All right, let's do it. >> Yeah. >> All right. Uh it's 6 o'clock. We're going to call this meeting to order for the select board for December 30th, 2025. >> Um we have our agenda tonight. Two items on here. We're going to start with the
public comment. will then be followed by the approval of meet meeting minutes from December 2nd. We then have an appointment of a police officer followed by the liquid license regulation update and a discussion on the revised uh software solution contract for our
website upgrade and then um possible approval of the compensation and classification program. Uh the creation of a donation fund and acceptance of donation from low five. Acceptance of donations from the council
on aging exercise classes. The rapid flashing beacon crosswalk sign on high and main street discussion. Um I believe we're take we're not going to do this next one which is Lake Street
destination of the intersection and then the advocacy for the U Mass Municipal Association Navigating the Storm Report and then just a quick followup on 15 Fletcher Street. So we will start with the public comment. Is there anyone here tonight that is here to speak to
something not on the agenda? >> You had 14 >> and I've missed half of the agenda. >> A few items are a good one. Everyone's excited. I can tell. >> Oh, budget. >> Yeah, whatever. Yeah. >> Um,
>> other employment municipal accounting approval. >> Okay, that we're probably going to we're putting that on hold as well. So, I didn't really miss much. >> All right, back to public comment. Anybody out there to speak to something not on the agenda? >> You no?
>> No, I'm playing. Oh my. Yeah. All right. I'll take that as a no. So, we will jump to um our meeting minutes. >> I read though. I have no concerns or corrections. >> Any motion from the board? Any other comments? No. Let's
>> I move to approve the meeting minutes dated December 2nd, 2025 as submitted. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> I >> I. >> Very good. Okay. Good. Next up, we have the appointment of a police officer, uh, Mr.
Zachary Millet. I'm going to put you on the spot just to introduce yourself. Tell us a little about yourself and, uh, what brings you here. Zachary Mlette, filled in school for the past 22 years. I just graduated from Westfield State University with a major in criminal justice, minor in coaching
with athletics. Um, I've wanted to be a police officer for as long as I can remember. And then working in Dustville has kind of been my dream ever since. I've wanted to be a police officer. Is that what's led me here today? >> Okay, >> great. Thank you, sir. >> Is there anyone there can advocate for this guy?
>> Got a big girl to go to the police academy, which so you know, but I hope that he's going to be successful in just this position. So, think be a good fit. And so the police academy is what 6
months and then then um that brings him on board as a full-timer hopefully. >> Much discussion later. >> Okay. >> Well played. >> All right. >> Do we have a motion or we just
>> Anybody else like to speak to his uh character or >> just Yeah. his dream and his work ethic and dedication for the town and just in general his family. I think the community is this is going to be a great
fit for him. >> Very exciting for this his future. >> Well, it is it's it's really it's nice to have local people sort of fill in these positions. It's um we know your heart's in the right place when something like that happens. So, but we would like you to sign a contract for 15
years that you'll stay. >> Yeah. Just kidding. Just kidding. So >> not too long. >> Anything. >> All right. Well, thank you. We appreciate that. >> Move to appoint Zachary Millet as
part-time officer of the Duniple Police Department for a term to expire on June 30th, 2025. >> Second. >> 26. >> Excuse me. >> 26. We've already done 25.
>> I'm sorry. 26. 25 should have. Uh second for that 26. >> All right. Any further discussion? >> None. All those in favor? >> I >> I >> Great. Welcome aboard. >> Good luck. Monday.
>> Yep. >> Okay. Um, so we're back again for a second round of discussions on the liquor license update. Um, probably about a month and a half ago, the board had approved some revisions to our our
liquor license bylaw specifically pertaining to um, nips and small volume bottles. Um, we got some feedback from some of the town businesses saying that if creating a bit of a financial hardship to
>> Good night. Thank you. So, we've received some recommendations and feedback from both of those parties and their legal counsel with recommendations on how we can sort of balance the intent of the board to limit
those small volume bottles but at the same time allow them to prosper in their businesses which ultimately is our desire too. So, >> um they did send those recommendations to us. So, um Jason, if you want to
extrapolate on that a little bit more or >> No, so they they um they offered some alternative language to what was adopted, which I think allows a little more flexibility for the business and it essentially allowed um everything other
than NIP sales for spirits. Um, on the malt beer and beverages, um, I'm sorry, malt beer, beverages, um, you can't sell any fewer than two
units per transaction unless, um, they're sold at room temperature and not refrigerated. And then, um, wine containers of 8 fluid ounces or less per containers can't be sold any fewer than two units. So that
was their that's their language that's their proposal. Um >> have we shared this with our business holders? Have they seen >> this is this is the first their draft. >> This is your draft. Okay. >> Y >> and both groups are thumbs up to this
philosophy. Mhm. >> Right. >> The fluid ounces is more um you know my clients protecting really what they're selling. >> Okay. >> I don't have a lot of
opposal to this. I think it's we're trying to make them successful. I too will buy a craft beer of one and then a Corona can of one because I know it, you know, since you're trying to try some things out, you know, and that's some of the fun in little boutique places and
small, you know, craft spaces. Um, but I'll defer to you guys in case there's any other discussion point on it. >> Ron, I have a I have a couple of questions. Well, actually, maybe just one.
