Hello. >> There we go. >> You're live. >> I'm live. Welcome to December 16th select board meeting. Uh Dan, can you lead us with the pledge of allegiance? >> Certainly. >> Rise. I pledge algiance to the flag of
the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, Dan. >> You're welcome. >> At this time, I'd like to um approve of
the minutes. Do I have a motion to approve the minutes of December 2nd, 2025? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> abstain. >> Get that clerk. >> Yep. Got it. >> Okay. At this time, we're going to do
new public business. Please limit your comments to three minutes. The clerk will have a timer. Who would like to come up? Please go up. Introduce yourself. Thank you. >> Hi, Richard Baldick. Uh precinct for town meeting member. Uh just a couple of things. Um
I was here a few months ago about the patchwork on Holton Street. Uh, is there any update on if they're going to do anything better with that than what it is now? Uh, it's horrendous. Um, maybe they could take a
trip up Loca Street and see what the contractor did up there. Beautiful job on the water main patching. Um, grounded out, nice and smooth, perfect job for a temporary patch. Um, it would be appreciative. That road is
horrible. And then a second thing is, do we have any idea of when our tower ladder is coming back to town? It's been out of service for months. Um, we're running on a truck that's 24 years old as a backup ladder truck. Um, we
invested a lot of money into that tower truck and it's been out of service a lot. Um, I don't know how the department feels about it, but I go by and I look at the old truck sitting there and I go, it's it's been a long time. It's been out of service. So just see if we have
any answers on that would be nice. >> Okay. Thank you. We'll have Tommy did you look at that with DPW director >> and uh get back to you. Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> Okay. The board will discuss budget goals for fiscal 2027.
I refer to the school committee and the library trustees library for comments and vote after the comments. Um, Rodney, are you here to speak? Uh, >> any questions, board members? >> Numerous.
>> Sorry. With you? >> Numerous. >> Numerous. Okay, let's You want to start? >> Yeah. Sure. >> All right. Good. Rodney, please go up and introduce yourself. I don't know if chair if you want to go through it paragraph by paragraph and ask for questions on the individual
paragraphs or do you just want me to bounce around? >> Um why don't we start with what what you have for questions. >> Okay, thank you. Second paragraph uh fiscal year 2027 budget goals.
>> Rodney, how you doing? >> Good. Uh through you, Madam Chair. Rodney Connley, director of administration finance. Hi Dan. >> Thank you. Thank you. So I guess we're doing words smmith first. >> Vibrancy. What are we talking about with vibrancy with budget goals?
>> I think it's relates to the vibrancy of the town, right? >> Yes. I think that'd be related to the town itself, not specifically the 27 budget. So, does it mean lively
animation, living life as an adventure? >> Is that No, that's what it means. Living life as an adventure. Is that what we're referring to in our financial goals? >> I'm happy to take this.
Um, vibrancy meaning vibrant town meaning because vibrant I that may be the definition as you see it but vibrant to live in a vibrant town beyond that means that it's full of life >> and >> can we put something in there to explain it in the goal so we know what it means >> but if you would prefer yeah we can
they're yours >> little something >> they're yours to vote on so we're happy to edit them >> yeah vibrancy whatever um of the town >> okay >> just so we have a you know I I know it says advance the town's damas commitments professional excellence and community
growth by building on stability. But then we get into sustainability, vibrancy. It's hard to understand what that means. The goals, the budget. >> I got you. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh long-term goals.
Second paragraph. provide highquality affordable education, recreation, and cultural services. What type of cultural services? Uh through you, Madam Chair. So those um so these long-term goals are reflective
of the long-term goals that have been sustained that you guys have um used in your budget. I would say at least last year because we started there um and updated them just a just a bit. But I think for cultural services mean um things for example like the monora
lighting the other night the um events we do related to Martin Luther King um all of >> so as an adjective social behavior and diversity is that what it means >> so I'm sorry I'm not following as an
adjective >> you're calling >> cultural services so all of the services that we provide in this in through the town mainly through HR I that's related to cultural events. Would it be better for you if >> cultural events? >> Okay,
>> that that that makes sense. >> Events instead of service >> rather services. Okay, >> thank you. Uh ongoing second paragraph balance competing needs deliver affordable quality services across departments by ensuring equitable
resource distribution. I don't think every department gets equitable resources. I mean, certainly police and fire needs more than >> I don't I don't think equitable there means even.
>> Well, you're fair. You're fair to each. >> You know, you're right. One school budget far outweighs everybody else. >> Right. Exactly. >> I don't think equitable there means it has to be an even amount of money. >> What's it mean?
with the same values and rigor. It doesn't have, you know, you're not stealing from one to to pay the other necessarily. You're not we're not denying money from the library to make
sure we afford a new bucket truck. It's I get a lot of feedback. I I I don't there. I don't I don't put equitable and even as the same thing fair distribution if you want to say fair instead of >> see if this is a word thing we can we're
>> yeah like yeah >> just something that makes sense when you read it somebody outside reads it they they have a clear understanding of what it is we're trying to say >> absolutely >> and I understand
unfortunately people will will put their own interpretations on individual words and and I think the the the intent there is that we are being fair to all departments. >> Okay. So we can say that >> okay
>> uh there was a reserves and debt strengthen the town's reserve position ensure compliance with fiscal policies continue funding debt stabilization funds. I think we probably kind of need to look at
what's going to happen at Essex Tech with their planned um increase in programs and how many additional students are they going to be taking into these programs and how many more will Damas be
sending and how are we going to pay for it? At some point in time in the next year or two, they'll be taking more Danver students than the 59 that's allotted. That'll be a real budget buster. Should we be talking about a
reserve fund for not just we have a reserve fund for our public schools, but something to cover the unanticipated costs which I'm not not unanticipated anticipated cost of students.
Do we want to look at that this year and start putting away some funds? >> So, I'm happy to speak to what's been happening related to that right now. I was there was in my uh town manager report, but I can do it now and then you can speak to whether or not the stabilization fund is the best way to go. Um, so we, as you know, Mike Landers
is our representative on the Essex Tech School Committee. Uh, they have with the new lottery coming in, they have an admissions policy uh procedure that they had put out. the committee was supposed to vote on it last I think it was Thursday. Um so Thursday we have some
growing concerns around it. So I've been meeting with Mike and Dan Bower and Rodney. Um we were uh able to reach out and connect with the mayors from PED Glosser Beverly and Salem and encourage a pause on the vote specifically around
how many what the minimum is and and the predictability is is the number one thing. Um we were successful. Um, so thank you to Mike Landers. He represents Stanford well on that board. So at the Thursday's meeting, they paused the vote. Right now, our minimum number is 60. It's based on three-year
averages, enrollment averages. Um, they went through a number of discussions about different processes. Um, but they went the the proposal is based on three-year admissions. Our one of our larger concerns is the unpredictable part which when they go back into when
all of our seats are full and then they have at large seats in other communities that might not meet their sending goal. We may we have we may end up with an unpredictable number because we just have more balls in the pot so to speak. Um so right now they're on pause at the school committee level. the
superintendent there has uh invited us, the municipal officials and the um school superintendents to a meeting on January 6 um to talk through the formula and and see if we can make some changes so that and and again for us it's the
minimum number and the predictability. Um but I think well I know that the mayors of Salem, Beverly and Peodyy also share those concerns. So, um, as well as some of the town managers in the area have have also reached out. So, we are
we are working on that now, but that doesn't that's just an update on where we're at. And then I don't know if you want to speak to a stabilization fund. >> Yeah. Through you, Madam Chairwoman, I would say that, you know, we've created special stabilization funds before, the debt being one. We've had an education one in years past. Um, we probably wouldn't want to put it right in the
general stabilization because that is sort of the emergency anything town related to break glass if need be. So we probably would want to look at a special stabilization. I mean we don't have to go back too far. 3 4 years ago we saw that jump number jump from 30 to 40 to 50 to 60 to 70. So I think you know if
we anticipate that over the next 5 years with an expansion that would be prudent to invest some money to not dramatically impact that budget the year we jump. >> Yeah. Um the pausing on the lottery system etc is one thing but I don't
think they're pausing on their expansion plans. >> Yeah. That's the >> yeah thing that most concerns me >> and I think that is shared with the other um municipal in officials and superintendents in the region. So knowing that this is kind of step one into that. Yeah.
>> Okay. >> Ronnie, how would you would you think to put money into the general stabilization fund or a special fund for? >> Yeah, I would recommend if we wanted to map out a plan to guard against a spike in enrollment that we'd probably create a special fund specifically for that
purpose. >> That way, it's clear to town meeting what we're putting putting that specific money away for versus our general just in case. Is >> that a conversation we can have this budget season? Absolutely. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chairman. That's it for now.
>> Okay. Ka, do you have any questions? >> Sure. I got a few in. Um, one of the things, same comment I kind of made when you talked about the town manager goals. There's not a lot. These aren't necessarily smart goals. They're not
measurable. They're feelings goals. They're they're we want to do this. It would feel good to do this. We want to be equitable. we want to be, you know, fair, whatever you want to say, but there's no measurement of customer service. There's no measurement of some
of these actions. And maybe this isn't the place for it, but usually goals are, you know, follow the smart rule. Um, I'll I'll let Tom manager speak to that
afterwards. Um I'm interested why in the third the fourth paragraph we start talking about the public schools we call it the schools specifically. Is this the select board's town budget or is this the or is it the budget of that includes the library and the schools and
everybody and everything because we don't speak to the library at all either. Why one? >> Yeah, I'm happy I mean I'm happy to answer but a lot of this is was handed down to to me and so this is what the select board's been doing traditionally. Um, I agree with you that I've asked Rodney that exact question. I'm like,
these goals don't really tell us much of anything, but this is what how Dammers has been proceeding with these goals in the past is set around the budget. I so I got the sense that that was um with the preference of the board was not for measurable goals on a budget, but for
these kind of more emotional feelings goals as you call them. If that's I'm more than happy to, as Rodney knows, change some of these goals. Um, so that's what the feedback's for. They're yours to work on. So please give us that feedback. And the school committee, same tradition. You've always had one that
speaks to the schools. >> I would just add through you, Madam Chair. So a few years ago, if you remember, we had very static goals. They really didn't change yearover-year. Around three years ago, we introduced the concept of three specific to the next coming budget goals. And again, the reason why schools usually are
incorporated as one of those three bullets is again, they take up almost 50% of the budget. So, it makes sense that we're looking at a townwide budget goal that the one eating up almost half the pie would make sense for to be uh predominantly displayed. But that said, if the goal was to add a library goal,
that's certainly something we could revise. >> I I would like to see a library goal. It just seems one or all. Uh none or you know, all three are are it's a town. >> We're happy to they're yours to set. So we're happy to engage >> that we add a library goal to make sure
they maintain sustainability and primarily because they are a low cost. >> Will you please submit one that you're thinking or some language that you're thinking related to that maybe the library director might be a >> we'll work with them too >> resource for that. >> Um for short money we have a great library
for comparatively short money and if there if even a little bit more can help them reach a better goal. Um I I would like to hear that and con consider it. Um to the point about um
smart goals measurements percentages in the past man I'm getting a lot of feedback off this one. Um in the past um we actually had discussion about the reserves and debts being a percentage of the entire budget kind of capping it as
it were. Um, have we moved away from that? >> So, which specific? So, for general stabilization, our long-term goal is to get that to be sort of the minimum 8 to 12% of undesated fund balance, which is our town policy. >> Mhm.
>> Um, debt stabilization, again, I think it's based on more project specific. So, the most recent one was the Smith School. Um, we also committed with the landfill revenue that we would put that into debt stabilization for long-term capital needs, whether it be a public works or other improvements.
>> But I think it was more uh so one is you said it was a policy. Should that policy be in our goals, budget goals or not? You've got it as a policy, but I'm just wondering if that shouldn't be enumerated in the in the goals that >> our o overall accumulated debt for all
the projects we do should be x% of our town budget. or not. >> I'm not sure I'd want to set the debt to a specific percent of the budget because I think it depends. I think if you look >> to comparative communities, we actually have very low debt as a part of our operating budget. So, I wouldn't necessarily want to target a specific
number, but we do have financial policies that are in the budget adopted by the select board. I'd say if we if you wanted to review those and as part of the budget process and maybe amend them as needed, that would probably be the the smartest avenue to do so. >> Okay. We do talk a little bit about
reserves and debt long-term in this document. So, we could also have thoughts you had on expanding that, but I think targeting a specific percentage or number that probably a longer term discussion on what makes sense for the community and the will of the select board.
>> Okay. Um, you do talk about reserves and you speak to some specific ones. Is the sped reserve a reserve of the school department or of the town? So, the special education reserve we set up a couple years ago is it's a town reserve fund. It requires both the
school committee and the select board to appropriate out of. >> Okay. >> It's also that one is capped by Mass General Law on the maximum amount you can have, which I believe is I'll check. It's tied to your net school spending, but I'll get the exact number. I believe it's 2%.
>> Yeah. Three or to five. So, that one does have a cap on the max you could put into that fund and it requires both bodies to appropriate out of. All right. And um maybe there's no place for it, but we don't mention capital pro specific
capital projects like the DPW garage or um we don't in here mention any discussion about uh solving our uh water capacity issue. wondering if that if the board would want something in there or not.
>> It's up to the will of the board. >> Excuse me, Madam Chair. Through you to member Tras, can you be specific? Uh I I I would like to know that and hear that um and maybe even get regular reports that what our options are or what our
efforts are in pursuing uh an increased water supp water supply uh storage or increased water uh capacity or increased ability to draw water. You
know, we had talked about in the past we've talked about things like the Rebecca Nurse Homestead Well and other other options that we've explored >> to know that there is something that we continuously look for that it is a goal that we >> um spend time and money on. >> But as it relates to the budget
specifically, I guess I was looking for specifics, but I again I welcome feedback. We sent you these and emails, so please that this is um >> we welcome feedback. So I just I would need some some more clarity from you on how how that relates to budget >> you if other people have ideas join in
but I just um I think it's one of our more pressing issues and long term it's it's not going to be solved in a year it hasn't been solved in but I want to know that we have a portion of our budget or a portion of our
department's priorities focused on that um no less than economic development or no less and other aspects of the town. I'd just like to call out water. Um that's all I had. Thank you. >> Thank you, Ghana T.
>> Yeah, thank thank you, Madame Chair. Um I the way I look at it was more like a big picture. So I when I got it and I look at it, it seemed fine for me because I wasn't looking at
specific departments, specific action items. Uh when we talk about strengthening organizational efficiency as one of the goals, it means that if
uh the the fire comes and wants a neutral for example or they want something, we will look at it and say this is how much it costs and how does that strengthen the efficiency within the department. So I wasn't looking at it
more like specific item to you madame chair it we each department will have specific things on their budget as to what they do and how they do it. Is that correct? >> I mean they don't have se separate goals. Um
I'm only looking at Ronnie because this is my first one. Yeah. >> So in the department sections uh each part has a narrative of sort of just generally speaking what do they do? what do they provide to the residents and also they usually have a couple strategic goals as well >> and those will align with these goals that we are setting yes
>> from each department and then I understand why the school is listed because like you said it's half of the budget and if the school wants to do something we want to make sure that we're equipping them with all the resources that they need to sustain
special aid and things like that so that's how I looked at it um the changes that we were making on the cultural services to like cultural event uh when I thought of cultural services
is the event but it's also maybe we need a translation equipment like that's not an event but that's something that could be needed for the town if someone gets here or people who are visually impaired
can we have something for them to come to town hall and pay their bill. That's more like a service instead of an event. So, I will keep things like services because it encompasses event. Uh same
thing with the equity. Um it's more like what the the fire needs, the school, the police, DPW, they all different. So the goal is to make sure that every department gets what they need to be
efficient and be successful. And then when we look at those specific items within the department, we would look at this goal and say does that make them more efficient? Are we getting good talent? Uh are we keeping the talent that we are getting? So I don't really
have much to add. But if we're going to be looking at it in sense of having specifics, I'm open to that as well. But I was looking at it more like a vision and a big picture and then the specific will come throughout the budget from
different departments. Is that fair? Is that how you're seeing it? >> I mean it's not your goal, but >> No. Yeah. I mean again this documents to select boards to edit as they see fit but generally speaking it is sort of the three sort of directly impacting the finances in FY27 and the rest are just
more general long-term and then if you go into the budget document each department has strategic goals each department has performance metrics that they try to hit. So a lot of that information exists maybe not in the front document but within the document itself in the various departments in much more specificity uh specificity.
