--------- Good evening and welcome to the May 27th, 2025 meeting of the East Meadow Town Council. I'll call the meeting to order and ask that we stand for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under
God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And I would ask that we take a brief moment of silence for remembrance of Memorial Day. Thank you. In accordance with Mass General Law, this meeting is being recorded by ELCAT. And if there's anyone
else in the audience, if you could identify yourself. Sarah Hayan in Reminder Publishing. Thank you, Sarah. Next, we have public comments. Is there anyone in the audience that would wish to make a public comment? All right, seeing none, council comments. Is there any councelor with a
comment this evening? Seeing none, town managers report. Hi, Tom Bing. Hi. Hi, Tom. Um, thank you. So, we'll start with the uh we have the project reports for uh May 5th and
May 12th, the weeks of excuse me, uh regarding the construction of the new high school. Uh the school building committee recently approved a $238,000 um change order for that uh replacing that water man underneath the tennis courts we had talked about a
couple meetings ago. Uh and uh there was some upgrading to uh three of the water heaters. Uh this change order is about 6% of our budgeted contingency. So uh we still remain on time and and on budget. Um the East Saw metal planning
department commissioned a survey to uh better understand traffic conditions, pedestrian safety, and problem roadways/insections throughout the town. Uh feedback from residents will help us identify areas of immediate concern uh besides the Rotary while identifying
future transportation projects throughout the town. Uh the survey is online uh on the planning department's uh web page. Um there's also some copies at the clerk's office, uh the library, and here at the senior center.
Um attached also, uh I I enclosed two letters from Chief Mark Williams of the police department recognizing the officers who responded to the high school lockdown incident on May 12th from uh both our police department and the Long Meadow Police Department. Uh,
school resource officer Michael Healey, Sergeant Jason Janipro, and Sergeant Danny Manley, Officer Dan Atwater, Timothy Driscoll, Mike Calcasola, Alex Sarah, and Detective Anthony Deiani. Uh, as well as,
um, Sergeant Rex, uh, also school resource officer Healey, uh, R Healey's twin brother in Long Meadow. um and pretty much everybody that had any hand in diffusing a dangerous situation. So,
um I just wanted to sort of echo Mark's sentiment uh in those letters and let you see what what sort of transpired. I also want to uh mention uh Superintendent Smith, uh Principal Frank Paige, and and everybody at uh ELHS who
who went into action swiftly and neutralized the situation. So, uh, on behalf of a a grateful community, um, also I want to wish a fond farewell to Penny Tremble, who dedicated 35 years of service to the STO Police Department.
Uh, Penny's last day was Friday. Uh, no one's more deserving. Uh, just an absolute gem of a person. Obviously, excellent at her job. Uh, but I personally look forward to when I called and Mark wasn't available
to answer and then me and Penny got to talk for a while. So, um, congrats Penny. Enjoy your retirement. Um, and last week, uh, May 18th through 24th was National EMS week. Um, and I'm going to continue our special guest segment of
the program. Uh, and I'm going to bring up Fire Chief Chris Beecher. um and what was supposed to be his partner in I won't say crime I suppose uh our newly appointed deputy fire chief Ed Lennahan whose first day was today. Luckily for
him his son uh the boys lacrosse team for the East Metal Spartans are playing right now in the championship game. Um and he asked if he could do that instead and we acquested. So uh without further ado, Fire Chief Chris Peacher. Thanks. Uh good evening everybody. Hi Chief.
Good evening. So, like Tom said, last week was uh National EMS Week, which gives us a chance to kind of recognize our first responders. Um we recognize them all year long, but it's kind of a week to really just kind of celebrate and recognize the work they do within our communities and the communities
across the United States. Um as a a special uh recognition, last week as well, several of our members and a couple members of the police department received um SAVE awards. Uh so a SAVE award is an award given to um members um
police and fire EMS that um go above and beyond and um perform life-saving uh action that results in the saving of a human life. Um so um many members throughout the uh Hampton County receive them. We were lucky enough to have some
of our members as well receive them. And just a quick um a quick uh synopsis of the situation. So on September 23rd, we responded for a report of somebody down on the ground unresponsive. Uh we arrived along with uh police department and um our members started performing
CPR and other interventions um on scene and in route to the hospital as well. And it uh resulted in uh in the um the saving of of that person's life. So good job by everybody um who who responded. We had uh usually when we get something
like that, everybody goes um we had the addition of our fire prevention officer who was on the streets that day as well respond. So, um, on behalf of Smittle Fire Department, I'd like to recognize firefighter paramedics, um, Christian Santelo, Pete Shadian, Brian D'Angelo,
Rebecca Jarvis, Captain EMT Ben Cody, our fire prevention officer Brian Deandi, U, police officers John Gaines and Anthony Deiani, and Sergeant Dan Manley as well, who um, who all received SAVE awards for their actions that day. So, thanks. Good job by everybody.
Thank you so much. Thanks. Thanks, Chief. Yeah, thank you, Chief. Good evening. Um, so upcoming events tomorrow is uh deputy chief's swearing in ceremony, unless the lacrosse teams playing again tomorrow and they go to the States or
something. Uh, that's um at the fire station at 2 p.m. Uh, election day is next Tuesday, June 3rd, at Burchch Park. Um, coffee with the town manager, June 4th at 10:30. We'll go over the election
results as usual. Um, and the summer reading kickoff that uh the our first celebrity guest, Katie, told us about when uh we had National Library Week a month ago or so ago. Uh the summer reading kickoff is June 10th. Uh right before our meeting at 4:30 at the
library. Uh excuse me, our meeting is not at the library. The kickoff was at the library at 4:30. So we can have popcorn and then we'll all come here and have a good time. Uh that's it uh for the for the update this week. Uh I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Does anyone have any questions for Tom? Yeah. Questions? I would just echo a lot of those same sentiments. Thank you to all of the first responders for both events, the one that you mentioned for the SAVE award recognition, but also the uh situation at the high school as well.
It's unfortunate that that something like that happens, but it's also good to see that all the plans that everyone has put in place worked. Yep. Absolutely. Okay. Thank you, Tom. Next, under
correspondence announcements, let me find it. Just here we go. Our first one, we have the Mayberry material handling monthly cruise nights for 2025. So, as in the past, we sort of announced these events for the community. So, they are
being held uh at Mayberry Material Handing Handling at 90 Densow Road on Wednesday, May 28th, Wednesday, June 25th, Wednesday, July 23rd, Wednesday, August 27th, and a September date to be determined. Uh Donardos will be
providing food and um they hope to see all those that wish to attend there. Then next we had um this past week we had the Boston Post for Islam the Golden Cane recipient
uh for Filamina aka Minnie Miller here at the senior center and she had just turned 103 last month. So that was exciting to see Slong Meto's oldest resident in town. So it was a nice presentation that they put on. And then
of course yesterday we had the Memorial Day ceremony uh at the high school. That was also a good ceremony. So thank you to everyone that participated and came out from the public for that. And then next we have the local election update. Yes. So as Tom said,
the local elections next Tuesday, June 3rd. Polls open at 7 a.m. close at 8:00 p.m. at Birchland Park Middle School for all precincts. And we've got um four candidates running for three seats for town council. We got Kathy Hill, Anna
Jones, and Ralph Paige going for reelection. And Carolyn Feros is also a candidate for um for the town council. For school committee, we've got Amy Dent and Antella Rashilla Manzy um up for reelection. Then William Str um a
candidate for for the one-year term for school committee. So, there's a question on the ballot um for a charter change. So, we have to have a ballot question for the town to vote on whenever there's a charter change being presented. So, every registered voter should have gotten a
postcard looks like this, a postcard size. Uh because we do have to notify every voter, too. Um that's required whenever there's a charter change. So the charter right now says whenever there's a bylaw change has to be addressed individually
by the council the legal notice public hearing review which is a lot just for one change. So there was a committee formed this year again for the charter and a year any year ending in five um a
committee formed to review all the town bylaws general and zoning bylaws and they started in February and it's anticipated that after this review is done there'll be many bylaw changes um to be addressed and this charter change allows the multiple amendments to be
addressed as one group. So we'll avoid individual legal notices, public hearings, time, expense for all that. And through the chair, I'd like to ask Ralph Paige to update us on the committee and where you are as it
relates to this as your co-chair of the committee, right? Yes, I am. So, we started meeting in February. Um, we started with our general bylaws. Uh we just finished I believe it's chapter 97 which sounds wonderful except it's
probably only about eight chapters in total because of uh you know skipping around it's like 15 and 30 42. Um but with that um I I would say we've probably had well over a hundred suggested changes.
