Town of Dance Board of Selectments regular meeting. Today is Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. This meeting is in person via Zoom at Oldtown Hall 1111 Somerset AB 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 items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. Can we please have a call to order? >> Paulo present. >> Marko present >> and Peter Karen present. And now can we
please stand for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you.
Roll call to go into executive session. Um, I'll make a motion to go into executive session under MGL 30A section 213 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental
effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body. in the clear. So declares ded mass cop 306 union contract negotiations and under MGL 38 section 21A7 to comply with or act under the authority of any general
or special law or federal grant and age requirements approval of the board of selectment executive meeting minutes of November 19th and December 17, 2025. >> I'll second that. >> Motion has made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor?
>> Melo I. Chief I just coming back from executive session. So we've already done the pledge of allegiance and went into executive session. We just voted to come out. Um can everybody please stand just for a moment of silence? We lost three residents this week and um David uh
Yupe, Willard Miller, and Charles Rodriguez. Thank you. First up is Tom. Hi, Tom. So, uh I believe the first item on the agenda is the letter from Nicholas Reynolds.
>> Um this is a review discussing act. So we everybody has a copy of the letter. Nicholas Reynolds is is leaving the highway department. He's been there for a long time. We're not going to read his letter because it is uh our um policy that we don't read
the letters because some of them are quite extensive but uh he is retiring and um he talked about the time and was sad to see him go. >> Yes, he was. It's a huge loss letter. He held his job with a lot of pride. It was
a pleasure to work with. Yes. >> Yeah, I'm sure. >> Can I speak to that? >> Yeah, absolutely. >> His his letter does say that he intended to build a career here and chose to >> move on. And so anytime someone leaves our community when they had intended to
probably stay, it's >> um we take that very seriously. So we're I'm very sorry to see Mr. Reynolds go and I appreciate and thank him for his nine years of service to the town of Thank you. Do you have anything?
>> Okay, this is a review discuss discuss and action. So can somebody make a motion, please? I'll make a motion to approve the resignation of Nick Reynolds as presented with thanks and appreciation. >> I'll second that. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any more board discussion? All those in favor?
>> I assistant for so that was Mr. Reynold's position. >> Um obviously we uh we held off for tonight to accept that resignation letter.
We need to post that ASAP and also assuming we'll hire in-house, we need to face that in person also. So I'd like to entertain a discussion about posting those two positions. >> Sure. I was questioned this evening why
we needed the assistant for me and um I'm going to ask you the same question. >> So as you know we do a little bit in town. >> Yeah. uh we're branching off and some other discussions we had uh u our
current foreman is stretched and doing other things than just with the job sites. >> Okay. >> So there's a need to have some um oversight elsewhere than just the building needs. Um however, as you know, we're moving slow depending on this
April's votes that will help set the compass on future directions of our town. Mhm. Um but that's why we have that positions to support myself as superintendent making sure safety is all adhered to and policies and um both on
on the job site. We are spread out throughout the town and we do sometimes three four different jobs at one time throughout the town. So it's we need the leadership. >> How much more does the assistant foreman make? >> I'm sorry I didn't bring that with me.
>> I think uh it's 3357 an hour and is the form is the system format >> the system. >> Yep. Compared to what's a regular >> uh >> we don't have >> I didn't bring I didn't Yeah.
>> Right now we have that one position missing currently early last year. Uh so we have seven on staff now. >> Now that Rick's gone we have six. myself. >> Yes. Um on the job description it says
assistant foreman but under position right under it says assistant to the foreman class one and assistant foreman and assistant to the foreman to me are very different things. So I'm just for clarification, what is the title of the position? >> But as I described, so the foreman may
not be at a job site like on a main street project while he's doing a building project. So he's assisting the foreman on the foreman needs on those job sites. >> So it's assistant to the foreman is the actual type >> and myself in my absence with not me being present.
>> Mhm. So, assistant to the foreman because it goes on to reports to highway superintendent and foreman of the highway department. But I just wanted the t it has two different titles and I think it should match. It should either be assistant foreman or assistant to the foreman. That's my confusion. >> It's also a very new position.
>> Okay. >> Can be looked at and you know as we're maturing with this. >> Okay. But if we're going to post a job description, I think we got to get things right and it should be I think the job description needs to work cuz I actually I read through the job description and
um like the very first sentence summary description it says must have knowledge of a departmental operations. I don't I don't know what that means of a departmental operations. I don't know if that's the highway department or if
there's a it's it's very broad and I I I don't understand that sentence. Uh goes on 40hour per week position and additional time as required. I think that could be tightened up a little bit. May have to work above and beyond the 40 hours. Um I said overtime I think it
should spell that out. Um education and experience. It says minimum high school diploma and at least 3 years of construction knowledge and experience which experience in the duties outlined
for this position. So that that sentence needs to be looked at as well because that's not clear what what we're looking for there. So where I'm going with this is I think I would like the board the selectman to do I think we should review the um the the structure
of the highway department. I think we should table this Uh and also I heard for the first time that you're looking to post externally to uh for to backfill. I'm a stickler for making sure the
agenda when that the public is recently notified and we've been through this before um with you that um it should be on the agenda when we're looking to post um for labor or any position so that the public is
reasonably aware we're going to have a discussion. So that I don't see how we could act on that because it's specific to um us the assistant foreman tonight. So with that said, I would um when when you're ready for me, Mr. Chairman, I'd
make a motion to table. >> So this is a new position you want to create? >> No, that's just present contract. It's the first time it's in it. >> Okay. >> Do you have anything you want to add?
>> No. >> Why don't you make your motion? Um, I'll make a motion to table the posting of the assistant foreman for the board to have um a future discussion on the job
description uh and uh to review the structure. I would Second motion has made and seconded. Any discussion? More discussion. All those in favor? >> I see. Any timelines meeting?
>> I think ASAP. I don't want to I I the goal is certainly not to hold you up or your department. So, I think we should um if you could get >> forward for the next meeting, we'll tighten up the we'll tighten up um the for the assistant foreman position. make
sure the language meets what's in the contract. And then uh we'll also um present with the assumption that uh you know that if a spot opens up, Tom will need another will need another laborer.
If it's like an internal employee, he goes and fills that spot. So he's going to have to fill that spot. If he doesn't, he'll be down two guys. He's already down one. Oh, his blood technique is already down too. So,
>> um um could you share notes with Ralph and that'll springboard us I imagine and both um Peter and yourself if you have comments so we can uh streamline that. >> Sure. >> And do we have to verify that with the
union reps also before we move forward? >> Yes, there's a little delay there. Thank you. Okay. Mr. Perry, you're just clear. You want to get with Ralph? I'm going to meet up with Ralph.
