Okay, welcome to the town of Deerfield Select Board Board of Health Sew Commissioners meeting for December 17th, 2025. The time is 6 pm. This is a hybrid meeting on Zoom and in the main main meeting room at a Conway Street, South Deerfield, Mass. This meeting will be held in a hybrid fashion with the
opportunity for both in-person attendance and remote participation. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is being provided as a courtesy to the public, the meeting or hearing will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast unless otherwise
required by law. Members of the public with a particular interest in any specific item on this agenda should make plans for inperson versus virtual attendance accordingly. The meeting will be held in person in the main meeting room with Deerfield Municipal Offices in accordance with Mass General Law Chapter
3A. Anyone attending intending to record the meeting must identify themselves so the clerk can provide their name and address for the record. Um so I'll call the meeting to order. Um we do have public comment as well. So um I think
when we get to um I know we're discussing and u probably voting on the um entertainment license for Treehouse. So, if people want to talk on that subject, I will allow public comment on that um section of the agenda. But if there's
any other items that people want to talk about beforehand, any other want to address the board or any other questions, you could raise your hand or come up to the mic. And uh seeing none, we'll just keep
rolling forward. Um, so we have a we have one um appearance. Um, Ken Ellisstein uh regarding a proposed nicotine-free generation policy in Deerfield is here in attendance. Great.
>> Yes, please come up. Introduce yourself. You have to pretty much eat the microphone. So, right up close to you for people on on Zoom. That'd be great. >> Is it Is it flavored from Sugarloaf? >> It is. >> So, welcome. Thank you. Uh, glad to be
here. Um, I'm Kenstein. I'm a member of the board of health in uh, Belchtown. >> Okay. >> Um, I'm previously on the select board. I was past president of the county select boards association. >> Great. >> Um, so I'm here to talk to you about uh,
tonight about nicotine-free generation. Uh in a nutshell, nicotine-free generation is a policy that have now been adopted by 21 cities and towns in Massachusetts with total populations of over 627,000
people. And what it does is instead of using the state national minimum age in which tobacco sales can be made at age 21, it instead sets a date. It does not affect any current uh nicotine uh user.
It does not affect the merchants to sell to any of their customers. But for example, in Belchtown, we passed it exactly a year ago, December 2024, uh went into effect January 1st. And so
we set a an effective date of January 1st, 2004, which meant that people the last January who had reached the age of 21 could no longer be sold nicotine in Belchtown. We have 10 vendors in in
Belchtown. And so far I I can tell you I have not heard any push back at all about it, which is kind of astonishing. When you're in the board of healthy here and select board, you hear push back on everything. Yeah. >> Um
in particular the uh turnover uh the conversion with the merchants was essentially uh free from any any issues. They needed new signage which we provided uh saying that it's a date rather than the year. Um since that time
um number of other communities here in the Pioneer Valley have passed it. uh most re uh Conway Leverett here in uh Franklin County. Uh town of Amoris is the most recent. Um uh South Hadley um
and there are a number of other towns also around here that are actively uh considering it. Uh Buckland and Shelurn had a joint meeting. I guess it was in November. They're going to pick up with it again in in uh in January. Uh I have
an appointment with uh Northampton, Montigue. Um so it's really taking off and not only here but in other parts of the states as well. Uh I just uh in the last uh seven days spoke before two uh
uh boards in uh nearby Worcester County. Um I guess everybody knows that nicotine addiction causes great harm. cancer, heart disease, strokes and then various things that may
not be fatal uh like macular degeneration, blindness and things like that. Um I think that the try to find the quote. Yeah, the best quote I have heard on this topic, this is a sign that
is appearing on convenience store um windows in Connecticut. We went down there during uh Thanksgiving weekend. The what it says on here is quote, "A primary way youth get access to tobacco
products is from consumers of legal age." Youth get access to tobacco products from consumers of legal age. Now, the surprising thing is that the entity that wrote this, that signed this is Philip Morris USA and two other
subsidiaries of Altria. I could not have said it better myself because the reality is that the majority of people the something like 80 90% of people start nicotine addiction either as teens
or even pre-teens. I mean you probably in the middle school here have eight or 10% of your students uh vaping right now. And what this does is what nicotine-free generation does and we've
had uh success with it is it increases the distance between youth and legal age. A 26 year old is not hanging out with 14y olds, but 21 year olds are hanging out with 18 year olds. Uh we
were particularly happy that this passed in in uh town of Amoris because they have 26,000 undergraduates almost all of whom are under age 21 and they're interacting every day with 21-year-old legal purchases. >> Um
I can tell you on a personal level uh my grandfather died when I was when he was 49 years old of cancer. Uh I never met him, he never met me. Uh, bad as that was, because they had spent their entire
life savings on on his health care, uh, my my grand my widowed grandmother and my 12-year-old mother were pushed into poverty, which really affected their entire lives from that point on. And what we're trying to do here is prevent
that from happening for uh, people here. Um, I do want to say um because we all know many of our friends, many of our neighbors look at everything through a very partisan lens.
>> And this is nonpartisan or if you prefer bipartisan. um when the town of um Needm first passed Tobacco 21 all by themselves, only place in the United States, maybe the only
place in the world in 2003. It took more than six years before a second town in Massachusetts passed it. But there's really good academic research that shows that even though anybody could walk across the border to any of their neighboring towns to buy cigarettes,
mostly in those days, the it cut the teen and pre-teen nicotine use by 50%. So what happened? Six years later, the second town of Massachusetts pay passed it and many more passed it. There are
351 municipalities in Massachusetts. 175 of them were needed before the state legislature got its act in order and passed it in Massachusetts, the first state to do it. Passed by the Democratic dominated
legislature, signed by Republican Governor Charlie Baker. A few years later, with bipartisan support in Congress, a bill to make tobacco 21 the law of the entire country passed. And in December 2020, it was signed by President Trump. This is not Democrats
or Republicans. This is bipartisan, and we're out there to try to prevent as many kids from getting addicted as we can. So, as I said, it's it's really beginning to take off. Um, and uh I hope you join us
and consider uh amending your tobacco regulations to do that. Um, and then go through whatever process. and I look forward to coming back and speaking again. >> Thank you. Have um have you thought has your organization also thought about alcohol?
