Good evening and welcome to the March 24th, 2026 meeting of the East Meadow Town Council and ask that we stand for the pledge of allegiance. Watch >> out. Well, >> pretend you get it. I'll just get it. I'll get it. >> Oh, is it out there?
>> Maybe. >> It's always there. Three for a loop. >> In the meantime, we have new floors. >> Yes. >> So pretty. >> This is easily the favorite part of my day. Right here.
>> There you go. The colors. >> Yep. Color guard. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Tom. Thank you, Tom. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> That was a new one. >> New force. We take a brief moment of silence to reflect on all of the events going on both near and abroad.
Thank you. In accordance with Mass General Law, this meeting is being recorded by LCAT. And if there's anyone else in the audience recording, if you could identify yourself. Thank you, Cindy. No one else on Zoom or in the audience. Public comments. Is there anyone in the public that wishes
to make a comment this evening? And no one on Zoom. Council comments. There any counselors with a comment this evening? Just one comment. Sure. Um, I received correspondence this week. Um, back when I was the president, I
received uh an email that asked about adding a sidewalk on Chestnut Street. I believe the DBW had put it onto the map. So, I just received correspondence that said our newest and updated map hasn't been put onto the town's website. So, we
just asked that we take a look and if we have an updated one, if we could upload that, that'd be great. >> Great. Thank you, Ralph. >> Comments. Okay, seeing none, town managers report. Hi, Tom. >> Hey, good evening.
>> Good evening. All uh attached is the uh project reports for March 2nd and March 9th uh for the construction of the high school and the auditorium. Uh there's another virtual walkthrough
produced by LCAT director Jamie Rook. Uh she'll have that posted up there uh on the website on the YouTube channel. This week, um, several town counselors joined members of the school department on a guided tour of the new facility. Uh, the video
is, like I said, going to be up soon. Um, really, really outstanding video. Uh, gives a great feel for the new space. Um, there are there are other photos out there uh on the on the internet, but I
don't have them all here. Uh just a reminder uh all the scheduling and progress information for the project uh is on the website easttomma ma.govhs building project. Um,
following uh the recommendations from the municipal digital equity plan, the town of East Meadow is offering digital literacy training series at uh the public library uh PVSC and and the uh housing authority this spring. Uh there are three levels
of instruction offered at these locations and a participants qualify for a free laptop. Um the series begins on March 31st. The program was announced last Monday, three the the 16th and all the spaces were full
>> by close of business on Saturday. So, >> wow. >> Um clearly meeting a need uh identified uh for the community. Um this programming is made possible through the grant funding from Massachusetts Broadband Institute uh and a partnership
with Cyber Seniors. Uh Mr. Quimby and I will be meeting with Whip City Fiber on Thursday. Finally, uh to discuss the next steps in our fiber to the home project. Uh estimates have been completed for make
ready from all the utilities and um as well as the construction and we expect to have all that information uh put together so we can have a proposed implementation plan in front of council uh in the near future. hopefully
whenever the next time I can get on the agenda is uh we'll find out more on Thursday, but uh that's exciting that we're we're sort of moving forward after kind of a long wait for some information that we expected uh 6 months ago.
Uh again, one more thanks to everyone for their uh collaboration and thoughtfulness on on what's becoming a very streamlined and effective budget process. Um so uh I look forward to further conversation for the next
weeks or so. But um yeah, thanks to everybody. Uh it's it's obviously uh you know the process is getting easier, but uh finding money to put everywhere is becoming uh the real
challenge now. So um that's all I got for tonight. Tom, >> any questions for Tom? Yes, Ralph. >> So, both for Tom and for you, before we go um in depth into an implementation
plan, is there any way we can get the numbers and see what the cost of uh this is? Yep. >> To see if the council even wants to go further with this. >> So, I am certain that it's more than um probably the first two or three estimates that rough estimates.
>> I I will say that you're correct. >> Oops. uh and the the way that uh the information is provided it would be based on that take rate formula and this is what I'm assuming that we're going to get on Thursday the take rate formula as
well as uh phasing of this out to see when so there's more information than just the total cost right because at some point you're collecting revenue and so that cost is offset by money coming in So
>> we're assuming and again it's a huge assumption whether you have a 20% take rate 30% 40% or 50% down the road. Um, >> and last time we had them run all those scenarios and that is just taking that
20% or 30% or 40% and sort of projecting it out because there is obviously some sort of risk on yes everybody says they want fiber but when it comes to actually getting it is it going to happen or switching is it going to happen in the
way um that that we think it is? Uh which is you're right a real question. So yes, however you want the information, you can have it. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> Perfect.
Any other questions? >> Seeing none, uh, communications, correspondence, and announcements. I had five things. >> I know we go from none to five. >> Uh, the first was also just to echo
Tom's sentiment. The walkthrough that we did at the new high school project was really nice to see the progress. Thank you to the school committee for uh hosting us there and it was wonderful to see it coming along. It definitely puts the dollars into perspective. Uh the
second was that we had a vacancy on our council's general bylaw review committee and so John D'Angelo has been appointed to fill that vacancy. Then the financial oversight committee has a full complement now. So remaining
is Jim Broadick, Richero, Anna Jones, and Kathy Hill. And then we did have a vacancy. So rest Denver will uh return to the committee. So I expect that once we can find a time that works for everyone's schedule, we'll start those meetings in the next week or two.
>> Then the next one was there's a grand reopening ceremony at the Reserve Eddie Song Meadow right off of Parker Street tomorrow. So I'll be attending that. >> Oh, great. And then from a licensing perspective, I had also sent a letter to
Ace Smoke Shop uh yesterday because they still have signage out front of their business advertising the availability of alcohol for which they're no longer licensed to do so. Those are the only uh communications I have unless anyone has anything else.
