. Berdinance Armenian Church. And do we have someone here for that?
No. Hi. Um, hello. I'm here Bruce. Hi, my name is Bruce K. Jen. Um, I'm the parish council chair of St. Vartinance and we're requesting the one-day liquor license um for our annual church picnic
on Sunday, August 3rd. Okay. Does anyone have any questions? I'll take a motion. Okay. Uh motion to approve a one-day all alcoholic beverage license to St.
Vartin's Armenian Church at 180 O Westford Road for the day of August 3rd, 2025. U and um I don't see any hour restriction. So as presented,
second. I have a motion and a second. And we'll do a roll call vote again. Pat Maloney. I. Pat, yes. Jeff, I. Aaron, yes. And I'm an I. passes. Congratulations. Good luck.
Thank you very much. Have a good night. And lastly, under licenses, we have a inflammable storage license revocation hearing for 15 Wellman A. So, let's see. I don't believe there's anybody here. We are required to
advertise it. We We really didn't sure we're going to expect anybody because we don't believe that they'll contest this revocation, but we are required to advertise it. We did a few of these what, a year or so ago? Exactly. Oh, they're just ones that have been removed already and it's just
getting rid of the license that's still on file. Yes. Okay. Because they're not operating at 15. Yeah. Y Okay. Does anybody have any questions, comments? No. I'll take a motion. Or do we need a motion? We need a motion
to revoke the license, right? Yes. Okay. A motion to revoke the inflammable storage license at 15 Wellman A as presented. Second that. We have a motion and a
second. And we'll do a roll call vote again. Pat Maloney. I. Pat Roas. Yes. Jeff. Hi. Aaron? Yes. And I'm an I. Motion passes. Okay, next up we have the Vinyl Square
strategic action plan committee regarding the clock location in the municipal parking lot. And I think we have someone here to talk to us about that. Hello, welcome. Hi all. Thanks for having me. For uh for those that I don't know, I'm I'm Bill Gillette. I'm from uh
North Chelm Street. I also sit on the Vinyl Square strategic planning committee. Uh it's been a little while since I came before you. some of you weren't on on the board at that time. In having a a discussion amongst the committee, we said we probably ought to give you a quick update. It's really
around two things. I probably just go right to the uh to the agenda. Um since we came the last time Paul and the and the board had suggested that we create a focus group. We did that. 16 of us, residents, business people, the town, um
state reps, etc. several meetings. Um, we had the Verdon Clock Company there. We talked about fundraising, location, things like that. Um, and we did establish a a website as well. If you want more information, you are more than welcome to go on. There's a place that
you can all donate as well if if you see the the the desire to do that, of course. Um, but where there was a couple of things. The estimate itself actually was higher than what I presented to you. It was like 33,000. and uh they weren't exactly as clear as
we had hoped when uh when they submitted the bid. There were things like lettering plaques and and the likes of that that clearly we asked for that they didn't put in. So, it's up around 40,000. We do have to still work with
the DPW on some of the landscape and and electrical, which I'll show you in a in a couple of slides. Look, the good news is is we we overexceeded our goals. So, we have all the money that that we need for that. I was just disappointed that they weren't as forthcoming with some of
the uh some of the bids. The clock has been ordered. Uh as Christine Clancy had thought, it might have already been here. It it isn't here yet. It should be here soon, though. Uh I'm I'm a bit excited about that. Um but there's two things that uh that the committee
thought we ought to share with you. One is around parking spaces and the second is around the long-term location. It may be easier if you flip to um the the other slides. Yeah. So, this was June January of 2024.