>> Okay. Well, first of all, we don't have an organization. We're a bunch of Okay. We're we're a bunch of very informal volunteers. >> Okay. We've I know how that works. >> Decided setting up an organization starts to get really messy. I mean, you know, one person says something stupid
to a newspaper reporter and then the whole organization's in trouble. It sounds like you've been in politics before. >> Before most of you were born, probably. My first campaign was I was 12 years old distributing flyers for uh Massachusetts
senator named John Kennedy. >> Um >> good. >> Let's see. You've taken me off. Oh, yeah. Alcohol. >> This is different. We're not We're not talking about anything else other than >> I know. I'm just saying like alcohol
alcohol in the 1920s and 30s was really quite different. >> Uh if that if that's what your question >> No, no. I'm I'm I'm just as devastating. >> Yes. >> Uh to to families and poverty and I just wondered, you know, why why
>> haven't haven't done it. Haven't done it. And I'm I'm just to finish that point in the 1920s and 30s because we hear some of the supporters of big tobacco at these hearings >> uh compare it to that
>> the that the big difference there was it took away a habit and a right and a social interaction. Yeah. >> In the 1920s or teens I guess >> that they were already used to. this
will not remove a single legal nicotine act from from uh obtaining it. So it's a very slow very gradual and I think the lack of push back is because it's had such a marginal effect. I mean, yeah. I
mean, um, you talk about alcohol. I, uh, I know that, uh, Tom, which we also banned in Belchtown, by the way. >> K R A T O M. It's the natural thing is a
leaf that comes from Indonesia. Oh. >> And there's a synthetic version. >> I've heard of that something. >> And it's now been, we were the first town in Massachusetts to pass. It's now been passed by something like five others. And I >> Yeah. >> Uh just met uh uh my my own state
senator Jacob Oliver last night. He says there's a good chance it'll pass the legislature. >> Yeah. >> Um different products. There's a lot of bad stuff out there. >> There is. >> Um and this one is being handled really carefully because big and nicotine, I
guess, is probably the biggest of the >> the biggest of the group. But um >> Okay. Oh, >> I have a couple of handouts. >> I love them. We'd love to do some >> This is I I'll hold it up to the camera.
>> These are These pictures were taken in a legal tobacco. >> How fun. Nice kids toys. >> Tobacco. uh dealer in Massachusetts.
And what you see is these are vapes and supposedly they're not selling to young people. Remember the quote I had there from Philip Morris? >> Yeah. >> Uh the teddy bear is really intended for 45 year olds. Right. >> Sure. >> Sure. And the one I in particular and
you know this the these are vapes which you can put music on and while you're vaping I mean >> technology in the 21st century is so amazing the bottom right corner there's that thing frozen peach and all nicotine
sales that involve flavors are illegal in Massachusetts except I guess flavored peach in this particular dealer. One of the dealers told us in Belchtown, "Well, we just think the wholesalers won't send us anything that's illegal." Yeah, >> sure. I won't. >> This was an exception.
>> Um Oh, I also have another handout, and this is just a I don't know if I had forwarded to you before. It's um a quick Q&A. >> Yeah. >> Oh, no, we don't have the Q&A. We do have your first kind of a cover letter. >> Yeah. in uh
>> is this the one? >> Yeah, we have this. >> Oh, we do have this. Okay, good. Yeah. All right, >> we have >> Thank you. >> At least I did my homework once. >> Yes. >> Okay, >> nice job. >> Great. Well, thank you, >> everybody watching.
>> There you go. >> That teddy bear, we really appreciate it. >> Yes. And a guitar. >> Perfect for g perfect for Christmas. Thank you, Ken. >> Thanks a lot. >> Really appreciate the information and and your work.
>> All right. Um any uh select board reports, announcements you want to hit on the moment? I don't um I don't think we're going to see everybody before
holiday. So, wish everybody a great holiday season with your families. Um be safe. Um no drinking and driving. I know the police I did see the message. They're putting up some stop areas, so that shouldn't be the only reason you
don't do it. I'm just saying. Please don't. Uh, but I hope you all enjoy time with your families and take a minute to slow down in this busy crazy world and um enjoy some time with your families. Um,
let's see. I don't I know that uh just we're doing some walkthroughs um at the 112 Ammeris Road for the possible senior center building. Um I saw there's a dinosaur out there holding a whiteboard with some dates and times. So, if you
want to go and see what the building looks like, um, uh, that that's available. And, um, that's it. So, do you have anything you want to hit on? >> No. >> Okay. >> Blake, you're good. Okay. >> Yeah, I'm good.
>> Okay. Thank you. Um, we have a um, board of health. Um, any discussions here? I know we have a first reading for the uh draft board of health fats, oils, and grease, which is the fog uh subsurface disposal, sanitary
sewer regulations, pursuant to mass general law, chapter 111, section 31. Um I thought, yeah, Ned Ned's here. Hey, Ned, how are you? Good to see you. >> Hey, good. How are you? >> Good, good, good, good. Um,
>> yeah, Trevor, we might even want to just hold off on that one until Alex Galloway is with us. She's going to be hopping on from the community preservation committee meeting in a little bit. >> Sounds good. >> Uh, and I know she's been working with Ned on on advancing those, so she might want to say something about it.
>> We'll definitely hold on that then. Um, >> so then, uh, we can just do our minutes real quick and then move on. Um, so I'm make a motion here to get motions. I move that the select board approve the meeting minutes of December 3rd, 2025,
December 10th, 2025, and December 10th, 2025 tax classification hearing minutes as presented. >> Second. >> Thank you. Any further discussion or changes? All those in favor? >> Blake Gilmore I. >> Tim Hil.
>> Trevor McDaniel. Thank you very much. We are nice to see us caught up again as usual. Um, and then I don't see Alex on yet. So, we can do this after. So, that's done. That's done. That's that's done. So, we can um
we could get into the discussion and action items um to uh vote on Treehouse Brewing Company's 2026 entertainment license and conditions of approval. Um, >> welcome Sarah. How are you? Hi,
>> good to see you. >> I'll try to do the microphone better this week. >> Um >> Chris, do you want to do give a just an update of where where you're at? I know. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> A bunch and helping on this. >> Yeah, absolutely. And we've we've also
got Alex Castro from town council on Zoom with us tonight. >> Welcome, Alex. >> Um so, yeah. So, back good to see you. back in uh I think November, we had an initial kind of meeting where there was an opportunity for residents just let let us know how they were feeling about Treehouse and the outdoor concert
program. Um and then, you know, earlier this month, we met with Treehouse uh in a select board meeting and and heard a little bit of uh that perspective as well. Um you know, we've since had an opportunity to draft some some conditions for the approval of the entertainment license. Um, I circulated
those this week between Treehouse and our public safety personnel, uh, and of course some other staff here. Um, so we think we've got a pretty good draft list which was included in your packets. Um, I'll just hit some highlights. Um, you know, kind of reiterating from the
special permit as amended for Treehouse on the uh, time for concerts to conclude. um a couple blackout dates that we talked about with Sarah last time just to yes make sure first first night of school isn't an issue for folks, >> right? >> Um and then also some potential
limitations on uh concerts in September. Um you know, maybe having an earlier uh stop time for those and limiting the number of concerts as well. >> Yep. Uh and then to to Greg's work, you know, obviously we're going to have Klondike um you know, making sure
they're adhering by the WHO standards for safe listening and then also um you know, working on basically a sound study to make sure that they can >> try and pinpoint some areas where there are ways to reduce the bass reverberations that are really causing the most kind of concern in the
community. Yeah. So, they're going to uh at least the condition we have right now is for them to report back after this concert season and let us know, you know, what solutions they've identified to uh mitigate those problems. And then just last two items on here, uh you know, requirement for an emergency