>> Was that a Did you give them a timeline to >> I said within 7 days. Yeah. >> Of of their receipt. >> Their receipt of it. >> Okay. keep an eye keep an eye on that. >> I know um I know that the council revoked their um
alcohol license, but I also know that they don't have a tobacco sales license, right? >> So, is that also going to be part of it when >> when we move ahead cuz >> I think it could be. >> I mean, they've been advertising tobacco products even before they uh right when
they lost their license and ever since. and right >> it just doesn't seem to make sense to me. But >> no, I agree. I did uh send the letter to Tammy, our health director, as well, so she's aware of the same signage. So, I'm sure we can coordinate and >> Awesome.
>> Same same front. >> And then Connor, just one other when appropriations when the meetings are set up, if you could email the rest of the council just to let us know the scheduling, that would be great. >> Oh, absolutely. Yeah. and we'll have them both posted again so everyone can
attend >> join. >> Great. Uh we have no public hearings this evening. So orders of the day licensing matters. We have two one-day entertainment licenses. Is there a motion for the first? I make a motion to approve a 1-day
entertainment license for Carl Parella at TA's Asian Cuisine 31 Harkness A on April 14th, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for a birthday party. >> Second. >> Motion was made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
those in favor, please say I. I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. And we also have another entertainment license. I make a motion to approve a one-day entertainment license for Greg Mormon EM Details, Inc. at 174 Shaker Road on
April 25th, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until 300 p.m. for EM Details grand opening car show. >> Second. >> Motion was made and seconded. Any further discussion? >> He is here. Greg, if >> if he wants to come forwards and just uh
say to the audience and all what's going on. >> Sure. Oh, >> if you want to. You don't have to. >> If you just want to come forward to the microphone, >> I figure it's a good chance to plug it. >> Got a plug. So, my son is uh um Greg
Mour. Sorry. Um I live in out out uh by Porter Woods East. Um so, yeah, my son is starting a business in town. uh he's doing a lot of high-end paint protection film for cars, vinyl wrapping, uh race
cars, color changes, all that kind of stuff. So, um it's it's a very, you know, kind of niche business. And so, any word of mouth is great, but he's having a grand opening show with uh cars being by invitation only. Um cars that
he's done in the past. So, um spread the word. Be great. >> Great. Great. Thank you. Good luck with it. >> Good luck with it. >> Motion was made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. >> I.
>> Any opposed? Motion passes. Good luck on the grand opening. Next, under financial matters, we have accepting a $250,000 green communities competitive grant uh for library projects.
Is there a motion? them one at a time or do you >> I think you can read the whole thing. >> I make a motion to accept the green communities grant in the amount of $250,000 for the following. $159,698
for the library, which is the hybrid heat pump. $4,700 to the library for weather stripping. uh $85,62 to the library for a building management system. >> Second. >> Motion was made and seconded. Is there
any further discussion? >> What is a building management system? Is it the software? >> Yeah, like the control of the heat pump, >> the automation for the whole place. >> That's what I assumed. But >> yeah, I like in this building when the
there's the setback when the temperature changes when we're not here, that kind of stuff, too. Isn't that just Ryan doing it? >> That's how he does it. >> Only on special request. >> Any other questions? >> Seeing none. All those in favor, please say I.
>> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Great. Thank you. Good job. And next we have accepting a $25,000 land conservation assistance grant uh through the Executive Office of Energy
and Environmental Affairs to update the town's open space and recreation plan. I I make a motion to accept the $25,000 land conservation assistance grant through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to update the town's open space and recreation plan
per Massachusetts general law, chapter 44, section 53A. Second. >> Motion was made and seconded. Is there any further discussion? >> How often does this have to be updated? Is it every 5 years still? >> Seven. >> Seven years. >> Now it's 10.
>> Now it's 10. >> So we're on the seven. Ours expired what? In 26. It's expires in October. >> Expires this October. >> So then the new one will >> The new one will be 10. >> So in 10 years I'll ask the same credit and hold them to that.
>> Yeah. Uh any other questions? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Then next we have approving a
transfer for $3,76453 uh for animal control officer training. I make a motion to approve a transfer of funds for the health department in the amount of $3,76453 from the health department other purchase service account 015192-5382
to the part-time salary account 015191-5111 to cover hours paid to the animal control officer for training. Second. >> Who was made a second? Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please
say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Passes. Next, we have approving the March 10th uh open session minutes. >> I'll take it. I make a motion to approve the March 10th, 2026 open session
minutes. >> I'll second that. Motion is made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Get rid of that one. >> Uh, yes, that one was moved.
>> Okay. Just want to make sure. >> Next, under old business, we have our same 250th anniversary. I don't know if there's any updates from >> uh slightly and mostly just to keep saying dates out loud. Um, we we I've
been meeting with the the a couple different groups on the 250th and the time capsule. Uh, just to kind of try to make sure everything's coordinated. Um, the the kickoff for the time capsule is going to be on May 30th, uh, from 1 to 3
in the afternoon. Uh, we'll have actual invitations go out at some point. Uh but we're also going to do a summer fest at Brown Farm June 6th, which is the next Saturday. Uh in which we'll get the um the time capsule up there to, you know, we got to fill the thing. So we we'll
have some events to uh with instructions on things to bring and things not to bring probably. I think we decided the things not to bring is going to be a longer list. Uh but um and then the uh the 4th of July celebration timeline has
sort of increased a little bit this year due to the dates and the fact that the carnival is not coming in until the 30th. Um we were going to try to do some other community events uh from I think it's Friday the 26th. I'd have to look at the calendar real quick, but uh we're
going to try to do a movie night. uh uh pending discussion with uh Chief Beecher uh perhaps a bonfire uh and then uh some other events, maybe a cornhole tournament or something uh something along that line, but more of a
concentration of activity in the center. Uh there was talk of maybe a food truck day or something like that. So, uh, we're trying to figure out how to have a big huge celebration while the while the field does not have a carnival on it, which is which will give us a few days
to to sort of expand the days that we're all together uh on the green. Um, that's really about it for now. Uh, I think we'll uh I'll probably have some maybe some numbers for you next. I think
the way that things line up from a financial standpoint, uh, it's easiest for us to take over some of the public safety aspect of the whole events. Um, it's just an easy thing for us to, um,
to deal with and pay for and coordinate. Um, but, uh, nothing past that as of yet. So, take a couple weeks off in the end of June and July and um party downtown in Nissan Meadow.