>> Yeah. And if I may, Madam Chair, um the other thing I think this this whole conversation reflects was the conversation that we had around the town manager's goals, my goals, is the misalignment and timing of when of when departments are setting their goals and
when I'm setting my goals as we do the budget. So, we're trying to get that alignment in place so that the budget goals because right now the managers up until this year were setting their goals halfway through the budget year. So they weren't as able to inform them. So we're working on that realignment. And so
that's why we're absolutely open to changing these up to reflect what you guys are looking for. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> And Mike, >> thank you. Um I come at you a little diff different direction, but this will take the heat
off the town manager for sure. Um, as uh board member Tras uh mentioned that this is a a feel-good uh paper and it did make me feel good, but um there's other things I guess I'm concerned about and one of them is um the state's talking
about getting rid of Prop 2 and a half. So that scares me because um we're what just under 100,000 from going over our budget. Is that correct? Um, we have 100,000 as of the most recent tax certification under our tax levy,
>> right? Um, so, uh, you ready? When was the last time we audited all our departments? >> Annually. >> Annually. Y. >> Okay. And is it a overall or is it a really specific audit?
>> They pull payroll. They pull invoice processing. They look at procedures. They review journal entries made by the town accountant. A it's a full-scale independent audit that we do annually that covers us the schools as well. We also have additional auditing. We do
grant auditing every year. The elector division has its own separate audit based on DPU regulations. So we do an endofear school report audit. We do uh student activities because that's a hot button topic. We do a specific independent audit of student activities
every year as well. So, yeah, >> cuz my leadup question here was that um you know, I'm wondering if we could, you know, suggest that uh departments look into their budgets and see if they could shave a little bit. You know, we could
so we could build up that cushion in between going over even if they did a quarter of a percent. I would just add that we do that annually and in fact usually midFebruary they have a a very tough meeting upstairs in the town man's conference room where we give them a specific number they have to cut that's just a balance every year. Okay.
>> So yeah to that respect we do that annually as well. >> Okay. All right. Um if prop 2 and a half is taken away how does that affect us? We going to just I know we have
contracts with teachers and fire departments and police and and all that, but I mean are we going to be are we going to lose it and topple over? >> I I mean I general question. >> I was going to say well there would be many steps to change you know the the
taxation which includes this board and so I don't I can't no I don't think we're going to topple over. >> So you know the average taxpayer is more worried about it. >> Of course they are. Yes. Absolutely. I think I mean I just think it's fair to say that the removal I if first of I think we're far from being there at the
state level. Um I think it takes a long time. I think there's many people at state level who are just as concerned as you are. Um so I don't mean to act um like quip about it. I just think it's it's a long way away and we have many other budgeting tools that we would access first. Um we've started our
budget meetings have been very impressed. Most of the departments are coming in with 0% increases in their budgets. This is not a community where there nobody's coming in with big wish list. Um Brady has set a very high standard for that. Um the departments that you see coming in with increases
are typically based on are things are contractual increases that we are out of our control. Um, so I don't I don't get the sense. Again, I'm the newest person in the room on this topic, but I have not seen any kind of issues within the
budget meetings we've had so far where um, people are asking for extravagant things or major changes. Um, and Rodney is a very conservative director of administration and finance. I will share that for sure. >> All right, thank you.
>> Okay, that's good. Um myself too D um I look at the whole picture too. Um I like the fact of um making sure about the reserves you know um that was the big discussion is about the Essex tech. We
you know we we do know that they will be expanding as the town manager said with some of these cities or towns that might not have those number of students. Are we going to be picking that up? So I think we need to lack of a better word beef up our reserve you know for something like that. Um I like how
Gardner says about things being measurable. Uh definitely and you did say that general stabilation goal is usually 8 to 12%. >> So our undesated fund balance so at the end of the year um unrestricted cash should be 8 to 12% of the prior year's
operating expenditures. So the goal of the past few years was to increase the general stabilization to be that backbone of that number. Okay. And um I mean the contract uh increases, we can't stop that, but that's how you
know we want to retain our employees, you know, we want we want to keep those the good uh town employees. Um so board members, um what do you think? Are we prepared to accept or think about this or what do you want to do?
>> I think I think we've offered some suggestions and recommendations. I'll send something more in about water, >> but I I I think to the point these are goals. >> So if we were to put in the percentage that you just quoted as the policy, >> it's a goal. Yes, if something
catastrophic happened, if all of a sudden we needed a big huge capital project that we didn't anticipate and had to do it, yes, we may not meet the goal, but there's a the world of reality comes in. Um uh
so I I think there's still a little bit of room for tweaking and then >> madam chair they if um you have to ask school committee and board library trustees for comments too. So >> that would be good. >> We'll refer to I think your motion is to refer to that. >> Yes. >> My motion is to yes t or refer this
back. >> I don't know it needs a motion now. It's >> is it a motion? >> I I don't know that it needs one. >> Thank you. It's it's >> we've been passing it back and forth for the last 20 odd years for their comments before we vote on it. >> Right. >> No motion needed in my mind.
>> I mean >> I mean if I just a final comment if I may. >> Final comment. Sure. >> Um this is a big picture document as D said. The other option is just reiterate our financial goals as they are in our
audit report. the eight to 10 percent the different fund balances the different goals. >> Yeah. >> So, but does that we get that in the audit? >> So, we threw you sorry to interrupt. Yeah. No, no. Um in every year in the transmitt letter, if you notice there's
a box that shows those policies. If the thought was we wanted to take that box, incorporate into that document, that's a very easy lift and I think kind of speaks to what you're saying about defining in our goals that because again they are the policies that we're thinking of every day, but I think maybe incorporating them into the goals might
>> and I'm wondering if that doesn't also help us with our bond ratings with you know if we enumerate what our targets are. You know, I know that we get dinged sometimes. A part of their very complex calculations about the bond ratings include how much debt we have or don't
have, whether we're under utilizing our opportunity to improve the town because we try to maintain a certain low debt level. Um, I know it's sounds backwards, but that's part of it. And maybe does enumerating those things that we see in
the audit and you know you asked about the audit. You participated every year we participate as a board in a very extensive audit >> that we all kind of weigh in on and hear and you know talks about >> every slices the numbers every way
possible. Um, so from that I think that maybe there's some opportunity to take some of that wording and put it in our our our our budget goals. >> Okay, sounds good. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Thank you, Rodney. >> All right. The board will consider the appointment of Polola Garcia Oelito to the Human Rights and Inclusion Committee. Welcome. Hi. Nice to see you.
>> Good evening everybody. >> Um Madame Chair, members of the board, D of Ders. Nice to see you again. Uh my name is Luis Velasquez. I'm a city member of the Dan Human Rights and Inclusion Committee. Johan Hunter, the chair of our committee, disappointedly
she couldn't be here tonight to participate in your consideration to appoint Paola Garcia to the human rights and inclusion committee. However, she asked me to come before you on her behalf. Alas, Pa herself is not here
either. As thought would have it, her family had a previously scheduled travel plans for the holidays. So, she's also very much disappointed she can't be here tonight. Nonetheless, Paola would like to introduce herself to the select board and the diverse community as well with a letter that she
wrote. Now, we all we all will hear from Paola and her own words and I promise you all to do my best to honor her voice. Hello. I wanted to thank you all for taking the time to consider my
application to join the HRC. My name is Paola and over the past several years, my family and I have made Danvers our home. After spending years building our careers, we felt it was time to find a community where we could build a life.
In our search, we were lucky enough to find Dumbers. In Danver, we found a town where people are passionate about their community, where you can find wonderful local businesses committed to providing the best for their patrons, where neighbors are always willing to lend a
helping hand or simply stop to hold a friendly conversation. I grew up in a city and I've always dreamed of raising my kids in an environment where they will be welcome and free to move about with their friends. My family is still young, but
it fills my heart with to see the joy of the Amber kids' faces as they play freely, as all kids should. as a Mexican-American, as an immigrant who spent her life witnessing two cultures at once, as a first generation college
graduate who certainly did not come from the same social economic background her peers. And as someone who has lived in urban settings surrounded by folks from all walks of life, I understand and appreciate the value of embracing a
community that welcomes all. that I believe is the calling of the HRC and one that I hope to positively contribute to. Growing up, I spent countless nights watching my mom work in the nonprofit field, supporting local families to find
their path forward and encouraging parent involvement in their children's education. My parents installed in me through their actions and their words, the importance of supporting your community. My mom didn't do the job for the paycheck, but
she worked tirelessly because she knew her work was having a positive impact on the life of those in our community. That value is one that I cherish and one that I continue to carry with me in my present life. Throughout my life, I volunteered across
a variety of nonprofits, including nutrition center programs, transition work for kids in needs of legal support, education center organizations, and whatever my skills could be put to good use. By joining the HR, I hope to continue carrying this value of
commitment to my community so we can all live in a don where we feel welcome and celebrated. In short, I'm a young mom in town. I thrive on rolling up my sleeves to help get things done. And most importantly, I am
committed to what I to doing what I can to ensure Danverse continues to grow into the welcoming community that my family and I have been lucky enough to find. Given the opportunity, I love to contribute my time and effort to helping the HRC reach all of its objectives.
Thank you for your time and please feel free to send any questions my way. Paola and I do welcome any questions. Thank you. >> Thank you board members questions. Gardner >> and uh has Paulo been attending the meetings? >> Yes, she has. >> How how how often? How long?
>> So she's been um acting the meeting since we started this new um session. >> Okay. >> She has come to two of our activities as well. >> Great. >> And she's a community u member of the subcommittee for uh Mother of the King celebration too as well. You anticipated my questions, I want to know what participation you has been uh Apollo has
been uh >> participating in. >> Yes. Yes. >> Um and I uh knowing the members of the HRIC if they're embracing and supportive of this uh I see no reason not to accept the application. I'm all set. >> Excellent. Mike,
>> um I'm just I'm sure she's a wonderful person. Cheers. >> I just odd. How do we vote somebody in if they're not here? I just Can we do that? >> Yeah, I should. Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> Mike, if I may. Yeah. >> Um, there was a time when we didn't get to meet the candidates for these different appointments and we established a procedure where we ask them to come before us just so when we see them in the street, we know who they
are. >> Uh, the fact that they're not here is not a detriment. It's unfortunate, but certainly the narrative speaks volumes of the person and I'd be comfortable. I hope she'll >> We can see her at a meeting. We can
always go to a meeting. >> We can? >> Yeah. >> Oh, thank you. >> Thank you. >> No, it's only in recent procedure that we've recommended requested their presence, but >> Yeah. Okay. All right. Thank you,
>> B. Yeah, I I totally agree with select board member U. Bennett and I'm sure if we want to see if we ask that she comes at a future meeting, I'm sure she'll be happy to. Uh I spoke to the chair last
night casually uh at the minora lighting um when I saw this on the agenda and she wholeheartedly supported her appointment as well as a couple of uh HRC members. they think uh she will really be a good
addition to to the committee and to the great work that that they do. So I'll support it. >> Excellent. Have her come next time, you know, introduce herself to us. Uh what's the will of the board? >> Madam Chair, I I move we accept the uh recommendation and the appointment of of uh
>> Palasio excuse me, um to the Human Rights and Inclusion Committee. >> I'll second. >> All in favor? I >> I >> I thank you. >> Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I'd like to invite you to our monthly meeting this Thursday night.
>> Uh we're going to hear about Northeast Arc and the vital work they do here in our town for individuals with disabilities and their families. We're also going to learn more about housing and security, which is something that all of us here and every resident cares very deeply about. Um, so again,
Thursday night, 7 p.m. here in the Tony Room or if you're at home, you can watch it on the DCSTV. They put our meetings on cable television and you're on the go YouTube at DCAT Danverse and you can join us there today. Thank you very much, folks. Have a great night.
>> Excellent. Thank you very much. Have a good night. >> Okay. The board will vote to accept a gift from the Rotary Club of Danvas in accordance with Mass General Laws chapter 4453A. Do um do I have a motion to accept the
gift with the letter of thanks or someone want to make that motion? >> Is someone going to report on it or >> is anybody here to report? Oh, good. Thank you, Bill. >> Good evening, everyone. Bill, seven fair street here in Danver. I'm here tonight
representing the Danver Rotary Club. Um, what we're doing tonight is the culmination of a 15-month project where the Danvers Rotary Club has taken upon themselves to fund a restoration and return of a cultural legend back to the
town of Danvers. And uh, it's been quite a ride. It's been very interesting, at least for myself, to see this through. Are there any specific questions I can answer for you at this time? >> Board members, Gardner? >> Uh, no, I don't have any questions. Thank you, >> Mike.
So, this was a a painting. Is that what I read? >> Yes, sir. Um, allow me to explain. Uh, this is one of a series of 17 paintings and murals that hung in the town hall. Uh, created back during the days of the depression and um they were taken down
in the late 40s when town hall was done over. This particular mural was stored rather poorly. Um, it what it demonstrates or displays is a legend of what possibly could be the first shot fired in the American
Revolutionary War. Um, it doesn't really have a title and I've given it one, which is the shooting at Robert Hooper's great house. Uh, it's rather large. It's approximately 7 1/2 ft by 9 ft. And we'll adorn the main entryware when it's
done. um local uh decat intends to videotape the uh the installation of it. This is kind of a moment in Damas culture and uh pretty proud of it to be perfectly honest with you. So uh >> thank you very much for having us or any
any other questions. >> Thank you for that. >> Dan, do you have any questions? >> Uh no questions. Thank you. >> Dan, >> thank you. Yes. Um when we vote on this um there's three invoices here that totals up significant amount of money.
Will we be voting on all three of the invoices or just the one to accept the painting itself? And I need to point out that uh the client that worked with the um studio to refurbish it is the Davis Historical Society. So they should get
some um >> recognition >> recognition for being involved >> working with Rotary and Bill >> and others to make this come to fruition and had been sitting up there in the Lawrence.
>> Yes, sir. >> Right. For a number of years and just note there's still others up there in bad shape as well. Madam chair to to the member's question I don't think we're voting voting on the invoices we're voting on the gift >> which is what
>> which is the gift of the entirety that's my question >> that is it >> right not individually on the invoices as the entirety of the gift >> thank you >> thank you what's the will of the board >> did get I move we accept the gift as presented
in its entirety with thanks to the appropriate uh support of the Rotary and the Davis Historical Society >> do I have a Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> opposed. Excellent. Thank you, Bill. >> Thank you, >> Bill. Thanks for your >> job >> um efforts.
>> Like a dog with a bone. You wouldn't give up. >> And if I may, Madam Chair, just an update for the board. The um installation, I believe, is scheduled for Friday, tenatively scheduled for Friday, January, that's the 9th, I think. Um, but you will receive
information because they will obviously have to take up the the front grand staircase. So, we'll have to be using the access the access through the back staircases. So, um, we will get a message out to the public so they know >> when they're going to try to do as much as they can after hours, but just a
heads up. >> Thank you. >> Okay. The board will consider an application for a one-day wine and mold beverage license. Michael Demergian, event coordinator for a corporate holiday event at 222 Rosewood Drive on
December 18th, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 5:00 pm. Hello, Mike. >> Good evening, Madam Chair, members of the board. >> Um, any paperwork in order, clerk? >> The paperwork is in order. Yes.
>> Okay. Um, do I have any questions? >> Is this a repeat? >> I don't. >> Yes, sir. is right. >> It is the third annual that we're servicing for them. >> Okay. And just as a reminder, this is internal to the company, correct? It's not open to the public.
