[music] matching aspects of the grants and then if and when they discover things forward them to us or you. But I my other things I want to have start creating a base of people who
[clears throat] know how things work. >> Yeah. >> Again and hopefully we'll get some people who haven't been involved but um get people to really understand the knowledge base cuz I mean >> I've seen it cuz I follow South's um Facebook page too and people say the
same things all the time. Oh, we need a grant. Oh, we need this, we need that. I said I'm sure it's similar to Belure Town. You see the same thing said over and over again. It's like grants don't pay for operating expenses, but um but and then we also don't get people don't realize how many grants we actually get. So
>> here's I mean maybe this is in motion, maybe this is just me thinking um can we run open up some kind of grant account in town and we have stabilization, we have capital account where we can just plug money in there into a grants account. So if a grant does come up, say the pickle ball, and we have money, kind
of a sludge fund grant account, we say, "Okay, listen, we have enough money in the grant account, let's go ahead and then when that grant's paid for, just slowly replenish the grant account." >> Yeah. Unfortunately, we probably have to wait till fiscal year 28. >> Sure. Sure. >> Make it part of the budget process,
>> theoretically. Is it possible? >> Yeah. Yeah. Oh, absolutely possible. It would be a reserve uh special reserve uh fund >> designated for grants. >> Exactly. And what we could even do is we could probably put it under the opices of the select board so that [clears throat] this way as something
comes up you don't have to wait for town meeting or anything along those lines to actually approve. But like but let's use pickle ball just I'll throw a number out there. It's $50,000 well if we're only getting a 2/3 excuse me a 2/3 reimbursement plus we have to
front all the money. I mean, that's going to put our finances into chaos versus if we had that special reserve fund. >> Caveat being it has to be significant that we could just pull from that, wait for the reimbursement. Because that's the other thing is a lot of times these
reimbursements, you know, the state or the feds, they don't care about our fiscal year. You know, it could be a a fiscal year 27 grant and they'll pay it, you know, give it to us in September of 28, right? So, you know, it's really it could it could mess up our finances in that way.
>> I mean, we could find creative ways to slowly nickel and dime to fund it um you know, somehow throughout the course of the you know, the year. >> Yeah. The the problem with that is usually [clears throat] you only have until May you you have May 1 to June
30th to what's referred to as municipal reserve fund transfer. So that's where, you know, Chris or anyone could get really creative and say, "I'm going to pull from pilot. I'm going to pull for police. I'm going to pull from wreck or something to fund this."
>> Up until May 1st, you were pretty constrained with what you can steal from different budget accounts. >> I just think it would go good handinhand with the grant committee. >> I I agree. >> Give them some Give them some teeth. Give them some money. You know what I mean?
Because let's be honest, matching grants, more than half of them are are matching grants. So, you know, you could find something that's great, >> but if it's it's a large $200,000 grant, I mean, you know, even 20% that has to be matched by the town, that's $40,000.
That's that's going be hard to find for those little pots of gold. And according to Mark's information, the match requirements are the amount of the match percentage wise. Y >> and whether it can be met with cash,
donated goods or donated services. So >> yeah, >> I think when we um >> those are sometimes grant specific to be honest with you because sometimes those >> it'll be kind of called out. Okay. >> Yeah. I want to say that makes it a little highway ranch. You could do
incind service or Dave and his guys maybe'll do some some rating or things along those lines. >> I think we did that at for I want to say we did that at Forge Bonds >> for the roads. >> Well, the Forge Bond Partika area because Partika donated some. We also
needed a grant and I think we had to put up some money. >> Okay. >> Um but I think we might have done some inkind things over there. >> Okay. >> In kind, not unkind. >> Okay. Um, [clears throat] >> so in short, I think probably the financial plus the the committee kind of
has to work hand in glove >> once again kind of setting our our touch. I would just like to see a pool of money, you know, however it gets there or if the grant does pop up and it's a very, you know, l a grant that we could really use and all of a sudden, you know, we don't have the money to,
okay, well, let's let's set oursel up ahead of time where maybe we have at least 60% of the money and then we'll go to the town, whatever we have to do to make up the difference. >> Absolutely. gives us a lot more flexion. >> Certainly, right? It just it just puts a little bit of teeth and a little bit of uh you know, capital into this uh grand
committee, you know what I mean? And it also shows that we're serious about it. >> Yeah. So, >> provided we can find that in the market. >> Well, we can't do that right now. >> Well, but I mean, if worst came to worse, we usually have a special town meeting sometime in the winter. >> So, you know, depending on the timing,
probably handle that until we get to the next um fiscal year. Yeah. >> Um, [clears throat] >> the final review I think we talked about at last meeting a little bit, but let's just jump in a little. >> So, um, yeah, you were
>> lounging on the beach. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And you thought picture of me doing something. >> No, no, no, no. It was the right brothers. That was a >> Oh, that what it was. I thought it was like karate kid or something. [laughter] >> I was showing post to stand up. I was showing how far the Wright brothers flew
on their first flight. It wasn't very far. So, I don't know why I had to make that post to point it out, but I >> I don't even know how it showed up on my machine to be quite honest with you. >> 120 ft they went. >> Yeah, that's farther than you went, I'm sure. >> Yeah. [laughter] I wasn't walking out to their final flight, which was about 600 ft way out
there. I'm like, I'm done right here. Their first flight only. >> Um, so Department of Local Services is a department of the Do and they'll come in and they'll do a financial review. Basically, it's review of our processes and uh they make suggestions. I think we
had one in 2007. That report has disappeared. I didn't find it online. So, I think it's probably a good idea to um update it, have the prices, right? >> Yeah. >> They they look at everything.