The picture here, as you'll note, is illustrative. It it actually wasn't ever intended to be hanging over the sidewalk like this. We asked the Verden company just to give us something so that we could present to you so you could see what the clock kind of looked like. And then to the right, you'll see we had
that arrow. As you know, at least from my standpoint, there are three phases to Vinyl Square. The second one being a bit of a modification of the traffic flow. We thought about putting the clock into
an island when that got taken care of. As Christine has shared, um, and Paul, you're you're welcome to, uh, check me if I'm wrong, but it will be at least five, probably six years anyway until that happens. And I'm going to show you
in another slide or two. The committee talked about do we even need to move it when that when that time comes. 6 years is not exactly short-term. So if you maybe flip to uh to another slide, this is going to address the parking. um the
banner that's been out there, some of the the flyers that that I have handed out would show a picture that's a little bit more than, you know, what you saw from the January 24th uh rendition, and that would show that that we're
eliminating some parking spaces. Now, from January 24 to now, we also had those electric charging stations, and they're going to take away a number of spots as well. on that statemandated uh it was voted upon at town meeting. So as
a committee we said you know hey look we're going to lose some parking spaces because of those electric charging stations. We should try not to lose parking spaces at least at least initially with this now. So what you see
here and one of our committee members Brian Kramer here has done this rendition. So if you have any technical questions I'd ask. What you might notice changes here is that you put the um the handicap parking spots over to the left from
where they exist today. And we'll show you in another slide where we we'd put that clock. You don't actually lose any parking spaces with this. Perhaps in the future, and I'll get to that as my last point, we may consider some parking spaces. If we did that, we would do a
traffic study with the other uh municipal lots in in Vinyl Square. So, if you went to the next slide, this is actually the rendition of what we intend to do. Um, it will have a bit of a small pocket park, I guess, is is
what you would call that in um, you know, in in the state today. You have a little bit of grass, some bricks. One of the fundraising ideas, as they did at um at Robert's Field was they put bricks out there. So, we've sold some of those. And as we started to look at this, it
looks kind of nice and we really need something to look kind of nice in in vinyl square. So rather in six years to say we're absolutely going to move it, we may not. We'll come back to this board in in six years and determine if you know we decide to move it to that
island. What we may actually do because Christine suggested we could possibly get some grant funding for a bigger pocket park is even make that park a little bit bigger. We'll we'll decide that in 6 years. There's still talk about putting an access road to Watton
Street at the end of this municipal lot and Paul can probably give you a better update on um the renewal of the lease for this um municipal lot. But those are really the the two updates. If you I think Paul the next slide is is just
what it could be in the future. You'll just see some more grass and bricks there, but you would wind up taking out those those two parking spaces that are there. That's that's 6 years down the road at least, if not more. Um but what I wanted to do is at least bring this
forward to you, let you know that we have fundraised for everything. Hopefully the clock will be in very shortly. Uh we don't intend to take any more parking spaces because that's been a concern from from the town. Uh and we may not move it eventually anyway. It
might stay right where it is. That's it. [Music] Okay. Um okay. Do we need an approval for this proposal?
Yeah, it would be helpful to have the board on record supporting it. Yeah. Yeah. because it's it's town property and um I mean it's managed by DPW, but I think you know I I just I don't really know what we would be I think you say you would endorse the plan as presented
you know to the board because as Bill said it's got it's got no but this what he's showing you here which is basically the uh clock's going to arrive shortly and and you know the the the immediate you want to get it going because one of the things you want to do is make sure because your warranty and everything else starts up you want to make sure
it's installed fully functional everything else. Um and and as Bill noted, um you know, the the improvements to the intersections, you know, in such literally are on the on the tip, but it it will be five to six years before the
vinyl square project under the current schedule will be completed. So, you know, this and we're we're not losing parking spaces with this version. No, we are not not immediately. No. Right. Yeah. Exactly. Right. Okay. Sorry, I sit
on the committee. So, as part of some of the deliberations, so I do have a little bit of the history. I just wanted to to double check because I don't recall from the other night that the way the parking lot's configured in the in the rendering for the 16 spots. Is there there's some
change to how it's configured today or is that is that the layout in the back with those parking spots facing the building? Exactly. That's the change is the parking spots would face the building as opposed to facing each other to the end of that lot. And part of that is with the uh electric charging
stations as well, right? So, this includes the charging stations where we can and we can do all of that and DPW can do all of that and everything is kind of covered. Yep. Yeah. I I thought out of all the plans that were done, this one was the one that definitely seemed to rise to the top and I like the
idea of getting that clock in there sooner rather than later. Does anybody have any other questions, comments? Yeah. Um, Bill. Yes, sir. Jeff, um, was there any consideration to put the clock on the common? There was, actually, I
appreciate the question. So, if you put it in the common, you you would put it at the um at the outside kind of triangle, Jeff. and we all talked that would probably block um Albertson Vinyl's statue and everyone thought that
that would probably be a bad idea if we had done that but we did consider it. Okay, now I understand. Okay, there's nothing else. I'll take a motion. Okay. I'll make a motion that this board endorse
um the location of the new town clock in public parking uh up in uh Vinyl Square um with uh parking and um and and such uh as depicted and
presented. I second that. Okay, we have a motion and a second. We'll do a roll call vote. Pat Maloney. Hi. I will just Yes. Jeff, yes. Aaron, yes. And I'm a yes. So, you're thank you for coming.