The market tends today to have a lot of premixed pockets, right? You can see them there. You know, they they call buzz, some of them are called buzz balls. Some of them are on the rocks, but they're premixed
cocktails, right? And this is a question because I don't know, are those premixed cocktails going to be allowed for sale? small beverage. So the same pig hands on
my yard instantane water. Um so those would fall under the malt beverages where it would be um 12 fluid ounces per container. So some of those things that you described are not 12 fluid ounces. Um
and the fluid ounces again if it's sold singly it would be room temperature which would be a really unattractive on the road consumption which we are absolutely fine to avoid. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. All right. Okay. No, I
got it. That's fine. >> Is Mirabel um she's not here in this area. has have they seen? >> Yes. >> This verbiage was sent to negotiated when we are available, we're sending it
off to Miss. >> Okay. >> So, it basically falls on us to if we feel this is in spirit with what we have originally wrote and then revised to try to clarify >> the fancy charts of sides. >> Is that in there?
>> Just just so you see what we're talking about. Yeah. >> Um, and thanks to for these I always like visuals. It's kind of helpful. So, >> you know, on principle it makes sense, right? It's, you know, you're trying to encourage people to try things and then,
but also, you know, it's hard to drink a Corona. It's 80° and you're it's 100 degrees outside. You're not that doesn't really add up. So, um, not that it's not impossible, but it's not recommended.
Um, so you know, I guess I I find myself leaning towards being in favor of supporting this sort of rewrite and clearing up of any questions for our business holders and the residents in town. So, >> well, you know, and honestly, this is our first go around with this, too. I
mean, this whole liquor license is new to us. We've never been challenged before with the the bylaw and the rules and rigs and definitions that we've put out there. So, I think it's important for us to get the feedback from the people that are actually doing this on a daily basis and um I appreciate you
understanding that where we're coming from and what we're trying to accomplish and trying to prevent. So, >> certainly appreciate the board being open to this feedback. Um you know, the original regulations didn't provide any food and I think that it now is crystal
clear for all um what would be allowed and what would not be allowed. So, we really appreciate the time. Looks like >> Thank you. >> We have a Yeah, we have a long motion here. How do we want to read that out? >> I'll take it by word.
>> Word by word. I mean, you know, you can also say move to amend as written set forth if you want to save your lungs. >> We'll carry it out. Move to amend the town of Dustable liquor license policies and regulations under subsection regul
uh mark regulations. Replace number nine in its entirety with the following. Lences holding a package store license shall adhere to the following restrictions regarding the sale of
single serving alcoholic beverages. A spirits. No container of distilled spirits may be sold if 1.7 flu ounces or less B malt beer
beverages contain containers of malt beer beverages 12 flu ounces or less per container shall not be sold in quantities fewer than two units per transaction.
Notwithstanding, containers of beer 12 flu ounces or less may be sold individually so long as they are sold at room temperature. And C, wine. Containers of wine, eight flu
ounces or less per container, shall not be sold in quantities fewer than two per transaction. >> Well done, Rome. Thank you. >> Good job. Uh second >> there any further discussion? >> There being none. All those in favor?
>> I >> I thanks everybody. >> Same to you. >> Okay. Next up, software solutions contract.
Where are we with this? So, we um as you know, we got approval for a free cash appropriation at special town meeting. >> Yeah. >> To fund the upgrade of our website. Um Sue is fortunately taking lead on the
project and um Sue. >> She's been coordinated with the vendor. Next step is to enter um this contract that will allow us to begin the redesign and upgrade of the um of the website and
will also cover the hosting fees for the the next three year two three years. >> We're still within that approved budget amount. >> Yes. >> Change to that. >> Yeah, that should be great. nice kind of revamp and >> yeah,
>> you know, >> I'm excited. We're really excited about it. >> And I think we chatted about this, but is it every seven years or so is a good sort of practice in general? Like what sort of longevity are you thinking, you know? >> So I think Sue, correct me if I'm wrong,
but I think at each new contract you write about this or is it five years? >> Yes. No, it's a so every 3 years for us and we'll do what we designed for free. >> Oh, nice. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. >> So, we'll just get in the rhythm of that at um at every new contract. We'll start
talking about how we could be beautiful. >> Yeah, that's uh that's great. I think that's probably going to be well received by the public because we haven't had a redo in quite some time. So, >> yeah. >> And the way we the way we use it now and kind of lean into pushing information
out through it, I think this will help us do that more effectively. Well, I think in having people who are running it has made it significantly more usable and >> Yeah. >> So, whatever is going to make it easier for you
>> to manage. >> Yeah. >> Whole army behind you. >> It's always Yeah, it's always welcomed. So, >> all right. And Revise is hosting this. >> Yes. >> Not ours. We're not >> in the cloud. >> Cool.
>> Yeah. uh move to approve a contract with Revised Software Systems in an amount not to exceed $24,070 and expiring on December 31, 2028 to support upgrading, redesigning, and
hosting the town's website. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I I >> I sweet. >> Great. Thank you for your work in this suit and looking forward to see us as we do that.
