Okay, we are returning back from executive session. It is now about 3:20 in um can everybody please stand for a moment of silence for Ronald Augustine. Thank you. Uh, getting right into this, Tom. Scheduled appointments, uh, 6 p.m.,
sorry, it's about 6:20. Uh, somebody took up all of our time. Um, but this is to discuss the, uh, snowplow rates for 2026. Good evening. >> Little late in the season, but it's that time of year. >> Yeah.
>> Um there's no changes this year, but was brought to my attention. It still should go in >> for something gratification or vote. >> Okay. >> Understanding know what the rates are. >> So the rates are the same as last year on all the trucks.
And then driver also I believe is a separate item that you look at also 29 I mean yeah 29 an hour high drivers but the pickups are you know based on their weight and the size
the same can't beat that how many people took advantage of the $5 bonus. >> Uh the winner knew about it. >> Oh yeah. >> Uh the other contractors, we have uh several new contractors selling trucks.
>> Wow. >> Um great. We have a great response this year. Um >> yeah, that re reoccurring contractor wants that. >> Okay. Sure. >> That that works out well. That's better than just throwing one lump sum at the
beginning and the guy disappears. Right. >> Work for it. >> Yeah. And how are we in rates compared to local towns? >> They're still right there. >> Still right there. Uh I noticed SEC still has requested like like we have. Yes. >> And u I don't know what their success
is, but there every corner that you drive by has one of their signs up flashing saying we need snowfall drivers. Okay. >> I had on the last message board I had up I made sure everyone knew that our snow was better >> and that seemed to be what did it.
>> Okay. Great. >> Great. Thank you. This is a review, discuss, and act. So, Nicole, do you have anything? >> No, I don't have anything. >> Mark, do you have anything? >> No. Thank you. >> All right. So, we need a motion to have the 2026 snowplow rates established.
>> A motion to approve the FY 26 snowplow rates as presented. >> Second that >> motion has been made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? I. >> Thanks, Tom. >> The other one was the higher drivers, right? Yes.
>> Yep. That was 29. It's not part of that package here. I think >> a motion to appoint. >> There's a list here now. There's some >> four people on the list. >> With some missing paperwork. Yep.
>> So, it's the rate that you're voting on. >> Okay. The $29 an hour. Okay. >> I thought that's what I just made the motion for. No, >> no, this other the the snow plowing contract. I thought >> Yeah, the rates on the previous
>> but this that for that page you have right there. Yeah, that's the one we're now talking about. >> Okay. >> Most of the equipment they drive is non CDL. >> Okay. Some of them do have a CDL license which they could drive the bigger trucks if needed. >> Yeah.
>> We put them in our smaller trucks. >> Okay. >> So, they work just as hard just without the trucks. >> Correct. >> I have no issues with >> No, I don't either. >> No, I don't have any issues. When they submit insurance to you, do you send
that to our insurance carrier to review their certificates of insurance? >> We have a policy in place for the trucks. Yes. >> But for the higher drivers, they're not required to have insurance. >> They're not required. Perfect. Okay. >> It's a fiveyear driving record. That's our insurance also help make that policy.
>> Oh, awesome. >> Fiveyear clean driving record. >> Nice. Thank you. Make a motion to approve the um hire drivers as presented. >> I'll second that. Motion has been made and seconded. Any more discussion? All those in favor?
>> I. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And I can add any of your other hands, too. >> Yeah. >> You don't want me driving a pull out >> either. There'd be no mailboxes left. I don't want to drive a car. No. >> Thanks, Tom. >> Okay. On to announcements, please.
>> Um, 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 so to obstruct snow removal. The Ditton Lions
Club Food Bank will be held next on Saturday, December 20th, 2025. And this is located at Town Hall in the lower level. Northern Bristol County Public Health Alliance is looking for donations towards their giving closet to support local families in need. Donations of
non-p perishable food items, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, household supplies, diapers, and formulas can be brought to Dyon Health Department at 11-11 Somerset Avenue in the lower level. A message from the town clerk's office. The annual town election
will be held on April 11th, 2026 at Dayton Elementary School from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Nomination papers are available at the town's clerk's office on January 5th, 2026 for the following listed um offices. Um board of
selectmen, three years. Board of assessors, three years. DR regional school committee member, three years. There's two positions for that available. Parks and wreck, that is a three years position. public library trustees three years, sewer commissioner, three years. Um, planning
board five years, housing authority 5 years, and then a second planning board at a two-year position. >> Thank you. Uh, this is the first of two public inputs. Is there anyone that wants to be heard?