>> Uh they they don't like do uh it's not like they're not looking at our books and stuff like that, but they're looking at our just like how our financial management is set up and >> best practices. free cash policies, things like that. >> Probably something like a establishing a
grants reserve fund. >> Sure. >> Okay. >> We have to sign up for that or we're >> um so I um emailed them and then I they responded and I um copied Ron on the
response so that you're in charge now. >> Yep. [laughter] >> I feel like that was coming my way. >> I just take credit for that. [laughter] So, will this be um you know, obviously we're looking for volunteers again from town. So, are we going to try and put a
pool of volunteers together with um our volunteer sheets and then go from there? Who wants to do what? >> Yeah, I'll um I'll post I mean it should go on the website. I'll post it on to Facebook and but yeah, I mean it's your policy that you guys made up before. We
should stick to it of having people >> send statements of interest. I agree. >> But if also don't hesitate to recruit anybody if you know somebody who interested. Yeah. >> Okay. Next on the agenda,
uh we need to vote for special municipal employee designations for Jeffrey Lawson, one of our members here. >> Yes. And that is obviously due to the fact that Jeff also has a job here with
the with the town. So the under the state ethics uh um laws, financial conflict and all that that technically you're not supposed to have two paying jobs and although selectman's job is not exactly highpaying, it is a paying position. Uh, one of the nice
things though is we only have to do it for one because automatically since Ramby's population is under 10,000. Uh, it's just a foregone conclusion. Select any select board member is a special municipal employee. But on the
dispatcher side, that's what we have to designate. And once again, this isn't necessarilating Jeff as a special municipal employee. It's the position of dispatcher. So by definition, anyone from this point forward who's a dispatcher is automatically a special
municipal employee. >> Okay. Okay. Does that is it just for a dispatch or is it going to be any [clears throat] minute for >> uh well as a selectman you don't have to do the disclosure which I've already started for Jeff. Um he does have to do
it for dispatcher since as I said since selectman is automatically since we're under 10,000 >> population. One just one thing I wanted to add to that is you have the choice. You can either take the dispatcher pay. This is like without it. >> If we don't vote on this, you can either
take that or you can take the select pay. It is your choice. So until we I know >> I'm still looking for that liquid pay of my paycheck. They put it in. They they swore they put it in there. I'm going line by line. >> I'm looking for the pay. >> Make a motion.
>> I will make a motion. I just need to find the thing. I just had it here. Looks like >> I move that we um This isn't a motion. >> Oh, no. It's not a motion. I was going to say that's the agenda title.
>> Nope. >> Um >> Oh, wrong >> I don't know. I'm such a slob. I lost it in the packet right in front of me. It's It's anything. Maybe I'm not recognizing it. I thought
it was like a master law if you want that per mass general law 268. >> Yeah. Do we have to I think it's section 20. Do we have >> section 20? >> Do we have to adopt it or something? Uh well actually in accordance with Mass
General Law chapter 268A section 28 the select board identif or that's identifies recognizes the best or designates that's the best verb
designates the position of dispatcher as special >> yeah this will this would cover it this is to allow Jeff Lawson to hold two paid positions >> um all right But we're going to designate. >> And what's the official? Is it public
safety dispatcher or >> just public safety dispatch? >> Public safety. Yeah. >> Okay. Police, fire, EMS. >> So, we already have special municipal employee status. Uh, we got to mention section 20. Do you have a staff?