Um now most of the changes that have been suggested are um not very uh sub substantial. Um you know it may be something like uh in one chapter the annual report was listed as needed to be
first and in the next chapter was last. And so what we're trying to do is just say hey in every chapter you know this should be where that's located. Um but by doing that again it creates many changes and the way our current system
is like you said we would have to hold a public hearing for each one of those changes and it it's it's just not feasible. So the last time that we did a u massive change like this, we had put in language
to allow when we uh did the cotification and created e-code. Uh we had created language that allowed us to do it at that point in time and we just didn't think ahead to say hey every 10 years we're required to do this. Why don't we put that language
in too? So, we're just asking for that change um through the ballot question and um uh that was hard to get on a postcard. Yes, it will be extensive review and
then uh you know as we go through there's things that trigger something from the past. So, so even though you get up to this chapter then you have to go look back at what you did and um and you're trying to hit on everything. and we're meeting every two weeks and going
through it, but in between it's our jobs to actually read ahead so that we have all the questions when we're ready to present them. Um, so it'll be it'll be done. It'll be a long process, but um but that's the reason we need this uh
this language change. Thank you. Thank you, Ralph. Thank you, Jamie. Oh, can I just add? Sure. That um today was the last day to apply for a vote by mail application, but the state still allows absentee voting. They still think of those two things separately. So, you can
up until noon the day before the election, you can actually go to the counter at the clerk's office and vote absentee in the office. You fill out an application to receive the ballot just like the vote by mail, and you can do it up until noon time on Monday.
Great. Thank you. Welcome. Does anyone else have any other communications or announcements? Seeing none, uh since we have the applicants here for the uh farmers market permit, I would entertain
a motion to move out of order before we do our public hearing. So moved. Second. Motion's been made and seconded to move out of order. Any further discussion? All those in favor, please say I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next on our agenda was continuing from last time
where we discussed the farmers market permit application for Hardwick Winery at the farmers market at 46 Maple Street if you want. We also have the Hardwick Winery representative on Zoom answer questions. Sure.
Yeah, that's Kaitlyn. Yeah. Alrighty guys. Hello. Hello. Thank you for allowing me to join over Zoom. Of course. Thank you for coming. Absolutely. All right. I'll let Caitlyn take over. Oh, sure.
Talk about everything you guys need from me. So, applications are in. where it's a simple farmers market um pouring under the MDAR policies and guidelines. So that allows us to sample um before people buy a bottle to take home for
consumption off premise. It's as simple as that. Great. Does anyone have any questions? So, is is this permit or license to allow you to uh be able to sample it before you purchase it or is it to allow
for the purchase of it at a farmers market or both? So, under the MDAR guidelines, it allows both. Okay. And MDAR um Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.
Yes, sir. Great. Any other questions? If there's not, I'll entertain a motion. Make a motion to approve a farmers market permit application for Hardwick Winery at the Farmers Market at 46 Maple
Street from June the 7th to August the 30th, 2025 uh for Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 100 p.m. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? The
motion passes. Thank you and good luck with the event. Thank you guys. Thank you. Okay, we are back to our public hearing at 6 PM. So, this is a continuation of a public hearing to present the town
manager's proposed capital improvement plan and operating budget for fiscal year 2026 to the public. Other comments is outlined by article 6, section one of the East Home Rule Charter. The council members are Jim Leiden, Kathy Hill, Anna Jones, myself, Connor
O'he. And I would ask the clerk to read the legal notice into the record. The East Long Meadow Town Council hereby gives notice that it will hold a public hearing on May 13, 2025 at 6 PM in the Council on Aging Media Room, 328 North Main Street and via Zoom webinar to
review the proposed FY26 capital improvement plan and operating budget as outlined by article 6, section one of the East London rule charter. FY26 capital improvement plan and operating budget can be reviewed in the clerk's office or on the town's website. The
public hearing can also be attended via Zoom webinar for the town council. Gene Arquagetti, town clerk, clerk of the council. Thank you, Jamie. Then I think um the only thing that I know of that changed since last time was just updating the numbers as a
result of the council passing the hero act uh number to go from 50% that was in the proposed budget figures. But I'm not aware of anything else that has changed. That's it. All right. At this time, it is a public
hearing. So, if there's anyone in the audience that wishes to make a public comment, this is your opportunity. Okay. I see no one on Zoom or in the physical audience. So, I will close the public input portion of the
hearing. Is there any council comments, questions, deliberation? Drift through the chair. Sure. Um, we get the motion 1B. I'll excuse myself in the room due to conflict of interest and then I'll rejoin you. Great. Thank you, Jim. So, through the chair. Sure. Um comment
I had and um I did talk to the town manager a little bit. I know we upped um the total reserve fund transfer amount last year to this year by 35,000 and that was explained that because we are doing a study salaries
and stuff um that that was in case uh in case we need to compensate more like I had said my only concern is um that I think most of our compensation should be done on a yearly basis in the budget And so if something has to be
done during the year, I would just ask for notification from the town manager before money spent out of that account because what happens usually is you get to next year's budget and you start looking at it and say, "Well, wait a minute. We approved this much and how's
it this much and these numbers don't match up where at least if we're notified ahead of time, we'll be able to anticipate that and it'll make it go smoother. But other than that, awesome job on the budget. Um, thank you. I was able to
read through uh almost the entire thing at once. So, thank you. I hope to keep you breast through the whole process. I mean, this is a it's a big deal. Yes. 40 some odd employees that uh we rely on every day. Um, so, uh, I
don't want that to be a surprise and certainly that kind of transfer will be on the the reserve fund transfer sheet that I that we update with quarterly. So, uh, I appreciate that. Um, and yes, thank you to Kim and Rebecca as well for their efforts. I mean, and everyone
really, you know, we've said it a bunch now, there's a lot that goes into it. Council plays a huge role. financial oversight, town departments, uh, school department, everyone. There's a lot to do. There's a lot of numbers, a lot of moving parts. So, thanks to everyone. No
sooner are we going to finish this one and all those same people are going to start the next one. We should close by 25 first, then we'll start. Yeah. Okay. If there's nothing else, I will entertain a motion to close the public hearing. Some moved. Second. Motion's
been made to close the public hearing. Any other discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? The public hearing is closed. And now we will start with our 18 different appropriate the budget. I'll start the first one. I move that the
town vote to raise and appropriate $42,229,356 for town purposes and charges in anticipation of revenue during the fiscal year ended June 30th, 2026 for the operation of the town departments as contained in the town of East Long Meadow FY 2026 proposed town
budget using the column header 2026 town manager FOC level three. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Any oppose? The
motion passes. All right. And the second part two of the first one, I move that the town vote to raise and appropriate 36,95,654 for town purposes and charges in anticipation of revenue during the fiscal year ended June 30th, 2026 for
the operation of the school departments as contained in the town of Long Meadow FY2026 proposed town budget using the column headed 2026 town manager FOC level 3. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing
none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? The motion passes. Motion two, move the town vote to raise and appropriate $100,000 to be added to the stabilization fund account number 8216
for fiscal year 2026 for the purpose of setting aside funds for future expenditures. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? The motion
passes. Number three, I move the town vote to raise and appropriate 100,000 uh dollars to be added to the other postemployment benefits liability trust known as OPEB OP number
8225 for fiscal year 26. I'll second that. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Number four. I move the town vote to raise and
appropriate $75,000 to fund the compensated absences reserve account number 8226 for fiscal year 2026. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Any
opposed? Motion passes. Sounds a good one to raise and appropriate, transfer, and reappropriate and/or borrow in accordance with Mass General Law Chapter 44 for capital projects for the 2026 fiscal year, a total sum of
3,536,55.78. The purpose and in the amount set forth in the proposed FY26 capital projects, a copy which is attached to the motion as follows. raise and appropriate for the general fund capital projects $1,532,956 to be raised and appropriate for a total of
$1,532. Excuse me. 1,532,956 for general fund capital projects. Raise and appropriate for sewer enterprise fund capital projects. $192,000 and $192,20 to be bonded from sewer
enterprise fund for a total of $192,20. raise an appropriate for water enterprise fund capital projects $76,450 to be funded from retained earnings for a total of $76,450. Capital projects in the amount of
1,734,630 were approved contingent upon grant funding as notice me as noted in the table below. I'll second that. Motion's been made and seconded. Is there any further discussion? Thank you. Seeing none. All those in favor, please say I. I. Any
opposed? Motion passes. Number six, I move to increase the water rates from four $4.40 to $4.60 per 100 cubic feet for fiscal year 2026. Said rate has been factored into the water water enterprise
fund budget for fiscal year 2026. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Number seven,
I move to increase store rates from $4.74 to $4.84 per 100 cubic feet for fiscal year 2026. That rate has been factored into the store enterprise fund budget for fiscal year 2026. Second. Motion's been
made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? The motion passes. Number eight, I move the town vote to approve the proposed FY2026 storm water fee schedule, a copy of which is attached to this motion and is made in part here by
a reference entitled FY26 storm water enterprise rates column recommended FY26 storm water fee. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes.