action plan or operations plan to be signed off on with our public safety personnel. This is something we've, you know, uh consistently asked of Treehouse and they've been good partners in working with our public safety to make sure those events are safe. Um, and then it has some additional uh, you know,
language around that. So, so I think Sarah, you brought up you had some questions for the board or some some suggestions on these conditions, but uh, just wanted to kind of set the table there for everyone. >> Yeah. >> Um, Chris, I'm not sure. Do I have the same language that the select board is
looking at that >> You should. Yeah. Y just want to make sure we're talk speaking off the uh, same doc. Well, um I would thank Chris and Greg again for um working with Treehouse over the past month or so. So
we gain a full appreciation for the feedback um received from the residents in that discussion from the select board uh from public safety and um I just I I very much thank you and commend you and and let this um board know that as a you
know business operating in the town, your town administrator and assistant town administrator have I think been doing the good work on on behalf of the community. So, thank you again >> um for that and uh in the spirit of collaboration because we all would like to see um businesses be successful and
and also um offer be an amenity and a community gathering place. Um that that's definitely the the spirit of collaboration that we're coming with and and I thank everyone for that. Um thus far we've worked through uh several of these points. So if I'm looking at the
same language uh that that you are um number one and and two absolutely understood >> um you know the blackout dates we get it. I think I >> let it be known that I have four kids and have all the times been through
that. I totally understand that and and we have plenty of uh parents that work with Treehouse and um uh understand that plight of the transition back. So, the good thing is we're early enough that um you know when we get to put offers out
for booking, these are blackout dates. Everybody in the in the system and talent booking knows that that that is happening. >> Thank you. >> Um >> no, it it's completely uh understandable and reasonable and something this knowing this this early that that we can do. >> Yeah. >> Um
>> number three, as we discussed previously, um we we lease this stage. Uh we have it for June, July, August. Um but we would also like the opportunity if one should arise that we get to do something spectacular or really
appealing to the community and folks that um visit and come from far and wide. Um that we can do shows in September. Understood uh the desire to to limit to the two shows. um as a
practical matter I I can't I just don't think that that's going to happen what um the circumstances we had last year. So certainly we understand um that as a condition of approvals the 930 um that I saw in this language the the challenge
the treehouse has with that and again we don't have anything booked. We're planning on packing up the stage. Uh but the challenge with that is that we would then um possibly lose out on acts that require an opener. um we've all been to shows, you know, they like to warm up
the crowd and some of the more desirable acts would really like that. And so, um that would mean we'd have to close our tap room earlier, which would cut off access on those dates to the general public that did not get a chance to buy a ticket to the show. And I know it
sounds like, oh, just that hour is, you know, going from the 10:30 to the 9:30. Um it it's just a domino effect. So, um I in in speaking with the team, I believe we can still fit in um the
option for an opener if it's a 10:00 um cutout. But truly, and I've said this all along, like we we all want to go home. We want these shows to conclude. We um we appreciate, you know, if there's weather delay and people show up, we we want to give them what they've
asked for. Um but that hour actually does make um a significant difference in terms of our ability to book certain certain acts. So hypothetically because we're planning on setting the stage back. >> I think the hard part for us is really
it it's around that school. It's the beginning of school >> and you know with music going and loud people can hear feel at um you know at 10:00 at night that that's really tough in that first section of of school. So
that that's why we really wanted to bring it in a little bit to 9:30 which is you know still late for kids that are trying to you know parents are trying to get their kids down. Um but you know if they're still playing at you know 15 after 10 and it's you know I think
that's when we got most of the calls and could really understand >> from from the residents how you know how difficult it was. Um >> so my ask is just meet in the middle. We coming from 10:30 9:30 and I I really do understand and we are talking about this
>> hypothetical scenario but the the dominoes and then prohibiting us from certain opportunities that I think the community um would benefit from the just in case. It also depends on the act, right? You know, some some it's we don't get a call on and others, you know, are really loud
and it's like or not, I shouldn't say really loud, but just are the more ones that drive that phone call more more than more than others. Um, so uh your request Okay, so we can we can come back to that. >> And then um there was some language
about review of contracts that seems unusual at least in my experience. Um, our contracts are kind of a network of talent booker, musicians, uh, ticket brokers, insurance companies.
Is that something that has been >> Was that on >> removed? >> Yeah. Second line of the third condition there. >> I would just ask us to >> we we we will comply with orders of
conditions. Of course, I would ask that we are able to have our >> vendor relations be our responsibility. >> Mhm. >> Now, in my reading, this is this is specifically to anything that happens
um in September. >> Correct. Yeah, that's the intention. >> Yeah. This is not We don't want to see your contracts throughout the whole season. It's like we want to make sure that the bands understand that they've got this who requirement and uh any
other sound mitigating things that apply. So I could let Alex Costa speak about that if he has a thought, but >> my thought was you you just um I guess the idea is to just let let us know that that was in the contract and I think
everything else could be emitted. Correct. I mean I don't need to know anything. I don't need to know if you have a green room or a red room or a purple room for inner talent to, you know, I just basically want to make sure that the bands are aware that we've had sound noise issues that um we're trying
to mitigate. And >> so confirmation um that we have um >> relayed that info. >> Yes. And and that we've we've made that commitment with with the bands. I I think that >> nothing else we don't need,
>> but this language says review of contract and that seems highly unusual. >> We could word smith that for sure to to to clean that up. I I would think Alex did I just >> Yeah. I mean unusual though it may be. I mean it is within the boy's authority.
Um and and then again I would just say who knows what's in them. You know, if you want to take a look, again, you have no say in the contract between Treehouse and whoever the entertainer is, but >> there's nothing wrong with you having a gander at it to see what's going on there. And it's perfectly within your authority under the statute.
>> So, really for me, it's just to just make sure that you've had that conversation >> and maybe we can work >> I'll do some word smithing while the conversation continues. How about that? >> Thank you. Thank you. Um
>> and then the uh on on the fourth point if if you would like I can respond or >> Yeah, let's go. Yeah, go down each line. >> Um so on the fourth point uh great call about the sound engineer. My suggestion for this is that we also insert andor
production manager because that's an additional person that touches that. And so we're saying this because um we want to make sure that you know that there are options for multiple eyes and multiple people. It's not just um this one role. So if you don't want to
include it, that is fine. But >> what was your you said production manager? >> Uh yes. >> Okay. And I think that >> so we we just added that. >> You added it. Okay. Good. Yep. So we've got it. Thank you for that. >> Yeah. I I'm just, you know, if >> a question comes up and it happens to be a production manager that is answering
for this on that given time, I I think it's just more inclusive for >> Yep. >> the language here. Um, >> and then I feel like maybe uh Greg weed, you're probably better to explain this to me, but we
>> I'm so sorry. Would you mind just speaking a little louder? I know I'm remote and I appreciate it. >> Hi. Sorry about that. Um, >> that was perfect. So sorry. Thank you so much. >> No, not not at all. Uh we're talking about number five. Um and that study.
