Okay. Uh, good evening and welcome to the town of >> Oh, okay. Take that back. It's not a good >> recording in progress. >> All right, sir. >> Okay. Once again, good evening. This is the town of Titans Board of Select regular meeting. Today is Wednesday,
January 28th at 6:00 p.m. This is person uh this meeting is in person via Zoom at Oldtown Hall 1111 at Dy Mass. This meeting is being recorded. The listing of matters of those reasonably anticipated by the chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items
listed may in fact be discussed and other other items not also be for discussion to the extent by law. Can we please have a call to order? President Karen is here. Uh we're going to stand for the pledge of allegiance. I'm just going to ask you to stand for just a
moment of silence for Charles Bellow we lost this week. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands one nation indivisible with all.
>> Like I said we lost Charles Bellow this week. So if you just stand for 10 or 15 seconds I'd appreciate it. Thank you. >> You're up first. >> I do. I do. Thank you. >> All right. Thanks for having me. Um, so
I'm here to talk about the library. You know, where we're at, um, how things are. Here to say it's great. That's I have a little bit more. I have a little bit more. Uh, so I I want to do a few things. Um, I have a lot of I have some feedback to give. Um, um community and I want to do my best to
quantify exactly what I mean when I say that things are great. I have a few different metrics that I'm pulling from and I I I I think they'll speak for themselves when when I say that they actually are great and they'll back up what I have to say. So, I want to start
real quick with the first thing I have. You have the we have these signin books where anybody can write whatever they want to about the library. Um it's not anonymous. They've signed their names. So, it's a little you know, naturally it's going to be great things, but some of the things in here I think are pretty cool and and and
worth writing about. I congratulations as we have a new and beautiful library. Such a great building, such an important town asset. Well done. Great things to come. This beautiful building, beautiful and majestic. The new space is beautiful. I'm looking forward to many visits in the future. Such a beautiful space. Congratulations. What a great
addition to Dyon. We love it. It's beautiful. We will be back. So excited about the library's new space. Beautiful. brings back so many memories growing up in Dyon. Beautiful library. Renovations are amazing. The environment is very welcoming and charming. I love libraries. I love when old building is restored. It's a lovely building. I
think it's lovely. It's it's really pretty. So lovely, beautiful library. Um I love this library because it has fun that was written by someone who signed their name is H8. So we really captured all demographics there. We also did an
online survey. And what I like about the online survey is anonymous and and it comes with a little more um um responses that may not be as safe. But this one
I just thought that You have pictures at the library. So those are some of the respon I didn't pull every single response to the online survey. Um a lot of them really touched on very similar themes, very similar comments, but I pulled a few. Free books
to read, wonderful library staff. Um librarians are so nice. They have Wi-Fi and a space to sit and work. Um a lot of great comments about the kids room. And that last one down there, wish there was a better, more modern selection of curated or current trending young adult or fiction. Now, you're probably
thinking, why did you put this in your presentation when you wanted to talk about nothing but great things? I said, well, that's really touching on a on a um a demographic we really weren't able to serve in the previous um iteration of the library. We had a children's section in the basement of old town hall. We
have the adult section portion of it at the trailer. Young adult and teens teen really didn't have a space for them. They kind of got pigeon in the children's section and use kind of really dropped off dramatically on that. that collection really didn't see the attention that it really deserved.
However, I'm happy to say I take all sort of constructive criticism as I should constructively and we actually worked at that. I have a slide later on to show that we addressed that concern and we really made it um into one of our strengths in the new building. So, that's up there. Not to say that, you
know, not to say that everything is all positive. It is. We took that and we made it a positive. I'm going to explain in a little bit exactly how we did that. But to go on, I want to give hard stats because hard stats are a really neat thing. Um, you can't the the numbers
themselves don't lie. And I wanted to really really show the improvement that I took September 24 through December 24 compared with Septe September 25, December 25 with the caveat that we were open for the full entire month in
September 2024. We were only open for 11 days um in September 2025 with the opening coming about midepptember. So there's a little caveat there, but the numbers I think are still pretty good. You can see how the numbers compare. Um our full months of October, November,
December, and 2025 really blow last year's numbers right out of the water. Um this is just for the adult circulation. The numbers are there, but if you want to more detail, it's a 27.82% 80% increase in just adult circulation which I think
I think is really very good. Also children's books. Um as you can see similar thing um September is a little lower than compared with September 2024. Again that's because we weren't open for the full month. Little bit of a caveat there. But you look at October, November, and December. Those numbers
are all getting blown out of the water there. Like a lot of power responsibility. >> Okay. I I appreciate that. Where am I keeping that? And so the statistic the
increase here 27.3% you're one 27.3% increase. So adults are checking out more books, juveniles checking out more books. That's all very good. Now, I want to get to this one here, young adult circulation. Like I said, this is really demographic.
We weren't able to serve all that well under the previous iteration of the library, but I'm pleased to say that we actually are serving them now. We took that comment about young adult books, not really having a great selection, more modern. We actually bought a lot of new books, um, manga, you know, anime,
that sort of thing. Teens are into that. We made sure we updated that collection. And I'm pleased to say that the increase really Because with the new library being open, that circulation's increased by 65.92%. That's the most dramatic increase all
across the board, whether it's adult, juvenile, or young adult. Um, and I think that's a direct result of really taking the feedback and incorporating it into the collection so that it can get used. It's a collection that the young will want to use, and I think that's that's bearing out. So, that's that's really good. I think another reason for
that dramatic increase is because teens now have their own space. We have an actual team room now where the resources are. It's not sort of scattered about or just offsite in the old building. So that really that's going to contribute to that as well. And we're happy to see that young adult collection is getting used like we hope that it would having a
teen room and putting a lot of resources to updating that collection. So that that's really really very good. So hard numbers are great. Circulation. This is the total circulation when you add adult, juvenile, and young adult together. Overall with everything 28.26%
increase um compared with September through December 2024 to September through December 2025. And that's again taken into account that September we only had 11 days as opposed to the whole month. So that that's still I think we're doing really good there. Um like I said very positive, all very good. Let's
go to visitors. I didn't put September up there because that was a weird that was it was just a weird month given that we weren't open for the whole month. much compared to but I want to look at October visitors and December visitors. October is the first full month we're opening a new building. December
traditionally looking back has been the slowest month as far as visitation goes. However, visitation has gone steadily up where December was busier than October which I can't find statistically looking back an instance where that had occurred in the past four or five years but it
has now which I think is a very encouraging trend and it's one that I'm excited about. Overall, we're looking at visitation increase of 37.24% which is higher than the circulation increase which is great. That speaks to
programs that we're doing all that. We have a space to do it. Now, I broke that down a little further and I have some notes here. So, looking at the October stats in 202025, we're open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and S. In October, um 11.37% of all
visitation came on Monday, 23% of all visitation came on Tuesday, 16.9% came on Wednesday, 30% came on Thursday, 10.2% came on Friday, and 2.1% came on Saturday. I'm not really surprised by those numbers. That's probably a
reflection of the old library hours. We weren't open on Friday, um being in a temporary location. Um so that doesn't really surprise me. We really w haven't really gotten our programming into full gear um yet. So, those numbers are reflective of that. However, in the
breakdown for December 2025, the last month that I had actual data on, the percentages really got turned on their head. So, Monday, the percent actually went down even though more people showed up. Percentage of visitors visitation on Monday was 10.5% in December compared
with 11.37 in October. on Tuesdays went down a little bit to 13.12%. Wednesdays went up, we're at 21.26% of all visitation occurred on Wednesday. Thursday was 12.6%.
Friday went up from 10.2% went all the way up to 22%. Friday is in December was day the highest percentage visitation occurred, which I think is is is going from 10.2% two months prior to a 22% visitation. I think that's really very
good. And then and then Saturday, Saturday we're 20.5%. Which if you look at the previous Saturday that I have for October, that was a 2.1% all visitation on Saturday. So you go from 2.1% of all visitors on Saturday in October to 20.5% of all
visitations. Um I think that's pretty good. So Friday and Saturday our lowest visitation days in October 2025. total those two days were 12.3% of all visitors came on those two days. Now in
December we're looking at 42.5% of all visitation occurs on Friday and the Saturdays and I think that's a reflection of people knowing we're we're open having the actual library knowing getting used to our hours and I think we're really filling in our programming now. Um we we have a Dungeons and
Dragons that we're doing. Teams are really into that. We're doing that. We actually that was so popular we had to open a second Dungeons and Dragons group. That's pretty cool. Um we're doing um tutoring. We're hosting that in the library. Um we're hosting foreign
language classes for children in the library. Now homeschool groups are really getting together and uh for story time and even a place to do homeschool um lessons. So we're really filling out our group um our programming on those days. And I think that's really reflected in how the library, how people
are coming in, when they're coming in to use the library. And I think that's really encouraging and it's it's a really good sign and it contributes to our overall statistic numbers. Reference questions. These are people emailing us, coming and asking us questions or calling us on the phone to
answer questions. I have September up there just just just to say that people were asking about us. They're close. I didn't put October up there. I only put November up there. The reason I didn't have October up there, and this is no fault of any of the staff or the town, but the phones weren't hooked up in the
library until midway through October. Had to skew the stats a little bit. They're hooked up now. No fault of anybody. I apologize to the select office many times who had to deal with all that, but it got done. So, sets are up there.
