Okay, guys. We're going to start if everybody's ready. >> Recording in progress. >> Uh, this is the town of Nightton's board of selectman's regular meeting. Today is Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. This meeting is being recorded. The listing of matters are those reasonably
anticipated by the chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent committed by law. Would you please have a call to order present present? >> The pet car president. Now I'm going to
ask everybody to please stand for the pledge of allegiance. and uh we lost some friends this week that we want to give a moment of silence to. So, if you could just stay standing after we're done, I'd appreciate it. >> I pledge allegiance 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. >> We lost four residents uh constants, Ashley, John, Jean Garcia, and Richmond Trip.
Thank you, >> Mr. Rudy. You're up first. >> How does that always work out that you don't have to hang around? >> Karen takes care of us. So, that's why we get the gifts. >> Oh, is that what it is? >> Um, well, thank you very much for having
me tonight. And, uh, just in case I forget to say it at the end, merry Christmas, happy holidays. >> Thank you. Um uh if it pleases the board, before I talk about the matter at hand, I would just like to mention one thing from our school committee meeting last night. Um I just want to thank you for approving the donation of the police
cruiser uh to our CTE program. Um we're going to have a I'm optimistic we're going to have a criminal justice program in the next couple of years. And um uh our school committee accepted that donation last night and uh Chief Chief Nichols, SRO Hathaway, and of course the
star of the show, Oki um were there and I I just feel like it's such a strong testament and statement of the collaboration between the town and the district. So, thank you for that. >> Glad we could make use of it. Uh the main reason why I'm here tonight is just uh to ask your consideration to
approve uh the contract with the designer um architect uh for the potential project at Dyton Elementary School uh with Aerost Street Incorporated. Uh the first and foremost consideration is um obviously their fee. Uh the fee that they are accepting is
what was approved at town meeting. So there was no negotiation needed. Uh the rest of the contract is essentially boilerplate uh from the MSBA. But I think it's also important that you have some context as to why we selected Aerost Street. Uh the selection was made
by a panel of 13 people. Um of those 13 people, uh 10 of those panelists are assigned by the MSBA. Some of them work for the MSBA and some of them represent various trades um and are vetted by the MSBA. But the last three people um were
in my opinion the most important and that was Mr. Fitaco, Mrs. Coocher from our school committee um and myself. So um after screening references and interviews, Aerost Street was a convincing number one after the voting
process. Not only do they have extensive experience with MSBA projects, but they also have a strong presence in the realm of charter school renovations and construction. And as you are probably aware, charter schools do not qualify for any state reimbursement through the
MSBA. So, Aerost Street has a proven track record in designing sustainable buildings with cost savings as a priority. Another point that resonated with us was Arow Street's validation of the importance of our district strategic
plan driving toward 2030. So many community members in both of our towns contributed to that plan, and hearing Aeros's willingness to maintain fidelity to that vision is a strong indication of their commitment to listen to our community. So with your approval
tonight, we can begin the crucial components of the feasibility study which include community forums, surveys, open houses, and visioning sessions. >> Thank you. Was this approved by the entire school committee or just the building committee?
>> Uh it does not need to be approved by the school committee. >> Okay. Um and the only aspect that involves the school building committee is the delegates too which uh to that selection team which was Mr. Vanco, Mrs. Cooer and myself.
