All right. So, it is 6:19. I would like to reopen the board of selectman meeting for uh Tuesday, October 21st, 2025. Um we will start as we always start. If you guys those can stand can join me in saluting the pledge of allegiance here.
>> 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. >> Thank you.
Uh before we get going here, just something um that came to our attention in the last couple weeks. Uh the town of Halifax lost a good man. Our board of health agent, Bob Valerie, passed away unexpectedly um recently. Uh and uh it's
a loss for Halifax. Not only was he a great board of health agent, he was a good guy. He was the kind of guy that when you walked in a room, you you knew it and you felt glad to see him. So, we lost a good health agent. We lost a
friend. Um, for those interested, visitation will be Thursday, uh, the 23rd at Cartell Davis Funeral Home down in Manette. And the celebration of life will be, uh, the 24th from 10:00 a.m. to
10:45 at that same funeral home. If you guys don't mind, I'd like to entertain a moment of silence, please. Thank you very much. In in light of that news, um I would like to take something a little bit out of order here. So, normally our town administrator update
is at the end. Uh but seeing that this is related to this situation, uh Bob, I'd like to go a little bit out of order here and introduce to the town uh the man that will be acting as our board of health agent uh in the interim. Bob, please take it away. >> Okay. So, um
Bob Valerie was the he was hosting a group called the excellence the Halifax Excellence and you can get into that Bob. Um, we have Bob Buer here who came in the that next day to talk to me uh to
say that they're here to help. It's a group of I think seven or eight uh health agents throughout the area. And what they do is they support every other city in town that they're involved in. So, we're fortunate that we have we have
Bob Buer uh stepping in and he's going to take make sure that the inspections are done and that that the health issues are uh governed and overseen by him and others with that group. So, I just want to bring Bob up to introduce him to
everybody, introduce him to the board. May not have I don't know how many have met him before, but but Bob, I I know cuz I see you at these meetings that are held here, you know, monthly. So, if you can >> right up to the podium yourself. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you for helping us out.
Thank you. >> Uh good evening everyone. Um, Robert Buer, Bob Buer. Um, as uh the town manager Bob Fennessesy explained, it's actually it's called the public health excellence group. Um, it's a six town
group. It's grantf funded. Um, Halifax is actually the host community. Bob Valerie hired me in late 2022 or three 202 late 2022 as the shared
services coordinator uh for that six communities. It's the three bridgewaters, Halifax, Middleboro and Rainom. Um Bob was a close friend of mine as well as a colleague. Um so I I definitely I felt a sense of duty to step in. Um we had already developed
across jurisdictional capacity um for all the health agents for the six six communities as well as myself uh credentialed health agent to be able to operate in any of the six communities. So being that I was already working
directly with Bob here in Halifax, it it felt most appropriate for me to uh step in on the interim. Um it actually is going to at least through FY26 be covered uh through that grant funding. Um so it's at no cost to the town of
Halifax which is um which is a bonus. So and we're just going to um to take it as it goes. I I work closely with Peggy Seltter as well for like five years now one way or the other. And uh I look forward to serving uh the citizens of
Halifax and and you can call the office you have any questions at any time. Uh thank you chiefs also. I will be getting to know you guys um as well and and to a credit to Bob and speaking with him after the the news we got. He's
whatever you need and he says he wants to help in honor of Bob. So kudos to you Bob. Thank you and welcome aboard. All right. So on a heavy note, let's uh lighten things up a little bit. Here we go to um we're going to jump down to A on your agenda acknowledging Halifax
Police and Fire for their actions for a water rescue on September 11th, 2025. I'd like to bring up our chiefs here. We have Deputy Chief Benner, Chief Wither with the Fire Department, and Chief Shaves for uh the police department. >> Good evening, members of the board,
family, friends, and residents of Halifax. is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you this evening to recognize a remarkable groups of individuals whose actions on the night of September 11th, 2025 went far beyond the call of duty. Their bravery,
professionalism, and teamwork represents the best of what it means to serve this community. That evening, a 911 call was placed by a resident Judith uh Necessian to the regional Old Colony Center,
reporting someone yelling for help around East Mansonet Lake. Hellfax emergency personnel responded immediately and without hesitation. Despite the darkness and difficult conditions, our first responders from
fire, police, and EMS personnel demonstrated exceptional courage, skill, and unwavering commitment to preserve life. We would like to begin by recognizing the coordination and professionalism of the Rock dispatchers whose efforts were vital to the success
of the rescue. Their calm and effective communication ensured that the help was dispatched without delay. in that responding units were provided with crucial real-time information. We also want to give a special recognition to the individuals who were directly
involved with the water rescue. Hellfax police officer Bonaruski Radits and Shaheen Hellfax Fire Captain Kuso Root and Robinson and offduty firefighter Jennifer Stratton. Working together,
these individuals mounted a quick thinking and res resourceful rescue effort. Officer Both Garuski first acquired a kayak and navigated out into the lake despite limited visibility in numerous obstacles. He located the
individual in the water. Officer Bonuski immediately assisted her safely to shore with assistance by offduty firefighter Jennifer Stratton, who also had paddled out on a kayak. The coordinated efforts by first responders
played a major role in the success of this operation. Police officer Radits and Sheen along with Captain Kuso, firefighter Root and Robertson played a crucial role in the rescue operations contributing to the safety of the victim and ensure her well-being. This
operation was further supported by mutual aid from Pembroke Hansen Fire who supported additional rescue equipment and aerial drone support. Boston MedFlight assisted by transporting to the Boston base hospital which made a full recovery. The response was a
textbook example of inter agency cooperation demonstrating how every role from dispatch to on the ground personnel was crucial in saving a life. Thanks to the training professionalism and self-service of everyone involved, a life was saved that night. On behalf of
the Halifax Police and Fire Department, we are proud to commend each one of these individual schools publicly. Your actions reflect the highest standard of public service. We appreciate your dedication to the safety and well-being of our community. And right now, we'd like to call up each
individual one by one, and the police and fire chief will be presenting them with an award. paramedic. He's on a call. >> He's on a call. >> Duty calls. >> I think he's on a call, too.
>> Paramedic. My brother. Kuzo's not here either. Kuso is not here either. >> Yeah. >> Uh, Captain Jeffrey Kuso is not here as well. He's out on a run. So hopefully he'll be back. paramedic Jennifer Strand from Ducks
Fire who is also Let's call up our officer Daniel Shaheen. >> Officer Steven Rabbits. And last but not least, Officer Michael Bucki. Yeah, >> do a quick picture with everybody.
Absolutely. Can we have everybody down for a quick picture with to the other hand. All right. Everybody, good job. Thanks, Chief. >> Yeah. And as the chief said, um, we have the selectment meeting room back there.