>> Yeah. All right. Thanks. >> Good evening. Um I'm speaking this evening uh on behalf of the waste reduction committee. Uh our goal objective has always been to find ways to reduce costs and reduce the amount of
volume weight going into the waist stream. And tonight I'm going to address two programs that we have discussed in the committee at some length. um like to start with the uh swap shed and I believe you have the documentation
um in your notebooks. Okay. Little background. Swap shed program creates a dedicated facility that can greatly benefit town residents and reduce overall transfer station costs. Town residents can drop
off items they no longer need but are serviceable at the swap shed. Those items must comply with swap shed protocols and procedures regarding items that will or will not be accepted. And I will address that in a few moments. These items in the shed will be
available for all residents to inspect and take home. Now, we envision this will benefit the residents by providing a sort of uh no pay yard sale, if you will, and will reduce the weight of material going into the rolloffs at the
transfer station, thus reducing disposal costs in that area. Now, state grant funds are available to purchase or construct a facility to house the swap shed program. The parameters and procedures that we're
presenting uh tonight are a compilation of materials from other towns that have active swap shed programs as well as detailed discussions by the committee members. Ladies and gentlemen, bear in mind that
we're starting this out. This is an experiment, no cost experiment. Okay, it's an experiment and there are going to be additions and deletions from the operating procedures and protocols that you have in front of you tonight.
Um, so and I think we agreed Mr. Chairman that I would sort of just touch on these things. I think the uh issue that be first and foremost in people's minds is it would be as we envision it now the swap shed would be at the transfer station. So let's start with
stickers. If you're going to use the swap shed only, you'll not need a sticker. Now, that applies throughout the year. However, uh if you're going to, as we do now, if you're going to throw things in the roll off and other things that you require a sticker for
and use in the swap shed, then you'll need a sticker. Swap shed only throughout the year. Um, no stickers required. And, uh, disposition of materials brought into the swap shed. uh they'd basically be considered be under the
control of of the town appointed or uh elected officials. Okay. But people would residents would be able to go in, inspect and remove. As I said, it's a swap shed. Um staffing, full-time oversight, and positive control of shed activities are
essential. And this could be done by the transfer agent, uh transfer station agent. Now, if you look at the way, uh Mr. Ferry has configured the way in. He has those two large containers and it directs traffic in to the um attendance
area. Uh and he has proposed some configurations that would allow someone as as they come in and he interacts with them saying, "Well, I just want to go to the swap shed." the a uh agent at the uh transfer station could have eyes on so
see that the person does go to the swap shed then not make a swing around over to the um uh rolloffs if they don't have a sticker. Okay. Um time limits we're looking at and again this is just uh what we looked at in uh we discussed and
looked at other literature from other towns about 30 minutes per person. We're not talking about, you know, a Walmart facility with thousands of square feet. It's a small building and we don't want to overcrowd. Um,
let's see other uh swap thing. There are many we would provide. We we're investigating other avenues for people to uh give things away or to obtain things, but um right now this is something that we can do at the transfer
station. um some of the rules. Oh, first of all, that's page number one. Do you have any questions on anything I addressed? >> One of the things that we had talked about was disposing of these items when
they're no longer useful. >> We have addressed that and that still bringing that into refinement. There are other areas, other agencies, for instance, Alliance and Tom, if you could help me out with some things here. other agencies that we could call to come in
and those things that have a uh extended uh beyond their shelf life could come in. Do you have one? >> Yes, we we have own local nonprofits like the Lions or baseball league, they have their own yard sales and whatnot. And also outside of community savers are
willing to take anything, I'm told. >> Okay. >> And the other option, it should be already on our website now, is to buy an site for Don. >> Okay. Uh yeah, I would just be concerned that in the end we could end up putting stuff in the rolloff. >> No, we we've had discussions at length
on that and these were some of the uh opportunities to >> to dispose of them. >> Yeah, exactly. Any other questions on the first page? >> Uh I don't rec. >> No, that was just my question about stuff. >> Okay. Page number two, the rules. And
again, this is all about operational control. Banks works uh reserve the right to reject any items for any reason. And patrons are expected to respect personnel on duty, transportation agent,
and abide by their decisions. And access to the shed is a privilege, not a right. uh DPW director and her his or her design or volunteers have the right to restrict access to the shed to any individual they feel may be interfering
with the operation the shed. Okay. Just basically command and control and and keeping things calm. We don't envision an issue but then you never envision an issue but you best be prepared for it. >> Sure. That would include uh actions such
as arguing over an item obscene language, gestures, physical confrontations which God knows it won't happen, damaging, destroying an item in the shed and damaging or defacing the shed. Uh basically uh will result in the removal of an individual and items that
are brought in must be complete, unbroken, good working condition and clean. And you know basically would you want to bring this item into your home? And all our items are take at your own risk. And patrons are limited to three
items per visit. And it's just basically to prevent individuals from going in cleaning out the shed for their own yard sale. And then whenever doesn't sell, they bring back again. Okay. And then uh let's see, we already did 30 minutes. Um
some items may not be accepted due to limited space in the shed. Uh don't envision that. and put that in there uh just to be sure we can cover all bases and people can't come the the shed will be operating during the same hours that the transfer station operates. We don't
want people coming in and leaving things outside the shed either again that would be under the you know control eyes on of the um transfer station attendant. >> Is it open up to interpretation of what an item is clean or not clean? Uh, is
anybody going to look at this before it's said they can leave it up to the the shed? >> Well, um, here again, uh, you know, that's open to interpretation of I think at this point, I mean, you know, we could go back and take a look at what the definition of clean is. >> Yeah.
>> Um, but I mean, that would be open to the interpretation of the transfer station, agent, attendant, you know. >> So, they're going to look at this. >> They should be looking at it before it goes into motion. Okay. And they can take as many items as they
want. >> Three. >> I mean, I'm sorry. They can I meant Can they bring in as many items as they want? >> Okay. >> Nicole, do you have anything? >> Have we um do we have an idea of like the traffic that comes to the transfer
station? Like the attendant that's there is there Sorry, I'm not mean, but um >> I know that they're doing a lot of things. They're not just bringing in folks and like do they have the time to be looking at things to make sure they're clean? Like this is adding to their job description. Is that going to
be an issue? >> That's to be determined. Okay. >> Great. Yes. It's a very good question. Everyone on the committee has that concern also. >> Okay. >> The only other option is to staff it. >> Mhm. >> We're going to see how we can make this work.