People have questions and librarians, they they answer those questions. Just looking at these, a lot of these people may not even have come in the library to ask these questions, but they know that we're there. They ask us these questions. Little over 30% increase in just reference questions. Um, so that's
I think that's pretty cool. So, we look at circulation, looked at visitation, and look at reference questions. Three big things that the library does. All three are about a 30% over 25% increase around 30% increase. But I have one more little trick up my sleeve on how to
quantify the library's value to the community as best that I can. I'm using the MBLC calculator, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners calculator. What this does, this takes an estimate of how much anything would cost if you were to actually do this on your own. And as libraries, in order to
maintain certification, you have these free. So what this calculator was designed to do is you as a patron could go in and you could check off how many books you borrowed or how many children's books or how many programs you attended and you could calculate how many how much free service you get from
the library. But what the MBLC realized is if you take if you put everything in for an entire time period and divide that by the appropriated budget, you can actually calculate the return on investment to the communities that the library is given. So I have this up
here. Now, is this the beall endall? No, probably not. But it's a really nice approximate way to quantify as best I can how much the Dyton library gives to Dyon compared to 2024 to 2025. So I put
the numbers in. I use all these stats. I want to say I want to point if I could real quick. Yeah, here's the mouse. Interl loan requests. It's very small. 24 26 compared to 25. What is that? Interl loan requests are books from
other libraries that get checked out through our library for a patron. Would I love to have every single book in the world on the shelves in our library? Yeah, I I would um can't afford it. No way are we going to store just feasibly. It's not going to happen. However, there
are other libraries around and part of being a certified Massachusetts library is we're actually qualified the inter library loan. a patent can put on hold on an app on their phone or call us or come in and say, "I I like this book. Do you have it?" "No, I'm sorry, we don't have it." Or, "Yes, we have it, but it's
checked out." They can put a hold on it and the library will ship that book to us. We get delivery. We ship books out, they ship books in. And so, the patrons can be served that way. And so, we actively use that. And that again, that's part of being a certified library. That a service that comes with
being a certified library, which which we are. So, we're happy to give that to patrons. Um, and interestingly enough, um, non-certified libraries, it's not like patrons can can go to another library. Oh, they have that for non-certified
libraries. Um, neighboring libraries don't accept library cards from patrons who live in a town with an uncertified library. So, that whole interl loan thing is completely cut off for any non-certified library, which is interesting. Um,
unfortunate consequence, but um that's not something we had to worry about 2024 or 2025. So anyway, when I put in all these numbers, I just took from September through December 2024 and the annual appropriation for that
time was $317,2127. I also, and this is I also added in the cost for the lease of the trailer. I know it wasn't appropriate as library budget, but it was appropriate as part of a town budget. So, but they were paying for it and that was $20,000. So,
I added that in for a total of 337 $2127. I divided that by three to get a third of the year. I'm looking at four months. It made sense. Take the whole budget, divide it by three, take a third of the year, and what I got.
So, that number will be $112,442. Okay. I did the same exact thing for fiscal year 26. So September through December 2025, that bunch was $315,62. I did not add in the cost of the trailer because that is not something that was
appropriated because that came to $105,20067. All said and done, September through December came to $1.77. What that means is for every dollar appropriated to the library budget, the
town of the taxpayers got $1.77 worth of free services in return. Essentially meaning the return on investment was 177%. Compare that with the being in the new library where skyrock $228 for 228% return on
investment which means it's a 28.81% increase. Now is that MBLC calculator the most accurate be all end all? You know, maybe not. But what I can say is that I use the same calculator for the same calculations. I use the same stats. So I use the same process both ways. So
that 28.81% increase is is real. Um and so that means given circulation visitation being up from 20 between 25 and 30% that makes sense to me what that's saying numerically and is the best way that I can quantify as I can
that going from the trailer to the current library just in that four month stand the library is able to give back. community 28.81% more than what they could what they did in the trade. Um, and I think that's
reportable. I think that that's a very positive thing to say. I said when I started present things are great. I think that's pretty much hammers home things are really trending in the right direction. I think that number is going to get higher to be honest with you. I'm filling out more programming. We're getting more people in. So that number I
believe is only going to grow. Um, and so I'm I'm really proud to say that I'm working at a the library that can give back that much um to Dy residents and that's that's what I got. >> Wow.
>> Any I'd be happy to answer them. Um but that's I think it was a very I think a lot of positives to report on feel like I tried to capture all the positivity that I could in as many different metrics that I could. >> Great job. I I can tell you very proud of of what
the results are. the um number of activities that you do uh obviously have increased from priority space and where do you see that going in
the future? These are great numbers, don't get me wrong. Uh it's going to be hard to maintain those numbers. Uh you're limited space-wise as well. >> We are. We are. But we're not limited with our creativity, right? Yeah. Yeah. So, we're actually actually the February I'm just working on the February
newsletter now. It's the longest lengthiest newsletter I' I've done in my time here. So, we're actually filling out more programs, more day programs, more evening programs. Um, we have the space to do it. In the past, let's say a year ago when I was compiling these stats, um, I had Old Town Hall for one
night a month, which was I wasn't going to complain about them, but Old Town Hall is almost impossible to book um, on a weekly basis. Now, I got to think, okay, can I do it on this night? And I said, wait a minute. Of course I can. You know, it's it's it's I only have to ask me.
>> Sure. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, you have the space to do it. I know. For example, there's one day in February, we have a cooking club, then a drawing class, then we have book group all right in a row on one night. Whereas previously in the 2024 sets,
you're looking at three months worth of programs. >> Um whereas it's just one day worth of programs. And that's just one day out of out of out of a week out of a month. Um so we have the space to do it. Oh and so on that same day we also had a story we also have story time in that in the
afternoon story time at one cooking group at three drawing class four book group at six >> where their ideas come from for >> Yeah. So they that's a great that's a great question. So um staff is very very good with ideas but we also put feelers
up um with patrons. What do you want? because I'd hate to do a program or book a speaker that I think would be popular but the community wouldn't come to see or support or or maintain it. >> So we get a lot of feedback on we do a
lot with social media. I sent newsletter a lot of word of people coming in um community members actually will volunteer. I know this one particular type resident an artist and teacher said I'd love to give art classes and so sure
so we booked her to give watercolor paint classes for children during a one day of school vacation week and then another watercolor paint night later on um and know and know being local know she will jump up interest her own circle. So just just just different things like that. We're just
>> we're here for the community and so what the community wants to see as far as programming, >> what the community wants to see >> happen that that's what we're going to do. >> Right. >> I know last week we had a lecture on how to research the history of your house in a lot of people showed up for that. I had a jam room. It was a very very
popular lecture. >> I was I was glad to hear that because it came recommended to me um that the speaker having done a few different talks on that similar It was recommended to me that I think the Dyon residents would really like this talk and I said, "Okay, I'll give you I booked the
speaker and it was it was it was a it was a great talk." >> Sure. >> Yeah. So, we we taken feedback from a lot of different areas to see if we can best >> the um visitors that you have. >> Yes. How many are from out of town? >> Well, I I don't I I definitely more from
in town for sure. >> Oh, absolutely. >> Um I don't know. >> I could Yeah. No, I can go back and look at circulation, see how many people are circulating town cards, >> right? >> But I I don't I don't I was able to drill down >> Sure. >> that far. >> Um the biggest challenge which you even
said at the beginning was the young adult. Um do you see obviously it's winter and although the numbers are great for winter, uh it's a hard uh segment to keep interested. in
what goes on. Um what what what are you doing? I guess I understand what you've said as far as how you improve those numbers, not the numbers, but the the quality of programming that you offer. Uh how do you how are you going to keep them
engaged to continue to come? It's people have always said Don has nothing to offer kids after school. which we're limited. We we don't have uh businesses for kids to go to. They hang
out at Don House of Pizza. Um >> worst places to hang out. >> Yeah, >> there's far worse places to hang out. >> Um but it's it's it's a great alternative. And um I was just wondering when people say
that to me, what I can give them a response as as that the library has to work. >> Sure. Sure. So, I I know um multiple instances when we first opened um teens came in. I said, "Is there a place I can sit and do my homework, >> right?" >> I said, "Absolutely. We have a team
right over there." And I noticed those teens come back >> um and they bring friends, which I thought was I mean that that that's awesome. That's exactly what we're there for. And now that we're increasing our selection of books for teens and not just not just hard cover, we're actually
I'm actually increasing on ebooks as well. >> Okay? >> Because you know library users, they're not just people who walk in the door that circulation wise there are people who want their tablets or devices and read ebooks. So we're increasing that. We're also looking to do some more
programming for teens. The fields are still out on that. Um because even what I think is difficult as well is even though there's an interest teams are very busy school after school jobs um homework school all that sort of thing. So even though there may be an
interest very legit real interest um time and other priorities may also be effect >> but that's not going to stop us from still putting the feelers out and still doing the programming that we feel the teens do want to see and would be excited to see. Um
And we're going to keep doing that. At the very least, very minimal, we have a space for teens to sit and do the school work, work on group projects. Like I said, we had a Dungeons and Dragons group that was very, very popular. We had to open a second one. >> May even open a third one. >> Um, I didn't realize that was still
popular. >> It Yeah, still popular. Very popular. So, >> it's at the library. So, that that's great. So, like I said, we have the feelers out >> and we're just going to keep doing that. Um, It's a little bit easier to do it with adult programs and children's
programs, >> but that's I mean not everything's not everything's easy. I mean >> some things are hard. You do the things that are hard. If you do the hard things, the payoffs I find even more, >> right? The
um you have outside interests in renting that or how is it that you handle those? >> Yep. Yep. So the um trustees recently approved sort of a building use or more. If someone has an interest in using that, we have all the guidelines. They they sign off on it and then we put them
on the we put them on the counter. >> Okay. >> Um we toyed with making the counter open for people to submit bookings and that just playing it out in our minds logistically that that would have become a little unwieldy easier to make have a point person in the library that we're
doing and that's actually paid off quite a bit. There's a lot of the tutoring that um our outside people looking for a space to sit and do tutoring work. Um the foreign language class I have booked in February came about because someone is doing tutoring in foreign language
and hey I'd love to really host a class for kids ages 5 to 10 to learn you know teach Spanish and Portuguese said great we have a space for that. So that that that's how that came about as well. So sometimes in that case our public programs are informed by our private programs that that that are just looking
to use the right space as a venue. >> Uh Nicole, do you have any questions at this point? >> I just had a couple things. First, I just want to say that was extremely informative. Thank you. I know that probably took a lot of time putting all that data together, so thank you. >> Um secondly, I don't know if I've ever gotten to tell you that we we are very
fortunate to have you. You came in and it was just a world We never go a time that it was a nice calm time. So, thank you. Thank you for being here. Thank you for everything you've done. You've done a great job. You stepped right into the role and there was no gap in anything.