>> It is a internal to uh the company corporate clearance center. We are servicing the event. Yes. >> Okay. Oh, you Okay. You're the the Okay. Um you're representing the service. Okay. Um >> I don't have any if the paperwork's in
order. I have any questions? Thank you. Mike, do you have any questions? >> Just one. You're the vendor? >> Yes. >> Okay. And uh any problems in your history serving liquor? >> Uh no. No, not yet. >> All right. Thank you.
>> We never know. >> Yeah. Thank you, >> D. >> Uh no questions. Thank you, >> Dan. >> All set. >> All right. I'm all set. What's the board? >> May we accept the application as presented? >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? I
>> opposed. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Public hearing will be held on the application of William Lukano representing Saltwater to Grill 50 Maple Street to hang signage over the public way at that location. >> Hello. >> Hello. Hi. >> Hi.
>> This is a public hearing. Um, tell us about it. >> So, it's a sign. It's a blade sign that hangs over the sidewalk at 50 Maple Street. It's already been there. It was a restaurant and now it's going to be another restaurant. saltwater grill. Um, so all we're doing is literally keeping
the box the way it is, which is it's in great shape, and we're just putting an aluminum face on the front and the back side of the uh sign. >> Will it be lighted? >> Nope. Just it'll just basically it's basically just covering the face with the new
restaurant. >> Well, memory memory many of us remember this is this original suburban uh sign. That's the same shape. >> That's right. Yeah. >> So that's the same. So that was predates the previous restaurant. I was just asking if there was outside lighting onto it or if there's internal lighting shining through it.
>> No internal lighting. >> Okay. >> I'm sure he he's going to put external lighting on there, but >> Okay. I have no other questions. I'm fine with this. >> Um the material you're using to go over the old sign is aluminum. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. And is the other structure still good shape? >> Oh, yeah. It's in really good shape. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. D. >> Uh, no questions. Thank you. >> Dan, you you really answered my questions. When I looked at it, I was wondering what you're going to do with the old sign. You're just going to repurpose it.
>> Yeah. Yeah. It's in great shape. So, there's no point in taking it down and and, you know, putting a new one up. So, and to save the uh restaurant some money, you know, we can repurpose it. Fine. >> Okay. It just It's interesting. You don't show um the sign in context to the
streetscape. So, you're just shown an individual sign. Uh, Rockos has a big sign. U, there's a couple of awnings. U, Modern Butcher just has four lights on the front of their building. So, there's no consistency downtown with
signage. >> Maybe that's something we want to talk about eventually. >> Well, we've got awnings, we got flags, we got lights, and we've got two large >> um blade signs, if you will, on that side of the street. M >> uh I I would hope that in the future we
get um a picture of the context of what we're doing to change downtown. The fact that they just repurposing the same sign, I'd have no no issues. >> Um and if they had taken that sign down, they'd have trouble getting one back up
because once you take them down >> Oh, I know. >> You know. Okay. >> That's that's why I'm not taking it down. So, >> the only thing the only thing we have to do is is we got to put some staging up when we got to get to the sign and do it. >> No, I understand. You're not going to use a ladder, I hope.
>> No, no, no. >> All right. Thank you. I'm all set. >> All right. I have no problem, too. Uh, this is a public hearing. Can I have a motion to close the public hearing? >> Well, can we hear Steve? >> Any I'm sorry. Anybody else? >> Tim? Anybody? >> Okay. >> No. Motion to call.
>> Okay. Thank you. Got it. Second. All in favor? >> I >> I opposed. >> Excellent. Thank you. Thank you. >> What's the will of the board? >> That's to close it. So, what's the will of the board? >> I move we accept the application as presented. This is uh our perview is use of the space over the sidewalk, not the
signage size, but that's under that's codified under the planning. So, I'm I'm fine with this. I move we accept the is presented. >> Okay. Do I have a second? >> Second. All >> in favor? Opposed? Okay. Wonderful. Thank you.
>> All right. Public hearing will be held to consider where the license to sell alcohol or beverages held by US Sushi Inc. DBA J&J Asian Cuisine and Lounge Shalong Hugh manager 156 Andover Street should be
suspended, revoked, or limited in any way. Um we have the chief here. Hi chief, welcome. >> Uh a recap from the last meeting. Um so on November 12th, 2025, um officers conducted alcohol compliance checks in the town of Damis. Uh prior to these
checks, a public notice was posted on social media on October 27th, 2025. Uh during the compliance checks, we utilize two 18-year-old males to uh enter establishments in the community attempt to purchase either Bud Light if it was a restaurant or a six-ack of beer if it was a store. Um out of the 49 establish
establishments with liquor licenses, 10 were not checked because they were either closed or under construction or inaccessible. At approximately 6:39 p.m., the underage mill entered J&J Asian Cuisine located at 156 Inova Street. He approached the bar, ordered a Bud Light, and was served without being asked for identification. He paid for
the beer and received a receipt. He exited the restaurant to the offices outside, presented the receipt to them and the change. Uh the officers entered the restaurant, observed the Bud Light still sitting on the countertop. Uh officers went in and spoke with the manager and the bartender. Uh both were
very respectful acknowledging made a mistake and that's essentially what happened. >> Okay. Uh board members questions Dan. >> None. >> D. >> Um so is the
person here? Is that >> he's standing up? >> Oh, okay. Not at the moment. >> Okay. Mike, >> um to the chief. No. Uh thank you for that uh telling us what happened there. uh to the person representing the
building uh the business. Is there um what steps have you taken to fix this problem? >> Hi your honor. >> Hi. Uh I understand how serious it is and I
I can assure the court this will not happen again. The my business depend on follow the law. >> M can he introduce himself? >> Yeah just please state your name. >> Your name?
>> Uh my name is Shilong Hill. >> Are you the owner? Uh, yes. I'm the business of the owner. >> Okay. And did the person that was working, did they did they come with you or No, >> you mean >> the bartender or whoever it was?
>> Uh, he's not a bartender. >> Waiter. >> Uh, he's a service. >> Service. >> Yeah. >> Right. Is there any retraining for that person to help them along? >> Yeah. I just went out like a couple minute do something and went back. So it
happens. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Should I go ahead? >> Oh, yeah. Thank you. I'm sorry. Did you say that the person was not the bartender? That was a server. >> Yes. >> Working the bar.
>> How is the setting? Is >> is it uh did this happen when someone was sitting at a table or I mean I've never been there. Or was it at the bar? >> No, he uh he she was the service because I have to do something
uh I have to go outside like a couple like a few minutes and when I come back it what it's happening. >> It says bar. >> Okay. So you were at the bar and then you step out someone came to help >> and then they did that. Is that correct?
>> Yes, she did that. >> Okay. Do you typically ask for ID when you are the one at the bar? >> Yeah. Yeah, we will. We will ask >> in the future. But now, do you like if I walk in now, will you ask ask me for an
ID? >> Yes. >> Okay. It does it depend on how old I look or do you ask everybody? >> Right now, we ask of the like under 40. >> Okay. 40. So if someone looks under 40 then you
ask for the ID. >> Yeah. Right now. Yeah. >> Okay. Now the person that did the service uh so they don't usually work the bar. Is that correct? >> Okay.
Did you are you training them now to to to know to do like what are you doing about it since this incident? Yeah, we're training but after that. >> Okay. Has it already happened or it's
going to happen? Did you already do the training or you going to do it? >> Uh uh after that we're doing already. >> You you already had a training with everybody? Yeah, just >> or just the person that was doing the
service. >> Uh we were training the everyone by end service. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Retraining. Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um this is a public hearing. Gen, did you want to say anything else? >> Uh well, yeah, I did.
I'm sorry. >> That's all right. We bounce around. It's quite all right. >> Um what we're trying to establish is what steps have you taken to make sure this won't happen again because we take our liquor licenses very seriously. Um so I'm hearing based on DE's questions
that you've trained the people uh since this happened. Are you the owner? Are you also the liquor license holder? >> I'm not. Was the liquor license holder on site that night? The person whose name is on
the liquor license, >> he's off. >> Okay. So, our regulations state that someone should who's on the liquor license should be in the building >> at all times and I'm hearing that didn't happen.
>> Yeah, right now we I know it. >> Um through you to the clerk. Do you happen to have do you have the license? How many names are on there? Um, what I have here is the form that we used when we transferred it from the previous owner. And this does indicate
that Xiong who is the liquor manager. >> Okay. >> I I that's your name, correct? >> Yeah. >> Oh, so that is you. You are the liquor. Okay. You hold the liquor license. Okay. >> Uh, are there alternates on that? >> I don't have the alternate sheet. I'd have to step out to get >> No, that's all right. It's not It's not
that important. I just if you had it ready. Um, okay. I I I think that's all the questions I I I have a need for tonight. I'm I'm I'm concerned that it happened. I'm I'm hopeful it won't happen again. I'm not sure that I
um that I'm comfortable that all the steps that could be taken have been taken to make sure it doesn't happen again. Um but I'll be looking I'll looking to the other board members for what their recommendations are. >> Yep. So um I think uh you want to make sure that you do um check licenses for
people and that training is being done. Um this is a public hearing. Does anybody in the audience have anything any comments? >> Motion to close the public hearing. >> Second. >> Second. Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. What's the will of the board?
Madam Chairman, I'd make a motion that we suspend the license for one day held in obeyance for one year. >> I second it. >> There's a second. >> Second. >> No, Mike. Second. I'm sorry. >> But I'll but I'd like to for discussion.
>> Okay. >> Um we had there had been a practice of three days held in obeyance. Um, >> I'm looking at the situation, it was they're not supposed to happen. They
happen. He took ownership of the issue right away. He didn't give the police a hard time from what I understand. Uh, very cooperative. That goes a long ways. Um, am I concerned that he's doing pop proper training? I hope he does. And if
he's not, then he'll be back before us at some point in time. I'm sure. And that's won't look good on his record. But >> I'm just I'm I I just I'm I'm in favor of consistency for past practice. But if we're going to make this the new If we're going to make this a new
>> I understand, but I've looked back at the records back for 20 years. There's no consistency. >> It's usually three days. >> Over over 20 years, there's no consistency. It's board to board. >> To you, Madam Chair. uh to the chief.
Has this uh establishment did this happen in recent memory or did they usually pretty good? >> This is the first time we've had issue with this establishment uh since they opened I believe and I had changed ownership in about a year ago. So we've
had no issues at the location. >> Okay. >> It changed ownership in uh June 18th of 24 and there has not been any issue since that time. >> Okay. Okay. I I would I would support uh select board members uh Bennett.
>> Okay. So So you're gonna make a motion? >> He he already did. >> Okay. >> Okay. Do I have any? >> You had um Dan made the motion to suspend one day held in abance for a year. Mike seconded. >> Okay. All in favor? I
>> I oppose. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Next, we will be doing three individual public hearings will be held regarding the select board's proposed revisions to the following. We do have uh Sally here if you want to go up for
any questions. Um the town manager can update us on the process on what to do tonight. Um, I think we'll hold the three public hearings if the public has anything to say about say item number one, the town meeting act, item two, the
town manager act, and number three, the recall bylaw. Um, we'll we'll bring them up section by section board members. Does that sound good? >> Point of information. Is this the only public hearing on these items? >> I believe so. Yes. >> From the select board. >> From the select board. Select. Yes.
>> Pincom will have their normal, right, >> public hearings, too. I hope somebody shows up. >> Madam clerk, you've provided us with a copy of the the um acts as presented and amended by the select board based on the
recommendations of the committee who did a lot of hard work and you know we all word smith and change things. But um so how are you going to proceed tonight? Are you going to read off a section and then ask for public comment? How how how is the best way to proceed? If I may,
Madam Chair, I don't think she meant section by section. She meant you're going to do you're going to open a public hearing on the town meeting act, hear from the public, close the town meeting the hearing on the on the town meeting act. So that and then open it on the town manager act. >> Okay, that's fine. >> So >> So there are three separate public
hearings because they are three separate bylaws. I did have one post comment based on this document. Uh if we're I assume we're starting with the town meeting act. >> Yes. >> Okay. in looking at this and rev you know obviously I've been pouring over
this section two um the number of elected Tommy I because I was looking there was a lot of robust discussion about the number of town meeting members whether you know it it encourages more participation to reduce the number which seems anime to me but
anyhow in that section uh on page three section two first paragraph into the first paragraph it says that the uh number of elected town meeting members which each precinct is entitled for ensuing should be be determined by the town clerk. Is that consistent with the
law or because when we changed it based on the consensus I forget which year it was. It might have been 2018. I thought it was brought before the board and it was a board decision. >> Um this was all reviewed by town council. >> Sally, do you have anything to say on that?
Well, I guess one thing that's actually a preliminary to that issue is I I haven't seen what you all are looking at. So, I I'll be answering kind of in in the dark, but um I when in my in during our committee work and I
communicated frequently with the town clerk, my impression was that the town clerk >> generates um based on the census >> calculates how many should be per precinct and all of it has to be
approved, runs up through the state and comes back down, etc. So I don't I wasn't I don't remember when it was before the town before the select board in the past. I don't I don't have the his the historical knowledge of how it happened before.
>> Well, are we talking about the number of people in a precinct? >> Yes. >> What's done after every census? >> It is. We revi We Yes, you're correct. And in 20 I think it was 2018, we were on the board and the recommendation was to move from 15 to 18. And I believe
that was a select board decision or maybe it was just a recommendation by the clerk that we adopted or accepted. I just couldn't remember. Is the board comfortable with the the town clerk deciding that number or is it or is it
really a perview of the town meeting uh town the board of selectman? >> I would assume it's a recommendation from the town clerk that we approve. >> So then >> my assumption >> right. So then I would suggest that this change to say the number of elected town meeting members to which and actually
before I do that town clerk is my memory correct in the oh was it Joe it was Joe who did it at that time do you have any recollection of whether or whether it's a state precedent and we're following that
which is fine um or do you have any strong feeling about the clerk making or recommending? Well, I think that that the clerk would be best to see what the historical um flow of the town meeting body is. Okay.
So, you know, is there uh are are there not enough seats? Are there too many people running >> that kind? So, we would look at that. >> Yeah. >> Um and I I did at some point do a little bit of research on at what point it went from, you know, 12 to 18 per precinct.
>> Yeah. Um, I don't have that information with me tonight. >> All right. I I'm not going to push it hard. I It was just It struck me that who has a specific places that who has the authority. I'm fine with the town clerk. >> I can say that I would not I would not on my own make that decision. I would
>> Well, this is what it says. >> Well, I I that may be what it says, but I would put a recommendation together if I thought that it needed to be changed. >> Okay. All right. I'm comfortable with this. I'm comfortable with the other edits in here, but to the point that Sally's
making, was this document put on the town website? >> This is posted in the packet and on the website um at the same day this packet. So, sorry, Sally, if that didn't >> worries >> get directly to you. So, >> and we announced at the last meeting that that was the plan that there would be the select board version.
>> So, is that in the section of the town's website where the agenda is located? >> That's Kathy's. >> The materials are in two places. They are on the calendar. If you went to today's date on the calendar, each document is listed there. Um, town
manager act, town meeting act, and the bylaw. And then as well, there's a section under the select board uh that says town um meeting materials. So, all the materials would be under meeting materials under the date of the meeting.
>> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Are you all set? >> I'm happy to give up my copy, Sally, if you want to look at while you're talking. That's okay. That makes sense. >> D, you're all set, right? >> Yeah. I don't I I I I feel for I
understand the trepidation that Sally has. I completely that, you know, it's going to be hard for the public to comment unless they took the initiative to go and get it printed out and but I'm comfortable with all the other changes we made as that are reflected here. >> And I'm happy to, Madam Chair, update
update on the process just so everyone's clear. Um, as you said at the we've been saying since the beginning of the review that this the board would have their public hearing on this date, December 16th, and we updated the public via the packet and at the board meeting that
these this is now considered the select board version. Um, so everything in here has been um discussed at pre all the previous what do we have two or three meetings. Um, the board has all had a chance to review it. They should have received it I think last Wednesday or
Thursday. So this is so we've continued along the same timeline since so again I apologize if that wasn't clear. Um the next step after after this is for them and um to set to finalize a warrant
which that'll be that meeting you'll see at the bottom of this agenda if you haven't picked up on it um will be January 7th. Um they're they're we're moving the meeting date from January 6th to January 7th. Um and then it goes to the finance committee. Um that date is
January 15th and then tonight the board will set a date for a special town meeting. >> Okay, great. Thank you. Mike, do you have any um changes or anything or comments for the town meeting act? >> I do not. I do not.