So, uh we we brought out Klondike uh last week and um I I I'm not in the position to talk all the science that we discussed >> last week. Um but to summarize um based on some white papers, some different
studies, discussions um w with Greg and um John Sanders and with Klondike, we talked about a new array um for the subwoofers and I'm going to stop myself there going any any deeper. Um >> but that is how we will be opening the
season. uh knowing that there's a myriad of conditions that can change on that night at that hour. Um some of the I I guess impact or or feel, but we're really looking um at um what is the word
that low frequency >> propagation. Thank you. I'm I'm going to get an expert at this. Um, and so we are willing and and we are in investing further resources to not just set it and forget it, >> right?
>> Um, >> but I will say this isn't we're doing a Tetra Tetris Lego set every week because >> the conditions could be different. Um, we will continue to make our best efforts. We intend to be the best
neighbors we possibly can be. We want to be as reasonable as possible and we do value the residents of this town. >> Sure. >> Um so absolutely not ignoring that. There was some language in here that said uh sound study before the season starts. We need to try this new array in
order to study that. And our plan was Oh, sorry. Go ahead. >> No, I I think that language was like we thought you would set it up as best you could and then work it for a while and then we would have something for the following season, right? 27. Is that correct?
>> Yeah, I think and and Sarah's going over ground. I think we managed to cover between the two of us. So, yeah, that that issue has been addressed. >> Okay, wonderful. >> Thank you. I So, I I think what I'm re reiterating is that >> um we're making a change. We've I I
analyzed it quite extensively and Treehouse is um is committed to if we need to make those changes and adjustments and invest uh some more resources for that um we will do so. >> Thank you. That's great.
>> And then uh number six um I wanted to uh asking to add the word ticketed events um because it's got events. We have an occupancy of that space and people hopefully will walk in and Christmas and
have their Christmas parties and all those things. A very big space, very big, right, >> campus. Um and our days are people coming in and out all day. Um, so, uh, where the ticket event, it starts at this time and it's a it's a it's just a different scenario where you would have
a traffic detail. So, um, I I would ask that we add ticketed events because it's just different than a Saturday. >> Correct. Yeah. Public. >> Excellent. Thank you. Um, and and forgive me if this is all all >> No, it's okay. It's good to cover it. >> Um, and and then lastly, you know, we
look forward to working with public safety. um have have some initial comments all of which that I think that uh we'll be able to review. It' be great if we can all get in the room at the same time, different people that um weigh in and sign off on the EOP or EAP.
>> Um and we would like very much to have that conversation maybe the first week. I know it's holidays, everyone has everyone has families and lives. Um, but we'd like to have that um sooner than later because we may be in a little bit of a holding pattern and um I want to be
able to, >> you know, release and um and meet the commitments and have this be a robust >> um fruitful slate for this season from our employees to to the residents and and the community. >> Sure. That sounds great. I think we
>> I think that's all for me. >> Good. That sounds good. So >> just to just to clarify on on condition five, >> yes, >> is that the uh the subwoofer array the the dual subwoofer sort of cardio array
that is a part of the the study. So just so people are clear that that's a part of what's going on is that >> you can, >> you know, set up your arrays, try them out, see where the null points are, see where it's, you know, where if if it's
actually directed where you want it to go um >> adjust >> and adjust. Yeah. Over time and and it could be, you know, just meet touching base with Klondike a month later when it's a little bit warmer and just saying, you know, I'm going to drive around. Let's talk uh and see how this is working and we'll you know keep
checking into it on a continual basis. >> Yes. And and Klondike knows that that's part of the contract for for this year. Perfect is those check-ins. So thank you Greg. >> Yeah. Great. Well um I think
I'm trying to think. Um maybe I would take uh public comment and then I'll make a motion on the item. So I'll take public comment for a time if anyone has things to say. Then I'll make a motion on the
conditions uh for the license and then we'll vote. And I would I would just also hasten to add, you know, we do have a couple items on here that Sarah had asked about tweaking. And so I don't know if the board wants to consider that, but just >> correct. That was the um the 10:00
versus the 9:30, right? On after the September time frame, right? I think that was the one >> um >> item that you had asked about. >> That was um to add uh production manager. >> Please add that. We've done that and
then ticketed >> and those are there >> and then I I did some word smithing while you were talking. Um so I I updated condition three the second line to say um evidence that the contract between the lency and the performer reflects this requirement. So that is
the 9:30 requirement for now um shall be submitted to the select board prior to the event. I hope that gives us a little bit more wiggle room so we're not doesn't feel like we're purring open your entire contract >> and and we would be that's something we'd be able to provide as soon as we
had if we had booking for that but again again to reiterate that we would be asking for that um 10 10 o'clock >> yes Alex did you have a comment there I thought you were >> No say I like Chris's revision >> okay thank you thank you um okay we'll start with public comment I see Matt
Matt Tuttle you have you have your hand So folks, >> you can I don't think it >> Yes, I did the mic. >> Um, >> welcome. >> I'm wondering if it's possible Oh, sorry. Matt Huddle, one Weightley Road. Um, I'm wondering if it's possible to
add any specificity 2.5 or condition five to uh really detail the cardioid array. Um I think in the past and and from Sarah herself we've been told that things
would happen and then uh regarding the concert uh frequency and Treehouse has gone back on that. So I wonder if we can put those conditions into the actual um license renewal this year. Um
additionally the cardioid subwoofer array seems somewhat directionally effective. Um so is it possible to specify that the stage has to be pointed at the um least inhabited area
uh rather than you know closer homes. Uh I know that it seems that being downrange uh directly down range from the stage the cardioid array seems to be less effective as opposed to
on the sides or the rear of the stage. Um so I'm wondering if that can be added into the condition. Um so just from from my point of view I wouldn't want to um specify anything particular because we're I this is going
to be a work in progress as we're adjusting. So I wouldn't want to say this many feet out this many you know this this direction here until we kind of get it in and get feedback from residents as that's coming in and and from the study and the people who are looking at it to say hey this is working
this isn't working. Um, I think we have a commitment that you are planning to adjust and we're planning to adjust and I'm sure we're going to hear from people uh as it's going on and we want to hear good or bad or however it's changed from one year to the other. So, we know what we're doing is working. Um, but it'd be
hard to I think it would be hard to specify exactly how that that's going to happen at the moment. Um if I may, I just also wanted to reiterate um what was described in the last meeting and I think in conversations last season is
that the changing conditions that are beyond um Trios's control and the variance uh between I guess um the the impact from date to date and it's incredibly weather dependent. So >> um
>> as as I said every single show we can't say well this night now we're going to take this whole thing and put it down. We are absolutely committed to continue to make those uh tweaks as you had our sound engineer last last week. >> Yep. Thank you.
>> Any other public comments? hearing. None. I'll read the uh motion. I might need a little help on two because I don't I don't have that, but I'll uh or on three. Um second second sentence of three. So um I move the select board approve the 2026 entertainment license for Treehouse
Brewing Company on the following conditions. One, in keeping with the written decision by the Deerfield Zoning Board of Appeals, dated August 18th, 2021, recorded with the Franklin County Registry of Deeds as book 7867, page 65
on October 5th, 2021. The Lency shall conclude all outdoor concerts by 10:30 p.m. The license Lency shall hold no outdoor concerts on Wednesday, August 26th or Thursday, August 27th, 2026.