>> Okay. Thank you. Uh do you have anything like >> No, I don't have any questions. >> Okay. >> I just want to um say I had a chance to meet some of the team from Arrow Street on uh Monday MSBA meeting and I found them very engaging. They put a lot of
emphasis on what value they bring. Uh they did talk about driving towards 2030 and looking at the district's vision as Superintendent Rooney said and I I like that they already put some ideas to paper so we could see different um
visions of what the school could look like. Um but you know my biggest takeaway at the end of the meeting with Arrow Street was they really want to hear the community feedback. They want to get the word out there um on you know the process, the MSBA process and you
know what they bring to the table, what they what they do and um >> you know it's definitely what works for Dayton. They understand that. Um so I'm excited to to work with this um our street. >> Well, it certainly sounds like you did your homework in the in the group. So I
I don't have any real questions. We I've gone over it many times and we've talked about this before, but if you think that they're the finalists and and this a company that you want to work with, you've worked with them before, so you're comfortable with >> I have not worked with >> I thought you worked with them in
Attboro. >> Um I worked with the OPM >> Okay. Okay. Uh guys, this is a uh review discussion act. Um is there a recommendation on the floor to approve? I'll make a motion to approve the
contract from Arrow Street as presented. >> I'll second that. >> Motion has been made and seconded. All those in favor? I >> I chair if uh if you can't give me the authority to execute. >> Absolutely. >> I will make another motion to give the town administrator the authority to
execute the uh contract. >> Motion made second. Any more discussion? All those in favor? I >> Great. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you so much. Good luck. >> Thank you for moving the >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Elizabeth, you're up. >> Good evening. >> Hi. >> Hi. So, as you know, the town moved to uh pay upon receipt for trash bag vendors. Um all of the other vendors were happy to oblige. Hannib's had a
little bit of an issue because they don't cut checks from the local branches. >> So, not from lack of communication. I've been trying to get them to sign the contract. They did finally send it back with revisions. So, I'm going to present
it to my board on Tuesday. We meet and if they don't see any issues with it, then we'll all sign off on it and Hannah will be back on board. >> Okay. >> I also wanted to maybe look into maybe finding some more vendors. Sure. >> If we had more, the selectman's office
started selling them and the the treasur's office started selling them. So >> some right here in the building. >> So maybe Arujo's or Duncan somewhere. >> Sure. >> You know, make it more accessible so it's, you know, people can have more
access to purchasing the >> Okay. The contract that you sent them, >> it has to be approved by who for on their end? >> Their legal team. their legal team. >> Yeah. So, we asked them to do net 15. >> Yeah. >> They were at a net 30, but historically
they were sending a check every two months. >> Sure. >> And that's how the the bill started to accumulate to the tune of, you know, 60 70,000. >> Okay. >> So, we asked them to net 15 and >> Sure. And they're going 30. >> Yeah. Um,
we've had issues in the past with Hannerford and the their position is we don't want to sell them trash bags and that's not true. Exactly. >> But we would love for them to sell our trash bags because it makes it that much easier for the residents here in town.
>> And um I was a little concerned when I personally asked for a Dyon trash bag and they said no, Dyon doesn't want to sell them anymore to us. uh they're just solely putting a blame on the town, which is unfair. Uh we don't have the ability to respond to that other than
this uh agenda here. So, um I'm glad you brought it up and and mentioned it. You had uh been agreeing with Johnny's Market. You didn't have an agreement with them before. >> We did. Um he's had two violations in uh upselling. >> Okay. >> So, this was the second time. He's going
to be at the next meeting as well to >> your meeting. >> Yes. Yep. on Tuesday. He's going to explain why. >> Sure. >> Um he raised the price and if the board agrees to let him try for a third time, >> um he'll be selling them again as well. >> Okay. At the price he's supposed to sell
them at. >> At the price he's supposed to sell at >> How many chances do you give them? >> I don't know. >> Yep. >> Maybe that's something the board can discuss. >> Yeah. >> Some kind of policy procedure if somebody's doing something like this,
>> right? some sort of, you know, violation or fee >> if it happens. >> Um, Mark, do you have any questions? >> Um, my concern with Hannah first was if an F-15 and F30, is there a way you can work it into the contract that you
simply don't provide more trash bags until they're paid up? So, if they're behind, because I know, you know, their corporate environment, they're probably still not going to get them to your net 15. Um, by the time it goes through their accounting and they mail the check to you, it's I would be surprised if
it's net 15. So, when they need more bags, can we check with our accountant and see if um they're fully current before we provide more trash bags so we don't get into the hole again? That would be my concern with the >> Yeah. Yeah. Keep it keeping up on it.