>> Okay. Selections reports. Do you have anything? >> I don't have anything. everything. Okay. And Ralph, it's up to you. Budget update. >> Yeah. Um, just a quick quick budget update just to show you where where we
are going for for year fiscal year 27. Um we've been looking at a few things to to do our best to to balance the budget. you know at this point couple things that we had
talked about as a as a board as I brought to the board um things in a blue are our attrition as you know that's you know we talked with the building commissioner and the board of health and and and the um the building assistant um
we feel that you know with that we could save uh $115,000 boards and stipens um something again I'm going to be presenting this year um to see if sort of um cut again uh in
half. So right now our members of the boards and get possible uh 38 $38,000. So if we could cut that in can a modest a modest trash bag increase right now for the larger bags we we're
looking at $280 if we even explore raising that to $3 a bag and and of the smaller bags go from 140 to 150. So that's um that would give us a modest
increase of $15,000. Right now I only put in for free cash. It's typical free cash use. We put it towards a stabilization fund, oped and and and reserve fund. Um you know um DR know we
know we've been with the superintendent. So it's kind of the number we're looking at. I that that the DR number is still a number that's in motion as is the group health insurance. That's another
that's another number in motion. um our local receipts again we'll know when we get one uh I'm sorry state uh discretionary aid we get the cherry sheets on that one and you know
local receipts um you know we're trying our best to to to focus in on that um just so you know the um uh Bristol Capman um they got um they I'm pretty confident
you know with this number for for Bristol Aggie for 15 we went down we went down four students but for BP we went up four students so so I'm I'm confident in these two numbers and I'm pretty confident in in in what we're
going to be uh what we're going to be paying in our debt obligation for for capital but but um you know with all you know all you know all said and done we're still short about 200 100 uh $290,000.
You know, I've been having um discussions with um um with the um with the department heads. I know end of fe end of January, they'll be giving me their budgets, but but we've been having some um
some conversations with them on, you know, giving them budget advice. um you know what it will look like if we do get a debt exclusion and what our expectations if we don't um if we don't get a
question on >> Nicole do you have anything >> no >> um health insurance has gone up a lot in neighbor communities and it's been a big cost driver >> do you have any thoughts or feelings on if that's going to be a big cost driver
for us or I know we did really well for this budget. >> Yeah. Um I don't know. We have a meeting. We'll usually know in January meeting with them. >> Um polls. Um um I think he's the vice
president on the team. So I I try to pump them for information as best as as best as I can. Um, you know, we only went up, you know, 8%. Not I I put in at 11%.
You know, and and it's crazy all around. It's hard to tell. Some communities went up 15%, 10%. >> Um, so um it's it's hard to get a solid number um on that right now. County retirement, you know, we got that number in. We know what that's going to be. So,
so you know they're starting starting to take start to take cheap. >> Awesome. I had one more question. >> That number that initial number we got from Don Rehova is what is that as for a percentage increase from FY26 to FY27?
>> It's a it's a hopeful 3%. >> Hopeful 3%. Okay. Thank you. But um on the side you've all seen it the excess deficit report excess uh DR
um as a result of several things. They got more money in transportation. They set aside money for um for a tax issue. Uh and it was they didn't get as many um as many special ed students. So, as a
result, um we're going to be getting $750 back from uh from Bank things we can't uh we're unable to apply. I wish we could apply to fiscal year 27. That make my job a little easier, but um um but
we're going to apply to fiscal year 26 and and and in all likelihood that's going to be going uh you'll be seeing that next year as free cash. So
just another um that's the wrong one. So I might give some you know some other updates to sort of uh you know as this will lead into our our debt ex you know just a brief debt exclusion
discussion um what I've done is I I've tracked uh tracked our income and taxes collected and what you know what our what our daily what our daily growth is and and
what is in relationship to um uh to the to the debt we pay out. As you see this year um and this year um you know we're projecting an estimated new growth of $250,000. You know we have to levy limited
increase of 2.5%. With that we collect almost $834,000 but of that 834,823 goes to BPBA which only us with, you know, 13 $13,000 912, you know, and
then, you know, if you follow along that sort of that yearly growth, um, that organic yearly growth growth, which which we have in 28, it's completely eaten up by our, you know, by that within two and a half 29 again that two
and a half actually we're we're um we're that debt is 16,000 more and 28 and 29 it's 21,000 more and then you start turning around again