Number nine, I move the town vote to appropriate 3,743,553 for the water enterprise fund budget for fiscal year 2026. And that $3,743,553 be raised from enterprise receipts, a copy of which is attached to
this motion and is made a part hereof by reference entitled water enterprise fund. Second that motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? The motion passes. I
move to vote to appropriate 2,75,995 for the sewer enterprise budget for fiscal year 2026. and that $2,75,995 be raised from enterprise receipts of which is attached to this motion and is made a part here of by
reference entitled sewer enterprise fund. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. I move the town vote to appropriate $468,813 for the storm water enterprise
fund budget for fiscal year 2026. And that $468,813 be raised from enterprise receipts, a copy of which is attached to this motion and is made a part hereof by reference entitled stormwater enterprise fund. Second. Motion's been made and
seconded. Any further discussion? All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Passes. Number 12. I move the town vote to appropriate $187,225 for the LCAT enterprise fund
budget for fiscal year 2026 and that $187, 20 uh 225 be raised from enterprise receipts, a copy of which is attached to this motion in it made a part here by reference entitled LCAT enterprise fund. Second. Motion's been
made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I I any opposed? Motion passes. 13. Move the town vote to authorize revolving fund spending limits for various town departments appropriate pursuant to the provisions of
Massachusetts general laws chapter 44 section 53E and a half for fiscal year 2026 as follows. Revolving upon solid waste disposal number 2805. Health Department, sale of trash bags, recycling rebates, and mattress fees.
Use of funds, salaries, expenses supplies, contractual services to operate the solid waste disposal and recycling program. FY spending limit $155,434. Council on Aging number
2809, Council on Aging, revenue source, general Council on Aging, programs and events such as fitness room memberships, exercise class fees, event fees, facility room rental, use of funds for salaries, expenses, and contractual expenses to operate the programs at the Council of Aging. FY spending FY
spending limit $26,620. Second motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? None. All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Number 14. I move the town vote to raise and appropriate $20,000 to fund the
Dwight Road Maple Street District improve improvement financing program diff account account number 2663 for fiscal year 2026. I'll second that. Motion's been made and seconded. Any
further discussion? All those in favor, please say I. Any opposed? Passes. Number 15. I move the town vote to authorize receipts reserved for appropriation for the ambulance fund pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts general laws
chapter 40 section 5F for fiscal year 2026 as follows. Um, no. Yeah, that's the right one. I think we just have to read these. Okay. So, 2026 budget revenue user is
1,864,117. Oh, user charges, sorry. Medicaid reimbursement income $60,000 for a total revenue of $1,924,117. Expenses personnel services $1,69,26. Operating expenses $260,64. Total expenses 1,869,810.
Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Passes. Number 16. I move the town vote to approve the FY2026 ambulance rates as presented
below. BLS emergency base rate $1,43. BLS non-emergency base rate $1,43. ALS non-emergency base rate $2,242. ALS1 emergency base rate $2,242.
ALS2 emergency base rate $3,3742. Specialty care transport $2,2646. Mileage $3786 and an intercept fee $312. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. and 17. I move the town vote to accept the recommendations of the community preservation committee and appropriate from the community preservation fund
reserve for fiscal year 26 2026 from the revenues estimated to be $300,000 for the purpose and amounts as follows. Administrative expenses 5% historic resource reserve 10% community housing reserve 10% open space reserve
10% and undesated general reserve uh 65%. and to appropriate from the CPA fund the following bond payment of principal and interest $37, $100. Brown property payment of
principle and interest $46,400. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Saying none. All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Last motion.
See, the town will vote to charge for each in demand issued by the collector of fee of $20 to be added to and collected as part of the tax as authorized by Massachusetts General Laws chapter 60 section 15 effective July 1st, 2025. Take any action relative
there too. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Discussion. Sure. Um, this is something brand new. uh during the budget cycle, we hadn't seen this. And I'm just curious as to uh where it came about,
how it came about. Um is the revenue included in our budget? Um or could this be a separate motion at a separate time? I mean, this doesn't seem to be in the budget at all, is it? Yes. So, the
revenue from this is tied up in the budget right now. I think the fee is $10. And so it seemed a bit archaic and I don't think has been changed in quite some time. And so uh as we were moving
around the revenue and expense matrix, this seemed like a spot where we could uh increase a fee to sort of a more appropriate number that had not been touched in a while. So shouldn't the motion be to increase the fee from $10
to $20 then? I mean, and at least that way there, we would have known that there was already an existing fee. This this sounds, you know, when you read it like it's brand new, that it hadn't existed. And you're right, under Mass General Law, you can
charge up to $30, right, for a demand. I did read it. Of course, we didn't we didn't want to do, and again, I don't think that it's been changed in quite some time. It's ever been changed. So, um, again, that probably would have been
a more clear motion if it said increased. Um, but I think, uh, I don't know. Do we we did? Obviously, we've never had this motion before for this particular. Um, I don't think there's any reason why we
couldn't just change the wording of the motion. Amended on the floor. Yeah, you could just amend it. diminish collective and if it already isn't I didn't even think to look in a chapter 500 but we can add that when we
No, of course. Yeah. Yeah. Actually, I think the $10 fee is in there um under the collector. Yeah, for some reason I thought uh demand. So, does that go to the collection agency because we have
someone else doing the billing and all. um is no the late fees go to the general well so the interest and all does but I thought the demand actually went to the company that's uh doing it I don't think
the the demand notice comes out it doesn't go to collections you get the demand first which means we have to send out another mailing and that's sort of the fee for having to do the work again yeah I guess it's not out to collections but we don't do it internally we have a
company that actually does the if you don't get them that they don't get the check mark right again I I apologize that that that this is only coming up now. Uh again uh we did have it on the revenue side of the
budget uh not called out as a change. Um, so this was something that we talked about with Don when we went through her budget for the collector treasurer and um, obviously you can imagine we we had
uh, collection conversations with her um, and that this fee was something they were looking at changing. Was it for that? I I couldn't say for sure other than the fact that the fee hadn't been changed in so long and that $20 seemed more appropriate, right? If you bounce a
check or a transaction doesn't go through, no fee is $10. Yeah. Um so that was the logic that I recall. Um where that $10 or $20 goes directly I think into the general fund, but it probably
offsets an expense at some point through the chair. Sure. I amend my motion. Sure. I see the town will vote a charge for written demand issued by the collector an increase from $10 to $20 to be added to and collected as part of the tax as authorized by
Massachusetts General Laws chapter 60 section 15 effective July 1st 2025 or take any action relative there too. Second motion's been made and seconded for amending the motion. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none all those in favor please say I. I. Any
opposed? The motion passes for amending it. And now voting on the amended motion. Is there any further discussion on the amendment? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes to adopt it.
Thank you for the explanation. I'm sorry about that. Hopefully, we won't have this motion again. Actually, I don't think there's any reason. Probably not for another. Thank you all. That was good. cleared. We now have an FY26 budget.
Y now the fee schedule. Yeah. Okay. Next under orders today, we have chapter approving a one day liquid license for oneway brewing for a meet the candidate event. I will be recusing
myself from this. Right. Is there a motion? I make a motion to approve a one-day liquor license for Oneway Brewing for a Candidates meet and greet at Hawk Landing, 896 Summers Road on May 31st, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? And one abstension. Okay. Next, under financial matters, we have approving a payment for prior year bills to National Grid totaling
$83.83. Is there a motion? I make a motion to approve the payment of prior year bills to National Grid totaling $83.83 as presented. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, all
those in favor, please say I. I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. We have approving our May 13th open session minutes. I make a motion to approve the May 13, 2025 open session minutes. Second.