>> Yeah. I mean, we've discussed uh well, what uh would this hold up traffic? When the when the uh transfer station opens, it may be the last time I went there, I was third in line, so I waited until my turn came because, you know, everybody
came in early in the morning. Um and we have to accept the fact that you may be third or fourth or fifth in line for people that are going to use the rolloffs, etc. Um but as Mr. very said that's kind of a TBD thing. As I said,
this is an it's an experiment. We recognize that and we're trying to uh you know have this uh benefit for the town, but we've never we funneled it down as much as we can. Now we have to go live, you know, to to see things and
how they occur and what we need to do to improve them. >> Did I say that right? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, you start the first. >> Yeah. Okay. Um, very briefly, items that will not be accepted. I I'm going to make a
general statement. Say any items that are dangerous, for instance, hazardous waste, uh, will not be accepted. Anything with like electricity, batteries, gasoline, solvents, uh, no canned foods or foods in general will go
bad. car seats for kids, construction debris that they don't be nice, you know, people want to bring in an excess 2x4 or something, but we're not having that. No items that contain liquids simply because it'll be sitting there in the winter time might freeze. Okay? And
no obscene items or pornography. No uh stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, air conditioners. That's a very general view of of what would not be accepted. and items that would be accepted, you
know, toys, games, educational things, bicycles, exercise equipment, household items like kitchen wear, canning jars, baskets, decorative items and knickknacks, um handiccrafts, baby items, but no cribs or car seats or
mattresses, tools, hand tools, garden and yard tools, uh no propane tanks, and office furniture and supplies and entertainment items. such as DVDs, videos, etc. But we put a limit on those so we don't overfill the place with
those. And again, I know that's I I sort of glossed over that thing real quickly, but just categorize it. >> Yeah. >> Do you have this on a website somewhere? >> You will. >> Okay. Once again, we're coming to you this evening to, you know, get your
blessing on it. And again recognize I want to go back to one of the initial statements I made. Um it's it's a nocost experiment >> and we have as I said we've gone to other communities that have successful
programs looked at what they did called out what we thought was the best thing. We have gone around into the committee around and around and around again in a positive fashion tried to integrate all these things together and here it is. But still changes will need to be made. You know,
things that we didn't anticipate or we maybe over anticipated, you know, we'll we'll correct those as we go along with this experiment in um what did I see about this function? Mike, Mark, whenever you're ready, just jump right in.
Um I like how you started where you basically said it has a couple of goals. One, it's to um reduce cost to the transfer station >> and um also I'm it reduces items in our waist stream, >> right? >> So is this an eco depending on what your
values are and it might be both of them. It you know you care about the environment or you care about the budget. >> Yeah. >> If it doesn't go into the roll off, >> right, >> it's a win already. >> It is. Are you open or or is your committee open to starting off the Dayton swap
shed rules with that message, you know, instead of just jumping right into the rules just to kind of have a a short couple lines or a paragraph that says what's what's the mission, the purpose, or the background of the swap shed? >> I think that's great for the public to know. >> Um >> yeah, no, I agree.
>> Okay. Uh on the first page, just a friendly amendment. It says the DPW director and his or her designate. I think it would should probably be highway superintendent or some other whoever personnel you guys envisioned.
>> Let me get to the >> was it on the rules? >> Titan swap shed rules. >> Um >> it's a third line down. >> Okay. to the um >> it says uh DPW director.
>> Yep. Okay. Change it to highway superintendent. >> Is that who you guys envisioned as the >> What do you wanted to say? >> Street department is fine. >> Highway superintendent. Street department. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we
public works per se. >> Okay. And my only other thought that I had when I read this, the first thought that came to me was the 30 minute time frame.
I'm an anxious person, so if I know I got a clock on me, I probably can't enjoy myself so much, but at the same time, I don't think I'm going to spend 30 minutes in the swap shed either way. Um, but I thought is there a way or are you guys open to the discussion on um
maybe having the language be more about the transfer station can impose time limits to address overcrowding as necessary if he or she sees traffic issues or flow issues instead of boxing
you into 30 minutes or you know where I'm getting at with that. I may all all of these presented tonight are suggested as being fluid. >> It's a learning curve, >> right? >> But remember, we're only having someone keeping a half an eye on that person over there.
>> So, if they have that little bit of time clock running, that's helpful for the attendants wondering where that guy is. We had we discussed that as someone said um we could have gone the way you suggested but we thought it might be
better to put a number there. I'm not disagreeing with you but put a number there. So as you said there's people have got a clock running you know and um because it's a relatively small facility
um I mean if you're you're absolutely opposed to that language. I'm not. >> The flip side is um if you do the 30 minutes, I think we should have a form to track it so that folks we want to treat everyone equally. So just to make
sure that everyone is if we're going to have 30 minutes has to be 30 minutes for everybody and we have to keep track of that somehow, right? I mean, we have to know what time you arrive to the swap shed and we have to track it. So that's that's my only concern. If you if you if you want it to be 30 minutes, it has to
be 30 minutes for everybody. I mean, we can take another look at that. I'm I'm not in a position right now to say >> I mean, if we or if we strike it, what could we put in its place? I I think if you only speaking as one person, if you
gave the transfers attendant um if you basically put language that says he has a right to impose time limits, not to basically to address overcrowding because that that's the concern I heard
from you, Mr. Perry, was it was basically to prevent it's a the shed is of limited space is what you said, right? So, we don't want it to be crowded. So, that's the goal. And it might be 30 minutes on a Friday is probably very different than 30
minutes on a Saturday during drive time. You might find that you need you got a line of people waiting for the swap shift. Maybe 10 minutes a person, you know, but on Friday, you can't be there all day. >> Could strike that. And again, it's fluid, so we could add something that
makes sense to solve whatever problems >> arise. and and the uh the thing about the attendant uh something like you said impose time limits to prevent overcrowding something something like I mean I sure we can uh
I think the next >> and my last question was where did the committee envision this being posted I heard the website where where else >> yeah website's the most convenient spot it can be in print town hall Florida health
>> and the transportation Okay. >> Glass out there wherever we >> Awesome. >> Town controlled facilities and meet. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> So, >> and of course there in the ship itself and probably even in the transfer
station uh attendance building. >> Right. So, we got a little bit of time, but so far I think we could possibly entertain accepting what we're proposing tonight with amendments. >> Yeah. if we >> other than that we need to be very clear
on next meeting you know have something you know more more in tune I believe we're still targeting April 1st >> right >> so it's really not that far away when you're two weeks apart >> well to that point sorry uh we have do
we we've been through this before u I can't remember do we have a policy that says policies need to be read three times or do we not I know we have that >> yeah we do have a policy that has to be Tourism policy. >> Yeah, we we we found it at the last time. >> So, this will be in our next three
meetings then. So, we'll get one. >> Well, that's fine, but we you don't want to amend it because then it needs to be three amended, right? Whatever is finalized, right? >> That would be >> right. It has to be what the policy is going to be read times, >> right?