you know fiscal year 30 and 31 just to put it you know just to put in perspective more the money our natural our natural growth is sort of is is being eaten up by um by by that debt
and and in terms of of of the debt question I just want give you guys an update on the timeline that I haven't spoken yet. I know as I told you last week that that Matt Costa identified the opponent and the proponent. Um he's getting their
statements uh uh Friday, January 23rd on the statements. He'll summarize them and send them to us by January third by 30th and then we can start reviewing it. Um, you know, I know, uh, the statute says
we have to mail out the the postcards by, uh, 7 days before the election, but then it's been working on, um, you know, when when when do we when do we want to, uh, get them out? You know, we don't want to send them out
too early, but but maybe seven days is a little is a little too close. One of the biggest questions that I think um we should start looking at and addressing is within the um within the ballot question which which
may have confused people or they began this question as well. I I thought I was voting on a debt exclusion but the but the language has provisions of proposition two and a half uh two and one half. So they think it's a it's a it's an override. Anything outside any
collection outside of um as a municipality we're allowed to you know grow 2 and a half% anything outside of the two and a half is called a prop um prop two and a half whether it's a debt exclusion or or an override so I think
um as we move forward that's maybe where some of the questions came from so we can articulate that this is a debt exclusion a debt exclusion is for a set amount of money um and and for set for a set amount of time. It does not grow it does not grow
the budget where uh where an override does that you know it's permanent and it's and it's a permanent increase on what you know on what the town could collect where the where the debt exclusion actually caps it and keeps it only um only within the uh the debt
obligation. So, um, as I said, we're going to be putting, um, I had, um, that PowerPoint that I'm going to be putting together, hopefully introduce it in in in January. And we really starting the education process um, at the beginning
of those four months to to get the word out and have people understand what's um, what what the what the ask is. So, that's that's my overview. What was the mailing date for the
>> uh seven days prior or two? So So if it's Yeah. April 2nd. >> Wow. >> Yeah. So we probably look a little earlier than that. Probably I think two weeks. We don't want them too early, but >> Right. >> I think the seven days might be
cutting it close. >> Okay. Nicole, do you have anything? >> I have a few comments. Um, first on the mailer, I think that the postcard should be done at least two months ahead of the vote so we can discuss it >> at length. And I think no, it should be
at least a month before the vote it's mailed out. And the only reason I say that is um vote by mail ballots could be going out um as four weeks before the election. Um, and we would actually lose a good uh segment of our voters if we
don't get that postcard to them and they vote by mail and then they get the postcard. And once once you submit that ballot, there's no way that you can cast another vote. So, I think a month would be uh the minimum.
>> I'll figure that, you know, the max. >> I'd rather see sooner than later as well. >> Yeah. because if it's a month in advance, like you said, you get those mail in voters. But you're going to read it and you're going to make up your mind.
>> So to say that if you send it out too early, it's going to get lost. Uh I I think if you're going to read the card, you're going to decide and the votes not going to change in those four weeks, but you're going to miss a substantial because we had a lot of mail in ballots
last year. I don't know if you not last year, uh, two years ago, right? >> Um, well, maybe it was last year. I don't know. But, uh, I'd rather capture those. >> Okay. >> Yeah, that's I something I didn't think of, but I brought it up at this point,
you know. >> Um, so it it gives that a timeline as well. you gave me this timeline and and uh so we're looking at right first week in March give or take.
>> Right. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Another benefit is if a voter does have get the card and has questions that gives them some time to call town hall, do some research, >> go come to our meeting. >> Right. >> Um I had one more question on that page there.
>> The first line is levy limit. That's the most that's what you we could raise and appropriate for taxes. >> That's what we have raised it right. So that's when we raised appropriate the prior year. So we have that's the levy limit >> and we can increase that by two and a half%
>> right >> which is the next line which is the yearly growth. >> So we have a 2 and a half% yearly growth um as prescribed by law and then annual grow. So that becomes our new net our new levy limit for the for the for the
next year. >> Okay. >> Uh looking at FY27 to FY28 it's FY27 levy limit is 23476,000 and change and FY28 is 24,313
million. So it looks like it goes down. Um, >> wanted some clarity on that. >> I'm sorry. From 27 to 28, >> right? >> For 27 23 476 28 is 24 313.