Okay. Next up, we have endorsement of Northern Middle Sex Economic Development District Designation Application. Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. Um, as select board member Pat Wers could probably better explain than I can because she sits on NIMCOG, but
basically we've received communication and and I've met with the director and executive director of Northern Middle Sex Council of Government. They are pursuing the establishment of what's would be known as a Northern Middle Sex Economic Development District. Um, and what they're seeking tonight from this
board is a letter of endorsement um, uh, from the chief executive official of each of the municipalities. Obviously this case the select board of Chelmsford to create this NIMCOG region as an economic development district. Apparently we're the only one district in this commonwealth that doesn't have
an economic development district in terms of a planning agency. Um and so the um the idea is to endorse this effort um because NIMCOG has to get its application in basically by the end of
this month um you know for for federal consideration. And so what they're seeking and and you you have in your packet and in front of you now is the letter of endorsement from the from which should be signed by the chair on behalf of the board uh to convey the support for the economic development
district. Um you know and this goes to the uh US department of commerce. Um and again the the goal of this is part of the economic development efforts that NIMCOG is spearing up in terms of efforts to increase private investment manufacturing
um and better paying jobs in the NIMCOG region under their um what we call the Seds plan but their comm community comprehensive economic development strategy plan. So that's request the board did previously do this about five years ago. So this has been an ongoing it's been an ongoing effort and
hopefully we'll be successful this this time around. Okay. Um, so I guess we need a motion of support. A motion to support the letter. I'll make a motion that this
board support the reaffirmation or or reaffirm its support of um, NIMCOG's application to the US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration to designate Nimcog Region as an economic development
district. I'll second that. Okay. Motion in a second. We'll do a roll call vote again. Pat Maloney. I pages. Yes. Jeff. I. Aaron? Yes. And I'm Thank you.
Next up, we have town manager bid awards. Okay. Well, we'll keep moving with our momentum. We have one bid award for you this evening. This is for the town offices and senior center elevator projects. Um, three proposals were received by DPW to the request for proposals. After the DPW review
committee met, they selected the firm of NV5 of Andover, Mass, and I'm seeking the board's confirmation for the contract amount of $81,000, which again uh should meet the overall project for this budget. Um the
difference here is it's not a invitation for bids that you because you're not judging by the low bidder. You're judging by the quality of the proposals. So again they they met received the three proposals did the interviews came to the selection and then you once that decision is made you then go to the price proposal where it meets the
budget. That's where it ends. That's why you don't see three quotes. I don't quite understand that how once in a while we don't see three, right? because you because you're making a determination on not on the cost basis only but on the quality of the applicant. So that's the difference between but don't we always do that I
would hope to some no if it's if an invitation for bids then it's the lowest qualified uh vendor when it's a request for proposals like you do for you know that we did for owners project manager for the school projects or an architect
or in this case an elevated design you want to go you don't want to always take the lowest cost option so you what you what the law requires you to do under chapter 30b is you're required to do a ranking of the firms. Um, you know, after you review the proposals, do the
interviews, you then go to the highest ranked and if the highest rank uh meets your budget for the project, then it ends right there. So, you actually don't go back. You don't then have the opportunity to go in and say, "Oh, well, if we had chosen firm B, they we their price was $8,000 less." But, so that's how we determine whether we put out an
RFP. And that has to be made in advance. Yeah. Exactly. I see. So, that's why that's why we say, "Well, what are the other bid bid amounts?" It doesn't matter, you know, because again, it's a it's a service and it's especially particularly in engineering type of work that you don't well you don't want to choose always the lowest qualified
bidder. What you want to choose is the competent bidder who can meet their budget. So that's why the ranking. So for example, let's say let's say their bid command was $150,000. You would say, well, we can't reach an agreement with them to cut bring their price into our budget. You would then go to the next firm in the list and then
you keep working your way down until you hit. So it just depends on the project and the DPW determines whether or not they're putting out an RFP or request for bids based on the specific project. The specific criteria is is it when you want to go not but not always with the lowest price vendor. So in this
situation it's because there was design Yep. Exactly. service. It allowed us to go that way. Exactly. Because you can imagine you can have a number of people who may have certain criteria qualifications for design. Um, you know, just like we've seen for architectural and other projects, you don't always
want to go with the lowest. You know, that's why I feel like I've seen elevator bits that have been that have just been request for bids and we designed this design when it goes out to bid for for the project. You'll get you'll get the formal bids for the lowest price who meets that design. But
in this case, it's a design service very similar to like legal services, design, engineering work. You don't always want to go with a little bit more gray area. Yeah. You don't always want to go with the lowest. That's what the law provides is a RFP process. And so again, they're actually submitted in separate envelopes. So when they're ranking these
firms, they have no idea what the company's bidding to do the work and you only can open that once you've finished the rankings and ratings and then you then open the envelope and again you go to the first one and if that meets it, you're done. If not, you would then go on. I understand. That's how it works.