It's got a nice insignia, a town seal, some flags. If family members want to get pictures, uh, by all means, have at it. >> Just don't wreck the joint. >> All right, we'll give them a little bit. >> I know, right? It's nice to have good
news. All right. And now guys, let's go back up and affirm some uh warrants and commitments. Bill, if you don't mind taking it away. >> I move to affirm approval of the following warrant and commitments. Vendor warrant number 35 for 2,541,418.88.
Ambulance commitments 10625 to 101225 for 151,2370. >> So moved. All those in favor? >> I I >> passes unanimous. Sorry, Bill. >> I move to approve the following
warrants. Payroll warrant number 36 for $480,650.35. Vendor warrant number 37 for $991.71. Vendor warrant number 37 for 36,62857. Withholding warrant number 38 for 171, $161. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I
>> I opposed. Passes unanimous. >> All right. Thank you. We're going to jump down now to B in our agenda. Uh we have Ellen Snow and Bus here. Um she has a request for discussion on financial condition of the town and potential override initiative in MBTA planning. Ellen, do you want to face out or face
in? What's >> kind of what's better for you? >> Half. Is that okay? >> Well, either however you want to do it. Yeah. However, as long as we can see you and hear you, go for it. >> I'm I'm Ellen Snow, 106 South Street. Um, and this is uh Sam Defresnney Cox,
who is a friend of mine, and we've got a couple of um other neighbors here from Halifax. And we were just um Sam and I um watched on live TV the Hansen Town Meeting that just took place where they passed the MBTA
um zoning um rule. And um then last night, West Bridgewater also passed it. And we were just curious. We thought it may be a good opportunity to just see like where we stand. We're just unclear as to where Halifax stands and is there a plan. >> Sure. Sure. Uh we are so we're currently
uh in litigation with the state. Um so there's really not much we can get into uh until that litigation is done. Um but uh again, I lips are a little bit tied until that verdict is rendered. Mhm. >> Um and once that verdict comes down, we
will we will act accordingly as to what decision comes into the town. >> So >> is there any information that the town's people could um benefit from in terms of what grants have been lost in in terms of uh money that's on the table that hasn't been dispersed or
>> We did have one Bob I remember that came in that we were ineligible for because of our MBTA status. Bob, do you remember what that was off the top? >> DOE. >> Okay. >> DOE grant energy. Um, and I think it was about a 135,000
>> $135,000 energy grant, which uh, unfortunately, >> and and it wasn't denied. It was just put on hold uh, pending the end of the year. We have till 123125 to get into compliance. If we don't, then it's gone.
>> Okay. Yeah. And at at the um Hansen meeting, one of the points that I didn't realize that I thought might be valuable for people to know is um if if the town doesn't take action um there's a potential that the state would make
another designation of property. So >> where we would lose control of being able to choose it and have it just be paper compliance. >> Sure. >> Which in the end we've had sort of been talking like it works out better for everybody. We the town doesn't lose
money and there is more housing and we still get the money that the town so desperately needs. >> Yeah, it it it puts us in a tough situation up here. Uh I'll be honest with you guys because um we were at I think we were all at that that town
meeting in December. Um and the town spoke pretty loudly um that they didn't want to go along with uh MBTA zoning. Um, and I did feel personally, I don't want to speak for the board, that it was our duty up here to uphold what the town
wanted to do. >> Um, and again, I we can't really get into too much of this because it's an active uh case. >> We just kind of wanted to know, we just didn't have any idea where we stood. >> Yeah. So, we're waiting. It's in the court's hands right now. We're waiting to hear what their decision is and uh
once we get that decision we'll we'll see what it is and we'll >> we were also thinking like that the financial situation the town if an override is necessary um how soon will towns people know the amount and what the decision will be how
the decision will be made because it was made um clear to us by friends in other towns that the sooner you know about the need for an override for town services the the sooner grassroots organizations
can get going. So I would just urge you know a decision >> to be made in a you know in a in a timely fashion so we can we can help. >> Um I will say we haven't really got the the budget we have members of our fincom here. We haven't officially kind of
gotten our budget season up and running yet. Uh which isn't uncommon. You know it's still October. Um, personally, I I will share my I will share my thoughts. Um, given what we had to do last year just to make ends meet, I am fairly
certain there will be a sizable gap um in finances next year. >> Um, I think I'm not speaking out of turn with the fincom here. Um, >> it's we're not there yet. We're not there yet, but I do agree what you're saying that with overrides, the the quicker you guys get the message out,
>> the the more successful those overrides can be. Um it's just we're not we're not at a point yet to to make a comment. Tom, I see you moving. What do you mean? >> Yeah, just two things. Uh one on each the MBTA, the grants, and then the override grassroots. >> Yes, we've lost some grants. We you
know, as long as we're non-compliant, we'll continue to lose some. I think they have totaled near 3 400,000 or so over the course of however many years, each year. I think that is still in the mind of the opponents of the MBTA act a fraction of what it would cost to
support the the housing district that could come. So yes, we're losing money uh in the short term for sure, but I think those that are opposed to it would counter that that's a fraction of the money that it would take to sustain that development. Item number two is I would just counter that um I would get all the grassroots organizations that you have
available to you uh in order for a potential override. I think that's the likely course and the more moment to your point Ellen the more momentum we have the more people involved the more likelihood of success of that number. >> Excellent. >> Yeah. Just two more things. One was that a lot of us were very disappointed that
a presentation wasn't able to be made at the town meeting. And I know that um you know emotions emotions are high but I feel like some people may not have had the full range of actual information um
to u make a make an educated decision. Um and then um also we um what was the other point? Oh yes, that I was after the the Hansen Town meeting, I looked at the Hansen Town website and was actually very impressed by they had a lot of
information in a Q&A format and it was obviously that was just one issue, but I would really strongly encourage us to have like FAQ and Q&A >> actual >> information like questions and answers about the override available on either
on the because you know with social media you get all sorts misinformation out there and if there's some place that you can point people to for just actual factual it can be >> because obviously you were all there at the meetings we've had especially about the MBTA
no one could really listen on either side because everyone was just getting so escalated and louder and misinformation was flying all around. So I think yeah I and I were talking like what is the best way using the website is one thing but what are other strong
ways you can use to get factual information out to the people where I mean I felt so bad especially some of the more elderly people coming in who were afraid that their you know house halfway across town was going to be taken by eminent domain because that's
what they had been told. Like I I felt genuinely horrified that these people were that scared because that was the misinformation they were being told that yes I'm just gonna say it all the immigrants were coming in to take all the housing >> when
basically and thank you Karina I'm going to use your phrase instead of calling it lowincome housing or they're saying housing for immigrants workforce housing it's so that the people who actually work in the town could still actually
afford to live here, which makes a much larger sense of community when everyone is involved and all working together because, okay, you went to eat a meal down the road and your server, you know, and then you get to have a nice chat
with them. Like, it just creates more of a sense of a town and a community versus everybody just arguing with everybody else over things that might not even be the facts. Yeah, I you're making a lot of good points, but I do want to just circle back quick on not having the chance to
get the real information. We did have a couple um of seminars here in town, you know, open forum. Yeah. So, so >> it's not I don't want to say it's not accurate, but but we did have Old Colony Planning Council put together a presentation, explain the program with
real facts, real, you know, real hard data. So, it was out there whether people Yeah. Whether people decided to go to those meetings or or have their listening ears on, as we like to say, uh that's a whole other animal. >> I mean, those YouTube there was two sessions that Cody hosted, correct?