>> Oh, I'm being dyslexic. I'm good. So, I'll get some clarity that I was looking for. Perfect. Thank you. Yeah. Yes. All right. So, that makes sense to me now. Okay. Good. Thank you. Thank you, Ralph. Okay, on to new business. This is a
review, discuss, and act cost of living adjustment increase for non-union employees. >> So, for this one, we're looking at um for uh for direction from from the board as to um what
we would like us to do. typically uh you know you it's a two and a half% increase for the for the individuals um that are that are listed. So moving for direction of the board do we want
um I also put now 2% do we want to sort of you know direct you know this is this is a tough call uh you want to do you know
if that exclusion passes one number if it doesn't pass another number if it doesn't pass no increases so these That's not a million. So, >> I I I find it difficult to comprehend if
we have layoffs because of it doesn't pass that we're going to be giving out raises. >> Um, not difficult to comprehend. I understand it. But, uh, it's like the stipens. If
it passes, I don't think we should cut them. If it doesn't pass, then I can't see uh giving the employees the stipened employees money if we're going to be laying off positions here at town hall. Everybody's going to have to make the
sacrifice. Um now, now with that said, we've always given out a cost of living increase, but two and a half% is a little steep this year. Uh given our budget, >> can you have two sets? Does that I I I I >> Well, we
>> I know you can. Yeah. >> But um >> doesn't just send a mixed message. Um that if it doesn't pass, I I don't get it. Why am I being forced to share the
burden of a cost of living increase when everybody else has it in their contracts? That's all. >> Yeah. No. I I understand that. >> Yeah. >> Uh Nicole.
>> No, I don't. >> I have the same thoughts I had last year. I think this is put in the cart before the horse. >> I don't know why this has to be the first motion we make to start the budget process. We haven't received our budget sheets yet from our department directors. We don't know whether or not
um they have, >> you know, what their needs are, what they're asking. Um although um we do have a a number from Dy Rehobith, we don't know what other capital needs are going to come before us, you know, and we we'll discover that all in the budget process.
>> I think this should be the last motion we make. I think we should go through the budget process, see where we stand. Um we'll have some clarity at that time. I So I would say this should be tabled >> and um taken up at a later date.
>> If if I may. Yeah, >> I mean um this is part of the budget process as the departments determine um their budgets they have to you know calculate salary for a lot of um a lot of the departments we have salaries is
90% of it. So if they have an idea or if you could give us a sense not necessarily a vote but but um you know the board is comfortable the sense of which we're going. So because if we you know we if we budget for like to say
something more% 2% but it just gives us it gives the department heads direction >> okay >> as to you know as to what what do they put in their budgets in their budget numbers >> I just want to clarify one thing that DR
number is not from DR that's from you >> yes >> okay um no >> thank you I appreciate Um, >> so we can't stick with that because we don't uh obviously it's a guideline that we're hoping comes in. Okay. Um >> I I think it would make the budget
process easier if everyone put in their current salaries in as the departmental requests and as we go through the process we the this board will um we'll give our recommendation whether it's a 2% 2 and a half one who
knows what it will be you know I think >> it would make the calculations easier versus if some people put in a 2% some put in a three >> I think that's what's going to happen now is >> I think >> without guidelines from us, they're going to put it in >> whatever they feel is appropriate.
>> I think um and I've seen that in other communities where they put it in as you know flat and let let the um let the board tell them what what their raise is going to be, right? And >> so I just think it's it's just too soon. That's just my opinion. Uh and I have
full faith full faith in our um accountant and uh finance team that they can make the adjustments when the time comes. >> It sounds like we're deciding on we're going to have them put in whatever they're at this year for next year and
then as we figure it out have them go from there. Is that what you're saying? Okay. I'm in agreement with that. I think we'll discuss it at the end of the budget process instead of at the beginning. >> That's just my opinion. >> So, how do they budget? Flat.
>> Mhm. >> It's not saying that's what we're going to do. It's just to make the calculations easier. >> No. And it's not for everyone because if they're union, they're going to put in their pre approach union negotiation. So, >> right. >> Did you want to put that in a form of a
motion mark? I'll put a uh make a motion that non-union employees are um well, all right. I'm going to make a motion to table this item and for the town administrator to instruct um
department heads to uh put in a flat rate for any non-UN wages to be determined at a later date. And of course, they can go ahead with their normal non uh union raises as stated in their contracts.