Thank you for that. So when do we expect this to happen? Well, the the probably for another probably be another year because you've got to do the design work, then you've got to bid it. Uh we'll try to do it in the summer. The pro the challenge we're going to have
sort of like a maybe what you're getting at is when the elevator in this building goes out for design, we will not be able to meet in this. No, no public build board will be able to meet on this floor of the building because there's no elevator. This there's only one elevator that gets to this level of the building. There's no idea. There's no idea. So
when that when that becomes no longer viable, we'll probably be meeting maybe at the school administrative offices or the senior center and or you know an other uh accessible DPW or other accessible buildings because we would not be able to hold a a meeting in this
building. Uh that's the reason why for example the school elevator projects are always scheduled for the summertime because you can't have faculty or students who can't access the full building. So the the hope uh like board member Woes is to hopefully have this work done next summer, but we'll see how
the design and the bidding process goes. That's why we want to get it done now is so we can bid it favorably uh next winter. Um so will the uh awarded um bidder be the one that's putting everything out to bid
or is that they just do the design? They'll do the design and then we'll handle procurement through DPW probably with some assistance from the design company. But that um 80 81,000 81,000 is for design. Just
design. Just design. Yeah. Okay. Okay. Anybody else have questions, concerns? I'll take a motion. I'll make a motion that uh this board um uh recommend approval of uh a contract
um between the town of Chford and NV5 of 200 Brickstone Square in Andover, Mass in the amount of 81,000 for um design of um the elevators at town
offices and senior center. Second. Okay, we have a motion to second. Pat Maloney, I just I Aaron, yes. And I'm an I. Motion passes. Thank you. Next up, we have town manager
reports. Yeah, I'll be real brief this evening. The first one is is we're tomorrow we're doing the bid opening for the borrowing of the $ 8.85 million of for the town's capital projects. In advance of that, um, we've received our bond rating from S&P or more global,
which is more commonly known as Standard and Pores, the credit rating agency. And obviously, we're pleased to to formally announce tonight, uh, that the town has maintained its AAA highest rating bond level possible, uh, which it had only
achieved a few years, two years ago now. um as and and with a maintained stable outlook um for the community as we go out into this borrowing and and that should get us the most favorable interest rates. Uh the report highlighted the um the town's you know
overall economic condition including having a stable economy uh consistent financial performance and an uptick in reserves over the past several years. Uh they noted the town's strong financial management. Um however they did express concerns as
we've known and we hear every year particularly when we do the audit um that the town's financial stability is is challenged by the major liabilities in terms of pension and and other post-employment benefits or retirey
health insurance. Um and you know and that's noteworthy and as we know um that that liability is $196.2 $2 million as of last fiscal year. Our overall town budget's only $170 million. So that's
the concern. And you know, and it it's we don't control the pension system. We contribute. We get assessed. As we know, Middle Sex is only funded at 55% and is still basing the full funding in 10 years on a 7.15%
rate of return. Um, so the good news is is um even with this debt issuance coming back to the town, we would only have $61.5 million in in debt outstanding. That doesn't include the fire station project which has not been issued at this point but is authorized.
Uh but most of that $61.5 million would be paid off in the next five years. Um I think almost 70% of that because most of our borrowing is for fiveyear because it really has to do in has to do with our capital plan. So that's that's good news for the town. Um and one and one thing
they did note at the end is the town's credit rating agency is even greater than that of the US federal government at this point. Um because they feel that we're sort of doing better financial management than we're not you know we have to have a balanced budget as representative noted earlier this evening by state constitution we have to
have a balanced budget. we do obviously the federal government's running deficits and that's why their bond rating has been below the AAA rating at this point in time. So again, um, good news. And then obviously when we get the results of the of the bond sale
tomorrow, midday tomorrow, we'll notify you and then this board will have a special meeting, uh, next Monday night at the senior center prior to town meeting to formally approve the bond sale. Uh, and then John Souza will bring all the bond documents for you to sign as well as the
motion for you to vote. It's, you know, it takes longer to sign the documents than it does for the bond sale approval because for the sale. So, that's great news. Uh, and and again, as I noted when I sent this out, is it it really does reflect well on the community um in its
entirety, meaning all this board, finance committee, school committee, town meeting reps, everyone who uh including the voters who, you know, have made this town financially prepared, as you heard earlier this evening, for whatever is going to come at us in the
months and years ahead. Um, thank you. Congrats. That's that's wonder. Yeah. Congrats. And thank you to everybody on our team that contributes to that. It's impressive. The second item of report is the monthly double pole report. Um real brief,
there's 47 double polls. Um which is the same amount as last month. The changes is four double polls were removed and four double polls were added. What we're seeing and again we have to pull into the details is Comcast has been lagging in terms of you remember what I call you how it works. um you move through the
double pole relocation by where you sit on the poll, meaning National Grid goes first because they're top of the lines and then Verizon is last. They're at the bottom. Comcast was right before Verizon and they were lagging. I did reach out to them because of those 47 double
polls. Um they were next to go on on 20 of them u which was up from 14 from the prior month. They assured me that they'd make significant progress by the end of this month. I will receive another report in two weeks and we'll see where we're at. Um, and as you know, the