>> It was two specifically with the fincom and others. I think those were viewed less than 20 times each and the same people were in attendance for both. >> Yep. Correct. >> So, it wasn't completely for lack of effort. And those were and those were posted online. So, to your point about frequently asked questions on the website,
>> I 100% I 100% agree. But the mobility of that platform didn't extend very far the last time despite the best efforts of everyone who was up here and did the work behind the scenes and the zoning bylaw review committee, the FINCOM and others. That went by the wayside
on you guys. That's not our intention. It's just how we felt like the dynamic was. >> I think unfortunately we're we're a little bit in a holding pattern with the with the MBTA until we get our stuff back from the court. >> Sure. >> You know, and and that will kind of dictate which way, you know, what what happens.
Um, couple of questions. Uh, you know what, ladies first, and then we'll go to Frank. >> Um, >> if you could just, you just got to identify your name and address if you don't mind. >> Sorry. Robin Maloney, 10 Home Street. >> Robert Maloney, 10 Home Street. There you go. >> Um, I was just wondering, uh, were those
videos linked to the town website? >> They were. Yes. >> Yeah, they were. >> And unfortunately, as Tom said, they were barely viewed. >> No. you know, so so we can put as much information as we can out there if the people don't want to watch it or or hear
it. It's I've lived in town for over 40 years though and there's usually a presentation at the town meeting that the decision is made at and that was not your you know it's just there was a frustration for a lot of us that we expected a full a full presentation with just the information >> sure
>> from old colony and it wasn't >> I'm trying to remember and I'm sorry I don't remember was old colony there the name of that meeting there >> yeah we had representatives there from old colony as well so >> and they and they didn't make a presentation >> not on night. They were >> not on the night of Okay, >> they were going to, but
>> but here's the thing about that. A couple years ago, Lloyd from Thorndikeke spoke at a town meeting, and I correct me if I'm wrong. I'm not an expert in town meeting, but I believe >> there has to be permission granted for an out of town person organization to speak. >> Correct.
>> Thornike never received that express permission. They spoke out of turn at that meeting two years ago in December. >> I don't know if it wasn't requested by the O U PC, whatever that is. I I I'm quite certain we didn't deny them access, but it's not customary for
out of town present out of out of town residents to be given permission to have a platform. >> Well, they they had been hired by the town to do the to do the work >> to do to do same as Thornike, but it's it's not customary for out of town organizations to have platform at town meeting just so we're on the same page.
>> Correct. Correct. >> Um Frank, do you mind? Yeah, come on up, Frank. Yeah, >> Frank Johnston. Um >> I need to sit >> um on the budget. Um we had our uh
meeting last night on last night and um Robert's got the budgets out to all the departments. So it has started. We're in full swing with the budget. So it's going >> No, I know there's I know there's a movement to get the ball rolling sooner uh historically soon, you know, compared
to other years. And I would echo what what these folks are saying here, especially this year. The the sooner we can get figures, the better. I know that can be challenging, especially with departments like like the school um that are not any real fault of their own so much as they're they are waiting for
numbers from the state. Um but I do feel like this year of all years, we we need to get our ducks in a row as early as possible because um I don't want to be doom and gloom here, but there could be a sizable gap. So yes, two in the back.
>> Come on. I just need to just for the to make it official, we always need name and address. >> Paul Stratner, 117 Fuller Street. >> Gotcha. >> So just for clarification, the litigation that you're referring to, >> Sure.
>> is about the MBTA, our non-compliance with the MBTA. >> Correct. >> Has anybody won that case against the state? uh our cases. So some cases were lumped together. Towns were lumped
together. We are our own case. Um so we are waiting to see what what that decision will be. >> Okay. >> So >> but your answer is no. My point would right my point would be we're probably going to lose and that would add to the override
the cost of the override >> as far as >> well because of we we missing out on the litigation that's been involved and whatever we might then what's the next step as I think Sam pointed out it's possible that the state might come in and say well never mind the plan that
you folks presented >> Mhm. Here's our plan. >> Here's our plan, >> right? Here's our plan for you. You know, what we're looking for is sensible. We felt that the town and had a sensible plan. >> Mhm.
>> I don't know how much in the minority we were judging by that town meeting, we were very much in the >> very Yeah, it was very close. Yeah. >> You know, it made sense. >> Yep. Yep. I think >> misinformation. A lot of misinformation.
>> Lot of disinformation. And and I I I would have to say that, you know, we did attend the information meeting >> and they were contentious as well, which they shouldn't have been. >> Yeah. >> John Bruno repeatedly tried to say, you know, cool
your jets. >> Yeah. >> This is just for information. Nobody's voting on anything. >> Yeah. >> So, we, you know, I think you you guys did a good job trying to put that forward. At the town meeting, there wasn't an opportunity. was everybody
anybody who was for it was shouted down and would not given a chance to speak. >> No, >> hard to argue anything you said, sir. The only comment I would have and I it's not I guess it's rhetorical because it's not argumentative at all and I agree with
>> there was probably a reason why that was one of the largest town meetings in Halifax and was so overwhelming. >> So, I'm not sure. While our presentation could have been beneficial and and informative for either that vote or future discussion, future votes, I don't think much was going to change that night, that was I don't want to say a
mob mentality, but that was that was uh an overwhelming statement by about 99.5% of the attendees. >> I don't disagree. >> So, while I appreciate the the opportunity for someone to have been spoken, I don't think that was going to change. >> Yeah. Um, and so while Hansen has
reconsidered, I think Ellen might have said West Bridgewwater. I know Marshfield was last night. I don't >> West both voted yes. >> I know Marshfield did the I know Marshfield did the same last night. >> In my mind, I'm not sure how much has
changed. I'm not sure that 710 to 12 would be flipped if we spent several thousand on a recall vote, which we can certainly do. Um, right now it's open to litigation and I think that the three of us or the three
prior having voted that are comfortable in letting that play its course. >> I guess for everybody else, >> I guess the last thing that I would say is I think that it would be helpful if the town knew what they were what it was really costing not to adopt the
plan, >> right? you know, so I don't I'm not sure those figures are all in yet, but weren't there numbers when they are weren't there numbers last year to the effect of around 350 to $400,000 in grants that were going to be lost. Is that >> that right? >> Was that correct? >> So if we go on the high end of 425
440,000 that's still a representative of 12% of the budget. There are other issues and >> a lot of money. >> Oh, I don't disagree with that. I'm not discounting the any money. >> Yeah. In tight times, every penny counts. But it's not as if that would solve the issue with the override. I
don't want to pretend that that >> bridges the gap between >> where we are and where we would like to be without an override, >> personally. >> Well, thank you. >> Thank you guys. Yeah, come on up. >> Jim, you're on deck.