>> Uh no, just uh looking forward to hearing uh from the resident and see >> Mhm. what they have to say. >> Yep. After us and Dan. >> No sir. >> Okay. So, um, folks, this this is a public hearing. Does anyone in the audience have anything with regard to
the Town Meeting Act? Please go up and introduce yourself. Thank you. Lauren, ladies and gentlemen, um, Lauren Steves, town meeting member, precinct 3. Um, first on page one, section one, the last sentence needs to
be changed from selectman to select board. I didn't see it's at like the very bottom of the page. I see a capital S. >> I gota thank you. >> Um, and then I wanted to talk about the the fact that the the town meeting review committee had recommended
reducing town meeting from 18 to 15 members per precinct. Um, and that reduction is permissible. The Town Meeting Act um does not establish a minimum number of members per precinct. It only requires that representation be divisible by three and roughly
proportional to population. Um because Danver's precincts have equal population, 15 members per precinct complies with the act. And while the select board may not be moving forward with the committee's recommendation, I believe town council acknowledged that under home rule, the town has the
authority to adopt bylaws bylaws that are more restrictive than state law so long as they are not inconsistent with it. As such, reducing size of town meeting is not legally prohibitive from how I understood it. It's a policy choice. Um, personally having observed
members arrive unprepared or not attend at all for multiple years in a row, I believe a smaller body may actually improve accountability, participation, and quality of deliberation. Um, and that's all I have for the town meeting act. Thank you. >> Thank you, Lauren. Mike,
>> uh, madam chair to that point where we're talking about that particular section. >> Yeah. I do not remember and recall in this discussion and including with the uh committee that discussion about the legality of it, the non-legality of it, so on and so forth and and and and the comment that that it's not that there is
no reason we could not is not the re the legality of it was not the reason I did not choose to reduce it. I don't believe that reducing it encourages participation if anything opening up seats. we often have contested seats and
I don't think by it's a a matter of supply and demand and I don't think reducing supply is a way to encourage participation. So I my decision and my comments were not based on my thought that it was not legal. It was on I want
to make it as as representative as possible and anecdotal observations aside about preparedness or or people who are not there. Every year we have people who for various reasons can't be there. But we often don't have empty
seats. They are filled at a caucus. They are filled at an election. And often we have contested elections. And I would actually like to see more people be able to participate. So thank you. >> Thank you. >> I I do have a little bit of some of the
statistics of attendance at at our last several meetings. um since we've been at 18 members per precinct. So our town meeting would be 149 people. That's 18
per precinct plus the five members of the select board. And it it varies. I mean I I I didn't look at special town meeting. I mean I did but those meetings are are different than the annual town meetings. Um time of year, the issues availability etc. So for the annual town
meeting in 2020, there were um 145 people present. For the uh annual town meeting for um sorry my I wasn't chron in chronological order as I was doing my study. It was the full comp. Well, it
was, excuse me, 117 people in in um in 2020. Uh 125 people in 21, 128 people in 22.
In 2023, it was 122 people. So, it's pretty high. It's not perfect. Um, and I also looked at election results and I could do the next couple of years too, but you get the idea. It's close to the compliment, but it's not
everybody. And in the looking at election results over the years, especially since we bumped up to 18. There are plenty of times, well, there are times when there's not enough people running to fill all the seats that are open. And as we've mentioned, it's the
caucuses are to deal with those. Um, and it's it appears that caucus so far has resulted in the full compliment per each district, but it's just kind of a haphazard way to do it in my opinion. A
caucus is not the same as uh a vote by the people in the precincts. It's a vote by other members of, you know, other town meeting members that are already in that precinct. I've seen people get be elected based on the information I've looked at with just a couple of votes.
And that's okay. I mean, a vote is a vote and if you if you get in and you're within the top six and so on and so forth. But I agree with what with what Lauren said. I feel that streamlining the size can in fact increase productivity, can increase the the uh
attention to the spots, but I've gone over that with you at prior meetings, but >> into I did the same numbers and consistently we've had 85% or higher. the one year the 2020 that's when the the year when the uh when the town meeting was moved to June because of
COVID. So I would almost consider that like a special time meeting and put that in that category. That was the that was the anomaly uh to the dates. 85% you know that that you know meaning that you know 20 people might be out out of that body. I understand but I don't I I just
can't wrap my head around reducing the supply doesn't increase the demand. So, um, thank you. >> Okay, Mike. Sure. >> Um, just I'm okay. Oh, I'm sorry, the
wrong mic. >> Hi, Mike. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> I like that better. >> Town town meeting member prison five. I just um want to say I also support reducing the size of town meeting down to 15. I just think having a slightly
and I say slightly smaller group of people that really want to be there. Um, I mean, obviously there are uh contested elections, but like like other people said, I I go there a lot of times, sit down and just hear someone say, "Okay, so what are we doing
tonight?" You know, and it's which is fine. I'm glad you're there. I'm glad you're participating. But like I said, I think just having a smaller group of people that are more focused, more researched on it, in my opinion, is a better way to go. Thank you.
>> Does anybody else want to get up? Okay. So, okay. Nova Nova. Yeah. Thank you. >> Uh, Nova Sam town meeting member precinct one and also uh one of the committee members from this review um
committee. Uh yeah, I I also just am in support of reducing it to 15 for the reasons that everyone has said. Um, I understand the idea that if we open it up, we'll get more participation, but
that's not what's happening cuz while we do have some contested, um, we don't have a lot of contested. So, it's at 18 and it's already not inviting a lot of people to participate. That's not what we're seeing at 18. So the idea that
letting more in is going to increase participation is not what's happening. So 15 I think would be I mean we can try it doesn't it's not a doesn't have to be permanent forever but it might be helpful. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Go right up. Please introduce yourself too. >> I wasn't planning on speaking. Uh Rich Baldick precinct 4. It doesn't matter if you went down to 10 people. There's still only a certain amount of people that are going to get up and say something. I think um
keep it the way it is. It like you say, less isn't better. Better isn't less. I mean, you you're going to make people say, "Well, if they're going to make it 15 this year, what makes them say it's not going to go down to 12 next year?" So, I say keep it the same. Keep the people
coming. There's there's still races out there that some precincts there's >> that's correct >> four or five extras that are running. So >> the public >> it could all depend on people's schedules too. So I just say keep it the same. Thank you. >> Okay. Anybody else want to Bill?
>> Yeah. >> Bill Brad Street town meeting member precinct one. I've been a town meeting member for maybe too many years, but it nothing disappoints me more when I go to the annual town meeting and I see some of
the town meeting members show up and the envelope that has the information for all of us to know and looked at. They've never even opened the envelope. They're opening it as they appear and walk through the door. very disappointed that
people spend the time to run and then don't get involved. >> But whether it's three people or 33 people or 300 people, you're always going to get some people who for
whatever reason choose to run, not necessarily for the right reason. Thank you. >> Anybody else? Please go up. Thank you. Fawn Anderson, town meeting member, precinct sick, and I was also on the commission with studying the town
meeting town manager act. I also voted in support of reducing the numbers and I agree with the reasons that have been put forth to increase engagement, but I think our commission's report um made some other suggestions about how to encourage that through training opportunities. Um, I I also feel that
something that's not being discussed right now is the representation within each precinct because we're talking about 85% people attending. We're talking about the numbers overall of people attending being quite high. But having been in a precinct where we were unable to fill
>> amend it doesn't speak to a number. It speaks to a calculation and it speaks to the fact that the town clerk has the authority to assign that number. And if we want to pursue changing that certain either changing this document to codify a number which I
don't think I would be in support of any number I think that it's it is pass this with the calculation as presented which is basically by state that is statemandated and not codify a number and if we want to have this discussion if the citizens
want to recommend that recommendation and bring it to us I think that's outside the purview of this charter. I'm looking to codify this charter, not a number in this charter. Um, so I hear the concern, I hear the thoughts, I hear
the the options and the in the and the considerations, but I don't but unless we're ready to put a hard number in this document, I don't think um I I I think that's this is a discussion or debate for for another time. Well, I if I may,
I again, this is the the disadvantage because I haven't seen the version that you're looking at that my own fault, but the but the committee did suggest did recommend putting in the number 15 >> for precinct. >> And I think that the board in its deliberations recommended not.
>> I understand. But, you know, one one potential benefit of even just having this discussion because we've talked about it now at at least three different meetings. uh and I I missed one. So I there could have been further discussion beyond that but by meetings of your
board but by discussing it we might be helping to solve the problem that we all see as town meeting members. So that's my hope >> madam chairman if I may. Yes. >> Um the conversation is good according to Sally's calculations. We've averaged 15
and a half members per precinct over the last number of years. Um, we certainly can entertain a conversation about a number in the future, but I'd hesitate to put a number in this document. Then we're held to that until the next time
we review it. So, whatever the number that we want to go forwards with, we can have that discussion at some point. I mean, I could go either way. 1815 DE's original comment back early on was we should do a better job of educating
encouraging people to run. We should try that. But uh I would not want to put a number in a document that only gets reviewed every 20 30 years. And among the recommendations that that
the committee made also dealt a lot with um you know encouraging people to become active to be involved and to try to uh reinforce restate that concept that town meeting members are voted within their
precinct to represent the people that live in their precinct. And I think that that representational aspect has somehow floated away over over the years. People don't tend to think I as Tommy remember member I didn't think in the past about my representing the people in my neighborhood but I see that more and
more since I've worked on this committee that alone might help bring out a more activist type of participation that we would love to see by we I mean the committee members >> anybody else okay can I have a motion to
close the public hearing on the town me town meeting >> motion to close the public hearing motion okay all in favor >> I opposed. >> Madam chair, I move we present the warrant to the fincom as as presented. >> Have a second. >> This with a favorable recommendation.
>> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Madam Chair, are we going to discuss the warrant articles on the 6th, 7th, 8th, whatever that date is? >> That's what I thought. Yes. >> Oh, are we okay? >> Yeah, we're not approving. >> Okay. This is just a public. All right.
Fine. I send that. Um, Madam Chair, before we move, I'd like to ask to Before we move to the next one, >> we've got uh town employees here waiting for uh item number 12. I'm wondering if you 11. I'm wondering if you wouldn't entertain moving 11 up before we start
talking about the town manager. >> I was just going to suggest that. Yeah, absolutely. So, why don't we hold off on um number nine, number two, >> and then we're going to move um let's go to number 11. and the board will hear detailed information as requested on 22
on December 2nd pursuant to a request to modify the previously granted application of Wakefield Associates Joe Roberto project manager to occupy the public way in front of 17 Elm Street. Um, >> and Madam Chair, I I'm sorry I didn't
notice the town man stepped up, but I'm wondering if we can't hear from the uh town represent representative before about what the state of the >> the condition is. >> Here, we'll talk to Tim. Do you want to go up and give us a little update, please? Tim, >> Madam Chair, members of the board, thank
you very much. Uh, for the record, my name is Timothy Hudon and I currently serve as the building official here in the town of Danvers. Um, so the situ situation at 17 Elm Street uh is progressing. Um, so there has been some movement. I spoke with uh the town
engineer Steven King. He has approved the repavement of the sidewalk. Um, my last inspection was uh today in uh excuse me in uh relation to the scaffolding. Um, so at this time the
scaffolding is has been deemed not compliant. still not compliant. Um they are moving forward in the right direction. Um however, there are still some issues that need to be addressed. Um so at this point, the stop work order still stands on the property and we
again do not have uh compliant uh pedestrian protection at this time. >> Does the scaffolding not in compliance mean that the public way is still uh being utilized uh as it was previously? >> So we we did have an issue with that on
Monday. So when we when I came in on Monday, I noticed that the um >> bad news >> scaffolding had been opened, the public was using the tunnel um while the scaffolders were working above and around them. Uh I did email the developer and tell him um remind him
again that the tunnel needs to remain closed until it is approved to be opened. Um so the tunnel was shut back down. Um pedestrian traffic was routed back into the street so that they could perform some repairs. That was Monday.
Um they did u do some repairs on the scaffolding, requested another inspection today and that inspection failed as well. >> So that I'm clear, they're still utilizing the street, >> correct? >> Which was what was supposed to end as of
the 15th if everything was in compliance and everything was signed off. >> Correct. >> Okay. Thank you. I just wanted to get clarity. Thank you. >> Okay. Um Mike, do you have questions? >> Nope. Answered answered.
>> Uh no, I'm just uh waiting to find out what is it that uh is within the jurisdiction of this board and what the applicant is here. Um the update from the applicant. So >> Dan, >> well, we heard the update. It failed.
They're working to get it into compliance. We pass the deadline. Nothing we can do until building inspector approves it. He won't approve it till it's correct. >> I I guess I would like some I would like
some clarity on when I would like to hear from the developer or the representation about when this will be completed. I don't want to leave it open-ended. >> I don't know. I I don't want to leave it open either. But since January this year, they came before us. They asked for permission. They weren't ready.
They've asked for ex extension of 60 days. We gave it to them. >> Our bylaws call for I believe two extensions, possible extensions. Have we given both? >> Uh we gave him 60 days to the 15th. This would be the second I believe
>> the one that just expired would be the second or because this predates me. Some of this predates me. >> It predates you. It went back to January when they first came before us. But that was the Yeah, that was the occupy the public way
to October. I could ask the developer I think or Tim the original uh was to occupy the public way through until when >> I I don't have that information in front of me. I do believe that that was the >> October date and they came before us in
October and asked for the 60-day extension which we gave them. So now they've exceeded the two extensions. >> No, I think just the one. >> Okay, that's the question I'm asking. Are they here to present an ext a request for an extension and for how long? Because that would be the normal
cost course of action, >> right? I believe >> this if this was going to be the second extension, they should be applying for a second extension with an end date um to let us know when they're going to no longer utilize the street. um >> to you madame chair I think uh the
project has things that are within our jurisdiction and things that are within other board jurisdiction. So I'll be curious to find out from the applicants what they here for and what is it that
this require of us cuz I'm not sure what >> they're here because they didn't meet the extension date. >> Right. Our purview our purview is >> the use of the public way. Okay. >> Just like that sign was over the use of the public way. This is we're not building inspectors. We're not planning
board. We're not all of that. That's someone else's specialty. >> So that's >> ours are they're using our they're using the s the street consuming use of the street and we gave them >> until the 15th >> until the 15th as a second extension.
First or second? I'm not sure which it is. >> Okay. So it was until the 15th and now you're saying that it's still being used. Is that correct? That's correct. >> Okay. So, I don't know. >> And that's and that's our purview. Our purview is the public way. So, I'm
interested in understanding and maybe the applicant maybe or or representation understands whether this can answer whether this is the first or the or whether the 15th ended the first extension or the 15th ended the second extension would be an important point to know. And what are their plans going
forward because they're now working without a permit >> as of the 16th. >> Yeah. Can we have the uh representative get up there and just uh please introduce yourself for people that don't know you already? >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. My name is Nancy
McCann and I'm here on behalf of the developer. With me uh tonight is Rodney Grez. He is the general contractor for this project. And uh this to answer the question, it would be a third extension.
This we have had two extensions. the uh extension expired yesterday >> uh December 15th and we believed we were completed. Um so let me go through what has occurred uh since December 2nd, the
last time we were here. Uh since then the asphalt sidewalk was removed and reinstalled. So the original paving that was done by the developer uh was found to have some sloping issues and some other issues that we talked about uh at
the last meeting. That uh asphalt was removed. It was reinstalled. The ADA detectable panel was installed and on uh December 10th the sidewalk work was completed, inspected and approved by Stephen King.