>> Okay. >> That would still get us on target for April. And you could post a draft version maybe on the website or you can get a draft version out there. I don't um Elizabeth sorry this I think we can move forward with the procurement
getting the check in place the policies in motion >> yeah know limitations I think the two documents you signed there's nothing stopping us to move with this >> right >> um so the the key issues here then would
be change DPW to 10 and the other would be um on the time limit uh uh saying the uh something to the effect that the u attendant can impose time limits to prevent overcrowding
uh in the in the in the shed. Would that would that work? >> Yes. >> And also just a small blurb on >> that correct? >> I don't know if the fire chief would have to weigh in on what the limit would be in this. Did you have a limit on the shed? Was it one person at a time inside
of the swamp shed? Do we need a limit? Does the fire chief have to give us an occupancy in there? >> The shed that we You're right. We should run it by the fire chief. He's the He's the person that makes a determination. But if we get the shed we expect to get
a metal container with the side doors that open, right? The whole wall opens up. >> Okay. >> At that point, it may not be a building. >> It's all open. >> So, we could get that feedback before our next meeting, too. Okay. Thank you. >> What size is it going to be? >> Good. the sh
>> we're looking for 40 >> 40 >> and this is just open to Dyton residents >> initially initially >> so the attendant is going to have to police somebody pulls up and said I have
the swap shed let me see your license >> right and we're educating the public on other venues so >> they this might not be a popular thing might be a popular thing >> yeah I I guess I'm I'm concerned go. One of the conversations we had had early on
was at the end of the night these things being trashed. Obviously, that has changed. Um, well, I'm I'm concerned that we ended up by putting things in the roll off, >> you know, here again. >> I I know it's a trial and it might not happen.
>> I'd say that we had looked initially at just Dyon residents and then see where it goes from there from an perspective like is it successful? >> Yeah. And um with regards to things going into the rock, again, I think there are enough other avenues
>> that um and that was a point that we addressed at length and I think there are enough avenues out there and you know >> in all reality maybe a couple of three things will have to go into the roll off but you know the point being if if
>> less things go into the roll off this program and other opportunities there then it's a Okay, >> I have a question. Um, this shed that we're discussing, um, you said something about a grant. We're Is that how this is being funded? >> We have we have the grant and we have
the funds in place to spend on the shed, >> right? And that that covers the entire shed. And what's like what's the catch? There's always something with a grant like >> Oh, this um >> free isn't free, >> right? Yeah. Yeah. This is like the catch of the grant. like there's like um
I forget the name of the grant but it's from uh Mass D and there's so many things you have to do um and you get points once you get the fund and and you get the funds. So to um so we have a grant um $6,000 we have $6,000 for the
>> Yeah. for for the purchase of uh of the shed. >> My my cons I if I could just mention a concern um because when I think of this I think of the the garden we have and that was not going to cost us any money. We had we got a lot of stuff for free um
but then last year we had budgeted $500 for the garden um which we didn't end up going through. But the thing is the garden, it had a lot of great people that wanted to be involved, but it is work and they did fall by the wayside because I mean you can't keep up with
these things. Um, so this is my concern like we're all gungho. It's a great idea, but in the end is it going to end up costing us money that we it's unforeseen circumstances that we don't know. The vision right now, okay, is
this shed purchased by a grant uh would fall under the purview or the control of the uh transfer station attendant or the way Mr. Ferry could configure it. So, as I said, you know, everybody has to come in the gate and go towards the agent
shed. He's looking at putting and correct me if I'm wrong, but putting swap shed next to that second container in to allow eyes on. So, we're talking about a resource that we receive from Grant. Um, we're talking about an
attendant uh that is currently in place just having eyes on and when the flow of traffic goes to about zero, maybe taking a walk inside, looking around. But right now we're not looking. I said it's an experiment. But the vision is we can
make this happen as I've just described it. >> The April date. What is tying us to April? Is there some kind of >> So annually we tenatively we're going to not run it January, February, March because of the winter. >> Okay.
>> That's why it's April 1st. So be April 1st through the December. December to take advantage of the holidays, people getting rid of stuff and whatnot. I think it closes on January 31. >> That should be in the rules. Is that in the rules if that's going to be if that
if is that going to be a one time thing or if every year we're not going to do it? >> I I would suggest every year >> close January to March. >> That's my suggestion. >> That should be amended as well. And it might be a lot of excitement from
a one of our nonprofits in town that they may end up staffing it if they're utilizing and they find a way to make it work. Recommend >> that that'd be really nice. We just don't have that yet. >> We don't we don't have that. We we have looked at what resources we currently
have in place that we have under our control. Okay. And as Mr. Ferry said, if if for the sake of I'll just throw out the alliance is so active in town. if they wanted to jump in and um say, "Yeah, we'd like to do this also." But right now, we've predicated everything
on what we have and what we control. Okay. Anything from outside that is another benefit. Okay. >> I agree with uh select Melo about the costs too. U just want to point that out. I think there are soft costs as
well. um right right off the gate the transfer attendant has to manage this as well. Um I do think that the gain is worth it's worth it you know the the the benefits probably will outweigh that
and um and I appreciate the work of the waste reduction committee for putting this together and all the time I can tell you guys have put a lot of thought into this so thank you. Um, I would say this should be tabled until our next meeting and we can all put our thoughts
together. And I also think based on select Melo's point that it should be a one-year trial basis. And I think we should just review it and see what we learn from it and >> that's what um that's what we discussed also. You know, one year I mean things
get have to get up and moving and rolling and uh out there to the public and it's not going to happen on the 1 of April. Well, this is going to be the thing to close. So, in that regard, that's part of the discussion that we had also and um with regard next time
these um uh suggestions mission statement which I pretty much read when I started it um change highway superintendent um time limit for the statement in there regarding that. Um
anything oh uh the timelines it looks like it would close January through March. any other additions, changes or suggestions? You're basically doing what you know what what we did, right? Okay. And you're seeing it for the first time. And so this is good. This is a good
interaction. >> If we have time, I don't think it would hurt to have do we have a transfer station attendant right now or is it We do. I don't think it' hurt to get their feedback. They would they might have a perspective that we don't have because they're doing the job right now. Just
>> so just just tonight alone is instrumental before I have that conversation. I need to know where this is going. >> Right. Right. >> Yeah. I don't think it would hard to have have that feedback. >> And kind of random question. Is the shed a local is it going to be a local shed? >> What's that?
>> Is it going to be a locally purchased shed or is it from like a national company? >> One in the auction down the street right now. >> Mhm. Awesome. >> You know, 40 foot container that would be ours if we >> Oh. Do it. Oh, it's a container, not a shed.
>> I'm I'm pushing forward like a ship container with the side doors are open right. >> Okay. >> Not the end door. The side doors. >> Sheds have windows. Is a shipping container even with the door open going to be dark in there? >> No. >> No. Okay. >> No doors open. No.
>> That would help. You wouldn't have to remove move stuff to get the stuff in the back because you'll have access to everything through the side. >> Okay. And if the program is not for us, if it's not a good mass, then we have something for possible surplus items and stuff like that.
