All right, that said, it is uh 6 o'clock. I'd like to open the board of selection meeting for the town of Halifax for Tuesday, April, No, not Tuesday, April 14th. Tuesday, April 28th, >> 2026. Pam McSherry.
>> Uh it is 6:00 and I have to read this announcement here. This meeting has been posted in accordance with the provisions of Mass General Law Chapter 38 section 20B and pursuant to chapter 38 section 20F. Notice being made that this meeting is being recorded will be posted on area 58 community access channel. The board
chair which is myself reasonably anticipates the following matters will be discussed andor voted on at this meeting and agenda items may be taken out of order for time management considerations. And for those that can, would you mind joining standing? We'll do the pledge of allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you very much.
And I know we have some folks here, but just so you guys know, we do have an executive session at the top of the meeting. So, we will be heading off to Steve's office to do that. We'll try to do it as quickly as we can. We know folks are waiting here. Uh it's just hard. Sometimes they're quick, sometimes they're longer. We don't necessarily
know how long it's going to be until we get in there. Uh but we'll try to move things along as quickly as possible. Um, so, um, I'm going to entertain a motion that the vote, um, excuse me, that the board enter into executive session and town managers, town administrator's
office, I almost gave you a promotion to discuss the following. Pursuant to Mass General Law, Chapter 38, section 21A2 to construct to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with a non-UN personnel employee or to conduct
contract negotiations with a non-UN personnel employee. And also we will be discussing the approval of executive session minutes from February 26th, 2026. The board will return to open session as soon as that's done. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All right. I need a roll call vote.
Bill, >> yes. >> Tom, >> yes. >> Myself as a yes. We're going to executive session. Soon as we're done, we'll be right back. >> Okay. I'd like to uh bring back the board of select meeting for the town of Halifax to open session. Um just for posterity reasons, it is 6:30. Um, and
I'd like to just move through the agenda items here in order. Is anybody here for anything specifically um to try to jump ahead to get you guys out of here or you're here for the full time? >> John. >> All right. Yeah, let's do >> uh John, do you mind? Uh, we'll bump you
up to the top if that's okay. >> Oh, absolutely. >> Just to get you out of here. >> Feel how low it is down here in the bottom. >> Sense of humor, too. >> Yeah, I can tell. I can absolutely tell. Um, so we'll jump down to I, which is John Laskkey. John, thank you for coming for the possible appointment to the
Council on Aging. Um, John, just a little bit about yourself. I might turn a microphone around so we can hear you, John. Be nice and loud if you can. Just a little bit about your story and why you're interested in helping out with the Council on Aging. >> Okay. Well, we moved here about 50 years ago.
>> So, you're a newcomer. Okay. New >> Y. And I did get a little bit involved with the town government with when my daughters got to school age. has worked with the school committee, worked with the Pilgrim Area Collaborative, was on the board of appeals, uh, you know, a couple of other, you
know, small committee members and things like that. So, I kind of enjoyed working with the town and working with the people. And lately I kind of got involved with working with the um charitable side of the council of the
aging and um Pat you know I served one term as vice president, one term as president and I found someone who was really capable of taking over. Uh so then when I stepped down mentioned that she was looking to get some help you know the council of the
aging board. So, I offer my services if I can and I'll do the best I can. >> Sure. >> To see if I can help out. It's really one of the loves of my heart cuz it's obviously I'm part of it. >> Yeah. >> And I I try to do my the best I can for everybody.
>> Well, I commend you. It's it's people like you that give back to the community for I you've been here for 50 years for goodness. So, I thank you for your past work and you understand the things that are required for the Council on Aging. you'll be available for meetings and um
it's not going to be too much of a of an ask for you to to meet all your requirements. >> Everything I I should be fine. >> Okay, great. Matter of >> fact, the more I go to meetings, the happier my wife is. >> Okay, I I know about that. Yeah, all three of us know about that. Yeah.
>> Awesome. Any questions, guys, for John? >> No. >> No. >> Thank you for your service. Thank you for volunteering for this. >> That's >> awesome. All right. No other questions? Uh, I'll entertain a motion to appoint John Laskkey to the Council on Aging for a term ending June 30th, 2029.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I opposed. Passes unanimous. John, thank you and welcome. Thank you very much, John. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> And we'll get this signed and uh down to Sue. Right. >> I'll get in touch. >> All right.
>> So, she'll be in touch when that's all signed from Sue. You can come and get sworn in and all that good stuff. >> I just want to ask >> Yeah. Oh yeah, come on darling. >> John has been very supportive of the senior center anyway. Um director of library services, but he's
been very supportive throughout the many years that I've been there. So or the five years I've been there. Um always willing to to to put forth and you know look for new ways of looking at things. So that's it's a good thing for us. We're very pleased that you are are joining us. Thank you.
