Yeah. >> All right. >> Uh we'll call the SL board meeting to order at 6:01 on this October 15th evening. Got a pretty full agenda tonight. We'll start off with a public comment session. And then we will join
the advisory board for a joint discussion regarding the special town meeting and warrant articles. And this board has one set of meeting minutes to approve for September 30th, 2025. We have one appointment to the zoning board of appeals. Discussion on reverse 911
and the contra contract with code red. The union building interior design the selection of the designer and authorization of to negotiate the contract. That's for the interior of the building. Uh oil and tanner on call agreement
engineering services renewal the phone system upgrade to spectrum at the town hall. and just a quick discussion on 307 Pleasant Street compliance and then any other topics not reasonably anticipated by the chair. Is there anyone here to
speak to something not on the agenda? So, I have two things to request. One um is for the board to consider uh putting enacting a leash law in town as I've had multiple issues with people running into
people on trails with their dogs off leash not under control. >> I thought I'd be the last one to request this but I am. Uh and two to request that the boards give consideration into requesting
uh specifically the RLT but all families with a certain amount of land and chapter land to pay pilot papers to the town. That's my request. That's it. >> Okay. I can't give you an answer to either one of those right now, but I just wanted to
put it out there. Um, I found out this weekend that GRT will be getting most likely roughly around another 100 acres and they already own about 7 and 12% of the land in town. This 8 and 12% which
brings in no taxes. Okay, we can look into that a little bit. Have discussions at some point in the future. Anybody else here to speak? No. All right. Well, we will then close that
portion and we will jump into a joint discussion. So, the advisory board meeting to order. >> Call the advisory board meeting to order. All right. Who wants to start with this? Jason, do you uh have a presentation for
the articles or >> I I don't really yet. No. Um so you have the draft. It's um very much in draft form right now, but the drafts found meeting warrant and currently there currently there are
10 articles, but actually definitely that could definitely change. Um, the bulk of them are CPA articles. Um, the ones that aren't. Uh, do you want to
just walk through each one? There's only any kind of number. I mean, none of the a lot of the CPA ones. There's no one. >> I have numbers for some of them, but not all of them. Could you also tell us what the CPA balance is before we walk
through this for conceptual >> purposes? Do you mind if I walk through it and then tell you the balances? >> I just don't I just don't have it. >> You have an idea what the balances for the CPA >> are off the top of your head? >> No, I don't even have I don't even have
I got two I have Jason's applications for the town hall. I don't have any other applications. >> Okay. Right. The library was dropped off this afternoon. >> Oh, they were? >> Yes. >> I asked them to let me know >> so that I could let everybody else know.
So, thank you. >> You're talking the quote for the work when you say the library was dropped off >> the library CPA application. >> Does that include the HBAC digitation digitization or So what I have this is not
completely you know what I'm not going to say that let me try to find more pick a balance sheet here. This was as close as I had. Let me see if I can kind of assume there's no one
breaking out. There's not. We usually keep that as a placeholder though, just in case something pops up last minute. So we have um Thank you. All right. Got to make that bigger for you so we actually see it.
That's too big. Let's get somewhere in the middle here. All right. Can you see that? So, this isn't completely up to date, but this is as up to date as I have right
now. So, um reserve for expenditures is 516. That is basically projects that have already been appropriated. So, there some of those some of those are projects that haven't happened. And some of those projects are
have happened but have um a balance in the account that hasn't been reassigned. So that's that amount. Um there's 86 in open space, 303 in historic, and 390 in community housing. And then for fun
reserve balance, there's 1.17. um 39. Do you have a member? Yeah, he can probably send it to you. >> Oh, yeah. >> Does that sound about right, John? To you? >> I think so. Keep in mind
>> that the uh come November 15th is uh >> correct. >> The uh you know next distribution. >> That's right. >> So, good point. >> Those numbers will be bigger. >> Yeah. This is not this is without the
shares distribution. >> Right. >> Yes. >> And then I think if I think this is the so this isn't exact but this is gives
you some idea of the the 516. These are some of the projects that I was talking about. These aren't um again this is not completely updated. You see the date at the top. So um but it gives you an idea
of the projects that are still out there if that's helpful. >> So also I have complete >> yeah some some of them have been completed in that balance. So,
all right. Is that helpful? Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. No, it was a great question. So, um the library projects I don't have exact numbers for that's been um the the board of library trustees having working
with the historical commission on both of those projects. Um, so I don't know if if Joan, do you have exact numbers for those yet? I don't think I've seen that yet. >> Uh, no, we haven't. Would you say, Sue, that they were just dropped off up in
the >> Yeah, I can go get the go get you. >> Oh, dropped off. I thought you meant dropped off like they were coming off of the warrants. >> Dropped off. >> They were delivered. >> Not deleted. Delivered. in number three
that there's probably grant opportunities they may be able to apply for. That's where linking that to a grant that already exists for CPC funding for digitation digitization of historical records. So maybe they're holding off on that for
now. >> Is that you said both are coming off, right? >> No, no, they were dropped. They were dropped off. >> Oh, the apps. No, no, sorry. Sorry. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Um, >> god damn it.
>> I'll be the clown. >> Um, >> I know, right? >> So, the replacement of the town chimney, town hall chimney, bron's going to not like the description of that, but it's not >> it's not a chimney. >> It's not a chimney. I know, but um but
that's what it looks like. Just just for clarity of what we're doing. Um, so you might remember um in last year's um in your town meeting, it
might have been two years ago, we um we allocated $20,000 to repair this faux chimney or elevator vent that's there. Um so we got that allocation. and I quickly realized that I did not have the
expertise to put together the specs to execute this project. So what we did um with the CPC's cooperation is we ended up hiring an architect ENAP who also helped us with the union buildings to um
to put together specs for the for the project. So we finally have the um the project. I'll pull up the description. Sorry, that's kind of a working session. I'm pulling up this as I go, but um so we have a
balance of $10,500 in that initial allocation. Um and then um the cost estimate received from ENAP was 325. So, if you do the math, we're we're
going to ask for another 25 to have $35,500 total for the project. Um, it's a little more than the high estimate of the project. Um, but you never know what you're going to find
when you start projects like this. And, um, with the construction environment the way it is, we are asking for a little more just to have cushion just in case something unexpected happens. 50 55 let's say um >> 25
>> say what was the total number 35 >> 35 well the the high end of the quote was 325 I'm I'm requesting additional 25 to get us to 35 >> 25 okay 35 >> yes exactly
>> so the town hall HVAC improvements. So this is these all these projects still need to be reviewed by CPC if that wasn't clear. Um so that's the digital record. >> So I submitted an application for the
town hall HVAC as well. Um we recently received um we recently received a quote from Denom Plumbing. The estimated cost of the project is based on their quote is
30,755. It's to replace two condenser units, two air handler units. One of the one of um the space that the spaces that are being cooled by um those units. Um one is the basement
office down here, that space, and the other is my office space. Um my office space is right now that unit the condenser unit out there is most in need of replacement that is not usable anymore. It's leaking um refriger
refrigerant freon oil whatever. And um >> yeah awesome. So that one's not usable. Um the other one um last time it was being repaired um they basically said it's it's time. And I think after
talking to Ron, I think these units were installed during the re the renovation of town hall, which is like 22 years ago or something. >> Yeah. >> So, it's probably we've we've we've gotten our money's worth on the units.
So, um the question for that is um I guess our HRA units um can can we pay for those with CPA? I don't know if you've talked to
uh historical or not, but uh um I found out today that they voted to approve it contingent on
what Steuart has to say. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, and I got I you know, I'm sure it was my fault. I got things all screwed up. I thought it I thought they were uh I thought they were looking for
thought they were talking about the chimney and I didn't see why there'd be a problem with the chimney, but it turns out it was the HBAC. So, uh, you know, I Stuart may be going to divorce me, but
um, anyway, so we'll find out. I don't know if, uh, if you have any other, uh, you know, I just told it the, uh, HBAC is uh,
um, in the town hall. I just kind of said genuinely >> Yeah. >> that it was uh failing. >> Yeah. >> And uh >> Okay. >> Uh the historical commission would like to know if that would be considered
maintenance inventory to replace. >> Okay. >> So, we'll find out, I guess. >> Okay. I mean, I think the big difference with between a library and town hall is town halls on the map that register and it is a historic it's a historic building and
in order to keep it useful and operable for the town, it needs a H track system. So, um hopefully they'll see it that way. Hopefully they'll see it that way. We'll see. >> One other thing, too. It occurred to me
that uh um the uh you know the the these are two different projects here. This is you know the uh the library is not a historic building.
So, uh, rather this and obviously the town hall is, um, it occurred to me that where we need, uh, historical commission approval
to spend money, historical money on the library. I'm not sure we need their approval to spend just CPA money in general on the town hall. >> Right. I did share with them. I sent
them the application just so they saw it and I haven't heard anything from them, but I I think because it's a historic building, I I don't know that you need their provide of course of course would like their support with the project. we would need their approval to spend for
them to uh approve historic money from the historic reserve. But if we wanted to vote money from the uh what do you call it the uh >> undesated >> undesated reserve then
>> maybe >> I don't I don't think we would need their approval. >> Okay. >> But that's just >> Yeah. Okay. Um, article six is baseball fields. I don't have a number for that,
Mr. Chairman. I'm not sure if you have enough right now a little under 13,000. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> We need parks or is this school property? >> It's parks. >> It's parks. Okay. So, this is >> the field behind West Auto. That's gone.
It's >> um >> Yeah, that one's the worst condition. Yeah. that field. >> Um, and we were actually considering letting it go completely, but now it looks like baseball actually needs it. Um, for two reasons. One is longterm they need it. Um, which we're waiting
for commitment for from them for that. Otherwise, we're not going to do this. Um, the other thing is that there's no baseball field being brought out and for Baboo style because it's being reconstructed. So, they're not going to be available in the spring. So that's
where it is right now. But we told them that for us to do this, we wanted a long-term commitment from them to consider this. Otherwise, you know, they need to find another place. >> Have the logistics of that been like grown, if you will, because like if you
have practice and you're trying to get to the field, but the elementary school's still in session, how does that work? And there's no locker room there. Like has that's all been discussed? Like I'm really hesitant for this because we also
just do three brand new pickle ball courts set up on a field which are beautiful, but like >> I guess I'm kind of with Matt. I don't don't understand the long-term viability or really what the plan is here. >> Um so we're still working with them on this. I asked Jason to put this in as a placeholder because we'll we'll get it
ready and if if we come to a conclusion and we don't need don't need it, we're going to obviously we'll take no action on it. Um but I said for us to go forward and for us to approve it as a board, we would need a long-term commitment from
uh the baseball to get just to get the field up to stuff for them to use in the spring. Longterm, they're going to it's going to need more considerations. um for them for them to need, you know, they need they need a field. So, we'll we'll accommodate them the best we can
if we can. But again, for us to spend any money on it, that we need a long-term commitment. >> Which baseball field? >> It's a Babe Ruth Field that's behind um the Babe Ruth, it's the current Babe Ruth field that's behind um West Auto.