On December 3rd, so one day after uh the last time we met with you, the developer hired Loth company to design and install a code compliance scaffolding. So no time was wasted. That was immediately
done the next day. On December 5th, Loth um submitted uh through the GC to the building inspector um a u a scaffolding plan. comments were received from Mr. Hudan.
Um, a revised scaffolding plan was submitted to the building inspector on December 9th. Uh, on December 11th, the scaffolding plan was approved by the building inspector and on uh December 11th, immediately after the approval,
the scaffolding installation began. Uh, the scaffolding installation was, as far as the developer thought, completed yesterday. December 15th. That was the date when it was supposed to be completed. And uh there was an
inspection done uh I believe at about 11:00 a.m. yesterday morning by the building inspector. And he advised through an email um that there were two deficiencies that he pointed out. One had to do with a a 4-foot section
between um 13 and and 15 Elm Street and the barrier fencing screening uh that was presented in the low scaffolding plan was not consistent with what had been installed. So that was yesterday.
Uh this morning the developer went forward with uh addressing the 4-foot section um that was pointed out yesterday in Mr. Hudan's uh letter. And today at 3 uh 24 uh we received uh the
building inspector's uh comments relative to the inspection that he did today. And we certainly appreciate the building inspector going out and inspecting so quickly. And uh in that um communication of late this afternoon,
he's requested an additional 11 ft section of scaffolding to run further down uh Elm Street um to provide protection beyond the 15 Elm Street frontage, but going a bit
beyond to protect 13 Elm Street and pedestrians along that section. Um it was not clear to the developer um and the scaffolding company from the email that was received yesterday about the 4ft section that there was also this 11
ft section that was being requested. Um the building inspector also pointed out again today that the screening barrier uh barriers and fencing didn't match the lo plan. So, those are the two outstanding items um from the
reinspection today. Um I spoke directly with Patrick Lothup from Lothrop um scaffolding company late this afternoon about 4:30. I requested if he could come here this evening and he uh had another
commitment but I did speak with him and he agrees that the installation of this additional 11 ft section is appropriate and uh that installation can be uh commenced by his company um tomorrow
morning and it should be completed in a day or two. It's not a big deal putting that section in. The GC will be installing the screening barriers and fencing uh so that it is consistent with the LORA plan. The LORA plan scaffolding
plan is what was submitted to the building inspector. It's what he approved. It's what we should be putting in. So that can be done. Um and we anticipate that all of that which is not that that much is an additional section as well as making sure that the
screening the barriers there was a couple of there were jersey barriers shown on the plan. We'll make sure that those are in and all of that so that the sidewalk can safely be reopened um and pedestrians safely uh accessing under the scaffolding that that should
be able to be completed by the end of this week. So it's another couple of days. Um so again the developer thought that he had made the deadline uh to have everything completed yesterday the 15th
was reinspected. There were a couple of items took care of the 4oot section today reinspected again. There's a um an additional section that Mr. Hudan um is requiring based on uh based on the code
and some of the screening and barrier fencing needs to be consistent with the plan. Um and that's it. So that's that's where we are we uh so to the extent that we need an extension which we do um that would be we would be requesting that
till the end of this week. We think it can be done in that amount of time. Ghana. >> Well, so my next question was going to be is if so, and may maybe the building inspector
knows or not. Um, I I I believed it was that our rules and regulations is that you can get up to two extensions. I don't mind issuing another extension. I'm going to I'm going to go down the path of issuing another extension and give him a little more than just the end
of the week because I don't want to, you know, supplies, whatever it might be, weather, who knows? But I don't want to work without a permit because I want to make sure we aren't exposing the town if something should happen legally. And
maybe that's a town manager question. Madam Chair, um if I may, so I agree we we would like them to to get in order um as quickly as possible. Um so I support the idea of a very short extension >> with um some terms for potential fines.
So one of the things that um the building commissioner, myself, and and uh Aaron from uh director of land use and community services talked about was really this board we're talking about is what the the um use of the public way. So, it's the parking spots, the seven
parking spots that they need in order to set up um the staff would make these corrections. So, we would propose um so so they're 60 days late on completing the work and we would require we would propose that if you require any
additional time beyond say Friday, I think that was the request. Um then the town we would we we would ask that you consider per space per day fee. Um it could start as soon as tomorrow or if you want to give them to Friday. Uh we one of the we said approximately we
looked at we're um $300 per space per day. Um some which gives this board some recourse if so they don't come back again. Um and hopefully give them some incentive to um get moving and and get
this taken care of. >> Thank you. I guess I teed up the softball fight. I had no idea you had already gone through that. So, um I'm going to recommend that we provide an extension, a third extension. Uh I'm
sorry. When does town I should be able to look here and tell you when town hall closes next week on the 24th. Uh oh, it's closed on Wednesday the 20 uh 24th >> before the recommendation cuz that would be like a motion. Is that >> I'm going to make a motion.
>> Okay. Yeah. I'm going to make a motion that we provide a >> ask a question before. Oh, sure. >> Oh, okay. >> Uh, so I just again I'm have no idea what construction looks like. So >> the additional section that we're
talking about, was that part of the plan that was presented to the town? >> I don't believe it was. It was not part of the LOR plan. >> Okay. >> So this is something new. um that LoRup
agrees makes sense. But as far as the plan that was submitted for the scaffolding uh that was approved um it was not part of that plan. That is my understanding. >> Should it have been part of the plan? If not, >> when we have the uh building
commissioner go >> because I I just don't understand how you have a plan that's approved and then we have an extension that's needed like should shouldn't should that not have been part of the original plan submitted
to the town? >> So, um with respect, I think that this has been a trying process. I would say for all involved, we are doing our best to work with the developer to get the information that we need, but it is a
struggle. The plan that was presented and approved did not show a site plan of where the scaffolding would be. It was simply the design of the scaffolding. So the initial scaffolding that went up did
not meet the requirements of chapter 33 in the building code which is safeguards during construction. The plan that lo presented did meet they they proved out how the scaffolding met the requirements and the loads that need to be in place
for the pedestrian protection. It did not include locations of the scaffolding. We have presented the developer multiple times with excerpts of the code, going as far as taking them out of the code book,
scanning them, and sending them in a PDF to the applicant, letting them know that they clearly need to comply with chapter 33. In chapter 33 of a code, there is a table. It's 3306.1, and it gives you um requirements based
on the distance from construction and the height of the building. tells you how far out you need your pedestrian protection. So where we are on this building is is traditionally a quarter of the height. So it's a fourfloor 45 ft building. A quarter of that height is
roughly 11 ft 11.25 or 3 in. So that is where we are. What the developer did or what the scaffolder did is stop that scaffolding right where 17 and 15. So you could stand right in that corner,
look up and a mason will be laying CMUs 45 ft above your head. It's clearly a hazardous situation that needs to be extended. Those requirements in those dimensions are given in the code through the table. It
is the developer's responsibility and the contractor's responsibility to know the code, look in the code and be able to complete that work. With respect, we are not project managers. We are not designers. In fact, the code gives us
the authority to enforce 780 CMR. It would be a violation of the state ethics for us to design a a product or a solution and then turn around and approve it. So, we keep that at arms length. Um, again, it has been a a
trying situation. We are not here to micromanage with a construction of this size commercial that is under construction control. There is an assumption of competency on the development side. We are struggling with
again communicating with them making sure that everything is clear but still keeping that boundary that we are not the PMS and we are not the designers for the project. So, no, there was no specific plan that showed exactly where the
scaffolding would go. We accepted the plan showing how the scaffolding would be built and provided them the copy of a code again multiple times trusting that they would be able to put the two together and design and install a
compliant scaffolding. >> Okay. >> So, that is where we are. >> Okay. I adjust the button because I again I was this what was constructed did they align with what was approved? >> No.
>> Okay. >> No. >> So what was approved should have included all of these. Is that correct? >> So I I think we may be speaking about two different things. Yeah. So again the plan did not show a site plan of where
the scaffolding would go. The location of the scaffolding is determined through chapter 33 in the building code. >> That is a standard. >> So it doesn't show you who approve it where it goes. It just tells you this is what I'm going to be doing.
>> Correct. So on two things is is correct. It does not show where it was going. It just showed how it was being built. And as attorney man said, it was not built to the plan. >> Okay. >> So we have two we have three issues. There's another issue along the
backside, but that is private property, so it's not the purview of the board. That needs to get resolved as well. But the two issues that are the purview of this board is one, the extension closer on the 15 elm side, and then again the screening, the fencing, and the barrier on the inboard side of the construction.
>> Okay. I I the reason why I'm asking is I just want to make sure that we don't have this 11 ft added and then something else needs to be added. So that's why I'm asking if this will be it like if
they comply with this could there be something else that they need to do by the code that they either don't know about or that they are not doing well that's that's only my >> they still they still need to address the the inboard protection which again was referenced in my Monday email. The
email that I got from the developer this morning said yes, we are all set. And I went out there and it is still the conditions on site still do not match the plan set. Okay. So there again, there are two issues. I don't foresee anything else as far as the public right away as the as the extensions go. Um but
again, we're happy to have them submit a new plan if we need to have that done. Again, given the time frame, there was already back and forth with the with the scaffolder. Um, again, we try not to draw that out longer than it needs to
be. Um, but again, given the continued miscommunication on the site, maybe that is something that we hold them to further in the future. Again, if the board would like for a formalized set of plans, that's fine. I we can certainly
hold them to that. However, that's something that they're going to have to get us a site plan for. That's going to need to be reviewed and approved. that is probably significantly going to bump out that time frame. So again, we're trying to be reasonable and and again with the assumption of competency, we're
not looking at every single minute detail. It's more of an overarching plan and we trust that they will do it in accordance with the code. >> Okay. One last one, Madame Chair, and this is for the applicant. Um, I know there's a saying you don't you don't you
don't cut the hand that feeds you, but I'll ask this anyway. Do you think the town has been helpful in this process? Do you think that we as a town are doing all we can to help you
be compliant? And if so, what's the hiccup? what what what what could have been done differently so that we don't find ourselves in this situation requiring and if you don't want to disparage the town that's fine because obviously you
need the town but are we doing all we can to make sure that this goes on smoothly and if so are you pledging to holding your end of the bargain so that we don't find oursel here again
>> I think the only I I discussed this actually with um Mr. Roberto this afternoon. Is there anything that would be more helpful or could be helpful? >> Exactly. >> And that would be a meeting on the site
with the GC and the scaffolding uh contractor and Mr. Hudon as we get to to this finish line, which we really think we are, just to make sure that we're all on the same page. Is it absolutely necessary? No. We have a
plan. We submitted a plan. That's what we should be building to. And I agree with Mr. Hudan on on that point. Um, but it might be helpful to have that conversation on site. So, is there
anything else that could be done? an on-site meeting could could be done and could be helpful and might be helpful going forward with this project rather than um the developer emailing the building inspector and saying the the
work is done and then the building inspector goes out to inspect and and the the uh crew is not there. Um, that makes it, you know, that's going back and forth with the emails just like the email yesterday was uh was not
understood that there was an 11 foot additional section that um that needed to be put in. Um, and when that was brought up today, as I said, I called the scaffolding company and he said he
he agrees with that that that that makes sense to do. And um so we're certainly willing to do that, but um I think we you know the the developer submits plans and that's what that's what should be
>> and I understand they can't really design the plan for you. That's not within the approval. Have you made that request or is that some because we really >> is I'm sorry. >> Have you made the request for that on-site visit? >> Uh I believe the crew has. I certain I
have not and I just discussed that again myself with Mr. Roberto today. >> Okay. >> Um and I think it would be it would be helpful just to make sure that this is this is done uh you know if the scaffolding company gets out there
tomorrow and can have this buttoned up by Thursday. Then maybe you know Thursday afternoon there might be a meeting out on the site to make sure that everything is is done. Um, and I said the end of the week and um I think
that is that is reasonable. Uh, and they've they've worked very hard since the December 2nd meeting to get a lot of stuff done. We knew that was going to be a push to get that done and and they thought they they were there, but there are obviously two items in particular
that are still outstanding that need to be addressed and we're not contesting that at all. it just has to be done and we we think it can certainly be done by uh Thursday. An on-site meeting might be helpful. Um
and then uh then we're done by Friday. Now, as far as um the imposition of um of what I think are rather high um um fines, if you will. Um, normally it's a
$300 a day fine, not a $300 per parking space. It uh time frame. So maybe a a few more days might be helpful before that starts getting to be imposed. >> Mike, any questions? Go now. >> I'm ready to make a motion if
everybody's gotten their questions. >> Mike, I wanted to hear what you had to say. >> Okay. And I'll make a motion. We'll hopefully someone will second it and then we'll have that discussion and I've written it down Kathy if you so that if you don't want to I move we grant an extension and actually I have it before
I do I'm going to ask for an extension until noon of Tuesday the 23rd. Is it reasonable to think that you could get to an inspection on Tuesday the 23rd between noon and the end of the day? Okay, great. I move we grant an
extension until noon on December 23rd, after which we impose a fine of $1,000 per day until the successful to until both the successful building inspection and the street is reopened for public use.
>> So, I don't know if anybody wants to second that or eat it up. >> I'll second it. Okay. Any any does anybody want to do another motion or all in favor? Any any discussion? >> Second. >> Second. Can I um chime in on that?
Is there an opportunity for cl is there clarity that can be offered to >> my concern is that if at the end of the day on Tuesday the inspection is done and there is a problem we then have a holiday town holiday
>> and I would hate to see fines imposed okay >> Christmas Eve Christmas day the day after >> so I will suggest that fines to start on the 29th >> y >> which allows people to have their holiday and the weekend. And so on
starting on the 29th, unless there's a successful building approval uh certificate and that the and the parking spots are available to the public starting on the 29th, we would impose a fine Monday. >> That's the Monday. Monday.
>> So we have a motion and a second. >> Excuse me. Could you motion? >> Yes, I will. >> I move we grant an extension until noon on Tuesday the 23rd. >> Yeah. after which we impose a fine of $1,000 per day starting on Monday 1229
until the successful building inspection and the street is open for public use. >> So we have a motion. Do we have a second? >> Yes, I second it. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> So when you started with this motion, I
was going to tag along. Now you're giving them two weeks. I'm not going to vote in favor >> given the well >> I it's two weeks >> 13 days excuse me >> you want them to remove it on starting earlier granted I'm not going to the
23rd and 20 because I'm looking at the ability of the town to do its portion of this which is we're closed on the 23rd and 24th um >> 24th and 25th um so given that there would be no
opportunity for if they didn't complete it by Tuesday the 23rd, there'd be no opportunity for our town uh building inspection to happen could happen on the 26th, I suppose. Um do you So do you want to give them a
day or two after the holiday or not give them a day or two at the holiday? the 26. I could go along with >> giving them the 20, starting the 26th or giving them the 26th >> done by the 26. So the find goes into effect immediately.
>> No way. >> I mean the the concern is if our town people have things going on right after Christmas. >> And that's why I want to make sure that's why I asked Mr. on what his what
his thought is on his ability or his department's ability to to satisfy >> and we close at noon. >> I don't I don't want you working on a holiday. I >> I'll make myself available on the 26th if that's the will of the board. >> Noon time on the 26th. >> Okay. So, give them until Yep.
>> No. Noon the 26th. >> Okay. So, >> I think that's being very generous. >> Let me clarify that. Let's redo it again. >> Yep, I will. So given that you can't I I still suggest we get it done by the 23rd. That's the extent of the extension. We'll start the fines on the 26th.
>> You give it until the 26th. They'll probably take every bit of it, but that's okay. >> Well, I'm saying it. And okay, I'm trying to make something that's consumable by everybody. >> Consumable was last f was 15. >> I get it. Yeah, this is this has been
problematic and I agree. I'm just trying not to be too heavy-handed on our and I also don't want to impose too much on our town employees to overcome the issues that are the the >> Are you agreeable with the 26th >> start fines on the 26th?