Motion's been made and seconded. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? The motion passes. And then our May 13th executive session minutes. I make I make a motion to
approve May 13, 2025 executive session minutes. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Okay. Next, under old business,
we have a amendment regarding private car sales. Okay. So, this is a reading. Um, our director of planner planning submitted a memo to the council on May 7th saying at the May 6, 2025 meeting of the East
Planning Board. The board reviewed the proposed amendments to the town of East Smet zoning bylaw to amend section 450-3.3 additional use dimensional and density regulations to add new subsection 450-3.3A 10 introducing regulations on
used motor vehicle sales not including car dealerships and car auctions on private property. The board voted unanimously to send their re recommendations to the town council and encourage that they review and adopt the amendments as presented. text in blue indicates language to be included while
red strikethrough text indicates language to be deleted. Language that is highlighted are additional recommendations included by the planning board. The advertised public hearing and the board's discussion on this vote were duly noted in the minutes recordings of their May 6th, 2025 meeting respectfully
submitted. Robert Wella, the director of planning. So then under article 3 use regulations section 450-3.3 additional use dimensional and density regulations a general provisions there's
a new number 10 used motor vehicle sales on private property a used motor vehicles vehicles as defined under mass general law chapter 90 section 7 and one and a quarter of which also includes
motorcycles off-road vehicles and recreational vehicles, boats, RVs, campers, and other similar vehicles. No used motor vehicle may be offered for sale on any private property except in accordance with a license granted under Mass General Law, Chapter
140, Section 57. A used motor vehicle may only be offered for sale by a property owner if the motor vehicle is legally owned by the property owner or tenant of the premises. The motor vehicle has signage indicating it is for sale displayed on the vehicle's
dashboard. The duration of such private used private motor vehicle sale does not extend beyond a period of 21 days. No more than one vehicle will be permitted to be posted for sale at one time. No more than two vehicles will be permitted to be posted for sale on the same
premises within a calendar year. Okay, that concludes our first reading. We do have our chair of the planning board, Russ Denver, if there's any questions or introductions we'd like from the planning aspect of
things or comments. Absolutely. Um, one break. You like me to come forward, Mr. Paige? If you would, that would be wonderful. Thank you. We're not arguing. We can discuss. No, but thank
you. You're welcome. Um, under 10B, it says um the private property except in accordance with a license granted under Mass General Law Chapter 140 subsection 57. Um, so does this it it sounds like
what you're saying is in order for someone to sell a car, they have to come in and get a license to do it and they have to basically say that's that's not our intent. Exactly. And I didn't think it was. Um,
and how are we going to know the 21-day period if you put a car up for sale? who I mean I could understand if you had to come in and get a license and you say I put this car up for sale then you're keeping track of it. Um well I'll say
something that I know Mr. Christensen doesn't want me to say but I firmly believe we have at least 20 to 25 individuals who patrol our streets every day of the year who might be able to make a note when they see a car for sale on a property and let someone in town
know. I don't know if that is regularly done or not. I suspect probably not. This is really meant for the egregious violators and I if you want I'll just mention a couple across from Maple Shade
School. There was a dump truck for sale eight month six to eight months along with the the plow that goes with that dump truck. Uh that's just one example. There was an RV for sale on Elm Street
close to the school, Bertzon Park, and sat there for a full month with a big sign saying for sale. Um Marilyn has told me two or three different really egregious violations as as have you. I mean, that is what we're really trying to get at. We're not trying to get at
the person who puts their vehicle for sale for two weeks and gets a bite and moves on. We're not trying to do that. We're trying to get residential properties back to be residential, not for sale for this and
storage for that. We just believe, and you mentioned that it was a unanimous decision from the planning board, that there are problem properties that need to be cleaned up. This is one way to kind of get at that. So, I don't know if this is it didn't answer your question, but Well, you
didn't. Um, but again, I think that's something I can look into the law and the reading of the law and stuff. I'm just concerned that um, so we recently had a situation with chickens. Hey, there was a there was nothing in the bylaw. Um, this is basically if we write
it like this, then the poor homeowner that has two kids that are putting cars up for sale, um, who's to say the building commissioner or zoning enforcement officer isn't going to come in and say, "Hey, the bylaw's written like this. Might not have been meant for you, but guess what? We're going to hold
you to it." Um, now you go back to the question, is it residential property or residential property, or is it for sale? Or are you putting things for sale on there? Should you have more than one at a time? When does it get to be too much? You know, we have submitted, you know, a
number of what we kind of refer to as quality of life petitions before you in the last six months. So, as you know, I'm an attorney and we're taught to think of the worst things that can happen. So you could go to the street I live on, Lester Street, and you could
have six vehicles for sale, you know, on the six houses or the 12 houses that are there. When does it become no longer a residential neighborhood? When does it just become a storage, you know, facility, you know, if every house has two cars parked on the front lawn, a car
for sale, a boat, you know, in on the driveway, an RV on the side, it gets to be no longer a residential neighborhood. And I think those are the things that we're looking at. I mean, we will be coming back to you probably before the end of the year with another one.
There's a property on Somerset Street that has three RVs in the sideyard. One, I don't think there's a problem. Two, but three, when does it become a trailer park rather than one RV for sale? Those are the things that we're
looking at. And as I've said in the past, probably your most valuable asset is your property that your residence that you own. Do you want to maintain the value? If I were to put my house for sale and they came down Lester Street and all 12 houses had a car for sale, is
that going to improve the value of my house? Are people just going to drive right by it because there's 12 for sale, you know, 12 for sale vehicles on 12 different properties? Those are the things we're looking at. So, I do understand um like I said, you know,
residential neighborhoods and all. Um but I don't see much difference between a house that has six vehicles parked there because they have four kids and two adults and um and the same six vehicles with three of them with four sale signs in them. I don't see an
issue. So, we also have seen some issues. we believe issues on commercial properties just up the street. There was a boat for sale um on North Main Street on a takeout restaurant that sat there for a month. The previous year there was
a landscaping company that put their truck for sale right in front of that building that was there for two or three weeks. Attractive for the other businesses in the area? I don't think so. Just our our opinion. Yeah. No, I
and I do understand um I do understand for the res how you get I'm just not sure that creating this bylaw is going to do what you want. Um oh I think that if a number of people are cited and required to remove their vehicles, word will get around. This is a small town.
Word will get around. We have bylaws in place now and like you said um if if we had a little different um enforcement mechanism then maybe we would get better access to enforcement. I'll just
leave it at that. But being the zoning enforcement officer is a job that I certainly would not want. You know, dealing with that all day long. I'm sure it's not a fun job. I think our current uh individual does a wonderful job. So,
so those are our thoughts. Um when the issue was raised, every single member of the planning board said yes, this makes sense. Yes, we should do something about it. Our discussions involved how how many times a year and
how long should a property owner be allowed to have that? We went from 30 days to 14 days. We felt th you know 21 seemed to be the most appropriate. We did debate how many times you should do it. Does it become you know an
individual trying to sell their used car and buying a new one or does it become someone who sells a car five days later puts another car 10 days later puts another car and you know just became
those issues that we talked about. So, so am I reading this correctly? Can you can you put a car let's say my vehicle I'm let's say off of the road and no one would ever see it. So, my neighbors got
a great location. Can I put a car on their property? The intent is no because really then we'll talk after on some situations but well my point exactly you know um so
again I don't want to bring that up at this meeting but it would be my intent to forward this to the planning matter subcommittee uh because I'd like to hear what their recommendation would be on it. [Music] Um, I'm not in favor of it the way it's
written. I think it needs some adjustments, but we can get you there though. We can move you there. Maybe direction uh be adjusted. So, thank you for your time. Thank you. Thank you. Any other comments or I guess just a quick
comment. Um, maybe we'll work for Tom. Does a town currently have any type of other than just the bylaws a reference point for residents in terms of quality of life issues? We do. Is it the zoning enforcement officer? Yeah. So the
actually quite an uptick when they you can report anonymously anything you see on the website now. Uh and so that has now use. Yes. And so it's become another thing uh that gets tracked and if we get
multiple uh sort of similar complaints in similar areas like then Will's radar is up to maybe take that ride more often or go home this way. And um it's actually become uh quite an interesting tool. At
this point we've only had a few months of that data, but they're tracking all of it uh following up on it. Um and it's helped us with the enforcement and enforcement of the fines of the enforcement if you will. Uh so um it's a nice tracking tool and and the office
has actually used it quite a bit and quite well so far. So can we at some point get like an update about that like see like the the data around it? Sure. Yeah. The other thing the plan board has talked about, maybe we next year we could get some money in the budget is to
actually do a piece that we would provide the realtors that do business here in town of the most common misconceptions on zoning issues. So, no parking, you know, commercial vehicles overnight unless they're shielded from view
violated everywhere. you know, no, this isn't a zoning bylaw, but you're not supposed to park a commercial vehicle on a public way overnight. Uh, I've heard from all of you about issues related to that so that when they actually are doing an open house or whatever, they
can provide it to people. So, no longer would we have to hear, I didn't know that. I didn't know that that was a law and he somehow I didn't know that. And you hear that all the time and go, well, you know, it's your responsibility to to know these things before you buy a
house. But so that would be provide a little better education. I think that's what we're trying to do. That was the really the purpose for the website because when we talk about these things and I or I'm talking about the stuff with at Coffee with the town manager, people don't want to tell on their
neighbors. They know it's wrong. Their neighbor knows it's wrong. They don't want to be a bad neighbor. Like everybody gets along well, right? And so if if you're not enforcing it, it's because nobody's saying that this is happening and most people don't know the
law, right? So, um it gets it gets a little we're we're working on again, we've had the suggestion about uh you know, a zoning enforcement officer, right? So, no parking overnight. That's great. Will can't be there to see that
because he's in bed, too, right? So if if there's a way to take pictures or collect data in another way like drones, you know, you could there could be a drone bylaw or something. Uh I'm kidding. I'm sorry. Get me going.
Sorry. What did I uh Oh. Uh these are all things that are, as Russ alluded to, are very frustrating also for the zoning enforcement officer. Yeah. Right. He he's working hard all day to try to Yes.
There's a lot of bylaws that have to be enforced and if they're not if he doesn't know about them, it's hard to enforce. So, this is sort of why we started this whole process and we know the the process has to get better and certainly the enforcement of our laws has to get better. And and and I will
tell you that the members of the planning board get called, you know, they see you on the street and they go, "Can you do something about this?" or they do the same thing to all of you. You know, you're at Big Y and two people come up and complain about something. And so these are not just things that we're
coming up with. These are things that we're hearing from the residents of the town as well. So, so through the chair, uh, if this, which I assume it's going to goes to the planning matter subcommittee, um, can we
have the town manager or the building department provide any and all information that they have with regards to any violations, uh, whether it be in the past before, um, the software was in or the future. um just to give them a
track record of what we're looking at. It's a good idea. If if you want uh let let me know when that meeting schedule and we can probably have some people there in person if if we're available. I'm sure that's not a problem. And and just before you close if if
you're going to close, I just want to just repeat for everybody, we are not taking away an individual's right to use their property. They still will be able to sell a vehicle. they'll just be able to do it twice a year, a limited amount of time to do it. So, we are not taking
away people's rights. And if you look at the zoning bylaws, there's already lots of things that are on the books that you can't do on your property, you know, like side setbacks, rear setbacks, you know, all of those accessory buildings.