difficulty is is we really can't impose financial sanctions. Um, and hopefully the legislature and and others will address that. Uh, as you know, we've been sought after for a long time. And the other issue is there are third what we call third party car
um fiber on the lines meaning you know they tend to be wireless companies that are not national grid not Comcast not the town's cable and we work with national grid to get action on that um because you know they're they're they're the ones who sort of license that
activity. So that's where we are in double polls this month. And then lastly, um, we bring to the board, we did receive a rather lengthy report, um, from the Chsford Land Conservation Trust where we're not going to dive into the
report this evening. Um, it's comprehensive. It's a 100page document. This is the first time the trust has done its monitoring on the conservation restriction at Sunny Meadow Farm that the town acquired in 2008. So obviously they were overdue and in and uh
conducting the monitoring. Um it it it highlighted some um I guess deficiencies and compliance with the with the restriction. Um, I will take responsibility for that because the town has been, I guess, less attentive as we
should have been in terms of making sure that the property is maintained and its intended agricultural primary use with with some open space areas on the adjacent to the property. Since this report was uh was released to us on a
draft form and as it is today, as noted, significant progress has been made out there on the site. Um and that's been noted and it's continuing. Uh even those who drive by for example all the green houses have been have been covered that
before they were exposed to the weather. Um and the other thing the town has done is we've also suspended any new capital projects on the site until we bring the site into compliance. So, we intend to be out there um this October with the
land trust to visit it again as well as to check the one area that they didn't get to, which was the compost area, which should also be completed this summer. Um and uh and then we have met uh with the um Chams open space stewards uh and they're uh as well as the other
farmers on the property. We've individually contacted with them and met with most of them uh and they're they're reigning in their efforts to make sure that what's on the site is intended to be the restriction because it did get a bit
I guess lacks for lack of a better word uh in terms of stuff being stored there and and debris and other stuff. And so anyway, uh again, as manager of the property, I'll take responsibility for it and I can assure you much prog has been made and much more will continue in
the months ahead. So Paul, we're looking at this as a road map then going forward to Yep. rectify any potential issues and um rectification of those issues should be done by the fall. Is that what you're
Yeah, exactly. Yeah. I mean the you know and and we're get we're getting we we're receiving a lot of cooperation from from all the license and lease holders out there and open space stewards. So um I'm I'm I'm optimistic that when we report in six months or so that things will be
uh much better. Okay. So thank you. Thank you. And um that concludes my report this evening. Thank you. Thanks Paul. Next up we have appointments. Yeah, this is annual appointments. So, you've got a detailed lengthy list of
annual appointments. Um, generally what the board has done in the past is approved them as presented. Uh, because it is lengthy and I don't I don't know that's necessary to read all of the uh appointments on the list. You can see they've broken out. our our office staff
uh reached out to the officials uh that are listed there uh to see if they were interested in in remaining in in their capacity on the committee. And obviously the um they have uh that what you see listed there are are favorable and you can see they're segmented by the select
board on the top part of the page and then after the uh shaded area of the town manager's appointments which again need the board's confirmation. Oh yes. Should we do that in is that in two separate motions? I think you can do I think you can do it as one motion to the approve the annual appointments as as
presented. Okay. Does anyone have any questions, comments? No. I'll take a motion. Um, I'll um I'll make a motion that the board recommend approval of the um
appointments of the select board and town manager for the next three years as presented. I'll second that. Okay, we have a motion in a second. Pat Maloney, I. Jeff, oops, sorry. Pat Wis. Yes. Jeff,
I. Aaron, yes. And I'm an I. And thank you. The motion passes. We got a few stragglers. So you we'll probably have a appointment or two next meeting. You know, we just heard from one today. So, and next up, we have um select board appointments for the an appointment for the board of registars for a three-year
term expiring June 30th, 2025. 20. It should be 2028. Should be 2028. Yes. Okay. So, um, this is required by state law. The the
the law requires the the town committee for in this case, Republican town committee to provide you with a list of three people which for you to choose from. Um, obviously the the incumbent Curtis Barton is seeking to be reappointed and they've also provided two additional names and we don't have
anybody here. George is here. Oh, hello. So, we do have somebody here. Curtis, did you did you wanna did you want to speak to the appointment? Thank you for coming. Curtis Barton, precinct 9 and also the board of registars for at least another
couple of weeks. The the key thing is this is a team game. Okay? We work together as a team along with the the uh the town clerk's office, all of whom are assistant registars, by the way, to get everything done and make sure it's all
done right. That's what we do. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, if you have any questions, I'll answer those, too. Does anyone have Does anyone have any questions for us? No. Okay. Chris has done a good job his so far, you know, his his prior terms. All
right. Um, so I guess how does this work? Will we take a motion to select one of the one of the members? One of the three. We have three people that have that have submitted interest. Um Curtis being one,
Mr. Barton, and then we have um Dorin Dashler and Brian Latina have also um been nominated. So if nobody has anything else, I'll take a motion. If somebody has a motion for someone they'd like to appoint. Um
okay. I'll make a motion that this board approve the appointment of Curtis Barton to the board of registars as presented. Second that. Okay, we have a motion to second. And Pat Maloney, I Pat Rogers. Yes. Jeff, I Aaron. And I'm an I.