make sure >> cuz it's just their mod their mo you know if they couldn't do it net 30 it was about a six seven week so it's 15 maybe I'll get it in three four weeks >> um maybe they'll order more at one time
so it'll last them longer >> sure >> you can try to you know tell them >> so it gives us the time and they won't sell out >> right okay >> but there have to be some sort of something in and there is something in the contract that says they can't get
another one if they're not paid up. >> Okay. >> So, as long I haven't I haven't reviewed the edits yet. >> Y >> um so as long as they haven't changed that verbiage, I think we'll be okay. >> Okay, good. >> Okay. Uh this is a review, discuss, and act. Um so, the first one is the vendor agreement with Johnny's Market at 102
Lincoln F. >> So, it's going to be a motion to the table. It sounds like you're going to come back in front of the board of select that. >> Okay. Motion has been made and second to the table. Uh any um uh I mean a vote on it please. I
>> I Okay. Thank you. Uh discussing that from the bedroom. >> Also a motion to table. >> Second. >> Motion has been made to table and seconded. All those in favor? >> I thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. Have a merry Christmas. Oh,
>> thank you, too. Police chief, you're up. How are you? Good, sir. How are you doing? >> I'm doing excellent. Thank you. Um so we we received uh several applications for the uh position after patrolman had left. Um it was a
comprehensive uh vetting process conducted by SRL Hathaway and uh uh as a Hathaway and detective steel. They determined who was going to make the uh the final cut into the interview process which was extremely tough. We had some really good candidates and then when we
determined who was the final ones to make it to that interview process which were three candidates who were um very very good candidates um which made it very tough um that those interviews were conducted by the uh command staff and with that being said it was my it's
my recommendation that the town extend a conditional job offer to Mr. handle to my left contingent upon the successful completion of a psychological, medical, and physical testing as required to be to be able to um attend an 800 hour
required training um at an MPTC academy. Should the applicant not pass any of these tests or examinations and not complete the academy, the offer of employment may be withdrawn and a new candidate would be be would be named. John was a resident of the town where he
lives here with his wife and daughter. He has honorably served the United States Marine Corps from 2019 to 2024. His time there he uh was demonstrating discipline, commitment, and strong sense of duty and qualities that would bring that he could bring to the police department and do us well.
>> Great. Sounds like you guys have done your homework as well. >> You excited? >> Yes, sir. >> That's great. Um well, welcome. You got a lot of training ahead of you. I I I don't envy you at all, but uh it sounds like uh talking with the police chief
and it sounds like you're going to be a great addition to the force. How long have you lived today? >> Uh just a year now. >> A year. Do you enjoy it? >> I do. It's a great town. >> Yeah, it's a nice town. Thank you. Uh Nicole, do you have anything you'd like to add? >> No, nothing. I was excited that um you're Dyon resident and thank you so
much for having interest. >> Thank you. Um, I would say thank you for this for your service to our country and I think it's so exciting to have a Dyon resident be interested in working and serving in our Dyon police force. So, um, thank you
for that and we're so excited to see you come aboard and train with the best of the best. So, that's fantastic. Um, absolutely. >> We're going to see you in December when I mean February when you completed your training and you'll get sworn in >> July. July. >> July. I thought you said February.
>> No, February. February 17th when he start the class >> and then July he'll he'll complete the $800. >> Well, we'll see you with a nice tan then. >> All right, that's it. Um >> I'll make a motion to appoint John. Handle to the position of police officer
with the conditions um set forth by our police chief tonight. >> I'll second that. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any more discussion? All those in favor? I >> congratulations. Thank you, man. >> Good luck. Thank you, sir.
>> Good luck. >> Anything else, Chief? Merry Christmas. Happy holiday. >> Thank you. Thanks. >> Thanks, Steve. >> It's nice to meet you. >> Merry Christmas. >> Merry Christmas. >> Hey, announcements, please. On the
highway department public notice, there is a townwide parking ban in effect from November 1st, 2025 to April 1st, 2026. No person shall allow any vehicle to remain in the street um to obstruct snow removal. The nightly Lions Club food
bank will be held on Saturday, December 20th, and it is in town hall in the lower level. >> Okay. Thank you, Nicole. Uh this is the first of two public inputs. if um there's nobody here. So, anybody in online that wants to chat?