>> Okay, stop moving right along. >> Yeah, so the compensation classification program this >> Yeah, this one we've chatted about quite a bit. We have bit >> this is this is probably the third or
fourth meeting all been on the agenda. We've talked about it um in detail a couple times. Um so this is in in brief. Colin Center did a complass review in study for us. Um we've had
their report for several months now. Um, we budgeted in this budget $10,000 and salary reserve under the fincom or advisory board that they need to approve to transfer um to fund to fund the um
reclass. Um the recommendation as I've laid it out is a 10-step schedule with 3% um between each step. Um the Colin Center graded each position um
from A through F. I did not change any of that. That was done by a third party and um I didn't think it would be right for me to touch that. um to implement
where place employees on the higher of a closer step to what their current rate is and employees would advance a step uh every two years. Um as part of this they call center also upgraded um and
updated I'm sorry all of our job descriptions. So um part of this approval also includes the approval of job descriptions as they've drafted. Um you will see in your packet we did receive some feedback. We kind of sent job
descriptions up for employees to review and um we allowed for feedback on um on the entire report with their job descriptions individually. And during
the process, we had some revisions based on that back and forth. There are there were a few that I received after the project was done. I've included those in um your packet just for your information. There was one
um job description, the administrative coordinator in the health department that had significant um substantive feedback on the job description language. >> Um in
in the draft motion, I recommended not approving that job description as drafted at the moment to allow for some time to work with the board of health on language that everyone's comfortable with. Um, you also may remember as part of this
review there was a highway department employee that is currently a laborer um truck for driver but is doing the work of a um equipment operator. >> And so um as part of this
because in my view that person's doing the job of um hiring position they should be getting paid at that level. So that's part of this as well. And then terms of implementation, um timing, I said this was going to be brief, but
it's not. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Um uh the timing of the implementation. I I have um I've suggested one month within one month of the advisory board's approval of the trans transfer of the $10,000. Um
>> and why do we do that? that that's a advisor board has not done that yet. I mean that once and if the select board decides to approve this in one way shape or form then we can bring
it to the advisory board in request based on what's been approved that they um transfer those funds into the respective salary to fund the adjustments. So we have a temporarily meeting set up a joint meeting. Is that
on our agenda that for that night or specific? >> Well, it's um >> I know we're sort of doing >> I was my intention we could do it either one of two ways. My intention was depending on how this meeting goes with
the board. Mhm. >> Either having a asking the chair of the advisory board to include an agenda item to to consider transitioning uh transferring the funds or if the select board wants to wait until the 7th then
we could have one more group discussion which I think we've had one with them. >> We have. >> Yeah. So we've had one joint meeting with them about this. Um, I guess that would be I didn't that didn't occur to me until now, but you could you could do decide to do that as well.
>> Is that $10,000 inclusive of the sort of review of the board of health position as well as contingent on the approval of our roads uh commission making their approval? Is that all encompassed in that $10,000 advisory board transfer or
is it is that outside? >> Yeah. No, good question. I don't anticipate I am not I don't anticipate making any recommended recommendations to change any position's grade. Okay,
>> that I mean the call center I believe went through a pretty good process of reviewing job descriptions, interviewing employees >> and trying to match like skilled like
responsibility jobs, >> okay, >> within each individual grade. And I think it's important that that's done by an a third party and they've done that and they're experts. That's why we got in here. So I'm I'm not going I don't
want to recommend I'm not really comfortable with recommending any changes because to be honest, if I were grading them, there are some things that I would have done different. But >> yeah, >> that's >> and you're the dayto-day and you know, you have you hire an expert in order to give their opinion and see what the
marketplace is doing as a whole. >> Absolutely. and provide that third party >> right >> outside the beehive look in >> and it's not Colin Center first rodeo they've >> done this a lot and they do work for sort of our companion towns >> correct they just did it they completed one in
town of I think if they haven't completed it in pepper roll they're I think close to so >> um yeah they >> comparing wages grades descriptions so yeah >> yeah so um I I don't think the grades
will change. Um the um the health department position I think um the language in the job description they had and I did include their feedback. They had some significant extensive comments
um I don't think it changes the responsibilities of the position. It just in in their view more accurately um details the responsibilities of the position. Mhm. >> So I think I think I don't want to misrepresent what they their feedback was, but I think that's that's the case.
That's my understanding at least. And then with uh with the highway position, yes, I I I believe that with that upgrade, we will be able to the $10,000 will um we'll be able to cover that cover that
upgrade. Yeah, that sounds I mean it's something like we've chatted about a few times. So this is in kind of a maturing of this whole thing a little bit and um other than
the health department's admin, do we see or foresee any other modifications? I I did receive one other email. Well, I received an email from Sue, which is in your packet. Um, and I received an
email. Um, that was more about I think the was Yeah. So, the email that went out was since we were months after wrapping this whole project out up was just take one more look. Are you comfortable with the job title? If not,
would you rather keep your old title? That was kind of the the crux of the ask. So this was the feedback that we received. So mine's in there, too. >> Most people would find that was recommended.
>> No, it's good feedback though. Nice to have it. >> And then um the highway ad admin um had some feedback on on her job description provisions. We went kind of back and forth. I think
he's comfortable. I I think her comments um I think were actually incorporated in the revised job description. I think she's comfortable with that. >> Okay. >> Um so that but otherwise and they will say
feedback was much less sub substantive and detailed than um what I received from what I help. That's why I kind of >> thought carve that out. carving that you know made sense just to make I just want to make sure everyone's on the same page and on board
>> we good yeah I as you said it doesn't change the grades or the P schedule or anything but having a more accurate job description I think is >> I move to approve and implement the findings of the compensation in classification study
as recommended by the town administrator as follows. One, a 10step schedule with 3% between each step as presented. Two, each position is graded A through F as
recommended by the Collins Center. Three employees will be placed on a new salary schedule based on the higher closest step to their current rate in FY26.
And last, employees advance one step on the salary schedule every two years. I move to further approve all updated job descriptions as presented excluding the position of administrator coordinator in
the health department and request that the town administrator work with the board of health to finalize the job description based on the feedback received. Move I move to further change the job title and
description of truck driver laborer Dan Col Daniel Colin to equipment operator contingent upon the approval of the road commission. The new compensation and classification plan will be implemented
within one month of the advisory board's approval to transfer $10,000 from the salary reserve line item to FY26 departmental salary lines as needed to
fund the new plan. Second, any further discussion? No, I'm going with that. I had one last discussion I wrote down. Um, are we going to publish this this study online but redacted, you know, names, you know,
Kieran man makes $10 an hour, but it would be like equipment operator is a grade, you know, Z as in zebra, you know, for and that rate is, you know, $1 to $2 based on that scale. Is that going to be available online? >> It absolutely will be and it may be
already and um the name If the names won't be redacted, they'll be there. >> Yeah, I wasn't sure, but I'd say it >> position names. That's it's all info and um yeah, people can absolutely view it. >> You're getting $10 an hour >> on a good day.
