Uh it's uh 3:30 p.m. Uh the uh scheduled is the uh joint meeting, financial oversight committee, and special town council meeting. Um and I'd like to uh call the financial oversight committee
meeting to order. And I'll >> and I'll call the special town council meeting to order. >> Okay. Uh our first order of business is to review and approve the minutes of uh April 13th meeting.
Anyone have any uh additions, comments, s changes to suggest? >> Just a question in the minutes. It said that uh council O'Shea asked if they could get a list of all the software products and how much each one cost the town. Is that what
>> Oh, I didn't see. We'll get that in the near future. >> You You might have You might have sent it. I don't know. It's probably That's my fault. But yes, we do have that. We actually go through that when we're so we can see what what's what. My
apologies again. >> Be a followup. >> Yeah, I can get that over to you probably right now. >> Thank you, Rich. >> Okay. >> Just so I was sick. >> Sorry, Kim. >> Any other questions regarding the minutes? If not, I would entertain a motion to approve.
>> So, is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Kathy. Uh, any other discussion? Hearing none. >> Since it's on Zoom, it has to be a roll call. >> What's that? >> Since it's on, >> this is a roll call one. >> Thank you. >> Sorry. >> Sorry.
>> Uh, we will do the roll call. Kathy, you are a yes. >> I am a yes. >> All right. Uh, Russ, >> yes. >> Anna, >> yes. >> Rich, >> yes. >> Jim, yes. >> All right. The amendments are approved unanimously.
>> Do you mind if I >> Yep. >> And then is there a motion from a town council side to approve the minutes? >> So move. >> Second. >> Thank you, Ralph and Marilyn. Any other discussion? Seeing none, Ralph? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. And Kathy,
>> yes. >> Yes. Again, thank you. >> All right. Uh before we jump into our continuation of the town town department budgets, uh are there any uh questions
um from the last meeting that um need to be raised? And Russ, I think you mentioned something. >> Yeah, I don't know if they're questions or observations. So Kim, you said 80% just about. I'm not keeping you to the definitive number.
About 80% of employees are on steps. >> Um, okay. Depending on the town and the school. >> Yeah, most of the contracts. >> So, so got me interested. So, I went and looked at some of the contracts. So,
when the steps end, longevity kicks in for many. Like I noticed teachers, I noticed fire department. Those are the two that I went to. So essentially once your steps in you go on to
longevity. So does that take that 80% up a higher percentage of people getting extra besides their salary? >> So if I may, um longevity is for
everyone if you're on steps or not. It's just a years of service sort of bonus. >> But I noticed some of the step schedules like ended at year 14. >> Yep. >> So then so then they go on to a longevity payment,
>> but you're you still get the longevity after a certain amount of time. You're just also getting a step and a cola when this when >> so the step end and then you go on to longevity. your base rate only gets a COLA and you'd still be getting your longevity check that you got last year,
>> right? >> But the longevity is also treated as a as a bonus. So, it's not added to their salary and it doesn't >> it's comp compensation. >> Yes, it is. But I'm just letting you know it's not something that's added in and then there's a percentage on top of it like it's a it's a payment outside of
their salary. Except we have a couple of arrangements and I'm just bringing this stuff up because I can. Yeah. >> You know, and who is town counselors might want to think about this as you're moving forward. >> So, I noticed the de the the infamous fire department
uh buyout at the end. So Jim, you might remember this because we the appropriations committee debated this for about a half hour before a town meeting because we were not going to recommend the fire department budget
because they had negotiated in in the fire department budget a $10,000 essentially buyout if you gave a 12-month notice. And then at the end, if you had given your 12-month notice and then at the end
of the year, you get a $10,000 buyout. And I remember Paul Federici saying, "Oh, except for one person, one person, and we'll get rid of it." And I noticed it's still there. >> Yeah. >> So, it just be interesting to know how many times that has been utilized since it was built into the initial collective bargain agreement.
>> So, >> yeah. I mean, >> yeah, I know. I know you don't. I know you don't, but I'm just kind of like, and then I noticed the teachers contracts >> Yeah. At the end, if they give a 12-month notice, it's an additional seven and a half%
in their final year. >> Yes. >> So, and I just for transparency sake, people should know this stuff because it's more than just wages. It's wages plus
bonuses, wages plus step increases. And I was shocked a couple of meetings ago when the town council said they didn't get together beforehand to discuss things that should be part of collective bargaining. So it's my opportunity to let people know that it's
that it's out there because it really kind of that's the add-ons add on a lot to the salary budget. So that was a question that I had and I think DPW has something similar. It's
a Oh no, theirs is the buyout of their unus unused sick time. So on the issue of unused sick time, there are communities in Massachusetts that are exploring opting in to mass paid family
medical leave because I did notice that there was a provision that you raise and appropriate every year a sum of money for u absences and was it like $75,000 this year? Something >> yes >> something like that >> for Yeah. But that's for compensated
absences. It's not the same as um family medical need. >> Mhm. >> So the compensated absences, so for example, which you brought up, the teacher. >> Yeah. >> Say, you know, a teacher leaves >> $20 time that needs to be paid out to them and then they also get that extra
payout because they gave one year's notice that comes out of the compensated absences. So the communities that I'm aware of are then what they're doing is they're exploring reducing the amount of sick
days that someone can acrewue by implementing mass paid family medical leave. Mhm. >> No, you can if you have a serious medical condition, you can get up to 20 weeks off in a benefit year or you get
26 weeks off uh total if you use it for like maternity leave and then then a u you know a serious medical condition. So what it does it reduces the payout at the end. So you're not
paying out up to 150 days or whatever number was in the teacher's contract. So you don't have that lump sum payment at the end. >> So I think we do limit the amount of contracts that actually allow sick time to be paid out. Um I I don't know which
ones they are off hand. I'm not sure if you do. >> Yeah. Most of them do not pay >> on it like you're paid out 30% of your amount when you retire >> if you were hired before a certain time. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Right. So all the new employees uh
nobody has that benefit anymore. >> Good. Good. And then um just because I do a lot of this work. So, I did notice that I went on the Scantic Valley site and a lot of noticed a lot of
deductibles were 250 or 750. Who's the representative on Scantic Valley? >> Audra. Okay. So, >> you're the alternate, right? >> I'm the alternate. The Audra is the >> 250750 is extremely generous right now.
And because this town has already adopted provisions of chapter 32B section 2123, it allows you to move your deductibles and co-pays up to the same level as
those that are of the most subscribed plan under the GIC. The GIC doesn't have any $250 deductible plans. So, if we're talking if you don't want to change or if you don't believe it'll happen the contribution percentages, this is a way
to shift some of it onto employee rather than onto the town. So, you just go through the process and you raise the deductibles. And right now the current most subscribed plan is like
a Harvard Pilgrim plan that has a $500 $500,000 deductible. So that is something that is available to the town. I don't think you have the time to be able to do it for July 1st,
but it is an avenue to pursue. And then why doesn't and I noticed that Scantic Valley doesn't have any or at least I couldn't determine any high deductible health plans. >> So no HSA plans which is kind of unusual.
They I mean are they asking they telling you about other options that are available to to make savings or are we just kind of going along? Um, I mean, so I'm
>> the alternate, so I'm not I'm not at all of the meetings in in terms of how they pick the plans and they determine, you know, what would be the best options. I think that, you know, having a conversation maybe with Audra might be very helpful in terms of what types of plans are offered and how we
choose those. But we do choose them, I know, as a as a group. >> There's a voting member from all of the towns um >> in there. And then you know we also vote on what those percentage increases are going to be and determine you know all the the payments. >> So the only reason so you're self
socantic valley is a self-insured trust. So Chabe is self-insured and three years ago they added what's referred to as a reference-based pricing plan. So if you don't know the difference, so
you set the working rates because you're a self-funded plan and it's based upon, you know, the numbers you pay, you know, um I noticed Harvard Pilgrim and Blue Cross, you don't have Val Newland, right? >> No, we do have health.
>> We do. All right. So you pay their network is what you do. And reference based pricing, they set their limits at Medicare plus rather than what the carrier charges you. So you're inherently paying about 10% 10 to 12%
less than what you would be paying the carriers and chabby much larger size than Esau Meadow and probably larger than all of Seantic Valley. I mean in two years that it's been in place
they've got about 150 sub 150 employees on it. So what it means if you're paying less in claims it brings your cost down and they don't put it as the only plan it's an add-on. So they've got Blue Cross Health New England and they have what's called claim doc which is reference based pricing and it's
becoming fairly popular in the private sector. So it' be interesting to certainly not for July 1st of this year but to explore those things as cost savings for the town. So just doing my homework, guys.
>> Yeah. No, that's fine. >> I mean, I think it makes sense for us to look into all different kinds of options when it comes to insurance. Like it's becoming >> very unaffordable. >> Well, I think the economics of the whole thing are going to change the way the trust starts
to look at it because obviously we can't subsidize this for very much longer. We we won't have the balance. So, this is going to shape that conversation to what else can we do besides go along like we've been going and hope our reserves pick up the slack. And again, hopefully
uh the the word is that we've sort of plateaued a bit from a health insurance cost increase anyway standpoint, but there's one one other thing coming out that we're all going to pay for next year. Yeah. So, >> um >> I have to say, Russ, thank you for
bringing your expertise to that. uh those subjects because uh it's not something I >> and and it sounds like you had a couple of suggestions that could be worth uh absolutely exploring and potentially be to our >> B and then you do have those things
currently available to you because the town's already adopted the provisions of >> right >> you know you know mass health mass municipal health reform so >> I mean >> yeah go ahead >> I'm sorry I it's My hand doesn't stretch out 800 miles.