Uh, that was two. Number three, um, should the Lency hold outdoor concerts after August 31st of 2026, these events shall conclude no later than 1000 p.m.? Um, evidence contracts between the lency
and the performer reflecting this requirement shall be submitted to the select board prior to the event unless and any other I think that's about what you have, right? >> That's that was perfect. >> Okay, great. Um, unless otherwise approved by the select board, outdoor
concerts held in in 2026 after a August 31st shall be limited to no more than two per week. Um four, the lences sound engineer and/or production manager operating the uh public address or PA system for outdoor concerts shall make
all reasonable efforts to adhere to the sound level recommendations set forth in the quote world uh health organizations WH global standard for safe listening venues and events quotes. Um five, the
licences contracted PA company shall conduct a sound study to determine effectiveness means of mitigation mitigating low frequency sound waves propag uh propagation during outdoor concerts and report to the select board on the results of this study and
appropriate measures to lessen the impact of lowfrequency sound waves prior to renewal of this license for the 2027 outdoor concert session. Uh six, the ticketed events with attendance in excess of 600 uh persons shall be
contingent upon execution of an event emergency operations plan, the EOP, approved by the Deerfield uh emergency management director, Deerfield Police Chief, South Deerfield Fire District Chief, South County EMS Chief, Deerfield
Board of Health Agent, and Deerfield uh building commissioner. uh si uh seven said plan shall uh approve um shall be approved no less than 120 days prior to the season's first outdoor concert. Should the EOP fail to be executed by
such time, the select board may at their discretion limit uh events for the season under to under uh 1,500 attendees andor approve a plan unilaterally. Um said plan shall take into account the
select board conditions of approval for any alterations of premises uh dated April 11th, 2023 and conditions of approval for amendments to the licences farmer brewery por permit dated December 27th, 2023.
Do I have a second for purposes of discussion? Second. >> Thank you. and discussion. >> I I was wondering why um as far as the beginning of the season, when is that going to start?
>> Oh, do Yeah. Go. Do you have a >> June? >> A June. >> The the stage is coming and our plan is June, July, and August. >> So, we talking June 1st? We talking the middle of June? When are we talking? >> Yes. June 1st. >> June 1st.
>> That's when Okay. So, >> we still have kids in school during that time period as well. I mean, are we still going to take into consideration the the time element for that? I um I had the sense that
by June, you know, they're wrapping up class and um I mean, I guess it depends on number of snow days and all that kind of stuff and where they are in their curriculum, but usually I didn't think June was as um
as impactful on, you know, people are already in a routine and they're winding down their classes and they're Um, I didn't think it was as as impactful as like that shock of the end of summer and giving up on your freedom and going back
to the the regime of uh school and parents stressed about getting everybody ready. But um I'm open to hearing any other uh opinions on it, but I didn't think is it was as important for um like concert end time or something like that.
But >> Greg, was there any comments during the month of June or were they mostly during the summer months? >> Um, yeah, Mo actually, yes, most of the com most of the the feedback came in July and August. There was there were
far less um people calling in in June, especially in the beginning of June. >> And the other thing that I'd like to ask is how many concerts when there's no restriction will they be doing per week? This goes back to triath.
>> Yeah. What are you thinking? I mean, >> so as as I understand it, um the way the bookings go is you put out x number of offers and you have to be prepared to host these shows. So you don't double
book on the same day. Um but you also have to be prepared that a good number of them will not be able to or um we don't meet their occupancy threshold and all the kind of financials beyond that.
So at this moment we couldn't say you know we're going to have x number of of shows um because we we don't know how many offers we're going to to have accepted. Um it is our desire and actual
need to have a robust slate in order to support a program. Um and the our our business plan is not just hold a few events. We've trying to make this a part um an important part of music in this
region where there really is a void. So that is a long way of saying um I I do not have that number right now, but we are making our best efforts to be um a a bright spot in this community and have um a place for music and people that
enjoy it. So from a practical standpoint, um you haven't booked on Fridays and Saturdays um because typically national or international acts can play larger venues on the weekends and so they're
typically not available. Is that a correct? >> I am aware that is is a big consideration. >> And um so from a practical standpoint, we're talking about Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Um, so a potential of if you booked every night, there would be four concerts in a
particular week, but more typically we've seen two concerts. Um, sometimes three, but more rarely three. Um, you anticipate having a similar profile this year. >> I know you're I'm not asking you to commit.
>> Can you throw a dart for us? >> I Yeah. And I and I don't I'm really I I don't mean to keep giving um the same answer, but I I also um don't want to be disingenuous and I you know we are again um we've got a great group of professionals that are trying to put
together a diverse group of acts to cater to a wider array of people. So everyone is invited to Treehouse, all concert goers. Um and and at this time we don't have that locked in. >> Thank you. Okay.
Well, 13 weeks, three concerts a week is 39 concerts is, you know, if you're lucky, just as an idea, I guess roughly. So, less than 39 maybe, who knows? Something like that. Um,
>> I just just because I think it's relevant here. I think the special permit limited them to 100 or fewer. So, >> yeah. >> So, you're not up against that yet? >> We're not up against that. >> I definitely not the intent. >> Yeah. Just just kind of That's a That's a lot of work for everybody.
>> I I I our staff would be grateful to >> You'd be looking for staff. >> Okay. So, we have um we have a motion and a second. Any further discussion from the board? >> Just want to take a quick gander at um calendar for
>> sure. 2026. I'm just trying to think about uh you know Blake's point of in June. Um I know it's it's impossible for us to we know that the school is planning to
close by June X date >> barring snow. um whether there's any logic to saying if that date is June 10th. Um that we tell them any concerts before June 10 need to stop at 10:00. Um
if snow days ensue and they've already planned their roster, then those those limitations might go away. This is just an idea. >> Well, I think Tim, the thing is, you know, everybody Trevor was talking about winding down. you've got finals during
that time period as well. So there is some times where the kids have to have, you know, have their time uh to finish up whatever the projects they have and that sort of thing. So I think it's like you said, maybe not as crucial as when they're starting school, but there's
still a time period that they have to we have to kind of check in and uh make sure that we're not uh disrupting that the school year basically. And the only thing I've got to say is Greg's going to be the one that's going
to tell us how it we're going to that mitigation of the sound and everything else is going to take place over the summer months so that we know that there's going to be a smoother transition between concerts and that uh we're not going to be standing out there
all summer along because of the complaints. Correct. >> No. >> What are you asking, Blair? >> Exactly. >> You know what I'm asking? You're asking me to create miracles. I I will help with the sound for sure.