>> Uh, yep. Right there at the top. >> Section 26. I mean, uh, the sheriff law 268, I believe. >> 268. It is section 20. Yep. >> Section 20. >> Um, so um, I don't even have a problem with
making the wrong motion, but I don't. Um, but I wanted to stick. Um, >> so I don't know if we're adopting it. >> I mean, he's a special municipal employee already. >> I think designate is probably >> I think designate is better. >> So, we're designating the position
>> in accordance to master law 268 section 20. Okay. So, this allow him to collect his select for. >> Yes. [laughter] >> Spend it all in one place. >> I know. Is that right? >> Yes, it is. >> Yeah. >> All right.
>> Just have to fill fill that out. >> Put it send it over to the town court. >> Okay. I'll get it to her. >> Be a conflict of interest to me to ask for a a cut in your pay. >> [laughter] >> I don't know if there's a cut in there.
It's very slice, very thin. [laughter] >> All right. >> Obviously, I can't participate in this. >> Yeah. I move that we designate um public safety dispatcher um in accordance position of public safety dispatcher in accordance with um Massachusetts General
268A section 20D. um purpose of which is to allow um [snorts] a select board member to collect their um wages from u dispatch but also be paid a
hefty sum from the select board of about $3,000 a year. >> I will second that motion. Any discussion? >> Taking care of that all. >> All in favor? I >> thank you. >> You're welcome. [snorts] It's tough to put down that gamble, isn't it?
>> Yeah, it is. I'm just like I'm like I'm born on autopilot. I'm just like >> Yeah. You don't know how many times [clears throat] Dave has asked for a vote and I almost said bye. [laughter] >> All right, that taken care of. Yeah, we will go to G. Now we'll go into the veteran services.
>> That's the one that's the one I was confused on because you're both on different sub. [laughter] >> That is Northampton. Correct. Yep. >> They're both Northampton actually, but >> Yeah, they are. They're both Northampton. That's that's the curve there. But, uh, yeah, once again,
>> um, been in place evidently for for several years at this point. >> Mhm. >> The fiscal year 2027 veterans service intermunicipal agreement is what we're looking for. [snorts] I don't think you
>> Is there a copy in it? >> I don't believe that was printable. I believe that's a docy sign. You guys are going to uh give Ron the permission or permission. Okay. So, I will take a motion. >> I move that >> to give Ron permission to sign for >> I move that authorized town
administrator Ron Ponti to uh sign our intermunicipal agreement with uh Northampton Veteran Services. >> Yep. Yes, sir. >> Um for the fiscal year 2027. >> Second. Any other any other discussion? >> This is something we've been part of
>> about a year now. >> Yes. >> Oh, about a year. >> Yeah. >> Is it just a year or is it two? I thought I remember two. Well, I know after Mr. Mendoza resigned. Maybe it's two. >> It's It's a year or two. >> Maybe this is my second year. >> I think this is coming in a year. >> We have a leazison.
>> It's a I can't remember the lady's name off the top of my head, but >> I think Jason might know. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. I'm just curious. If there's no discussion, all in favor >> I >> I correspondence.
>> I have nothing here. >> I don't think there was nothing there. No correspondence. Okay. Department reports. Make a motion that we accept departmental reports. >> Second. >> Any discussion on the reports? They're
really very interesting. Um, >> that's my discussion. >> I do find them interesting sometimes. >> Sometimes I'm seeing a little sarcasm in that highlight. [laughter] Highlight. >> If there's no further discussion, all in favor? >> I I
>> Any opposed? Opposed? >> Okay, we're down to warrants. Jeff, once again, I will pull the paper warrants if I come across some. and showing off the function. Make a motion to approve warrant D78
dated 618 2026 in the amount of $279,99820. Same motion warrant 79 dated 626 2026 in the amount of $315,476.90. >> We're going to read all this together.
>> Yeah, he's reading through them all. Yeah. Same motion to approve warrant number 0079S dated 62626 in the amount of 247,71.15. Those are the three nonpayroll warrants. >> Second that a motion.