So, it's not like all of a sudden we're out there taking away people's rights. So, any other comments or questions? Thank you, Russ. Thanks, Russ. Thank you, Russ. Free to go. Sorry I gave Rob the day
off. And I again, he is doing a great job. Thank you. Is there a motion? Make a motion to refer the proposed zoning bylaw amendment relative to private car sales to the town council planning matters committee and recommendation to the town
council. I'll second that. Made and seconded. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Action items for our next meeting. we will have the start of our
chapter 500 ft fine and penalty schedule update with all of the stuff that just came out of this FY26 budget year. Um, depending on scheduling, we may or may not have the planning matters committee recommendation, but I imagine that may
take a little longer than a couple weeks. Uh, we'll have the results of our June 3rd election. And what else am I missing? Public hearing for the transparency. Oh yes, thank you for reminding
me. I think that's everything that I know about so far. Okay, next we have executive session. We have the first one. I will make a motion to move into executive session to discuss the
reputation, character, physical condition, or mental health rather than professional competence of an individual or to discuss discipline or dismissal or complaints or charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual of the town manager, Tom
Christensen. I'll second that. Motion's been made and seconded. Is there any further discussion? This is a roll call vote. Jim, yes. Kathy, yes. Anna, yes. I'm a yes. Ralph, yes. And John, I'm a yes. We
are now in executive session at 7:03. I will make a motion to move into executive session to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for contract negotiations with town manager Tom Christensen and return to open session. Second. Motion's been made and seconded.
Any other discussion? Seeing none, Jim, yes. Kathy, yes. Anna, yes. Emmy, yes. Ruff, yes. and John. Yes, we are in our second executive session at 7:44. Thank you. We are back in open session at 8:06. And at this time, I'll entertain a
motion. Um, I make a motion that we authorize the president, Conor O'Shea, to enter into final uh contract negotiations with the town manager based on the information uh we discussed in
executive session. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Is there any further discussion? Jim, yes. Kathy, yes. Anna, yes. I'm a yes. Ralph, yes. And John, I'm yes. Great. Thank you. And then I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. So moved. Second. Motion's been made and
seconded to adjurnn. Any other discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes and we are adjourned at 807. Thank you for coming back. Part: 2
Okay, good evening and welcome. This is the May 27th, 2025 meeting of the school committee call meeting to order 505. This meeting is being both audio and video recorded today. I would ask that everyone please rise for the pledge
of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay. Roll call. Emanuel for the last
time. The Garcia representatives. Amy Delanta, William Arthur, Antella, Rogilli, Gregory Thompson, Gordon Smith, Superintendent of Schools, Sarah Trulio, Pamela Blair, assistant superintendent for business. Samantha Velasquez, secretary.
Okay, thank you all. I have minutes for approval. I would entertain a motion, please. I move to approve the May 12th, 2025 executive session meeting minutes. Motion made by Antella. Second. Second by Amy. Discussion. All in favor say I.
I. Those opposed nay. That carries 5 to zero. One more please. I move to approve the 12 2025 regular session. Motion made by Miller. Second by Amy. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Those opposed? Nay. That carries five to zero.
Thank you. Samantha. You're welcome. Okay. We have committee and subcommittee communications again for last time. Emanuel. Things have last week hosted their annual art show. It was a very nice event. A lot of talented artists
there. And then today, uh, Little Kids Big Kid Nursery had their graduation. That was a really fun ceremony and they had a great time. Cap and gown for that for the little guys. What did you play in yesterday? Oh, and yesterday I participated in the the town's Memorial
Day service. We did a very nice uh service where we honored a lot of our veterans. The band in particular, Manny did an excellent job. Uh they always did a nice they always do a nice job bringing that
ceremony home. Very cool. Thank you. William. No, nothing today. Okay. Hey, nothing today. Sarah, we're on roll. Sorry, I have We met with um the collaborative last week, myself and
Gordon. We discussed um the educator um recognition evening and we also I hope cleared up some confusion around supplies and questions around our budget and the school's budget school's budgets and how we can best communicate that to
administrators and teachers so everyone's aware of the monies that are available and what they should be used for. Excellent. Thank you. Sure. Uh did attend the Ginspoon teacher and excellence dinner last night. Pam was there, Gordon and a few others. Always
nice to celebrate. Even uh this one was there was there too last week. So that was great. Um anyway, that's it. Let's go for opportunity for visitors to address the committee. Is anybody here to speak to the committee today? Seeing
none, we have recognition of Isome High School student representative. Y [Applause] So, Mr. Garcia, I'm coming over to you. Thank you. for the excellent work
that you've done as the school committee representative. We want to recognize you, Emanuel Garcia, student rep, East Long School Committee, May 27th, 2025. Thank you. And then keep me protected. But then
you should put it out on the table. You should. That works a lot better than the name tag. Thank you. Yes. Daniel, thank you for your time. Uh, we've had a lot of long meetings, but your input has been valuable and representing the student
body also valuable. So, and we wish you the best in your future endeavors. Your talents have shown through to us and and I'm sure to many others. So, thank you for your time. Congratulations. Good luck to you. Okay, moving along. We have the Summit
High School program of studies. Mr. Paige here, fresh off the lacrosse field or at least the sidelines. Walk us through the bar, ran down the hall. We probably will be heading to softball
after this. Uh maybe. So, um you want you want me to start? Yep, please. All right. So um so in terms of new courses because obviously we present every year um on
any potential new courses uh a number of these are just an expansion of our two credit offerings that we uh ran for the first time this year opposite of our 11th and 12th grade PE. So anything where you see um a two credit uh uh offering that that list next to it. It's
going to be a junior and senior course um listed I mean sorry uh that run opposite of um some of our uh our 11th and 12th grade classes. Um it's it's just to help balance the schedule but also gives kids that opportunity to um you know try something different, try
something new. Uh and it's it's uh these courses are all survey courses. Um and they're just really experiences and opportunities for kids to try something that's uh a little bit outside of our traditional curriculum. So um a number of these are in the fine arts department. Um courses like piano 2
which we have piano one this year for the first time. Um uh robotics and animation um robotics course which is kind of moving some of our afternoon program where we have students in robotics program into our our daytime opportunity and exposure uh
to that curriculum between 7 and two. Um and then also in the social studies department uh we have the temporary issues course which is a two credit offering. It's a um our social skills course and uh sports psych this year which Mr. RE Mr. Le will both be teaching next year um obviously pending
approval to get that up uh running. Um the other course uh the other two courses that you see in here um one uh we do have a uh unified counter course uh that's an expansion of our unified programming where more uh uh
substantial need students um uh are in classes with you know some of their um their gened peers um like we ran the unified PE course this year for the first time. uh going into next year, we're hoping to offer both a unified culinary course um where we have uh uh
that more inclusive model and also on the on the arts side uh a unified music uh course as well. Um um so uh again a lot of two credits are offered in there and then uh the uh we have two new
unified courses just create that more inclusive environment which we've been really pushing for here at EHS. Um I I can stop there and answer questions then I can talk about the events and some of the other senior privileges. Mr. Can I ask a question? Yeah. Mr.
Paige, the unified music, is that an expansion of the uh drum lab that they've done in previous years? Yeah. So, let's just say some of the more potential need students uh um you know, we we try to get them uh as immersed and included in the school as possible. Uh
in the past we've run unified we've run a uh adaptive music course where um uh sometimes students will come in uh if they have like a study and they go help coin and I think Manny's actually done this so he's a great representative kind
of speak to that piece. The hope is to make this more concrete and schedule it so those students would be in there from September through June during that class and they can act as peer models and uh you know uh build those relationships with students so they have that opportunity to meet each other. Um, so I don't know if you want to chime in,
Manny, but it's I love these classes. Um, there's such a great space to be a part of and and go into. Um, and it really does uh just build that inclusive environment that we want here. Absolutely. I think it was a great opportunity and with it it not only uh
helps like those kids that have more needs but it helps like those other like other students cuz that's something that can they can find like interest in and I know me personally that is something that I found interest in working with kids with special needs and it was a great opportunity for me to do so.