Thank you. Thank you for your service, sir. Congratulations. Welcome back. Okay. Next up, we have um we have a an agenda item here regarding reducing the number of members on the clean energy and sustainability committee.
Um yeah, right now as noted in the correspondence from the committee chair, Badre Yupil Palian, um there's nine committee members um that that and I and they they're seeking to reduce it from nine to seven. Yeah. And Pat can correct
me if I'm right. I think the reason it was nine was because when the board originally established this committee, there was so much interest that they said, "Well, let's put all nine of them on." Yeah. In fact, we It was one It was 10 at one point. It was 10 at one point. Yeah. Exactly. So, so again I generally the board doesn't create committees that large but it was new it was interesting
exciting now what you're seeing is it's it's you know the the sense is that a seven member committee would be equally as effective which is pretty typical. Yeah, exactly forum and other issues. So okay. Um
okay. Does anyone have any questions or comments? I do have I have the letter here from Badri. I can I don't know if anybody it's in our packet. Yeah, everyone has it. So yeah. So, I think it would just be a motion to to yeah, reduce the size of the clean energy and sustainability committee from 9 to seven members and then we'll notify the
clerk's office and keep track obviously. May does anyone have comments? I have no problem with that. Okay, good. I'll take a motion. I'll make a motion that um this board reduce the size of the clean energy and
sustainability committee membership from nine members to seven members as presented. I'll second that. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Pat Maloney I. Patis, yes. Jeff,
yes. Aaron, yes. And I'm an I. And the motion passes. And next up, we have town manager appointments. Yeah, this is a new appointment, which is why it's segregated. The to fill the vacancy on the historical commission, uh, which is an unexpired three-year term expiring June 30th, 2026. I'm seeking the board's
confirmation of the appointment of Laura Cumins of Lav to this committee. Maybe Jeff knows her if she lives on Lav, but uh uh but anyway, she's very well qualified to Yeah, exactly. She's very well qualified as you can tell by her background in history and and so forth.
So again, uh, and I have shared this with the chair of the, uh, deput, the chair of the historical commission, and she's very excited. She's thrilled. She's thrilled to have her come on board. Yeah. So, yeah. So, seek your confirmation of this appointment. Okay. Take a motion. Nobody has any
comments. I'll make a motion that this board endorsed um the appointment of Lara Commons to the historic commission historical commission as presented by the town manager. I'll second that. Okay, we have a motion to second. Pat
Maloney, I Pat Wes, yes. Jeff, I Aaron, yes. And I'm an I. Motion passes. Thank you. Next up, we have um liaison reports and referrals.
So, Pat, would you like to go first? Sure. I'm just going to go on a call, but um it's confusing having you here and Jeff on Zoom now. I know. I know. I know. We had one meeting where we could all just raise our hands. Um, all right.
So, just a quick update on um permanent building committee. Um, this was um a little over a week ago. So, uh the town has hired uh Leftfield as its owner's project manager. That contract
has been executed. Uh Galant Architectural Architecture Studio was hired as the designer for the project. A notice to proceed was issued to Colant and contract negotiations have been ongoing the past few weeks. Any uh movement on that, Paul, on the contract
negotiations with Colant? Uh it's signed. It's signed outside. So it's executed. Yep. Okay. So we have an executed contract with the architect at this point for the new fire stations. Uh project KF meeting was held on May 2nd. Um uh during which the team reviewed
earlier studies and discussed next steps. left field. Our OPM has prepared the initial project budget and schedule. The schedule will be refined once Galante Architecture provides the design deliverable schedule. Um
the project team is conducting and coordinating the early site investigation activities and uh design is uh starting to take off. Schematic design level cost estimates uh anticipated to be completed by the end of July or early August. So, we'll
look forward to those to see how we're doing. And then just a um quick update, the school building committee met the other night. Um um we do have our OPM, which is the same OPM left field on board. Um we are out,
the request for services is out at this point. um for architecture uh services and uh the district um chford will expect to receive those back on the 16th of July.
Um they'll be gone through we're not going to meet the school building committee won't be meeting in July, but they'll be gone through and they'll be submitted um um to Mass School Building Authority on August 7th. And we
anticipate a meeting um with um the designer um selection panel uh on August 26th and we're hoping for a final vote on September 9th. So hopefully by September 9th we have our architect on
board for the school building project and then we're off to the races. So, it's uh it's going to be a long summer working through uh the rest of the weeds that we need to. But, um early September, we should have uh an architect on board and that should release us to get going and uh get some
real work done. That's all I have today. Okay. Thank you, Pat. Uh yes, a couple things. Um on uh on June 7th, uh on a Saturday night, the Chunford High School graduation was held at Songus Arena. Uh so congratulations to all of the Chford
High School seniors that are moving on to their next uh chapter in their lives. It's it was a a good day for you know over 300 seniors and their families and it never gets old for sure. Um the library wants uh everybody to know that
there are book lockers now at McKay Library where you can pick up um books after hours. You can order, you can uh reserve them and they will go into a locker and there's a process you go through and you can go and pick them up at the the locker at McKay and there will be soon there'll be this uh similar
lockers at the Adams Library to allow the same um benefit there. And lastly, uh you may have heard the Chsford High School baseball team is state champions in their division. So congratulations to them. Very, very nicely done. Good work
to them. First time since 1966. Yeah. I mean, and if and if George and if George Dixon was still on this board, he would he would do the playbyplay of that whole 1966. Are we both? Yeah, that's all I have. Okay, Jeff.