Um I looked at a map from 1996, saw the other three fields that were also behind the high school. I mean they have the uh behind swallowing union. So um that's kind of where we are right now. Um you know to we are considering all of the
concerns the location one and you know making sure you know how how do you get to it. Um so we're we're just we're in the early discussions of it. We're just trying to to cram some things in before it's fall town meeting because if we need the money to get the field up up to
date then we'll have to do that. Um, but we do want some sort of long-term goals from baseball before we proceed. >> Um, they they were kind of wishy-washy at first. >> Yeah. >> Um, and like I said, we we would do the
preparations just to get the field at minimal use for them. Um, but um, they were looking at out of town as well and they they seem to be coming back to us saying, "Yeah, it's like what did I need it?" Um they also they also send us
enrollment to show that they have a significant um teams and they're um they're they're going to need to expand probably next year. >> What what is Babe Ruth? Because I know nothing about baseball. So like what's the age bracket like? Who is it? Is it high school? Is it junior high?
>> Between little league and high school. >> Yeah. >> It's not a big field. It's not big enough. >> The league is softball fields, right? >> Yeah. >> Interesting. >> Am I right to say that baseball, high
school baseball need to for the first year because of construction going on in Groten, but without years, they are probably not going to need it. So, the idea is to work with youth baseball to determine
if they need it long term before we make the investment. >> Yeah. The only because the only I we did hear early on something about the high school, but the only only conversations we've had are with baseball because the the the school has not approached us at
all. >> Okay. Okay. >> With any of their um their needs. So that's that's kind of off the table. >> Yeah. But that would mean like if the school doesn't need it, that must mean they have a plan and the youth baseball organization should couple in with that
then. >> Well, they're separate entities, >> right? But you could have you could like you could still use the same field there. You >> they can't though because I think that's where the issue is. I think they can't because
time is an it's a problem. can't have because there can be multiple Babe Ruth leans in both group teams within a town depending on enrollment which I'm sure is what they're looking at. So you can have you can have a whole league in a town if you're you know if you're a town is big enough you can have
five 16s you know it depends on how many and then trying to have those practices on one field would be an absolute nightmare. So that's where we are right now. But like I said, we're we're making sure that we're not just paying for one time bandaid, right? And then have the field
go to, you know, >> fall apart again. You know, we want we want a long-term commitment um to to do this. Otherwise, they'll have to come up with another solution. >> What's long term? >> Long term means I look at it as, you know, years out. I mean, we're not
looking at just two years. We want a long-term commit. something like five in a five round, right? >> And does that couple together with like a parks and wrecks and activation of the spaces back there or is it just baseball? >> Just baseball and just that one field,
you know? I mean, I I just got on the board, so I you know, this kind of came up early. Um originally we were just going to kind of let the fields go using them, especially the one at least the one behind the bus stop. You're paying to have it mowed and what's the point? >> Yeah. There's nice birds out there. >> In a perfect world, in a perfect world,
I would like to see I would like to see the Babe R booth fields moved to right behind Small Union. You know, there's three fields there. You know, you could do something with that that's closer to the parking lot. It's easily accessible.
Um I mean that that would be the perfect solution, but would the outfield be big enough? >> I don't that's the thing. I don't I don't know. But there are three there's three fields there and one of them one of them is completely covered now by one of >> disaster
like locker rooms we need a whole thing behind that right >> not with not for >> I don't know what to do >> not high school not with town >> but I'll tell them that the selectman
are are interested in in getting locked just one. >> Well, the field >> outside. >> I just think that there's probably a vision for that those parcels back there and it's if you put let's say $13,000
into it and it's used for three years and then the field's code of what they are like is that a good investment? And like once again other parts of that area are just not being used. >> Yeah. Right. >> Well, the only reason that field was in any condition at all was because um Innovation Charter Academy was actually
using it. >> Yeah. >> And they stopped using it a year ago. They were they were actually using it and they were they were actually, you know, we I think I think we would buy the this dirt for them. They would go and actually spread it out and get the field up.
>> They're nice. >> They're beautiful. And isn't that isn't that something else you talk to them about is long-term commitment not only in use but assistance in making sure that they're properly maintained. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Interesting.
>> Yeah. >> Before we move on from like the four and five just to >> Yeah. Does it make sense to, you know, I know you were said you were adding a little bit of fluff to those numbers, but like more than, you know, but just in case you open up the just say you >> open up the chimney and there's more
than, >> you know, just instead of having to wait for another town meeting for that appropriation, wouldn't it make more sense to do more in the >> 20% over? >> It could range. I'm just if we're going to throw out a number like instead of 35, we ask for 50 and return the 15 if
you don't use it. >> Okay. Okay. I mean especially >> in your budget don't we have a contingency number? >> So within within the cost estimate that the architect provided there is a I would say a healthy contingency within
that estimate they gave us a range. So the low end of the range the high end of the range the the number I'm using is the high end. >> Okay. So there's already something. >> So the high end plus the contingency plus the additional. I did talk to him and he said he thought that would be okay. But to to your point like the the
market I mean you're in it. You know better than me >> kicked in today. So >> I mean it is it is a wild market right now. >> Yeah. >> Just out of curiosity if there's some left over. It came out of CP >> it just go back to CP. >> Okay.
>> It doesn't go into a But the same thing with an HBA like you're at 35 makes sense to be 35 just in case. You know, they go out there and they tell you the freon drift down and now the pad's no good. You got to replace a concrete pad. That's easy.
Three grand looking at it. >> Wasn't there a leak there, too? >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. the yeah the pad stain from it. Yeah. Yeah. No, fair point. Fair point. Are we ready to move on to article
seven? Okay. >> So, Swallow Union um the uh school is I think planning is on the agenda for the parks commission tomorrow night to talk about um an application they want to
submit. um they're currently preparing um to the CPC for improvements to their playground area. I think what this ultimately I think their priority is um our shade structures for outdoor
classrooms and just for shade because it's when it's a hot day out there, it's hot. >> Yeah. There's no there's no shade at all. >> Right. It's when I went out there to look at it with them, they asked me to meet them out there and it was one of
those hot concert day Wednesdays and it was scorching out there. So um so I think that's their priority. They did they worked with a vendor that um installed the playground that's there now. Um, so they did also get some
quotes on additional uh playground equipment for younger ages. They also got a quote for rubber um poured rubber flooring which was extraordinarily expensive. Um so they did get they got some quotes for things
that they may or may not move forward with immediately, but I think the priority right now is for the shade for the shade structures. So I believe that's their plan. um to go to CPC for um app with parks. Um
>> Lacy said she >> she'd have those applications in the box tomorrow morning. >> Yeah. Yeah. I talked to her today. Yeah. Yeah. >> I know they said they wouldn't do it, but if they do close call in, this stuff
will stay here. Correct. >> Yeah. >> It's ours. >> Y doesn't move very well. >> It's ours. [Music] And Jason Jason likes to go out there. >> And I just don't know like obviously we're we're a ways away from that sort
of I just don't know if that's a we can't make that assume assumption immediately. If we want to keep kids in Swallwell Union and build a new school, that would be challenging spatially if I think that's what Harold was referring
to that if we had to do something with the school union whether or not that playground would be subject to an area that might be utilized for the new school. >> I'm sorry. I I thought I thought you asked if it was closed entirely whether whether or not we keep the
playground. If if if >> maybe it could be one way or another. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. They're both good points. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I think if it's closed entirely, it's ours. If we if longterm it's decided that we need to build a new
school, >> it's a it's a fair question. Um do does the playground stay there and we keep it in maybe it's it's in front of the building and then we build it back or we move it. But >> we own the parts. >> We own the parts.
>> Yeah. Truth. I mean, can't move the >> You served on the school building committee for flow. That's a fiveyear process. I I don't know. >> No. Yeah. Well, yeah. Start to finish, you're probably looking at 10 years, but >> Yeah. Yeah. So, you still get
legitimate use out of it just knowing how long that process is to either renovate or build. >> Yeah. Is there like an expected lifespan and maintenance >> for the straight shade structures? >> Yeah, you should get
>> 10 to 15 years out of current playground equipment and it's about once every two years you have to go in touch up. They send them with a touchup kit and then it' be up to your maintenance crew to go in and maintain that. >> They send them with a touchup kit. >> They do. Yeah. Literally like in graffiti removal like it's a whole
thing. >> Yeah. But then it's up to your maintenance folk. Put that on there. >> Is cracker jack. >> Well, the new they have somewhere new is pretty good.
>> Really? >> It opened my eyes. Kids were there. Under 10 years, >> it looks pretty good condition. I moved here in 2010 and my wife was on the board to get that going and so I want to
say around 2012 or 2015 somewhere around there. >> Yeah, 15. >> Yeah. >> I think they started it in 2012 then. >> It's in good shape. >> Yeah. >> Is there another one like at Plow or anything or is there a playground like this for comparison?
>> There's a right in front of the building. There's a huge play structure with it and uh Okay. >> Okay. So we have some experience with our plate. >> So we got some really good news couple
weeks ago. The FEMA assist firefighters grant awarded the town $285,000 for a new forestry truck thanks to the amazing work of our fire chief. Um, in order for us to use the funds, we have
to come up with a match of $15,000. So, pretty good deal. Um, but we do need to appropriate that from free cash. >> Wow. That's so that's not even a match really. It's like it's a it's a college.