So um so yeah how many students will be taking these classes? Uh so we have between five and 10 students on any given roster from our uh programs like our life skills
programs, medically fragment programs, um uh autism program, 1922, somewhere in that range. We try to if you have more opportunities, we can kind of spread out the philosophers a little bit. And then we typically um schedule anywhere from five to seven models. We try to keep the
numbers on the smaller side. um uh just so uh cuz you're working with a lot of different levels and needs in there. Um but the really the hope is is that some of those peer models can also um while they're learning from each other also be pure models and lead a little bit and and do some teaching. So I think this
year in our adaptive PE I'm sorry our unified PE course there are six peer models in that course. So good. And that's one taught by Mackenzie Pini who oversees our special uh special
Olympics and um the unified courses throughout the district. How long are the classes? Five minutes. Do they great? Like how they Yeah. It's a regularly graded course. Yep. And it's just the teacher rec the teacher that's
in the class that's giving the grades or Yeah. So if you're looking at um the PE course, it's a PE grade. It counts as their like participate in PE and they get that PE credit. Any other questions on the
You're going to go into some other stuff things. What are we going to approve when we want to approve the program? Yeah, you you can tell me if you want to do the whole thing together or you want that. Is there more changes? So, this this is uh there's no changes to, you know, graduation requirements. Um,
right. So, let's just new courses to one expand the unified program and also expand our two credit offerings. Opposite B. So I would entertain a motion to approve these changes to the program of study as
described represented. So moved. Motion made by Sarah. Second. Second by Mill. Any other discussion? All in favor say I. I. That carries back to zero. Okay. Okay. So, um, Superintendent
Smith did ask me to also take some time to just briefly discuss some of our senior privileges programs, um, which are, um, just opportunities that kids have, uh, going into their senior year, um, to, uh, we'll just say, uh, engage
here in a different way, um, than they have traditionally for their prior 11 years of schooling. Uh so we have a work study program, an internship program, our independent study program, and our dual enrollment program. Uh and the philosophy behind that is just to give
those kids a um experience um as they start to transition, you know, from their um their high school career into whatever might come next for them, you know. So, uh, so these are privileges that have been on, uh, we call them senior privileges because obviously kids
have to be in good standing entering their senior year in order to have these. Um, and, uh, I see a lot of value in what what our students do during, um, these senior privileges and, um, we've been running here for a long time, so um, but I I
think there are also things that we can do to improve and make them better. And I think there were some spaces where um, we look maybe have some conversations around that tonight. um specifically around independent studies. Maybe we went to a zero credit um which we've already had mapped out and I do support um but uh I'll
entertain any questions that people might have this even. Frank, do you know how many students this year participated in work study versus the internship program roughly? So the 24 25 year uh any just
yeah recent year. So I have the course request for the coming year which is what I I brought. Um it's t it's typically I I believe this year we had about 40 in work study and we have about 40 projected going into next year as well. Okay. Internships I don't know off
the top of my head. A lot less. It's usually less. Internship typically means inside the building, right? Um so internship um we've run those like for the child nursery school if kids are looking to take a third year of that offering. Um sometimes we run them in in
LCAT like that inside our building. Yeah. Do we do any external internships like externships I guess? Yeah. Um so we used to we used to differentiate between the externship versus the the work study. We put them under the same
umbrella. Basically externship just means unpaid intern or work study means paid. I see. You know so we just kind of put them under that same umbrella. And we used to have that years ago but it was like splitting errors. So uh we call it as one and the same now. And then just there were questions I think on the
work study in terms of the requirements. Yep. For the students and what counted. So um uh for a student to uh engage in the eight credit work study which basically
the last two blocks of the day um they have to complete at least 5 hours of work each week. Um, a lot of kids don't have the ability or opportunity for their jobs to immediately go to work from school. So, we do flex that time and allow them to complete that time uh
at any any time during the course of the week. For any student who might have a half day work study, which are rare, I think we've had one in the last two years. Um, those students uh do have to have that, you know, break to work
opportunity. um because I mean then we'd be dismissing by like 10:30 which is a very early dismissal you know so I've in the last two years I've had one of those students uh typically what I do in those situations in order to approve it which is is pretty restrictive um I meet with the parent I meet with
the student I meet with the boss all at the same time and we talk through expectations and uh and I look for that uh certainty from the boss that the student is actually going to be engaging from 10:15 through 2:00 5 days a week and also I look to see if that is a student to maybe uh pursuing a career in
that area. Um because obviously if you're going to be giving a student a half day schedule, there has to be um a rationale behind it, right? And what about the eight credits? Does that require um parental approval or It does
require parental approval. So all parents sign off. Uh we do uh so Mark Mine oversees the program. uh verifies with each employer that a student has a job and that um you know they're going to be having that job from September through June. Um you know
students aren't even allowed to um be enrolled fully into that course until we can verify employment. How many periods a day is the six credit? So that would be four. And that's the one where like I said I've earned one in the last two
years. There was one student last year. There is zero this year. And the eight credits that's the last two blocks of the day. Yes. Yeah. So with our rotating schedule that is either on two days a week it is two blocks on two days a week
is one block. And who do they turn their timely sheet their weekly time sheets into? Uh Mark Macarini and is that who facilitates the quarterly meetings? Yes. And besides for that workbased learning plan is there anything cumulative in terms of do they create a portfolio? Is
there any other accountability measure for what they've gained from the experience? Uh we are talking about that. Um we do want to align some of the work that goes into work study program with the state's my cap plan which does ask those students to put together a
portfolio. Um I'll just be candid. We're not there yet but I it is something that we've talked about and I think they they is there value in it without that reflective piece. So I see value. Um we have kids who have been in school for 11 plus years. Um one
of the things that is our job beyond the curriculum is also for the real world. Um we have students right now who as seniors only get jobs because they see work study as an opportunity. Um but you know we have 40 kids this year who are contributing members of our community by
being employed. You know, I don't know if all 40 of those kids this year would have been in the work study program if uh or had jobs if it weren't for given that opportunity. What are some of the places where they're seeking Yes. employment during work study? It's all
over the place. Um we've had kids work simply at places like Duncan. We have a student uh has his own landscaping company. um uh different LAINA
uh subway um different places in town. Um it varies from from student to student. I think the perception of this program is that many students take the work study program and leave school um you
know a couple hours early and go home and then work later on. Mhm. And that does happen in some of these cases, but they also do they do work and um they do, you know, meet the expectations of the program. I'll say this isn't a new program to me.
Yeah. I went to school in the '90s and I have friends who were in this program, you know, so this isn't something that's necessarily it's something that's established here. I do see value for our kids. Um but I mean ultimately I I know there are
people who have concerns so we can talk through I mean it the five anytime hours so if they're working 5 hours on Saturday how is that beneficial for them to leave
early every day from school? So, we're giving them credit for the um you know, for working in a job, learning those skills, uh you know, participating in the workforce. Um there's skills that a kid gets in a job that they necessarily can't get at East Long High School. Um I
think it also prepares them for the real world. So, but they're getting those skills regardless whether they have those two hours off or not if they were to go out and get a job. Yes. But I mean, if they're just working
those five hours, right? How is I mean, they're they're working anyway. Some kids some kids only get jobs because they want to participate in the work study program. So, they're students um they're in good standing. So, they have already met the
other graduation requirements or they are good, which means they track to meet all the graduation requirements. um you know for students who may be in credit recovery program uh or behind on credits have to make up certain courses um they're not allowed to participate. And
historically students that um enter into the work study program has it been a situation where you see students um possibly failing other courses when do you know the history in terms of
so um if we have a student who is falling behind in another course and they may be in a work study program where they're they have that time available at the end of the day. we do pull it back and they are expected to stay after and remain in the school
until they um bring that grade up. Till they bring that grade up. So he's our graduation coach for that whole he will hold kids back and um uh get them caught up in their classes before they before they do. I just don't see like a lot of
accountability measures on here. Like I I don't know. I mean, I know you're saying this has been here since you went here, which is that's nice. Um, but I'm just saying that like without any way to measure, you know, you're saying they have they're getting the skills.
Well, how do we know what's right without any measurement of that besides the students maybe just checking in at the quarterly meetings? So, those are things we can definitely incorporate if that's something you guys would like to have that conversation around. But you're also talking about
folding the program. Just think missing 2 hours of potential instruction daily cuz it's 55minute blocks for 5 hours of work. So you're missing 10 hours of school
weekly approximately two 55minut periods a day. Well, with our rotating schedule, two out of four days is only one block. But so it's probably about six or seven. Seven hours of Yes. instruction
for five anytime hours that just and eight credits. It's a lot of it's a lot of credits to be given for that without to Amy's point of parameters around what it is they're accomplishing, how it's furthering their potential career goals,
how it's helping them to take what they are learning at East Summit High School and use it in an applicable realworld situation. Like I think those are some of the things that if we're going to give that many credits, we need to be making considerations for because
That's just a it's just a lot of credits for five hours per week. And I think it is a good program to have. But I also think that there needs to be
more measures and more rigor to it. Okay. So would you lo you said that one of the reasons that they get a job is so they can actually participate in the program. Do you We do have some students to do that yet. So, do you suspect if they had to have a portfolio or had to have more
rigor or show some where those skills actually are applicable, do you think that number would decrease? No, I think I think I'm not I'm not pushing backwards adding more to the program. Um I'm fine with with doing that if uh if you wanted us to put together a
portfolio. Um there's different um there's different things through the state that we can align to um that we can utilize. You know, I know obviously working at a vote school, you're aware of some of these things that Right. And I'm not trying to throw those kind of, you know, regulations that we require,
but there's certain there's certain guidelines that we could potentially adhere to that um could support that. And I think I don't think anybody would push back on that piece. And I think we just have to tell the kids this is where we're shifting to and these are the expectations that are aligned to that. So with those quarterly meetings like
right now Mark does go through um um different things with them like resume building um uh interview skills things like that when when they meet but we can definitely formalize that and make certain things get submitted and work get connected to that.
teaching even if it's like a daily even if it's a a regular journal um that they can do both you know physically or electronically to be able to to show where those skills are being applied um I think would probably move us in a direction where
they could use that to create a final portfolio um and it's not that big massive piece of thing that they need to put at the end is he teaching classes too on like resume building and uh So
um Mark obviously is a career counselor, right? Uh so a lot of his work is counseling. It's not necessarily teaching. Um but he does oversee the work study program. Mhm. Um and I think we could potentially embed some of that quarterly work and
maybe even transition it to monthly. Uh I don't know. I don't know if we go weekly with 40 kids. Um but we could potentially increase the touches and also the work that would be connected to that and um have them over the course of the year compile a portfolio that they would
the portfolio is required for the internship. Yes. Yeah. So why out of curiosity why would it be required for the internship but not like are there parameters that are set up within the portfolio for the internship that could be replicated for the work study program?