Sorry. Um, would it make any sense to have a like a small group of like a task force? I don't know what the right word is with Audra and definitely Russ and um someone
from the council. And I know when there's there is a committee somewhere around the books that speaks to the issue of if you're going to discuss insurance rates, a member from the teachers union must also sit uh with the
group. Uh, does it make sense maybe to seed a committee like that for July 1st and give them six or seven months to take a run at some of these things because uh what you're saying Russ is all makes a lot of sense. But as you
also said, you can't just turn it around and implement it on seven weeks notice. It takes >> probably even a year might not even be appropriate. So every every community is required to have an
insurance advisory committee. >> It's 32B section 3A. So there should be that mechanism in place and the statute refers to how many active employees and a and a retiree member be part of it. So
>> I am that member but we haven't met in years. >> Well, that's not uncommon. But it's not uncommon, but you get those committees together, >> you explain what's going on, and then it becomes a little easier >> to make transitions because at least
they're aware of, >> you know, the whole industry and what's going on. >> Okay. >> So, >> I I like your suggestion. I obviously defer to the town council and the town manager, but that seems to make sense. And if there's an existing insurance
advisory, kidney, that just needs to be activated and maybe have some other people, you know, assist in the discussions, it makes sense to me. Nothing for, you know, this budget cycle, but definitely it would make sense to to do something to see if
there's a way that it could help us next time around. >> Yeah, I agree. Always agree with that. >> Thank you, Russ. Good points. Can I just quickly make sure I got everything >> because I have a list. >> Oh, okay.
>> You know, Ralph, >> when I get a couple extra minutes, it's like, oh, yeah, yeah. Okay, I'm all done. Thanks, Jim. >> Wow. >> Sorry about that, guys. But, >> okay. >> Thank you, Russ. >> Yeah, I don't. >> So, did you have a Did you have a
comment, Ralph? Is that >> So, I did after after going back and reviewing the meeting and all. Um, I have to say, um, I'd like to jump on board with Connor when we talked about elections. And what he basically said was, hey, if we know there's an election
coming up every two years that's got an extra one, that should be in the budget. We shouldn't be pulling that out of free cash. It's when we have one that's out of the ordinary, like a primary, then I would say yes. And I realize that's gonna make that department fluctuate,
but it's a budget and you're budgeting for the upcoming year and you know what's coming. It should be in the budget. >> Um, so Connor, yes. >> Wow. Thank you, Rob. >> Write that down. >> Thank you, Jim. >> All right. And and you know, we also
have the stabilization fund which is theoretically to do some of those types of things as well. And and you have an account. it's not, you know, doesn't like go away or you can't use it after a while. So, I I wonder if the stabilization fund would be something
that would be maybe more useful or more appropriate because it is kind of part of the part of the budget. But >> yeah, this one felt like the biggest reach of that, not putting the onetime costs in there, but they're onetime costs every two years, so it's not it's
the it's the biggest stretch of that sort of thought process. Um, >> disagree. We we sort of assumed that that was going to end up back into the budget. >> Um, other questions about last meeting?
Okay. Uh so our our PL game plan for today is to uh finish the departmental uh budgets, the general fund budgets, review the capital planning budget, and if there's time uh begin the enterprise
funds and revolving funds budgets. Next meeting will be with the schools. It's coming up on Monday. Um and uh hopefully uh we can meet with the schools and address any of these parts uh of the
capital planning or or funds uh that we didn't get a chance to uh review today. Um and uh I did get an email from Gordon around 12:30 today. Uh didn't get a chance to actually see it until uh just
as I was leaving. I forwarded it to you all. Um, it contains a a one-page u uh discussion which I did photocopy and I'll send I'll pass that around when we get to that place in the agenda. Uh,
but it also has their uh budget presentation for the here their meeting Monday night. Um, and also the quarterly financial report um was included with Gordon's email. So, use those to take a
look. And if you have questions or time between now and Monday, if there's any obvious one ones you want me to put together, uh, and um, make sure that that the schools have a chance to see them and prepare their answer, please
forward them to me over the weekend and I'll try to get something to them uh, Monday morning. Um, so with that said, uh, why don't we move directly to our town department? So, we left off
approving down to snow and ice. >> So, we're on page 17, Rich. >> Yes. >> Is that page 17? >> Barely see it. >> You're right. >> And so, we had started the discussion
about town and school utilities. I think that's where you were explaining, Tom, that the town is going to get some pretty big rebates coming because of the nature of the school uh and you're going to use them to kind of over the next two
or three years. Yeah. >> Uh mo moderate the uh the increase in this account. >> Correct. That was the plan. That was the sort of presentation and uh when the council sort of created this uh special fund to to deposit this money in so that
uh we we didn't see this increase all at once because it is a very large increase in this account. So >> and and this year you're budgeting for a pretty big decrease. >> Yes. M >> and that's because we'll be with council approval obviously uh taking some of
that money uh after July whenever we get it at some point in July and transferring it into this account. >> Questions on that account? >> All right, we'll move on to trash collection. And uh looks like you have a
I guess you don't have you you have um 630 27. So this year you're you've got your contracts pretty much in place for this. >> Yeah. So uh everything's in place. We actually went through the actuals uh of the last couple years. Uh we have a uh a
a different um it's split up into two contracts. It's hauling and then disposal. Uh meaning we have one contract that is Cassella that picks up the trash, but then we have to bring it somewhere. Um and so we're on year three
of that. This year we'll line them both up. So we'll be going out to bid in December for trash, both of those contracts. And hopefully we can get them both on a five-year so that we don't have to keep uh you know rebudgeting in between, you know. Um but we we've gone
through this this new three-year contract for the um disposal uh has not hit the numbers that we were budgeting. So we were able to bring that budget number down quite a bit this year. Any questions on the uh trash collection
budget? Okay. Uh waste collection disposal. Not a lot to talk about. No change. Any questions on waste collection? Health department. We have a uh actually a slight decrease.
I I did have just a question and I had it's not related to directly at the health department but but I noticed uh the increase to department heads um as a result of the uh study the
classification study seem to be 5 and a half% almost across the board. Is that how how did it happen to come out that way? It it it didn't technically it's only a 4% but we held off the 1 and a.5% from FY26 that got retroed. So that's
the difference in the numbers. So every the 4% was the classification number and so everybody got 2.5% in the budget last year. So there's it's 4% a year max. >> So it's four for >> everybody was in the same classification
or category or salary level. So that >> no everybody almost everybody that didn't get a bump that's over five and a half ended up where they should have ended up when we did the study but the way that the the classification plan
reads it's a 2% cola and then up to a 2% merit so that's 4%. So, so the five and a half is 4% for FY27 and then one and a half completes the 4% for FY27. I guess I guess
>> they've already retroactively been paid. >> All right. >> Uh but the numbers get messed up because the budgeted number was only 2 and a half. I guess I misunderstood what a what a classification study was because I I kind of thought it was looking at salaries and determining whether for
that position whether they're in the right place against the rest of you know >> towns but to have everybody come out at the same adjustment just seemed kind of strange to me. >> So it wasn't it wasn't so much an adjustment it was just the increase in
their salary based on that plan. Most most department heads fell in the the buckets they were supposed bucket. >> No, we we we actually have buckets now. Good question. The reason we did it was there was no there was no schedule at
all. There was no classifying of positions where the ranks are. Now we have them all with a min and a mid and a max. Um, and almost everybody fell in their bucket, but on a yearly basis,
everybody gets an an adjustment for COLA and merit if if appropriate. And that's the 4% COLA, two merit. >> So, you get a you get a COLA adjustment and a merit adjustment >> if warranted. >> That's kind of nice.
>> Yeah. >> Never heard of that while I was working. Yeah, >> there was a there was just an annual increase and whatever that was, you know, >> all right. Uh,
any questions on the health department? Council on aging slight decrease. I think you already asked the bridge AI question, right? >> Any questions on the council on aging?
Okay, hearing none. veteran services. Um, and uh any questions on the veteran services budget? >> We just have one employee in veteran services. >> It's just our uh this one
I think that is actually the it's our assessment value for the Easter uh Eastern Hammond County Veteran Service District. So, we have an assessment like Westcom. We we pay our portion.
>> So it's not an employee of the town. He's an employee of the district. >> But that so based on his salary, I thought we split the salary, but I thought each town based on the number of veterans is how much goes to veteran
services for benefits. So I thought there was split numbers. >> There's also the budget for the state veteran services, right? Is that this one or? It's in there. >> So So it's it's both, right? Cuz that doesn't get broken out into the other one. >> And then Yeah.
>> Yeah. That one's not Well, this particular sheet doesn't break out salary and general expenses, but >> um this number assessment plus any of those payments that they make to veterans. It's all within that budget, >> right? We get a number from the state
and we get a number from the district >> and that's this number and that's our our portion our share >> cuz we know it's gone up quite a bit since John Kford I think it was like 8 years ago when we were paying him 25,000
>> okay >> like that so >> it seems to be working pretty well >> amazing uh Jason is a fabulous service officer unbelievable Uh, any questions on the veteran services beyond that?
>> All right. >> Public library. >> I have a question. As someone who loves our library in town, um, I don't understand the 6K increase to minimize books required for state certification. I mean, I think the abbreviation maybe
I'm not reading it right. We need to increase our book supply in order to get certified by the state. >> So, that was asking. >> Yeah. Yes. There's quite a few state nuances in this budget. Uh we have we have required expenditures,
uh hours of operation we have to keep. >> Uh th this is all part of it. It all kind of goes up every year. >> Okay. >> We always have a laugh with this one because we take the number that we're required and then add it to the budget and then we wonder if we're spending enough because we've taken the
percentage of the number we took and added it to that number and now it's different. Um but uh yeah that there's always sort of an increase here um >> for what the state requires for expenditure. >> I thought this one was we have to hire a certain number of books out of pocket to
qualify for the state certification. >> You do. >> So but I mentioned the population doesn't go up. Why does the why does the requirement go up? >> Because the total budget goes it's always based on your total budget. It's a percentage of the prior year
budget, correct? >> Yeah. >> And so that's the funny part is you're you're using this old number and adding it and then the percentage doesn't play out when you look at the new budget, but it's because you're using last year's budget. >> So this is not a new 6K. Last year there
would have been >> 5K and 4K and >> it's just the increase to the budget. >> Oh gosh. Uh any other questions? All right. Recreation department and this is the
nonrevolving funds. This is the >> any questions regarding the recreation department. >> It says the classification studies down there again. Yep. >> So 05 and a half. Yeah. Do we do we have a number of what they actually bring in
for fees and uh revenue that they generate uh the school and um the pool? Sorry, not the school between Pinele Pineol camp and all of that. >> That would all be in the revolving account. >> All of that goes to a revolving fund, >> right?