>> Just a quick question. >> Sure. >> You said May or um the 30th the carnival is going to be coming in. >> June 30th. >> Yeah. >> Sorry, did I say May? >> No, no, no. I was just saying June 30th. >> That was the other one. >> Well, I guess my question is usually
they set up like 2 days in advance and then open. >> Yep. Y I'm assuming you mean they're opening on the 30th. >> So they're probably starting to set up like >> Yeah. So there was like a day in there where the events would have to be small like if they start at Napa and work
their way uh because they're somewhere till the 28th. So they're not going to be able to even start setting up. >> Okay. >> Then they have to do the inspection and then >> then they can open up. So we're we're going to try to utilize the space when when when they're when they're not
there. So that's the plan. >> Great. Thank you. >> Yep. >> Great. Then from a shirt perspective, I hope to have a sample mockup of what it would look like for our next meeting. Started working on it, but didn't have it ready in time for >> tonight.
Okay. Next was the um >> update on the transfer station waste oil tank replacement. >> Yeah, there was one outstanding >> one question. Uh so we're estimating about $3,000 to empty that tank. Uh, and again without really any idea of how
much it's going to get used, I don't know how many times that would happen during a year, but I still think it's not out of the question to think that we can handle that uh just in the normal operating budget. >> Great. That makes sense to me. Any other questions?
>> If not, then be a nice idea for a motion for that just to codify. So, I will take that one. I move to direct the town manager to take the actions necessary to resume the service of accepting waste oil at the transfer station. I'll
>> second it for you, Ralph. >> Motion is made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> I've been so directed. >> Next, under new business, we have the
FY27 budget presentation. Yeah. >> I know. >> Didn't we just finish a budget? >> I ever stopped talking about it. Um, >> insane.
>> So, obviously I I sent you guys a draft draft draft. There's some uh some things that will be added prior to April 1st. Um, the capital plan, uh, I didn't think was going to have enough time to get in
there. Obviously, Kim got it in. Uh, the last meeting of the capital advisory committee was Wednesday, uh, last week. Uh, thank you again to everybody on that committee. Uh, there's, you know, how big of a capital plan we have. There's a
lot to go through there and and a big time commitment. So, uh, I will say I haven't, uh, I haven't had time. Kim got it all in there. And again, we've budgeted a number based on the percentage of the budget. Uh, which if
you when you see the recap, it came down a little bit because the the amount uh of for the projects was only 1.9 and I think we had just over two in there on the budget. Um, so I still want to kind of go through it. Uh I probably will
have some questions for Mr. Quimby just to have uh hear some of the conversation that went on and and and make sure all the reasoning is sort of in line with everything we're trying to do here. So, um that will be potentially updated
probably not the dollar amount. Um but, uh and then obviously um the um there's no cover sheet. uh my my budget message uh sort of in
narrative form and um the flowcharts for all the departments in town uh and a and a main one. So um there's some there's some things to add and obviously like we say every March uh this is going to change a bunch between
now and then and then even after uh even after July 1st. So, um I'm not so I'm not sure how you want to go through it all right now. If you want me to just start at the the first page there on the recap and just kind of uh walk it down. Uh I did give it to Jamie if you think
that putting it uh up on the screen. Uh either uh whatever whatever you whatever you want to do, we're we're sort of ready for all of that. >> Yeah. Maybe just uh at least so people reimbursement rate is what it is. Um
it's it's g the numbers are given to us. That's the maximum amount we're allowed to charge. Since the ambulance fund was created in 2019ish, we've buil $33 million
and collected 12. And all of that has to do with the difference between the Medicare rate >> and the ambulance rate. So we continue to we continue to work this problem both
operationally and from the accounting side. Uh this this year it looks like we're getting to the point where we're going to catch good but as of right now it's 400,000. So every every day, every
week that goes by, we'll get this number down and that will sort of replenish uh the um excess levy hopefully pretty close to back where it was in FY26.
um stabilization. Uh we elected not to fund this year because we're at our target and we're making uh more in interest than we would when we appropriate. Uh OPED we left in based on our
conversation uh from last time. Uh and compensated absences we left in. Um capital stabilization uh we've never funded other than the original fund amount. Um, and our fear with the budget being so tight is that as soon as we
start to add money into the general fund appropriation, we won't be able to take it out without sort of creating that hole. Um, and that account made something like uh $125,000 in interest last year. So, in all likelihood, we
wouldn't have a number over a hundred. So, it's sort of done what it's supposed to do um from from an appropriation year-to-year standpoint. Um, I guess I'll it's it's way down in the
back pages, which it doesn't sound like we're going to get all the way to, but we did we did have um one of the bigger things, and I know it's outside the general fund budget, but is still going to impact uh the community and its residents is uh the water rate and the
sewer rate. uh we had something like a 20% increase in our usage rate from Springfield Water and Sewer on the water side. Uh all these projects that they are going through obviously we've talked about this this is sort of pass through cost
to the customers and we we have to pick up our portion of the tab. Uh so uh right now in the draft budget we're looking at a a 50 cent increase in the water rate which is uh unfortunately a sign of things to come.