What is it? 5% 5% matcha. >> Yeah. So the total price total. >> So now what happens to the current truck? >> I I think we're gonna have buyers lining up for it. >> What is it? It's 1980.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's an antique at this point. >> What's that? >> No joke. So, if if that 15,000 is approved, are there any other costs that will increase because of the new truck, such as
insurance and things like that? >> Insurance will probably increase with the value of the truck. Um, outside of that, I can't think of anything else. I don't think so. >> They come in sort of all rolled in,
right? The 285, it's everything. So >> it's just a pickle truck. >> All right. >> I just didn't know if there were any of the incidental increase because of that. >> I don't think so. Can you transfer the
radio money? Should be already in there with lights. >> Yeah. >> I don't think so. >> Graphics are included. Should be all the tools that we have now will just go on on that one. So we won't be looking to buy, you know, new. We have a lot of
forestry hose already. So we can use that that's on the rack brand new basically. So coupling things. >> Yeah. I mean, this is one of those things that is on our capital plan is
kind of in the back of your mind even when we're putting money into the CIP trust like we're going to need to replace some of these. And then he he hits for this grand. It's it's just a huge one. >> It's a big >> The current one is not gonna last us. No,
>> we're not even sure if we'll get another. We were in Pepper with the other night. The lights headlight stopped working. We couldn't see where we were going. >> It's beautiful. >> Flash. Any other you want to move on?
>> Yeah. >> Article 9, town website update. So, we've been going around around a circle. Sue's been the lead on this. Been going around around a little bit on um with our
current host um web host um Civics Plus, Civics Plus. And um we finally got to a point where we reached out to another a couple other um one of the providers I guess
>> and uh say that again. >> Is that right? And um and so we actually Sue's been kind of having ongoing discussions with them. I joined the discussion this week um with this other firm Reise.
Um so the benefit of going with them is it's a much slicker product. Um they you have all the benefits of Civic Plus. Um
there is an upfront cost but there's also return on our investment because Civic Plus the host fees are not quite doubling but are doubling. They're they're requiring a trans a transition to a new platform. What is it called? Um
you remember what it's called? >> We were on a platform called Drupal. >> Drupal, >> but a very old time. >> Yeah. >> Now they're migrating everybody to >> the upgraded >> their own CMS. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So with that migration, they're
increasing the host fees. So, the revised host fees are 35ish,000 a year. >> 3,700, not thousand. >> 37 I'm sorry, 3,700 3 I said 35,000 I
meant 3,500 a year. 3,700 a year. Um, the civics plus when we were required to migrate was like 7,900. So, we're saving annually, but we do have these upfront costs. Um he said it
would take How long did he I'm sorry. How long did you say? >> It's about a six to nine month >> project because they do um they do a design like a fresh design. So it's not a template based website. It's custom based. >> Yep.
So I have 15,000 in here as a placeholder. May need to change a little bit but that's what we're carrying now. Um, and that's that's it. So, do you have anything to add? Have you done the lead on that?
>> Uh, no. The only thing I would say is like in working with both providers to try to get, you know, an idea of what they could offer us for the money, it seems like Civic Plus is very cookie cutter. um and revise has a little more
flexibility, but the functionality that we need is still there. Um as well as like the archives for all of our old minutes and stuff like that. So that's all included. The annual cost is significantly different. >> Yeah. >> Um so the revise really kind of pays for
itself after a couple years. In terms of like are there any other towns in Middle Sex County using revises? >> Uh I think towns and on civic plus. >> Okay. I know I've seen some of their PDFs have like revis
>> you can you can really tell by the look and feel of the site there's fun. Um, and like I I'm sure you've done this, but I'll ask anyways like are we able to see like the because everyone looks at everything on their phone now it's very
mobile friendly versus our our page right now isn't super mobile friendly. >> Yes. >> It's very um it's much more current. The ADA kind of functionality, the standard ADA functionality um is fantastic. It's got like all of
the, you know, one of the challenges I think now is if you search the website, if it's an old PDF, you can't find anything. Everything that they transition over will be scamable, so it'll all be searchable. Um, it's just it's much more robust. And you think
it'll sync well with like our Outlook and folks that use, you know, your >> versus comfortable. Yeah. Interesting. >> It is content is revised. >> Yeah.
>> So that's the that's the idea. There is there is that upfront cost, but we will see annual savings in the budget um if we move to that. So you guys there >> is there a local rep around you or is they have a club they got away from
Kansas? >> Honestly I think they're both not I I don't know if there's a local rep but the the gentleman we we met with this week was not from here but the same can be said for civics plus frankly. I mean,
I'm not saying it needs or >> yeah, >> you know, I mean, it does not rotten or you know, whatever. But, you know, if you have a major problem, >> it take a while to get your hands even on a plane. It's their >> Yeah, they they >> It's all their equipment. >> Yeah. It's all
computer illiterate. So, >> yeah, they don't need to be here. >> They don't need to be at all. Everything is remote. I mean, they they own the server. >> Yeah. >> I don't think did say 247, too. Mhm. >> It goes without saying there'll be road
bumps the first three months of roll out anyways. Like that's just sort of built into nothing's perfect the first go around. So do some stuff. >> Who's got a website right now? >> Civics plus. >> What are we paying them for? >> Right now it's around four. Is that
right? But it's close to this number. >> But it's going but they're forcing us for they're forc >> Yeah. They're forcing us into an upgrade and so the annual fee is going to go to just shy of eight. It's really nice of them to do that. >> Yeah. I mean, not that we don't want I
mean, it needs an upgrade to be to be frank. Um, but the the the functionality both I think front end and back end revises just it's much cleaner. It's more intuitive in the way we've been
using our website and leaning into really trying to educate people with it. >> Yeah. >> I I just think the functionality here is going to be much improved. >> The Civic Plus from a support and a customer experience hasn't been great.
>> In the three years that I've been here, I've been trying to not responsive. It's not I know they've been kind of wrapped up in this big swirl of their infrastructure but it hasn't been easy. Um
we in the east Atlanta they're you know you're a big provider. So >> so I'm just wondering and knowing you probably cover all this but does it align with like you pay and permanent link and maybe offer more online
capabilities and things like that? It's I mean sim there are other modules um and I hear what you're saying because our online payment is so disjointed and like it's a huge opportunity for us. Um I don't know how much that would pull
that together. Um but like but the forms and just the the interface is it's much smoother faster. So we wouldn't like we could keep from like in wouldn't have to pay another >> correct >> provider. Okay.
>> Yeah. It seems >> the way it does today. >> Yeah. >> But it'll get better. >> Have they committed to this price for any length of time? >> They didn't give us a deadline to respond or anything like that.
>> Oh yeah. host fee tickets for the pre they're flexible though initially they came in five minutes and we don't do five >> so even like two >> three is still enough we should get a return >> so 3950 is what the annual fee will be
after >> yes is probably not a bad practice to do every five to seven years anyways just to sort businesses do it, schools do it for sure. >> We talked about yeah strategy
facelifts along the way. So >> y >> we good? >> Yep. >> Okay. Um last one is emergency medical services. So this is the ambulance article. So, we're still um working going back and
forth with Kingsboro to finalize a um a draft IMA for um the board to consider. Um but in the meantime, um we're hoping to get funding in place so that we can execute the IMA for Tinkar. So, I have
50. That's that's probably more than we're going to need because it's half, you know, it's likely to be half of a year. So that probably can be taken down um by half frankly. Um but
real quickly, I think we all know this, but I'll repeat it. The reason we're looking at this is because of the response time for our ambulance is just too long. Uh 15 to 20 minute wait times. Um and it has nothing to do with
um Trinity's quality of service. Um we're really happy in that way. It's just it takes them a long time to get here because they're being dispatched from Chungsburg in Wolf, right? So um so because of that, we started talking to
um we met with a few towns about the possibility of hard and it became clearly that Tinko was our best option to make improvements in this regard. So, like I said, I've I've been going back with back and forth with the town manager in Kingsboro. Um, we've had
our town council review the IMA. So, they have um they have our comments on the IMA from town council. So, it's in their hands working on it. Um, in order to make this work, they're going to have
to staff up staff up two and a half um positions. So, um, with that cost, um, plus our transport fees times the number of, um, the number of runs we have per
year, we roughly estimated that we expect the cost annual annually to be $45,000 a year. Um, it should be noted, it's it's important to note that it is not a set fee. So if our if our transports are more than what
we've estimated, our fee is less. If our transports are less than what we've estimated, our fee will be more. So it it's it's essentially a deal that says Chase really wants to partner with us, excited to partner with us, but they can't lose on the deal. They can't take
a financial loss on partnering from us. Um, so there is there is a built-in clause that protects them from any financial losses. Um, so that's the
that's the um request in a nutshell. I know we've talked the select board discussed this several times. Um, I mentioned it at the last advisory board meeting um because of the because of the fact that it's a long-term financial
commitment we're making. um you know, thought it made sense not only to talk about the special funding warrant of course, but also specifically the ambulance um the concept of partnering partnering with Kings Barrow on this and um whether
whether or not everyone everyone thought it made sense and everyone was on the same page. the BLS level care, right? We still be hooked up with with General ALS.
>> Is that true? Paramedics are going to come out of the old general. >> It is. >> And how are they going to get dispatched by >> same >> same deal? We don't right now we're not I don't How often does LOL come in for for an ALS
call or because I see Trinity's caric trucks a lot on >> I mean it's a service improvement and the unfortunate event it takes Trinity 25 minutes to get here that is 25 minutes that's >> can
Yeah. So, I think it's it's going to improve the services to the residents and to visitors in town. >> And I don't I don't think that's a terrible cost for what it's worth, but >> it also lightens load the art. >> Yeah.
>> Police putting them in situations where Yeah. So is the is the estimate coming from Tinsboro like that's what they anticipated the cost would be or is that a combination of what we think the cost is going to be after insurance
reimbursement that it was it was a back and forth between K school to say you know these are the these are the number of runs over the last three years like basically take the average the last three years take what they're getting
for a fee per transport for it and just back into the the number and then you know use their uni contract um um for the numbers you know the cost of staff and then just net it out basically
but that yeah it was it was a back and forth so that we there was some agreement on what the number should be. So if if Medicare Medicaid decides to cut reimbursement that would go up, right? >> Medicare I guess. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
Really? Yeah. >> That would be part of a >> Yes. >> Y this 155 I guess. >> They're going to add 2.5 people. I don't know. 155.
And is there any benefit costs that we have? This should give us should include. >> Yeah, it's all >> I'm a little skeptical. >> So tell me, you know, well, why? Tell me because I don't want say they're going
to have 2.5 EMTs and the cost of that's 155. I'm like, two and a half people 155. They they know the union their union better than me. I mean that's that that
number that number came right from them. Yeah. >> Um >> it's suspicious. >> I don't think this was to pay the whole thing. This was just to help that number 15 help them get get there.