>> Okay. What about uh rental fees like the pavilion and stuff like that? Does that also go into the revolving fund? Yeah. >> So the thing about this is >> so is their budget this line item plus
the revolving fund. >> Well the revolely >> but the go ahead. Go ahead. >> That's a short answer which is perfect is >> the revolving fund is taking fees and paying things out from. Right. So >> but it's still within their budget. It's
they're still buying whether it's basketballs or Yep. >> or whatever. It's still >> they do actually if you further along >> there is a page that shows all of those. Uh >> okay think >> it does show all the different sports and pineal and everything that shows what their estimated expenses will be
and what their estimated >> revenue. Yeah, we thought some of the pavilion and stuff like that rent property rental which is town property. I know it goes through the recck department, but >> yep. Should it be in their fund or >> this is this is where the conversation
has come up with the enterprise fund or another revolving fund or the the state law accounting makes all that money go back to the general fund at the end of the year if there's anything over they can hold 10,000 and any incumbrances but the rest of that revenue goes to the
general fund which >> doesn't necessarily help wreck andor parents that say I just used all these fees why is the money going back a a fire truck or whatever, right? Like these are always the questions about why is this revenue going there and this revenue is coming here and the the
accounting for the state statute says that money aside from 10 grand goes back into the general fund. >> So at the end of the year do they go out and buy all new basketballs and you know balls and everything? >> I'm sure they >> so that way there it doesn't have to
roll back. I mean that's what all the departments used to do >> this. So, thank you for saying that because that's what I was going to say that that's the old model. That's not necessarily what we do. Do we encumber? Does she buy stuff in May and June that she may need in July or August? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay.
>> But not let's spend all the money so we don't turn it back to the general fund. That doesn't happen. And when we do encumber at the end of the year um for the recreation for those revolving funds, we look at the revenue that's been taken in between March and June,
which is typically revenue for the programs that are happening in July and August. And that's what we allow our we allow that fund to encumber. So it's not like it's a random number that we're encumbering. >> It's basically all pineal if you can imagine. Everybody has to sign up in May and June and it doesn't happen till July
and August. So this is where the fiscal year kind of messes it up a little bit. But >> uh and notice this one there was a 9 and a half increase in salaries due to classification study plus the 5 1.5% adjustment for the department ed. So
these these required more adjustments than most of the other. >> So when I said most of the employees fell into the appropriate bucket, wreck was the one that did not. uh all the employees were getting paid more than uh what we would have called the average
that came out of the out of the the study. >> And in 2023 it was 23 less >> employees were getting paid less. >> Sorry, they were getting paid less. So we had to get them to their minimum. Sorry, I said >> uh we had to get them to the minimum of
their bucket. >> They were way down here. All right. And I just looking it was kind of interesting that 2023 we're at 235, 2027 we're at 332. Um so that the progression of increase
has been pretty strong. Um almost like 10% a year. Is there something that's are we doing more? We added people or just kind of curious and it's going up. Uh well, part of that is the is the employee declassification study. But
>> yeah, th this this year would have been the biggest increase probably that any department seen. Uh one be because of how small it was and two because half the employees weren't getting paid appropriately.
And so that increase on a percent level shows. >> So this will likely fall back down to a more standard. >> Everybody's on back down. Everybody that's not in a union is now at 2% cola 2% merit if if weren't if you know if
people we're going to have to start setting goals and if people hit goals and this that and the other thing like a like review >> is the 2% merit a guaranteed or is it one zero? >> Yep. It'll be it'll be based on >> it'll be based on some sort of yearly review.
>> Um so if if it's merited or not. >> Right. So, just out of curiosity, I noticed in um the breakout for employees that you're no longer going to have a recreation coordinator. Yep.
>> That we're going to have an aquatics uh person. >> Correct. >> And is that because of the new natatorium? >> Cuz we have a new pool. >> And so what did we do before with Pineol? Two questions. So what did we do in the past? >> Yep. And who used to take care of the
high school pool? Was it the wreck department that was in charge of the high school pool? >> It was a uh function of DPW wreck and some help from the uh janitorial staff at the high school. Uh not set up
correctly, sort of patchwork together. Uh, I think there was a point a couple maybe last year or two years ago that the pool was inoperational for a couple months because the uh chemicals were off or something. So, this puts a person there that knows pools and that's what
they're going to do. And so then are we going to have to add another employee as a recreation coordinator that >> someone else pick up that? >> The the the person that was the wreck
coordinator was doing a lot of the pool stuff. They were certified to do some of it. The rest of that role has been broken up amongst the existing employees in the wreck and the aquatics director will now just do Pineol's pool and the natatorium
which we assume uh is going to be a pretty heavy lift. >> Yeah, I would imagine >> in terms of it being a community pool, right? That's how it was um sent to the voters that this was going to be open to the public, which means we're going to have to have people there uh all the
time, right? And so >> I just wanted to make sure the wreck wasn't being, for lack of a better way of saying it, penalized. Hey, now you have to take care of this also. And yeah, we're not going to we're going to take a position away, you know, as the coordinator and
just make you do this. And >> well, I think uh both conversations related, if you look at it like that and how much money just got invested into the recck department, I think everybody's going to be okay. >> Um I would assume >> last question. I did notice that Doc is
no longer listed under the department. He's still under IT is.56. Yep. >> Couldn't find him anywhere else. But it says under it he's a full-time employee. >> He shouldn't be full-time. He only works 21 hours, right? Or
he was in the full-time salary line. >> He said FTE, which I'm assuming is full-time employee. >> Well, he's not a full-time employee. >> 56. So, I'm like, well, where else is he working 44 if it's not with the wreck? So, >> it's not >> Okay.
>> Uh, any other questions on recreation? >> Thank you, Jim. >> Okay. Sure, Rob. All right. Let's move on to page 18, >> which is, uh, cell operation. >> Nice. >> The pipes on this guy.
>> Lovely. Uh any questions on celebrations? Hearing none. 0% increase. PVPC uh assessment. Uh I assume that's that's what you're charged. And that's
>> Yep. And I think we did get that letter since we printed this. And it is that right. Did I forward you the PBC letter? >> Yeah. It might have been a couple dollars different. I'm not sure if I changed. >> Okay. All right. Any questions on PVPC? Okay. Uh that finishes the town
departments. Um and maybe this is a good spot for us to finish off our um approvals. Uh, we did approve
we did vote to recommend to the town council that it approve the town department budgets from the town council to snow and ice. And uh, might I hear a similar motion for the town department
budgets of town and school utilities through PVPC assessment? So moved. >> Second. Uh is there any further discussion? >> So am I understand this properly that the with the towns we're looking at a a
decrease of 1.54%. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> Correct. Thank you. Okay. >> Okay. Any other discussion? Hearing none. All in favor please say oh this is a roll call. >> All of them are all of them are
>> all right beach queen. >> That's right. They do have a contest down here for that. So, okay, I will I'll throw my hat in the ring. >> All right, Kathy, your vote is >> Yes. >> All right. And Russ, >> yes.
>> Hannah, Rich, >> yes. >> Jim, yes. Okay. Uh my thought is we at least look through these we go through the non-time department but general fund uh budgets
in case there's any issues questions that we might have. Um some of this is pretty preuncter because it's a matter of calculations. Um, but uh, so I retirement of debt. I mean, I have any questions? That's
>> me. >> Uh, interest on long-term debt. I didn't have a question. Anybody have a question? >> Russ. >> Russ. >> At the end. >> Oh, >> thank you. >> Uh, interest on short-term debt. No band. So, that's keeping it pretty uh,
pretty simple. Any questions? >> Nope. >> All right. So, debt PNI, uh, sounds like we're okay. Uh, workers compensation. So, this was the 27.66% increase to for the actual quote.
>> We discussed this before. >> Nope. And we haven't received a full quote yet. Um, but based on our I had a meeting with our insurance provider. Um there he had a schedule of what these
claims were. Um and we've had quite a bit of an increase in claims. Um and so that is this increase. Uh he was using um I think when you switch insurance companies there's a little bit of a lag
for the actual data. Um and now uh we have they have a a bunch of data from us now and it's considerably more than um we've had in the past. Uh we've sort of uh looked at some of these situations as
areas that uh need to be um changed operationally. Um the the the biggest one was um uh increase that we've had is almost all the way up to slips, trips, and falls is
um student faculty uh interaction. Uh again, this will be more um of the conversation. I'm sure you'll hear Monday with the uh differences in learning and how um there are there are students with special needs that uh you
need you need to have a teacher that can handle that student and if not that person ends up getting hurt at work. Um and this is an increase in that interaction that is is sort of a function of um education.
Um so that is the that is the uh the basically the sole reason for that increase is the uptick in those interactions >> seen by our insurance company. >> Guess I never would have never would have even have thought that but
so your general workforce there isn't that kind of uptick. >> No. Nope. Tom, is that John Versett? >> Yep. >> So, just for full disclosure, Hub International I believe represents the
town for work comp and property and casualty. >> Correct. >> I work for Hub International. So, when we go to vote on a recommendation, >> I'll excuse myself with respect to those two. >> All right. Uh, further questions on that budget? I guess we will have a chance to
to talk with the school committee on. >> All right. Uh so property liability insurance another nice solid increase of 25%. >> Wow.
>> This was also solely for one reason and that's our beautiful brand new high school that's coming online in a few months. >> Okay. So we're going to be at this level. It's not going to go down, but it's not going to have the same kind of increase next year.