>> You don't have any place now. >> Is there a time limit with the grant that we have to do this for x amount of months or years? If not, we give the 6,000 back. >> Um, to my best recollection,
>> no. Okay. >> We have to prove that we've done something, I guess. >> Yeah. I have to I have to look at it. Um I know they've been it's it's a pretty uh lenient grant. So I know they've been they've given us a lot of time because
we've been proving you know uh being on the waste u waste reduction committee um you know we've been proving to the state and I know Liz has been reporting our our progress on stop. So >> okay um does somebody want to make the motion in the table? I'll make a motion to
table uh until our next meeting and to also place this item on the agenda one year from now. >> I'll second that. >> Motion has made and seconded. Any more discussion? All those in favor? >> Thanks for your work.
>> Well, I I'm going to stay here. Uh what like to talk next about composting and I believe you have this sheet. >> Yep. >> Okay. Uh before I start my presentation, uh the first line is approximately 25%
of household trash weight is food scrap waste. That's from a D figure. It's basically an average across the state. We didn't generate that. That's where that came from the D. And in discussions we've had the DP
regarding um composting, that figure has been pretty firm. So that's the figure that we used okay in our discussions. Um so we talk about composting and examples
of items that can be easily composted include fruit and vegetable peels, expired salad ingredients and so forth. I'm going to use my street as an example of the potential savings of composting.
15 houses on my street. If each household composted 4 ounces per day, okay, of food scraps per day, that would result in 1,365 pounds or 7/10 of a ton per year not
going into the waist stream. Now, 4 ounces is easily achievable. Okay, when you consider banana peel weighs about 2 1/2 o, apple core half an ounce to an ounce. Potato peels 1 to 2 ounces.
Orange peels one to one and a half ounces. Okay, so it's easy to do four ounces. The current disposal costs this would result in savings of $146 a year just on my street. Okay, so let's
extrapolate this out a little bit. If you consider there are approximately 2,750 households indicted at just over 4 ounces a day per household, this could result with full participation. This could result in 250,000 pounds or 125
tons per year not going into the waist stream. At current disposal costs, this would result in annual savings of approximately 26,000 a year based on 4 ounces per household full participation. Now 4 ounces when I we did the
literature search on this 4 ounces was the low end. Okay we saw all the way up to a pound and a half a day of material that could be composted. Okay, again with full participation in town and again this is something that would have
to ramp up and maybe full pot participation maybe not but with full participation you'd be looking at somewhere $160,000 a year at 4 ounces a day. Now we might get half participation and we might get eight ounces a day. Point being this is
an easy thing to do. Okay. And some of the other benefits in addition u per town residents would uh require to be purchased uh required to purchase less bags less going in and I get compost for the
gardens and flower pots etc. Me personally I compost and I end up with about a half an inch of compost every year out on my garden that I till in. I don't buy fertilizer. So I mean that's just sort of a side benefit there. Um, the flyer that you have in front of you
addresses those issues and how to get started and the QR code provides a detailed how to almost a cookbook to get started. And with your approval of the flyer, we like to make this information available to town residents by placing
copies in town facilities and private businesses that would um allow us to and on town uh electronic media. That's what we're uh attempting to uh to do with this to uh
to limit or reduce the amount of material that goes into our curbside pickup program all the way through to uh uh final disposal. And again, it's an easy thing to do. Very easy.
We can they get the bins. >> What help? Well, there are plenty of of opportunities out there and information out there to build your own. Okay, >> I have one that's two side that I used. I use landscape and ties. Okay, I turn
it over every once in a while. But I mean the bins if you don't want the animals in there, which has been a little bit of a problem with mine. Uh if you don't want the animals, these are uh rodent proof, I guess. Animal proof. and they're at um they're valued at $67, but
your cost to the residents of the town would be uh $30. >> Again, this is an issue that police reduction committee we have gone over and over and over. >> That cost cut >> like we're going from 67 to 30.
>> The rest of it's funded by the state. >> Okay. And are we purchasing them and then getting reimbursed like because you said we have them at the Okay. And what if I'm not saying nobody will purchase them, but what if we get left have left
over? Are we ordering them as people request or Okay. >> I I had a few ordered just to see how it took off. >> Um but we haven't advertised much so there hasn't been much movement but I do have a couple left.
>> Okay. and we'll be out again in cow chip festival. We were out there last year but the weather didn't cooperate. So those are the two issues that uh we're bringing before you u for your currents and um they're programs that u
require uh input and action by the public. However, it also benefits the public. So, uh, said if it doesn't go into a rolloff or doesn't go into a bag, it reduces
everybody's cost. The compost bins that we have now are foursided for three. >> It's a cylinder. >> Oh, it's a cylinder, right? >> Oh, right. I saw them at the top. >> We also have available a countertop bucket, right?
>> So, you don't have to constantly be going out to your compost bin. bring it out once a day. >> Um, so I believe one of the D's goals is eventually they're going to mandate us that towns have to compost.
>> Well, I I don't know what they're thinking. >> I think this is great. It's getting us almost into compliance or getting people thinking about it. not only the cost savings you mentioned, but it it's in line with D's waste reduction goals. So, I'm at least the very limited that I
know. Um, >> we're trying to look into the future. >> You are. I'm doing good things. >> Just looking at this flyer, I I just scanned the QR code. It was my first time looking at it and it's fine, but I nowhere on the form does it say Ditton. So my only feedback is either throw dyon
letterhead on there or write the name town of Don just so it's Don specific. >> We got the uh let's put the uh town seal embedded the town seal >> in the document. Yeah. I mean yours just run off a copier but the town seal is in
the background of this. >> Yeah. I did like a watermark. >> Beautiful. Other than that um thank you very much. This is great. I know just the only you so you would approve of this and approve of us >> placing it in various facilities and on
media etc. >> Great. Okay. Well again thank you very much for your time. Appreciate it and we all appreciate it. >> We appreciate it as well. Thanks. We know volunteers are doing this out of the will, you know, of the community, the love of their town. So we appreciate
it. Um, I'll make a motion to approve the composting program as presented. >> I'll second that. >> Motion has made and seconded. Any more discussion? All those in favor? >> I uh as you can see, the Hannerfords uh
signed the contract. Yep. So, they're currently just waiting for the selectman signature, okay, to change the payment terms. I reached out to them today because we haven't they placed an order on the 19th of December and uh they called in for an order this week, but I
haven't received payment yet. So, when I investigated it, they said they haven't changed the terms yet because the contract's not fully signed. Okay? >> So, as soon as you guys sign it, they'll change the payment terms and should be on a 15day.
Uh Johnny's market is current. He's >> still selling them for the price he's supposed to be selling them. He did run out, so he called me Monday and he placed another order as well. >> So >> we've corrected that. >> Yep. >> Great. Thank you. >> Currently, all our vendors are stocked, too.
>> Okay. And they're all selling for the appropriate amount. >> Thank you for your work on the Hannah Fritz thing. I know this has been a a long process um and you've done a lot of work on it so it's appreciated. >> Thank you.