>> All in favor? Hey guys, Mr. Mr. Chair, I move that we approve warrant PR77 post date 618 2026 paid each of the entities previously listed previously in this warrant the sum set against their respective names amounting
in total of 130,000 $6.51 and charge the same to the accounts indicated further on that motion um warrant PR77S post date June 18th 2026 pay to each of the entities listed previously in this
warrant the sums said against their respective names bounding to a total of $400,151.78 and charge the same to the accounts indicated. >> Good. That's all of them. >> That's it. Second.
I am a second. You both wrote them differently. We got a second on. >> You did second. >> He seconded. >> Jeff. I have to abstain from the payroll. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> Cuz we're reading them all in order. I'll second that motion. I apologize.
>> I probably screwed you up. [laughter] >> It's just cuz we read them all through on one motion. That's why. Um, all in favor? >> I >> I All in favor on the first three. We already >> the second. Okay. >> So, we just got to sign. Got a bunch of
stuff you guys got to sign. Yeah, we got a two sign pile going. >> We got a splitter signing as we go through this. >> Okay, for us. >> All right, that's all of our all of that administrator report.
>> Yes. Uh been an eventful week. Uh had the USA implementation went live July 1st. uh July 1st and July 2nd, so Wednesday and Thursday of last week, probably fielded at least two dozen
I guess complaints, questions, issues. Um, one of which was at Grammy Heights that uh they could not receive a dumpster where USA had uh preferred at a preferred location because of the uh sit
the logistics of their wellhead. um took quite a bit of time to figure it out, but we did come up with at least a temporary solution where the Graanby Heights will not have a dumpster, but they'll have five locations that they currently use for trash pickup and
they're going to be uh four sets of carts at each of those. So, that's going to be in place through October 1st, at which point then there'll be a discussion as to whether or not it'll continue along those lines. And I think
a a definite uh kudos and attab boy to USA because on Wednesday where it was nearly 100°, the people at Graanby Heights had already put their bags out into those five locations. So it was approaching a
public health and public safety issue. And they went down, they USA went down there with a truck, a crew of three or four, and they put all the bags into into their trash carts and dumped them all. And
they uh they were sweating. It was it was hard work in that hot sun, but they did it. And kudos to them. Another thing is we did set up the builder's risk insurance policy for the West Street project. Um, also literally uh just
today we submitted a request from Representative Dome and Representative Gomez to um have a submission for state bond um bill that is uh coming up and going to be before the governor for
fiscal in fiscal year 27 and it was for the remediation of the gym and the cafeteria at West Street. So once again, this is it's not an earmark where the the money is absolutely there and has to be readily available at a time certain
with a bond bill. The the hope is obviously that the governor signs off on the bond bill and those funds become available sooner versus later, but there's no guarantee that, you know, they're going to be here even a year from now or at the end of fiscal year
27. But I figure it's certainly worth the shot. And based upon the architect's uh estimates, we for the remediation uh plus the windows and and the doorways in that uh general vicinity, it was $2 million and that's what we put in for.
So >> that'll be that'll be on there. Cross our fingers. um uh work with uh Chief O'Grady and Chief Bryant in setting up the cooling areas uh to be used as cooling centers which has a lot of uh red tape
associated with it. Um of which uh honestly we I we only had one at the senior center on Thursday gentleman yeah gentleman was here Thursday afternoon um did send uh Mr. Jay's packet of
information off to attorney Costa. He did come back with a recommendation. Um, most of the accusations, if you will, that were in the packet had already been addressed to
the satisfaction of attorney [clears throat] Costa, and they were addressed either through the state or through local um authorities. So, the one thing he did point out is the site plan. He does believe that the
site plan needs to go through the planning board and have the planning board rule on it. Um, so at this point, I mean, obviously it's it's not in our uh packet, is maybe for the next meeting, maybe authorize myself to send
a an email or some type of a correspondence to the planning board indicating what town council has recommended to us. >> Did they not get copies of that? All of the planning board, I'm sorry, because they were involved originally. >> Was there a site plan originally?