>> Uh, you know, concerts are are have a particular bomb. We will do our best. I will work uh with Klondike to do our best to to help mitigate >> uh the sound. So my question to that is do are you going to be on site during some of these concerts to actually be
able to check on what's happening? >> Yes, just just as I was this past summer. Yeah, I will be on site for some of these. >> I'm sure I'll be joining you. >> That would be nice, Blake. >> So are somebody making a motion for the
spring till the 10th or are we just um going to see how it goes and adjust it as needed? Maybe maybe that's a point of adjustment um that we say look if I it would only affect two or three possibly four. I mean but um you know I I feel
like you know this is a meeting in halfway point as well. We don't know how many snow days are going to be, if there are going to be any snow days. But, um, you know, one of the things that I was interested in getting Treehouse's agreement on is
concerts, uh, adjustments. If there are going to if there's going to be a concert on a school night, there should be some adjustment. And we've managed to do that at the end of the season. Um, so maybe this is something we we see how this season goes >> and and next
>> if if we can just get a the word that, you know, if if we do still have school in session that they try to abide by what we're doing in the fall and then if it comes down to it that they get out early, then after that all bets are off.
>> They can handle whatever handle it however they do for the regular season. I guess just my my comments were when speaking with the superintendent, he was not as concerned at the end of this year, but I I hear you about the
um finals, that kind of thing. So, um it's it's really if somebody wants to make a a motion or to to amend this, we can do that. or again >> I'm not even sure how to amend it because it would be a floating type
>> yeah can't do that. >> I'm I am inclined to say let's uh revisit this >> for next season >> next season and see. I mean >> I I I'm optimistic and as I always am
when businesses come that they they're going to work with the town and and Treehouse has done that maybe less successfully than some people would like but uh card, >> you know, uh this is a major change in um how they've been willing to
cooperate with us. So, um >> yeah. >> Yeah. I let's go with this and uh and then, you know, see how it goes. >> And Sarah, you know what we're trying to achieve and I know as you talk with other people, I think you'll relay that
message that you know we're trying to be good neighbors and it's really around the school night kind of thing is the hard part mostly. So, >> may may I ask you a question? No, >> of course. >> I I heard the discussion, but I believe um there has not been a change to the
>> There has not. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Yeah. I was just going to if this if this helps the um I was looking at the the season for this last summer, they had about six in six concerts in June. >> Oh, okay. >> 12 in July,
>> nine in August, and four in September. >> Okay. So that gives you a sort of a breakdown and that most of them are happening in July and August. >> Thank you. Yep. Thank you. That helps. >> Okay. Um any further discussion? All those in favor?
>> Blake Gilmore I. >> Tim LG I. >> Trevor McDaniel I. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you for working with us and look forward to continuing that collaboration. >> Yes. Thank you so much. >> Thank you.
everyone with. >> Thanks, Alex. >> Thank you, Alex. Thank you, Alex. Really appreciate your help. >> Yep. Have a good night. >> Have a nice holiday. >> Um, >> so just note, uh, Alex has joined us, the other Alex, not the Alex.
>> How are you? Welcome. >> Hey. So, we were we're going to uh take a look at the um the first reading the draft uh board of health fats, oils, and grease uh subsurface disposal of sanitary sewage regulations pursuant to
mass general law chapter 111 section 31. So, you've been helping with that and uh we just get your feedback. >> Yeah, I mean this is a pretty standard template. Um, we ran it through Ned, Eric Meals, DPW, Superintendent Matt
Morse. Um, right. >> You know, it's really the same base document and guidelines that most other towns in Western Mass have used. Ned compared it with some of his firework experiences and, you know, everyone was like, "Yeah, they're pretty standard. I
don't think it'll take any businesses by surprise or anything." So, >> and I I think our companies uh restaurants and stuff do obviously now you already inspect grease traps and all. Correct, Ned? I think what you do
do Yeah. >> Yes, we do. I do. I um I make them keep a calendar of how often they're cleaning them like um just to check it off so I know they're being done.
>> Yep. Not all not all of them are on board yet, but we're getting there. >> Okay, this >> every time I inspect I remind them and um it is a violation if they don't. So, >> this will help with that obviously. >> Yeah,
>> because there is >> and I'll make sure all the restaurants get a copy hand delivered. >> Yep. >> So, they know of the ch any changes. >> And this um now I had a question. the the uh effective date
was August 12th of 2025, but is that >> I think that's highlighted. So likely wherever uh we got these from that was the effective date. Yeah, this would uh you know be at some point in January or or February of 2026. >> Perfect. So those will just get updated.
Great. >> Yeah, I read through it. Um you know, the first offense was a written warning. The second offense was $100 fine. 250 500. So, it's just kind of an escalating um fine structure and but I think the whole
idea is education and and and compliance is is always our key, >> right? And I think I think the fine structure will help motivate them. >> Yeah, it might be cheaper doing that than paying the fines, right? Um, >> yeah, and I'm sorry, I should have
explained process-wise, um, you know, this is cited in our sewer eggs that were publishing and working effective January 1. But then this is just a first reading and so we'll actually have to do a formal public hearing in two weeks of noticing before we adopt them. And at that point, then we can set that
effective date for these regulations to go into place. So, apologies. >> No, that's fine. Thank you. Thank you. And I know you're we're still working on the industrial permit too. Um yeah, it's part of that part of that um regulation. So, um great.
>> Is part of the intent of this to protect the really expensive wastewater treatment facility that we recently built? >> Great point. Yeah, I mean we this was this was partially prompted by we did have an event where there was I think a greaseberg or something like that in the
one of the wastewater treatment plants and just so we want to make sure that obviously you know the the person the the entity that was responsible for it took full responsibility and and worked with our wastewater treatment plant team to address it but we just want to have these in place so it's clear from the
outset for for any restaurants etc. >> Great. Okay. >> Thanks Ned. Thanks, Alex. >> Yeah, thank you for your work. Really appreciate your work on this. Um, >> no problem. >> Okay, moving on.
>> I didn't mean to dismiss anyone. >> Nope. >> You're welcome to stay. >> Yeah, you're welcome to stay if you want. >> Yeah. >> Um, so the next >> Have a good night, everyone. >> Thank you so much. >> Have a good night, Ned. >> You too. The next action item is to vote
on um vote on award of surplus property disposition tax map 169 lot 186 um approximately plus or minus.184 acre parcel on JW A in South Deerfield
to Oraal America's Inc. in the amount of $50,000. Um so I guess I should have just read the motion been a little easier. So, I move that um the select board award the dispossession of surplus property tax
map uh 169 lot 186 um a less than 1acre postural on JW A in South Deerfield to Oracle America's Inc. in the amount of 50,000 as recommended. Have a second. >> Second for discussion.
>> Thank you. Um, so this is the uh, if people remember, this is the um, barn that the DPW used as storage uh, before our original before our new um, uh, DPW building was built. U, there used to be
a a garage and then this was kind of like storage up behind it. Um, and so we've kept DPW material in there. Um, we still have a few things to to take out of there. And then when um Orurafhall
bought the house that was on Sugarloaf Street, um they took that down and um this this kind of barn was kind of stuck landlock there. And so we we look to find a way to um to market as surplus property and dispose of it. And we put
out an RFP through Furkog and we have a bid. >> Yeah. Long awaited RFP. and and thanks to Alex for uh for you know advancing that ball down the field. Um so yeah. So Alex, I don't know if you want to talk about the the the only proposal we've
got, but uh I'm sure the select board would love to hear about it. >> Yeah, >> sure. Um yep, it is the only proposal that we received. We did actually have quite a few folks who actually signed up initially um for information on the RFP.