uh Springfield Water and Sewer has uh a number of projects on the way uh you know in the millions of dollars that um we can we can get into sort of more of the details of that but um again uh
we've had we've started this conversation and I think I mentioned it to you but we've had at least uh Bruce has a meeting had a meeting me and Kim were in the last one to restructure our water rates um to to sort of bring them up with the
times and and sort of a tiered system. Not that that necessarily uh helps the rate without knowing exactly how we're going to roll it out, but um there's a possibility where that uh you know single family residential rate will be lower than than sort of our
larger users. what what that's going to look like. I I I don't even want to say right now, but we're we're we're trying to figure out uh ways to sort of stop these large increases from hitting our smaller users because they're the ones that are impacted the most. Um so the
the w the sewer rate wasn't as big of an impact. I think that was 22 cents or 20 cent increase. Storm water rate stayed the same. Um and and most everything else uh was was
sort of on par with our with our thoughts. So again, uh playing all this out um we're we're the the excess levy went from N 1.932 million to 1.588. And
again, every time we do something, every time we move, when chapter 70 changes, when the student dollar per student thing inevitably gets changed one way or the other, uh the budget process for the state is uh
still on still ongoing. So, these numbers are all going to fluctuate um as we go. So, um I don't know what else we want to uh look at the uh how about page seven.
Yep. Oh, look at you. You were just on it. Uh so this is the uh taxes and excess levy sheet that I kind of just went through. But um we have a our sort of narrative here is that the town of Esau Meadow
funds more than 70% of its general fund budget from taxes. the remaining sources coming from state aid and local receipts. Historically, the town has not taxed up to its levy capacity. In FY26, the town exceeded excess levy
projections due to a thorough review of demar department demaral budgets, higher than anticipated growth, and some recognized prior year growth, which uh Diane talked about. Um, due to rising costs of retirement, health insurance, special ed, and the constraints of Proposition 2 and a half, the fiscal
year 2027 budget proposes again to tax below the full amount allowable under Proposition 2 and a half, but to rely on approximately 400,000 in excess levy to aid in funding these rising costs. Uh, estimated excess levy for FY27 is
approximately 1.5 million. So that would give us an estimated tax rate of $19.22 which includes the $1.74 and excluded debt uh for the high school and the natiatorum. Uh we've borrowed approximately 83% of the debt related to
those projects. So the the the bar graph on the next page sort of shows uh how our tax rate has trended uh almost all the way down um since 2021
um with the exception of last year and this year when the excluded debt bumped it back up. Um you know that's a function of a few things. Obviously prudent spending and being um again good custodians of the town's funds. Uh the
department's not uh asking for more than they need to do what they need to do for the community. uh but also again I I as much as we want to take credit for for the total decline in the tax rate it's also proportional to the valuations and
uh so as the valuations go up the tax rate does come down uh sort of in proportion um I don't know if there's anything specific anybody wanted to get to or touch on but uh I mean we're starting to
get into the good-looking graphs um the the the page 10 has a listing of our uh local receipts. Uh what we're projecting um uh you know almost $5.4
million in receipts from excise tax, meals tax, um rental fees, building permits, investment income, which uh has really been uh amazing for us. uh the the benefits of borrowing that amount of
money um and investing it properly. Uh you know, our investment income projections are somewhere around $400,000 a year. Uh FY24 was over a million. Last year obviously was 3 almost 3.4 million. Um and this year so
far in FY26 we're we're over one and a half million. Um again, uh just sort of that prudent investing thing that we talked about all those years ago and and how good um our treasurer is and our finance team is um to put that money to
use for us in the right way. Uh obviously that just gets put right back into the community in all the best ways possible. So um the uh we we have our our graph of uses by function here. Um, education 47%
uh is is by far sort of the largest piece of pie, but insurance 22%. Um, that's a that's a that's a big part of the budget. Uh, public safety 7%. Um, debt service 8%.
Public works 8%. So, um, a lot of good information here. We'll we'll we'll get everything up on the on the website um when when it's available in in final form. Uh the LA I guess um you know this is your um
your motion sheet sort of showing all the all the departments um in their use category, how much they went up. Uh the next three pages after these are why they went up. Um all the notes are in the column to let you know what caused
the increase or decrease in this department. Um you know obviously we're you know the the um a full budget increase of 2.3%. Um it, you
know, I want to say it's unfortunate, but it's just good planning and good budgeting. And um you know, obviously we we wish that there were uh more funds from more places uh that could sort of allow us to do more, but we can do what
we've been doing uh and and not sort of break the bank doing it. You you've talked about this before. There are a lot of communities and will continue to be a lot of communities that talk about uh you know nobody has access levy. Nobody nobody nobody has that. Um there
are a lot of communities out there asking for mega mega million dollar debt overrides and or or just overrides just to just to fund the general fund budget. uh you know and and all these things that we know we can do that we don't
want to do using our reserves to fund the budget you know and creating that hole for the next year. Uh it's just uh I again I I said it last time and I think um we we got to be thankful for for what we got not what we
don't have. Um I don't know if there's anything any specific questions that anybody wants to talk about. Um, obviously again the capital plans in here and then we start getting into our uh debt service schedules. I will uh thank you again.
I'll say it again and again and again. Thank you very much. There is no short-term debt in this budget or any budget to come that uh foreseen because we have the funds to do that ourselves and we don't have to pay unnecessary interest uh for short-term borrowing.
So, um, again, I whatever questions you want to ask, I'm available to answer. Um, and again, we'll have this full package, nice and neat, uh, on before April 1st for sure. >> Great. >> I'll start.