Obviously, there has been. There wasn't. >> It was it was a request that was never fulfilled, I believe. >> Correct. It went to to the ZBA. Uh cuz first it was said that it wasn't needed. It was challenged. Went to the ZBA. And even though the ZBA voted three in favor
and two against, you needed a supermajority to uphold the challenge. So that challenge was not upheld. And as a result, the at least in attorney Costa's opinion that the site plan should be reviewed by the
plaint we knew that wrong months ago at the very least >> and I don't remember why the ball stopped rolling on that. Do you chief >> that follow through now? >> I don't have to planning board
>> once that's um taken care of that site plan. I mean, we're in good shape as far as the town was all messed. >> Well, in this in in attorney cost, at least as far as what Mr. Jay had brought forward as the the accusations, if you
will, he he felt comfortable that they had all been addressed except for the site plan. >> He didn't weigh uh Castle did not weigh in on um the legalities of the liquor license and all that. He and he said that up front
before Um he said that that's one of those instances where it's up to the ADCC. [clears throat] So, we just got a question on where the sign means the uh the pole location. We usually sign, right? Not you
the pole. >> Well, it says city or town clerk sign here, but the uh >> or national grid. That's us. We sign those correct >> for the pole. >> Yeah, there should be a sign. >> I always remember I always remember signing for them.
>> So, and there are four lines here. So if you have sign also, we'll give you permission to do that. >> Yeah. >> So >> something he's probably wanted to do. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> At least his account administrator. >> That's right. It's his fault.
>> And and honestly, the the only last thing is uh we have lined up um the finance committee reserve request. Uh we have three from Jeremy. We have one from the schools. And there's another one that I can't remember off the top of my
head. God, I'll I'll remember. But um Fincom's m Mr. Liber has all the information at his fingertips. We'll be meeting on Wednesday. I don't foresee any issues. >> Okay, great.
That's one of them. Yeah. >> Last last Tuesday, former assist former acting town administrator um Grady and I attended a dedication of a room at Community College for uh Larry. Um it
was nice. Um >> and Chief did a good job speaking. >> Thank you. Um it was uh for me it was kind of nice because I you know I'm used to you know having appreciated blue as many capacities in
town. Always nice to see how many people and >> law enforcement actually had. I mean, I knew that there were a lot of people out there, but AC line and then unless your name was there
and then pass them off so I didn't have to take them out. >> So, that's good. Good turnout. >> Good turnout. >> And they dedicated one room for him. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. Diane was there, I would imagine. >> Diane was there. Yeah.
Her mom and her mom and brother. >> Yep. The boys boys couldn't make it home. But >> yeah, it was a very nice little ceremony and I >> think the hardest >> honor to be a part of. >> Yeah. I remember working for little
>> The hardest thing is like he did so many different things and he impacted people in so many different >> aspect. Absolutely. I mean, he just one of those people. I mean, I remember he knew I needed a snowblower, so he brings he gets Spencer to come over, drops off
a snowblower in my house, you know, and uh you know, then I saw former uh council on aging director was there, somebody that he recruited and, you know, talked to her for quite a while, which is I mean, he's
it was everybody was it was they weren't an opportunity to help. um help him get out of trouble as an opportunity to get somebody help >> part of the plaque says he goes if it wasn't for HCC I don't know where I would have gone >> and
he held that he held that truth you know >> he wanted to give back >> he always did my kids >> yuck my kids under as put him to work. [laughter] >> It was a good thing because then when I
got him back, I said, "See, that's what you're supposed to do with me, except I don't pay you." And [laughter] >> he gave me my first bunch and at the old station. I remember and I well deserved it. But then 10 minutes later, we're sitting there drinking coffee. I'm like, "All right, I can't sit down, but that's
Thank you." >> And Diane still calls often and Sophie will go over and help with her guardians. Awesome. I do have one more thing for you guys to sign that is for
case fits the liquor license should be in the lower left hand corner. >> Yep. >> Okay. Is that the coffee cup? I think so. Let's go. getting coffee. >> Why is it wrong? >> That's the curing machine. It keeps
itself warm. Every once in a while, it turns itself on. Yeah, it's always on standby if anyone needs a coffee. >> Sounds like it's in self-destruct. >> I'll stop by here tomorrow at 6:30. >> See how We'll see how Dale feels tomorrow. >> Interesting stuff.
>> Yeah, that's a little file, right? >> Yeah. >> I can see her now. I'm not feeling good. I got to Yeah, I think you take care of this. Last piece. >> So, Ron, this goes to Emily this week. My little form here. I got the form. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I'll get that there.
>> All you have to do is uh get just fill out, like I said, I sorted it for you and just uh bring it over to the town clerk. Okay, we'll put it on file. >> Very good. That'll be official. >> It's official. >> Cool. Thank you. >> Okay, if we don't have anything else,
make a motion to adjourn uh tonight's meeting. >> Second. All in favor? I I >> Thanks, Kate. Of course. >> Thank you.