>> Correct. >> Question. Go ahead. Go ahead. >> Do you think it would go down a little when the old one is demolished and you have technically half a less building online? >> A little bit. Uh the the difference in the assessed value of the two buildings
is way different. So, of course, there'll be a little bit of a difference that we'll see, but um that that delta is still going to be the big the big number. >> Great question. >> Great question. >> Uh so, our grand total for insurance is
going up 24.9%. 25.9%. >> And again, I don't have final >> figures yet. Um, I think some of this has uh caused us to sort of look into uh shopping out some of our um underwriters
uh to see uh if we can get better rates in any of these areas. And so uh I I'm going to imagine that much like last year, I won't get these numbers until June or later. >> You work directly with the insurance companies, not an agent that
>> they're they're uh they're fabulous. So, I'm not just saying that because of what Russ just said. If I texted uh our guy right now, he would text me back within 5 minutes. >> They're outstanding >> and it's a side of the business. I have no idea what
I mean. So, >> uh other questions on property uh property liability insurance. >> Okay. Employee benefits up 8%. Questions? Hearing none, we'll move on. Uh, health
insurance up 5.4%. What is EP funds? >> Enterprise funds. >> Enterprise. >> Uh, like sewer, water, uh, LCAT, storm water. So basically what was happening
is when the insurance was getting budgeted in the general fund, it would be charged off to the enterprise funds, but it was still being budgeted here. Now it's just >> shifting that budget over. That's why it's looking like
>> enterprise funds and we're removing it. >> It was always in the enterprise funds. We just sort of double counted it. >> It never came out of the big number when we moved it over. >> Right. So the water sewer that they've always been paying for their share out of their enterprise fund, but we were
also budgeting it in the general fund. So now it's not. >> So is this a onetime benefit and we'll be looking at an 18 19% increase next year? >> Well, it depends. Again, these are all the conversations >> based on your the note. Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, the other thing is we're
budgeting 14.2% increase and Scantic has given us an 11.2. So there is that 3% buffer in there again. So next year if we're looking at a 15% increase then you know we won't see that hit just like this year we're only seeing a 5.4% increase.
It's because we had that cushion last year. >> Well we've talked this subject on any other questions regarding health insurance >> retirement contribution um 8.75. >> I have I have a question.
So in the years past, Jim, when we were on appropriate, the state mandate that the retirement boards had to come up to a certain percentage of their potential obligation down the road. I forget the technical term for it. Or is Hammond County still
under that? >> Yes. >> 36. >> So there is a catchup amount that's in here up until 20 2037, I think. >> Yeah, I think. And how much is that ketchup amount each year? >> So, you know, the fun thing is it's very
difficult to actually get an answer to that question. >> I have tried repeatedly to get an answer to that question. Um, I've looked at all the reports, all of their reports, um, from Hampton County Retirement, their
audits, looked at our audit. I can't get a good answer. I'm still working on it, though. So, there was an effort a couple years ago by Bob Markle, the Hampton Town manager. >> Yeah. >> For for like transparency. Did that just like go nowhere?
>> Apparently. >> Apparently. >> Apparently. So, I you know, I guess, you know, previous to to me being here, um, they would just send us a bill with a dollar amount on it. >> Yeah. >> And I know that our treasurer worked to get that broken down by town and school so that we could actually see what
portion was town, what portion was schools. So now I'm I'm hoping I can get them to tell us what that catchup amount is. >> So >> I can figure out what the catch-up amount is for every town, but it's very difficult to get that breakdown um by
individual town. So >> So is there not like a historical, you know, number that we've been assessed? Like you said, you get a note at the end of the year saying you owe this much ketchup. >> What? What? >> No, it doesn't say ketchup. It says you just owe this amount of money
>> and it includes a catchup. >> Okay. >> And it's a percentage increase over the prior year. So, >> you know, I mean, I I'm still working on it and my, you know, hope is that I have actually will get an answer. But by you saying >> well no in 2037 when it goes down goes down
>> there seems to be a lot of ch good change that has happened at that organization and and maybe that has to do with some of the things you're talking about but there there is more confidence uh sort of in the ether from everyone that contributes to Hampton
County that they're actually uh working in everybody's best interest in the right way at this point. So, um, maybe that's at least that came of what you're talking about. >> And I think I asked this before. This is both current employees and retirees who
were contributing to it. And >> this is a dumb question. I apologize. I should know this, but so there's health insurance, there's retirement contribution. And what is employee benefits beyond health insurance and
retirement contributions? It's just our portion of Medicare. >> Medicare. >> So, we don't pay into Social Security, but we do pay into Medicare. >> Okay. Gotcha. >> Mhm. >> And And if the town subsidizes, is it
Medicare Part B or the supplement or retirey health insurance? >> What? Say it again. >> So, town either subsidizes So, so it's the 50/50.
Yeah. >> So, retirees pay 50. Yeah. 50. So, that the town's 50%. Is it on the supplemental plan >> or is it just on Medicare? >> I I'm actually not sure what the >> All right. You two are retirees, right? >> Supplemental. It's got to be
supplemental. >> Medicare. It's way high. That's not it. It's a supplemental plan. Okay. I'm talking. >> Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you for the assist. >> Quite welcome. >> We're all living Maryland. Um, we're looking at that again.
>> Uh, any other questions on retirement? >> If not, okay, I I think that takes us through all the town budgets. So, we uh we ended on the town departments and so town budgets that are
not departments uh start at retirement of debt and end with retirement contribution. Do I hear a motion to recommend these for approval by the town council? >> So move. >> Second. >> All right. >> To just be
>> Oh, yeah. >> Recuse for those two specific items, workers comp and property and casualty. >> Okay. Still not. >> Would you rather us to do those separately? >> Up to you, Mr. Chair. >> Whatever you believe. >> Why don't we do them separately? So, uh,
entertain a motion. I will revise your motion, Rich. Uh to include everything from retirement of debt through um >> through uh retirement with the exception of
>> which ones and property liability insurance liability >> and property liability. >> Amen. I'll second that motion. >> All right. Any other discussion? Hearing none. >> Okay. Just for a quick point just for
disclosure would use Russ's term full disclosure. So now our total town budget is now 2% increase. >> Correct. Our total town budget now becomes a 2% increase. >> Oh, is that Yeah. >> Yes, you're right. Okay. >> Yep.
>> Uh so Kathy, >> yes. >> Uh Russ, >> yes. >> Anna, >> yes. >> Rich, >> yes. >> Jim, yes. Okay. Okay. Then I will entertain a motion to recommend to the town council to approve the u health and
workers comp >> workers comp and which was the other >> property liability insurance. >> All right. >> Some move. >> Thank you. >> Second. >> Second. Uh any other discussion hearing? None. Uh Kathy.
>> Yes. >> And Russ recuses. Anna. >> Yes. >> Bridge. >> Yes. Jim. Yes. Thank everyone. Uh that basically takes care of the town's general fund budget. >> So I just want to point out cuz you're
going by this sheet, right? >> So underneath the school. >> Yeah. >> Is all of the excluded debt which is technically part of the general fund budget as well. >> Okay. Yeah, I can see that it out just so that everybody can see
>> the difference between the excluded debt um and the the regular debt. >> Yes. With the exception of school. General fund budget with the exception of schools. >> Yes. And then the excluded debt is below the school. That is part of the general fund budget. >> Yes. Thank you. Thank you for that
clarification, Kim. Uh my vote would we my my recommendation would be we not look at these until after we've discussed with the school committee. >> Um terms of the excluded debt. I don't know that there's much for us to
disapprove. It is what it is. >> Um so that would be it I think for this page. >> Any >> that's page 19, right? Y >> uh with that I think we're moving on.
>> Uh the next page is really everything else and um it's really a recap of of the budget itself. My vote would be we move to the capital projects
uh as opposed to working on this. There's a couple of things I guess it could be considered um budget, but uh I I I would say we come back to this and instead move right to the capital. So, it's uh it's 4:30.
Um took us a little bit longer to get through that. Um let's let's follow through the capital projects, see where we are. I mean, my usual inclination is to, you know, spend
an hour and a half at this. Uh, but if if we do only have the the 427 meeting and then the the the May 4th meeting, is it? So, let's see where we are at 5:00 and because there are quite a few
enterprise funds and revolving funds. Uh, so moving to capital projects which I have as page 21 of 52. Is that correct, Rich? >> Correct. All right. Um, and Tom, in terms of the process, do you do
you still utilize a a cap capital planning committee or do you do you do yourself now or >> No. Uh, we have a wonderful >> We're here >> wonderful uh it's it's a capital advisory committee. Yeah.
>> Um consisting of uh the chair is Quimby. Uh Mr. Ferro is also on the um committee. Um as she said, is on the committee. Jim uh both non- voting members but in the room
um for for obvious reasons. Deputy town manager uh Rebecca Lesi is on the committee. Um Paul Federici is on the committee this year. I knew I was going to blank on Peter Garvey. Peter Garvey, uh, who's a capital asset manager for the city of Springfield, who's been an
amazing addition to that committee. Um, it provides me a, uh, superior level of comfort, uh, to put forth. Uh, they meet with everyone, they discuss all the projects, they rank all
the projects. Um, it's it's quite a herculean task based on how many uh, projects are submitted every year. Um, and they do a great job going through all of them. So, uh, thank you again to all them. I've already thanked them a bunch bunch of times, but none too many.
Um, but yeah, Kim's there too, right? Did I say you? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, >> I already did. Okay, good. >> I track everything. >> Yes. No, you can't do that. >> So, these these are the projects that made the cut, >> correct? >> For this year, these are the ones that have to be done this year. So
essentially um I give them the the dollar amount cut off for our general fund where we think we we can fund from the general fund and I ask them to go through all those projects. There's also the enterprise funds that uh you know we'll have some conversation about after
whether we want those but uh they'll rank all the projects and then draw that line at the at 2 million or so I think was the number this year. Um, yeah. >> And were there any projects that didn't make the grade that really are going to
hurt the town? >> Uh, I don't think anything. Go ahead, Rick. >> Yeah. From committee members, this paralleled exactly what we recommended to the town manager. >> The only thing I asked Kim before the meeting was we did have a a high priority course for a trailer generator.