>> Where are we getting $10? >> He's not making $10 an hour. just important note that using myself in a self-deprecating way. But I mean I like I think you know town to town it's really valuable for other towns you know
as people consider how great a place densible is both to live and to work. >> Um there's also new mass law that your wages your wage range has to be published with job advertisements. So this sort of helps complement that. >> Um so I think it's really powerful to
have that document online that the Colin Center helped us piece together. Um and yeah, go from there. >> Sure. >> Great. All right. Is that it? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> All those in favor? >> I >> I >> Great. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> All right. Who do we got next? Right along here. Uh creation of a donation fund for the acceptance of donation from LOL five. >> L five. Um it's a donation of $1,500. They have been doing this regularly
every year. Um, in this case, they've asked us to use the donation to address food insecurity in the town of support. >> So, it's the first time they've specified what they wanted it used for. >> So, no, they usually like last year it was for recreation. >> Okay.
>> And so, because it was for recreation, we already had a donation set fund set up so we could accept and deposit. Um, in this case, we don't have a donation account for security. We didn't have anything close enough to um to deposit
the money in. So, this request is to accept a donation for that purpose to create a donation account that it can be deposited. >> And then how is it used? >> We don't know. >> Well, we haven't we haven't determined that, but it it probably would go to
Lowe's and fishes. It could. It very It very well could. >> Or the pack. Yes. >> Or so that other committee that we had the the um tax aid committee. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. Could they have potential say? Is
that close enough in how it's giving >> about food insecure? >> No, but it's >> No, it's correlated. >> Yeah. >> Taxes. Yeah, >> I mean it we could ask for their feedback if we wanted to. I think it
would be two. It would be a separate >> Yeah. >> be a separate thing. But >> with PAC, >> no. No, I was talking about the >> the tax aid. >> We have a committee. The tax aid committee, you know, that people can donate extra money on their taxes to contribute to folks that are in need.
So, we have a committee that >> manages that. I don't know if that this could make fall under that sort of same umbrella, but >> I would check with like Loaves and Fisheries and um >> Pack Hack. >> Yeah, that's that's >> because they're 5013C kind of what was
in my mind. >> I'm not familiar with Hawk >> Pack Hack P. >> I am familiar with Los and Fishers because I went to a presentation. you know, they've got uh an astounding number of families in Dustable that
>> does the pack both do. I mean, both >> eating out of that out of that food like I think it's like 70. >> It's a huge number. >> Yeah, >> I I think it is anyway. >> And there may be overlap between >> there could be. Yes, >> because both are very
>> okay. >> I move to accept a $1,500 donation from Low Five Bank for food insecurity initiatives industable to establish a donation account for this purpose and to
authorize the acceptance of future donations consistent with this purpose and account. Second. >> Any further discussion? None. All those in favor? >> I I will um I'll keep you all in the
loop on anything we do with that. Okay. >> Before we do it. >> Okay. Another group that wants to give us money acceptance of donations for Council of Aging exercise. >> Yes. So, we've been offering exercise
programs, new exercise programs. Um, and recently we recently, last couple months, um, we've been offering them at a at a fee and how it's been working is we're accepting fees and I'm using those fees to pay for the instructor. So, it's
not coming out of the budget or tax payment. It's just basically so kind of like a acting like a revolving account right now. >> Yep. >> So, long-term, we want to set up a revol probably a revolving fund if we're going to do the this type of activity long
term. But in the interim um the the town accountant um suggested that we ask the board to approve us using the donation account for this purpose up until basically town meeting when they can ask for a revolving fund fund to be set up.
>> Can that same account also receive like a grant pay you know if you get ARP to give you 2500 bucks can they can that same account take that money in or would it be separate? Uh >> it's probably separate.
>> Usually we set up a separate grant for grants. We usually set up a separate grant account charge against. >> Yeah. >> But >> yeah, that sounds great. >> Far away. Move to authorize the
collection of donations from participants in senior exercise programs for the purpose of supporting and funding the programs. Second. >> In favor?
>> I I >> Okay, so next up we have a discussion on um whether or not to go forward with applying for a grant for a rapid flashing beacon crosswalk sign at high
and street. >> Yes. So the just the commission on accessibility um >> has um had their initial meeting
last week or two weeks ago and they talked about several things. Um, but one of the things that came up at that meeting was they placed um a uh rapid flashing flashing beacon sign
at the crosswalk. Initially they talked about crosswalks in front of town hall and then at high lane. Um ultimately, um I think they've narrowed
it down to high Maine and um there is after the meeting I I told them that I would look to see if there was a grant that potentially could fund one rather than using local monies. And um there is
a potential grant that would fund installation like this. Mhm. >> Um I used it for the same purpose in another community I used to work in. And so I know there are a lot of boards and committees that are involved
in these decisions and discussions. So before I applied for a grant for this purpose, um I figured it should be a open discussion to make sure that folks are on board with me applying for the grant, but also ultimately if we get the
grant using it to install a sign. >> So let me let me I I'm going to elaborate. >> Okay. So that we understand this. >> Yep. There are signs that have a light around the edge of them that flash. This
is going to be a crossing light where if someone walks up to the sign, >> a sensor picks their body heat up and the s and and the signs on either side of the street start alternating
yellow. Is that what >> So, yeah, I'm sorry. I should have. So, um, it's push button. >> Um, and they I have a picture of it. >> Do you do you want to
>> do you send it to me? You send it to >> It's in the full It's in the >> Okay. So, um, what they they basically, if you look out there now, there's a yellow tri, um, diamond crosswalk sign with a yellow sign with an arrow
pointing to the crosswalk. >> Right now, you're basically talking about that same sign. Most of them have a solar panel on top of it. So, that so that that's how it's powered. There's a small strip LED in
between the sign and the arrow. I don't know. It's like this big. Yeah, it's like that big. And it and when you hit the button, it's a red. It flashes goes back and forth to to basically warn
vehicles that there's someone trying to cross the street. >> Um, that's what it is. >> Flashing the most sides. It's not the sign that has probably around it. >> No, it's not. It's about the size of
like a a car mirror. A little wider. It's below. I >> mean, if you're basically taking the signs that are there, putting two little beacons that will flash at the command of pressing a button. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, no, I get that. This
they have these in brought and that's the red light. That's the light that illuminates. It alternates on both sides. >> And tip in and grotens, you walk up to the thing, it picks up your presence. >> Yeah. Has a little sensor reading on it. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> So, this is not something that is illuminated or flashes on a continuous basis. It only does this when someone approaches. >> They hit they activate. >> Yeah. >> They push the button. >> This one would have to be active. The ones that we were consider
>> thinking of Yeah. would have to be actually a press button. >> Yeah, that one senses ours be a push button. Wait a second. It blinks. Car should stop. >> I'll walk across the street. >> Carry on. >> So, I saw some of these somewhere else.