>> All right. Uh, the first was just to say thank you to you and him and of course the whole team that puts all the information together. It's such a smooth process, at least with the format of how everything's presented and put together in the packet at this
point, that the fact that it's now being delivered than ever before is helpful for all of us to be able to digest it and >> see what the changes are. So, so thank you and thank you and and again, thank you all. We had a conversation about
this and I know the April one number is functional but from a town from a town council meeting standpoint uh so uh I think we'll do it this way every year and and this year on the second meeting in March we'll have this full budget. we
just we we kind of thought about it too late. Uh and uh there were some vacations and so rather than push it, we thought we could do it this way. But next year we'll have the full budget, you know, with the fancy cover sheet and uh uh everything set to go by the second
meeting in March and then that way obviously we hit the April 1st deadline, but we don't have to do anything after that. So that that'll just be part of the planning process. As we as as we get this more streamlined, it's easier for
us to get it done sooner. >> Thank you. Uh the one question that I had, and we don't even necessarily have to answer it if you're not sure cuz it's related to capital projects. >> Okay. >> Um but it just came to mind because we had just done the green communities grants.
>> Part of that was for the building management system. Yep. >> But there was still $26,613 for raise and appropriate for a building control system for the library as a project. I'm not sure if that is still necessary to complete it as the full
unit or if that >> so be there. >> We since we we literally I think they got the grant in one of the capital meetings, right? Uh we have to figure out how those all go together. So Ryan in the capital plan last year had a
building automation project for the whole town. And so there's more involved in the uh library piece, but obviously we're going to use all the grant funds for the library and then whatever is left in the general fund. I don't
believe I think this 26 was like a leftover and will probably end up coming out and then whatever comes off Ryan's project too will just get put back in the general fund as sort of unspent. Right. It was the 26 like the leftover from
is from the grant number or am I saying that right? >> So um just to >> just going to be really clear about the different money. Um the whole project costs over $400,000. So we got 250 from the green
communities. We're getting um rebate incentives from National Grid and Eversource. That's another $151,000. And then the remaining $26,000 is what we need to make up the entire project. But given what Ryan purchased last year,
um we have some components in hand already. So, the proposal for the building control systems will need to be adjusted down. We probably don't need to use the entire $26,000, but we still need the majority of it. The difference between sort of like the the silver that
we bought and the gold that was proposed isn't, you know, much. >> Great. That makes sense. >> Yeah. So, we just have to coordinate that. Like I said, Ryan had sort of started the project in last year's capital plan. That was the one that uh I I told him that it got chopped off the
bottom of the plan and then Olga sent the the capital sheet around and said, "Hey, can we delete this one?" And Ryan said, "Oh, that didn't get approved." Oh, Tom made a mistake. So, it was approved. So, he started that. And then we got the grant. And now, so we'll make
sure that all the money lines up. Uh, but in all likelihood, some of Ryan's project will be offset by the grant money because that included the library. Um, so >> the other the other way around. So part of Ryan's project is offsetting the the grant project.
>> The grant, right? >> Thank you. So then I just So when we have a project like this, is there any way to see the full cost and then show us um this has been done in
capital before where um a capital project will come up and it'll be 400,000 and then it'll be oh well we included a h 100,000 over here for this and we included $50,000 grant. And sometimes it's difficult knowing what the entire
cost is of a project. >> Okay. >> And if there's a way that we can figure out, we know um especially when you're coming asking for, you know, whether it be free cash or anything, it would be nice to know what the entire project costs and
>> instead of what was left at the end. >> And so this is this is the incompleteness of this plan because the grant money, remember, we still show that now. So that we're showing on the capital plan, we're getting all these projects done. They're just not in the budget, right? We don't need an
appropriation, but we did it, >> right? That's what we're trying to do. So again, this is not a finished product. So when we when we show that, it will say that there's a $186,000 grant or whatever the you know, the RTUs
will be on this plan and it'll just say funded by the grant. >> Right. >> Right. So that that's why this isn't this is basically just the list that was approved by the so yeah that we have to square that all away so it'll have the whole project cost >> and what the funding was so that's fair
>> we can do that we will do that one >> thank you started so >> those ones that I've so far >> that's it >> I know we'll have more when we get into the details but that one was just top of mind since we talked about it tonight
ahead of us, right? >> Any other Ralph? >> Um, so I have one, well, I have a couple questions. One's on the stormwater enterprise fund. >> Um, you have a project in here. You only have one project. It's for Spade Ardan and Brook Street.
>> Yep. >> But it says um replacement of 8 in PVC sewer main along with associated water main upgrades. And I'm wondering if you're replacing a sewer man and water manes why it's coming out of our storm water fund and not out of the sewer and
the water funds. Nothing you have to answer right now. It's just something I know this isn't >> Yeah. Like I said, I I haven't dug all the way in. I will tell you because I know about that culvert that we do have to replace sewer and water in this
project because the culvert the damage to the culvert is now damaging the sewer main. Uh so uh why it's all in storm water, I don't know other than to say we've been desperately trying to get a grant to do this project. And it's I
it's in all like all likelihood not going to get bonded out of the stormwater fund that can't afford a million dollar bond. >> That was my question. >> Okay. um building department um
two years ago I think it was um when we did um the fee schedule. >> Yep. Um the building commissioner had come to us and asked us to um adjust the way we charge fees and all and he was hoping at the time that by adjusting the
fees that the fees would cover the operation or the running of the building department. And I'm just curious how close we're getting to that. >> Uh I haven't really dug in a lot and sometimes it's tough when Yep. I mean,
we had one year where the building permits were way up and probably, you know, one solar field that went in that covered half of the budget and you can't predict that every year. So, >> so, so that's one of those other revenues that we don't necessarily like to touch because when we see that spike,
we know that it's a a project that, right, and then we can't. But um >> I'm just trying to >> I'm just curious going forward if >> if our thought process was was working or not.