And Kim, your explanation was we're not going to fund that because most people are moving to 382 North Main Street. Correct. So it was not needed. >> That was that was part of the rationale that a lot of the financial >> right >> aspects like payroll. Yeah.
>> Um was now at 382 North Main. And initially when they requested that town hall generator, one of the things that they had said was because they had like the financial offices there that it would be needed. So I think that was why
they made that decision. I don't know if there were any other reasons for that decision. >> So basically exactly what the committee recommended. >> So So the committee's comfortable with >> absolutely >> with what's on it, what's not on it. >> From from an emergency standpoint, we'll almost never be in town hall in an
emergency. uh that will be closed will be at fire department or birchand and both those facilities already have emergency val or soon to be the new high school with another generator >> or the new high school with another generator. >> So what I'd propose is I'll just read off these items and if someone has a
question uh raise it. So, truck number 45, parking lot, fire station >> question. >> Uh, truck number 71 >> question. >> Well, Russ, did you have a question on
parking lot fire station? >> I I did. >> Yeah. No, I my intention would be ask it as we go along. So, go ahead. >> Go ahead, Ralph. You're first. Um so the parking lot fire station the
backup data uh that Bruce supplied is fire station paving FY27 total $27,130. >> You mean the backup data does not match what's on the sheet? >> Yeah. Yeah. So the escalation down below where they added yours to it, then it's
got FY27, but on the top when he calculated it out and it says FY27 on it, it comes to 207. So, I cross referenced the cost of materials with what we had received uh from like Mountain View Paving
>> and actually Bruce's numbers were a little bit higher because obviously he's estimating and uh so I'm just curious a 20% difference 50 to 207 and then I'd just throw in there that the reinforcement fabric's not going to
work for But that's just Long Meadow did it on Converse Street and within 5 years the street was shot too. So they realized that the extra cost just wasn't that very well uh maybe luckily for us we
will we'll have a few paving companies in town next year. So we're hoping to get that price down even further, right? Um, but uh I I submitted this project a couple times actually in when I was in DPW. Uh, and I wasn't confident uh with
the underlying soils that anything uh was going to help. Obviously, uh it's an emergency building. So, some something needs to be done in that parking lot at some point. Uh we've got some craters in the parking area that will will start to
damage vehicles at this point. This has been on the list for quite a few years. >> Yes. This the entire parking area including um Yep. >> on the side of the building and all. So this isn't So the areas that you had talked about in the past were basically coming into the building going out of
the building were the worst with the dipping and I think they've been um patched a few times. >> Yep. The the the site itself is a difficult one. We've had to uh for ADA compliance shave down almost all the
sidewalk, you know, except that have re uh natural reinforcing under them, i.e. a manhole in the middle of the sidewalk. That one stayed, but the rest of them them are moving all around. We we we built the fire station in the proximity
of or on a landfill and it's hard to know with any certainty if anything is going to hold in any one spot. Thankfully, the building has held up pretty good. Um, but this this is a difficult project, but I I'm starting to really hear from the chief at this point
that some vehicles are are, you know, not going to be in a safe condition at some point. >> Go ahead. >> And the only reason I'm question I'm good with the project I know the paving needs to be done. >> The price. >> Yeah, exactly. Yeah, it's funny you should say that because the backup we
got in the committee was 25627. I don't know if we got different information or not and I our uh packets. >> Well, I think he's saying that the backup was was what is that like a spreadsheet kind of? >> Yeah,
>> just adding escalation. >> Yeah. No, no, no. I understand project details from Mark Burman. >> Okay. But what I'm looking at is the calculations by Bruce and how he came up with that number. And he's got, you know, 600 tons uh at $200
a ton. Um Tian Bond had said uh 185 a ton paving reinforcement fabric, the curbing, and then he added a 10% contingency and he came up with 207. >> All right. Let me >> So let's add that as a We'll make that a
question. Yep. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> And if we could save 50,000, I'm sure there's something else we could put into capital. >> Yeah. >> Good question, Ralph. Uh question on truck 71, the dump truck.
All right. Then we have a kind of a split thing. Engine 2 lease. Now, it's split 7525 because you're allocating it. >> Nope. >> Differently. The ambulance fund was previously picking up to 25%. And it's
not >> all right. So, >> is there a reason it's split up then? >> It shouldn't be. We can we can squeeze it. >> Okay. >> It's the same amount of money. It's just in two categories because it was in two
categories last year. I think >> uh before we go on. >> Yep. >> Um I I do have a question on truck 71. on which >> on the one before that truck 71 looked right over >> Chevy Mac dump truck.
>> So my question would be one um why do we need a 20% contingency if we just got pricing on it? Um and the second is under the backup documentation it says that this truck is used for water and sewer uh brakes and repairs. So, is a
portion of this going to be coming out of the enterprise fund considering the trucks used in those two? >> What truck number? >> 71. >> 71. >> So, the contingency is a thing that they didn't just get the pricing. They got the pricing in September or October when
they >> submitted >> when they submitted their capital plan. >> Y >> and this has been a difficult thing for them. Uh most of these prices don't hold for 30 days, let alone 8 months. So, we've been we've been adding an escalator to almost all vehicle per
purchases in this plan for the last couple years at this point. >> 20 seems a lot. >> Yeah. In the past, it had been 10. That's why I said and at 56,000 um for 20% that >> again $20,000 30,000 additional sounded
like a lot. >> You won't actually wind up buying this truck until when? >> July 1st. Uh yeah, it'll it'll be Augustish, >> probably late July, August.
>> So, Ralph, is that a question that you want to have answered before determining whether >> like I said, I just think it's something obviously the council is going to be uh discussing this stuff too. But just so that they know ahead of time what I'm going to be asking again.
>> So, this is the contingency >> which is 20,000 >> 20%. It's 20% >> 20% >> 56,000. >> And like I said, the main question was, is a portion of this coming Yeah. going to come out of the enterprise if that's
where the trucks partially used? >> So the request was put in for um general fund and it talked about salting, sanding, and plowing. So it was for kind of >> that it was a major uh >> Right. So I like if there's something in
the background, we'll have to ask. >> Okay. >> We can we can figure that out from an operational standpoint. >> Uh Chromebooks questions. My only question I guess is is it really
a capital expense now or is it >> this question has come up for the last 5 years. >> I mean what's the life of a chrome? I mean, I know you're buying them in bulk, but the life is is what and and it just it's it's an every year every year thing. >> It's more of a
>> the police cruisers have sort of been rounded into this conversation, too. >> Um, and I guess the the real solution to the problem would be, do we want to add it to the general fund budget? >> Yeah, >> I' I've I've pushed for that for for six
years on this. I don't understand why it's in the general why it's in the general fund. So, so Chromebooks differently than the cruisers. Obviously, they're over 25,000 and they're a capital asset, right? You know, based on our definition, Chromebooks, just because you bought as many of them as you could to get to a
number doesn't necessarily mean that one Chromebook is a capital asset. >> So, I will say though, in our policy, it does state that if you purchase large quantities of items that put you over that threshold, >> it can be a capital item. for something
like $147,000. That would be a lot to add in >> to the budget >> maybe at a time that we, you know, are not ready to do that. Um I depending on what their useful life is. I mean, if they're 5 years, yeah,
they could be capital items. If they're less than that, then they could be in the budget. But I think it's it's more of a question whether we want to add $147,000 into the general fund budget this year. Are we ready to do that? Um I
>> is this added when you calculate the net school spending is this 147 part of that? >> It is school spending. >> Yeah. So any any debt that we pay on behalf of the school and any capital items that we purchase whether they're
raised and appropriated or they're paid with free cash or grants um that's all reported. I guess if you look at a capital item like it it shouldn't be something that occurs every year,
right? Like >> the there's certainly made for >> either >> this being in the the operational >> like it's an operational it's like a line item that is here. It's the same >> and you're not paying interest on it either.
>> Huh? You're not paying interest on it if you put it into a general fund purchase every year. >> This is a this is a general fund raise and appropriate item. So it it there's no interest. >> We're paying for the stuff. >> It's technically part of the general fund budget. >> Okay. Well, I guess what we're doing is
echoing the question that was raised by some members of the capital planning advisory. >> Yes. and and >> to maybe review that not for this >> budget but uh perhaps come back with a >> you know
>> there's no right or wrong answer I suppose >> do something similar with the bunker gear we did move it into the general >> right >> so y >> it's more determining where you want to see our excess levy so if
>> well we would we would for this year just move that and wouldn't we wouldn't backfill the capital plan. >> Well, that's true. >> Yeah. Next year, >> so instead of a $2 million capital plan outlay and the general fund this year, it would be minus47,000
because we put it into the operating budget. >> Russ, you had a question. >> Well, I I think you were heading down to this is not something we should decide now first, >> right? >> But Rich has been saying this has been ongoing for years. >> Yeah. So, do we plant the flag and make
it make a recommendation one way or the other? Why put it off another six years? I think what you were just saying, Kim, kind of makes an interesting point that if you were to roll that into the department for the general fund, that if
our policy for how much we generally spend on capital projects is a percentage of the general fund budget, you're actually increasing the amount that we would spend above and beyond the 147 in years moving forward, >> which is probably not something that I
think we actually want to do if you move it over. or it would just kick back the percentage that you're >> Yeah. So, we've been at No, that it's a good point. We'd have to move like we've been doing three and a half% of the budget. That was 2 million net of debt.
And so, in that case, we would be down to a different percentage if we didn't want to do that. But, >> so up until four or five years ago, we were only 1 1.2 million for capital projects. Mhm.
>> And then we increased we chose to increase it because of all the needs for capital product. >> Yep. >> Could I answer this? >> And you're paying you're paying for them either way. >> It's it's it's a the solution would be to not impact it all in one year.