I would say I would say so. And it's less credits. Yeah. The so the internship program is um I'll say we don't have a ton of students who opt into that program. Uh right now the majority of our internships are run through the child development program for those kids who are looking for that
30-year experience. Um working with that program. Uh we don't have a ton of internships in the building at the moment because they're harder. They're harder to do. Um but you also have fewer opportunities. there's just not a lot of opportunities in our building. I don't know if it's harder. Um I mean, we have
some kids who work pretty hard uh in their work study program. So, I don't want to say that, but I just I think it's more work studies, less opportunities, but there's some kids that are working 5 hours on Saturday and still leaving. Y early data about that. Do you have that
with you? I would love to see that. Like who's going where when? I I would need Mark to sit here with me and go through that. Uh I don't have all the specifics of of that piece. I agree. I think like if if we're giving eight to eight credits primarily, then
that should be something that's data that's readily available in terms of being able to say these students are actually going to work when they leave school versus 75% of them are working 5 hours on a Sunday or Sunday. That's that's
that's different. I think logistically you have to have that flexibility for the students because to say that each of them will go to some job you know 12 to two on a Tuesday when a lot of them work in restaurants or what's that with a mile school fair or differentiate the
credits that you're able to earn receiving as a if you're doing a 5 hour shift on Sunday that's great but maybe you don't have the option to earn all of the eight credits or something I don't know it's a lot of credits it's a lot of time away from the building
can we do like a revision of this program and uh see are like when you say we do you mean me or do you mean you guys? You. Okay. Well, that's I'm I'm being just purely candid. I just want to make sure
so I can we can definitely, you know, rework some language here. I mean, even look at what other schools are doing and see what they have or and make sure it aligns with what Desi wants and and just make it I don't
know may have uh connections to some of the other schools that he might be able to pull from too. All right. You'll come back to this at some point. So just so I have marching orders, are we still looking at that
same number of credits? Are you looking to reduce that? Um I think the portfolio incorporation is very easy. I think increasing the number of meetings is very easy to do. Um I think the credits are required for the time lost, right? So they probably need the eight credits.
Correct. What's that? Most of them probably need the eight because they're leaving and missing two blocks um to graduate. I will say graduate. I'll say the opposite. So, our students have eight scheduling blocks.
Um our graduation requirements go to 116 uh our students have 132 opportunities for credits. So, every year you technically fail a course and still graduate on time. So, a lot of our students in our work study program technically don't need those credits and they could still graduate on time, but
that's not so doing dual enrollment or something. So, yeah, I know if it was dropped to four credits, that wouldn't uh dissuade anyone from doing it potentially and it wouldn't put anyone's graduation uh at risk. Most most of the vast majority of
our students when they enter senior year have pretty close extra credits to play with. we'll just say uh you there are kids who I would say the vast majority of our students enter their senior year where they could technically technically fail four courses during their senior
year and still graduate um just because of how our credit system is structured here. So I would say just take a little deeper look at that. If there is room to move the credits down I think there's some desire to do that. If it hinders some students, then we could
certainly reconsider. But I speak with confidence that it should not hinder students. Okay. And then the other part would be, you know, the accountability portion of it, whether it be the accountability is easy. I'm not going to dispute that or disagree with it because we've had those conversations. Um we obviously just not have made them
into policy, but we've had those conversations anyway about how to tighten things up, which I think we've done over the last few years. Um uh there was a time where especially when we were semester based, we would have large numbers of students who would be leaving half day second semester because they met all the requirements
and they would engage in these work study programs and be in those in those five credit situations. So we did I mean so they actually were leaving at 10:30 when we were blocked, right? 105 years ago you have them leaving at 10:30 when we were block schedule. I don't agree with that. you know, that was the model,
right, that kind of came into, you know, and it would be great too if you could see, you can redact the names, but to be able to see like what type of evaluation the employers are providing using the Massachusetts workbased learning plan, especially because you
have such a varied um assortment of employers. be interesting to see if there's any alignment in terms of how they're utilizing something to evaluate students. Like are they trained on that?
Like who's I mean if they're but if they're evaluating our students then there seems like there should be some kind of uniform practice around how to use the Massachusetts workbased learning. Especially if that's the only tool to
evaluate them. That just seems like maybe that's like a joint quarterly meeting or something like that. I don't know. I just think like those are some ideas maybe to back back around with Mr. Macarini because and to standardize the evaluation you're saying from the employer standpoint. You
have somebody who owns he said there's somebody who owns their own landscaping business. So if you own your own landscaping business who's evaluating you if you're the owner. I'm I'm sure they're coordinated with someone else, right? Mentor. Yes. Yeah. But again, like that's just drastically different
than if you're getting evaluated by like a manager at like a Dunkin Donuts versus somebody who's evaluating with the guidance of the mentor like and like if um Mr. Marini is going to do
any kind of classes like on resume building with these kids that are on in the work study um and just kind of skills like that with them. Yeah, interviews. Yes. And Mark does um so we have a guidance curriculum that
we go through each year where the traditional guidance counselors are the ones who push in the classroom to talk about scheduling the college process. Uh Mark pushes in the classrooms and goes through the job world like careers, what might what might be an area of
interest for you. Uh, one of the things he does when he pushes into all classrooms is to talk about things like resumes and interview skills and um, he emphasizes that when he has those quarterly meetings, but I think we'd have to obviously take it to the next level like what we're talking about. But those things do happen on the large
scale with them. Um, but uh, I think there's more if we're talking about 40 kids who might be participating in this program too uh, to bolster and strengthen it, you know. Mhm. So, um, so if we're looking
to improve upon the, uh, work study program, what are we looking at? I know we have a meeting in two weeks. Are you looking for a recommendation when I come back in two weeks? Is that enough time? Maybe. So, we have the 12th and we have the
23rd. 23rd, you're going to have the entire leadership team here. Oh, that's when I'm thinking of the 23rd. That's four weeks. Um, I don't do the 23rd. It just be a longer meeting. Yeah, I can't do it to both. So, I could do the 23rd or we can schedule a separate meeting. Yes. No, you could do that, too. The
23rd is a long night for everyone, including the administrators. We might want to separate it secondary and elementary and do it. Yeah, we do that then we could we'd have to schedule we'd have to schedule an additional meeting.
Unless, you know, 12th might be challenging for everybody to finalize that because we're still organizing and going through data and survey. So maybe move the 12th meeting if you don't need it and you do two meetings.
Yeah, something like that. Okay. So that week, yeah, that should give me enough time to put some stuff together. And so ultimately, are we trying to say that Mr. Macarini, is that the person's name? He's a career counselor. Yes. would he in essence become the de facto co-op
coordinator? Is that what we're asking? Because we're asking them to do some additional work um to be able to monitor the kids, be able to see what they're doing, to be able to create a portfolio, to be able to check on the the students and the employer. So, in essence, we're asking him to be a deacto co-op
coordinator. He is the coordinator now. That's what he is right now for the program. So, we're just modifying the program, adding more to that. So, I'm guessing the co-op coordinator is a position up on Yes. Yes. Talk to me a little bit about it. So, the I mean there's a I'm thinking we
probably need to I need to come to your school and sit down and just go over with it because there's a lot there's a lot that's involved. They do grading. They meet with all the different employers. Um they do spot checks on the different the students at the different Yep. But the schedule is a lot more set where students spend their their week on
and week off. So one week they're actually at the at school and the next week they're at the employers all day. Um so they they don't come to school that they don't won't come to school that week that week. Um but then the co-op coordinator is responsible for checking on them on a weekly basis,
getting um getting evaluations, getting all the reports and then actually getting grades. So they actually have to take those grades and give them back to the vocational teacher. Um so there's a lot of additional work that's required as a result. And then there also, you know, between destiny and MA and stuff
like that. They're they're regulated to a lot of other rules. Yeah, there may be pieces within there that we can utilize. I don't know if our program has the flexibility and that that full day opportunity because obviously we have kids who are still
carrying six horses, you know. Um Okay. Yeah. I I'd love to hear more. Absolutely. Talk that piece through. I mean, honestly, having a co-op coordinator maybe even come and visit our school and sit down or talk through
some of those things how to who is the person over there? Um, Mrs. Santos. Yes. Yeah. We give her We give her our program. Yes. How do you make this work? How does this make sense? Yeah. You
know, maybe we can give uh Mr. Macarini the contact information. Yeah. Yeah. So, great. So, it be good to have that starting point. Yes. You'll be able to give it to me. Yes, I will. Awesome. Thank you. All right. And
we usually get our packet a few days before. So, if you can actually have it in by like the 19th, that would be okay. Of course. Any other questions, concerns for Mr. Page? Are we going over independent study?