It was actually about 10 uh unique entities. Um but you know at the end of the day this was the only proposal we received after 30 days of being open. And um you know in in short A orall is going to do relatively the same thing they did with the house. They plan to
demo it. They're aware there's likely some um hazardous materials in the building materials just because of the age of the building some of the shingles and asbestous and such. Um, and they just generally plan to change it back to open space and green lawn space as same
as what they've done previously. So, >> great. >> Yeah. And there are some strange >> things about this little piece of land. One of which is it's sort of landlocked. It had an easement if I understand correctly. >> We had to go out and assess its value
and determine that, you know, it was worth a little more than we could just I think 40,000 plus. >> Yeah. and we couldn't just enter into a contract because it was assessed at a higher valuation. Um, so actually we we get an offer that's more than what it
was assessed at. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. It'll cover the cover the RFP and Yeah, it's great. We can um we can see it brought back to open space. It' be great. So, any further discussion?
All those in favor? Lake Kilmer I. >> Tim Hillgy I. >> Trevor McDaniel I. Thank you. And >> this will add to our tax roles. >> Yes, exactly. >> Minutely. >> Minutely. >> Going to have to make up for the paper
that was used for it. >> Yeah. 184 acres. Um >> I just gonna say there is a signature page in there if you Yes. If you haven't already signed it. Okay. >> Uh let's see.
That is not it. >> Maybe I don't have it. >> I don't have it. >> It should be It's just a single page. It should be. >> Oh, is it one of these? Cuz this is the Oh, I'm trying to think of >> this one here.
>> Executed instrument dates. Oh, yes. It does say Judith Aav down the bottom. >> Okay. And we can all sign, right? Christopher, use my stamp. >> Okay. >> We'll do if I have one. >> You should.
>> You should. I can I can I'll run and grab it. All right. >> Okay. Thank you. Um so, uh let's see. Next item is um well town administrative updates and first item is the personnel cost of
living adjustment recommendation for fiscal year 2027. >> Sure. And Alex, thanks for >> Yeah. Have a great night. You're welcome to hang out, but uh you're also welcome to hang on take. >> Yeah. Good night. Happy holidays.
>> Happy holidays. >> Um yeah. So, uh, on Monday the 15th had a meeting with the personnel board, um, to look at a recommendation for a cost of living adjustment for the fiscal year of
2027. Um, this has been kind of an unusual COLA setting year because normally we have Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price indices uh, to help guide us and because the federal government was shut down for two months, we don't have those. I think those are
going to be released tomorrow. Um, we have a rough idea of what the increase will be though. It's probably going to be around 3% because inflation has been substantial. Um, and the other consideration obviously is just the the health insurance situation
which I'll touch on after this, but um, suffice to say is challenging and is going to be pose some challenges for the budget for the town. Um so um you know I recommended a 1% uh adjustment understanding that you know our select
board our finance committee could very well increase that down the road in the budget development process uh or even increase it tonight if they felt so inclined. Um and so that was the recommendation adopted by the personnel board on Monday.
>> Yeah. I um I would like to to um I appreciate looking out for the town's finances and all, but I um I do think a two and a half I mean uh look if you look at the price index it's 2.8%. Um if you look at the northeast index like you
said it's going to be around 3%. Right now it's around 2.8 eight and generally we um you know we don't have to vote tonight what that's going to be but I think what we do need to do is provide guidance to to uh departments as they plan for
personnel uh salaries and um you know yes insurance is more expensive for the town it's also more expensive for every employee that's here and over the years we have more and more uh employees that are on contracts and have negotiated
colas. Um, and there's very few people still left that are not on contracts and um, so the impact is not as great as like the whole bunch. Um, but I and I also feel like we should be um fair in
how we're um applying colas to to all of our employees and just because they haven't grouped together and formed a a union um doesn't mean that they should be paid any less of a cola. So, um I
would recommend at least, you know, while we're developing budgets to um to develop a 2.5% um you know, plan right now. And and you know, again, over the years as we've done this, we've held off a bit to take
a final vote as we saw how all the budgets came in and really what the effect was. and we voted much later in the season on the cola, but at least for budgeting purposes um to be somewhere in line with um our
teachers, our highway, our police, everybody else. I think um it's it's just hard for everybody. So I think um that's just my two cents but hoping to hear from others >> and and just to be clear there's this
this is a cola then there's also the automatics or two and a half% step. So just to be clear from that which applies to most employees other than those who are stepped out >> correct. Yep. Unless you're at the top. Yep. I mean directionally
early in this game having a low I mean as you say the schools have already agreed um a police the the the DPW hasn't >> that's true
>> I don't know if SKIMS is done on a yearly basis at this point. Yeah, and Skims is a a good question because uh you know they have a class comp of their own now at this point. Uh I believe Josh had an opportunity to review that with the boo last night. Um
>> yeah, and I think he said he was kind of waiting to see >> what the town would do. >> Yeah, I I could be wrong about that. >> Yeah. I mean, the only thing I'm thinking, and I don't know if it's a good thought or a bad thought, is that um whatever signals we can send to people who are starting to do their
budgets that they need to look at it very closely uh and justify why they want to increase things. Mhm. >> Um that that's a good thing because we there's so much uncertainty and I do
think we're going to have to revisit the question of how do we provide health insurance to our employees across the board because at at the moment they pay 35% of the cost and I'm not sure if that's competitive with other communities in
our region. Um, so you know, there's a lot of uncertainty about this whole question and I feel more comfortable later in the budget process making these decisions than I do now. >> Yeah, I think I I agree. I I don't think we should vote on a cola right now, but
I do I kind of feel um that I would much rather, you know, cut something of capital, remove something that we plan to do. um something that we want to work
on versus the um the pay of our staff. >> Oh, absolutely. I I I do agree with that. I mean, >> but I agree that we should set that tone for for their operating budget outside of salary. You know, even, you know, two
and a half is just barely it's what what the town raises each year. It's kind of a happy, you know, it's it's kind of where where things normally go and it it may be less than what the cola is at the end of the year for people, but that, you know, that's also we may wind up at two, you know, >> that I mean, you could recommend a two
and a half uh >> just for budgeting. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> But but I think I agree, Tim, with what we send out in this letter to departments needs to be >> like this is not the year to kind of change the drapes.