So, thank you for that. >> I appreciate it. >> Um, I also love the postings by Laura and the library. And I think I've said this to you before, she always has great things. It really it's what I know is going on through the library is everything through she posts. And then just about the young adults, you really got me like all excited
because I am very much about um my kids. I have a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old. They don't have cell phones. >> I don't think they'll have cell phones for as long as I can hold them off. Um so the library is a thing that I can see that people that are also trying to not have their kids on social media, not
having their kids on the internet is a place that they can go. Um and I think that's just great. I don't know if you still have I know when I was growing up, I can't remember we went to the library or the library came to us at some point we all got a library card. Does that still happen like I don't know if it
ever happened here but it happened in my town. Is there any time when you engage the children >> you know? Yeah. So it's it's funny you mentioned that not funny interesting because our children's librarian as mentioned now they were out of the temporary space because staffing that space was >> it could be smooth they could not now they're out of there.
>> If you love to go back into the schools do school visits. >> Oh yeah. And that's a way to we have exposure library cards for sure. I mean the biggest week we had the biggest day we had giving out library cards was the day of the grand open >> and I have I have no doubt that we do
school visits that that that's going to happen as well. Um I know um Daisy's the Daisy Scouts are meeting in in the library place to meet and one of their projects was to show responsibility. They each got a library card. So the more people in the library um the more library cards we are issuing out and
likewise the more we can get out into the community more library cards we will then issue as a result of that. So I think the school visit is really going to go a long way. We're going to get more exposure and it's really going to draw people in. And even if we don't draw people in, we're still going to
give up the life. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Because you never know once you have it you children generally will go home and they'll be excited about it. Um bring them in. So That's great. I think that's great. >> Well, thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So, you go to the schools and make a presentation.
>> Yes. Children's library will go to the school and make a presentation. Usually post school this summer to talk about summer reading. Y >> but it doesn't have to be. Um but that's typically that's when it >> they don't have access to the library at that point. >> Yep. Yep. Sure. Sure. And then that that sign them up summer reading, right?
>> Um because we usually give a prize. You read x amount. The more you read, the more prize you're eligible to get. that sort of thing, you know, sort of draws them, makes them excited. Um, yeah, it gets us out in the community. It gets people to the library, but it gets the word of library out there. >> Is really, that's the name of the game.
>> Uh, do you get a lot of donations at this point? >> Yes. Okay. >> A lot more. A lot, which I I don't have to quantify that, which I probably should have, but we get we're getting a lot more donations. Before I came actually today, someone came by and talked about two full bins of books. I think in my time, you know, we maybe got
two full bins of books in a year. >> Yeah. >> You know, now we're getting two full bins of books, you know, in one day, which I I think speaks to the visibility of the library. People know that we're open and that we are the library to accept books and and again, I just think it really speaks to the the the desire
to want to help, want to be part of something, you know, >> want to help want want to give back to the library, >> right? >> Which I don't think people would be thinking if we weren't out there giving back to them in some way, shape, or >> form. It's now in the forefront of the mind. >> Yes,
>> nice job on the presentation. Thank you very much. >> I saw on the M >> MBLC you have internet services for residents. >> We do. We do >> free Wi-Fi. >> Okay. Free Wi-Fi. >> Yep. >> So that just got me thinking about cyber
security. Do you have any like do you guys have firewalls in place? >> We do. We do. So we're part of the sales consortium. It's all the local libraries around here and um they give us PC support and they install the certain software um on the computers and we have a firewall with um Yeah. So sales takes
care of all that of all that for us. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Wow. Do you know we used to have um a ransomware insurance policy? Do you know if we still have that in place? We do >> because I know the city I know recently had a ransomware and it
shut down their phone lines and the city of Taton did before that. So it goes around. So I was thinking what folks haven't access. Actually, if I could, one of the biggest increases from 2024 to 2025 in the MBLC calculator is
um computer use per hour went from two September through December 2024 all the way up to about 800 hours. Um so like that that movie Field of Dreams you will come. >> If you open a library, they will come. So
>> yeah. And my last question is when new library opened there was a change in hours business hours and I know when board discussed like the MOA for the the union employees we discussed a utilization
study just to know how how many folks utilize the library during what times. >> Could you share where where >> Yes. Yes, I have. So let's see have my notes. Okay. On Mondays came
between the hours of 10 and 1. Tuesday the book I had two real big spikes. I had between 10 to 12 and 3 to 6. I'm open 10 to 6 on Tuesdays. Wednesdays
we're open 12 to 8. And I have the biggest spike from 1 to three and 6 to 8. However, um I expect that those spikes to change now because I'm
booking more programs in the afternoon than what I was back back then. It was basically just one afternoon story time and an evening program. So, I expect I expect the spikes to to change a little bit. Um same with Thursday. Thursday I was looking at looking at a one
to two spike also a six to eight spike but again I got more more pros lined up in the afternoon so I that will that will change those spikes will change Friday was completely different had a spike of
between one to three that that was our spike and Saturday Saturday was pretty even But I would say that from one to two was the lowest. We're open 10 to two, I'd say. >> Awesome. >> Yeah. Yeah. But again, I I I can come
back with more information on that now that now now that our programs are really kicking in higher gear. Um may change. The program is really what's going to drop. Awesome. I appreciate you giving us those numbers and I assume from time to time you and the board of
library trustees will review your numbers to make sure all the hours are working. >> But I know this like you said there's a lot to change into programs and you probably won't it takes time to build data to see what what works and what doesn't work. >> Yeah. Yeah. I I I could start a program
like for example I I have two programs right now. I would love to make a series. >> I don't want to do that unless I know that the first they attended very well. So if if the first one of these programs attended very well, then I'll open the series. I didn't want to book the series and then have like three or four weeks
in a row where like nobody was showing it. You know what I mean? I'd rather cut my losses after one then have to sit through four or five programs cutting losses that way. So that that's all going to that's all going to play into how the hours spike. what time, but obviously if I have a program that draws
in 25 people, that's going to spike the data for that one particular hour, whereas if I don't, so I'm spreading out the programs, I'm spreading them out because I'm running out of time to fit them all in, which is a great thing to have. So, so have one program after another and I think those specs are
going to change. Um, a few months I'll probably some more reportable information on. >> Awesome. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Thanks very much for having us. Great job. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Jamal's back. >> Thank you. We've been here in a while. Nice to see
you guys again. Um today is very preliminary. Um only shows what the departments have initially requested. Ralph and I are planning to meet with each department in February to analyze um their requests. So, we haven't done any of that for this presentation. And
then during the month of March, the departments will consent their requests in the joint finance committee and board of selectment meetings. Um so, just a few things I want to point out. On the revenue side, uh, for state aid, the governor's budget came out this
week and it did increase by 36,000 over where we ended in FY26 for the conference committees. This budget will still continue to be voted on by the House, the Senate, and then the final conference committee. So, that does leave a lot of room for increases and
also decreases, which we did see that last year. One of the um voting parties did have a slight a big decrease and then the next voting did increase it back up. So that one on the local revenue receipt side I did
analyze the revenues through the end of December. Um and with that we are going to increase the payments in le of taxes by $132,000. There were two new pilots that started paying this fiscal year. So I'm just going to make sure that they do actually
pay this year and then we can increase that for 27. Um, we'll also be able to increase the trash bag revenue by about 100,000. On the other available funds, we will transfer 250,000 from the ambulance fund
do. We're going to transfer the standard $6,669 from the title 5 fund, transferring 58,520 from the PEG access fund, and that directly covers the cables operating budget.
And then these budgets also include using of free cash. And then on the expense side, I did just increase the snow and ice deficit to 250,000. As of yesterday, that budget in the negative by 68,000, which means we spent
117,000 already. And seems like this is going to be a heavy year of snow. So, I think 250 is safe. Um, but that number might definitely go up depending on what gets spent out of that fund. And then this also includes transferring 25,000 to the ization fund and the OP funds. So
with all that being said, if a debt exclusion does not pass, so without a debt exclusion, this will still leave the town with a deficit levy of half a million. It's $51,000, $611.
If a debt exclusion vote does pass, um this will add approximately 823,000 on the revenue side. with an increase of expenses of $181,000 which will leave the town in a positive
$140,000. So even with the increased revenue from the potential debt exclusion um that brings us a positive of 140,000. So that's still pretty close and there's you know still other variable factors
within those that we just haven't ironed out yet because it's so early but We did get all of the department revenues. Um I just want to update the selection on where we stand before we start meeting. Um and then for starts making his
recommendations and then departments coming to the boards. >> How is state determined? Is there a formula they use? Is it >> they must probably depend on their own budget and their own expenses and then how much
>> you know where they exclusion Okay. >> The exclusion vote will only affect um how much we can raise. >> Okay. Um and another thing is when you said about transferring from the
ambulance you said 250 but it's really 450 >> sorry 450,000 and I spoke to the chief about that. He's comfortable with that. >> When the library went first they were a lot more >> upbeat. No, but thank you for putting
that together. >> Um, have we got preliminary budgets yet from the schools? >> Um, there was I think BP gave us an estimate of the number of students. So, we used last year's numbers. So, we do have that is
kind of estimated in this budget and Bristol Avie gave us the same thing student count and then range of a potential increase. So those are three and really what we paid to them is
definitely driven by student population. So they gave us those student population numbers. Um, I've been reaching out with them. I think gave us a pretty good range. I'm confident in the number I put down
similar to um it was a similar uh calculation I did last year spot on anticipation that I spoke with Rose finance
person she said I should be getting that tomorrow so we could so we could massage So and again discussions with that we're and I just you know we're going to
you know um I have to plan for not that I want to but we have big we're going to you know we're going to work with our um with our u do what we can for our budget, you know,
the department head and I think uh you know we're we're going a little high insurance some other things just because we have to because that's the indicators we're getting so we should bring that down but to close the gap
in the board possibly as I said as I've been saying since without the exclusion looking at limiting services workforce.