Oh, right. We didn't talk about that. Okay. Cuz this one is the one that you dropped to zero credits. This one we'll be talking about dropping to zero credits. Yes. And who typically takes this? Uh
it's juniors and seniors. Mhm. Or maybe the better question is why are kids opting into like a a study hall of sorts and will do you see that that's going to decrease now that it's nonredited because before they were receiving credit correct they
were Yep. Yep. Uh I don't think you would see a decrease. Okay. Um I think it's take advantage of and utilize an opportunity. Um uh so I would expect that same number. And how many sections of this currently
run? Uh so it's not run in section well it is run in sections but it's not run as like a teaching block. Um it's a it's a duty for our staff. Um so it's on top of their regularly scheduled classes. Teachers will have five. This would be a sixth which would be their their assigned duty. Okay. Um I think we're
projected to have six sections of it next year. Okay. And how is it graded? Uh, right now it's just pass and it would stay like that. Well, if it was zero credits, it would you would
have no grades. It would have no So, what's the typical reason why kids are opting into this? Um, I think it varies from student to student. Um, some students take heavy course loads and um they're looking for ways to balance their schedules. Okay. Um, you know,
some kids need that space for additional support. Some kids use that to go get extra help from teachers who may be available during that time. Um, but that's if in here it says that's if the schedule allows it. So, our so that's not a guarantee. Like I
could sign up for independent study, but yet when it gets put into my student schedule, it might not line up with an off period for me to go meet with Mr. STS. Yeah, it's uh it does happen, but
it's I'll just say it's an exception, not some kids do utilize that time to meet with teachers when it's available. If they're not, they stay after school. So taking it to a zero credit um course would happen next year. Yeah, we So we
are prepared to do that now, right? If um um that's approved for next year. So students who signed up for it this year, I think they've already put them on notice that it's going to go to zero credits for this
year. Next year for next year 2526. Yeah. Yep. Good. Okay. Everyone content? Mhm. Okay. What do you need? Studies or part of the program of studies program? We just didn't go
through the the actual description. Okay. All right. So, the next piece is I don't think work study was on that list, but I'm going to come back to you guys with a we'll say uh heed up um description and program for independent studies. Sorry, work studies. Work
studies. Correct. And it sounds like we may be moving the June 12th meeting to maybe two meetings. So, you would have time to get that done. Yeah. Yep. So, and then what are the enrollment numbers for dual enrollment and the
early college? Because those are the other two pieces that you had placed in here for us to look at. So, early college, we're at zero. Um, I think I've had one of those in the last two years. Similar to like that half day work study, it's when kids go half day college. Okay.
Um, I had one student last year who took four courses at HCC and he was the one student who went approved for that this year. I have no projected going into next year um for dual enroll dual enrollment courses right now there are 20 kids who
have selected it but it's at an alternate um reason we put as an alternate is um we have to ensure that the college has accepted them before we move it to a primary request. Okay. Uh so right now it's technically zero but there are 20 kids who are interested in it. Okay. Um so the next step on them is
to uh get accepted to the program. um verify that with our counselors and then we would approve the uh dual enrollment program and those would be seniors because those are the 20 that would be accepted to take those out during the school day. A lot of dual enrollment
courses now um is it's unfortunate because pre- pandemic kids used to we used to send kids to stay at HCC all the time. Now a lot of them are online, a lot of them are asynchronous. Um it's disappointing.
Um, I thought when our kids used to go to state was a great opportunity for them. We'd have 20, 30 kids a year. Uh, when the pandemic hit, Springfield partnered with STCC and eliminated that program for any of the surrounding communities and it just became a Springfield only program. Um, and that
really hurt us, you know. So, I think this year we had like five or six kids who actually got into that program. Um, versus the numbers like 20 to 30s that we used to have pre- pandemic. And then would we be striking the language around meeting all MCCAST
requirements or what what is that going to look like in terms of the criteria that's on here? Is it that they're participating in the grade 10? Uh we can change that to participating. Sorry, I didn't catch that one. No, that's okay. Frank, you said 30. It used to be 30 students in the early college dual
enrollment. I'd say 20 to 30ish each year. Um they got absolutely crushed. Would there be um a desire to have that if we had a relationship with a college that would allow us to do it the more in-person relationship? Um stick was the best opportunity uh just based on
proximity. Yeah, we've had kids go down as none but um they pay out of pocket because it's out of state and HCC is just too far um where kids can get there in a timely fashion. Like the kid who was doing it last year, going back and forth to HC, I don't know if he was driving safely to get here in time to uh
get to his courses cuz he was taking 2 in the morning and then he tried to get here by 10:15 to get into his classes here. Um yeah, it was it was tight. Yeah. Wow. You know, so um ultimately stick is the best opportunity
for us and I mean we've had state reps reach out to them um and they just continue to just say no. I think they've got a model that works for them right now. Um, and that, uh, especially with now classes being able to go online and doing things asynchronously. It's my understanding only Springfield runs
programs where kids just take them after school through stick. So, it's Yeah. Um, but that's early college. It's not dual enrollment. Dual enrollment is a little bit more flexible and open to relationship
building with it's not just exclusive to Springfield. Yeah, and early I agree with you that early college students that go full-time, there is a really established relationship now, a lot of different Springfield high, you know, based high schools, but dual enrollment should be a
little bit more flexible with students coming in as opposed to the early college in person opportunities still though even at the stick. Yeah. Yes. I mean, we should encourage for surrounding districts. I just think they reopen that
that be used. I think I through d through dual enrollment. Yes. Um but I again I mean I I think the early college piece probably not but um I can certainly reach out as well and you know
there might be conflict of interest. I don't know but I can certainly do a little bit of research and get back in touch with you for if there's a good Yeah. If you have anything that would be phenomenal because every I will say I don't know if our counselors reached out this year but when they did last year they were still told priorities were
going to the Springfield students and there may not be slots available for any outside schools and that that's typically the message we got. So I forgot you I'm sorry a little frustrated because we have been frustrated about not having our kids be able to go there
and take those inerson courses. Yeah, you know Anything else for Mr. State? Uh, the state came out with their adjusted competency determination. So, is that something because I know we had discussed compensy determination early
on in the school year. We'd have to revise the one that we passed. Mhm. Yeah. And bring it back forward so that we can get that done maybe before the end of this school year. in that same meeting just so that the students who are going to be entering into their senior and junior year have a clear path
of what it is going to be. So the revised one right now is very similar to what we had proposed just layers in the social studies. Of course we just have to add that one in. Um so we could do that at the June meeting if you'd that's when it came out we had already posted the meeting so we didn't add it
in. That's okay. Yeah. And then we had talked about potentially looking at attendance as well beyond this current academic year. We had thrown around quite a few ideas for ways to take what we had discussed as something that was fair for
students because of where they were in their trajectory towards graduation. But we had also talked about with the incoming ninth graders looking at things like student attendance. We had quite a few I think ideas that we had talked
about in terms of how do we take this as an opportunity and we had talked about like making sure we had uh similar assessments so that if I take 9th grade algebra 1 in this section and nth grade algebra 1 in this section if I get a B
here it wouldn't have been a C over here with this educator cuz if we don't have uniform assessments in terms of that and now we are as a committee saying that they've met those requirements and certifying it beyond just you know the graduation
requirements. We really have to make sure that we have that continuity across grading practices for the courses that are going to count towards competency competency determination. So I think that's something we have to be revisiting especially for that incoming nth grade
class because they're the ones who will have the opportunity to have all four years work towards earning the CD. Yeah, we talked about it mostly around math because that's where they started to develop the um the
um common assessments, but we also talked about English given that they have a new curriculum that that might be easier there as well. So you'd have the math and English covered and then layering in the social studies
or social studies we haven't talked about as much but but yeah the June meeting should I just bring forward the state ones or or we look I I don't I'm not going to be prepared to layer those other components we've talked about those informally with
the departments that are aware of the I think this the state competency since that's going to affect next year's class we have at least address address But I think we need to almost have that as like almost a monthly standing agenda item. Like if we're if we're going to be
prepared to welcome in a 9th grade class that is now going to be held accountable to the competency determination set forward in conjunction with Mr. Page and this group, then we have to be open with those families and with those students at the onset of their nth grade
year. So, if it's going to those are things that are going to be impacting, you know, grading practices or assessment practices or if we're going to consider having an attendance mark in there. Those are pieces that we should be meeting on pretty regularly in
order to make sure that we're on track to give that information in a timely fashion to those families and students. Okay, start working on it. Okay, you have some things, Frank, for us in the future. Go back and watch the
video and make sure I have So, thank you for coming tonight. Uh 88 triple forward time. Oh, wow. Wow. Will it go into shootouts or just keep playing better than shootouts at least?
Yeah. Okay. Uh with that we have come to the present of our [Applause] meeting and if there is no motion to hear motion made by William second byella. Any
discussion? Manny, good luck to you, my friend. Luck Manny, congratulations. It's been awesome this year. Such a treat. All in favor of the motion, please say I. I. Those opposed, nay. That carries 5 to Z. Thank you.