>> So for Hannerfords if they are in a rears and they put in an order this is how I'm going to give them more bags. >> Okay. That's all I care about. Thank you. >> So they I told them order a three week supply. So cover you until then. I think
right now people probably got a little jumpy and ordered extra when they went shopping because they were like, "Yay!" So, they ran out faster than they anticipated. So, the next order I think they said they're going to place a few more cases just so it gives them a little extra coverage.
>> Okay, awesome. Thank you. Um, I have no concerns as long as uh you were comfortable with them. >> Then Nicole, do you have any comments? >> No, that was it. >> Mark, any more? >> Uh, just one more. I just I noticed the
um board of health signed cans, but they didn't sign John's market. Is there a reason that the board of health or just what was presented to us at least? >> Okay, let me double check on it. I'll send you That's the reason that we're first on one but not the other or that you're aware of.
>> It might just not be you have the right version. >> Okay. >> I'll send that over to Lan tomorrow morning. >> Okay. Um I'll make a motion to approve the contract for Johnny's Market and Hannerfords as presented. >> Motion has been made seconded. Any more
discussion? All those in favor? I >> thank you. >> Thank you. Have a good evening. >> You too. Thank you. Whenever you're ready, Nicole. >> On the highway department public notice, there is a timewide parking ban in effect from November 1st, 2025 to April
1st, 2026. No person shall allow any vehicle to remain in the street so as to obstruct snow removal. The Dyon Lions Club Food Bank will be held next on Saturday, January 17th. This is located at Town Hall in the lower level. Modern
Bristol County Public Health Alliance is looking for donations towards their giving closet to support local families in need. Donation of non-p perishable foods, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, household supplies, diapers, and formulas can be brought to Dyon
Health Department. the lower level. Bristol County Agricultural High School is hosting the Southeast New England Agricultural Conference and Trade Show on Sunday, February 1st, 2026 in order to bring farmers, food, food producers,
fishermen, and service providers together to share knowledge and learn about agriculture. A message from the town clerk office. The annual town election will be held on April 11th, 2026 at the town at Dayton Elementary School
from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Nomination papers are available at the town clerk's office for the following offices listed below. Board of selectman, three ter three-year term. Board of assessors, a three-year term. Um, DR regional school committee member, there's two positions
there, that's also three-year terms. Park and recreation, three years. Um public library trustee three years, sewer commissioner three years, planning board five years. Um a second planning board position two years, and housing
authority 5 years. >> Thank you. Cool. Um this is a first of public input. Is there anybody tonight? >> I'd like to say something. >> Yes, good. >> Hi. Um happy new year to everybody.
>> Thank you. Um I've I've enjoyed listening to the meeting tonight and um I did want to comment on um the assistant foreman position and the discussion that came up uh for the highway department earlier. And I believe Mr. Ferry said he had like
seven employees. I'm not sure of the exact number, but if you have three management people in that small amount of a staff, I think that's a little topheavy. I know the town's been looking at budget problems right now. So fill in
that position and you know I personally don't think that it needs to be an assistant forming position based on anything I heard there tonight. So and I I'm happy to hear that you did table it and you're looking at everything. They never had that previously and um you know the town looked like it was in
better shape um than some of the things that are going on right now. So, and um it also sounded nice uh the input that uh Mr. Perry was given regarding the uh composting in town. I was happy to hear
about that, too. So, and again, thank you. I know everybody's pretty much volunteering their time and I do appreciate uh what what you folks are trying to do. >> Great. Thank you. >> Anyone else out there? No. Okay. Oh,
Dave. Dave is here. >> Oh, Dave, I'm sorry. >> Yeah, I just want >> Oh, I'm sorry. I missed you. >> You just have to clear the podium. >> To the podium. Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Honey Pter and I'm the uh farmer outreach and technical assistance
manager at CAP. Okay. >> The Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership. and I just wanted to share some info on the upcoming Southeast New England Agriculture Conference and Trade Show that's happening at Bristol County Agricultural High School. Um they've
hosted us for over a decade there and it's an amazing opportunity for people to see this state-of-the-art campus is really a crown jewel of Dyen and every year we feature a different department of the Aggie and this year it's going to be flora culture. So there'll be some
live that they'll be doing some live demos as well. And the conference is a collaborative effort of 10 organizations dedicated to helping farmers, consumers, and and communities understand the value of agriculture and
learn how to make it better. Um we have attendees that range from commercial farmers to backyard gardeners to food system advocates to students, teachers, and chefs. Um and just anyone that's interested in farming and food system in
southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island is welcome to attend. Um this year we have 40 different workshops that cover topics from floral production to fruit and veg production, livestock, the business side of farming, farmland
access, and there's just really something for everyone. Whether you're a beginning grower or you've been farming for decades, you'll find something valuable at this conference. Um, and then we have the trade show as well, which has around 40 vendors and they
range from like John Deere, you know, commercial egg suppliers and then like government agencies like Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and um, Farm Service Agency. It's really a great way to find out about resources in
the area and a great networking opportunity as well. Um, we also have a kids conference so you can bring your children. The kid kids conference is for kids age 4 to 14 and there's, you know, hands-on activities and live farm
animals and they tour all the Aggies animals. So, no need to get a sitter. And then you can register for the event at sneaks.org. That's snaccts.org. And we offer sliding scale pricing for
tickets. We would don't want cost to be a barrier for anyone that wants to attend. Um, registration also includes our ever popular local lunch which is prepared by Devon of Destination Soups in New Bedford and it features a lot of
locally sourced ingredients from our robust agricultural community in the area. And on that note, I'll say thank you for your time and I hope to see you there. >> Uh, just before you leave, can you give us the dates and time? >> Oh, excuse me. Um, yes. It's fe Sunday,
February 1st from 8:00 to 4:30. >> Okay, great. Thank you. >> Yep. You're welcome. >> Thank you. >> Uh, are there any selection reports this evening? >> No.