And what actually concerned me is that there were other signs leading up to it saying there are and that seems excessive to me, too. But I mean, there's only so many signs we can stuff in this area. Yeah. I mean,
>> I don't know if that's a requirement like with the stop signs, you have to put a stop sign that says there's a stop sign coming. >> Stop sign for a stop sign. >> Yeah. >> Um, >> so I just so because you know why not. I went around and saw and and checked to
see if others had them. >> Yeah. >> So in the communities in our area, >> basically everyone has them. But if you go down, so the dunable sign is right there. We're talking about the sign on the to the left of it, which is I mean, if
you're driving by the the the the look and feel of the sign to me, I live in a city, so they're everywhere. >> So, we're putting a filter on G. >> So, take that into account when I say this, but they're identical to me.
They're identical. >> Yeah. So, I don't I don't um I know people have different different opinions on them. Um and that's that's okay, but I don't I don't know. They look exactly the same
as what's out there right now? >> And would the ones we're looking at would have the solar or not? Or these be wired? >> Solar. I don't know that that's been decided, but solar seems to work.
>> I mean, solar seems to work for everyone else. >> Well, in a in a roadway that's almost as busy at what's I see the pepper one right before the rail trail right there. >> You know, I don't dispute that. I think
this roadway is probably more cars, but during high levels of activity, concerts on the common school events, you know, uh, Council on Aging have an event here and they got people over there trying to get there. I I wish people would slow down and I'm probably guilty of it.
Like, you know, one of the comments here is, you know, I wish people would just pick up their head and look. Nobody's doing that these days. Like, I hate to say it. Like I mean Chief Warren knows people are driving with their you know cell phone and the radio yelling at them or the car is driving itself more than
anything these days. >> Some of those high events we also have police details that are crossing just to put a flip side to this. >> Yeah. most most but you know we're >> like
>> I sit in front of the I'm looking out the window all day and working really hard but I'm also looking >> cars coming through here have no pedestrian awareness at all. I see people all the time trying to cross and they don't stop. They don't even slow
down. Yeah. >> They It's up to the pedestrian to wait. spot. >> I was also with Sue one time talking to her in her office. It's an accident, right? But >> yeah, right there >> cuz someone was >> obviously we live right there as well.
And I feel and you know I don't have statistical evidence. So maybe you could let let us know. But I feel like there's a lot more mirror accidents and actual rear endings where people just are, you know, somebody's just slowing down. they stop to turn on ice cream and the car
behind them just don't they don't notice them stopping at all >> and um especially watching the kids walk to school every morning it's you know I feel like I obviously we don't want something bad to happen but it just feels like it's a matter of time like we
need to make people more aware that that people are crossing that street and even when um that takes our card to auto he's like made it over again because he's like not gonna, you know, get a ride back to that woman right there. I'm
going to have to just cross that street. >> Yeah. >> But he's like excited to be alive when he makes it back every single night. >> What a privilege, huh? >> Go and pick up breakfast at Salt and Light and periodically. And they have one of these that's solar powered with
the little button in the blinker >> and sometimes it's out of commission or whatever. doesn't like and the cars will not stop when it works and leaks they stop. So I' I've seen firsthand evidence that it's effective. Is will it be a
perfect solution? No. But I think adding an additional thing to make drivers pay attention would be a good thing. you you have feedback in your packet from police chief, the school um I see the school
principles, chair school committee and the road commission. Um I think each member of the road commission offered feedback. Um so just make just so you know if you haven't seen that it is it is in there.
Um, you know, there have been questions, legitimate questions around, well, how many people really use that cross body? Um, who's going to maintain it when it goes down? Who's like, you know, cuz where we are, it's true, like
our budgets are strapped. So, if it goes down, yes, it's going to cost money to >> get it back going. >> The grant is you get the lights and then the town should Yeah. the town has to install, maintain, and >> the grant should cover in purchase and install. >> Oh, really? Okay.