>> Absolutely. whatever it might be until we get further into the year. We are in, you know, in good shape. We had good free cash. We we've been good stewards. I think this whole town, the finance committee especially, helping to um to guide the town financially. We're in good financial shape to be able to
absorb, you know, a big hit like we had last year. But how we're going to budget that going forward is going to be hard. >> Yeah. Blake, do you have any thoughts as well? I the fact that we're not voting on it, I'm fine with the with whatever we start out with as long as we can
either go up or down on it as far as I'm concerned. And uh if you're trying to send a message to them, maybe it should be 2% instead of 2 and 12% and then, you know, move up from there or whatever. Like I said, I think that uh you've got
to make sure they understand that we are in trouble with the health insurance and that sort of thing. And you know, we're going to have to try to tow the line here as far as uh the rest of the budget goes. So,
>> say one one thing that uh it's come up >> in my work in Gil is uh taking a zerobased budget approach is always in in a time, you know, year like this, it's not a bad idea to just, you know, maybe take a new approach and build it
from the ground up again and see where you land. Doesn't have to be downtown town Y, but you know, if departments are comfortable with doing something like that, that's always >> take a fresh take a fresh look at it. >> Yeah, that's a great idea. >> Yeah, definitely agree that um >> you know, it it could be a helpful
thing, especially in the >> Yeah. >> in the larger budgets, the $5 million budgets. >> Yeah. >> The $6 million budgets. Um >> you know, to to do that periodically. >> Yeah. >> It's hard to ask them to do it, though.
I mean, it's a major major undertaking. So, but it >> it may be the best thing we could do for our town going forward is to do these exercises periodically so that >> you know we get ahead of the game as
much as you can in this municipal business. >> Yeah. >> Yep. Um Yeah. I don't I don't know what that number needs to be. I'm I was thinking two and a half, but I'm I'm okay with two. I just think
>> um >> Well, I'm one doesn't cut it. >> Yeah. No, no, I agree. I Let's start at two. I Let's give Blake a Yeah. >> benefit of the doubt since we can go up and down and >> Yep. >> we still got some negotiations that are going on that are going to have an impact on this. Um so,
>> sure. >> Okay. So, consensus is too at the moment. >> That works. They'll uh we'll be sending out budget letters uh likely tomorrow or Friday to department heads. >> Okay. >> Um and then next item is just about
health insurance. So um two updates. Uh one uh Sarah Kimble, our collector treasurer, myself had a meeting with some health insurance consultants as well as the schools um just to look at some other options that are out there. Um you know, we had a Hampshire County
Group Insurance Trust Insurance Advisory Committee meeting today. uh was a little over two hours long um where Hillb Group uh their new consultant got to kind of present on the state of the trust >> and the state of the market. >> Um you know I think everyone came away
from that meeting feeling >> pretty concerned about where the trust is at. Um Shelley Para said straight up she just said we are paycheck to paycheck at this point. the reserves are essentially exhausted and the GLP1
change on October 1st has not done the trick in terms of reigning in what you know what they're facing. So everyone was you know was kind of cognizant that okay this is this is a you know we're in a very difficult situation. >> Um >> it's less encouraging than I was hoping.
I know. And and I so I just I want to be blunt about it because um it means that in all likelihood the trust in order to make continue on for however long that may be >> it's going to probably mean a rate
increase at the very least. So um beyond the 20% and then the other 20% that we've already faced. We were waiting until January, I think, then Maya was going to come visit with us, I think. Or >> correct. So, so we're fortunate in that
Sarah has really taken the initiative and uh you know, back in August, she reached out to or maybe even July, she reached out to Maya. We got them our claims data so they can give us a quote on some rates in January. Okay. >> Same thing with this other group. Um we
also have provided our claims data to them so they can give us a quote as well. >> Okay. So, we're going to have some some options uh for for a kind of parachute if it's needed. Um but I did just want to stress, you know, that the the trust is in a very difficult situation. Everyone in this meeting is aware of it.
>> Um >> and also just wanted to feel if there were any questions from the board at this point. >> I was hoping like, hey, we got things under control and you know, we're we're going to ride this out. It was close but and it was really >> I will say so so Hild Group um you know
K Futarov our our labor council had recommended them for just to work with the town. They happened to win this contract with Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust. Very good for them. >> Um they you know everyone's optimistic about the job that they can do. They they clearly know their stuff and they
have been through this kind of thing before. >> But it's pain but it's yeah it's a very challenging situation for sure. >> Wow. >> Okay. Well, >> not to end the meeting. >> Happy holidays.
>> Merry Christmas and doom. >> Feel like Scrooge Mc >> What about that open house on January 3rd for the library? That's right, Tim. >> That sounds good. Okay. Well, thanks for that update.
Um we do have an unanticipated um item here which is the uh FY27 uh Franklin Regional Council Government's highway bid signoff request. So um this would be uh I've got
a motion here. So this is our annual uh we we we group with Furkhog to um go out to bid on you know coal patch and highway materials and all the stuff that it takes to kind of do DPW work on roads and items. So they they pull all of our
money together and buying power together uh to do that. So, um, I move that the select board approve the town's participation in the fiscal year 2027 Franklin Regional Council of Government's collective highway bid for products and services and authorized the
chair to sign the relevant memorandum. >> Second. >> Second. >> Thank you. Any further discussion? Um, again, this is uh D. We do this every year. Uh looks like that you know this will be like in May or so, right?
>> Correct. Y >> so it's just get it's laying the groundwork and getting the stuff ready that we will be participating and we'll get more of the data on what the bids were later. So, all those in favor? >> Blake Gilmore. I >> Tim.
>> Trevor McDaniel. I um any other things anybody want to talk about or nothing on my end at this point unless the board has questions about any ongoing projects or
>> um No, just nice seeing the walls go up next door. >> Oh, yeah. It's exciting. Uh great great work everybody over there. I know that Tim and you everybody's been going to these meetings. I have not attended a one but it's nice to see it all happen. Uh thank you for the work that you guys all do on that and keeping things
rolling. How is there just how is the um process? Is are they on schedule? >> Yeah. Yeah. uh so far on schedule. Um you know, we're going to have a little walk through for uh the building committee early next month and also staff because now you've got walls up
and and things like that. And so it's kind of easy to to see, oh that's going to be my office. Oh, no, she's going to be over there. Great. Okay. So, but yeah, we're really excited. It's moving right along. >> And it's interesting the the sight lines that you see the architect's thought
process. There's a beautiful um arched window on the second floor. And when you look into the treasurer's uh window or the >> um you get this beautiful vista. Uh it's it's just >> I think it's going to be a lovely space
and people will be very pleased. Um, >> similar to the library when you're in that and you're looking back at the old building with the nice, you know, everything kind of got opened up after the remodel and >> you get that old beautiful architecture >> and, you know, got the second floor uh, baseball viewing,
>> you know, for the kids and the grandparents can be in there and >> yeah, you know, >> when it's rainy and there soccer's going on, they can be where it's nice and warm. >> I mean, I know kids. >> Good, good, good. Okay. Well, um yeah, again, wish you all a very wonderful
holiday season and um we have a board of health meeting tomorrow. Um should be short, but other than that, we'll see everybody. We have another Do we have a meeting before >> January? July, >> sorry. >> Whatever. We're going to skip the the New Year's
Eve meeting and uh we're going to move right to 2026. So, January 7th is our next meeting. >> Sounds great. I hope everybody has a nice time and thank you for all the work you do all year keeping us moving. So, all right, a motion to adjurnn.
>> I'll make that motion. >> I'll second it. All those in favor? >> Kilmore. I >> Trevor McDaniel I. Thank you for coming everybody. >> Thank you guys. Have a great