>> So find a way to move some of it into operation so that that number could sort of slowly get and we could stay at this 3 and a half%. because I really do think it's a good number from for from a capital standpoint because we're we have a big huge list of projects and we're getting a lot of stuff done and I'd hate
to see this. >> Yes, but it's kind of being eaten up a little bit by these every year. Uh >> it's a good point. >> Something we could definitely look at next year with the capital planning committee. We'll stay where we are, but next year let's really a conversation
even at the council. I mean this this is sort of policy driven and if you had a firm feeling one way or the other about how we want to spend the money on this then I'm I'm all ears. I again I don't think it matters from a general fund standpoint like total >> but where where where are we putting
this money because if we put this money in this and then backfill the capital plan to our three and a half% target >> now we're taking 150 out of the levy. >> Right. Right. >> Can I ask a question? I'm sorry, Tom. >> That's okay.
>> It'd be interesting to hear from Ryan. Um, what's the useful life of a Chromebook? I'd be surprised if it was more than two years because, you know, the kids have them. Uh, they they can take them home. And so, there's a lot of
wear and tear. And the other question I would have is um how many Chromebooks can you buy for 147,000? And I realize every year that that price might change, but you know,
is he buying 200 of them uh every year? Which would doesn't sound like a whole lot to me because I recall him telling me some time ago um that he's got 3,000 machines online at any given part of a school day.
>> Are >> Right. >> Are these for the new incoming? >> Yeah. Is it What grade do they get them at? Like third. third grade. So, it's >> the younger kids use iPads. >> Yeah, it's either second or third. So,
it basically whatever that enrollment is coming in that year, that's how many you need. >> They're really not replacing old. >> But you kind of I think they're No. I mean, I think it's both. >> So, the Right. But I think the number right >> cuz the student keeps that Chromebook as
long as >> long as Yeah. >> My kids are still good. I'm just saying. >> But this says >> I bought the insurance. How about the insurance? >> How about the insurance? >> This does say replacement of local Chromebooks, >> right? >> So, is that not what this is for? >> No, that's what it is. >> So, Dr. Dr. Google
>> Dr. Google >> says the life expectancy of a Chromebook is 5 to 8 years. >> I think the majority is for the new third graders. >> Hey, let me phrase this let me phrase this a different way then.
>> I I agree. You know, >> are we questioning the amount, Kathy? >> No. Oh, no. I was just being curious like what quantity every year are we looking at? >> Uh 21. >> Okay. >> Backup's got to be in here somewhere. >> Yeah. I mean, I think it makes sense to
leave it as is this year, but >> yeah, >> I guess I would have definitely look into >> I have the opposite. I think it makes sense to leave it in the capital project because if we're really treating it as a capital asset for the town in terms of like overall inventory tracking, then I think that makes it a capital project.
We appreciate this. >> Yes, >> you do. Uh, does anybody have an issue with the expense itself versus the treatment accounting? Okay. >> All right. Let's uh let's move on. I assume that'll be a discussion for
>> next year. Yes. >> Uh, any issues on the air conditioner? >> I just have a question. Um, which server room are we talking about at town hall? >> Yep. >> Okay. So that's the the basically the heart of
the >> right >> the whole network is in brain >> once been responsible for uh servers for uh bank north I air conditioners are quite quite required
>> uh security upgrades any question where are these upgrades >> that's the security that's for the 39 cameras >> yeah 39 cameras is it just the schools is it I I think he I remember >> see anything in the backup doc. >> I thought if you remember offers it was
throughout the town that I'm just using my memory throughout the town. I thought it was >> Yeah. >> 27 controllers would suggest it's throughout the town. >> I think it is throughout the town. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So all buildings including schools. >> Yes. That's that that that's my
understanding of that we met a long time ago. >> And outdoor cameras like we have cameras everywhere. uh >> uh building control system. Why don't we put these two together? And the second
skylights are both kind of updates to the library, which >> I guess I keep thinking of it as new, but it's been quite a while. >> We we got a grant to reduce that quite a bit. Correct. >> Yeah. So, the building control system number uh we just had a meeting last
week. Uh we did receive a grant. Um there was a uh similar project last year in the capital plan. Uh and there's some overlap in costs between that project, a grant, and then this. In all likelihood,
uh this number will come down. Uh the building control system number. Um Ryan has already bought some of the equipment with the FY26 uh money for building control upgrades. Um and so we're just putting that all
together with um with our consultant right now. He's meeting with uh with Ryan and Rebecca to sort of administer that grant. >> Um questions on building control or second floor skylights uh cruisers.
Uh this is pretty standard, right? Uh the only question I What did it mean by needed for administrative administration use to replace one? That's >> what what what administration does that mean? >> Uh I'm going to guess it's one of the detective vehicles.
>> I thought Lieutenant maybe. No. >> No. He had he had a request in for uh the other Tahoe, didn't he? >> Yeah. >> That was separate than this. Yeah. So So there Go ahead. sounded like there was going to be two marked vehicles for
basically patrol vehicles and he was hoping for a third unmarked vehicle which would I assumed was for administrative purposes. So is this an outdated comment because only two are being
>> right the original question was 201,000 right one vehicle was removed administrative one so the two vehicles were so that we just need to update the project description that >> yes >> and what happens to the
>> the replaced vehicles >> uh either municip or uh if for instance uh we have a use for one of the older vehicle in another department. Uh we're probably going to use one of the old ones for the building commissioner
again. Um the cost of that vehicle per year was the same amount that we were reimbursing for mileage. And be honest, the amount that the building inspector is out on the road, those sheets are very cumbersome and take up a lot of
time. And so, um I I think I'd rather our building commissioner be rolling around with blue blue plates say least. However, it's also going to be a wash costwise. So, probably before this year is out,
get that old Taurus stripped and painted and put on back to the fleet. Any other questions on >> being a hybrid, it's electric and gasoline? I'm assuming almost like what
a Prius would be or being a hybrid. Is this electric that needs charger? >> I don't think it's electric at all. Right. It's a hybrid. That hybrid is like a a there's no plugin. There's no electric. It's like the hybrid is >> Yeah. You're thinking of a plugin, a
plug-in hybrid, which you can use either or the vehicle uses. My my car is a hybrid. You just gas it up like a gas, you know, regular car. >> Battery in it though, right? There is a battery. >> So, it gets recharged by using it. >> Yeah. By using Yes. All right.
>> Okay. I'm not familiar. >> Like a Prius where it just perfect. >> Same as mine. >> Same as yours. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Fire alarm system for Oh, sorry. Go ahead. Um, I know we don't have the information now, but could we maybe look into it? Is
we're often replacing at least two cruisers a year under the thought that, oh, they're going to be high mileage and cost a lot of money to to repair in the future. But if every year we seem to keep taking at least one of them and using them for a different town function, how much do those recycled
vehicles end up costing the town in other maintenance? Cuz if it's not all that much money, perhaps we shouldn't be replacing to an every >> Yeah. Right. No, you're right. And we haven't >> if we're if we're using on how much >> we haven't used one of those vehicles in quite a while. And this one that I had
earmarked for building was the the old school resource officer vehicle. So, it didn't uh it didn't have the the wear and tear that a police cruiser would. Um but yeah, we the last three or four have gone out on municip. we've gotten pretty
good money for them revenue. So, we can let's let's put that all together in terms of uh at least how much revenue we've again I can't remember the last time we repurposed a police. >> We may not have done it recently, but some of the ones that we facilities and
spending money on maintenance, I assume >> I miss my crown victory, Connor. >> Uh yeah, we can look into that. >> Okay. Uh good question. Uh, fire alarm for Birchland Park. Uh, this doesn't seem like there's too
much choice in the matter. Any questions? >> I'm just shocked that that was our newest school. >> I know. So, obsolete in some way. >> This is a frame of reference. uh when I was still working there that the particular system that was installed was
struggling then in 2010 and on to get replacement parts because there were very few vendors across the country that still stock them. So I'm not surprised that that hasn't come up before this. >> Yeah. Wow.
Uh Mountain View uh paving access road questions. >> Okay. That's an existing road for repaving. >> It's there already. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Is that the one that's closest to the
building that get to like the playground and all that kind of stuff? >> And it it sort of loops around the new modulars. >> Okay. >> I will take a walk through it today. >> Okay. Uh, metal brick parking lot. Is this a
redesign? Is this what this is for? >> There's some redesign components here. They had did we they I think upgraded the lights not too long ago based on this design and the design never went through. Um, yeah. Meet me. Uh, I guess
I'll say a lot of our schools weren't equipped to handle this much car traffic, particularly K through two. everybody was on the bus and now no one's on the bus. Um, and so I I think sort of re-imagining uh the parking lot
out front of Meadow Brookke to allow for more parking allows uh a better flow in the the whole the whole site. >> So you're saying there was a redesign, but there wasn't the money to >> It was on this it's been on this plan for a while. They they did the lighting
portions of it and and some of the drainage work. Uh but it's never been uh it's never been on the capital plan. >> So this is to find to finish the the plan that was originally designed to make it easier for
>> Yes. >> Essentially is going to add more parking which we would assume would help uh everybody's parking like on the grass >> uh in the aisles. Uh it it's a big jam fest there from three o'clock on.
>> Um >> um anybody have questions? Yeah, go ahead. >> Um so Connor, when we did a walk through a few years ago on capital projects, we looked at the Metobrook and this >> behind the building where they were
talking about when they have um open house or whatever they have a place to park. They were parking on the lawn and isn't this adding an entire parking area where the lawn was? >> I don't on the side in the back took a while
back of the building >> because I had suggested well if it's only part-time that you're using it just for overflow that maybe instead of doing asphalt which >> obviously it's uh uh impermeable that maybe you do something else in that
area. Um, and then again, like I said, I just it's hard to tell by the the layout. It's got multiple areas, and I'm not sure if this is in the front of the building where it was better for the teachers coming in, they needed added or
this was behind the building or if this is >> I think there were a number of places. Go ahead. Sorry. I remember when we did that and I know at that time they were talking about and I think ultimately did >> redesigning some of the islands and some of the end stuff to add a few more spots. But
>> then I couldn't remember when I saw this project again if they were talking about how like there was always that weird little offshoot parking lot in front of the parking lot if it was to make that bigger or if it was in that other spot you were talking about. >> I'd love an explanation. someone walking
around just to say, "Hey, this is what we want to do." >> Yeah. >> So, if you look at the the request, the the redesign, >> so those areas that are um shaded
now be sort of re-imagined parking. Does that make sense? >> So, there is a whole area behind the school. >> Yep. lawn. That's going to be
>> That was lawn. >> I'm sorry. Do you When you're saying behind So, I apologize. >> Come in from Parker Street. >> So, right. I'm I I'm looking at it like a corner lot like that's both fronts, Parker and Porter. >> If you come in from um Parker
>> Yep. >> Um on the right hand side, they were talking about adding an entire new parking lot in there. No, that's not this. >> So that's a >> picture somewhere follow up to clarify.