So even and we're starting to introduce that in this budget that short. So I just want to prepare for that. So look at these numbers every day and as
soon as we get better information we go and tweak it and do the best we can. We have a good group of people who work for the town of proud to be the administrator.
>> So hope has not given us any kind of indication. >> Um you mentioned $100,000 in additional revenue. Are you anticipating the board to look at the trash bag prices again or is there another reason? >> If I may answer that. Yeah, we are
looking at it a slight increase. You know the 100,000 additional 100,000 if you remember last year it was a big jump and we initially anticipated that it would be about 76,000 but is very conservative when it comes to
putting numbers in. I got to see you for the year. So this is what >> analyzing where we were um at >> um just just so for you planning um and I have only one opinion
but we we brought the debt exclusion vote to the town for the presidential election in 2024. bring it into the town again annual taxion just a couple of months and you know everything I've read on
free cash and our previous town administrators warnings were that free cash is used to for our capital projects to pay down debts to boost up our reserves but it's not to be used as a bandaid to get us
through one fiscal year to the next um my research shows that it's you know poor financial practices. It can reduce your bond ratings. So personally I think it's as one board member I think it's
just shortsighted and I would I think we just need to if the de solutions fails which I hope it doesn't but if it does we need to present a balanced budget to the town that doesn't use any bandaids um so that we can move forward in a way that
we don't go through this every single year you know utilizing free cash and So, you know, when you're crafting your recommendation to the board, um those would be my concerns. What are we going to do to continue to put money towards
our reserves and what are we going to do the next fiscal year? I'd rather just figure that all out during this budget process. Like which is kind of what we told the towns people too that that was what we were going to do if uh the debt exclusion does fail was that there was
going to be cuts in services and um that there will be impacts um you know so that's just my opinion. Thank you. Again, I I I had this discussion again
wholeheartedly uh the use of the use of free cash for this again. It's going to free cash. It's going to stabilization. It's going to agree. you know like what we use through cash
do capital projects that's what I would like to see but you know and we are going to make cuts I promise to promise cut some point again
I may have to have to make those decisions. What is the next step? Um, a lot of communities in the Commonwealth, you know, are going into their stabilization to balance the budget and that's
so so it's just something I want to make people aware of the next steps over the next few months, month and a half. >> I have a question regards to DR. um what's our communication that's been with them? Have we communicated what we
are looking for in regards to a number? Okay. Because I know on our end, if the debt exclusion does not pass, we have to potentially let people go like what are they going to do? What are they going to do if this doesn't pass to help us get to a place that we need to be? So we
gave them a number that we're you know we're comfortable with and continue on the road came out I know you guys put a lot of hours in. >> Yes.
You haven't you haven't seen that yet? >> No. >> So, uh on the agenda we here to discuss I actually have two positions of operator class one. first thing we'll So
from the highway department was already down. They need to um I don't want to keep down two bodies as we are now two
I I I don't intend to prove moving forward on the position and back budget scenario we're in um for one and then reexamine see what happens So, last time we met, one of these
positions was an assistant foreman. Is that correct or no? Am I >> That's was supposed to be on the agenda also, but that's that's usually appointed from within. >> All right. >> So, that that can be done at a later date. >> So, it could potentially be somebody that you already have on staff.
>> That's who you Yes. >> Okay. All right. All right. I just wanted to make sure I understood. No, I don't have any questions or anything. Well, I'll give you that. >> There's not a revision date on this, so I'm unclear. Is this a new job description or is this something that's
been in existence? And that's my first question. >> That's the current That's the current. >> So, was this job description just crafted or is it a new is it was this typed up since our last meeting or was
this that's been posted before and is dusted off. >> That's a good question. I believe it was on Karen's computer. She just replicated. So the date u you know the date can be tweaked you know that's in the language
here. >> So generally in the job description there is a there is a revision date or vote date. So I think we should have that you know once it is approved. Um you know I said in the last meeting about having a consistent title about
class one operator and it's listed as both as operator class one and class one operator. I think it needs to be one and the other. You know I know it's just a reversing of the words but I think it matters. >> That's consistent. Sorry. >> Is a class one operator. Is that how you
refer to it inside of the highway department? Yeah, reference to the union contract. Yes. >> Okay. And um so you've reviewed this job description. >> All right. Uh under summary description,
it says operates light motorized equipment, but then it goes on to say that they operate back hose and loaders and I don't know if it was the word dump truck. Um, but I think it's it's heavy equipment that
they operate. Is that a fair statement? >> They all capable of doing everything. >> So someone with a license could be a labor of the day holding the help. >> Okay. >> I would on a summary I would do
if you agree it's light and heavy equipment. Is that correct? They could operate heavy equipment and light equipment. because it's all right. I would just do that just to clarify it. >> Years ago before I was superintendent,
Boris Leman found the value of having them all, you know, not just for the dollar value per hour, but the essence of them all being an operator because during a storm they need to load their own trucks and then in the summertime, same thing. You need to load your own truck, >> you know, both out in the street on the
property. >> So that gives us versatility. You don't have operator sitting at the garage waiting. >> It makes sense to be wellrounded the way we are. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um it does say operates all highway
equipment but not limited to pickup trucks, dump trucks, non and it says non CDL, but then it goes on to say there's certain CDL requirements. A dump trucks or nonCDL vehicle? >> We have both. >> You have both. >> Okay.
And you did email us about what class is it? Is it a class A CDL or E? >> So the minimum requirement is 2B with pay breaks for the driver's license and the 2B poison license and that's for a lower back only
ideal. And there's already a dollar value reference to the higher class the class A. So they're able to tow the trailer with the equipment on it and they will But the minimum requirement is the 2B 2.
>> Um, and what did the what did the highway um what did the union say when they reviewed the job description? Did they have any issues with it? >> I didn't send this by the union. This is something that we have on
>> it and Okay. Um All right. So, the union just received it today. And why are the resumes going to you and not to the town administrator? Is there a reason for that?
>> Not sure why you would want it the other way. >> Reason it's the operator level. It's the it's the lower level. lowest level I would first resumes would go to to uh to top the superintendent
review with HR and then the next level I would take a look at. So that's online with our policy. We have a hiring policy in the town that's been in existence since 2020. So this is nothing new. I think that we need to
follow the policy as written and the policy says it goes to the resumes go to the town administrator's office. the town administrator's office, we have an HR coordinator, which in the past I've seen them go to either Karen or Leanne. Um I think those I think it's important
that it goes to human resources for a job prescription uh for for resumes and um once the application period has ended, they're turned over to the department head. That's what I've seen in the past. And policies exist for a reason and one of them is consistency.
Having that consist consistent standard when we Um the union just received it today and they have questions. I have a problem. You know what? There's one thing that always gets me going in these meetings and it's hiring. You know, when we when
whether it's board of health, um the assistant foreman when we talked last time this, you know, it comes up time and time again about the hiring practices. I'm disappointed to hear that the union just got it today when it's right in our policy that the union has
to um have a chance to comment on things before they go to the board. The board should be the last person to get this. It should be fully polished and ready to go. If there was um questions on whether it's a class A CDL or a class B, that
tells me that there wasn't that review between department head and the administration and the union to make sure that this is a polished and ready to go uh job description. You know, it also says we're a equal opportunity employer uh and an ADA
employer. It doesn't say that in our job description. There is one line in the in the very first page that says we're an equal opportunity employer, but there's supposed to be a statement with that. And there's nothing about being an ADA employer. I just want to raise that standard with
hiring and make sure that when we hire, we get it right uh every single time and that we're consistent. So, I don't want to hold you up and I don't want the board to be the bad guy every single time. But when these things come in front of the board of selectment, I want it to be fully reviewed. I want to be
confident that all of the right people have looked at these things. So, I think that the board should table it for two more weeks and this should come back in front of the board. I think everyone should read the policy, make sure that
it's consistent with the policy, come back in front of the board with a a polished job description that meets that standard. so the board can vote on it instead of trying to extract who's looked at what, who wrote it when, and um
and if we do vote to approve it tonight, it's we're approving something that is incomplete and doesn't follow the policy and the standards the town's created. And I think that's a bad look for the town.
How does that affect you, Tom? Waiting two more weeks in trouble. >> I'm more interested in the board's position, but the two positions I need to fill. >> Yep. >> That's what I'm really after because I need to really have a good up with a work schedule, what we can and cannot
accomplish this year. >> Right. >> Well, I the job the job has to be filled. >> I I agree with what Mr. Chico's discussing >> and those are very important issues. >> They also have those two positions >> right
>> right now. They're both funded >> currently. I'm sure they could be hired with a a stipulation or something in writing that you know it's the job's only there as long as the funds are available. We've done that in the past. It really hurt last year having that one
person down a lot and the president's re saw that in that. >> I want to be clear. I support the highway department and I support hiring a position. You know, going to follow the town administration's recommendation. He says we need to fill it. I agree we need to fill it. Of
course we do. I just want what's brought in front of us to be ready to go, fully vetted by all the appropriate stakeholders. So I I will support this in the future when it's when it comes back to us and it's presentable and ready to go.