You know what I mean? Is that what he's saying? Like this isn't Well, I guess I'm kind of suspect of the overall cost of Tsboro. They had 2.5 EMTs. They can do that for 155. Maybe they're auto guest. I mean,
they're not dedicating those people. >> They're planning on some of the cost of that person would be covered by Kings, >> right? That would make sense. If they based it on the average number of calls here, >> they would have to hire. going to hire
someone anyways, >> right? We're just helping out reduce that cost. >> I I think >> would be my my uneducated guess because it Yeah, I think it is a I mean in these kind of regional
partnerships there's got to be they do have to be mutually beneficial or they just don't happen. So I think they were looking for you know they they had a need. We'd love to have additional staff. We had a need. we need better ambulance service. So in
that time that definitely connected us um so yeah um >> it kind of helps with their staff like any staffing issue they were currently having because you know we're we may not need to fully but >> yeah I can get a further you want me to get a further breakdown of that. Um I I
don't I don't think I have that. I didn't ask for a breakdown based on that contract and stuff. >> Is it something we're going to revisit each spring with the number with them or is this like to your earlier question about another article like is this a
threeyear 50k type? >> No, I I know it's probably not possible but it actually it might be with union wages and such. Um, but I mean if it's a per call thing, maybe it shifts, maybe there's some flex
one way or the other. But >> so the IMA does have a clause that allow like an out clause for either one of us. >> Okay. >> Um, >> but I there's a there's notice Sorry, just pulling us up.
>> Um, >> and you don't have to find out. But there there is, you know, quote unquote what I would call an out clause that does, but it it it requires certain amount of notice. Um, >> yeah, it's right there at H. >> Where is it?
>> If at any time this Kings determines current staffing is not sufficient, it shall not amenable negotiate. >> Well, I'm scroll. It says every year it's going to be revisited.
>> Well, yeah. They they don't want they don't want to lose money. So, it makes sense. >> 60 days, right? There's the termination class. They don't get reimbursed as much that we need to come up with the difference, >> right? >> So, yeah, I mean, it's definitely going to be a moving target because they're
staffing costs increase every year. obviously um I don't know how the you know I'm not an expert with the transport fees so I don't know how that fluctuates honestly um so based on those things yeah there
will be some um fluctuation in the in the fee annually >> at least there's a few months in the event we realize you know year three this has gone up quadrupled in expense you could say hey >> here's your 60-day notice we're going to go >> back out to the market to find something else
>> so you're only getting there consider what happens. >> We'll see. I mean, yeah. You know, why why is it off by so much, >> right? The projections align. >> And I and I should be this is not final. Like I'm saying it's it's all draft
still ongoing discussion. >> Does this need to go to town meeting or >> it's going on? >> It's going to town meeting for the >> police was not having >> Oh, no. No. The IMA won't need.
>> Yeah. >> Yep. Yep. Just between the select boards. >> Will this kind of go through the budget department as far as funding? >> Right now in the um in the FY27 forecast
there there is a placeholder on $50,000 in the fire department. Just watch it. How long is the agreement for or is it just revisited? >> My only concern is coming from coming from the position of the we just had an
override like it's highly unlikely that approval of another one as we move forward here is going to be challenging based upon what we've seen for this budget. We're already >> we're already short. >> Yeah. And that includes
uh includes this progressing forward into the next FY. So >> this has also been pretty common complaint is not having ambulance showing up. So I mean we are >> trying to address it. It does kind of
not a complaint until you actually complain. No, >> I understand that part of it wholeheartedly. I just Yep. >> We're going to be I mean we're going to be hard for us to not be looking for an override now and we're spending more
money now that's committing us to more money in the future that we don't have a funding source for. It's a it's a very fair point and I mean >> not saying we don't need it
to be the the black cloud but I I agree that the services necessary agree with a lot of the things that we need to expand upon you know and are showing expansion in our in our next budget year but uh we're going to be going back regardless
of you know the as things seem to be getting I don't say better with the communication with how much we're going to be uh increasing the schools request on an annual basis because both towns are in a uh seem to be sympotico for the
first time in in quite some time. Uh we're we're both not able to afford more than that uh the 3% range that we've always been getting to which is which is good. Uh but even at those numbers, as those numbers expand and continue to get bigger, it's going to be a challenge.
And as we add on more residual or reoccurring costs, it's going to be I now it seems like we're going to be at the point of if we don't ask one for schools, we're going to be asking one for town cost >> on an annual basis. Just
>> Yeah, it is what it is. >> I mean, right now we're asking right now we're pulling it out of the pre-cash. So, right now we're dipping into the savings account that I was just going to say that the point you're making is true especially because
we are pulling we are pulling this from free cash to pay to pay for this year um this half year and as you know I've been a strong advocate against using free cash for reoccurring costs Um, so I your
point's completely completely valid. Um, >> I mean I see the the onetime cost of coming out and obviously being able to accept a grant for the fire truck makes absolute sense, right? Someone's going to a $300,000 truck for 15 grand. We all we all make that Ferrari. I'm only going
to charge 15 grand for Thank you. >> No problem. I'll account for that. Right. But uh I'm just moed as we that we're committing again, not that it's not necessary, but we're committing ourselves to additional costs that are going to have us sitting
at the table again requesting requesting people to expand beyond the current tax. >> And if that was to fail, we would have to pull out of the agreement, which would put team in a really awkward position. >> Yeah, they probably won't want to go back into this. No,
>> that's for sure. Totally. It's a very good point. >> I don't even want to go hire two and a half more people and then one year we get we get a override shut down where >> very similar to adding a ninth officer.
We fund it now. We fund it this time and then >> we uh you know we go to that next town meeting and they shoot it down again and thanks for playing for one calendar year and we'll you know move on. Uh but it's going to be challenging I'm sure for you know Tinsboro for our chief of police
that have to hire those to commit those costs. It's going to be very challenging uh on you know and it's going to make it very difficult to hire a new police officer. We only fund them for a year and then they're gone. Similar to this tar we funded for a year and then we get
shut down again. But we're putting ourselves in a in a tough spot. I mean, I don't if we're looking for funding options and we are we don't love the free cash appropriation, which I understand. Um,
and the reason to me a 15 to 20 minute ambulance response is just something like basic that is like life or death decisions that communities make. And for me it's like it when I first learned of it when I
first started it immediately went on the list like it was one of those things that can't stay that way. We got to figure out a solution. So it was one of those things that was to me like should be a priority. So
with that said, um if we wanted to look at another funding option, um we did get an override passed and the override passed for an increase in the schools
that was le was less than the original override amount was four because groten has failed. So, we're roughly estimating a $60,000 variance between what was passed, what we think we're going to need. That could
change based on revenues coming in and all that, but right now, my the estimate that I roughly put together was about that. >> I'm sorry, can you just say that again? >> Yep. So because the school's increase
was not as much as originally anticipated because we're override failed. We have a little um >> excess >> excess capacity excess capacity because our over pass
>> and because we didn't increase the taxes by >> well we haven't yeah know we haven't set the tax rate yet but you know the the the variance in that amount is about 60,000 for the good based on what I
project so what I'm saying is you can take 25,000 of the additional capacity and use it for ambulance. Um, which full transparency was not contemplated at the time the override
right was presented past. Um, but I think that would be a potential option to consider too if there was some um discomfort with using um free cash to do it. Well, your point is if you're going down
that line of thinking we didn't we passed the override was not just for schools. It was for correct but it was for town as well. We have 60,000 available. >> Yeah. >> This is a $50,000 cost. >> Well, I'd be I'd be willing to argue that any override we do is for the town
because schools we have to pay the school. So any failure and override cuts municipal. So an override is fully municipal. So and that's what that's what that would be using it for. >> Yeah. And that was the ballot. The
ballot question did say both. It wasn't just one of them. It was both. >> Um >> just it doesn't solve reoccurring. >> I was just going to say that's exact you you took the words out of my mouth. So that's what I was just going to say. I mean even if we do that we still have
the issue um next year. Um, but it does remove the free cash issue for this year. Like I said, there's just comfort with doing this. Um, but no, JK, right?
I just personally see it as if we if we don't pass if we're going to go back to the town for another override in the spring. The annual that free cash is going to become >> Yeah.
>> the bank account for these commitments essentially. >> Yeah. and that might flow us a year or two >> before we're back to a position where free cash balance is not >> in a position to support anything further. >> So whether it's a whether it's a an
override next year or the year after it's uh you know because we deplete pre-cash the bank account we just tried to >> to stop being you stop using it for reoccurring cost. We've accomplished a lot in that way, >> right? We would then be just regressing
back to the >> fields, >> the executive >> we get that these services are wanted, needed, all the rest of that stuff. But again, and I know everyone understands this, but the the real the concern is
with one officer now on at night, we have a fire department who is struggling um to get adequate response um especially overnight and then we have an ambulance that's taking 15 or 20 minutes to respond. It's
just this combination of concern >> and and I know everyone understands that, but it really is. And it's it's concern for resident safety. It's concern for staff safety.
It's just like I know I I the issue is it's unsustain it it your point is right like is it sustainable long term for the for us to cover these reoccurring cur costs but it's also not sustainable the
way we're doing it operationally it's just like one of those situ it's it's a really challenging situation on both sides I totally understand it but >> what is it we're paying ZR. >> Yeah, >> that's
and again full transparency, most communities don't pay for it. >> And I I think that model is going to change um throughout the throughout the Commonwealth. I think, you know, once ambulance contracts expire,
from what I'm hearing, PE their communities are going to have to pay something for for the service. But for years and years and years and years and years, communities have not paid for service. Um, >> so the users are paying the fee.
>> Yeah. The trans Yes. Yeah. But that model insurance didn't cover it, the the person who wrote it would get charged, right? >> Yes. >> Is that still the case? >> If insurance didn't cover it, the person would get charged. I'm not sure. I don't
>> What was that question? If if I need an ammon and my insurance didn't cover it, I would then get a bill. >> You will, >> but that's what's happening. You will have that's if you need ALS, you're going to get a bigger bill individually. You'll get
>> So if So if my insurance doesn't cover and I don't pay is that where the 45,000 comes in? >> No. No. >> No. If your insurance doesn't pay the bill, you're obligated to it. If you don't pay the bill, you're going to deal with the system that's going to work.