>> Yeah, we can clarify all of that. Y >> and uh the biggie here roads. >> Roads. So, I had um I had asked Mark to put awesome area that we kind of left off uh way
back when um to to to add some serious paving in this um into this capital plan and not in the form of a flat amount that didn't really point to anything. Ironically,
uh we'll be using the 500,000 that got put in the plan last year to supplement this amount to complete an entire project which will be uh all the rest of Parker Street down to Metobrook Road, all of Metobrook Road and then Hampton Road from Parker Street all the way to
the town line. Um, and again, we we toyed with doing more. Uh, but Mark also is going to have to deal with uh Summers Road uh minor oversight with DOT Prospect. Um
he's uh has a chapter 90 project on Pleasant Street this summer. uh in addition to other areas, we have a um a nice bigger chunk of money in the chapter 90 plan. So, uh he's got his own sort of plan. So, I didn't want to put
too much on them. we were going to be paving uh five main roads um next year um depending on DOT's schedule, but this seemed like a a good chump chunk of money to use in an area that uh sort of really needs it and
connects to some of the other areas that were uh previously paved andor are about to be paved. Okay. All right. uh questions. Then there's no bonded capital projects. Um and then we have the enterprise
enterprise fund capital projects. Uh the Densler road that would be bonded out of the sewer. Um any questions on that? >> So this is only the engineering portion of it. It's actually like $6 million.
>> Correct. And so is a sewer fund going to be able to accommodate a $6 million bond? >> Well, um, yes is the short answer. Um, however, we're hoping that we can get
some grant funding for this in the onetop. That's in June in June. Um, the only way to to make the $6 million thing work was to do it this way and sort of spread it out. um phase it out. I mean um so that there wasn't that big huge
hit on the sewer department, but did did is that the conversation you kind of had with I know I think it got submitted at first the whole project, right? >> It did. >> Um which >> they got smart and realized that would have been denied quickly.
>> Correct. Um, and so for for those of you don't that don't know, uh, this is a um, a pretty major project. We have to pump all of our waste water to Springfield and it runs basically right up the rail
trail to Vinland Station which is behind Friendley's back behind Stop and Shop. Um, and so this is uh this is a musto at this point. Uh, >> I have a question. >> Sure.
>> Isn't maybe I'm remembering wrong and mixing it up with one of the other streets in the industrial garden park area, but isn't this a street that we just repaved in the last 5 years? >> Mhm. >> So, we would tear it all out. >> No. No. So, so Denzel Road is where this
the pump station is and then it goes up the rail track >> heads north. >> Oh, so it's not following. >> Yeah, it doesn't. Great. Great question. Great question. No, Denow Road itself won't be affected. >> Okay. >> So, this is just for the engineering.
>> Yes. >> The description doesn't say that. >> Yeah. I think it's because originally the project was for the whole project. So, that's the >> So, this this would lead you to believe. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> We'll update that one, too. >> So, just a general question on on water
and sewer bills. >> Yep. So, I mean, outside of the real estate tax bill and roads, you hear people talking about how much water and sewer bills have gone up. So, if you're going to do a $6 million bond project, we're just talking about what impact on
the rates will that be and when would those kick in? >> So, um I'm not going to be able to give you exactly how much that impact would be, but that 1.5 million won't impact until 28 and then if they go out to
borrow another five 4.5 million um that would you know be the following year after that. So like we can go out to borrow this 1.5 million but there won't be any payments due on it and you know in fiscal 27 we'll have payments in fiscal 28 and
that's when they'd be reflected in the rates when we set those rates for that budget. And under the current setup of sound government, who sets water and sewer rates? >> Council. >> Yeah, but it's hard it's hard not to set
a rate when we've when you have the debt in order to cover it. I mean, like I said, it's one of those. And I know the water rate coming up is a heck of a jump. >> Yep. >> Um and that's going to be a lot to swallow. Um,
>> we're actually going to get to that when we get to the enterprise uh, right? Enterprise funds. >> I did have a question on this. And again, this isn't about the cost of the engineering or whatever. Um, but it did mention in the backup documentation that they were worried that if there was a
break, um, the water line and the force the pressure um was in this basic same area. Um, but when you look at an overview, would it be not quicker and easier if they went from that pumping station to the rail trail, up the rail
trail, took a left, and into the other pumping station. >> I think it would reduce >> Chestnut. >> This is Denow Road to Industrial Drive. >> Okay. >> What the paperwork showed. >> Yep. And if they went over to the rail
trail and followed the rail trail, they would have access to that whole area instead of having to deal with conservation all along the brook where the pipe goes now. >> I mean >> something to look at. And I know as a
engineer you would be thrilled to look at that. >> I would. I definitely would. >> Uh so just uh let's take a pause here for a moment. It's 508. Um, >> I'm just getting going on these
>> and I I'd uh I'd like to see if we could at least get through the capital plan so that we could just uh we get together on Monday uh after the follow-up answers, we could vote on the capital
plan. Okay. Um, and then look at the revolving funds and the enterprise funds following our meeting with the school committee. Uh, and see where we are at that point. But that probably means we're going to be here for another 20 minutes. It >> That's okay. >> So,
>> at least you okay, Kathy? >> I'm fine with that. >> Okay. All right. So, let's let's go through the capital plan project. see what other follow-ups are needed for us to kind of vote on it uh Monday and
we'll plan to pick up on the enterprise and revolving funds after our meeting with the school committee. Okay. >> Okay. Uh so the next one was the sewer INI. I'm not sure what INI mean. Oh, infiltration and inflow. Uh
is this kind of an ongoing thing? >> Yep. >> This is one of those ones that's on there every year. Um, >> so I know under capital, um, Connor worked with you to identify roads, specific things that we can, can we do
the same here? I mean, the INI is just, well, we could use it for this, we could use it for that, but there's actually no specific project that they've identified. It's basically like, hey, we're going to take $100,000, put it in an account, and however you
decide to use it is up to you. I would rather see it as need 106,000 because we're going to do this, this, and this. >> Yep. >> Okay. Yeah, that that's coming from the retained earnings of the sewer. >> Oh, I realize that. Like I said, it's
just one of those. They don't really identify any specific projects, just generalization. >> Okay. >> I can we can get all that information. Is that something you want to back up to for this?
>> We're going to if we're going to recommend a Sorry, let me rephrase that only because I'm here as a guest. It's just one of those that it just doesn't make sense as a capital project if they're not identifying per se a capital project.
>> Okay. Yep. I think in prayers I used to interpret it as we're gonna we're going to do as much as we can with $100,000. But it's a good it's a good point, Ralph. All right.
And uh and were you looking for a followup on the Densel Road? Uh mine was more of a comment. I was okay with the engineering cost of it. All right, moving on to page 23
and uh water enterprise. Some uh one big one, the Greenwich slumber water mane questions comments truck body replacement. >> No, Jim comment. >> Yeah. Yeah. Water.
>> Yeah. 1.6 million. So, we have backup documentation, an email that basically says, "Hey, I'm guessing at this um the rough budgetary numbers. Uh why wouldn't we just um look to bond the actual
engineering portion of it and then come back once the engineering is done and they can actually give us construction numbers. I mean, we do that on all other projects and that would be um the engineering cost is 226,100.
I mean, it would make sense because the engineering of this is probably going to take a year or more. And I'm thinking of this based on you now, the less the water rates may have to go up. It's a nice thought.
Uh, I'm not sure what to say about that one. It's a good question. >> Oh, yeah. Well, yeah, I'm going to be talking with Phillix and Bruce anyway about some other stuff. So, >> yeah. uh truck body replacement.
>> So, yep. My thought on this would be is if we only do the engineering phase of the one above, um we're looking at put almost $50,000 onto a what 12y old truck. Um wouldn't it be smart just to
replace the truck along with the body? Especially >> cuz it's an International Terror Star, which is junk. 2013. That's >> Yeah. I mean, we're we're we're listing those out at 20 to 25 year useful life.
So, I don't know that I would trash the truck if we just need to put a body on. >> No, I would sell it on municip any any international that we have. And >> for full disclosure, I own two of them. So, >> right. >> Um
>> I'm sure our mechanics will agree with you, >> Ralph. We needed to have you be an observer at the capital advisory committee meetings. >> Don't think they like me there. >> Um compliance assistant.
So this is engineering to figure out how to come into compliance. >> Yep. So another mass D um consent order. So, um this will um
I'm sure it's tie and bond. Um another sort of plan for coming into compliance. Yeah, exactly. >> Because Springfield Water and Sewer is sending us junk water. >> That's so correct.