>> I heard from my town administrator one and I I I agree with the one for now personally. um until we see where we we land with the the debt exclusion vote. I mean, that will be very I mean, we really
can't I I don't think it's responsible to the taxpayers to do any more than the one until we see where that vote lands because that's the town's people. >> You're giving a strong message to the board and we we are reporting to the
taxpayers. Um I had something else, but I lost my train of thought. Well, I have no issues with um appointing I mean uh giving Tom the authorization to uh fill the open position. I agree with
everything that you said as far as it does need to be cleaned up. Um I I guess you really just want to know going forward, does the board support you filling that position? Correct. Yeah, I'm sure you can consider a vote pending this get
power started. >> That's right. >> Why would it have to be done? Why would it have to wait to two weeks if it could be done ratified in house? >> Personally, I heard I don't know if it was two or three meetings ago, you
mentioned the CDL air brakes. You mentioned that in another job description. I think it was the assistant foreman that it was that there was a problem with it and it was wrong. That's the first I heard of it. And then to see in another job description, there was still that discrepancy.
I don't think it's fair to the board of selectment that we get things that aren't it says our department head is supposed to I I've done job descriptions. The department head crafts the job description, sends it to HR and the town administrator and they review it. It
doesn't sound like that was done in this case. So you have this incomplete product and then the board is going to stamp it pending a review. I think we need to I think the bar should be raised that when something goes in front of the board of selectmen it's it should be what's
intended to be draft. I know folks can't anticipate what we're going to say and we may want to go a different way or change things but >> I mean this doesn't even follow the policy and again that goes to consistency. I don't see what's wrong with just holding it off for two more
weeks to go back in front of the board of selectment to make sure that we're following all of the proper policies and procedures um and to have confidence when people are being hired that we're following those and being consistent with
everybody in the town um when they're being hired. So I I think it sends a message that we're okay with just an incomplete work. I think it's just have to wait just two two more weeks. If we post this today, it's not going to help us with the snowstorm on
Sunday. Um I I understand it's a busy time and and I get the point about, you know, we saw the what happens, you know, we saw what happened over the summer, but we also gave the highway department a shorter um they got to follow the same
schedule that our town hall employees have for the work week. And I think economy wasn't good with two major problems. >> Yeah, I think that impacted it too. >> So, what standard are we trying to say that we want to have here in the town? That's that's my point.
>> Just want to hold people to it. >> Sure. >> Nicole, do you have questions? >> Um, are we going to hear from the union or No, like he said he had questions. I just want to know before I give my input in case he comes and says something that changes. If I read the policy right, the
union would be working with the department head and the human resources department. They should all sit down and make sure it's everyone's in agreement and then it should come to us as a final product instead of wasting the public's time and the board's time and everyone's
this should happen you know that's why they all are there you know that's we have the professionals in place to do that during the week and then they bring that to us for that final approval. So I think that should all be worked out outside of our meeting um and it should be brought back with a finished product.
>> I have one um just comment in regards to the policy that you had spoke about about how where the resume should go. I understand we have a policy in place and that should be followed but I think it's worth looking at just thinking of myself in the place that I work at. I'm the
only nurse. So the resumes come to me because I'm the subject matter expert. Tom's the subject matter expert so things can go to him and he would be easier to look through it and see no this is not appropriate this is appropriate I think that in the future that's something worth looking at um
Karen and Liam may not be able to look at these resumes of these different disciplines and be able to shift through it that quickly um so as I I am agreement with the policy as it stands now but I definitely think that's something worth looking into >> I agree I can we should review all of
our policies from time to time I think they're all overdue. >> Does somebody want to make a motion on the floor? >> I'll make a motion to table the class one operator job description. >> I'll second that. Any more discussion in
favor? >> I we'll table it for now. Come back to clean up. >> Yep. >> So besides HR, administrative office and union There were some things that you pointed
out of concerns. Can we have that in writing so we can address that? >> I can't give you my notes. I'll give it to >> them. It's really smooth out before coming if we don't address your concerns. We miss
something that would be good. >> Yeah. Karen will have them in the notes that she just took. So yeah. Okay, Tom, this is a review discussing act safety signage elementary school.
>> So, um I think it was a couple months ago we received a request for us signage from the representative server's office. >> Did you guys get that email? >> Yes. >> Okay. And Mr. took the time to write a letter that
would come from the board >> requesting that uh there are some questions I have and I have responded to that email also it is really out of my jurisdiction >> okay >> comes down to local control board sleman you know the the town group
even though it's mass jurisdiction >> um I do question though are they looking is that particular resident looking for a school zone on 138 or center street to me center street makes We think center street
>> that's where the main entrance is >> where the entrance is is where the address is >> safer uh we already have one that's ending at 138 that's but I'm sure the state would look at that with their investig >> okay and do the whole corner I >> I would assume so yes and hopefully they
get the information from the police chief that I would think they need to look at >> okay >> but yes I I support this >> surebody don't think makes the most sense to have it there.
I'm surprised it's gone as as long as it has. I don't know if they were waiting for the uh the the new elementary school or refurbished elementary school, but um it's a no-brainer as far as >> Have we talked about this before? I feel
like this is coming. >> We talked about the signage on the street for Bristol Aggie, but I don't think we've talked about the signage for the elementary school. I'm surprised it's going as long as it has. >> It was one year school zone here. Classing lights just north of the town
hall and class lights just on the other side of the elementary school. >> Y >> and the school was here, >> right? >> Junior high. >> Yep. >> So, I don't know what >> So, it might be easy. It might be already in place because it was zone. I don't know how that gets removed. If it
was ever, >> right, >> it might be an easy thing. >> Well, there's a letter from Justin >> Thurber to have no issues. Nobody else seems to have an issue. So, again, this is discussing act. So, we need a motion to app
I make a motion to approve the letter both the route 138 Somerset Somerset AB safety concerns as presented second any discussion or any more discussion all those in favoring highway
>> yes um this is no surprise to any one of you three I'm sure and bay and our finance communities well in tune um we came up different ways years back to try to formalize, you know, like a three year, five year, eight year projection
whatnot. Um, I'm not sure that's going to be fast enough. Um, kind of looking to the board for some advice, not to really act on tonight, but u I I'm not a firm believer in being a squeaky wheel, but it's getting to that point >> where we may need to do that. Um,
>> what aging equipment. I know all of it is aging. Um, is there anything in particular other than you put every uh every year to only get it removed. >> For example, what caught my eye right now, we got three trucks that are over 30 years old, five trucks that are over
20 years old. I think that should get your attention right there. >> And then we have multiple equipments. Uh we have a facility, the facility itself with one mechanic that services 76 registered vehicles in town. That is astronomical.
So with all the departments having a consideration of aging vehicles one mechanic with this small facility is a lot to look at. So along with that u like your board to be in tune with our department uh not just for possible equipment but also we definitely need to
increase our equipment repair line which is already in the red and that will probably look for a year transfer to cover that if needed. Um, but I don't know what else to do other than you guys looking at numbers and the other boards and committees and maybe
have an internal touch of truck type of deal. >> When you say equipment as you have listed here, is it just vehicles or you talking uh >> combination? >> Combination. Okay. >> So, like as as you know, two years ago I
submitted for a truck, right? >> That didn't make it on a warrant, >> right? Another year went by and >> it went to free cash which was fine because we depended on those people who make those decisions but two years just went by when we should have been already considering.
>> Have you looked into what Mark had brought up last time about the the back any kind of leasing programs? >> We always do especially working with the capital outlay finance committee. Those are discussions we have. >> Okay. >> Those are strong discussions because you know how to actually make the purchase
good ideas. uh that that was a good idea to pay off the escalator early. We did at least purchase and that I mean that wasn't a large item but that was that's a good modern tool you know >> it beats the tobacco itself in a lot of ways but yeah the lease option is very
doable. >> Okay. So, I I don't I mean, I can say I need this and that, but I know it's real financial problems, but I I need the board to be in tune with >> We're in trouble down there. >> It's getting worse as time goes on.
>> Yep. Uh and and the every year that goes by, it takes more of a beating. >> And and another thing, something to consider, >> it's nature. I mean, there's nothing you can do about it. So, we're in a cold spell right now, right? >> We can't wash the equipment.
It's all over the equipment right now. >> And we use fluid film and whatnot. Best we can we can't even wash it. >> Sure. >> It's it's it's a huge issue. >> Are your trucks stored in sight at all? >> The ones that fit >> on there some that physically cannot go through the door because of the size
because it's wasn't built for >> and the number of vehicles wasn't chicken. Uh now how how'd you manage this storm? Uh how many private drivers did you have
or private vehicles on the road? >> Uh so this year was interesting. We have five contractors now >> training with us which is seem to be working well >> all using their own. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. So we're very close to full complement
minus the two that we would normally have >> the amount. is poor. A storm like that, it's not the amount, it's the duration. That's what gets you. So, you're going to have people naturally have to drop out because they physically just can't do it. >> Sure.
>> Ideally, it' be nice if they rotate, but then they'd be wondering if they're missing out, you know, why is that one getting more, >> right? >> It's it's problematic, but we did manage. >> Okay. Like I said, the rules are great. Um, well, I think that it goes without
saying that we're we are aware of the financial situation and certainly your aging equipment as well as the building itself. Like I had said earlier, every year it seems to go on a question. It whether it makes it to the warrant or not uh is
squarely with the select. Obviously the money is is tight. Um but at some point we have to pull the trigger. So, >> should I be a squeaky wheel or just keep you guys in tune? I mean, I I I encourage like an inside touch truck.