>> Yes. Um, so I think building permits and licenses if if sort of you look at our actuals from pri prior years for for building, you know, >> 185 maybe
>> building permits actual 2025 was 421. So that's one of those spikes, >> right? >> So far this year is 168, but some of that licenses and permaces permits the next line down is also building. >> Okay. So, we're we're closer to 370, and that's only part of the year. So, we're
getting close to 400,000, which is uh I don't I don't have the exact number of the building department's budget, but I'm guessing that um >> probably close. >> Probably close. >> What's the number that you're looking at? What was the total that you thought, Tom?
>> 400. So, just looking at the um the town report, um permit fees were at 381,000 roughly and the um >> that might be calendar though, >> right? >> The annual report's going to be
>> Yeah. Like I said, I just I mean that was the process when we did the fee schedule over and that was the hopes. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yep. So, building department's budget is uh total is 269. So it worked.
>> So yes, there's a long way to get there, but yes. >> Um, another question is on the high school, I know 83% of the debt exclusion is. >> Y >> um, do we have a general idea of when another 17% drops? Is it another year?
>> August. >> Mhm. >> That's when we have to bond for the other >> Y. >> So is that actually going to hit? that'll be hitting next year's >> Yeah. And again, the timeline of all
this stuff is always hard to figure out uh and and whether or not it will be in August or not. >> Uh which is hard for us to cuz we want to try to make sure we are only doing this if we got to do anything else that we do it at the same time. Right now, we're projecting at August and again, uh
Hilltop that's sort of subject to change. If they call us and say, "Hey, your cash flow is no good. We're going to have to do this at the end of June. >> We got to do it at the end of June. >> Um so we're we're sort of wait to see what they say. And again, Scans is going
to been amazing uh working with Don in the treasurer's office to make sure that that cash is always in the right spot. >> Yep. >> Um so, uh right now we're set for August. >> Okay. Um, the last thing I just wanted to comment on was this past year, the
number of grants and all that we were able to receive that came in. It really, really helps getting projects done. Um, and not throwing our tax rate way off or anything. Um, and that's fantastic. And
I just want to say great job with that to everyone. >> Yeah. Well, it it >> it's definitely noticed and appreciated. >> It is noticed and appreciated. Uh there there's a lot of the fun thing for me to watch uh is the collaboration between
the departments. Uh and so much goes into it and obviously Rebecca has a hand in in everybody's grants and giving a uh giving them a hand, but there there's a lot of uh lot of money that's coming in that the department heads are excited about too and they keep going after
grants too. Um, so it's really just kind of like a snowball effect and uh I appreciate that you noticed I noticed too >> allows us to do more like the open space and wreck plan. Um, when I was involved in that I want to say we spent a year and a half >> Yep. >> trying to get it done. We got just about
to the finish line and then oh well all of this stuff has changed over the last year and a half started over again. At least with the grant, it'll be able to be condensed down, done, and having that usually for other grants, park grants
and stuff. So, it's a snowball effect. >> Y definitely helps. And even when we have to contribute on >> Yeah. Right. >> spending this much to get a value that's that big. >> Yep. >> Fire truck was a great example. I mean,
>> we were the envy of the whole Commonwealth when that happened. Any other comments or thoughts? Okay. To be continued at the next meeting. Thank you, Tom. >> All the way to June. Yep. Thank you. Thank you.
>> Okay. Next, we have a discussed draft town center mixeduse district TCMU uh zoning bylaw amendment. This was something that Jim had drafted and so
it's on the agenda for us to discuss and see what the council's thoughts are. Um I didn't list it as a first reading that topic overall how we wanted to proceed. Um, if we like the idea and want to see
it move forward, we could do a first reading at a future meeting and then it would go to the planning board from there to their recommendation and really start the official part of the process. >> Yeah. So, I guess my intent here is not
really to have a um so much of a draft uh bylaw, excuse me, but to really have more of a framework and maybe even tonight just to send it to the planning board and let them um and deal with it with the planning department. I'm
certainly not a town planner and um don't want to pretend to be one. let them give them something that what I really try to do is kind of distill I think what I've heard from my colleagues here about what we'd like to generally see um in a bylaw and use that as a kind
of a template to send to the planning uh planning board them to look at it hash it out and then maybe um something that we generally feel is something that we um agree with want to see send to the planning board allow them to weigh in on it um draft something draft a draft
bylaw, send it back to us, and then we can send it to the planning matters subcommittee. Um, so with that, if anybody has any questions, comments, or general observations, floors, anybody's >> Does anyone have any?