Yeah. Um, I haven't had the opportunity to talk to the conservation committee as much cuz both Carl and I have been traveling and our schedules have been working against each other, but we have corresponded and agreed that we are going to try to meet for coffee once we're both in town and we can get get me
caught up on what's going on with them. And also the parade committee met last week and as you can imagine it's crunch time for us and we we're where all systems go and they're going to meet again next Tuesday to finalize the uh lineup for the actual parade day.
Unfortunately, I'll be traveling again for business and but I have full confidence that the board's going to do a great job and but I will be in town Monday for our next meeting and town meeting as well. That's about it. Okay. Thank you, Jeff
and Aaron. All right. Thank you, um, Madame Chair. So, it was another month and, um, I got the chance to go over to the senior center and, uh, meet with the council on aging board. Um, as Paul noted tonight, there are now two openings on that board. And, uh, I'm
not, it's if you have the time, it's once a month. It's definitely worthwhile to uh to go and participate in and have a cup of coffee with those guys. They're very active. Um this week they uh this month they had Ageband come. Um I didn't know a lot about Ageband. They came and
gave a talk about some of the services. So they serve 28 um cities and towns. They have two offices in the state and over 500 staff and the types of services that um they are able to provide um support for for uh seniors and families.
is they have a family care uh giver program which you know people can use to when they're caring for elders to uh get a break. Um and I I call that out because I think it's a a fantastic program and unfortunately um that's one of the ones that's um is is going away
because of some of the some of the um the federal um and state related state funding cuts to that. So um but it's a great resource. Um if you want to know more about HBN, you can certainly go to their website, but um I would definitely talk to talk to Debbie. Um the uh the
other uh report from um Bob who's the chairman is that um his acoustic tile project is officially in the hands of of DPW. Um so we'll we'll see where Christine and her team um are go ahead and and take that project. Final Square
is very very busy. There's a lot of uh a lot of things going on up there. Um the the as Pat said, the McKay Library has got a lot of activities going on. Um they are expanding their hours which has been um they're going from I think it's 12:30 to
8:30 if my notes are correct. Um and uh and their library is working on their strategic plan. So there's a lot of there's a lot of activity that's going on and I think I saw the email for the summer concert series. So that's that's now out and that's uh populated. But they're they're really just looking for
ideas on programming and and um and to make better use of those the resources that we have there. And then obviously um Bill presented on the on the clock tonight. And then they're just staying on top of things. So they've got the the DOT project going through Vinyl Square. We've got the new one kicking off a
little further up the street. Um and then they um and it passed the conservation commitment uh commission, but they um decided to support the the Freeman Lake uh harvesting and and treatment. Um again, they they really kind of touch on a on a lot of things
that we touch on, too. So, it's it's great to see that there's such an active um group there. And then finally, this uh uh past meeting with the um the planning board. Again, that's another board that uh they're incredibly active. So, um they had another continuation for
the old Westford Road project, the old um course and cowb barn area. There's two two homes that are going to go up on that um up on that property. Um and there was another uh subdivision plan presented on uh 191 and 195 Riverneck
Road. And then um they took a vote on 300 Bill Ricker Road. Nexus Recovery wants to um utilize that property and there was some discussion on how it should be designated. So they opted to designate that as um a hospital facility. Um and then they discussed at
length the um 5559 Middle Sex Street um which is the landing at Chumsford Mills. They're requesting um some reasonzoning. There's a whole weird piece of IIA up there that they want to maybe use their uh CB light that they've been working on with Kate's Corner. Um, so they're
really active and they're getting ready to kind of kick off um, work for things that are going to be presented at town meetings. So that's kind of a work that never ends. I think they're kicking off in July to make sure they get all the public meetings in. So um, there's a lot to digest there. Um, and I definitely
encourage people if you can't attend the meetings um to go ahead and watch the uh watch the recordings uh so that you have an idea of some of the changes um that are coming and how they might affect your neighborhood. And then uh I have yet to meet with the uh the uh board of
assessors, but uh I've talked to Mr. Chase and he said uh we'll get that together sometime. So that's my one liaison assignment I have to I have to get done. But other than that, um, I'm good to go. It's a good one.