You guys actually see it. You see the truck that we replace the floor because we didn't have a floor in it, you know, stuff like that. >> Yeah. >> Uh I'm not opposed to that. I've highway department before and uh I'm impressed with what little what how
much you accomplish with what little you have and um being the squeaky wheel. It doesn't hurt. But it all depends on right now I'd say the debt solution. >> But even if the debt exclusion doesn't
pass, it doesn't mean we're not going to spend money, >> right? >> It just has to be done wisely. >> We have a big need. Whether it pass or not, we still have the need, >> right? >> And a lot of things don't move. >> Yeah. Uh the 70 some odd vehicles the
town has. Are you talking police vehicles and fire? >> Police, fire, highway, sewer. I believe we 76 registered vehicles with >> you know you know backhole loaders are all registered. Trailers are registered. >> Yes.
>> And you have one mechanic. >> You have one mechanic. >> We have one mechanic. >> Fortunately, we have a crew that's wellrounded. We have several that can help out. jobs available, you know, they're willing to help out, too. >> Yeah. Are we using the school at all to
help out? >> Uh, rarely. And some of it's some of the equipment they have in the shop, but rarely. No. >> No. >> The turnaround would not be quick enough. >> Not convenient. >> Uh, the police and fire, you really need to be certified to do that kind of stuff. >> Some of the stuff. >> Yep.
>> And that stuff. Same deal. Um, actually the struggles we had last month is not the trucks, but they still parts obsolete. >> Sure. >> So, we're searching the country for parts. >> Yeah. >> You know, so to have the school involved would really take a long time to come.
>> Yeah. It would >> Yeah. hamper the process. The um 30-year-old equipment that you have I know it's band-aids that you've put on them and we've asked a lot from the highway department.
What have with the committees that we have um capital outlay where are you with that as far as is there a list still of >> uh the list because we haven't bought nothing hasn't really changed
>> hasn't changed >> except for I think three vehicles went from three fair to four >> okay >> so we got I think five that are in poor condition >> y so if you had I You could only b buy one vehicle this year. What would it be?
>> Probably be the similar to that freeline. I mean the international we bought during >> Okay. >> That body is perfect for probably >> four season body. >> Able to service it well easy to work with.
>> Okay. Uh Nicole, do you have anything? >> No. Um, so I'm glad to hear everyone talking about the capital outlay committee and uh you asking for insight being process driven. That's the appropriate board to
go to for um any concerns of that nature. So have you submitted a capital outlay request this fiscal year? >> I'm not aware of the schedule. >> Yeah. So the schedule is uh right in the town bylaw which is it's been in
existence for a couple of years and you have until January 31st to submit your request to the capital outlay committee. So you have a couple days. Um so I suggest that you submit your request um with what you want and the capital outlay meets and in March and they'll
report back to the board in April. So, it's right now bylaw. Um, I suggest, you know, you do your fiveyear outlook and you do your request for what your request is for the our next annual town meeting. And hopefully we continue that process so
that we can look at the whole town holistically and what all of our capital needs are. So, that's my that's my suggestion is follow the bylaw and do you know that that committee is there for a very good reason.
Do they meet >> as needed? >> But they have to they do have to meet um >> they have to meet in March per the bylaw and you know department heads have to get those submissions in you know to be considered part of the bylaw January
31st. So there department heads who want to be considered this fiscal year should be getting their submissions in. Okay. >> Right. Anything else you have for us? Any good news? Like I said, the roads look great. Uh
it's funny because part of our street is Rahobus and there's a distinct line where Don ends Rahobit begins. Uh it's it's pretty sad. Um >> there's a snow bank to drive over there because um our supplier did not we
didn't have enough material for that snow. We tried to time it the best we could, scrape as long as we could. We only had enough to treat it once again. >> Yeah. >> It wasn't the way we normally like to have it at the end, but we knew it was
the sun did a lot of work the next day, >> right? I mean, at what point does it does in the temperature does the salt not work? >> Salt's only good for mid20s. >> Okay. >> Glasses on it. We go down into
>> Okay. Thanks Tom. >> Thank you Nicole. Time for announcements. >> The highway department public notice there is a town parking ban in effect from November 1st 2025 to April 1st 2026. One person shall allow any vehicle
to remain in the street as to obstruct snow removal. Bristol Community Bristol County Agricultural High School is hosting a Southeast New England Agricultural Conference and trade show on Sunday, February 1st, 2026 in order
to bring farmers, food producers, fishermen, and service providers together to share knowledge and to learn about innovations in agriculture. The Dayton's Lion Club Food Bank be held on Saturday, February 21st, located at Town Hall in the lower level. A me message
from the town's clerk's office. The annual town election will be held on April 11th, 2026 at the Dyton Elementary School from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. Nomination papers are available at the town clerk's office for the following um positions. A board of selectman
three-year term. Board of successors, a three-year term. DR school committee member, this is two positions, also three years. Park and recck, three years. Public library trustee three years. Sewer commissioner three years. Um planning board this is five years. Um
another planning board that is two years. And then housing authority five years. >> This is the first of two public inputs. Is there anybody at this time that wants to be heard? >> Yes, John. >> I just wanted to um >> Oh, Jonathan, I'm sorry. Cable's telling
me you got to go to the podium. >> Yes. Sorry. I'm blaming it on cable. >> I don't have my cane on me. I left it down. >> You're You're right there. Yeah. >> Okay. Um, thank you for telling me that. Um, I just wanted to pick up on what you were talking about a few minutes ago
with regard to job descriptions and note that whether doesn't matter whether it's highway or it's it's a clerical position or anything, but under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is extremely important that EEO and ADA requirements
be listed in the job description if there's specific issues or not. But regardless of anything, you have to have the language for the Americans with Disability Act in there. And I I'm questioning whether or not, not simply for the highway department, but for
other departments in the town of other hiring potentially. I know this is something that was on the list of things that I'm supposed to be eventually looking at and looking at for town policy and town procedure. And I'm saying that because I think it's something I I appreciate uh select
bringing it to the attention of the town, but I think it's something that potentially systemically needs to be looked at to make sure that the correct language is in there. So, I know that you tabled that for review, but I'm suggesting that before that just got job description and any other job
descriptions in the town go out either they be the language be changed. I'm happy to work with the town administrator and the board of selectman's office to make sure that the language is changed correctly so that any future job descriptions have the correct language in there. I just wanted to to bring that to your attention
because it does have to be there and um it's it's a requirement of law. So, That's all I have. >> Thank you. >> We do have in our in the town's policy that we have to have that ADA and >> EEO statement. Uh and it says right what
the statement should be. So, um I would suggest when you work with a town administrator, just review that policy. It's like I said, it's been there for about five years and as long as there's been no updates to the law, uh the town really just has to follow what's the language right in the policy. >> Absolutely. Thank you. That's all I
have. >> Okay. Great. Thank you. Anybody else here that wants to be heard? How about uh does anybody have their hand up? >> Okay. Um then we move on to selectments reports. Is there any
>> uh I just want to reiterate that again I think the town highway department did a fantastic job with the roads and heading into the storm this weekend. Uh certainly it's going to hurt our um budget plans but has
made us aware. Thanks. Uh administrator report a quick update. Uh I'm going to be talking about the exclusion. Um and I just want to first I'm going to show to the select.
So as you go through it um if you have any suggestions I will and then I plan to do a few outreaches with uh and I'll make those announce announcements of our debt exclusion dead exclusion presentation.
Additionally, received today council he gave you sort of the bones the bones of it explaining what a dead exclusion is you know by voting yes what it means by voting by voting no what it means there
still we're still waiting on the arguments pro and con uh for the day exclusion once we have that put it together. Uh we'll bring it before the board and our intention is to get it out uh by the beginning of March with the uh
with the mailing mailing ballots. So uh people have that in their hands. So they're making their decisions. They they could review the additionally looking to see if we could have these
sort of printed up present walk into the room so they could take a look at it and you know understand >> with it's going to go with the mailer >> or is it going to be a separate separate
mail it's a separate mailer >> and then couns So check that she will put them together. They said no. >> So they're going to be mailed separately. >> We're going to do it as as close as we
can in conjunction have both. >> Okay. >> When um the state election years and they do the red book and they mail that to every household. There's also something in the law that says you have to have so many available for every registered voter at the polling location.
>> Um so having you know proving this MGL allows us to do the mail. I think it makes sense for the town clerk to have them available at the voting location, not in the booth, >> but generally there's a >> where the warden is or where their table
is to review. >> No, our time is doing that. She brought that to my attention. So that's one of the things. So this is the um um I'll be doing this presentation on the debt exclusion. So um the question is you know what is
what's the difference between a debt exclusion and over it's put here pretty simple pretty simply an override is something that's that's permanent and that a debt exclusion I I'm going to keep this really simple um you know as we go
through it. So, so a an override has you have to list the purpose and it's current as opposed to debt exclusion. We have to list the project and you know the state the state says it's
temporary. Uh but you know to some people 20 30 years is isn't temporary. It's like a whole generation but it does fall off. It's not it's not correct as opposed to as opposed to an override. Say if you uh say the purpose of an
override is to um cover operational costs and the override is you know the override is for $500,000. Once you have that $500,000 that grows every year. Something also to be
something also to do there is that um um both overrides and debt exclusions are considered prop two and a half. Anything any kind uh where you get funding outside of the levy, it's
considered prop two and a half. So a lot of people confuse that they only think prop two and a half and override is synonymous which it is not. Prop two and a half is the overriding and is the is the override you know over debt exclusion
debt exclusion is a common way for town cities to repay their debts uh and it's again as I said it's for council and I want to be very upfront if if the debt exclusion is approved it will raise
it will raise taxes to pay debt and then we're going to Further on, we're going to see, you know, uh, you know, different different levels, but the average annual increase to taxpayers, $2624.