>> Um Karina Buren, 117 Fuller Street. I guess um I'm curious to know what the timeline is on the litigation and are we going to find out a solution or are we anticipating finding out the verdict prior to our having to um
>> come into compliance? >> Come into compliance. >> I I Bob, any any insights? >> The way the way courts work, there's no timeline really, >> right? >> They crawl at a snail's pace. >> Yeah. >> They don't move fast for anything. >> I believe it's molasses uphill. >> Yeah. in the winter.
>> So, um, so we're the, uh, so we're we're fighting this alone. We're not in with other towns. >> Correct. >> And I guess one of my, um, big concerns is, um, having having, uh, been in
litigation at some point, um, knowing what that might cost uh, the town, um, I think you can tack on $100,000 at least to that. um to the potential loss to the town. >> And I would agree and I and I think we
made that known very well to the public. >> Yeah. >> That if if this is the course that the town decides to go, there will be considerable legal fees and there will be grants that are that are being lost. >> I appreciate you're answering our questions. I do have one comment. Um,
I'm a big advocate of planning and I think a lot of the misinformation that came around about um the housing, what kind of housing it was going to be, how people were going to have their houses taken by imminent domain,
what how it would affect the town in terms of infrastructure. All of this could have been assisted with by having a a master plan in place that people could reference and understand what the real issues were for water and all those
things. >> So So we have been earmarked uh a grant for a master plan. Um and it is not discretionary. It has been put into the actual budget. So that is one uh correct me if I'm wrong, but it's one we will not lose. >> No hold. Unfortunately though, all
grants right now given the uncertainty of the budget are on hold. So while it has been awarded to Halifax and it isn't a grant that we will lose because of our MBTA compliance, the the uh the state of the budget right now, they've put many I don't know about all grants, but they
put many uh budgetary earmarks on hold. So we're we're waiting to see what what comes out of it. So it's a waiting game and I apologize. I wish we had more answers for you folks. I wish we could. >> Sounds like the budget is a hard one to figure out. >> Just just one other qu just one other
point to your one of your questions which was well taken. Uh I don't know how much I can say so I don't Bob stop Bob stop here but uh the legal budget was adjusted >> last year prior to solving it to a increase the legal budget but b we also
renegotiated our contract with legal counsel >> right >> at that time >> to offset some other things I don't I don't wish I can I don't understand so >> it was thought of prior to budget consideration foright and it factored in
to final of the or recommendation of an approval of the budget. So, it wasn't completely blind and we didn't like just not think about the extra expense. >> It was factored in prior. >> Well, >> in anticipation. >> Good. >> Good job then. Um but yes, it's still a
concern in terms of money and we're all tax, you know, >> having been at these presentations, you know, people get up and say it's my money, you know, I'm a taxpayer. We're all taxpayers. >> Mhm.
>> And we all had a an a need to be able to uh make a point in front of the town council. So, um >> I think the fear was the motivating factor in that town meeting. They just put all that fear out there and swallowed it all up. >> Yeah. And it's too bad. So anyway,
>> and and to your point, it's not a perfect analogy, but uh on the point of m misinformation, um I personally, not the board here, but myself as a resident tried to bring the Community Preservation Act here to to Halifax. >> Um which I think is a fantastic program.
Um and that died uh at the ballot and I would argue a lot of it was was because of misinformation. So it's a challenge. That's one of the biggest challenges we have up here is to get the information out and not only as Tom said to get it out, but to get people to actually look
and listen and and be engaged, it's tough. >> Yeah. >> Um I will say, you know, if we are heading to an override route, I see some very smart engaged people here in this room. So, if that is the route that we we are taking, we'll try. I I would hope that some folks here will pick up the
charge and and uh and jump on board. >> Thank you. Thank you. Yep. All right. Any anything else, guys? A great dialect. I'm sorry, Jim Walters. This is the chair of our fincom right here. So, this is the answer, man. No
pressure, Jim. No pressure. So, um just uh just two points. Uh the first one is regarding the override. So, we have done some rough order of magnitude between revenue and appropriations and what based on what we appropriated last year
and what our estimated revenues are for this year. So, we're somewhere in between. Now, these are not final numbers. So, you know, that's just this is just a rough order of magnitude. Possibly 4.5 to $5 million short is what we're going to do.
>> And that's rough. That's rough now before everybody goes crazy on that number. >> It's it's very early numbers. Okay. So, just just to be just to be clear, the other >> paper goes wild. The other the other piece that I want to communicate is that
the the finance committee and myself were at a training session this past Saturday for the association of town finance committees and the um town administrator for Easton was there. Uh he had his town had a $7.3 million override uh that was voted
overwhelmingly at town meeting four like 80% of people voted for it, but when it got to the ballot box, it got shot down two to one. >> So to to speak to Jim's point, it's it's it's easy to stand there when you have
your green card and say yes, right? Because you don't want to put the red card up and look around and see who's voting red and who's voting green. So to Jim's point, you see that ballot phenomenon where sure everybody's holding up their red card, I mean, I'm sorry, their green card, uh, but then when they get to the ballot and it's
just them in the in the booth, >> right? >> Um, >> when you're by yourself, it's a different story, right? So >> this override and it doesn't pass. >> Mhm. >> Well, so the the policy is we're going to create two budgets. One with the override approved, one without it
approved. And if it's not approved, then we'll go forward with the budget that doesn't have one and that's going to be like reductions most likely, >> right? >> Well, as we get closer, you know, as the budget starts coming in, as we said, we've already got the budget letter out
to the towns and the department heads. So, as we as those start coming in, we're going to have probably a better idea of where we're going to land. >> We're here to help. Come over. >> Thank you guys. >> Right. No, we we certainly do appreciate that. >> So, you know, we're all working hard. Bob and the finance committee and all
the department heads are really kind of, you know, we have to sharpen our pencils more than we did last year because we were able to find something to kind of close the gap a bit, but I don't think it's going to be there this year, >> right? So
>> I just for sure how many people are living in Halifax and >> uh $7,532 >> $5 million override a $5 million override would be approximately 1772 per year. >> Right.