Okay. The nons selectman's reports everything. >> Um I don't I can't remember if I had mentioned this the last time I was here. Um but I don't think I did. I did um resign from the commission on disability. >> Okay. >> Um >> yeah, I don't think you mentioned it.
>> No. So I it's just when I had joined that commission that was my my employment was the same. and I had a lot um and now just things have changed and it doesn't really align so much. So um I have resigned from that but that's all I got. >> Is there still an opening or have they
>> there's still an opening? They didn't end up meeting this month. Um they're going to reconvene in January and then we'll probably be um looking for somebody and then they'll us >> I would just say we had the lights on ceremony. >> Yeah.
>> Uh the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It was just such a nice event. Um, so I want to thank the committee and, you know, for certain our highway department for all the work they do to beautify our campus here. Um, I didn't get to hear you sing, but I heard it was amazing.
>> Oh, you were hot chocolate. >> I tried to make it and we had all of a sudden everyone needed popcorn. So, >> they were trying to get away from our singing. >> Yeah. For the came into the war. >> I'm ser popcorn next year so I don't have to sing. >> Right. And then the other thing is, even though I kind of already mentioned it,
the um MSBA had a very productive meeting on Monday and I would say it was very refreshing. Got me excited about the project for the elementary school and just we have a good diverse committee with all different people of different backgrounds with the same
goals. So it's nice to see that the project is moving >> within budget so far and with a in the timeline. our superintendent seems to be really driving it and very detail oriented. So >> nice. >> Yes. >> Yeah, he does. Uh they've done a great job. You have done a great job as well.
It um it's an important first step. I think it was two years ago we approved the funds. >> Last November. >> Last November, a year ago. That's it. >> 2024. >> Seems like it was a longer time than that, but uh yeah, it's about time that happens. Uh like I said, they've worked
very hard. Okay. Uh town administrator's report. Um, I have a few things update on the debt exclusion ballot language. So, I wanted to uh give you an update. I've been in uh communication with Matt Costa, our town council. We've selected um we've identified two individuals, one
as pro, one is con. Um he's given them their instructions. Um so, and and a timeline to uh get those back to him. We should be seeing that in January and we'll be presenting uh those to the board. so we can start getting that
ready for the ballot question. So, I just want to give you um to give you an update on on where that is. >> Uh could you also give us a um like a a date certain when we will have the um
Sophie's going to get that in January like all of the language. >> Right. Right. I'll I'll I'll continue to work with with and uh and uh make sure just they have timelines when the postcard goes out so we have enough time. Um just as sort of as a as a
followup to that um next at uh next uh like this meeting I'll be doing a budget update uh you know for the board and and for the general public and also the um the impacts of the uh the debt we carried
within within the two and a half and then we have um I have been working on putting together PowerPoint presentation so uh probably in January we'll really start getting uh the word out and explaining um explaining what we mean
what a debt exclusion is prop 2 and a half how's that and how's that relate all together. So uh we'll do our best to to make it as clear as possible so people understand what they're voting for >> Oh I'm surprised that the uh
superintendent bring >> you didn't mention it. Yeah. I want to say the Dyton Elementary School students, they are on a roll. Uh I don't know if you recall last year mass do uh the kids um they
uh they put in a name for a snow plow and they won Taylor drift. >> So that was last year. This year their ornament design was selected for the National Christmas Tree display in Washington DC. That's awesome. >> So that's a that's a that is a
tremendous honor for them. and for the town of Diamond. That's it's that's that's pretty cool. Um I included in your package you had seen um you may have read the letter from the um I I want to say of from the Fair Haven
selectman. Okay. They're they're looking to put together a petition uh to our to our legislative delegation uh to sort of expand um to expand um to increase unrestricted funds. Um they make a
compelling argument, you know, that the state is collecting funds, you know, from uh from the online gambling proceeds from proceeds from and uh from all the other things which they do. So they want to expand uh expand the
unrestricted unrestricted funds to towns and communities. So I would if the um if the board is in is in agreement with that letter, we'll prepare it so we could have sign it at at the next day. Um I think it's you know it's a good
idea. It's just saying that you know two and a half is not keeping up uh with inflation. You know the state is collecting these funds and and you know maybe you should um give us some some more funds. So, which which I agreed with. So,
>> my only thoughts when I saw the letter is >> could you add some Don specific verbiage to it? >> Absolutely. Yeah. >> Yeah. Maybe grab their attention more and um yeah, >> they keep seeing the same letter over and over. It might >> I know. I'm in that position right now.