>> I I wanted to let other people speak. >> Excuse me. I would say that u for me this having read this and looking at the um uh visual from the uh presentation from
our last meeting where you can see where the center square district uh would land. Um this was the first time it crystallized for me like you know our goal really is to improve the
sustainability of a center square you know uh reimage or reddesign some of uh the properties so that it the benefits are um tangible
for our residents. a focus on the walkability um and down the road if it were to tie in with the concepts for the rotary redesign. Um it just made sense to me. So I appreciate the work you did because
um now it's more concrete in in my eyes. Anyway, >> I do want to say I know she's not here tonight. I know she's feeling ill. Um, but councelor Richards played a large hand in helping me craft that and she was very very excited and I wish she was here to share in that that enthusiasm. I
know she's watching and know she's feeling better but uh she was very very enthusiastic and very very very help helpful in her experience. So, my thought on this is um council so often gets bylaws in and we just say,
you know, no, we don't like this, no, we don't like this. I think Jim took it upon himself to say, hey, from what I hear, this is stuff that the council can get behind. Instead of being more negative, let's go to the positive side and things that we're looking for,
things that we like. And this way here, the planning board can take this direction and say, "Okay, I know these are good things. We can create a bylaw around this that fits in our zoning bylaws and all." Um, like I said, it sorry, Jim, it's by no
means perfect. Um, but again, I I wasn't expecting a perfect bylaw. I was expecting to see things that that again, we can get behind and that we like. We like the thought of this and the thought of this. Um, so more positive aspect
instead of a negative aspect. >> Good way. >> Any other thoughts? >> Oh, it was it was very good. I think it was like it was kind of my idea of it is like let's do something rather than nothing. So, and I really appreciate that. um you know, you took it upon
yourself to do it and I I thought it had a lot of really good elements to it, but it'll be interesting to see kind of what the details, definitions of some of the some of the things will be. So, no, I'm I'm very excited about it. Are you going to say something? >> Well, I I guess I'll uh sort of echo
Ralph's sentiment about the positivity of it and and again, this this is the point all along, trying to make our town better in any way that we can and a way that we can all like and be proud of. And again,
we've just been trying to get to a point where all the things that we want to see are on a list. >> Here we are. >> Here we are. So what whatever whatever direction this goes in, it's a good thing.
So I would make a motion to just take this I wouldn't call it a draft zoning bylaw, but take this framework and send it to the planning board and let them hash it out and get back to us with a uh with a draft bylaw if it suits them.
>> I'll second that. Motion was made and second. >> We're clarifying. Do we need to read anything before it just we >> No, because we're not it's not actually a bylaw. It's just a framework for one. >> Yeah. So, essentially procedurally, we're sending just a framework to them
for them to >> consider and create something >> if they so choose and then come back to us with something. Then the council the first reading of whatever that bylaw might look like. Then it then gets sent back to the planning board for them to hold subsequent public hearings and so
forth as well as the council holding public hearing. So we're going through the process twice, but it's mostly to start with the framework instead of a finished product. >> Y and I would have no problems if the planning board sees it and wants to meet
either with some of us, all of us to go through piece by piece to say, okay, well, what about this or that? um that way they were working collaboratively and hopefully it gets moved along quicker. We could also if everyone's
open to it try to hold maybe not all of them if they need multiple of them but some sort of joint public hearing with the planning board as well instead kind of starting with them and then >> I feel like we did that like almost this time around with them right didn't we mean >> we had a general discussion but we never
did a public hearing >> other discussion seeing none all those in favor please say I >> any opposed motion passes Jim, thank you. >> Good job, Jim. >> Jim, thank you. >> Go to the head of the class >> or goals,
>> but now we know you can do it. So, >> don't make me resign, Ralph. >> No, thank you for putting it together. >> Next, we had under new business the discussion on banners and signs on town recreation. This is something we
>> No, we're regarding this. It's a big It's a big night. >> Started as an action item at our last meeting. So, I don't know if you just want to resume the >> Yeah. Again, I I've heard from several different or I guess kindly newly established nonprofits.
I want to say it's a newer model, but a lot of our uh youth sports have moved away from being directly under the rec department to more nonprofit model. More and more are doing separate fundraising. I've heard from more and more of them with doing that fundraising about some form of banner signage in terms of doing
that fundraising. I think for recognition of people that they are currenting to do fundraising with in recognition for the um uh donations. So um one of the youth leagues is potentially looking to go after some fundraising to help redo the fields at
um Birland the soccer field potentially. Um I think the 11B11 field is in some pretty tough shape and they're looking I think receded and flatten it. Um so just things that they're exploring um at this point. Um so I leave it to you and I don't I mean they could be temporary
signs or signs are just put up during events. I don't think to be permanent in nature or you know put up permanently or but I think they're looking for guidance at this point in time. I think they're looking to explore different options and um I know speaking for myself, you know, the Tom and I don't want to speak for
you, but I know we we pay a lot in sports fees as it is. Um so it's not like these programs are are subsidized to the tune of nothing. So I think any um help that these nonprofits can get in raising funds is a benefit for the uh parents in town.