>> So it's about $2.90 a day per household. >> Yeah. It's >> 150 a month. >> It's sizable. But again, I I don't want to put the cart before the horse here, guys. You know, and and this happens a lot. You know, you'll hear communities where uh they say, "Oh, it's everyone's
going to be paying $2,000 on their extra tax, you know." So, so I don't want to It's hard. You want to get the information out there, but you got to make sure it's the accurate information because that will only again to our points, that will only spread misinformation, right? So, we just got to make sure that um I appreciate Jim
giving us a forecast because we have one of the best fincoms around. But, but we got to make sure that we're we're getting our good numbers, >> right? We want to get the good numbers out there, right? So, again, as I said, these are very very preliminary. >> And also, let's also bear in mind that overrides are only temporary. It's only
going to take it's only going to handle that specific year because as costs continue to rise >> both with equipment, services, people, salaries, etc., it's not going to be the same amount the next year it's going to be more. >> And what and what you're seeing in a lot
of communities to dovetail this Jim, you're seeing overrides to not only help with that immediate year, but for a couple years just because the the financial forecast over the next few years is not very good. So, uh, what would be a worst case scenario in my
mind is we if if we go out to an override, it covers us for one year and then we go out for an override again. That that doesn't in my opinion doesn't make any sense. >> So, we will be clear what we're losing.
>> Yes, >> I will say. >> I think that's the biggest problem. People think those fears are all made up to make them vote and they're not. >> They don't understand there's real consequences. And I will say too, we just had a great presentation with police and fire here. Our first responders and emergency
personnel are essentially operating at minimum staffing now, >> right? >> At minimum staffing now. >> So if we're looking at cuts to either of those services, that's going to have a dramatic effect on response times, on public safety. Um
so that that is something that needs to get out there. >> Yeah. I mean, I live in Trade Lakes, so I was there. Not obviously because right there, but you know, a lot of us were outside as the rescue was going on and it was scary and they were phenomenal. Really, really?
>> No, we're lucky. We're lucky. We have a great crew. >> Yeah. >> The only thing I would just say to your comment over um you know, you asked, you phrased it, will the will the public understand? I I think the town from a town perspective, I I think we'll do everything we can to put the information
out there. Whether people choose to read the mail, log on to the website, attend the meeting is different than will they understand. >> I think as as soon as we know anything from this table and the finance committee provides information to us, as
soon as those are hard numbers, I think we'll make every effort to get it out there. Who absorbs that? Who chooses to put the time in to attend the meeting, read the warrants, dig a little on the website? You know, it costs money to put a mailer out. Those warrants to put it
up, which is state law, cost money. We can put flyers out that costs. All that costs money. How people absorb and understand the knowledge or the information that we're giving them or making available is different than what they understand. >> The opportunity I I'd like to think that we do everything impossible to put it in
your hand, everybody's hands, but how that's interpreted is up to the public. >> Um I Sorry, I didn't see who had it up first. Um Frank, I'm going to let the ladies go first, though. Um, go ahead. >> Um, just a question just because of something that you said a few minutes
ago about sort of the mob mentality that was at the vote evening. That's where people were getting scared. Even at the presentations, theformational meetings which you guys held and as you said,
wonderful information was given. He gave very specific information and described it very well. But once the mob so to speak, gets to take over, the momentum just grows so much that no one, not you
guys, not anybody is able to control it. And just like you were saying, you did the red and green piece of paper, people get scared. I mean, all of us know people at that meeting who were for the reasonzoning and just didn't raise their hand because they were so scared by the
surrounding. I mean, as you know, we said that night, we were actually scared. Like, it actually the energy in that room made us feel scared that night. It was so high. I mean, I don't know how different it felt you guys being up front and us being in the
audience, but I know it intimidated people. Is there any way to do No. >> Well, I mean, so so hold on. >> So, we have open meetings. >> So, a town a town meeting is run by the moderator. Um and and and there are things that a moderator can do to try to
because no one should feel afraid at a town meeting. That's crazy. Um there are steps that he can take. He could do an Australian ballot um where it's it's you know not everybody so everybody sees you know so so there are steps that the moderator can take. We don't have when
it gets to town meeting guys we don't really control it. It's the town mo it's the the town meeting moderator. It's it's their show. So, um those are steps that that person can take um if if they so choose to do it. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um
given the the need for funds in the town um and given the uh uh the public reluctance to pay taxes, let's say. >> What are the other options for revenue
in the town besides personal taxes and is there a plan in terms of like >> I mean I do think we have increased revenue coming. Um we do have uh that the Thornike property um which will will
you know generate tax revenue. We do have a couple businesses being built here in town that will help with revenue. Um unfortunately I don't see the gap being able to be bridged just with those increased revenues that we have. Um, but we're all we're all ears.
I mean, if if anybody's got any ideas, no no idea is a bad idea, so throw it out. We'll we'll try and figure it out. >> I mean, there are just some things fundamentally that and I I don't know the ins and the outs, but if we raise property taxes 2 and a.5%. But the fixed cost of health insurance and pension
costs go up 9%. We're chasing 6 12% before we start. >> So, that's difficult. And not having commercial growth to offset that deficit only puts us further behind. It's not an excuse, but I'm just commenting that if we're only allowed to do two and a half and we're chasing a bigger number to
start, we're chasing our tail before we even get to July 1st. >> The the the phrase that folks use is a fiscal cliff, right? Where to Tom's point, it's 2 and 12%, but your costs are way more than that 2 and 12%. All you're doing is is stretching that difference over years. And it it's
finally catching up with almost every community in the state right now. >> Absolutely. No question. This is not a problem unique to Halifax >> and that's why you hear about overrides everywhere. That's why you hear about things Halifax is not unique in this situation for sure. >> The one thing that's a little different
for us is we do have two separate school committees, just two separate school entities to consider. Both the Halifax Elementary and the regional school. So those are two different school systems. I don't know the exact number. Frank or Jim might know it, but the overwhelming majority of our budget each year is the combination of Halifax Elementary and
Silver 54% >> about 54% of our budget is school, >> which I think is higher than other towns in comparison based on percentage. >> And of 54% of school budgets, 70 something% of that is just the cost
of labor and fixed time. >> Sure. >> So that's a large. So those a lot of >> leeway. Yeah. So, it's it's going to be a challenge and I'm I'm encouraged that we have some bright people here in the room that are ready to take up the the mantle. So, that's that's awesome.
>> And no idea is a bad one. I would just say throw them out there. >> Absolutely. >> And Tom got a new car. So, we have some excise tax coming in >> tomorrow. >> Tomorrow, Tom. >> New cars. We'd like to excise those.