>> For the last 5 years or more, um I've been told that the water's not bad. They have to test it before it goes through our treatment. And that's why the numbers are high. Once it goes through
the treatment, the numbers are fine. >> Was that accurate? Because if that's accurate, then why are we spending 43,000? We just tell the state, "Hey, here's our water after we've treated it." >> Because this that's the state's place where they want to test it, change that
location a number of times. And they they >> they're talking the cure for this is possibly a point of use filtration which means going to each person's house where the contaminants are high and possibly putting filter system in out of each
house. Why would they have to do that if after we retreated it the water's good? >> Uh it doesn't seem like the information >> it does seem like what mass D would would order you to do though, isn't it? It seems like what they would order you
to do. But here's my thing. I are we really sure that after we've treated the water that the contamination's gone? I mean, it doesn't seem likely. It seems more likely to me the D would say, "Hey, you need to test it after you've treated
it." Also, >> we do that. We >> We do, but it's all the test spots are a running average. And so that first one throws off the whole average. And if we fail in a quarter any point, then we have to send the letters out. And that's
the letter everybody gets every >> testing it after our treatment. >> That's not what Felix had told me. >> We that we don't have other test point. We have a test point at town hall. >> No, no, no. I understand. Oh, >> but again, Felix said if we tested it
after we treated the chlorination, then they would see the water was fine. >> Correct. But we still have to treat before we treat it. We still have to test. >> All right. >> And that that throws the whole equation. >> We're gonna we're going to need to move on because this is a $43,000 item.
I I I don't understand why we're it's being tested prior to it being treated. That does sound pretty weird to me. But um >> I guess the only question I would have though is what would this person be doing or recommending that the town actually has control over?
>> We frequently don't. >> Right. So that what it says to analyze compliance strategies, but what what is the compliance strategy? >> Well, we're going to find out. >> It's basically to fill up board and then let the D tell us.
>> Yeah. If our water's coming from Springfield, what do what do we what do we do to fix it? >> That's a good question, Jim. >> We spend $43,000 for a report so the state can have something to look at and
tell us. and they they they keep upgrading their stuff, which is the other reason for all these increases from the spring basically, and I don't want to get ahead of the conversation, but the the increases in the water and the sewer are always our payment to Springfield Water and Sewer Commission.
>> Can we just send Springfield Water and Sewer to Bill for this? We wouldn't have to do it if they sent us decent drinking water. >> All right. I mean, this has been >> Anyways, sorry. >> Yeah. It's it's kind of an education for me,
but um I I don't know that there's is there followup that you'd like to have, right? Ralph, >> there's really >> I know, but >> yeah, I we'll we'll talk about it. >> All right. >> Not have an answer. >> It does. Now that I understand what it's
for, it does sound kind of strange. >> A lot of those reports on the shelves. >> All right. Any other questions on that item? If not, we'll move to Spate, Ardan, and Brook Street. Um, again, I'm
not really familiar too much with it. It was uh approved by the capital advisory committee. >> Correct. >> So, >> Jim, the project description on this isn't correct. It says full replacement, 1965 ft of 8 in PVC sewer. Yeah, we
>> project's actually to replace a covert >> on uh bait arted in Brook Street. >> It seems like a Yeah, copy and >> copy and paste. Yeah. >> And >> we'll change that up. >> Yeah. My question is because it's a covert. I know on Porter Road we were
able to apply for the grant for the small culvert. Small >> Yep. Small bridge. >> Bridge. >> Yep. >> Are we going to be playing for a grant for this also? And if we don't get the grant like the last three years that this been has been on on the plan, we probably won't do the project.
>> We have to start with engineering anyways. Right. >> Right. >> So, in all likelihood, uh this won't make it onto the storm water enterprise fund unless we get a grant. Uh I don't I don't even it's our thought that that we
can't probably can't even bond this much money out of storm water at this point. >> That was my next question. So, um, this is here, uh, because we're trying to list the projects we'd like to get done, however that is funded, and if it can't get funded, we just don't do it.
>> Do we have a list of all the culverts? They said we have 26 or eight of them. Yep. >> And I have a list of which ones are the worst. >> Yep. >> We get that. >> Yep. >> We do. So, let me get this straight, Tom.
This is uh been approved to be done for FY27. >> Yep. >> And to be bonded out of the out of the stormwater enterprise fund. >> Yep. >> But it's unlikely that the stormwater enterprise fund can support >> I'm sure it can >> bond,
>> but that would make the rate the next year. like Kim was saying, we won't make payments on that till FY28 and we'd have to raise the storm water rates, which I know nobody wants to do. Um, so, >> and so the idea is you're you're looking for a grant, and if you don't get the
grant, you won't do the project. >> In all likelihood, we will not. >> So, does it make sense to change this to contingent upon a grant? We could add we could add that to the to the >> I mean because otherwise you're saying
you're going to bond it out of you're going to bond this amount out. >> Yeah, that that could probably be more clear. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Again, I I don't I don't know how that you know the storm water account um doesn't have enough of a balance
andor uh expected revenue. Still a relatively new fund. >> Yeah. So at some point this car has to be repaired. I was there today. It needs it needs it. >> Oh yeah. >> Um >> most of them do.
>> This be one though to go forwards and just pay for the engineering out of retained earnings in it. >> That's a possibility. >> And go further if the if we receive the grant >> at least that way there we're moving forwards with the engineering.
>> Yeah. Uh then the new scooty student. So that that we're going to make a couple of changes here. Uh final item is $70,000 new school studio equipment to come out of uh Hellcat retained earnings.
>> And I have a question about that. Um Jamie and I spoke about this a few weeks back and I understand from the description here what the intent of the equipment will be able to do. But it
still seems to me that since it's primarily um allowing residents to see any event going on in the high school almost simultaneously from wherever it's being
um televised that this this equipment should have been in uh the FFE budget for the new building. So it's not instructional. It's for LCAP.
>> That's instructional. >> Not a teacher. >> What Jamie was saying, uh Kathy, you might might not have heard her that it it wasn't for in it's not for instructional purposes.
And so is that the threshold for um FFN which is fixtures, furnishings and equipment >> that it has to be instructional? >> Don't think so. >> So your your question is why why wasn't
this included in the project itself? >> Yes. >> The for the project, >> right? >> Good. Yeah. Yeah, I mean I I think ELCAT was always separate from the school project, so it was never even up for discussion. >> We were almost not even going to be in
the building, you know. >> So there was a space for LCAT, but it was up to LCAT to fill the space. >> Yeah. And so as a department, we're going above and beyond and upgrading our capabilities by purchasing this equipment.
in and uh the question I know it's focusing on the high school but aren't town >> meetings going to happen there and planning board meetings etc. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So it's it's a town it's also the town aspect to it. Okay.
>> No I'm I'm not I I'm not um >> think she it's a question >> of funding question of funding. >> Yeah. Yeah. I'm not in opposition to the rationale. >> Yeah. Um I mean down the road will you have that capacity? Right now you're
speaking about the high school but um the middle school also has the capacity to do various events during the day and would the equipment what I imagine there'd be you'd need some other
equipment if you were to try to do something similar with any of the other schools. Well, I could use the equipment. It's just uh the only thing that's structured into the high school is the mounted cameras, but
always bring cameras. >> So, I guess it if had it been able to qualify, it would have been nice to be able to put it into the overall project, but it sounds like an a >> No, I get it. I get it. I was just >> showing the question.
>> Valid valid question. the school building committee at their next meeting can discuss it. >> Any any other questions about that? Um, and that appears to be the only projects. The only question I had is so
there's no projects on the schedule for CPA funds. >> So, uh, thank you for bringing that up. We do have one to add because um one that applies to capital and that's the roof for town hall that the council just approved uh the other night. So,
thank you for that. We'll add that on there and the funding source will be uh well, it'll be in the CPA category. >> So, yours because it's already been approved. >> Well, we're going to have to list it somewhere. We can't go back and list it
on FY26 capital plan. It doesn't. >> No, no, no. I'm just >> the the point of the the the capital plan, as we said, was not just to Yeah. >> It's the projects that we are spending money on from the general fund or the
budget. It was to show everyone how much capital projects are being completed across the town. And so at some point I wanted to add okay that project was done in the document that everybody would or could read and we can't really do it on
FY26. So I was going to add it to FY27 and in all likelihood the project will be completed in FY27. I think what I've done in the past if there's >> if there was something that was approved mid year I've added it to the next plan
but I've made a note that it was approved in the previous year. >> Okay. >> Uh so I wonder if we might for the for Monday you think you could number descriptions
that needed to be updated etc. Would you be able to make a a kind of a corrected version of this? >> Y >> to look at. And I I had uh just a couple of places. Uh Ralph had a question on
the parking lot and the fire station. >> Yep. >> Uh question on the dump truck in terms of the contingency. >> Yep. >> Uh I had him having a question with the parking lot at Metobrook in terms of surface, etc.
>> Yep. And uh a question on the sewer ini in terms of being more specific what it's for. Um let's see what else >> and uh the water man
your question was more uh >> engineering engineer >> as opposed to showing the whole thing. Um, and I think that was that was it for those types of questions. There's the
thing of cleaning up the descriptions and the contingent making a budget contingent. Go ahead, Tanya. You >> No, I was just the the whole explanation on the compliance thing. Is that we can try to get >> Yeah, that would be nice to be a little clearer on. Yes. >> Okay.
>> Uh, anything else I miss? All right. So, what I would propose is we meet with the schools, uh we recap on this and vote on it, uh and then we plow into the uh
revolving funds and enterprise funds. So, it might be a little bit of a longer meeting uh Monday as well, but um and and I do I did have I printed these, but I don't think there's time to for us to really talk about, you know, the first
uh document with the schools. The first document does go over the FTEES, so I think you'll find that helpful. >> Um and it it's a pretty good summary. So, >> one more thing, Jim. >> Do you the the IT uh software list right
before Okay. >> So, everybody should have that. >> All right. We'll take a look at it. >> Um anything else we need to discuss today before we adjourn? >> Uh I don't hear anything. Uh if so, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn the uh
financial oversight committee. >> So moved. >> All right. Uh any any discussion hearing? None. Uh let's vote. Kathy, >> yes. >> Uh Russ, >> yes. >> Rich, >> yes.
>> Jim, yes. Okay, we are adjourned at 5:30 p.m. And a motion to adjourn the council meeting. >> Second. >> Seconded. Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, Ralph? >> Yes. >> Marilyn, >> yes. >> I'm Kathy,
>> yes. So we are adjourned at 5:30. >> All right. Thank you everyone. Thank you.