Do Aaron? Yes. Excuse me. Do you want to discuss, uh, the MMA meeting we attended last Friday? Yeah. Um, sorry, that's a that's a good call out. Jeff Pat asked uh how that was um earlier. So, Jeff and I, you know, were responsible and
carpooled. Um, and uh, I think it's uh, it's one of those things where I think all of us, even this one was for new newly elected select board members. Um, but it's I think there's a lot of resources there and we could definitely um, periodically use some refreshers on
the law. So, we they presented us with open meeting law. Um, they presented us with things, you know, um, taking minutes. They presented um, some budgetary stuff around Prop 2 and a half. Um, again, Jeff and I are, you know, fortunate that there are some things that we could digest a little bit
differently because we've already, um, experienced some of that as being new board members, whereas a bunch of people there were, um, were were hadn't even had their first board meeting. And we heard from the, uh, town of Andover, town of Andover, right? Um, town manager and and he talked about how they, you
know, how his goals are tied to the select board, um, the strategic plan that they have. Um, and we uh we definitely the uh the interesting part was um on how Prop 2 and a half worked. There are definitely some terms that I thought I understood. So, uh we learned
a little bit about that and uh and I appreciate Pat and the town supporting us um going to going to that meeting. It was definitely worth it. Jeff, any thoughts? I think one thing we both realized is that we're not alone. Every
town is facing the same challenges we are. Yeah. Mhm. And that that's one thing I took that was what it was refreshing to hear, you know, other towns going through challenges and what they're doing with them and hopefully we can learn from some of their experiences as well. Yeah. And and the MMA is
definitely active in kind of supporting and hearing our voice and I think they collectively get together and and you heard uh even Representative Elliott, I think, mention it tonight. Um so again, I think it's a a good group for us to all be um all be connected to. just
absolutely right. Um I think we have challenges. Try try try being a three- member board with no town manager. Um I'm not sure I'd sign up for that duty. So absolutely not. All right. So thank you. Good call, Jeff. Okay. Thank you. Um and the only
thing that I have was a reminder about um what the ZBA has going on this week, but I'm I'm a little bit confused and actually maybe you can clarify for me because it looks like they have a Riverneck Road hearing that's scheduled to be here. Yes. And then they have the ledge road hearing at the senior center. Is that correct? Yeah, they're they're
meeting at two locations at two separate meetings on the same evening. The RENC road 40B project was advertised um for this location in this room. And um and that will occur this this um this Wednesday night at 7:00. Yeah. when the
um ledge road hearing was continued, they realized they need a larger venue than than the police station could accommodate, not to mention this room. So that they did is they posted a second meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the senior center where there's plenty of parking, plenty of seating and so forth. So
what'll happen is they'll meet here at 7 uh uh open up the application for the river 243 Riverneck Road Chapter 40B project. Um, and then once that's concluded, they will they will adjourn that meeting. Then they'll travel across town uh to the senior center and no
earlier than 7:30, they will open up the continued public hearing. So, it might just start a little bit late. It may run a few minutes late. Uh, but better doing that at 7:30 than posting it for 8:00 and then they're a quarter of eight and everybody's aggravated because they're sitting in the room saying, "Why are we waiting 15 minutes for the the hearing
to start?" So, so that's how it'll proceed. So, it's two separately posted meetings for good reason. one was already advertised and second one could not fit in this venue and therefore you would have had a problem with the with the advertisement for 40B project for proper notice. So the the advice of
council was to leave it intact and therefore that's the two meetings at two locations which is perfectly legitimate. Both agendas have been opposed in a timely manner and as I think as representative Elliot noted early this evening, we expect that that will likely be the conclusion of the ledge road that
there'll be conclusion of the public hearing and likely decision made on Wednesday evening. Okay. Yeah. So, I just wanted to mention that to anyone. So, the 243 Riverneck Road hearing will be here at 7. And then anybody who's following the Ledge Road conversation and wants to attend the meeting, that'll
be at the senior center at 7:30 or or slightly after 7:30 depending. But it actually works because if you converge those two together here or either there would it would be very crowded because there's heightened interest in both of those projects. Is that all they're doing is opening up the process? Yeah. And they're and they may declare safe
harbor like they did with Crosby Village and therefore if the applicant chooses to continue uh then then my guess is they would likely continue the hearing. If not, if the applicant says no, we want you to make your decision, we'll appeal it like what happened at Crosby Village, then then that'll be the end. So that's why
it may only take 10 or 15 minutes. Okay. Because obviously the applicant at 243 Riverneck Road like Crosby Village is notified in advance. Yeah. You know that of what the So that information is out there. Okay. So and obviously he the applicant 243 knew what happened at Crosby Village. So none of this is of is
going to be of any surprise to them about the declaration of safe harbor. Yeah. Okay. Doesn't feel like they made a lot of changes on that project either. No. Okay. If nobody has anything else, um I'll take a motion. Motion to adjurnn.
Second it. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Pat Maloney I. Pat Rogers. Yes. Jeff, hi. Aaron, yes. And I'm an I. We're adjourned. Thank you.