>> Yes. Um, I had talked to a couple people cuz I know either last time we talked about it or a while ago when we talked about this maybe a year ago or or more. Um, there was a question about like the nonprofits versus like why that split
off. Um, and the sentiment that I I got out of those conversations was a lot of the parents and organizations themselves were sort of displeased with the fact that any donations that they were getting were going into the revolving
fund, but at the end of the year, whatever may or may not have been spent then just gets turned back to the town's general fund and then may get spent on something completely unrelated than the original donation purpose. So, I understand why didn't want to continue
down that path as heavily as they had been. Um, in terms of actual banners, I mean, it I'm sure it will be tricky to come up with something, but I'm certainly open to exploring ways that we could do it. But I think the part will
just be how do we how do you make it such that you can do it even if it's temporary or something on fields but not so broad that you're putting any sign you want on any town property that may be unrelated in nature. But also knowing that we have to
be cognizant of first amendment protections and not being exclusive of who can and can't put a sign on property >> and Yeah, I I think a I think a a lot of teams are already doing sort of
temporary, which as I understand, particularly the zoning bylaw, that that's not necessarily against the rules, uh if it's up for while you're there and then down. Um so the there's a lot of sort of education that needs to
happen here. um you know, a town can't actively fund raise. It's like against the law. So, um that's why there's always this 501c3 vehicle for people to do things. But I think a
lot of times nobody don't people don't know that. Why can't I do that? Right? That seems like when we were kids that was probably allowed and we were doing that. Um, and this is this sort of that other part sort of
lends the we we we were having and still continue to have these conversations about the whole rack department accounting thing because we're we're we're we're too what are we we're too big to make it work for us from an accounting standpoint. we we we
expend too much money that we have to get pushed into this other accounting function by Mass general law that that has the money has to go back into the general fund aside from any incumbrances for the next year and then a $10,000
balance like that that's the law and the the other one which would allow us to pay salaries and other different things out of that I think is more um sort of economically feasible and makes the most sense we we spend too much money to fall in
that bucket. So Kim has had multiple conversations at this point during the budget process with the state to find out if we can sort of slice things up uh maybe have a bunch of different accounts and then uh but again you start getting
into a conversation where it feels like you're trying to get away with something which uh is usually frowned upon. Uh, but the temporary thing, I don't I don't think it's a big deal. Uh, the the permanent signage is something that, uh,
always gets into a a zoning bylaw violation kind of conversation. Um, and so, uh, as much as I we could say, you know, it's town property, we can do what we want. Um, I guess I've always been of the mindset
that I don't want to just make everybody do this thing and then we can do whatever we want. Um, but again, we can talk about the, you know, those those that that section used to be monitored and administered by the planning board and now you just have to
go to the building department for a sign. So, um, in that sort of form of progression, maybe there's some way for another application to be there for a temporary sign or something for sporting events on town property or school
property or whatever. Um, I I hear this a lot. >> Yeah. I mean, I >> I get the calls a lot. Um, there's a lot of things that people want to do, want to donate their time, want to donate their services, want to donate their backo. It's just a lot of it's outside of the
law because of wage laws and procurement and and we would love to allow you to come and do all this work for seemingly free except for it's just not legal. Um which it's not the only mass journal I
don't agree with. Right. So, um, but I I'm certainly willing to like have some sort of committee discussion, one-on-one, what whatever conversation something good can come out of. You
know, you know, I'll be in the room. That sounds great. >> Because it's a thing that people bring up a lot. I'm sure more than just you hear it a lot. >> All right. When I hear back from some of these folks, I'll >> send them my way.
>> No. Yeah. Again, I maybe a suggestion is if we wanted to form some sort of ad hoc committee of like a counselor or two of course with the town manager and maybe there's someone from the school committee that would be interested in would you want to come forward?
>> We have a the school does have a policy for signage. There are temporary signs are allowed with an application, a representation of the sign and approval through central office. And the way we go about it if it's something against our policy, alcohol, drugs, firearms aren't allowed on the premises. Don't
allow signage for that. May there be some fight down the road, but that's how we pick the battles. Also, the signs are only allowed up for the event and they have to be taken down and that's stipulated on the application form how long it will be up and who will be taking it down. So there is a process
for all the school properties already in place. >> I think maybe getting like most if not all the 501c3s together and getting maybe like a common list of getting them to have the discussion of what common thread that
they might >> Yeah. >> agree to might be helpful to instead of having >> 19 different conversations. >> Yeah. >> True. Right. >> Yeah, that's a good idea. or us coming up with something that they're not even having consensus about. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. >> So, I think some type of policy um has to be created and that way there we have something to fall back on and say, "Hey, here's our town policy." Um I would suggest getting a copy of the school's policy.
>> Um I mean, it may be something that we can actually mirror. Um my other concern is through the planning board and um zoning requirements for signs, what's allowed, what's not allowed. Um because
town property still falls under um the zoning and whether it's town property residence a there's different requirements for signs on all of them and it may have to be adjusted with that too. >> Yep. Um,
>> great. >> Lot of moving parts on it. >> Yeah. >> And as soon as you think you got it all done, someone's going to find a way around it. >> Yeah. I'm interested in continuing that conversation for sure. >> Me, too.
>> Yeah. Great. Okay. Next, we had action items. Um, of course, we'll be scheduling our first FOC meeting. We'll continue the budget presentation at our next meeting. Uh we'll also have the quarterly financial
report and we will have the CPC projects public hearing and we'll also have the public hearing for the uh right to farm bylaw. Thank you for reminding me of the name of it. So all
of that will be on Tuesday, April 14th. Can I ask a quick question? Um for the um budget information was was sort of the the information that everybody got last year and the so obviously the budget but then the the mun reports with
the >> every department with the >> Yeah, I think the format was pretty good last year. Maybe the only thing we were missing was the detail sheets of the capital projects like >> a little bit more of the explanation and the breakdown. Yeah, we were we were
talking about um changing that too and again that didn't happen this quickly but the the projects that were selected putting the the backup information that was submitted for the project in with them. >> Uh so that you know why it was selected
everybody can look at even though the work's already been done for you. Uh, no. I mean, so you can see if you need to see >> truck number 73 actually is >> with that, right? And and what it looks like now and why it desperately needs to be replaced, that kind of thing. Um, so,
um, yeah, we're we're we'll get those in there. Um, and then we'll have all the mun sheets in that separate packet that you'll get. Then if you can get me emails for everybody on FLC. >> Oh, sure. >> Um, I'll send them all out at the same
time. Am I missing anything? I think that's it. >> Um potential uh if if the meeting's not too large. Um Whip City Fiber, whether that's the
first meeting in April or the second. Um that that we'll find out more on Thursday, but uh I'm guessing they'll be on a an agenda in short order. Sounds good. I'm sure we'll find a spot.
>> Okay. Uh, next we do have an executive session. So, I move to enter into executive session under Mass General Law Chapter 30A section 21 A3 for the following purpose. To discuss strategy with respect to litigation if
an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the town. And the chair so declares and I do and to return to open session solely for the purpose of adjournment. Second. >> Motion was made and seconded. Any further discussion?
Seeing none, this is a roll call vote. Jim, >> yes. >> Kathy, >> yes. >> Anna, >> yes. >> I'm a yes. Marilyn's not here. Ralph, >> yes. >> And John. motion s's.