>> Town administrator's report. >> Thank you. Um, again, happy new year. It's the first time I've seen most of you for the new year. um an update on the uh on the debt exclusion. Um I first on the presentation I'll be doing uh the
presentation to the board at the next meeting. Um I'm just running it by the uh by the department heads. Uh we have a meeting that would they're going to take a look at that. I've been in contact with town council and he he had provided
me um with two examples from other towns. one from Concord and one from Stonem which he which he gave to uh the proponent and the opponent and the opponent of of the debt exclusion. So we are on target. I you know um um I
brought to his attention that the mailings uh that uh paper mail and ballots go out at the beginning of March. So we have that target date end of February. So we going to coincide the mailing uh with that. Um we should um
you know talking with that we should have like the um uh the initial uh what's going to be mailed out at our next meeting as well. So um so we're going to have we're going to have all that together. Um
just uh comp uh additionally uh the Dyon Elementary School um you know they're looking to do to either uh renovate or rebuild the Brighton Elementary School. So they are having two opportunities for
for outreach. So we did put it on our website. We have it on our Facebook. DR has it on their uh Facebook. But I want to make u an announcement uh at this meeting. Opportunity number one is during the day there there are two sessions uh you have to go for for the
day you have to attend both sessions. One is uh session number one is January 26 from 9:15 to 3:30 and uh session number two is February 3rd from 9:15 to 12 p.m. If you're looking to attend uh
opportunity number one, they do ask that you register. Uh we have a link again. We have a link uh on on the website and and Facebook. Opportunity number two. Uh we know that individuals just can't make it during the day. So there's an open
session open to the public. No registration required. And that one is on Monday night, February 2nd at 6:00 p.m. So that's that. So, a little um um a little bit of
good a little bit of good news. Not great, but good news. Um as you um may may recall um we had some offer money associated with the pump station. And unfortunately, um we didn't meet the deadline and we um
we did not get that ARP money, which is which was approximately $350,000. So, we worked with our uh with our congressional delegation um and I put in a request for uh 350 for the $350,000
and it it it has made its way into a funding bill. Um and they uh they're going to keep me informed as to as to where where it progresses. So, we should hear something um at like in the summer
if it if it if it gets approved. You know, you know, when we first put it in in June, they said we don't know what's going to happen uh if it'll even make it in. And fortunately, it made it in and hopefully it progresses and and um uh we
can update we can update the um the pump station. We're also put in for a grant also for the pump stations to update the alarms. So, um again, we got notice from them that they're reviewing it. So, um as that becomes available, I'll let you
know. So, I'm available for any questions. Um onto new business. There is no old business. This is a review discuss and act donation of sick time. Please give me a minute. Let me pull up the page and we'll so um as you know one
of our employees is is um pregnant and FMLA um allows um allows individuals to take up to up to 12 weeks. Um so get those um
but what happens is you know people don't have um 12 weeks of vacation and sick time. So um so it's a lot of the employees in town are are gracious enough and they and uh for
this for the individual they donated sick time and vacation time. I want to say that uh the vacation time is unprecedented. So we, you know, we we uh we make the recommendation uh that um we
don't um transfer transfer the vacation time. We also make the recommendation that that it's for it's for 12 weeks. So um the you know our suggestion is um if it's
the donation on the board uh to to grant the donation is to make the donation to to um allow sick time for that individual to get up to 12 weeks and then uh the donation is is in excess of
that and to revisit it after after the 12 weeks um that she takes off. If you want to give her additional additional sick time, never for that because um 168 hours of sick time were were donated. Um
she only needs well not only 100 hours would have her meet the the for the 12 weeks. >> So you're suggesting we don't do the sick time. >> I I'm suggesting yes the sick time. Oh, I
>> not the full vacation time, no sick time. >> Okay. I thought you said no. >> Yeah. Sick time. Yes. But up to the 12 weeks. So, which is approximately 100 hours. And then at the end of those 12
weeks, um the the employee could request to the board if they need additional if they need the additional sick time that was donated. Any questions at all? >> So, you're recommending the the 100
hours because we're trying to reach what um what the 12 would be >> the 12. Yeah, that would that we calculated the 100 hours would would bring her to the 12 weeks >> because that's what's outlined in the >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. and and right an employee could always come in and request more time and so we want to leave that option open um that if they need more time she still has the 68 hours donated and then it's up to the board up to the board's
discretion to you give her that additional time the post Mark, any questions? >> In the future, if you have a recommendation, I think it should be on your on your letter head to the board so I can walk into the meeting instead of
having to make a split-second decision. Um because I think with a for something like a labor issue like this, I would probably have preferred to give you my feedback about it over the phone versus in a public
meeting. Um, that's and my opinion is leaving it open-ended is unfair to the employee because they're going to go through their 12 months of FM 12 weeks of FMLA and wonder whether the board is
going to grant them additional time. And that's something I would have liked to have talked through with the administration prior to walking in here tonight, but I didn't know that's the way we were going with this. Um, so with that said, I feel like the employee should get the 100 hours of sick time as
you recommend and if they want to submit another request in the future, that's up to them. But I don't think it should be on the board to revisit it and leave it open-ended because it leaves almost like the employee thinks that they they're going to get this and well, we we were
sounds like we don't have a policy in place. I don't hear about precedent about it. It's it's unfair to the employee. It's almost saying like it's going to happen. >> Can I just piggy back off of that? Um I I wish that we had went into this um I think it's great that employees have
donated, but with the already mindset that hey, we're only going to do the 12 weeks so that we only collected that much because now we're put in the position to deduct what people are saying they want to give. And that that that's hard for me personally is to tell
a mother that I'm going to deduct hours um that people are willing to give and if we were already at that set amount then we wouldn't have to kind of step back that. Does that make sense? >> Yeah. So just um want to resubmit it.
He wants to resubmit >> for next. >> I also don't want to give the employee the anxiety of not knowing for another two weeks as well. This is very sensitive. >> I don't want to table this. I want to I want us to >> I think HR and uh our time history can work out the
>> the details. Um but we have our feedback for the future. >> Yes. So, I I make a motion to approve um and to incorporate uh the comments that I made and select
Melo made in with this motion >> for future feedback. >> Is that enough for >> uh I I think just for for clarity sake if it's up up to the 12 uh vacation time up to the 12 weeks and I state that then >> you can do the best.
>> Yes. up up to 12 weeks as my town administrator said. >> Okay. Motion has been made and seconded. Any more discussion? All those in favor? >> I >> and actually that could I know we're working on a policy or so this could be something that too maybe is addressed in
there. Um uh this is a review discuss and act the uh designation of a municipal representative to attend meeting attend a meeting to elect a representative to the Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical School District Committee for purpose of
collective poverty. This is right around the corner. >> This is we just received this and I'm I'm going to be honest with you. I was a little confused at the letter. At first I had to reread it like seven times. Um they're requesting uh for this Friday
a representative from the town of Knight to attend a meeting to vote on a representative to go to collective bargaining. >> That's it. >> Yeah. Yeah. So it doesn't appear that
the the Dyton designate will be will be the individual who's at the collective bargaining, >> right? They just jump. >> I Yeah. And I did. So So they ask for the chair of the town administrator or
to designate. So it is um it's Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Crystal Point. I can't make it, but if I have to, if nobody else can do it, I'll do it. >> I can't because the work. >> I mean, if I can't go, if you can't make it, I I can come in.
>> Okay. >> All right. >> All right. If you can do it, I'll come and do it. >> Okay. Um, then we need a motion to appoint Ralph. >> I'll make a motion to appoint Ralph Taco
as the represent Representative for Dyon at the January 16th 26 meeting at Bristol Plymouth Technical High School. >> I'll second that. >> Motion has made and seconded. Any more discussion? All those in favor?