>> You're welcome. Thank you. >> They got a high bar set for you. You're in trouble. >> Thank you. All right. Uh that said, let's move over to warrants and commitments. Bill, you want to take it away? >> Sure. I move to affirm approval of the
following warrants and commitments. Payroll warrant number 97 for 460,689.78. Vendor warrant number 98 for $37,63744. Withholding warrant number 99 for $156,5.50. Able commitments 4626 through41226
for $45,744.90. Able's commitments 413-26 through 41926 for 67,68430. >> Just a quick question on the uh >> the payments >> on the withholding war number 99. >> Yep.
>> I want to clarify $156,5. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Uh second. >> Okay. Uh so all those Yeah. Um all those in favor? >> I I opposed passes unanimous. I move to approve the following warrant
vendor warrant number 100 for $74,69741 cents. >> All those in favor? I opposed. Passes unanimous. >> All right, we'll jump down to approval selected meeting minutes. Um I take it that you folks are able to read the minutes from uh April 8th. And if there
are no questions, I'll entertain a motion to approve the minutes for April 8th, 2026. So move. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I opposed. Passes unanimous. All right, we have the Historic Commission and Halifax Historical Society plant sale at town hall. I assume that's why Mr. Shay is here. I am
here. >> All right, Kevin, you want to uh explain what you're doing? This is your chance to get some free publicity. Yeah. So, this is our annual plan sale uh May 9th. It's the day before Mother's Day. >> It's usually when I buy my flowers. So, yeah, works out perfect. hoping to uh to
help just raise some money and some awareness for the Halifax Historic Society and Commission. Uh it's in conjunction the society takes the funds and then we take that and repurpose it into buying other things and and such. We've recently opened up the museum twice a month and getting some more foot
traffic. So having the plant sale is just one extra thing that's been on our list to do. So with your permission, we're hoping to be able to partner with Nazarella. They're going to provide all the flowers. We would have the sale on the steps like we had did just in the fall.
>> We had a plant sale. So, um that's that's pretty much it. >> Yeah. And it's a win-win because you get your you get your Mother's Day plant and you're helping the town and the historical society. So, it's a it's a win-win in the whole thing. So, I love it. >> Um any questions for Kevin at all about
the >> timing would be from 9 till 1. So, uh the plants would probably be delivered, you know, 8:30 or so. Any remaining plans? They go back to Nazarella, >> right? >> He's not looking to get a huge profit. He basically takes 50%.
>> What about for rains? >> Rains. Um, >> do you want us to do a rain date just in case or would that be Mother's Day or >> I don't know if it be Mother's Day? I don't We haven't got that far, but Okay. >> Oh, there we go. >> That's a good question.
>> We're trying to save money. I >> know. What the heck? Pick a second date. Take a second. >> I don't know how that happened. >> Yeah. Mother's Day. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Is that okay? >> Typhoon. We'll we'll do Mother's Day. >> Okay. >> All right.
>> But if it rains a little bit, I think we'll be all right. >> Good for the plants. >> Good for the >> Yeah. Every spring I wet my plants. So, that's good. >> Oh, the other thing that I would like to add is normally what we do is we put a sign uh on the front lawn just to do a
promotion. Last time we found the sign, we only put it up like 3 or 4 days. We're hoping to maybe >> a little earlier. >> Maybe a little earlier, like a couple weeks prior. >> Sure. >> What are we now? We're at the end of May. So, I guess we probably end April. So, probably at least a week ahead.
>> Okay. All right. Any any other questions? >> I have two things. Uh historic commission's very undervalued uh sector of town. I appreciate the effort and I applaud. I definitely vote for this. Only question I have is the signs and I was going to get there. The motorcycle sign that's out there now that's April,
right? >> Yes. >> There's also another sign out there recently as well. >> I'm just concerned with a third sign coming out. So maybe in conjunction with the removal of the motorcycle sign. >> What's the uh other sign? >> There's a there's a second one out there now. >> Obviously in the church.
>> Yeah, >> there's a second one out there just behind the motorcycles now. >> I'm not sure what it is. >> Oh yeah, it went up like today I think. >> Right. >> I didn't see it. So, I'm just wondering if we could delay and I'm all for a sign. Uh, but maybe we could wait till May 1st when the motorcycle sign comes down.
>> Sure. Wouldn't it be until >> until after that? Okay. Only two days away just so we're not having three signs out there. >> That's what Thursday. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Put that in the motion. That's a good idea. >> Wouldn't go up until this weekend at >> We have to update. >> That's fine. That's fine.
>> More than more than agreeable. That's great, too. And I'm in on this other than that. >> Okay. get a get a plan. >> I have and probably will. All right. Uh that said, then I'll entertain a motion to approve um the plant sale for the historic
commission in Halifax Historical Society for the date of you said May 9th. >> May 9th >> May 9th from 9 to 1 and then a rain date of May 10th. Uh and we'll also as part of this motion allow them to put a sign on the town green um starting no earlier
than May 1st. So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I opposed. Pass unanimous. Kevin, good luck. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next on our agenda is C, which is the live entertainment permit.