That's annual. >> So, what is the uh the debt exclusion? It's for the construction of the new Bristol Technical High School and the uh the expansion of Bristol A. Salary supplies
that's not what isn't share cost of construction. So again, it's just construction costs has nothing to do with those school sales that you know this is a little slide I
put in um it's sort of it it speaks to um you know why why uh um student populations are starting to trend out for vacation vocational schools. this kids are realizing that
they they have a they get a trade, they have a good life and so u you know as a result of that um both our local schools sort of had that expansion. In 2018, Bristol County Advisory Board approved
$36 million expansion plan. And in March of 2022, uh school districted on the construction of the new school. That new school was about $35 million. When we first uh the
uh members uh were responsible for 180 million of that $1.5 million but um you know project construction costs came down so the members are now responsible and we had a little bit of a drop down $45 million
drop $135 million $135 million so the member towns are responsible and I just wanted to put up when you go into the balcony this one is forage is
But again, it's going to say for the pro exempt from provisions of proposition two and a half. Again, I can't stress that enough. I know that causes people confusion people confusion in the past. They said, "I'm not voting for
proposition. I thought I was voting for so What is a no? So in the event of a no homicide may continue we have we have to we have an obligation to find funding for the crystal
debt given the tax levy given state aid and I know so just brought it to your attention we only got about you know the government governor put in about $35,000 more state
so the estimated payment for fis meet or exceed our combined with non-negotiable cost increases to items such as health insurance contributions
what we're facing right now especially we're looking at cuts in department of fiscal year 27 this is a slide that I introduced to the board about two weeks ago and if I could highlight it right this is our
limit and you know what is our yearly growth yearly growth is 2 and 12% increase and estimated growth and that combined you know this year is 136,000
we estimate 822 so we put that growth that's the rightit That's what we capital but 800 823,000 of that 836
is being up by our obligation to pay those construction costs. So we have only $14,000 next year in the negative and finally in August year 30 we start rebounding but
very very slight and what is competing for the for those dollars those new growth dollars yearly growth dollars you know something we could to sanitation costs back in fiscal year 2023. Um
the cost to the town for curbside pickup was about $776,000. This year we're looking at close to a million and I think you know later on we'll see that we we got some increase uh um for our single stream cycling
5,000 extra. So it just kind of put us right over a million dollars and next year again over you know over a million dollars which just our obligations uh to you know for for service just it's just continuing to grow
and additionally you know we have to take care of people who work in town health insurance and even if you don't work for a town health your health insurance continues to to increase it just leave you 23
just over a million dollars insurance million dollar insurance that we pay out and again our yearly our yearly growth this is what we
this is always and I'm going to read this one word for word for excess le capacity excess le capacity Massachusetts municipalities levy limit and the actual amount levy on communities to potentially raise
additional tax revenue without signific to capital out to do to do whatever we need to do. But as I'll show you that use that the debt is consuming all that excy excess levy limit and once we
exceed our our levy limit that's we have to you know that's one of the things we have to cut more we have to introduce override question and as I said the override question that's something you know we have to identify the purpose for it and the overright you know we raise
the ceiling and it's permanent and it grows every year at at 2 and a half% but just as an illustration Um, how is our how's our levy in 2022? We taxed we could we have a we could
have taxed a million dollars more than we did. 23 88,000 f4 that's when we start seeing um the debt starts hitting the cap. It drops to 141. you know, had a little
jump in in 2025. And as you know, we were very very close. We have access, you know, virtually no le the debt, which was about $700,000. My ship has eaten it up. So, we only
have, you know, our our le capacity is now 58,000. And when when you looked at uh earlier when we were looking at you know that one sheet that 500,000 if I could
translate it on the sheet that would be down here. So our excess capacity $500,000. So vote. So what is a yes vote? So you know it will budget budgeting will
remain challenge question uh the towns you know be able to vote revenue growth the town services. So we could again by having a debt exclusion that that free cash
we could apply the things we should be applying to you know we should be applying it to to to reserve funds we should be applying to uh to capital to capital but again as I stated earlier again a yes vote means that citizens tax
rates will increase the end of the day. So just to that you know you how do we determine the obligation and for the most part it's determined about how many students we have school so and then you
know the bond rating and the percentage that we pay but the good thing is typically debt exclusions you know front end load it and then you know you know normal mortgage it goes down gets less and less as we get
towards Um this is a chart and I said the average is 2634 but you know if you have a if your home is assessed at $350,000
an annual impact of 171 that's in at the higher rent 750 your annual impact of 367 again this is based on a combined annual assessment of $950,000 which translates
49. So just a sort of easy illustration where you know everybody talks about tax back in 2016 tax was $1523 per thousand. This year we closed out at $1245
per thousand. If you know if we had the debt exclusion on this year's tax rate, the tax rate would be 1296 would still still be less than the tax rate. Jet exclusions are not new for the town.
We've had we have several exclusions on the books right now. Our last one was for headquarters. Um that was from 2017. You know, the request was 5.95 million. Uh the other one is for another group at
the BR high school $6.7 million. And then additionally the repairs for um the elementary school and the middle school. Um just to note those will be dropping off this year
because u you know not all that exclusions are 20 years long depending on the amount you borrow. want to do a shorter term. So that one that one will be dropping off >> uh this one
school >> which is a savings of how much? >> Um I have to I'll figure that out. I was asking Paul to get that to me. So yeah to see that will come off. Other considerations you know do
it a bit of an agent infrastructure. some of the things that we're going to have to look at in the future where you know fire station I know we have that speak with you about that
just to give you an update of where we were main street construction it's going slow we had the ability to do be able to do that quicker and then as you know elementary school but the thing
is unlike someone uh eggs, you know, we will vote on these things. We will vote on these projects and then uh usually the debt exclusion
process is you go to town meeting and then you go to and then you go to the ballot and it doesn't pass those projects forward. Unlike again unlike this project was
voted on majority of the vote of member towns agreed to it. Whether we like it or not, we have to pay that obligation. Again, you know, some some points to consider absorbing
And you know the police obligation out and this is this is not theory. This is this is
just again Our election is Saturday, April 11th. Uh the last day to receive absentee votes and vote by mail applications um is Monday, April 6th. And the last day to vote absentee in person is
Thursday. Again, we'll be sending out the mail at the beginning at the beginning of March. That's that's my presentation. >> Very sobering presentation.
>> I should have asked Mark for you. >> Um, no. I think the timing on the mailers makes sense. I know we've talked about that before. >> Um, however, when do you think we're going to approve the final mailer? Because I think it's important that the
public has a chance to review it >> um as soon as possible. >> Yeah. We should have it by the next >> I did notice on the website under that exclusion there's nothing really there yet. Can this poweroint go?
>> This is all I I wanted to present again. Um, thank you. We had a presentation from our financial advisor about the debt exclusion a while back and a lot of that's probably relevant. Do you think
that should go on the website as well? >> I um I used um what I could use. >> Okay. >> So, this is the most uptoate. >> All right. So, a lot of that got But I did use that.
>> Police station off when >> uh it was back in 2017. where it'll drop off. >> I could get them. >> And was it an overwhelming vote?
>> Yeah. I didn't I didn't look up the uh the uh I could get that. I wonder the drop offs. I know this one. dropping off soon. I do not have the
numbers whe >> Yeah, I know. October specialary similar special. But um you know
you know, working with um members of our um of our financial community to get that number. What's that job? And I could, you know, I could plug those into, you know, the questions for
Then moving on to old business. U I believe we're going to discuss and act shade and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? I discuss time. >> Yes. So uh we're introducing
one of our initial. >> All right. So the 100 hours for uh 12 hours for the 12 weeks but um but received additional more hours. So you know we thought okay let's let's you
know near the end of that we'll come back. So we had a discussion with double check. We looked at past presidents and then she did if it is the favor of the board you could
just initial hours were so uh 238 in total. The board awarded 100 hours at the January 14th meeting. So uh that if the court will uh uh allow the balance of the hours which is
approximately 138 hours comments like is there a motion on this? I'll make a motion to approve the request in its entirety as presented. >> Would you have made second? Any
discussion? >> Um, all right. So, at our last board meeting on this topic, I wanted to vote on it first because it's want to take care of the employee. It's not about that, but I do have comments to make this better for the future. Um, so we did follow the recommendation from the
from the town administrator with the $100, but I I talked about and I incorporated in my motion um on how we could approve like the communication because there wasn't even a request. It was just a a block of ours, but there was no request,
no clear request from the employer what they were looking for or what the town administrator recommended. since that meeting um you reached out and asked you know I'd support it and I said if we got had a positive recommendation from the town
administrator and human resources so I I still never heard the human resources did um recommend this and it kind of goes back to just processes when we have these human resource issues or issues
that are non-rine that go in front of the board of selectments that have a impact to the taxpayer into the pound budget. So, I did send an email about it and I never got a response back. So, I just want to read it into the record so that there's no doubt um on what my
expectations are as a selectman going forward when we have again these non-rine or human resource questions. So, I on January 19th I said hi Ralph and Karen. I wanted to follow up on some of my comments at the last board of selectman meeting in regards to both the
FMLA transfer for Ashley and the assistant foreman position for Tom. Some questions I will always have for these human resource questions that incur a cost are the full scope of the question. Is there a known precedent? Is there contract language? Has the town
administrator reviewed it? Comments recommendation. Human resources coordinator reviewed comments recommendation. Town accountant review. What is the financial impact in simple terms? Fully funded in the funding
source. Reviewed by the department head. Comments and recommendations. Reviewed by the union. Union comments or concerns. Labor attorney if necessary. And other for the FMLA transfer. I would have liked to have seen more information
included in the packet. I believe we had a different outcome. In the followup, I'd like to see if there is any info in the union contract, what the law says, what the industry best practice says on the subject, and answers to the questions above. I believe if we had
that check off list for the job description for the assistant foreman or assistant to the foreman, I believe the job description's final product would have looked different than what was presented. If you could implement something along these lines for human
resource and other non-rine requests, I would really appreciate it. I'm looking for the board to be as informed as possible on requests coming from the town. I think there's progress to be made in this area. Thank you again, Mark. And so, walking in today, I'm just disappointed that I don't have any
contract language. I hear that you talked to the union. Um, I did get your email that you recommended it, but I never had anything from the uh from human resources. There still was never anything kind of put in in writing. So, I just want to see us do
better in the future for uh these requests just so that we can make I'm just trying to make it better. I'm not trying to make it job harder or uh you know, I'm just trying to make sure the board can be informed and we're not guessing.