>> South Massachusetts Health Group. We got you know getting 17,000 of the same letter and stuff. So, uh, but I will the good thing it's going to our legislative delegation. So, we have a good, you know, we have a good relationship with with Rep. Therber and Senator Duner. So,
we'll let them know, you know, we'll let them know it's coming. And um, lastly, I did not uh put this on, but but because um I had a meeting today uh with the uh fire department building committee, so it is nearing its end. Uh we met with
Aliro Hill the draft final report we will be receiving a draft final report on December 19th. Uh the committee is going to look at it in in in the first uh week on the first week of January.
So, um it's going to have it's going to um have recommendations regarding uh station one, station two, um and the fire programs and and and a new building. And it's going to have cost
estimates and and and the like. So, again, it's a little more than a year. Um I know it's like when I first came on, I know it's kind of started in earnest. Uh uh we're we're at it end. We had like one of the final meetings uh
was today. The draft final report is coming next Friday. Uh and we're going to review it and go over it. So um um you know be looking to give a presentation to this board. >> So what do you expect the presentation to be?
>> Um that's you know we'll be providing you with with the final um uh with the final draft and and I think it's just have to look at >> sometime in January. >> Uh probably closer maybe to mid uh middle of the
>> end of February. >> February. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Can you address the situation with the parking lot at um >> at uh yeah as >> surplus building? >> I had a a conversation with Superintendent Ferry. Um he had informed
me that that parking lot was sort of used was used as a staging area. Yep. >> Uh for for both the library and and that part of uh of Main Street. So a lot of trucks were were going you know a lot of our heavy vehicles were going in and out. So um as a result some you know
wasn't the best parking lot understood but some damage occurred. So um you know as being a good neighbor and allowing us to use it. So you know so um we we're using um He he patched the holes that were kind of created from the be the
heavy ve going in and out. So, um we're not repaving it. It's just, you know, it's just some some spot >> spot patching. >> Sure. Is the Main Street project done using the parking lot or they still uh park their trucks?
>> Yeah, as far as I know, they're they're done. >> They're done. Okay. >> They're done. I will I will follow up with with uh with Tom. >> Sure. But I think that's why, you know, they're doing it now. It's done. You know, they, you know, kind of tore up
the parking lot, you know, so let's, you know, we disrupted your business. So, >> right. >> Okay. Cool. >> Thank you. Uh, on to new business. Uh, review, discuss, and act facilities request for cooperative production incorporated. Uh, just a fee waver from the old town
hall. Do we have anything that you guys want to talk about with it? >> I don't no >> I'd make a motion to approve the fee waiver as presented. >> I'll second that. Okay. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? I >> I
>> Cool. Thank you. uh appointment of Ashley Dalt as temporary board of health manager office manager. Uh she's not here this evening. >> I no it was the position and we and um I mean she was selected and we just took
sort of I have to loose ends. We wanted to make sure that the board was um was um that we appoint her that you get the appointment goes through the board. >> Um I have no problem appointing the position. Uh, I would have preferred her
here like we've done with every other applicant who's come before us. So, if we can have him come next week. Okay. >> I would suggest that we just table it for now. >> Sure. >> You guys agree? >> Well, I don't know if we've ever had anyone that was already an employee like cuz she's already
>> Oh, she Okay. >> Um, >> yeah. >> So, I don't know if that makes a difference to you. >> Yeah, it does. Um, it just completely slipped my mind. Uh then I have no issues with that.