>> Yes. But, um, >> well, install could be minimal if we're not having to wire it. It's just >> Well, you still got to put a concrete post down. You got some >> It can't just be added to the post that's there. >> No, it would be its own thing. >> Yeah, I think it would be a separate post. >> Yeah. >> And you know, you know, I mean,
everything's monst I I mean, those questions have been asked. It's a legit legitimate there. A couple people actually mentioned the one you just talked about in Groten for as a reason not to install one because they've had such problems with that. I
did talk to the com man about that and he acknowledged that that one in particular for whatever reason is is sometimes working sometimes not. They're replacing it. There are like he said say 10 but initially he said 12
um but say 10 along that roadway of um um 119 and there haven't there hasn't been a problem with any of the other ones according to him and he says they work they work pretty well in
>> um so you know the question is I I I don't want to go for a grant and then not accept it again. So I I you know I don't want to be in that position again. So before we apply I just want to make sure that and
I and I it may be the case I I don't know the answer to this. It may be the case that the road commission needs because it's in the right of way road commission is responsible for the right of way. So they may need ultimate
approval on on the sign installation and segue to >> road commission. Would you like to provide some input on this as >> No, I have to go up front when it comes to the road commission. I don't speak of
the board. >> Yeah. But they um I I'm just looking at the maintenance. who's going to pay for the maintenance, you know. Um, and if you don't get the grant, then you're not doing it, right?
>> Correct. That's correct. >> Cuz I don't know where you're going to get the money. >> No, this is purely grant driven. Yeah. >> Okay. But then they come out, >> but the maintenance would would not be >> maintain the same. So let's say if the light
doesn't work and we can't maintain it, it really does it's the same thing that Jerry is now, right? So I >> I don't see that why that would be such a big concern. Obviously, ideally, it would be maintained properly and maybe we can do something. And I think that
maybe that's a way for local businesses to step up because I don't know, you know, obviously, you know, when you're talking to Bob at West Auto, I don't know how the the traffic has been in the past, but I think um whether intentional
like I don't know that it was an intentional outcome, but there's going to be way more traffic now with the way that the town center district thing has been set up. So, we already have people that park in our spot and walk over to Marbel, walk over to the cafe and they
all talk like eventually they'd like to walk to the the flat, right? Like it's part of um you know the charm living in a small community is being able to not yet be in your car to go 10 ft, you
know. Um, so I think whether without it being there now, people are already using it >> and I think it's just going to increase as we all get busier. >> Yep. And >> and that's the intent. I mean, that's part of a whole the walkability studies that we've done and the loop center
thing that we're working on and >> you know the mass the grants for the from the housing project that provide sidewalks etc. Yeah, I mean it is part of our overall goal is to make it more walkable. Um,
>> but there are some legitimate questions. Um, you know, >> I think that as far as the light not working, I think I'm kind of in the same boat where it looks the same to me. So, if the light just doesn't flash, >> it's still going to be functioning the same way as it currently is functioning. So,
>> yeah, >> we'll get Jeff with a flashlight. >> Yeah. No, the only correct one Jason said the committee was interested in signing both of the crosswalks. Uh just I want to make sure it's not screwed that >> okay
>> the the committee we feel that both crosswalks are places of crossing and it would be if you drive through the communities that have these there are crosswalks that are close together and they're signed and lit. So, you know, if there's someone who was in
a wheelchair that wanted to cross, it would be unfortunate if we, you know, weren't in a position that they would have to go to a different cross to press the button. So, you know, I understand that, you know, I'm not sure the uh I would like to see
the it's understood that the sign uh at high means a area that has uh lower visibility and it's more prudent to sign with a a lid crossing, but I just want to make sure it's understood that the committee on accessibility was
interested in lighting both. And uh yeah, that was you know doesn't pay a lot. >> I think that was clear in the letter. Um personally I think it's kind of overkill to do both. They are very close. I mean
it's not that far to walk. My goodness. Wherever you're crossing that side, you're going to be taking a right and walking right past that crosswalk anyway unless you're going to the final destination of the cemetery. So >> someone
I I understand you. >> So that that then like doubles the maintenance concern that is being thrown out there already. So >> what's nice is we haven't been awarded the grant yet either. You have to apply for it, >> right? We haven't even done that yet. >> Yeah. A lot of communities are probably
applying for it. Um you know, and I I don't want there to be a a reaction to a bad incident. I like to think we're a pretty proactive town when it comes to some of this stuff and we know it's a busy roadway and I certainly understand
the historic points and things like that and you know the blinking light you know it's going to mix in well with the Halloween decorations and the Christmas decorations and you know the concerts on the common all that stuff you know I I can certainly understand that could be a little disruptive but I don't I don't
want to have there be a story where someone was trying to get across and got clipped by a car or you know if it slowed down people through this area I think that's a win I don't know like we all probably said >> John you have a question
>> yeah so so these lights you have to push a button to activate them they're not going to >> be flashing all the time and >> no >> be totally obnox cautious that just you need across the street and push the button and it flashes. How long will the
light flash in YD? >> Did you set that? >> I don't know what the standard You might know, Chief. Do you know? >> I don't. >> Okay. >> How long it takes the average person to cross through the crossing? It's an equation just like the ones in
Boston will be like 18 seconds and some will be 14 seconds based on the >> there is a standard >> 17 seconds >> people in the stop signs on people and name the lights around the tree.
>> Oh god, please don't. >> And they'll always fall. You put one on each side of the triangle. And we're going to put a street light up here. Permanent detail. >> An extra bright one cuz it's a big area.
>> You've already done that. >> Yeah. I Yeah, I think it's something we apply for. >> Yeah. It slows people down a little bit more. That's not a bad thing. People already know the drive's slow in here because of our strong police presence and sort of the gauntlet. Let's slow
them down a few more few more miles per hour. >> The deadline on the brand has been nine >> January 9. So >> can you do that? Anything's possible. >> Yeah. >> I applied for the for it in about 45
minutes. >> You can do it tonight. >> Drive home. Just watch out for pedestrians. >> I move to authorize the town administrator to apply for a grant through the shared streets and spaces
program to fund the purchase and installation of a rapid flashing beacon sign at the crosswalk located at Maine in High Street. >> Second. >> Further discussion? Those in favor? Hi.