>> Yes, that's all. Do you want to respond at all? >> Uh, no. I I don't you know I I I sent the email. >> Sure. >> Anytime again if you have any questions if I don't I don't have a complete email
please reach out. >> Justin has his hand up. I think it's Justin highing us. I don't know. >> No, I was just uh I wanted to uh just advise on questions of uh HIPPA
violations with um this being an FMLA matter and the employees name being mentioned just for future reference. >> Okay, thank you. >> Absolutely. >> I was surprised to see it in here.
Then on to new business please. Review discuss and act acceptance of the road layout for muddy code lane. So um in your packet I have the um lane bridge project. So the street bridge
project just a quick um we have the the total project is about three uh $6.2 million. We have uh we we do have $3 million in federal funding for it. Uh we are working with the state uh I think positively
progressing uh to get the balance of that money to do uh to do the project. Uh the project will uh is moving forward and it will go out to bid next um it's targeted for next September. Uh but some
of the things that we have to do um you know we're doing assessments of um of the property. One of things is money code lane. Muddy code lane is is is private lane. We're going to be doing um uh some work to it. So you can't do uh you know you can't do uh expend public
monies on on a private road. Uh so we're looking to accept the road. So part of the acceptance process is that the um the select men have to uh vote on their intent uh to accept the road and then forward it to uh forward
it to the planning board. The planning board uh then has public hearings on it and that's presented at Hey Tom, what kind of shape is money? >> If you wanted to take a better look at it. >> Uh Not I know this is off subject. Um
money that we're looking to get reimbured from this from the state. Will any of that go towards and refurbishing in any way or >> um it it whatever is included >> that would be it. And would they
reimburse us for what we've worked out as part of their package? >> No, part of >> Right. So, um part of it um to to advance to the next level, uh we had to
do the engineering study which is approximately the $600,000. And from there, you know, that unlocked the initial $3 million, $3.2 million. And then uh and now for the uh we're looking
for the state to get the additional $3 million. We don't have u there's no matching associated with the second $3 million. So so we've been we've been working with our legislative delegation.
We've been working and the DO and they are fully aware of the financial status of of in uh acceptance of the road is done at annual tummy. >> Yes. >> So this is a review discuss and act just
whether we want to refer to the planning board any concerns. Is there a motion? >> I'll make the motion to forward the acceptance of road layout from mighty co to the
>> plot has made and seconded. Any more discussion? All those in favor? >> I review uh request a review to discuss an act request to appoint Ken Pette as a member of the open space community.
>> Jonathan, you want to talk? >> Sure. >> Thank you. >> So, um as you all know, there's a available position for open space. >> Um Ken put his name in the hat. Only name in the hat for us to have an
interview with. Um we met with him last Thursday and um all voted affirmatively to uh welcome him as members of the open space committee. So we're here tonight to ask the board of selectman to approve that. I will leave it to Ken to
introduce himself and tell you a little bit about who he is. >> Hi Ken. >> Good evening everyone. Pleasure to be here. Um my wife and I uh moved to Dayton in 1992. I thought maybe after 33 years Uh maybe I might might be a good
time to give something back. Um I'm a lawyer. Actually, so is my wife. Uh started out in Bristol County as an assistant district attorney working for Ronald Peanut back in 1990. Uh Paul Walsh then beat him a year later and I worked for Mr. Walsh for three years. I
started the law office of Kennethy Ferdet in downtown Fall River in 1994 and uh kept that office open uh focused primarily in almost entirely uh in criminal defense work in the superior district court federal courts of the
state of Massachusetts. Um, in 2024, an offer came from the city of Fall River uh to work as an assistant corporation council for the city of Fall River. And I've done that for the past two years. I got to meet Mr. Pacho uh
during our vote recount uh couple of months ago. Well, within the last month actually mentioned to him I could uh might be time. Uh my wife and I raised three kids. They went through the Dyon all phases of Dyon uh education with the
elementary, middle, and high schools. Um they went to great colleges. They're well employed and uh they're no longer with us here in Massachusetts. So again, uh focusing that time I had on being a good husband and a good father. I didn't
offer uh anything to the town of Dyon, but uh feel that that it's time now. The open space committee is something I'm very interested in and I already having experiences in Fall River. We have a land trust established in Fall River and
one of the many hats I wear uh is to uh advise in regards to issues that come up not just with the land trust but we have preservation committee historical uh commission planning board. Um, I feel that I have some
skills to offer. Um, I've been a litigator for 36 years. I think that may lend itself well into a committee organization. I've met the uh fellow members of the open space. Uh, they seem
like a real dedicated and highly qualified team. Um, I'm well aware that uh uh we certainly had a great education tonight about the financial realities ongoing. Dyon, people who live here,
including myself, we love our open spaces. We love the uh the land, the lack of development, but that comes at a price. And there's going to be some very significant issues uh already affecting the town and certainly in the years
ahead that I'd like to be a part of in that balancing of interest between bringing tax income into this town while at the same time maintaining the the largely rural nature of of where we live. Um
so uh again the folks on the current uh members of the current committee were very gracious and accepted me and voting uh me to appear before you tonight and u I'll take any questions uh and do my best to answer as honestly
as I can u and ask you ultimately to uh accept my volunteer position on the open space. >> Sure. Thank you for for applying. It's a delicate balance between open space and need for u business
as you're well aware. It sounds like you're well qualified. If Jonathan recommends you, then that's good enough for me. Uh Nicole, do you have any questions? >> No, it sounds like your experience will be very valuable and thank you. It doesn't matter how long it takes for you to volunteer. You did it and >> thank you.
>> Thank you. >> I agree. so happy that you're joining the open space and your background will be so well needed and utilized by the open space committee. So, thank you for stepping up and joining. Um, Jonathan,
will you have any vacancies after this or >> um as of now, as of today, we have filled all our vacancies and we are full slate and rocket and rolling and we've got some heavy things that we're attacking, you know, and working on. As
mentioned, we want to really start looking into different aspects of land trust. We've had some people come and talk to us. Um, we plan to really pursue that. We're, as you all know, we're involved in a few other things as well with regard to uh zoning project that
we're working on and a few other things. So, no, we're at full capacity and we're really getting up to speed on everything that we're doing. >> Cool. Great. >> Well, thank you to both of you. Uh, this is a review, discuss, and act. the recommendation on the floor. >> I'll make a motion to appoint Kenneth
Fet as a member of the open space committee. >> Motion has made and seconded. Any more discussion? All those in favor? >> Thank you all very much. >> We just have to see the town clerk to get sworn in at some point.
letter requesting a legislator accept except an act relative to the appointment of retired police officers as special police officers. >> Special police officers be able to uh we have to advance this through the
legislature and um connection with Kelly Duner's office. So she sort of laid out the things we need to do. One is a letter signed by the chair of the order select and then we
have a copy of the vote and wording of the legislation. You have any questions? >> Okay. Then see a motion on the floor. >> I'll make a motion to uh for a signature for the letter to the
legisl legislature as >> motion has been made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> Approval of the warrants. I'll make a motion to approve the warrants paid by January 22nd, 2026.
3826 for $114,88.30 and 30B-26 for1,189,110.58. warrants paid by January 29th, 2026. 31A 26 for $143,433.95 and 31B26 for $258,5337.
>> Motion made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? I >> correspondents. We got a letter from Bes trucking uh increasing disposable rates. disposal
recycle disposal rates on it something to offreing that cost by about $5,000 given you know based amount
Okay. >> Um, on to minutes. >> I have a question. >> Oh, sure. >> Um, so it's about a 10% increase. Is this something that they review once a year, every three years? Do you know what what they review?
>> Right. They um they do it every year myself. Do you know is it generally at a 10% increase or is that something that >> um it's 10%'s a little high? I had I had originally calculated 7%.
That's kind of standard. disposal costs are getting motion to approve and region and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> Uh second public input. Is there any more? >> Yes. >> I have two things.
>> Sure. For the record, Leonard H, 760 Main Street. Earlier this evening, we heard Mr. Ferry speak about some of the difficult conditions that his men, I might add, they did a fine job on the roads recent
storm are facing. Yet few minutes ago there was presentation that included capital outlay projects that wasn't on there yet something we talked about four years
high safety or some upgrades conditions can go away partly so we don't run into problems with EPA and also
the shows back to those workers. Tremendous dedication to this town. Secondly, prior to the debt exclusion vote, will we get a breakdown of the impact on each
department if the debt exclusion fails or just be a total of the shortfall and we will have long discussions about how that's going to be broken up especially where the budget process
doesn't quite coincide with the vote. And I might add from a political point of view, people will be looking specifically how these cuts will impact public safety.
I think people are going to want to know that before they make a vote. That will play a huge role in my case. You know, if we're going to have major cuts slashing public safety, some of the other
critical departments to this community. I might be more willing to reach down and pay a little bit extra on my taxes. I'm sincere when I say that. I haven't made up my mind how I'm going to go, but I want to see
specifically how that's going to impact departments. If you remember, Peter Mullen had put together a proposal that was pretty specific. It may not be applicable to today,
>> but it was a clear pathway. You know, what departments were going to get hit and how much. Not specific if it going to be people or, you know, supplies, but a number, >> right? >> So, I know there's an overall number. We
probably have a breakdown or you do already of departments and how they will be hit. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else? Okay. Um, and a motion to >> I'll make a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Motion has made a second. Any
discussion? All those in favor?