>> I >> I um this next one has to be clarified. Robert J. Wood's resignation from the sewer commission and the cleaning board. He's not resigning from the sewer commission. He's just not seeking reelection. So, he's going to fulfill
his term um until Sam is elected at the uh annual um election, but he was very clear that um he's not resigning from that and he is resigning from the planning board effective the 10th which repres uh
which is outlined not outlined but is in the um announcements the open position I think that was very thoughtful of Mr. Woods to resign in a way that allows it to remain
an elected position. So, um, and I also know that, >> uh, Robert Woods has served the town in various capacities over many years. So, I thank him for his service. >> Sure. He's um he's done a lot for the town. >> So, we need a motion.
>> I'll make a motion to accept the resignation of Robert J. Woods from the planning board. >> I'll second that. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any more discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> That was April 10th three.
>> Correct. >> Addition of a planning board vacancy to the annual town election ballot. I'll make a motion to uh instruct the town clerk to add the >> unexpired >> unexpired term uh planning board to the
2026 annual town election ballot. Thank you. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> Approval of the warrants. >> All right. This is a mouthful. I'll make a motion to approve rewards
paid by December 23rd, 2025. 26 A-26 for $132,590.70. 26B-26 for $29,1992. forms paid by December 31st, 2025 for uh
warrant 27-26 for $131,3456. 27B-26 for $114,77287. Warrants paid by January 8th, 2026 28A-26 for $134,914.81
81 28B-26 for $685,221.76 and 28 A 28 C-26 for $3,328 and warrants paid by January 15, 2026. 29 A-26 for $114,88968.
29 B-26 for $528,7628. 29 C-26 for $164,55743. >> I'll second that. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? Uh thanks Mark. Uh the last thing is a correspondence is a letter from the
chief McGee uh regarding an appointment to uh personal call rank. Personal call rank. Oh, you have the letter in your packet from she with me.
>> Well, that's nice. You got a start as a junior firefighter. Is that correct? >> Yeah, definitely. Uh, approval of the minutes for the December 17th. >> I'll make a motion to approve the board of selectment regular meeting minutes of
December 17th to 2025. >> Second. >> Motion has made seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I public input number two. Is there any? >> Yes. >> I just have a quick question. >> Sure. >> Um Laura Madera, 1645 Maple Street. I
don't know if this is something that should be discussed in a meeting or if this is something after the meeting. Um I know obviously my name was on a donation for um time off for Ashley. Was the motion to do 100 hours? cuz I
just don't understand if people wanted to give more time so she's not left with zero when she returns. How I just don't know why it wasn't just what people were trying to donate for the full 168. If that could be clarified
and how it would really work if now 68 of those hours don't go to her. Who how does that play out? >> Get some back. >> They would go back >> to who though? There was no one that gave specific amounts
>> go back to to who donated. Would the board be willing or interested in revisiting that to give her the additional 68 that the members were >> so the recommendation was at the the
completion of the 12 weeks >> Ashley could come back and request the balance of the 68 hours >> to have to get it approved at an an additional meeting. >> Yes. >> If it was brought to this meeting for all of it. I just don't understand if
we're all willing to give that time now and then we need to also track to keep it aside in the future. Like we all have it now that we're looking to give. It wasn't something that we didn't want to do. We obviously wanted to and it's here in front of you guys to give it to her
so she knows she has a blanket for when she comes back or she needs more time off. that was really where we're all coming from to to bring it to you this meeting >> or didn't have all the information and
and generally um I think when the public this has come up before with you about um we didn't have all the information the last what what with things that come before us we make the decisions we have with whatever information is given at the time so we're hearing this post um
and so it's frustrating to sit here too cuz we care for Ashley we care that she's going through um in pregnancy and we want her not to have anxiety about coming back, but we didn't have that information. So um I think that putting it back, you know, this is what
the decision we made. We took her recommendation to stick within the FMLA and if she wants to come back to the board, um you know, we're certainly willing to listen to it, but it wasn't our intent to give her a hard time. We made the decision >> with the information that we had. >> It's not that we don't care for our
employees. this this whole it sounds like this whole thing was because we care and because you guys care and I appreciate all that and all of your generosity. >> Um unfortunately um
>> we didn't have all the information >> my additional information of potential not doing it by the FMLA guidelines because it doesn't sound like it needs to be that um with people putting that request forward.
>> If I if I may speak um to the issue, FMLA allows for 12 weeks. So we give So we give the uh so we give the employee 12 weeks, >> correct? So the issue is if we were to give an employee the abundance of time
um if they so choose to um to exit from from the town we would have to they would lose that vacation. They would uh we would uh we're not giving them vacation because we would have to
pay all that vacation and and then that sick time would be lost. So, so as a as a protection to the employees who who donate at that time and um you know we want to just hold off. We're not saying we're not going to give it to
>> right but we want to make sure that that everyone is that everyone is protected. >> Makes sense in that sense. Sure. >> Okay. >> And thank you for I did not think about that she would be extending all her time and then coming back and not submitting it. So that was that was very valuable
information. Thank you. I I appreciate it. Um and I the way the board is speaking, it does not sound like if she came before us again that it would be an issue, right? >> But I know it feels better to know ahead of time that you have this not to have to come before people and ask for
something, right? >> Um and we greatly appreciate all the town employees are always so generous with your time. >> We're a family and you know what? It's not like that everywhere. So thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. I think this would help her understand it better, too. >> Yes.
>> It's a it's a hard conversation to have. Um and none of us like any of the decisions that we usually have to make. >> Very true. >> But thank you for on your clarifying it better, too. Appreciate it. >> Any more public input?
>> Yes. Thank you. I'll come on. So, I'm Dave Marvel from 102 Forestry and as we get through this cold winter, only a few more months to go. Uh, I know people are talking about getting the u the farm going next door. And one of the things was brought up about farmers
market. I think we farm out back and you know, I don't know how you guys feel, but at the end of the season, you got so much like hundreds of tomatoes and you can't get rid of them. Someone else got hundreds of carrots. Be nice to have a farmers market where people can just bring their vegetables up.
>> Sure. >> And you know, we're thinking like maybe if we can, we would probably be more discussion, but putting tables out front like once a month. I'm not sure how that works as a farmer where they bring their vegetables to the stand for trade or or for, you know, for costs. And I'm not
sure who we talk to about that, but it's just just a thought, >> right? >> I don't know how you guys feel. Communities have farmers markets. >> What's that? >> So, a lot of communities have farmers markets. >> I was in Boston one time waiting for a show and they had a farmers market out
there. It was unbelievable. It was so like the whole alleyway was just full of vendors out there trying to sell their vegetables. >> So, just a thought anybody out there you know, you know, listen to the broadcast tonight, you know, just >> drop a line in the cable and just let me know and we'll go from there.
>> All right. Thank you for your time. Please do. >> Okay. Hearing no other uh motion to adjurnn. >> I'll make a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Motion made second. Any discussion? It's all those in favor? I >> Thank you, Kayla.