>> Hi. >> Okay. >> One question. >> Sure. >> This goes to the ch the chair of the road commission if that's all right. >> Fine with me. Fine with you. >> Can you do you think you can get a meeting of the road commission together
before the n the dead the grant deadline to talk about this? >> Okay. >> All right. >> Thank you. send him a reminder by the
meeting soon. >> Um, >> thank you. >> Yeah, good night. Thanks. Good to see you. >> Okay. Um, the next item we are tableabling. So, we have an advocacy letter for the
mass the MMA navigating storm report. So, I drafted a letter. It's based on the report that the NMA issued. Um, they initi I don't know um if you saw it, but they initially
issued a report called I think the perfect storm or something. It was basically outlining all the issues that communities like Dunkflon everywhere are dealing with financially. And this followup report, Navigating the Storm, is essentially a a report of
recommendations to the legislature on how to give um communities basically a lifeboat to to deal with these pressures that we're feeling. So based on that report, I drafted this um letter for the
board's consideration um to send to the governor's office in the legislature um to advocate for the recommendations. I'm happy to send it if you prefer, but I figure that and I'd offer you the opportunity if you
were s We could throw you in the mix. We could all do it together. >> Yeah. >> Um Yeah. And I'm happy to add my name to it, too. It's >> Yeah, I read it. >> Yeah. I think it's >> the more support we can give for sort of
the lack of balance in funding with Prop 2 and a half and chapter 70 and all that stuff. I think the better. So, okay. Thank you for putting that together. Yeah. Is that what this is about for the funding problems? >> Yeah. Yeah.
Yep. So essentially it doesn't what the report does it doesn't outline any specific recommendations but it's it basically outlines look you need to enhance um state aid just unrestricted
state aid um and it goes through how um rate of inflation has grown at a much higher rate than the rate of state aid has over the years since I think 2008. Um so they're looking for a huge
infusion on the state aid. Um chapter 70 is part of the the advocacy as well. Um Prop 2 and a half is um part of the um report recommendations. It doesn't specifically say you need to do this with Prop 2 and a half, but they need
what they're looking for is to provide communities with flexibility to have local control over changes in Prop 2 and a half um rather than every year doing it, you know, like a more sustained
long-term Prop 2 and a half um relief. So, there's a variety of things. Again, a lot of them aren't specific. You need to do this. It's you need to look at this and here's some potential ways to address it. So, there's still a
lot of work to be done, but it's a I think it's a good starting point for the discussion >> and nice of MMA just start leading a charge, you know, another large voice within the players pool. >> Yeah. >> That, you know, carries all the weight of local municipalities. Yes. >> To the governor's table, to the state a
table, etc. Yeah, we um Markad and I had a meeting with the executive director of MMA and their director of um legis legislative affairs like the week before this report was issued and um they're
really they're working really hard and doing a really good job. So, um, anything we can do to support their efforts, I think, is worthwhile. And they said as much at during the meeting, >> and they're looking for a significant amount of money.
>> They sure are. 351 million is part of the value. >> Million per. >> Yeah. >> And that's part of the there's there's a little strategy around that, but yeah. Yes. Y
>> Yeah. No, I think it's great. And um happy to sign this, Jason. I don't object at all. If you want to throw your name in there, too. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Um, so >> I move to approve and sign the letter advocating for the recommendation of the
Massachusetts Municipal Associations Navigating the Storm Report as presented. >> Second. >> Those in favor? >> I >> I >> Okay. Um just a quick wrap up on 15 Fletcher.
>> So there has been some work done. He the the property owner 15 has been has been communicating with me. Um please chief provide the property. I've been buy the property. Building commissioner is going to as well. Um if
you have time want to drive by. >> Yeah. By >> and um and so we can determine. I just wanted to put I don't think there's anything to do at this moment but um just trying to look for some um feedback guidance on
what next steps if any the board wants to >> so there has been some improvement but >> yes for sure >> yeah yeah >> and you have a dialogue going with this guy >> absolutely he's been >> those are all the those are I mean that itself
>> absolutely he's been great he's been responsive um I think reasonable, you know. So, >> well, thank you to them for hearing us out and, you know, building enforcement for working with, you know, the guidelines and coming together and be collaborative rather than opposition.
>> Yeah. No, he's being worried. >> Great. >> Okay. So, we have one more thing. Um, just the update on our FY27 budget. >> Oh, geez. We have to do that. >> We don't have to. We have nothing to say except yell. We're good. I mean,
>> so we have the meeting coming up with the joint meeting with advisory board uh send next week, next week. Um, but I just wanted to put this on the agenda just to give a brief update. So, we have all budget departmental budget
submitts. Um, I was working most of the afternoon on um a brief presentation for the joint meeting. Um the numbers unfortunately numbers have got worse because largely because not only because
most of it is because of the uh greater old tech assessment has gone up way more than I anticipated and way more than it typically does. >> Um largely caused by increased enrollment um and our numbers are so small a shift of you know two three
students just >> can dramatically increase the assessment. How many do we have in in >> city? 13. >> 13. >> That's a big number for us. >> 13. And it was I think nine punches. That's more than >> we had we've never had any. No, it was a
half a dozen maybe. >> I think it was nine and now it's I think it's like a four >> student parents I think. >> So that's >> surprised school. Oh yeah. That more students don't go there. >> Yeah. No, it's terrific. Yeah.