>> So, so what is our payment covering? >> Our staff. >> So, so our payment is covering the gap between Tingsboro's cost, staffing costs, and the revenue they bring in on transportable.
>> So, those the the variance is estimated between 45 and 50,000. Yeah. And are most towns that aren't paying for it, are they dealing with 20 minute response times? >> No, >> probably not, right? >> I mean, it's it's easy. >> No, I don't I mean
>> I mean I'm just saying it's easy it's easy for a town not to cover it if it's if it's the point. >> Well, I mean everybody's talking about regalization. This is basically that >> it is on a small scale in order for
talking about if this doesn't work for people then you can just forget about any more regionalization. I mean it's got a benefit for everyone any kind fire anything >> more even worse for fire because it doesn't bring in any money. So
>> yeah, >> uh these things have to >> benefit both parties and this benefits them because they're going to get a little money to offset their personnel cost. >> Yeah, >> we're going to have to pay. Yes, but we're going to get a significantly >> better response time. It's going to take a the burden off, you know, our people
that just can't keep up at this point. >> Takes one horse to make this. >> Well, I mean, we don't want >> We There are Yeah. No, I I agree. I agree. >> So, with the way things currently look
right now, are you estimating that this move forward the budget that would mean notori? >> I mean, those are decisions we would have to make. I mean, if we if we don't if we really want to avoid an override
next year, um we we'll have and we're adding some of these costs, we're going to have to reduce costs in other areas and just we're absolutely going to have to do that and we're likely to have to make some bad decisions with these free cash for next year.
>> I mean, I I I mean, I I certainly think this is something we should probably do. Um but I'm not going to override it at all. Yeah, that's >> that's kind I think we're gonna need override in a few years.
>> No, we need an override now. >> But what I'm saying is like I I I understand that as a town, the way we operate, we need an override, you know, probably every five years or so. I don't want us going into that.
>> I know. I'm just >> every being optimistic. I appreciate the sun to my dark cloud. >> I'm just looking at the color of the shirt. >> I'm looking at I'm looking at historically based on past experience and how how the overrides have passed in
the in the past for us. You know, you're looking at on average four or five years. That seems to be the the window. >> How often do they pass? >> How often? Yeah. And so if if this is going to put us into a override already
>> Mhm. Well, this isn't the only thing. >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I'd be willing to say, "Let's do this, but then we're going to have to cut 50,000 for the budget somewhere else to cover it. >> Oh, unfortunately, we know what cutting $50,000 means that we don't it's
>> we lose people associated with that and that's, you know, so that's not going to happen. And then we're going to not have an override. So, it's going to be whether or not we do things that are almost like we're at that point, right? We're back to that same discussion we had last year >> or we lose or we lose. I mean, one of
the reasons we've been on a I think a better path financially is we've been um we've shown kind of fiscal discipline restraint um and maintained some level of um budget
flexibility, which is what the rating agencies and do want to see. So, we probably have to lose some of the budget flexibility as well, which would hurt us. Um, so there are, but these these are all decisions like we're going to have to
make this as as a group, you know. Um, but you're not I I totally understand your concerns. >> Well, I guess the question right now is, do you want this warrant? It doesn't have to again it does not
have to be on the wall. If you want to >> um if you want to >> increase >> increase the increase >> actually it would because we we'd need a budget adjustment rather than rather
than a free cash. But if we if we wanted to we could put this on the waring and then decide not to. Right. >> Yeah. We could definitely postpone if it if it passed that town meeting, we could still we could postpone implementing it, right?
>> Uh yes, >> I'm not saying we're going to do that. I'm just But it would it would >> it may change on negotiations with teams and team may end up bringing on those people and then 50,000 this year might be 60,000 next year, right, for the initial payment.
And they were the other thing that Taro kind of insisted on is in the IMA required us to have in order to sign the deal, it requires us to have an appropriation in place to fund it,
>> which they're going to advertise the roles. They're going to try to fill them. >> Yeah. Yeah, it's >> to the chief's point, it is becoming what more and more towns are doing in this scope of regionalizing and bringing different aspects of services together.
So, and then I hear you on the budget concerns. It's just if if we're going to if I have a compound fracture out in the backside proctor and you've got to get your nice truck out there to get me and I need an
ambulance. Like I don't think in the long in the grand scheme of things if we can't come up with $50,000 this year and it means we lose someone out in the field or someone has a heart attack, we've got other problems. Like it's bud like I I'll steal Ron's phrase. It's
budget dust and it's, you know, with other events that have gone on nearby, I I think this is a pretty easy decision for me, speaking personally, to help our residents, help visitors to town. I know there's a budget. I understand the costs
are always going to go up, but I think we sort of owe this to our community having lost some people recently, you know, the last that may have their lives may have been different if we had had quicker response time and we haven't put such onus on our first responders.
Yeah, I would just put it that >> if everyone's on board with rolling the dice on a override and if not paying for it on free cash moving forward, which is kind of just I I don't don't disagree with what you're saying. It just unfortunately we
just don't have the money and when we go in front of the you know I understand as I've said multiple times there are 10 people that run this town and they're basically all sitting in this room right now, right? And we come up, we spend all the time, energy, and effort. And in 15
minutes, people tell us no. >> If it came as an override, you could also just have it be an override article >> and literally put your money in your mouth as >> it [Music] is.
Well, if you vote on the law and you call 911, >> what you did? >> If you call 911 and you voted against it, you have to hit two after you call 911. >> Yeah, we'll have a patriot call on that. >> Did you vote for the override? Okay.
>> 20 minutes. >> Sure. >> And this kind of is along the lines, but it's more on the override. So, I was mentioned to Jason when I was speaking to him the other day. You look at someone like me, child, freak, whatever. I don't know how many of you
know, and you can cheer. I'm leaving. I'm had enough of the outrageous property taxes and the increase in the school costs. So, you're probably some of you very happy about that, but whatever. I'm not the only one. I don't know if anyone's paid attention, but there's
been many child-free homes that have gone up for sale in the past six months and it's only going to put more pressure on people leaving if those people are being replaced with people who are coming in with kids and our assessment can possibly go up. That might not
happen if Croton adds more kids. It might not happen, but it's a possibility. So, I just want to make sure >> as we were talking about the last time the was the school district involved and the last time they met with our boards here. Um, I actually think it's going to go the other way around with regard to
schools. Um, because the fact that Lawrence Roach just opened and it's 20 kids away from capacities. Um, so with that saying, what ends up happening there is, okay, great. They they take on the 20 kids. the other 30 kids from their new development are now coming
back over Dunable, which lowers our assessment, understanding it's a five-year rolling average and what our cost is, but ultimately uh the inability or the what you may call it a broken system of whatever it is with MSBA trying to fund things back uh or provide
funding back and putting limitations on how big you can build the schools. Obviously, that's where we were at and like you said, I sat on that board with too many of these conversations, but you're limited to the fact of what they are willing to pay for. And Croten, as you know, they had to go back for a
secondary override for that because of the fact that they saw the services that the town's people wanted provided to their students, and that's not covered by MSBA. So they okay you want that building you want to have a spot where you can have a a quiet room for somebody
who needs special attention that square footage of the building is not it's not allowed it's not covered underneath that keeping so you have all these different things that are associated with it and maybe your cafeteria has to be this big and structurally it makes sense that it's this big that additional square
footage is not covered and you have to pay addition you have to pay more fees associated with that. So it's very challenging from that perspective because they give you the brand new school and it's beautiful and all the rest of that stuff but as I said they it provides almost no opportunity for future growth or future expansion and
with cotton about to pass or about to have two new developments going in it's already in my mind it's a foregone conclusion that croten students are coming back to swallow union and it will change things so the school assessment is likely over the next five years to go
down based upon that and unfortunately the what it will >> project in the making as well >> what it will >> not like theirs >> not like theirs but you never know >> correct and ours you know I'm not engaged in all those uh different things that are going on there but uh with what
the conversations in those developments are but uh for our developments but it's unlikely the number of students that would come out of that building versus what they're going to see in Gen uh and filling up our school will be great tax- wise uh it just unfortunately the wear
and tear in that building is not exactly that's already not up to speed is probably going to push a need for our school to be replaced sooner. Uh but understanding that the schools and the children are a cost to the town. We understand that. But I think fundamentally and this is where sort of
speaking away from the budget fundamentally there are three things that we need to provide to our to our towns people and that's educate our our children. We need to protect our children with our police department and we need to be there in their time of need with our emergency response that comes to fire and and I think those we
should be talking about cutting any of the or limiting any of those budgets. Now we go back to the the budget year as we were discussing it and we don't have we don't have the ability to as much as I would love to just fund those all and
not have to worry about the consequences because we do have agreements. there are parts of the school we have to pay for those things. So there's nothing we can do to get out of that regional agreement. Anybody who talks about closing schools or moving on, it's never going to happen because it doesn't even approval from the state and the state's never going to look at a functioning
school system and say we're going to close this building or close that building. It's it's just not going to happen. They're going to tell the towns to figure it out. And the only way we can figure it out, unfortunately, is an iscreasing of taxation, which is it goes back to the level of broken things that
are in there. two and a half is broken. Chapter 70 is broken. And you know, we can go on the list of things at the state level. And half of the reason we're having these conversations is how broken things are at the state level that it forces it back to the local municipality to have these discussions.