>> Um, I just wanted to say one thing for people to get educated. All this stuff that we do is on Area 58, YouTube, on the town website, and we hold our budget meetings
every other week. And when budget season comes, we hold them every week. And it's rare, if anything, to have citizens on our Zoom meetings because we do them via Zoom except for once a month we have in person. We don't have people
that can see what we're doing because they don't attend. >> Sure. >> And you want to see the nuts and the bolts, attend those meetings. >> Yeah. Real time. >> I will say that is a frustrating thing for me at every town meeting where the budget is being presented. It's a budget
that these guys have have tirelessly worked on for months and months and months and you get a somebody to stand up at the at the town meeting and and uh what about this and that? It's like where where have you been? Where have you been? Like they've been going over this for months. So it it is a
frustrating phenomenon. >> We're talking about in our meetings budget numbers even before budget season starts. Soon as it ends, we're already talking about the upcoming year in the year after. We're talking about where we
at year to date in the budgets, all of that. So it's it's happening, but nobody ever attends. Nobody ever asked any questions to fully understand what we're doing and how the town and what it takes to operate the town. There's only so
many dollars. >> Sure. >> To operate this town. And when the schools are taken 54% of it, that doesn't leave much to continue with the town operations. >> Sure. >> And to just to dovetail that point really quick because I know we're we're spend a lot of time on this. Jim, you
have a a section in your meeting where you have public comment. So, anybody that has public comment or feedback to give our finance committee that has helped putting this budget together, you have how many times you meet a month? Once, twice, >> depends on the season. Twice. You have
twice a month you can you can log on from the comfort of your home and and make your feelings known. So, um I urge people to do it. And to use your word, Jonathan, to dovetail that point, I think this is the most public participation we've had and perhaps the largest attended meeting we've had
>> Yeah. >> since May as well. >> Correct. >> So, we know it's a hot button issue, but there are things that lead up between May and now that often go un undertalked about or under the radar. So I would encourage all of you and tell a friend
and bring a friend and bring a cup of coffee to attend a finance committee meeting or a zoning board or a board of selectmen or a library board of trust whatever it is that piqus your interest the water commissioners on a Tuesday afternoon because I think product meetings like this are productive but
happen too few and too far between and things get lost in translation a little bit. So something like this when we're only looking at I don't know 11 or 10 people out here is great, but it's about three times as many people as we usually have once the room clears on a special agenda item.
>> So thank you all for your participation and concern from my point of view. >> Absolutely. >> This was great. Thank you. Yeah, this was fantastic. Thanks for coming and you're welcome to stay. I don't know how exciting it's going to be, but there are a couple more things to do.
All right, we're going to move down to C, which is discussion for continuation of search for permanent town administrator in possible vote to engage community paradigm associated LLC. Um, so just a quick refresher on this. Um, we had a search done, was it July or
August, guys, over the summer where we had a candidate um, lined up to be our next town administrator. That candidate withdrew their uh, name in the search. So, we are going looking at going back out. Um, I will say I I was a fan of
waiting a little bit to see if the talent pool would turn over a little bit. Um, so we have now since had a new agreement with community paradigm. They are going to pick up the search again. We are going to use the same search committee uh screening committee rather
um to screen the candidates. Um, pretty much the same formatting as we've done before. Uh and they are going to do this community paradigm is going to do this at no extra cost to the town which I think is fantastic. Um anything from the board? I know you guys have we have a
new contract to look at. I just want to make sure that you guys are comfortable going forward. To give a quick timeline um where was that? You have it right here. >> November December. >> Yeah. So it would be November December. Uh
so we'll be accepting applications through um November and then uh December 1st or 2nd or so. Um we would have the screening committee conduct interviews for semi- finalists to select some finalists. Um and then they would be
presented to the board of selectmen December 12th and then we would meet here December 17th. It would be a special meeting for the selectmen uh to conduct the final interviews for the candidates. um to make a selection to the town administrator by December 22nd,
an early Christmas present for the town hopefully. Um and that uh and that's the timeline. So, we have put together a new contract with Community Paradigm and I just think we need to take a vote to um >> you want to mention >> accept that contract. Um, and then
>> yes, >> um, when you were taking applications with the screening committee, yes, I handed one in >> and I never heard anything back and then when I reached back out to town hall, they told me that a decision had been made on the 8th, which was like a week.
It was like a week before that. And I didn't hand in my application by the date that it was supposed to be. >> I don't Pam, any idea on that one? >> I can say that. I I don't I know we we had in front of us all the the applications that were submitted. Um I
don't know. I apologize if that was lost in the shuffle. I I don't know. Uh Jim, do you have an I mean Frank, do you have an answer to that? >> I would just say that those have to go to Bur. >> What's that? >> No, no, no. Committee to be on the screening committee. Screening committee. She doesn't want to be town
administrator. >> No. >> So, no. That was again I apologize. I don't know. I know that we were given the list of submitted applicants. So, um I apologize for that. >> Now, John, is everyone in the screen screening committee going to stay the same or
>> So, so because we're doing specific dates, uh we have offered the invitation out to the original uh screening committee that we had, but we're waiting to see if those dates conflict with uh members of the screening committee um and they might not be able to make it.
if they don't make it, I basically said no harm, no foul. Uh, and we'll get them next time. So, um, that's kind of the the We don't want to lose our two good members. >> Well, that's it. Yeah. Waldorf and Stabbler, I like to call them right here. Um,
>> yeah. But no, um, in all seriousness, so we just want to keep this ball rolling. Uh, and I know scheduling, especially in December and November, it's hard. So, uh, rather than keep pushing things back to try to get everybody, I think it's in the best interest of the town if we get
a majority of people just to to get those dates hard and fast on the calendar to to keep moving forward. >> Mhm. >> And this is being done at no additional cost, but this additional cost. >> This is the last rerun of this contract. >> This is the last rerun. And I will say community paradigm has been great to the
town of Halifax in that we've we've had a run of town administrators lately um where we've had folks uh you know Cody was fantastic but we've had folks before that um were here quickly and then were gone quickly um and they did searches
for us um follow-up searches at no additional cost as well. So, um, they are they are a friend, I will say, a friend to Halifax and have given us a pretty good fair shake, uh, with the amount of searches they've done for us and follow up pro bono searches uh, over
the last couple years. >> He says to round Russlaw, everybody claps mention. Um, the other thing that we'd like to mention too, um, is that this guy to my left here, um, should never buy a drink in the town of Halifax again because Bob Fantasy has come in
and and really plugged a huge hole for us. So, originally when we brought Bob in, we had uh, the initial contract with Bob was to expire right around Halloween. Well, because the search has taken a little longer and we had a
candidate withdraw, it's taking a little bit longer than we all have liked. So, Bob has agreed to stay on until the end of this calendar year, which is fantastic news for Halifax. So, we have come up with a basically an extension um
of the current contract we have with Bob to extend it out to roll until the end of the year. The idea being hopefully we get some quality candidates and we're able to get somebody in position as soon as possible. But at least now we know we're covered at least until the end of
this year. And if unfortunately we don't find uh a candidate again this time around. Bob has been gracious enough to at least come to the table and see about extending further if if those are the cards that were dealt. So um we have both of those to basically discuss
tonight and vote on. Um, so I guess I will entertain a motion to uh make uh I'm sorry. I will entertain a motion to sign the new agreement with uh Community Paradigm Associated LLC. >> So moved.