>> Yeah. Is that Do you make that motion? >> I want to be clear. You want to start fines on the 26th >> or you want to give them until the 26th? >> Start fines on the if it's not completed on the 26th and that fine starts. >> Okay. >> Tim will say it's not done. fine starts that day.
>> Then I will Okay. Once again, I move we grant an extension until the end of the day on the 26th. >> Noon time. >> Noon on the 26th, at which points we will be finding them uh $1,000 per day until the successful building inspection
is completed and the street is clear for public use. >> Please, >> can you clarify? The 23rd is now gone. >> That's what I'm hearing from >> 26th. Noon on the 26th. >> Tim will be there.
>> Noon on the 26th. Is that is that your intent as well? >> Looking at this date, >> right? >> I'm I'm trying to be reasonable and giving them something. >> Yeah. >> And I don't want to give them anything. >> So, I get it.
>> You can make a motion. And >> do we have a second? >> So, it's now Yep. until noon on the 26th after which we impose fines. Yes. Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> oppose. >> Opposed.
>> Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Tim. >> Thank you, >> We appreciate your consideration. >> Have a good holiday. >> Okay. So, now we're going to go back to um public hearing will be held regarding
the select board's proposed revisions to the following. Now, we're going to do the town manager act. Please, Madam Chair, I have I've I've gone through this again. I I have no edits. I'm pleased that chap uh section um 33
the finance committee matches the same as the uh town man uh town meeting act which was only my my only open concern. Everything else was in here was fine. >> Mike, do you have questions about the uh town manager act?
>> No, I don't have any questions. >> Okay, D. >> Uh no, no question. Just want to hear from the residents. >> I do have a comment if I may. um in the town manager act section 24 and I asked
um Sally Khan why they didn't look at they didn't look at the tree warden really didn't have an answer the answer is it goes back to the 1800s and it was codified into law in 1899 that any community over 10,000 shall have a
full-time tree warden hopefully when the next some future governor reviews the antiquated laws, they eliminate that one. >> But it's there because it's by law. >> Thanks, Dan. >> You're welcome.
>> Chapter 106, I think it was. >> Okay. This is >> I have no questions. >> This is a public hearing. Does anyone in the audience have any comments with regards to the Town Manager Act? Please go up to the podium and introduce yourself. Thank you, Lori. Lauren Steves, Precinct 3. Um, I wanted
to talk about the language in section 8 that states said town manager shall not be required to be a resident of the town or the Commonwealth. Um, I have concern with this language. While I understand the desire for flexibility in
recruitment, this provision removes all guardrails regarding where the town manager may live. Um, state laws, regulatory frameworks, and municipal practices vary significantly from state to state. I'm not comfortable hiring a town manager who resides outside of
Massachusetts, and is not subject to the same legal, professional, and institutional environment as the communities they serve. As written, this language places no limits on proximity to Danvers, imposes no expectations for physical presence, and contains no standards regarding remote performance
of duties. There is nothing the act that would prevent a town manager from living outside of the Commonwealth or performing their d uh their role remotely for extended periods of time. Given that it has been many years since this charter was last reviewed and that it could be another 20 years before it's
revisited, I believe it would be poor practice to move from a residency requirement to having no safeguards at all. If residency within Danvers is to be eliminated, there should at least be reasonable parameters in place such as residency within Massachusetts, a defined distance from town and/or clear
expectations regarding in-person presence. Because this proposal contains no such standards, as a town meeting member, I do not support this language, and I will note not vote in favor of it as written. Um, I'm not inherently against removing the residency
requirement, but I think there needs to potentially be something in there as far as proximity to town or something that says when hiring a town manager, as long as all five of select board members are in agreement that
we're going to have this park, but if they're outside of it, all five of us agree that we're going to wave it. I I don't like taking it out completely and having nothing in the act. Um I just don't agree with it. Moving on to
section 33 as it relates to the finance committee. It says within 30 days after each annual representative town meeting, three members of said committee shall be appointed by the moderator to serve three-year terms. If for any reason a vacancy occurs of the finance committee, such vacancy shall be filled by the moderator for the unexpired term. While
this section clearly establishes the length and method of appointment for for finance committee terms, the town website currently lists only the names of committee members and does not indicate when the individual members three-year terms begin or end or how many terms have previously been served. I'm not sure this really needs to be
explicitly related restated in the town manager act itself. However, for transparency and public understanding, I think the town should publish start terms term start and end dates on the website. And I think that this same level of transparency should apply to all appointed and elected boards and
committees on our town website so we know how long someone's been in a position, when they started, when it is going to end. Um, that's all I have for the act. I just I have a question and maybe Madam Chair, I don't know if you guys have the answer to this yet. Is it going to be one
article for each charter? So, is it going to say the select board votes to amend as stated all of the amendments in the town meeting charter and then one warrant for
we vote to adopt all of the changes? >> I'm happy to answer. Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. Um and thank you for asking. Um the goal that we've talked about set with the select board chair and I think I've discussed it with a couple other members is we're actually going to do for transparency reasons an article for
each section of each act >> so that it's clear because we are concerned about highlighting some over the others. Everyone has different priorities. Um so there will be I think there's 30ome sections in this one. Um
some we think will go more quickly than others. Um, so we've decided that was um, and thank you to the moderator. She um, asked me to refer to how they did it the last time 30 years ago and that was how they did it and seemed to go smoothly. >> Okay, that makes sense. And then uh, my last question is I know it's on the
agenda about closing the warrant on the 23rd, but there was conversation about having a meeting on the 7th and on when those articles will be available, I guess, to the public. >> So happy to answer that in a little bit, but >> yeah. Um so the they will they'll decide
what day they're going to close the warrant so in case there were any citizens petitions to come in between today and then. Um the original intention was to have a special meeting but with holidays and things we had trouble getting it scheduled. So the meeting on which will be a regular meeting of the select board will be
January 7th. So that's and that packet will be the w be available the Thursday before that Wednesday. >> So all the warrant articles will be available prior to that meeting. Yeah. >> Okay. Gotcha. Um All right. That's all I
have. Thank you, >> Madam Chairman. >> Yes. >> I agree with Lauren on the Commonwealth. >> Should read however shall be a resident of the Commonwealth. >> I I agree with that, too. >> Yep. >> I do. I definitely agree with that, Dan.
Thank you, Lauren. Yes. Anybody else? Gardner? >> No. I'd make a motion that we accept this with the correction in section 8. >> Yeah. >> Where it says not be required a resident of the town and change the or of the Commonwealth to but shall reside within the Commonwealth.
>> Within the Commonwealth. Mike, >> I agree. >> All right. I'm fine with it. >> I agree. Let's make that change. >> We missed that one. >> Yeah, that was good. All right. So, um, does anybody else have anything to say? >> No.
>> Go ahead. Nova, please. >> Oh, I'm sorry. My motion will have to wait. >> Yeah. Uh, Nova Sam being remember precinct one. Um, I don't have a problem with you adding the needs to reside within the Commonwealth. However, there are areas
of the Commonwealth are a lot farther than a different state. So, if it has anything to do with distance to town, it doesn't make any sense. Um, if you just want them to be part of like the laws of our state, sure. But New Hampshire is a
lot closer than Springfield. >> Thank you. And and I think to the point that we had this discussion because I was a strong advocate of an adjacent town >> and we talked about the proximity issue >> and the select board in declaring
the um uh the roles and responsibilities when we hire a town manager have the opportunity to provide clarity on that. >> Correct. Yeah. So I just want >> response time all those things people have mentioned. I just want to say that I I support getting rid of the residency
requirement and also adjoining towns doesn't really make much didn't make much sense to me either. But um so I just wasn't sure what the reason was for having to live within the state if other states are closer than some parts of
this state. Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> So do we have a motion to close the public hearing on the town manager act? move we close the public hearing. >> Second. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> And then I'll come back to my motion. It was a little premature.
>> I move we accept the Oh, well, we know we're not This is an emotion. >> This is an emotion. It's a public hearing. >> We're not there yet. >> I'll make that change with that. >> But even with that now, I mean, listening to her, she's making a good point. Um, if we just say the
Commonwealth, that doesn't really solve the problem of having the proximity, but you're also saying we have that within the role and responsibilities of the town manager. >> The presumption is New Hampshire, they could live in Montana.
>> That if you don't if you don't I think we've we've taken a big step from saying you have to live in this town. Mhm. >> And but doesn't say you have to live in this world. You I think that's just too broad if you don't say, you know, and I I think there's good points being made
that that should be within the Commonwealth and and that person should be uh uh enjoined to the laws of the Commonwealth. >> So I I I think we might be slicing the bread a little too thin here. Um I'm not going to need some we need some guidance
and I think getting rid rid of the residency requirement is paramount. >> Yes. >> And to make the argument, well, New Hampshire's just over the border. I get that, but it's still they've got to live in the state, >> right? And I can't imagine that a can't
imagine a select board would >> would not require >> a response time that would support wherever the residency is >> when we go when we offer a new job position. >> Right? >> So we don't by writing it this way we
don't lose the opportunity for the select board to define the parameters of the town manager's job. You know, one way to resolve this problem could be just to say they shall not have to be a resident of the town period and not refer to state with
state. I don't know if that helps resolve the dilemma you have. It's just that >> No, but I actually like within the Commonwealth because if you say with not in the state now you're saying they can live in. >> What I'm saying is you don't have to address the state at all. You just say they they are right now there's a requirement they to reside in the town
and you could just say that that requirement no longer applies. You don't have to define what state or not state within the Commonwealth in New Hampshire or not. You can you can just bypass that problem altogether by just saying they don't have to be a resident of town. >> But that omission if you don't set some
guard rails there are no guards. >> S makes a good point. >> But you say Montana I mean see again if you remove something >> that's absurd. >> How is it any more absurd than New Hampshire or not New Hampshire?
>> How or Connecticut or Rhode Island? I I I get it's absurd because we would never allow a job description to go out that way, but this is a legal construct that's going to last up to 20 years. Y >> isn't it reasonable to think that during interview time we would work?
>> Yes, we we would. But we can't but we can't turn around and say, "But you must live in town." We can't do that. We can't reverse that. But we can say, "You have to be able to be in town within 25 minutes, 30 minutes, whatever it is. I think that saying within the within
the Commonwealth is certainly >> a balance point. >> It's a movement in the right direction. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, >> so is the So, I guess I for the for the town manager, what is the what is the feeling of the board? This is going to
be our warrant. Do we say within the Commonwealth or not? within the Commonwealth. >> Bill has his hand up. >> Bill T, what are you thinking? >> Yeah, I mean I >> I'm I'm fine either way. I
>> again, Bill Bradley town meeting a precinct one. I'd like to not drag this on any further. However, Phil, >> if you but I will >> but if you set a time limit for the person wherever they
reside to show up, I'd hate to see them get a speeding ticket just just to fall within. You have to come up with a better system. That's not one of them. my opinion. I'm sure this this board
will come up with a better solution. Put your minds together. I'm sure you will. And no, we don't want to come from Montana either. >> Anybody else? >> It's closed. >> A motion to close. >> It's closed. >> Yeah. Okay. For the town manager act.
>> Do I have a second? >> Bill gets special disation. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Now we will um public hearing will be held regarding the select board's proposed revisions to the recall bylaw. >> It's on my notes.
>> I reviewed this and this all looks good except for my one recommendation. Did >> you hear I was there? My recommendation is that we change affidavit may be recalled for any reason other than the lawful performance of their elected duties.
>> Can sorry, can you just tell us exactly where you are? >> Section one, recall election section A. The holder of an executive town office down with more than 6 months remaining in the term of that office on the date filing recall affal from office for any reason other than the lawful performance
of their elected duties. If I'm elected to take a vote, a hard vote, whatever vote I that should not be the the fact that you don't like the vote I took should not be an offense for recall. everything else. They put
language in that said um could be recalled for any egregious. >> Um >> it it says it's a recommendation. It doesn't codify it. It just says >> outside of their duties. >> It says determine whether the grounds listed for recall are sufficient. Um uh
but it does say that um the languages that we while Oh, at the bottom of this at the bottom of the same page um while it is expected that the recall process recommendation hearing would only be used to address serious malfeasants or misconduct, the voters themselves should
individually decide. It's expected. I I want to say that's off the table. If if you hire a school committee member to act as a school committee member and they lawfully do so, that should not be reason to recall them.
>> What if they have unlawful behavior outside the school committee? >> What I'm saying is I'm amending it for any reason other than lawful performance of their elected duties. That's any other reason. You don't like the fact that I'm wearing a red shirt.
If you can get enough people to say we want them out, okay. But if I have lawfully executed my job as an elected official, I I I think that should be that should be the the safe zone. That should be,
you know, that's we talked about encouraging people to join, you know, join in in public duty. If I can be, you know, we've had some very contentious situations in town and emotions run high, but if I'm honestly doing my job
as an elected official, lawfully and honestly doing it, I think that should be left aside. Come up with another reason. >> We had one we had one in our initial proposal slightly different similar concept I suppose. Y >> u and actually it came through through
Mike Trainer's hard work. The the phrasing we use is that um the vote of an elected official the vote of an elected official on a matter other than in connection with conflict of interest shall not constitute valid
grounds for recall. So it was and and I I think I I prefer this language that I just read to you over the one that you just quoted because there could be so much disagreement about what do you mean the lawful uh what was the phrase you used? I said the lawful lawful
performance of their elected duties, >> right? And that could be so that's that's so tough because people might want to recall because somebody treats the public very disrespectfully and they lawfully doing my Do you see what I mean? >> Okay, I I'll perfectly fine with that
language that you can't really You're right. I could be a real complete jerk. I could be I could expose really racist things from this from this seat and that could be caused and and I might argue that's lawful. I'm allowed to. It's freedom of speech. So, I'm I'm certainly
open to the to the you can't remove me for vote my votes. >> Can you read that again? >> Yes, >> Madam Chairman. Could you read that again? >> Uh and it's a a phrase that was within our proposed language to you. Um
it is that uh provided however that the vote of an elected official on a matter other than in connection with a conflict of interest violation shall not constitute valid grounds for recall. So a person say uh voting a a select member
voting on uh scaffolding outside of a building that can't be grounds for a recall. the vote their their act as an elected official. >> What do you think with that?
>> Yeah, I'm just so other than matters of what's the phrasing you used. I liked it. >> Uh other than a conflict of interest violation. So if if if your vote in fact was was a conflict of interest because you had a a ownership interest in the scaffolding company. >> Yep.
>> Your vote could you in that instance your vote could be a cause for recall. Okay. So I would suggest that we change section A right after the words recalled from office to other than votes of elected officials other than matters of conflict of
interest violation. I'm trying to word smith it the same way but it yes I am saying the same thing. It's you're right. my demeanor, my mannerisms, my communications, my if I'm completely disrespectful to someone in the, you know, at the podium, whatever
it is, that could be grounds. It shouldn't be the fact that I voted. >> Mike, >> I like what Sally said. And just to be >> wrote for >> the other mic >> the other mic again
>> and if I can >> I'll give you a signal. >> I'm all done. I should have >> madam chair. If the board just to make sure you guys are all talking about the same thing. The language um that the committee recommended was in section B. So I would just need clarity from the board. If you go this way, are
you going to put it back where they had it or um member Tras recommendation was in a different place? >> I my issue is not where it is. It's >> the concept. >> You would just have to change section A for any reason would be to, you know,
you'll just have to reconcile the sections. I don't care where it goes. Other >> I think it's easy to change a add it there. That's that that's not a battle I need to battle. >> Okay. >> I'm just trying I'm just trying to get to the votes part.