And whether we want to look at it as the school is the driver, which we know it is with our budget and our requirements to adhere to that agreement, we have to do that. And there's there's no way out of it. The state's not never going to let us out of that agreement. So we have to make appropriations appropriately for
that. And then unfortunately it goes back to those other things that we are only available to cut from and that is probably the worst thing known as as Kieran was referencing. You call 911 and somebody says you know they're having a heart attack, they're having a stroke. I
can tell you right now from all the training that I have first aid certified and all the rest of that, I know that if we're not you're not packing somebody in the back of an ambulance in a half an hour, you're in you're in trouble. And >> you know,
and that's not a situation that anyone wants to be in. And I would feel for any, you know, police officer, firefighter that's standing in your living room while someone's having a emergency event and they can't get the service they need. >> Yeah. uh and just watch it basically as
something goes on which is terrifying to >> you know for everyone involved. >> But here's what I'm saying. I'm not the only one hitting my hitting the threshold of we're done. >> Yep. >> So I intended to retire here is no longer the case. >> Yep. >> So you all agree that you know every
time the school costs come up is people coming here for the schools. We need to keep that up. People are coming here for the schools. So I think you can agree. Common sense tells you someone like me is most likely going to be replaced with someone bringing in kids. If that keeps happening and trend and people have hit when people hit that
threshold, it's just going to make it worse in the future. >> Yep. >> And you can't ban kids. >> We can't ban the children, >> but there has to be a rain. It has to be a spend. they have to wait in the spending or it's just been
>> well as as we were kind of referencing right now that our override provides the opportunity for us as we sit to be in a good spot for what we had planned for for the schools. Right now it looks like our budget that we're putting forward is probably going to be reduced from what
we intended to spend. So we intended to have a 6% in our budget. That's what we have in there. But because of the fact that that spend has reached its threshold within Croten, Croten is now coming down to they've only increase by 3% which more than likely will have a very similar reaction to our budget
which will have some additional freeboard for what we had intended to spend. Now does that pay for everything? It does not. We don't have like we still if we were going to go with the additional things to protect our citizens and provide them in the
services they need they have time need that is going to provide us with a requirement to request an override again and or spend wildly that we're just you know basically dipping into our savings on an annual basis until an override
test. Don't forget the schools came to us last year with the lowest increase they've ever asked for >> and it sounds like GR's telling them again that needs to be even lower this even lower >> which is the first time I've heard Gran say that to me right but all that ends
up doing right is that the we're getting cut from the schools which is going to lower the grading of the schools which is going to have the opposite reaction to what so then the people with children are going to leave the community because the school system's underfunded No is done.
>> But you know with the when they're properly funded they have proof is in the pudding right and schwaling is one of the best schools in the state. So but it's just whether or not we want to in in my mind I wouldn't want to spend from our bank account that we know we're
going to go dipping into for the next couple years until we get an override pass. So, if there's an opportunity to with underneath our levy limit right now to utilize that funding to pay for the emergency medical services that we know we need, I
I would think that that would be a a better idea than dumping dipping into the savings account as we currently sit because we know we're going to need the bank account. If it's not next year, it's going to be the year after. Well, it sounds like we have some more
debate to do on the tip. So, if we were to do that, I believe we still I I would I want to check this, but I believe we still would need an article on the warrant. It would just be to adjust a midyear budget adjustment to the fire department's budget
>> funding that amount and then we could we could raise it on the recap and fund it that way. Okay. If that's, you know, that's the direction the boards would like to go. >> Well, each of our groups is this is this
is a public hearing on this or is this just >> No, this is right. We each have some the time to kind of bake it out and go. >> Yeah, we don't we're not signing. >> Well, we're getting pretty close. So, it needs to be posted 14 days in advance. You need to have your hearing seven days
in advance. um citizens petition deadline is the 27th at 4. So, and then just the practical like things like I need to put education
stuff together and get information out there. So, we have some time, but I don't think we have a ton of time, I guess. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Is >> it 14 business days or calendar days? You have to have a warrant up to >> 14 days calendar.
>> November 3rd. >> Yeah. I was I was shooting to have it posted the Friday, whatever. Whatever. >> So, yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> We can't do it on Halloween because then
we'll be accused of trying to bury it, you know. have to be the day before they >> be like made up show up. >> Oh yeah. >> Friday after Thanksgiving. >> Yeah, Friday after Thanksgiving would be a good one. >> Yeah, >> that's when the meeting is, isn't it?
>> All right. Do we have any more discussion on this or do we want to maul this over? Yeah, that's fine. >> Um, >> so so just from a logistical standpoint,
>> select boards right now, your next schedule meeting tenatively was the 28th. That's the Tuesday last week, October. >> Um, do we want to have a joint or are you good on
it? I don't mind having a joint. I think it's more efficient. But >> if you want to speak yourself, whatever you want. I just I just wouldn't want to I mean I don't want >> I don't want to do it. Both boards on board.
>> I don't I don't want one board speak or one. That's not that's not going to work. So that's the only that's my only feedback. >> Yeah. I I definitely wouldn't want to go in with a 5050 article. You know what I mean? >> All right. >> You know,
>> no. Yeah. I mean I I I guess the other option is to um we can include both a little more >> and then postpone one and whatever we decide just to >> probably the best approach
we're still waiting to hear on the baseball stuff. So there's still some >> Oh yeah. There's definitely some outstanding things. >> Yeah. >> All right. Um is everybody okay? drafted both ways. >> I can have like two separate articles, one for a free cash appropriation, one
for a budget adjustment and then um >> and then you know we can decide which one that just buys us a little time on >> yeah strategizing on which one we want to do or maybe not any of them whatever the boards think but yeah it does buy us a little time if that makes sense to
everybody. All right. 28th at 6 o'clock. >> Yeah. Is the Yeah. Is that Is that all right? >> I mean, it's works for us. I mean, it's our regular schedule meeting. Whatever works for you.
>> Cool. See if it works. All right, that was our last >> week. 6:30. >> 6:30. >> Is that all right? >> Can we do 6:30 28? >> We could We could start at We'll start at 6. You
guys can efficiency. 6:30. >> Keep that coming. >> We're going to uh we're going to jump forward with our agenda. >> I don't think we have anything else to discuss. So, I will entertain you to September 30, 2025.
I move that we approve our um meeting minutes from September 30, 2025. >> In favor? >> I have an appointment for Sarah Keiny to the zoning board of appeals.
No question. >> No, >> thank very very thankful for that. Have someone step up and take on that position. >> Very charged board right now. >> Is this for a member?
>> Associate >> or an alternate associate. >> Associate. >> An associate. >> And what is the status of our members again? We still have uh >> this is full. >> We still we've got a member that never
comes to any meetings. >> Well, there there are reasons for some of these things. >> Yeah. If that continues, we'll have to address it. >> Is she all set with this? >> Yes. >> Yes. She she submitted a letter of interest.
>> Um probably someone here can vouch for >> Yeah. I move to appoint Sarah Keane to the zoning board of appeals as an associate member with the term expiring on June 30th of 2027.
>> Second. Any further discussion? There being none, all those in favor? >> I thank you for volunteer. >> Yes. Thank you. Um, reverse 911 contract. So, um,
so you remember the, um, not too long ago the active shooting active active shooter incident at home. >> Yes. >> That public safety had to manage, I don't know, was it two weeks ago? Three weeks ago.
>> And so, um, I think public safety actually emergency management did an excellent job with how they handled it and, um, getting Mike in um was they're just an excellent um group to have on their side and kind of
kick in in emergencies like this. So I think we did it um we did a great job as a town dealing with it and managing it. Um we got out um you may remember we did a shel we um called the shelter in place
and we got out the message to the extent we were able to. So, we use all um available um communication channels that we have at our disposal. However, for someone who's not checking the website, for someone who's not on
social media or wasn't on social media at the time, they may not have known what was going on. Um and so as we went through um that incident and then the next day kind of having some conversations with the
chiefs and others, one of the things that I think kind of got our attention and we knew this before, but it really it gets your attention more when you're going through it is a lot of communities have reverse 911 and you snap your fingers and you could
get a message out to everybody in town or a specific area in if you want and um in this case it would have been great to get a message out to everybody in my in my view or at minimum the area that we call the declared the shelter in place.
So after that the police chief um took on the responsibility of reaching out to some of some vendors who had this reverse 911 um um service. >> And um so after talking to a couple um
we landed on Code Red who I don't know how many communities they do but they do a ton of communities. Um and so you have a proposal from code red in front of you. Um it's 31 $3150
for the first year and then um with a three this this um the agreement you have says 5% annually. It's actually a three. The the police chief with his negotiation >> send me the wrong one. >> Nope, you sent me the right one. >> Okay.
>> Um the police chief with his negotiation skills about three% [Laughter] that >> Yeah, >> we had a different >> Blackboard connected. It wasn't worked.
>> Yeah. Well, it's kind of being recruiting again, but Yes, it is. >> I had a before we I had a conversation with John and we're all in agreeance of >> so um in the conversation with John as
John Cranwell. >> Yes. >> Yes. With the emergency management director. >> Um shoot. >> Okay. So I just pulled up the 3% just so you can see the numbers on the screen. So the the first um year is 3150. Second
year 324450, third year 334184. That's with a 3% increase. Um the emergency management budget is $2,900. Um historically we look back, I think at least two years, maybe three years, and
generally speaking, that budget has been spent by anywhere from $150 to $300. So there's um there's some cushion in his budget in the emergency management budget to fund a portion of this. So what we had what we had talked about is
funding correct me if I'm wrong but funding 2,000 out of the emergency management budget and then asking fire or police to split the difference. >> Sounds fair. >> Yeah. I mean we have this before and I think this this system is much better. I
think the features are a lot better than they used to be. I mean, we'll be able to have an app on our phones and I can pull up a map. We just draw a circle around the area and then it will notify everybody in that area. Um, and you can use it for lots of other stuff, too. It's not just for this type of
>> And that's it through people's cell phones. Is this a opt in opt out? There is there is opt in for certain features, but if we need to put out an emergency alert, they already figure they have 70 to 80% of the people's phone numbers in
Dunable anyway. However they get them, I don't know. Um uh so you're going to be reaching >> and you can like if you have another phone number you want to receive something on, you can add it you can add it to with a on through our website.