>> Second. >> Authorized. >> Um All right. All those in favor? >> I opposed. I also will make a motion to make our interim town administrator Bob Fennessy the signing authority for said contract. >> So moved. >> Second. All those in favor? I. All
right. All right. And then what was the other one we had was yours, right? >> Yeah. Uh Pam has it. >> Okay. And Pam has it and we've signed that as well. So we don't need any sort of vote or anything tonight, Bob, in the meeting. So that that has been signed.
Um so again, good news for Halifax that this guy's sticking around for at least uh the end of the year. >> So that >> Yeah. So which one did I give you? >> Yeah. >> This one. Okay. All right. Moving on. We're going to go down to E, which is uh
Mary King of Brewery 44. Request for 1-day liquor licenses for the following days. October 24th, 2025, October 25th, 2025, October 31st, 2025, November 1st, 2025, November 28th, 2025, November
29th, 2025, and November 30th, 2025. So, these are uh liquor licenses for the farm at Ravenbrook. They like to do their fall um festivals essentially. So, uh I know they've been Let me just make
sure that they've been okayed by the proper folks. >> Yeah, they they have been. >> They have been, Pam. Okay. So, they've been vetted by police, fire, all those folks. >> Um I haven't been to one myself. I've been down there to get a Christmas tree, but I know folks that have gone down. They say it's a fantastic time. You
know, have a nice cold drink, listen. I know they do a lot of live music and you're out in the elements out in the in the woods. um having a great time. Um so I think it's fantastic. >> Nice operation down there. >> Nice operation for this year4. I've been there a couple times now and
it's a well-run. >> Great operation. >> Great. So uh we have reports here from you know as I said first responders, police, fire, um folks that that um check off on it. Do we have one that's
missed? Oh, that's the one. >> I got it right here. >> Yeah, this one is this one isn't checked off, >> right? Because that um >> just want to make sure that they've all been checked off. And what we sometimes do is we will sometimes give um you know subject to approval by police and fire. >> Police and fire
>> in case they haven't been. Okay. >> So, >> police and fire. >> All right. Good. Yes. So, we have police and fire signed off. So, uh any other discussion from the board? No. All right. I will entertain a motion for the uh listed dates. >> So moved.
>> Second. All those in favor? I opposed. Passes unanimous. >> All right. And again, we have an approval of minutes. >> We missed one. >> What did I miss? >> D. >> Oh, I apologize, guys. >> Yes, I checked it off premature. I apologize. We got to go back to D. Sorry
about that. Good catch, Bob. All right. This is the D. the discussion of discrimination policy proposed and notification through website and town hall lobby digital display. Uh just something that we want to drive home here in Halifax that uh we do not discriminate basically on any sort of uh
um religion, sex, gender, orientation, any basically anything. Um and it's just always a good refresher to make that public. And what we're going to be doing is putting that policy up on our video board for folks that have come into town hall. Um, you'll see that now on the
board as you walk in. And I'm looking for Bob. Here it is. Uh, a motion. I got it. So, we're going to be putting public notice on our website. We're going to be putting it on the electronic board just to get word out that again, Halifax is a community that doesn't discriminate.
Always good practice. Um, so I will read it here. The town of Halifax is committed to ensuring that all individuals have equal access to town properties, services, and programs. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Massachusetts state law, the town provides reasonable
accommodations to individuals with disabilities to facilitate their full participation in civic life. Assistance will be available upon request for individuals seeking a reasonable accommodation. And if anybody has any sort of information they need, you can
request it from our ADA coordinator. That is this guy, Mr. Bob Fennessy for the town of Halifax. I'm going to read his number just into the record here. 781-2941316. You can also email him at bob.fenasy f n ss y at halifax ma.gov.
So, wanted to read that. Uh, and I will entertain a motion here to accept the statement and to authorize the interim town administrator to place that following message on the electronic message board by the entrance way of town hall. So moved. >> Second. All those in favor. I passes
unanimous. >> Sorry I missed that on the agenda. >> All right, we're cooking. We just did E. All right, so we have approval of minutes. Uh we've read the minutes for August 18th. So I will entertain a motion to approve selectment meeting
minutes for August 18th, 2025. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I passes unanimous. And now the highlight of every meeting, our town administrator update. Bob Fennessy, take it away. >> Okay,
so I have a few things to go over. Um, first, uh, I've been notified that the hydrant flushing have been delayed somewhat due to a treatment plant issue as well as scheduling conflicts with ongoing projects. And an official notice was
going to be sent out later this evening. So, just so if you're waiting for that to happen, it hasn't happened in your year yet. will happen, but they just backed up a little bit. Um, this le this week, we received a letter from the Mass Department of Transportation, the DOT,
regarding the town's request for a heavy commercial vehicle exclusion order on Old Plymouth Street between Plymouth Street and Elm Street. The request is being placed on hold. Our request is being placed on hold until further information and documentation is
provided to Mass Dot. uh traffic study will get this again and we'll be reviewing and we'll be compiling the additional information and taking actions necessary to receive that certification. We also had a resignation of the building inspector Joe Bragner a few few
weeks ago. Uh we were able to go out and obtain an interim uh to come in and handle the inspections and zoning infractions while we seek a permanent commissioner. Last week, the board held a meeting and voted to employ Rod Palmer, who currently also works in
Carver. Rod will be working a few days a week as we get caught up on past inspections and will be a welcome addition to staff. Very personable uh and knowledgeable. >> He was not able to make the meeting tonight, but if you want to get a look and hear what he has to say, you can go
online on area 58 and watch the selectman's meeting of October 17th. Also want to acknowledge the resignation of ZBA member Peter Pcelin. Peter served the town in the capacity for 14 years
working with other members of the ZBA for the benefit of the whole town. So thank you Peter for your commitment to service and to anybody that steps forward to help the town. >> Um I would entertain a motion for the board if we wanted to uh write a letter
of thank you to Peter. It was 14 years on the ZBA. That's a long time. So, uh, didn't know if the board would be okay if we put a a letter of thanks to Peter for his service to the town of Halifax. >> Sure. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Make that motion. Uh, all those in favor? >> I
>> I opposed. Passes unanimous. >> Thank you. >> Okay. And, um, this was talked about earlier. just reiterate that departmental budget packages were sent out to department heads at a department head meeting on October 8th, the earliest time that I'm aware of that uh
that this has been done. Departments are being asked to prepare two budgets. The first being a level service budget, the second being a 10% reduction. Budgets are due back to me before December 11th. Uh, and it's earlier than
normal, but I want to make sure that the finance committee and I have the a time to go over these because it is going to be a a very difficult budget season and department heads are well aware of that and they're all stepping forward to to
get on board and and try and uh make this work. The COA building project just update that. this process is moving along pretty pretty good. Uh a few weeks ago we received nine proposals for the
design of the building. Most that that this group has received not our group but the group who is facilitating this has received in a in a COA building. So that that's excellent especially where it's a small contract a small process.