>> Mike, did you want to go up? Mike Trainer. >> Mike, >> how's it going? Mike Trainer, town meeting member, precinct five. Um, so the language that Sally just read is basically in this blanket template that
most cities and towns use. It's in section two or section B as we did it with the thing. Um, basically it it does make the recommendation that you can't be removed for the way you vote. It does in every other town except for one that
we found go on to say although we make this recommendation the voters themselves ult ultimately decide whether or not the person's going to be recalled. And it's just I just think there can be a lot of gray area with it. And Gardner, I get where you're coming
from with the the vote. You shouldn't be removed for the way you vote. And I'm just going to provide two examples on this. Um you could three people on a board can make some big changes. So, for
example, if we have a school committee v vote and two new members get on and there's one that's on there, they could remove the superintendent. Even though everyone in this town is happy with the superintendent, we're good. But they can do a lot of damage. And this kind of
just gives recourse. In a neighbor in town, they had a really hot button topic if you want to talk about it where there was a teacher strike and again they tried a recall on the mayor and they were unsuccessful in that. And that was a lot of people that were really upset.
The grounds on this are so high. I actually believe this is the mo this matches one other town as one of the most difficult ones to pull off. Um I just feel like we could get oursel in this situation and I just think most
people in town while you will have a large group of people say I don't agree with the way you voted. I think most people will use common sense with this. And like I said, it it really everyone would have to be on board with this. And
I just think there's other instances where something could go wrong on a board. We like I voted for someone that I didn't think should be in the position after they got in that position. I didn't know that when I voted. And like I said, if you get two new people in and you have one other person on the board
and it's just like, well, I don't like the superintendent. I don't like this. I'm going to point like the people should have some say and have some recourse in that and I I do see your point 100%. >> This is the point I made when I originally wrote this. >> What's that?
>> When I originally wrote this 5 years ago, that was the point I made that we should omit people from >> being recalled based on their vote. And I'll give you an example now. and you've in in when when another citizen presented it, it was that way. When you
took it up, took up the mantle and recorre and and changed some of the language. Um, you took that out. And I'm saying that we have emotional hot button topics all the time. If we were here when the trash fee was imposed, that
could have been a reason to remove us because we imposed the trash fee or we supported the town manager imposing the trash fee in the electric bill. very hot topic. We made the I believe we made the right choice. I believe it was and what you're going to get is when you have hot button items, you're going to have hot
button voters. And people didn't fight us when we, you know, you know, when when we put the cigarette ban in town 20some years ago, >> you heard from the cigarette smokers. You didn't hear from the people who supported that because it wasn't an issue for them. They they agreed, yes, we're going to do it. We're not going to
race out and fight for the right to, you know, continue to smoke or fight that. I think that if I if I'm elected to take a vote and I take a vote and you don't like the vote, you can get me in 3 years, then that's fine. I don't think it's a recall. I don't think it's an
issue for recall. So, I support however the language goes in there for anything other than my vote and the civil part of it just is just that's just clarity. Um, so I'm I'm I'm I'm in 100% in support
and um that we should provide elected officials with the protection that if they vote their conscience and they vote what they think is the representation of the people they represent, uh, you know, desire the people they represent that that is now off the table for a recall just because a bunch of people get
together and say, "We don't want the trash feed. We don't or we want blue line or we want whatever it is." Mhm. >> We've had really hot button items in this town. >> Do we have a motion, Madam Chairman? >> I don't think it's a motion. >> The change to the >> But do we have consensus from the board
because it is a board warrant? >> Could I just comment on one thing one thing you said? I I never took anything out of it. That was the identical language because it says you cannot be removed from office. But then in the original one which was taken from Wenoms as you know it I did not delete anything
from your original thing. If you look, it said the voters will ultimately decide, >> but I think you're saying now that you want it removed. >> No, I don't want it. I I I wanted it as it was originally on >> this the recommendations. >> Yeah. So, I I would I would want it in
there to show like the same rather than the way this is in section A. I would want it the way it was, what exactly what Sally read, but then the sentence to continue to say uh the voters themselves will individually determine whether any of the grounds listed for recall are sufficient.
>> But see, that takes that whole statement takes away anything but voting except the voters can decide. That that that completely invalidates the the whole the whole premise. It's all except except it's a double negative
and I don't agree with that second statement. You either say everything or you say everything but okay. >> Like I said, I gave an example of what could happen. This this goes into law after this. There's a lot of different things that can happen. The metrics are
high. I I get your point. I do. I just think there's it can go other ways and I just want you to consider that. Um, and then I had one other comment on this. Is now the time to make it just on section A. So this was just changed to say any
holder of an elective office in the town of Danvers. That could include the way I read that town meeting members. If you guys want to have another pay for another election to recall a town meeting member. >> Yeah. The original language had
townwide. You're right. You're right. Mhm. >> The original language was specific to townwide candidates, which that by which meant library, uh the housing board, any anything that
was townwide, it would omit by that description town meeting members. They wouldn't be subject to this. >> And also, the original one named each of the townwide positions. And the reason for that is with the housing authority.
My understanding is some of those are appointed positions and we when this went to the secretary of state, we wanted clarification on the housing authority whether or not they could be removed. So as we send this in as a home rule petition, it
could be alted based off what they read. So that's one thing we just would didn't want any questions to come up if it ever happened. Like they would make a determination on that. So you're making a good point because that would also include river committee at town meeting. We vote for river committee or the town
meeting votes. So maybe that's not a good one. >> This is elected. >> This is elected. >> So it's really the housing and and that that was the town council at the time that I believe had that comment. So >> I I don't mind I don't I would I'd be in favor of returning select board, town
moderator, school committee, >> library trustees. No, we're not. We're not putting it under the umbrella of townwide because I don't think the I I agree that the housing trust,
which we vote on at an election, should be held to that standard. >> Yeah. But if they if they are if they are townwide, that would fall into >> That's what I'm saying. We're going to we're taking the words townwide out
>> and specifically saying select board, >> school committee, library of trustees and town moderator. >> I think the reason why we have removed the list was because we said if in 10 years we have another elected position
then it will not be represented here >> and we can and we can amend we can amend this at that point. >> How long will that take? How long will it take? Yeah, but how often do we add a new townwide position? >> I mean, I don't know. And that was the reason. >> When's the last time we added a new townwide position? >> I'm not sure, but that's why we said
townwide. And that should include the housing authority as well if they are townwide. >> We did, like I said, that was just the recommendation at the time because we wanted clarification. >> If you want to say townwide, that's fine. That's that was the only outlier.
and Mike convinced me that it probably shouldn't be there but okay townwide >> and and coming to the language you had Mike uh we have that in section B uh at the last uh sentence there while it is
expected that the recall process recommended herein will only be used to address serious malfeasants or misconduct. The voters themselves shall individually determine whether the grounds listed for recall are
sufficient. >> Yes. And I think that's good language. I was just responding to >> that language is already there. >> Right. Right. And what I'm saying is that language allows for you to be removed because you took a vote because someone didn't like the way you voted on something.
>> No, I I I agree with you. I mean, I was the one who was the proponent of any Yeah. I'm I'm open to Sally's suggestion. >> Yeah. >> And the language that Mike is proposing is already in section B. So if we only add what Sally had suggested, that will
cover your suggestion and what you're saying. >> No, but I see that as I see this as as opposite. You either say in section A or B anything except for the way someone votes. If you then at the end of section B
except say they any you say um uh um the voters themselves shall uh decide then you've removed that safety net. You can't >> well actually that second that second
sentence it it doesn't exclude it. >> No >> earlier it says you can't be voted you can't be recalled because of a vote you took in your official elected position. Exactly. >> Then it goes on to say it's the voters who decide what other things are sufficient. >> Exactly. Exactly. >> And determine whether the grounds listed
of recall are sufficient. >> Yes. >> I think what Mike is trying to say is that that he feels there are times when a vote should be sufficient to do a recall. That's what Mike is trying to say. We disagreed with that a point. Our committee recommended the language that
you've already seen. We we we I can understand the point, but as you may have said, Gardner, to me, the answer to that type of a problem is the next election. >> The next election, >> but I I just wanted to clarify where everybody is here.
>> Well, I I guess I'll ask the town manager, ask the town council if if that the voters themselves shall individually determine whether the grounds listed for recall. It says first of all it says while it is expected which means almost nothing you know because yes we're just saying it would
be good if you follow this rule but legally it isn't binding. >> Well well but the the context the reason for that language is because we went around and around and around. Should we list all the reasons? >> We shouldn't. >> And we decided no we shouldn't list them
all because that could narrow us in a way we don't anticipate. And so instead say, you know, it's up to the voters and we though it's expected that they'll do for serious substantial reason. That's why it's phrased in that way. >> Yeah. But if Okay. And if you want to extend that same language in both
sections, that's fine, too. I just don't want one to override the other or to >> They do. I disagree. I don't >> You don't think You don't think it causes a disparity? >> No. the first sentence that says it can't be for a vote by an official in their
elected position, >> that means that vote you can't use. >> Okay. >> And then it goes on to say, well, whatever reason does come up, >> it's up to the voters to decide whether it's sufficient. >> Nova, you want to go up
>> from what we had. Oh, okay. Um, sorry. Uh, Nova Smre Precinct One. So, I'm just going to read these few sentences that we had in our original so that they're all in context. This was in section B. Um,
they shall be dated and shall contain the names of all persons to whom they are issued, the name of the person whose recall is sought, and the grounds of recall as stated in the affidavit, provided, however, that the vote of an elected official on a matter other than in connection with a conflict of
interest violation shall not constitute valid grounds for recall. While it is expected that the recall process recommended herein would only be used to address serious malfeasants and misconduct, the voters themselves shall individually determine whether the grounds listed for recall are
sufficient. So it says like it can't be this shall not constitute valid grounds for recall. So that is shall not constitute and then after that it's then we determine if there's a different
reason if it's grounds. So I think that our original um section B was correct. Thanks. >> And can I ask a quick clarifying question? What is the thought around the conflict of interest language? If if
we're voting on a conflict of interest and we say that, you know, Mike has a conflict of interest because he does whatever he does, he he does work at town hall on the on the payroll. We think that constitutes a conflict of interest. If I make a vote on that, how
does that preclude? Why is that why was that carved out? Because if if if uh say a member of the select board um was voting uh was guilty of a conflict of interest
themselves, not the rest of the board. You the rest of the board might not not know that there was a conflict of interest, might not know that one of the board members had a financial interest in a company to whom the town was about to get, you know, grant a contract.
>> Okay. So if if a board member voted in favor of the particular contract with a third party and then subsequently it was learned that that one select board member had an ownership interest. >> I see. Okay. >> That would be a conflict. So that vote
could be used as a grounds for dismissal, >> not the votes of the other members who didn't have a conflict of interest. >> That makes that explain. That does clarify. Thank you. >> But that is a violation of the ethics law. No, >> I I get it. Right.
>> I was just wondering why they carve out, but now the explanation makes sense. >> Anybody else? >> Okay. Motion to close the public hearing for um the bylaw >> by the second. >> Second.
>> All right. I'll make the motion. I don't if you if you're making the motion, I'll second it. I don't care. >> All in favor? >> I oppose. Okay. Well, thank you, Joe. You have all >> I think Southtown madame clerk you do too. >> Okay.
>> Yep. >> And then we changing section A. >> That's what I got to say. >> Adding s language. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Let's go on to the board. will discuss and set two dates for a special town meeting proposed date January 9th,
2026 and a closing date for special town meeting warrant proposed date December 23rd, 2024 4 p.m. Um, board members, do you have any questions with regards to this? Can we close the
warrant on the 23rd if we're not going to have a meeting until January? >> When's our when we we changed the meeting that we were going to have >> the 30th? I mean, you can set I've been doing a lot of >> Okay.
>> Um but yeah, I mean, you get to choose. The closing the warrant is essentially saying anybody else new Okay. No new >> no new items. >> Unknown items. Okay. Not not that we've completed our language. Okay, that's fine. >> So that we're going to keep that at at December 23rd.
>> Yep. >> At 4 p.m. >> Board Mike, any questions? >> No question. >> D, >> which Mike >> D, any questions about the dates? >> Yeah, I just I think I just want to make
sure I understand what that date means. Uh, you sent >> it has to do with >> a citizen petition. >> Any any new items to be introduced for the board to consider have to be submitted to the town clerk's office by
the 23rd at 4 p.m. >> That includes you as well. >> Yeah. You can't >> That includes a board member. Yep. Any new items, citizens or board members that will that they want to be considered on the warrant have to be submitted to the clerk by the 23rd for your consideration on this January 7th.
>> January 7. >> Yes. >> Okay. Now, between the 23rd and the 7, what do we do with that? >> Do we celebrate Christmas? >> So, so if someone brought something up,
we just add it on the agenda for the seventh. No, no, nobody. That's it's closed. They can't. And that So for your consideration, so >> you can no new items can be submitted by the board or the um public after the
close of the warrant on the 23rd. And then on the 7th, you'll and the packet will be ready the Wednesday or the Thursday before the 7th. We'll have the proposed warrant articles that we just talked about. And that's when you'll vote to set the warrant.
>> Okay. Okay. I'm just just to throw a curveball here because today's the 16, >> the 23rd. That's like >> a week. Next Tuesday. >> Yeah. >> Is that enough time for someone who will want to have
I don't know a citizen petition out. Could we >> maybe we can put it >> Yeah. I mean, we've been talking about it for we've been talking about a tenative town meeting date since I think what probably since September, October.
>> Mhm. >> Um anyway, so like I said, some sometimes they set the date as the next day. And I think this board often you guys will set the closing date the next day. >> So it's not a >> it's not when the clock starts, when the clock ends. people who people who have interests and there's already some
citizens petitions in the works and we'll probably get them presented at 11:59 on Wednesday that that day. I I don't think we're I don't think by setting the date on the 23rd we're preventing anyone from doing a citizens
petition because they should could have already been working on it for months or even by setting it tonight they can say oh I've only got a week to get my act together. So, I I'm I'm I'm not concerned about setting it on the 23rd being only another week and a half away
or a week away. >> Yeah, I say we and I will say that on our end to get the work done that needs to get done between then and the January 7th meeting with the holidays in between we on our side and with legal could really use that time. So, to push it out
further means then has to go to legal for review. We have to prepare the warrant articles. That's why that's what I was asking. So when you get that there's work that happens between >> behind the scenes. Yeah. >> The 23rd and the seven. Is that correct?
>> And it' be really between the 23rd and essentially like the second I again because of the holidays. >> I think it's the 31st. 31st must be a Wednesday. >> Yes. >> So we have work to do between the 23rd and the 31st.
>> Okay. So to push it back, you would tighten our time frame. I think I think essentially it's like we have four days. We'll get it done. >> So So I think we need a motion for the both for two dates.
>> Madam Chair, I move we uh let's do them separately just so we don't get confused. I move that we set a date for the special town meeting on February 9th, 2026. >> Do I have a second? >> Okay. All in favor? >> I >> I >> opposed. Okay, >> Madam Chair, I move we accept uh that we
set a closing date for special time meeting warrants to be December 23rd at 400 p.m. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? I >> opposed. >> Um I do have a topic regarding uh town warrants. Uh and I'd like to know what the board's feeling is. Um, I I know
that we do legal review, but I would like to ask the town the if it's the will of the board that each warrant be accompanied with a with a statement by town council about the legality
of the warrant and the ability of town meeting, meaning is it legal per Massachusetts state law and whether it's the purview of town meeting to make to to to to vote on whatever the warrant article is. We've had warrant articles
that that try to compel other communities to do things. And that's just not the purview of the town meeting. Town meeting can't tell Beverly do X. And so I'd like a statement that start that but on each of the warrant articles
that state whether it's legal by Massachusetts state law and whether um and whether it is the purview of town meeting to make the the decision that's being recommended. >> Perhaps it might be more advantageous just to have a
um review by town council and have them point out something that's not proper and legal rather than each article. We're going to have how many on our >> Well, if if they they're going to look at it anyhow and if they say this is this and it could the presumption is it's legal and it is the perview of town
meeting, >> right? So, >> just say that say that line >> and then on because I I I we we spend time at town meeting and here in our meetings discussing things that we already know are not going to pass legal
muster. We had it at the last town meeting there were three warrants offered. The first one was dead on arrival. Yet, we spent time here, spent time at FINCOM, and spent time on the town meeting floor discussing a warrant article that could not possibly pass
legal muster by the AG's office. And we were told that flat out, yet we still >> they're citizens petitions. We have to put them through. >> We have to put them through. But I want a statement that says this warrant is is legal and can and is in the purview of town meeting. Great.
fly forward. We're not saying stop them. I'm not saying stop a citizen petition, but the fact that we know it's illegal should immediately be a reason to stub off unnecessary conversation. >> So, we should get a motion. We should get notification if it's not legal. We
don't need notification on every warrant. Okay. >> You're just okay. If you want to say, "Great. I want to review and a statement from town council if a warrant is either illegal per Massachusetts state law or outside the purview of town meeting.