We'll link up the link. Um, so there is that capability too. I think there's texting capability. >> It's got text, it's calls, >> it's got email alerts. I mean, it can get to you every way possible. >> And we can use it for other stuff, too. Like when they pay Depot Street, we
could have a thing saying, "Hey, Depot Street's going to be closed on Tuesday for paving." >> Yeah. >> And we'll hit a bunch of people. >> How does this work with like a lot of schools and universities use similar programs? Are they coupled together so that if you the police are putting
someone out, it's also going to alert the school? >> Yeah. Well, I think the plan is we'll make sure the school is signed up. Somebody at the at the swallow union, probably the principal or a couple other people. Yeah. >> So that they're getting these alerts to make sure that the school knows. >> Okay. But will it also trigger? So that
so that they could hit their own button to notify they can go to their procedures and say, "Hey, we need to put the school in lockdown or we're shelter in place for early dismissal or whatever the case may be." >> Yeah. And how about like the dead zones in town? Does this usurp that? Like is it based off the satellite? So like I
know there's a couple areas where there is no service. You're >> Well, you can also put your house if >> if you have. Yeah. But like so like T-Mobile now offers a satellite service. So, like I know when I'm out one of the land trust properties, I can you I can get a text message going like there's a
drill. >> I honestly don't know about I mean it's a question I can ask. >> Um it would I mean if you don't have cell service in a certain area you're not going to get you'll get a message but you won't get you won't get the call out. You know what I mean? >> So they they leave a message too if you
don't answer the phone. >> Yeah. My question was you and I talked about this like in the event where where we are working on French and hardy like there are some dead spots out there and like if you're out you know cooking s'mores at the fire are you just screwed >> and like there's a tornado rolling
through like are you just toast >> I mean the problem >> it is a personal problem >> the same problem >> I mean this isn't going to improve cell service in town So, no, the answer is
it's not going to help you there, but it but it will get them you will have the message um delivered. If you don't have service in a certain area, you'll get the message. >> You might get it two days later. >> Well, hopefully not, but you know, you will get the message. >> Does it do email too or is it just
phone? >> Yeah, you can >> you can add it to any you want. Yeah, >> but people would have to put that in. That's the optin. >> That's optin. And would we solicit like twice a year, you know, as school year kicks off, we invite the members of the
public to sign up their children who might be, you know, get your phone that. >> Yeah. I mean, I think we should, you know, when we redesign the website, we should have an advertisement on it that says, you know, please sign up for code red. This is how do it the link, you know, and that way the more people we get signed up, the better. >> Yeah. That's by annual sign up.
>> Yeah, that's a Yeah, that's a normal thing to do is on routinely. Hey, don't forget if you're not getting these, sign up. Here's how you sign up. Yeah, for sure. >> Or it's a QR code in our our quarterly newsletter. Sign up. Hey, don't forget >> or check your status or your phone
numbers change. >> Yep. >> Yeah. I mean, it's a no. >> Yeah. I mean, granted, hopefully we never need it for an incident like that, but I think there's a lot of other ways to we can use it that >> you weather these days.
Yeah, I want to go crazy with it. I don't want it every morning like rain today in the town hall. >> There is I will say though there is a balance because if you overuse it like like that like it's honestly happening in my community right now. Um if you
overuse it, people just don't want anything to do with it. So you should be strategic with it with the use. But it's a great tool like if your streets get paid, >> it's a it's a great tool to just and it's easy and simple and just here you go. >> Yeah. >> And we're going to access like who has
access to send out alerts and that way they'll not have >> Okay. Yeah. It's super easy. I had I had it in two other It's a great >> What does use >> code red? >> Code red. And so Patriot could manage this for us.
>> We don't know. Yeah, we could have somebody from dispatch that could access it, but I mean I can do it from my cell phone from wherever I am. >> No, I just want to be sure that because that's Saturday night we we were going back and forth. >> Yeah. >> And you know there was you know we were
scrambling a little bit for a few minutes. Right. I just want to be sure. >> I just want to be sure that we have a process in place that's not completely relying on specific individuals to
trigger it. And Patriot putting out any type of without our approval. >> I wouldn't want dispatch to be in control of this. No. >> No. But if we were to tell them do something >> Oh. You want them to have that? >> Yeah. I mean, they can't see, oh yeah,
we're going to put an emergency notice on everybody and that's not what >> someone needs to have some access to the system to put these messages out. >> And there does need to be a keeper that is screening and filtering these things
cuz it's just what she says. You're going to get all, you know, uh, it's going to be raining out tonight. We just really want these to be something that >> we're going to use it for things that are important and affect a lot of people and
>> right it's got it's got to be I mean this this and I you know we've got property in reading right and public waste and the town was pushing out reverse 911s that big of a trash day give a quite
honestly I we didn't care. That's right. All right. And and in Kenny Bunk, they pushed reverse 911s out. It's voting day. >> Wow. I'm not even do that. >> We don't want But that's that's a in my opinion >> is a misuse of that. So,
>> I don't know. I mean, there's a there is a balance like is is hey, don't forget it's election day. I don't I see for me that's a I don't think that's an unreasonable way to do >> I don't I don't I think that's too much
>> I think it's too much people ignore the thing and that's I don't know >> I think it's worth doing the system and then perhaps we as a board with some expertise from >> yeah sort of bake out >> qualifications for events like wants me
to get soaking wet >> but if there's a fire then tell It's a pol, you know, we there's a million exact to have a policy in place to do just this. It's not we'll we'll put policy together for you for you to look at. >> It's easy.
>> The money for this right now is in place, right? >> Yeah. >> It's already within. >> We're ready to go. >> We can fund it. Yes. >> All right. And you guys are both comfortable with code red, right? And so there's no issues in our way here. We we
we do need to do this. Blackboard Connect was Jimmy DS, right? It >> was forever ago. >> I I know. And we all signed up for it and we all got squat. >> Really? >> We did. >> I don't think I ever got a message from
it at all. I think I got an introductory hello and then after that, >> yeah, I mean I I'm hoping we never have an event where I need to use it for something like that, but having it and the ability to use it for something like that Oh, >> absolutely. something. >> Okay. So, I'm going to move to approve
um the statement of work for crisis 24 outlining a three-year commitment for the use of code red C for critical communications code red's core package.
Second, >> hang on one second. Who's going to sign this? town. >> Um, you can authorize the chair or me to sign you on. It's fine. >> No, I >> Yeah, it's either one either one of us. >> And additionally, we are I'm going to
ask that we authorize the town administrator to execute the contract on behalf of the town. >> Second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> All those in favor? >> I >> I
already moving along here. Oh, >> be a flavor of Mountain Dew, right? Coke. >> It was >> all right. Union building. [Music] >> Next up. So, so, um, the Union Building
Committee, um, we're just going to put out an RFQ for putting together the design work for the interior improvements of the Union building. There was one bid submitted and that
bid meet all the criteria of the committee at um, a very high level of confidence and it turns out it's the same person that is on the outside of the building. So, we were very happy with the work that they done on the outside and I think we'll be happy with what they're
going to do with the inside. So, the committee put it forward to the select board to to have the final approval and to basically send the contract to go forward. >> So, what we have to do now is negotiate the the contract because you know how you set the limit. So you got just
>> yeah just negotiate the just negotiate the fee and then >> we'll bring um the contract will then come back to the select board for approval at your next meeting hopefully. >> Okay. So that the only thing I want to just
put it out there, right, is when we negotiate this deal with these guys, right? >> We just went through union building and on a percentage basis. I don't know cuz I don't know, but typically architects
and engineers get evaluated on how many change orders are coming with their project. Right? I had a pet peeve with Gap over the roof. that that issue with those shingles that was misplaced should
have been picked up in the review, right? We this roof here, we flew a drone over this roof and I can tell you I look at all the shingles in this roof. They could have done that. Here's my fly. >> Yeah, but then here we are with $35,000.
But they did too. They flew a drone and look at the look at the I'm just saying look at the um the IFB that was issued on the project. There were pictures in >> each individual shingle that was delivery marked up. >> You're not incorrect. They they didn't
get once they got up there. They found more than what they identified. >> Yeah. I mean typically you know in my world that you know when we negotiate deals like this we ask the vendor mechanical electrical architectural to
put some of their fee at risk. That's the deal. And it's not uncommon to say look we're going to put two or five% of our fee at risk and we're going to give you that fee back if our change orders exceed some specific dollar
amount. All right? because somebody could come along and and and I don't think that's the case with Gap, but in in that particular case in North Street, these guys had a lot of money in change orders, 35,000, 28,000, a couple of others. I'm like, "Oh my god." But I was
glad that we we got them done. The change orders from contractor were reasonable. Gap went through the numbers. I looked at the numbers. I'm like, "Okay, great." But you could get into a situation where somebody like that general contract, they're going to
drive that stuff because their money is in those change orders. >> And so we need to give ourselves some, you know, some protection from unscrupulous guys that are just out there to drive the buck. Right? So I would ask that I
I'm okay with you now. Don't don't don't misread me here. All right? It was just disappointing to see that many change orders on an exterior project. In my opinion, yeah, they'd get a noobie over that. They they would they would there
was too many change orders for things that appeared to me were they should have been obvious to them during the review phase. >> Well, some of the change orders were appeared after having peeled off some of the siding of the building, which they were not going to do that.
>> Well, I get all that. I think there were four and one of them was an atback. >> So I think three really >> just um >> I'm okay. I just don't want to get into the the interior in my opinion has got
significant risk to it because uh there's a lot regarding the structural components of the building that's not known. Okay. >> And how much they're going to get into that I don't know. Somebody asked the question a while ago. Do you got
drawings? Yeah, probably not. I don't know where they I don't know where there would be any drawings for that building. >> Check the drawings. You have a problem from >> So, they're going to need to develop that, you know, looking for termite damage, stuff like that. And so, I just
don't want to get into, you know, having a unscrupulous general contractor come in and say, "Oh, yeah. this whole job's going to be this that and the other thing. And we kind of got off on that a little bit with um these guys here. But then they straightened out and at the
end they were the week that you were on vacation. They had 14 guys working that they did. I was there. I watched it. >> Great experience. Great experience. >> They had 14 guys in there. >> Yeah. >> So they did and they did a good job. But
and uh we were a little shaky there getting off the starting line. We were getting ready to write them off and I'm glad we did. >> I'm glad we did. Same. >> And at the end they the you know the painting and deleting and all that kind of stuff and how they manage that they
they get they get a kudo from me. I just did a good job. I agree. >> And when I saw that crew there that day I'm going I should have taken a movie of it. There were 14 guys. I I I I was watching it. >> Yeah. It looks I mean the building looks beautiful.
>> Yeah, it does. It looks great. So, okay. >> Make a motion. >> I'm ready to go. Move to authorize the town administrator to request a fee proposal from and begin contract negotiations with GNAP
architects as recommended by the design selection committee for architectural services for the interior rehabilitation of the union building. >> Second. >> I'm not going to ask if there's any discussion.
Oh, some favor. >> Who's paying the heat for that? >> All right. >> Who's paying for the heat? >> It's not going to be heat. >> It's not going to be heat soon all down. >> Blowing blowing the pipes out.