>> Um mine I I fully support Ashley. I'm excited she applied and I think that's great and having been part of the discussions for the position. Um the fact that it's working out as we intended I think is fantastic. I wasn't happy with that. It looks like she's
started since November 10th and we're appointing her retroactively. Um, unless I'm reading it wrong. Um, but as the appointing authority for these types of things, um, I think there's a
couple different ways it could have been done. One with the meeting dates and we didn't meet it. You know, we met on the the 23rd. >> Maybe we could have had a special meeting, Zoom 10-minute meeting. Maybe it could have been on our uh agenda
provisionally, but I don't think people should work. I said the same thing for the building inspector that came board when a full-time one left on a temporary position. I am very against folks working in positions until they get a paper appointment letter from the
appointing authority. I just think longer term, not for this position, but longer term, if we had someone that >> the board wanted to weigh in on and we didn't want maybe we wanted to go a different route, >> we'd either disrupt the operations because they've been working in it for a
month and >> upset that employee or um >> it gives the impression that we're just a rubber stamp. And I think the board is more than a rubber stamp and we deserve the opportunity to weigh in more in detail. So, um I think this here cuz
it's happened twice now in um in like 6 weeks. I think we need a written policy that any employee that is going to be working in a position can't do so unless they have a appointment letter from the board unless there's an
emergency situation. Um which I said I understand emergencies arise and it should be in the town administrator's purview in that case, but I think they're rare and few and far between. Right. >> Okay. I agree. Do you have any comments? So, all right.
Uh, this is review, discuss, and act. So, if we're going to appoint her, uh, now would be the time. If we have questions, then we can t questions for her, then we can table it. >> I'll make a motion to approve Ashley Dagnald as presented with uh with thanks to her.
>> Made seconded. All those in favor? I >> uh C is a review, discuss, and act again. Appointment of William McGrady Jr. Building Commissioner to the following positions. Agent of the board of selecting fire station building committee. Well, he's going to have his plate full. Uh land use committee
member, municipal coordinator, right to know, soil conservation commission, a storm water committee member, TFIF report review board member, and zoning enforcement officer. Is he ready, Ralph? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay.
>> Do we have a soil conservation? I thought that was nulled. Do we does that even exist anymore? >> So we review it on >> Yeah, it's >> they need few and far between. But >> better to have it and not need it, right? >> There you go.
>> Okay. >> How many hours a week is this? This is not going to add to his schedule. So he's just going to incorporate it in his uh 19 hours a week. >> Yes. Like you say, fire station building committee members winding that down. And it's it it all um everything here is
within um pretty much within >> right that's what he does. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. >> And then again I apologize zoning >> he is 19 hours a week the zoning enforcement officer so he gets that
authority right. So >> I'll make a motion to appoint William McGrady Jr. to the agent of the board of selectman fire station building committee land use committee municipal coordinator right to know soil
conservation commission as an alternate storm water committee tiff review board member and zoning enforcement officer >> motion has been made and seconded any more discussion all those in favor I >> okay congratulations Mr. McGra,
>> welcome. >> Right. >> Uh, approval of the warrants, please. >> I'll make a motion to approve the warrants paid by November 25th, 25 22A 26 for 127,8167. 22B26
for $213,45351. Warrants paid by December 4th, 2025. 23 A26 for $125,410.54 23B 20-26 for $140,3089 23 C26 for $158,879.93
paid by December 11th, 2025. 24 A26 for $129,5768 and 24B-26 for $315,786.17. >> We'll second that >> motion has been made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? I
>> I >> uh correspondence is none. So, approval of the minutes for November 19th. >> I'll make a motion to approve the board selecting meeting minutes of November 19th. Second >> motion has been made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? I then
public input the last evening. No. >> Okay. Then a vote for journ. >> I'll make a motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> Motion made a second. Any discussion? All those in favor?