>> I think we I think I haven't been on the board long enough but I I think we get that already. only if we ask only if we ask >> so I think if we have it as something that's has to be systematic >> I think that's putting a heavy burden on
town council for >> puts a burden on us puts the burden on fin >> yes but if if there's a citizen petition regardless of the legality there's not much we can do about it even if >> no but there is but there is I I I I
fully support a citizen petition should always go completely through the process. >> That's correct. >> Correct. However, if it is deemed illegal, for example, because I was talking to Sally about this um uh sorry about uh talking to Representative
Karren about this, she reminded me that if there is a citizens petition for a statewide election, the Senate uh the Supreme Court, the Massachusetts Supreme Court looks at the legality of that and does not let it go forward. >> All ballot questions get reviewed, >> right? All ballot questions get
reviewed. So, I'm just saying warrants should be reviewed and if someone proposes that we do something illegal per town council. Now, town council is going to look at anyhow. We're not adding burden to town council. We're just saying make a statement. Add it to
the to the narrative of the warrant that I've reviewed this and it either is fine. Go straight. you have the opportunity to do this or it's illegal or town meeting doesn't have this authority. For example, a citizen today could say, "I want you to buy the next
fire truck from more GMC. That's illegal. You cannot do that. We should not spend time debating that." Dis put it through the process, >> but say this is an illegal statement. You can't do that. Why should we spend
the extra time and effort at all three of those venues doing that? >> Yeah, but if if we have what I'm trying to say is we can do that now. We don't have to explicitly require town council to
give us that statement. If we have a citizen petition, we can seek guidance from town council. And if she says it's illegal, we still have to have a warrant. It's still going to go to We still have
to have open discussions with the public. We still it still has to go to fin. So, can we do it expeditely? Yes, we can. But we can't just short change the process and say we >> And again, I'm again I want to be very
clear. I'm not trying to stop the process. I'm trying to expedite the process by saying if we get to town meeting and this is on the floor I right now you and I and every one of us have the right to ask the Tom auditor
check with the law with legal counsel is this legal exactly >> I want them to review it before we get to town meeting have a decision before town meeting >> and make that decision known inside >> I'm asking for every warrant article that's what you said every warrant
article even Even this one. Even this one. >> That's what happens now anyway though. That's >> there is no only if asked. And I want that known to the town meeting in the warrant book before we have town meeting.
>> It's what you want. I don't agree with >> that's what I'm saying. I'm ask I'm asking what the way you're putting it. >> Yeah. I think the process as it is now. Town council is at town meeting. I see Mr. Duka get up all the time and advise
us into what is legal, what is not legal. The petitioner has could go and speak for as long as the town moderator give him or her the opportunity to speak. There's nothing we can do about that. >> If I know I I disagree. If I know
something is illegal, I will move the motion with the statement that this is an illegal why are we why are we spending 30 minutes on an illegal already determined to be illegal? You cannot by law dictate who you buy from >> and you need to have a second and then
you'll be voted on >> if if not but that can happen regardless of I'm just trying to understand why we would need to have that in the >> I would like that to be part of the I I would I'm recommending that's part of the warrant narrative. This has been
reviewed by town >> counc Mike Mike. >> Yeah, let's have Mike Trainer answer for me. >> Um, I guess I'm siding with D. We're We're It's already happened. I understand what
you're saying. Um, I But it's happening already. >> Dan, >> I don't agree with his request. >> Okay. My then my expectation is that I'll that
that that a town meeting if I think something is illegal I'll ask the town council. >> I'm sure the moderator will as well. >> Well, no, you have to ask the moderator to ask. >> All right. >> And I will be doing so. Okay, that's
fine. I I thought it would be important information for the town meeting members to understand if a warrant article is already determined to be out of scope. Okay. All right. We're going to move on. Let's see. Where are we now? Uh the town
clerk, here she is. Julia. >> Yeah, >> she's awake. >> will present information on vote by mail and in person early voting for the May 5th, 2026 annual town election. Madame Clerk, so in your packet, you received
um some historical early vote statistics on uh vote by mail for local well, it's all got all the elections on here, but the one that we're focusing on is the local elections. So at the next meeting, the January 7th meeting, we will have a
public hearing for the public to uh voice their um comments on uh vote by mail for the local election. We have allowed it the last two or three two or three elections. Uh so we'll be looking
to uh discuss uh vote by mail and we'll also be uh looking at uh in person one day of in-person early vote which we have been doing. Uh I've also invited the registar of voters to come to that meeting. So if there are any questions
um and then I will also have for you a draft of the um important dates for um the May election. So what seats are open and all of that. that I'll have that as a draft for you. Uh and then we'll have some housekeeping uh some housekeeping
um votes on election work as well. >> Board members, any questions? Dan? >> No, we'll wait till next meeting. >> Okay, D. >> No questions. >> Mike, me? >> Yes. >> Okay. No, thank you. No, no question. >> Anna, I'm just wondering, and we do this
and I'm I'm a big supporter of vote by mail. I still will be. I'm wondering if this isn't an opportunity for more than five people to make this should this be a warrant article on town meeting should Tom meeting decide that and just codify it and make it standard
practice for us that way you don't have to come to us every year that you know is or is there factors that may change year to year that would change your recommendation >> or your process? Well, once in in my opinion, once we've allowed vote by mail
at the at the local level for the local elections, you would want to maintain that same consistency. Um, I believe state law indicates that vote by mail is allowed unless the select board opts out. So, it's the select board that makes that determination.
>> So, on the 7th, we're basically you're going to get public comment and this board will decide whether to opt out or not. Not because we're in we don't have >> we're in. We're automatically in. Okay. >> Right. You you have the option to opt out. >> I'm just wondering if the board thinks it should be broadened a broader
decision by town meeting. >> No, I don't want to give up any of our authority, Gardner. >> Okay. >> And certainly if anybody wants to stop by my office between now and uh January 7th to talk about it. I may or may not be in >> I got vacation time. So, just saying,
check with me. Send me an email. >> Are we looking for a motion on any of that? >> Nothing tonight. That's just that information. >> This is information. I've given you some numbers. >> Yep. Which is good information. >> Yep. >> Like I say, the registars will um I've invited them. I don't know if they're
all going to make the meeting or not, but it's nice. >> Who are the registars again, so public knows? >> So, we have Wally Typbert, uh Mark Lantini, and Marilyn Hazel are our registars. I thought Mark Lantini resigned, >> right? >> Mark Lantini uh resigned as an employee but not as a registar of voter
>> when he ran for select board. He resigned. >> I don't believe he did. >> How could he run for select board? >> He would have resigned if he won >> won.
>> Uh the clarification on that. >> All right. We'll get a report from you for next next meeting. Okay. All right. Let's move on. The town manager will report uh to the board on various items of interest. Miss town manager. >> Great. Thank you. Um well, one the first
one I was going to talk about was the Essex tech admissions and allocation procedure, but I think we covered that unless there was more information people wanted on that. I will send you um I will email you tomorrow the complete pro the breakdown of the process so you have
a sense of how it goes. Right now our number our minimum number is set at 60. So that means we we would be getting 60 every year, 60 plus every year. Um I do want to thank Mike Landers and Dan Bower for that. We've been working really
really well together on on this and um we will be watching very closely any expansion plans as well. Um, they wanted to refer to make sure you saw in your packets that uh we I submitted a letter to regarding the 114
long-term safety study to Mass DOT. Um, so you have a copy of that. Uh, Representative Karns submitted a letter as well. Um, I want to address uh we've been having some issues at the senior center with the heating system. Um, whoever's
been there has been has noticed, I'm sure. Um what I will say I can give you kind of an update on today as but what we what they discovered today my understanding from our senior team meeting was um
that the contractor that signed off on the work one of the things that they signed off that they fixed they did not. So our DPW team saw that today um so just so you have a sense of a sense of the temperatures. Um, so it's been DPW and an the HVAC contractor have
been working um together on this. The things are better today. Temperatures raining from 60 to 73 in the great room. The great room is where it's warm still. There's two boilers that run. Um, so this morning when somebody checked at 7:40 a.m. The thermostat, there's one
outside of the director's office was 66. His supply closet was 61.5. fitness room was 62 and great room was 73. Um by 920 they were up to 68, 63 and a half, 64
and 75 and there is um guidance on where it should be at and it and for workplaces. So we are keeping a very close eye um on that but it is been uncomfortable for the seniors and we want to make sure that they know that we are working on it and um holding the
contractors accountable. Can I ask a question? >> Sure. >> How old are the boilers? And you say it's work that wasn't completed. >> But was there a part they needed? >> No, they're not waiting on a part.
>> They're not waiting on a part. >> They just didn't do the fix they said they were. >> They didn't do the fix. Okay. But >> how old? >> This summer the AC was out. Just the opposite after building was hot with no AC. >> Oh, was it in the summer? >> Yeah. Well, it would have been the
summer, the heat wave. >> So, it seems to be consistent issues with the HVAC system. >> Yes. Um I can I have the information. There's two boilers in the building. Um I don't have the age of the boilers, but
I can find out. Um hold on. Back to where I was. Uh, I want to extend thank you and let the board know that we did receive um notification that the St. John's Prep has donated to the Friends of Indicott Park and the Friends
of the Rail Trail. Again, $2,500 to each. So, thank you to St. John's Prep and thank you to the friends um of both those organizations to for keeping uh keeping the fundraising going and helping be a community partner for us. I want to thank everyone who came to the
selectboard uh community and downtown holiday party last week. Um I met some new some more new people which was great for me. Um and I look forward to following up with each of you. Um and thank you Kathy for all your work organizing and Kathy and Ann and Ann's
daughter um Julie and Kathy Simon >> and Kathy Simon were all very helpful. Um, last night the HR Shab Shabbat of the Northshore Police and Fire Department hosted the annual Manor lighting event downtown. Um, I'm really I was not able to attend as I was out of
the country on a pre-planned trip, but I want to thank everybody who was there and my understanding is it was um, well attended and I look forward I'm going to go down on Thursday. Um, so I look forward to attending later this week. And then just a reminder that town hall
offices will be closed on December 24th and 25th and on uh January 1, New Year's Day. Happy New Year and happy holidays. >> Thank you. The board will consider consent calendar items as they appear. >> Motion to approve. >> Do I have a second?
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Correspondent. Select board new business. Previous new business update. Select board closing comments. Who wants to start? >> I'll start. >> Mike Bean. >> Okay. Um I think I have to uh take issue
with the voting at the Christmas party. Um I think you'd have to recheck your system because I'm the only one who lost. >> Everyone else on this board won the raffle. So I don't know if there's something. >> I usually won one this year.
>> Yeah. U still a win. >> Three or four. And uh but I do want to just say >> you got to put your tickets in the basket. Oh, in the basket. Oh, >> put your name on. >> Oh, I brought them home. >> You can't win. >> Uh, just merry Christmas and I hope everybody a happy, healthy holiday. Um,
and God bless everybody. Thank you. >> Uh, nope. I, uh, finally got my town email back up and running and good and caught up with everything. Uh, nothing that people haven't mentioned already other than internal stuff. Um, so, uh, nothing to
to report there. Uh, I was I attended the um uh remotely we had a uh Damis Accessibility Commission meeting um and I have some follow-up tasks to talk to the town manager about um but that's
going well and uh fortunately they're coming into an opportunity for some funding >> and a funding source. So um and they have great plans. So I want to thank them. They work closely as with HRIC as well. Um I think it's a good partnership and the senior center we have a new
senior center uh person uh as a leazison on the board. So on that committee so it's great. Um other than that I hope everybody has a a nice Hanukkah, a nice Christmas uh whatever holiday you celebrate um or take whatever time you need to relax and recharge. Thank you.
>> Thank you D. >> Thank you. I missed the uh Christmas tree lighting. I was up north to Canada but I heard it was really nice. My daughter was there. She told me all about it. Um I also attended the minora lighting yesterday. Um it was really
moving and was chatting with the rabbi um as the former chair of the HRC. I used to work closely with the Shabbab of the Northshore uh for that event. And in in light of what happened this past week in Australia, uh I was just reminded as
we were doing that yesterday of of this poem that a resident of Davis had shared with me few years back uh when we had another tragedy uh of anti-semitic event
and it's just one minute and I'll read it. Uh, it was a poem from Pastor Martin Neola and it says, "First they came for the communist and I did not speak out because I was not a communist.
Then they came for the socialist and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionist and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they
came for the Jewish and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me. Um and this always
in the context of the world we live in is so important that we find ways and we do a very good job of that in Dverse and we got to continue to do it to just look out for each other to care for each other
to to to love each other uh because we want to make sure that we don't get in a situation where when they come out and there's no one left to speak for me. If you're seeing justice, please call it out on that. Um, happy Hanukkah and
merry Christmas. Thank you, >> Dan. >> Thank you. Um, and reviewing 2025, we spent six months to hire a new town manager. We've spent four months discussing town meeting act, town
manager act, recall petition, electronic voting. I just want to be here 10 years from now when people look back at the board of 25 and 26 and what their opinion is of the work we've done this year. We've done a
lot of work. We're moving along. Um I would like to kind of now start focusing on the budget. We're getting to budget season >> and a couple of questions for the manager going forwards. Can can we get an idea of the type of grant money
we could get or are not getting by not being a green community. 200 communities in Massachusetts are green communities and I know they get grant money for certain projects. That's something I'd like to talk about.
Also, can we start to look at new growth projections over the next 3 to 5 years where we are with permits for new current projects and new projects on the horizon so we have a sense of what new growth might look like.
Maybe that's some money that we could use to dedicate towards a um stabilization fund. You you will if you will for Essex Tech. We did dedicate half the funds from the state hospital for the high school
project back a number of years ago and that helped us out. And another question for uh land use, we have Efl regulations, but do we have to re um ad change those
to meet the state ADU laws that was passed in February? they're not um in sync with each other. Does it require us to change the FA laws or does state law just um take
precedent? And with that, I would say merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year to all. >> Okay. And then you can do your closing comments. Um, I want to say thank you to Annne Freighus, uh, Kathy Ellsworth, Ann's, um, daughter Julie, and and Kathy
Simon, too, for a holiday party. Um, it was great. Um, thank you for everybody that came. We'd love to see more businesses come. Um, we're going to work on that next year. And thank you to Joe Bono um, over at Berry Tavern, the AC capella group at Damas High School. Um,
merry Christmas to everybody. H, and uh, happy Hanukkah. Please remember the food pantry. Donations are always welcome for people that are in need. Um I want to thank you um all board members for your hard work. Dan did say with the number of hours like what a year for me to be
chair, right? Um it's been a lot of work and I want to thank each and each one of you individually and say thank you. Um, also happy belated birthday to our town manager Joe Cahill. And I believe that we have a happy birthday coming up to
Dan Bennett pretty soon. >> Right. >> Um, I want to thank all the residents, you know, everybody that comes to our meeting, all the town employees for doing what they do day in and day out for the town that we love. Um, for the schools, for the kids. Kids, have a
wonderful Christmas. Um, enjoy your Christmas break and spend time with your loved ones. Thank you very much, Dan. >> Yes. And please, when you see a vet, please thank her him for their service to our country. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dan. Good night, >> Davis.