>> It's getting laid up. >> Building's going to be laid up. >> Yeah, it's got to be weatherized. Just I I went back and forth with the facilities director at the schools and >> the boil leaking. He's like, "Unless you want to be managing that stuff, just,
>> you know, they were supposed to put a boiler in. They were and the boiler was supposed to be gas. There's a stub there for the gas line. >> And that boiler has been leaking >> 10 years, right? And the Steve, the guy
that was there before, he had planned to put a new boiler in and gas." >> Really? >> Yeah. So yeah, that I mean honestly the replacement of the systems in the build building is going to be pretty expensive.
>> Yeah, the MEP is in an elevator. >> Yep. Really? [Music] >> All right. Next up, we've got the oil tanner on call agreement engineering service renewal >> three-year contract. That's just that's for
planning board and on call engineering services. It's the the agreement that the town signed expired on October 1st. >> Um this is a basically a renewal of it. What's the length of ter years? >> I move to approve a three-year contract
for on call planning award and general engineering professional review and supporting services with Hoy Tanner and Associates. >> I'll second that. Okay.
>> I I just quick note this doesn't preclude us from entering into another on call engineering services contract. >> Right. Yeah. if we wanted to, you know, have two on call so that we have two firms on board to say, "Give me a proposal, give me a
proposal, and then have something to compare it to." >> That's actually something to consider. >> That's something we could look at, right? You know, it hadn't been done that way, but I I think that is an option if we wanted to consider that. >> Or you could regionalize the role, >> right?
>> You could you could just because I like oil and tanner, but they are pricey. No, they are pricey >> and I think if you I follow some of the planning board minutes and things like that and they do a great job, but I I think some of the push back and Mr. Cheney might be able to better
illuminate this is sometimes you get some push back from folks and Joe knows that they're a little pricey, but >> yeah, >> that's my only interpretation of it. So, it's always something to be aware of for folks that want to do business. I mean, the the only thing I'd say is I don't
know if it's been that pricey or just in New York price, you know. Yeah. Yeah. You know, I think everything's so expensive right now. That's one of the reasons why we may want to consider like, you know, having two contracts. >> I think it's fair enough to see who else
is out there. What other >> the marketplace aside? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I see a hand up in the crowd. >> Mr. Jamie, >> one of the uh main reasons there is some push back is
because of the um storm water runoff, the new storm water runoff requirements, which u this town actually was was a year or so late getting involved and getting up to speed on number one. Um
but it's it's new. It's expensive and if you don't have your own in-house engineering department, which larger towns and cities do, but we don't, um, you know, it's expensive for the
town and logically you pass that expense off in terms of fees, and we've just spent a long time adjusting our fees and so forth and so on, but it's it's new and uh, builders don't like it. People
who disturb the soil, the soil disturbance rules, uh, and the more you this level one, level two, and so forth, and the bigger area you disturb, the more um scrutiny kicks in and the more
the fees are and so forth. And the planning board in the last couple of years has gone through what conservation commissions went through in the 70s with the weapons protection act
which was new and technical and there was a lot of kickback but it was necessary. Same thing with the storm water runoff and land disturbance rules and so forth. new and and requires
technical expertise. Um take weapons. We're lucky in Dunable. We have a weapons delineation expert on conservation commission commissions that don't have to hire unless they are damn
good themselves. some are. But you know, at any rate, long-winded way of saying a lot of that push back is because it's new and people aren't used to it. They all like it. Um, but it's bottom line and and proof
of the pudding. Um, we just had a driveway go in up on Mill Street, long driveway because of the regulations. Joan Joan was the chair of the house planning board. Uh because of the regulations
>> used to be >> Yeah, that's right. Uh and the town engineer closely following it. What used to be a problem and with a new driver could have been a horrendously worse problem of
drainage down past Timis's and down uh flat rock driveway there and everything. is much better. Uh there's no problem. Why? Because of the requirements that were put in there,
which were expensive, but all these driveways that in the past, I mean, ask the highway department. They've had all kinds of problems over the years with with runoff and erosion and so forth and so on. Holy cow. Same thing happened with Peter
Judge's house because of the very visible retention basin that they were forced to put in there which cost them an amount of living. But the result is there's just no runoff from the expanded
imperous surface. They had driveway bar roof everything. Nothing. >> I don't so mind the cost to the builder, developer, homeowner. It's more the cost of the town to have oil and tanner sit with you on a Tuesday night for five hours. In the hypothetical world, you're
having a planning board meeting for five hours. >> That's like an attorney just run the clock. >> Oh, absolutely. >> You know, it's cheaper for a town about it. You know, >> no question about it. And um fortunately, most of his field work is covered by fees.
>> Yeah. uh when he's with the planning with um you know the town's foot the bill. >> Yeah. But um I think if it were possible to um
look at what the town gains in terms of fuel problems with runoff and all you would find that um I don't know that it paid all the way back but you would say that you would find that there was payback. In other words, you were saving
money that you would otherwise have to spend with regard regard to drainage issues, whether it would uh pay for this or not. But and also public safety, but no matter who you have on the
planning board, you know, you're going to need somebody. He was this this guy, you know, has been invaluable as far as uh as as Allan said, you know, these
these issues with uh runoff and uh and land disturbance. You know, none of us, you know, if he wasn't sitting there, help us out. You know, you're going to be screwed and you wouldn't do any better. So, uh, you
know, whoever's in there, you know, needs somebody just like him to, um, you know, to, uh, help him out. And he's done a, he's done a great job. Who was it? Somebody apparently he just got a
new he just got a new uh, a new customer on the recommendation of somebody from this town. I don't know if any of you guys know anything about it, but >> yeah, I think he's working on [Music]
>> Yeah, I know. He does good work. The firm does work. It's just we're heard about earlier trying to find ways to keep cost much more expensive than any other, you know. I mean, they're just they're just expensive. any good firm now the law
firm I don't know how to engineering firm >> All right we're going to move on because it's getting >> getting exciting >> it's getting exciting yeah the crowd's getting rowdy out there
>> so I second it so we have to we have to vote on it >> all those in favor >> I I All right Um, phone system upgrade to spectrum IP at town hall. >> I'll be quick with this one. Uh, so
we're currently using Zulties. We've had them for quite some time. >> Wait a minute. I'm sorry. We What? Zulties. >> Zulties is the our current provider, phone provider. So, um, about a month or so ago, we had some broken phones and we
needed to replace them. So, as we did that, I looked into basically alternatives. Um, so I found specific so we'll get all new phones as well as um it gives us better up to-date features. Um, and it ends up being $70 a month
cheaper. >> So, that's happening next Wednesday. >> I'm working a little bit at a time, right? So, um that'll that starts next uh you'll be here next Wednesday to do that upgrade.
>> Cool. And so, are you still going to have um handsets on your desk? >> So, we'll have handsets, we'll also have apps and we it has um CTI integration as well with the PC. So
like for Joan Ferrari example, her having it on a PC, she can hook her >> her uh hearing aids >> and it'll allow her to hear and speak up on the calls better. So yeah, it's a more advanced product than what we have
today. >> But the the you may because I'm coming from a long stint with Biogen and they were VIP >> and my headset plugged into my computer. Yep. >> And I used my keypad when I had a call out. Right. We're not doing that yet,
right? Everybody's still going to have a desk set. >> It's an option. Um but they'll also have a headset. >> Yeah. And then will everybody get a headset too? >> Um >> so if you were conferencing, right, you if you had a I mean put your headset on, the mic comes down, you talk, everybody.
I don't He'd be the one that would probably use it the most, right? But the others put headsets in or out. I'm just just a question. Yeah, we haven't. A couple people have headsets, but um we haven't talked about doing that for anybody. Um we can look
>> someone if someone wanted one, we start. >> Yeah, we got two as part of the ergonomic grant that we got. >> Cool. Beautiful. >> Is there a motion? >> No, no, no. Just just information. >> Yeah.
>> And then same for 307 Pleasant Street. Um that was on the agenda. um as discussed that I think maybe was it your last meeting two meetings ago there was a letter sent and from what I can see that property is no longer in
violation of the bylaw. So I just wanted to make sure we were all in agreement on that. You know he I I I did see them take all the junk cars away and in addition to that they've done some other things
there and it's nice to see that. Okay. Because it didn't you wrote a letter and we had a positive result from the guy and so >> kudos. >> Yeah. >> Google Street View did an update a lot of homes in town too. So they must have
been running up and down people's streets. So >> you can see um some changes that have been made to other properties. >> Like there was one on Fletcher that you can look the overhead is different than the street view which is kind of cool. Interesting. >> You start to realize what people have in
their backyards because they're all new drone images. >> Pro tip. >> Great. Anything else? >> No. >> All right. Well, thanks everyone. Oh, Joan. >> Okay. Now,
um, now we have back to the zoning board of appeals. Here we have one alternator or I'm sorry Sue, what did you call it? >> Associate. >> Associate. One associate that never shows up. We have one member that never
shows up. Now hopefully this are are when these guys are take this job, you know, are they supposed to come to these meetings? >> Yeah. since I have spoken to the people
you have >> all right >> are are talking about and there are explanations I'm not going to discuss that here >> that's fine >> okay so your concerns have been and are being addressed >> okay and there there is
>> this is you know this is in your you know your ballpark here >> absolutely I've spoken personally too. >> So, with any luck, we have a new member that's going to show up.
>> Yeah. >> And maybe someday we'll see the other two, you know. I just This is We're We're at a time now. This is pretty crucial here when we're dealing with these uh you
know, with uh MCO and stuff. You know, we should have a decent committee. We shouldn't have. Absolutely. >> Yeah. >> Absolutely. >> Ridiculous. >> I mean, that's a pretty significant board. And not that the others are any less significant, but you know, I I I do
know that there's been an absence there. >> Well, they've got a big they've got a big project they're reviewing now. So yeah, I I understand I understand everyone's concern but there is there was also it's being >> and there is there is there are
explanations. >> The only other thing I'll say is I think there used to be an additional alternate position or associate member. >> Yes. Um, so we could add if there was a
desire to add another one, we could do that because historically I think there were three and now two. So just something for the board to consider. >> Okay. >> Is there any hope of bringing a little owl from there to their meetings?
>> Uh, yeah. I think and with the grant that we just got, we're going to have them in those spots. you. >> Yeah. >> I think that would be really informative being able to go back and watch it. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's great. The grant, the digital equity grant we just got allows
us to outfit both both rooms with new awesome technology. >> Yeah. >> Digital equity grant. Absolutely. [Music] >> All right. Anything else? Otherwise, motion to adjourn. >> Yes.
>> Very good.