>> I'll second that. Okay. >> Does it need to be two different motions? Is that fine? How it was? >> Yeah. >> Motion to table. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Did you vote on the motion? >> No. >> No. >> Okay. So, >> I second the motion to table. >> Okay. Motion has been made and seconded
to table. Uh any discussion? All those in favor? I >> I >> um and the other motion is to instruct the town administrator that department heads put in uh a um a level
salary for non-UN employees and any other and they support whatever contractual increases they have for the union employees. >> I'll second that. Is it do we need a motion, Ralph, or is it just direction from you that
>> I think u No, that could be a motion. >> Okay. Uh okay. Motion has been made and seconded. All those in favor or any discussion? All those in favor? >> I can may I ask for >> sure clarity. So the department
heads will have all their budgets to me. We'll have a good, you know, have a good idea what it is by the end of January. At that time, I'll have a very good comfort level as to where we're at in general instead of it. Would the board be comfortable at
that point to determine if if cost of living raises are appropriate or not? because I don't think we should go into a you know into April that's because then
I I think it's just more it it just becomes more confusing if we go you know if we go into April with you know we're already going in with two
different budgets and what you know then then you know two different budgets Then at that time we determine if non-union employees get can call us. I think you know I would um appreciate it if we by
like the beginning of February when I know when all our budgets um you know what the department head budgets are are looking like and what you know what they can support. you know, it just it just makes it a little a little easier going
and going into April because we'll have a good idea. I have a good idea on my show. I think it's okay. But um what um what the numbers are going to be. So I again budgeting I I rather have
as many as many um as many numbers as I can going into it. It just makes the process it easier than than having than having a than having a floating number. The um
budget is going to be this is a small number so it's not going to deviate that much. How many employees were there? 28. 28. And what is the total for 2% increase? Let's say >> 36,000. >> 36,000 would be the difference. Yeah.
>> Well, well, 2% is 30,000 and change and 2 and a half% is 36,000 and change. >> Okay. >> I think we should just discuss it again as fast as when we have more information and if if we can at that time we will. If we can't we won't. >> Right. A motion has been made and
seconded and voted on. So, um keep flat and then uh if we get closer in the numbers there we'll discuss it again. Okay, this is a review discussion act the annual liquor license renewals. Uh, everybody's got their paperwork in.
>> So, we have all the paperwork is in again um with the exception of of uh mad. >> Okay. Um so you know as they usually bring bringing it in pretty late. Um you
know as you review it my request to the board is that um if you are going to approve it uh to recommend to approve per the letter dated December 16th 2025 from from Leanne Kervin because it spells out.
>> Okay. We're just doing the liquor license renewal first though, right? >> Yeah. in general liquid. They're all >> They're all the same. >> Okay. >> I have no problem with that with Manheim. >> So, we just need a motion on the floor to approve as presented. >> I'll make a motion to
>> I apologize again for each one of the recommended uh to approve for the letter dated December 55 from Kerwin. I'll put that in the form of a motion for the annual liquor license renewals. >> I'll second that. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any
discussion? All those in favor? I >> uh for the car dealer license renewals, I'll make a motion to approve as presented per the letter dated 121625 from Lean Cerwin. >> I'll second that. >> Motion made second. Any discussion? All those in favor? I >> I.
>> Uh for the common Vic Vic licenses, I'll make a motion to approve. um per the letter dated 121625 by Lean Cerwin. >> I'll second that. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? I >> And for the annual fuel storage permit,
I'll make a motion to approve per the letter dated December 1625 from Lean Cerwin. >> I'll second that. >> What is the fuel storage? Is this a gas station? >> That's all that means? >> Yes. >> Underground.
>> Underground storage. Motion has been made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> Approval of the warrants. Go ahead. >> Happy. Just make sure I got to make sure you sign all of these permits because they're going to be knocked on our door tomorrow.
>> Okay. I'll make a motion to approve the warrants paid by December 18th 25A-26 for $123,7185 and 25B 26 for $90,17810. >> I'll second that >> motion has been made and seconded. Any
discussion? All those in favor? Hi. >> Uh, unfortunately, we have a resignation that we, um, correspondents that I want to acknowledge. Uh, it's from Robert Adams, senior uh, uh, resigning from the fire station building committee. Uh,
he's done a lot for this town and, uh, I I I'm glad he's contributed as much as he has, but it's sad to see him go. But is there a motion on the floor to accept? Motion to accept the resignation from Robert Adams Senior as presented with thanks and appreciation.
>> I'll second that. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I make a motion to approve the board of selectman regular meeting minutes of December 10th, 2025. >> Second. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? I. Uh.
Public input. This is the second of the evening. It's still there. Okay. Uh, adjournment. Then >> I'll make a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Motion made second. Any discussion? All those in favor? I >> thank you.