>> So that's um believe it or not that's like $100,000. It's a big number. >> So um so that's made the problem about that much worse. >> Yeah. >> Um so
because of that um well because before that because of the the number we were carrying was about $640,000 um a deficit in that amount. So um we went back to departments and asked each
department to cut their budgets by 15%. Um based on their departments of quest number. So um those budgets I've received a lot of them back. Those budgets are due Friday I think is the day I gave and um
so based on that um we'll have some decisions to make. Um we are looking at everything. I mean any option to save, any option to um use alternative resources, funding mechanisms,
any way to raise additional revenues. We're looking at everything um outside of a override obviously. >> Yeah. Um, so, um, we're going to have to make, um, based on what we have in requests, we're going to have to make cuts, um, significant cuts, and we're
going to have to find different ways to fund some of this. And we're probably going to have to just complete transparent transparency. We're going to probably have to make some bad um, financial decisions that she had a balance. um the decisions that we
normally in over the last couple years haven't been doing um because I don't know that we have any we're going to have another choice. So, we're going to have to use more free cash probably than we want. >> Um and that's too bad because we've made a lot of progress in that way.
>> Um but that's the that's the situation we're in. So, >> and how's that align with like capital planning community sort of items that they're looking for, whether it be a new helicopter for the town? >> Yeah, >> joking. >> We don't we don't have a helicopter.
>> Yeah. So, we >> holding toilets. I don't know. >> So, when I look at the capital we have, >> we have a lot of capital right now with CPA and grant funds. >> Mh. >> Aside from the uh general fund
appropriation we usually do. So, um it may be that we don't do a whole lot of capital through the general fund this year. kind of lost. >> So, um, >> so we may need to skip things even that
we normally do like we usually get annually we get get a loser. >> Yeah. >> I don't I I can't I can't say that that's a everything is on the table right now. And if it means, you know, saving some things operationally
and going without capital. Again, we've been really good and I've been really proud the last couple years of making sure we separate the one versus the ongoing this year. It's going to be a little harder. It It's definitely going to be a little harder to do that. So,
>> any any debt falling off like nothing coming on? >> The debt. Okay. >> Death's coming on. Yeah. >> Yeah. because the um namely the PAS project is coming on. So our debt and death um and our exclude excluded debt
um tax level is increasing. >> Okay. >> Significantly. >> And you know should we be kicking the tires on any RFP type stuff for land use? Anything of that nature? You know for leasing you know a 91 river street type property that gets you horseback
people equestrian people paying you for the land for a little bit and things like that. Kick around everything. tires any way we can honestly. Yeah. Yeah. Talk about maximum. Uh one thing we talk about is there is
an option to do a local meals tax. Um that would get ted I think up to 3/4 of a percent. It would impact the borrow but it actually applies to any sort of local food where it's where the food is prepared which should be anytime there's
a food truck or anything like that. wouldn't be a lot of money, but it would be something. >> Yeah, we've reached out to we've trying to schedule a meeting with Tara just to see. >> Yeah, we from my honors perspective and
my committee members, they we don't want to propose something that would, you know, deter her business, but it's something that she thinks wouldn't impact a business that, >> you know, >> do you have any anticipated amount that
this would I mean, it's not like a huge amount. Everything's on the table and we're back. >> We don't necessarily need to get everyone's blessing to bring that sort of thing forward. If it's if it's that and it's that close, like, you know,
that's not that. Well, it's also visiting the the work of that group to say is there something that is a I hate to use the phrase quick fix, but is it a one-time opportunity that just helps rather than free cash bad practices, it's you know, you sold
the golden toilet, you sold the helicopter, now we get to put that back into the surplus. >> The only I would say that's the only thing we have that's actionable that would generate revenue. >> Sure. Yeah. Okay. Um topic.
>> Yeah, we'll put our thinking caps on and keep >> I mean we do have we just received our last settlement um check from Napoli >> from 3M >> from 3M for the BAS settlement. >> So that's we still have the others but
from 3M that's closed and that was another 124. So it's about 3 and This is off top of my head. I think it's like $350,000 roughly. Um so, >> well, is that going to fall out to free cash?
>> No. No. We're holding it separately in a in a um >> cease reserve account. >> So, you know, there's part of me that says, well, take a portion of that, not all of it, but take a portion of that. And what we would normally use free cash
for to fund general stabilization, CIP stabilization, maybe we use that to take pressure off free cash, maybe we use the PA fast money to do that. It's still there, you know, in the case we need it in a in a in a if we're in a rough spot, but
we're at least being good stewards with the money >> for the for for the time being and um freeing up a little free cash. Like last year, we used $100,000 free cash for general and >> CIP stabilization. So that's one thing
we can do to if the boards were open to that um to free up use of free cash for other things like operating cost. Boo. >> Yeah. >> Um but you know that isn't I think that's something we should talk about
cuz um you know even if we took 100 150 out of it we'd still have whatever 200 in it >> for any PAS related stuff. but also be, you know, continuing to invest in our stabilization.
>> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Are we going to need anything for the expansion of the house project? >> So, it depends depends what you mean by that. Um, we our debt authorization um
co will cover the I anticipate that that Yeah. And it's mainly because we got the the D grant. Um so that's covering a big portion of the project, the second phase of the project. Um
so we should be okay there. If you however, if you wanted to say, you know, if we could afford it to take a portion of the PAS money and use it to offset some of the debt service.
>> Yeah. >> I mean, that's a That's something we could talk about doing too, but >> that's a I think that's probably a conversation for another day. But >> yeah, >> you know, that is that could be could be an option, >> right?
>> But it's also remember that like these PAS rights, this PAS problem isn't going to go isn't going away. >> So, you know, we very well could be in the middle of another large PAS project at any point. We just don't know. So,
and if the regs continue to go down, the threshold continues to go down, we we may need to be building a treatment plant at our wells. Who knows? >> So, want to be cognizant of that, too. >> Okay.
>> Well, you ready? >> Good way to end the meeting, right? >> Yeah. Motion to >> Yeah. Was there a sec? >> All right. Well, that is it on our agenda. Anything else? Anybody out
there? Nope. We're good.