Uh but to get nine they were very pleased. uh they went over them and brought it to the uh the building committee uh today. Uh we had a meeting this afternoon uh the municipal and school building committee and I and they narrowed down
the candidates of four four kind of not finalists but the ones that'll be given opportunity for interviews. >> Excellent. >> So those interviews will take place next week. >> Excellent. and they'll score the each company each each uh package and they'll
come up with the top top one and they'll move forward with that one to negotiate start negotiating a contract with them. >> So that doesn't come to us at all. >> So it doesn't it it will but not for a vote. I mean >> so the vote is determined by the building and maintenance committee.
>> Yeah. Building and the build school. >> Is that what was is that what was said previously? Is that how it goes? >> Yeah. you know, that's my understanding from from the uh the committee and from the uh contractor that we have
assisting. Um and I don't know if you if anybody knows anything differently. >> I thought >> I thought too. Yeah, >> I thought we talked about the last week in the building select room that >> Yeah, I may have um >> when there was nine, it was narrowed down to two or three that appeared before us for interviews. >> We can do that. >> I'm not suggesting that. I just want to clarify the process. I thought that's
different than what I remembered. Yeah, and maybe I misspoke thinking that that's how most towns are. It goes to the select board, >> but apparently here it goes to the committee. >> Do we know I can look at what's what's the committee called? >> It's called the >> the building and maintenance.
>> No, no maintenance. It's a school municipal and school building committee. >> We have a a hand here. >> I I just have a copy. >> Sure. >> Jim Walters circle. Um, I I would really think it would benefit the town itself
if we had like a departmentwide policy that all contracts went to the to the administrator and the selectman for approval and not the department heads because I think that's just a better way to control costs. >> I don't know that I don't I don't believe it's that way now.
>> Um, >> yeah, department heads don't sign contracts. >> Yeah, department heads don't sign contracts. they come to me. >> Okay. >> Um, this is a committee. Uh, is this an elected committee in town or is it a >> I don't think so.
>> I think it's appointed. Um, >> I think, but don't hold me to it. >> Yeah. >> Believe it's an appointed committee. >> Yeah, I believe it is, too. >> Yeah. So, >> but didn't but >> didn't um the didn't uh was Steve Steve Steve Hayward
didn't Steve Hayward sign contracts >> because that was a question a couple of select meetings ago I think when he was in here talking about contracts that were signed without not to exceed number maybe because that's an enterprise fund
elected elected official >> not it's an elected official Oh, >> he's elected. That's correct. >> Yes. >> Yeah. He's not appointed. He's elected. >> He's not appointed by the board. >> So, are we saying you're saying that elected officials can sign contracts
>> generally if they have that authority in the in the bylaws, >> but we'd have to look at all the >> But let me let me check into that. Well, the committee members on this the committee members on the municipal school building maintenance and committee
>> are are appointed to a three-year term and there are five of them. >> Yep. >> Yep. Mhm. >> Can we check on who's approving that cont? I mean, I just So, does are you saying that maybe it of the four they get one and one comes before us for a vote?
>> Yes. >> Wouldn't it be wouldn't it be more productive if they recommended two >> and then they got to us for a decision? They could. Usually what happens is the the good one filters up to the top, you know, and but we could I mean, you know, it's >> No, it's fine.
>> Do we want to What's the timeline on this, Bob? >> Well, next week is the next level where they're narrowing down >> narrowing it down. >> Yeah. >> Could we have that committee narrow it down to Tom's idea of a couple of two? >> We could. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Essentially like >> Well, initially, I think that's what we
talked about. Yep. >> Um but you know again the the consultant we're using is saying that generally it doesn't go >> doesn't go to that >> but we can I mean you know the goal is we're trying to like streamline. >> Yeah. It's much like the screening committee we have for the town
administrator like they're appointed for a reason >> but the exception is that these guys are putting candidates before us. These guys are appointing a candidate with a with a controlled bid in front of them >> with one with one >> right? So if this guy's bidding 5 million this guy's bidding 4.8 This isn't for the building. >> That's not for the building.
>> But but whatever. But it's but it's a contract, >> right? >> So it's money. They're authorizing money to Jim's point to be spent whereas the search committee is recommending candidates to be placed to the next round. >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. There's a difference. It's apples and oranges. You're right.
>> Um yeah. I mean, if we could if we could uh at that meeting ask them to maybe present a couple >> um instead of the one, that'd be great. >> That's something the board wants. >> Sounds good to me. >> Okay. Okay. And finally, uh, the police and fire departments will be
participating in a trunk or treat on Saturday, October 25th from 4 to 6:00 at the Congregational Church Town Hall parking lot. >> Always a good time. >> So, come down and get your candy. >> Always a good time. >> That's it. Awesome. Um, I want to end with a quick shout out if that's okay.
Uh, I recently participated in a fall cleanup with our Halifax beautifification committee. Big shout out to them. Uh they do yman's work to try to help keep our streets clean to help Halifax be aesthetically pleasing. I know they're looking at an island
program where you can adopt an island uh and and keep that island. So shout out to them and also a hope to everyone that uh take pride in your community. You got 5 minutes, 10 minutes to spare. Uh try and hit your neighborhood, clean it up a
little bit. So many hands make light work. So, um, shout out to our Halifax beautifification committee. Anything else from the board? >> Oh, yeah. I would just I I would throw a similar shout out. It's a little bit different level, but uh I had the luxury of attending last Friday night with my
wife and two kids the uh Halifax Halloween social at Halifax Elementary School. Um, and just two things struck stuck out to me. He wasn't here tonight that I saw, >> but Officer Simpson is the uh resource officer over there at Halifax Elementary and he is uh the mayor.
>> He's terrific with the children. >> Um and also I just I think that uh the school new principal, Brian Prena, >> is off to a pretty good start over there. He attended both a kindergarten social. He was there all evening dressed up, very engaged. There was a lot of children very well attended. Uh kudos to the PTO. Um, I know the school is often
a hot topic where we just highlight 54% of the budget, but at the end of the day, you had about three or 400 school age kids from 6 to 12 running around for Halloween, which at the end of the day is part of why Halifax is a good town to raise your children in. The town came together. Officer Simpson and the administration and the PTO did a great
job. >> Nice. Bill, you want to throw some love out there? Are you good? >> No, I got nothing. >> All right. Out of way. All right. With that said, I will entertain a motion to adjourn. >> So moved. >> Second. All those in favor I. Meeting adjourns at 7:35 p.m. Thank you guys for
coming. Appreciate it.