Halifax Pride Incorporated um June 13th, 2026 with a rain date of June 14th, 2026. Um I have the permit here in front of me here. Um celebration of Pride 2026. They will have a DJ, live music, performers. Number of people expected
200. Uh they will be using the town hall lot. Uh Pam, we have here the police chief has signed off. We haven't had it doesn't look like we have signatures here for fire or board of health. >> If you sliding up, slide it up. Slide up. Go.
>> Oh yeah, there's the fire chief. >> It's on different page. >> Different pages. Got it. All right. Yep. Okay. Okay. Okay. Yep. And it looks like they will be asked to have two detailed police officers there. So, um, any questions on the board on that one? >> I just want to clarify one thing. We had
originally approved one date in a rain date and then it moved. This is the correct date and the revised date from the original application. Correct. >> Yeah. That Yeah, that's on the application. >> Make sure we're on the same page there. Um, >> yeah, that's how she filled out the
application June 13th. >> Okay, cuz it came in as a different date prior >> originally and then they switched. >> Yeah, they did. >> So, let's make sure we're approving the right one, the right dates. But, >> and I'll double I'll double check to make sure that we >> Well, let's approve this one if we are going to and then if we have to switch, we'll switch. So, um, all right. No
questions being seen. I'll entertain a motion to approve the uh live entertainment permit for Halifax Pride for the date of June 13th, 2026. The rain date of June 14th, 2026. So move. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I oppose. Passes unanimous. >> All right. Next up is D is the ban
acceptance. Um Stephen, can you give me some background on this one? This one is a little over my uh IQ level here. >> Yeah. So on this this was um this is a bond anticip anticipatory note. So this is the process that was utilized to pay
for the water plant. Um the previous town administrator had approached in this in this aspect as opposed to doing like a debt exclusion or something else. Um basically it's short-term borrowing. Uh the original plan was to take out the I believe it was $1.3 million cost of
the project and you're funding it with this ban and then you're paying it back through water retained earnings over the course of a number of years. So, what's been done this year is we've taken $300,000 from water retained earnings and applied it to the capital plan so
that we can pay down some of the principle on the ban. >> And the ban went out out to bond council on April 22nd. And now we've received all the um documentation to actually accept the ban um and accept the fact
that we're going to be rolling over another $1 million into next year. And then the plan will be to add more towards the principal next year and then the following year finally hopefully be able to pay off the entirety of the loan and then have the debt roll off. >> Yep.
>> And that was always the plan was where I mean it's millions of dollars significant money but not significant enough to essentially have a a 20-year bond on it. So correct I think the idea with uh that Cody had was to use this ban as a short-term borrow. >> Right. And initial the initial thought
was to have $500,000 available for this year >> to be able to pay down towards the principal and interest. >> Sure. >> But it's just the market did not return that much money on the bond. So as far as the sale of the bond when it actually went through this probably about a week ago. >> Okay.
>> Um so that's why the amount was less. We did speak with the consulting consultant that I consulting consultant, the accounting consultant that the town has to go through the water retain earnings and what's expected projection-wise over the next couple of years and we expect to be able to match that $500,000
over the next two years to pay off the principal and interest down to zero. >> So, do we have a a a ballpark date where we think this is officially off the books? So two years from today. So probably 20 >> 2028 >> 2020 2028 and maximum 2029.
>> So this payment plus two or three more. >> Yes. And they would be uh probably no um maybe slightly larger because water retained earnings will be higher next year. >> Um and then once you get towards that third year, there may be a very small amount left because there's a million
left on the on the total. So if we do 500 next year, there could be 500 third year. or if we can only do 300 300 then we would have like 400. So it would depend on the dyn moving forward and how much money that that bond is actually able to earn sitting there >> and we're we're allowed that flexibility. >> Yep.
>> So we meet with the Hilltop Securities pretty much throughout the course of the year. We do check-ins with them. Um and then we get pretty intensive with them from basically January into the bond council season which is basically right around now, April. Um, and then we have
to go through the official process which Bill has actually in front of him as far as reading everything into the record for the vote as far as the acceptance of the bond. >> Any questions? >> Two things rel unrelated. Just want to make sure this is the board of select meeting. I don't know if you're
>> Oh, I thought it was the conservation >> down the hall. >> Thank you. >> And then related to this topic, um, any need or any opinion from the finance committee? any need to have them weigh in on this at all or is this strictly I know we have representation here tonight
run by them at all. This is immaterial to them or >> I mean I can I I can certainly bring it up to them the next time I meet with them after town meeting. Um but this is something that was pretty much internally handled by the previous town administrator. I believe I don't know what level of input the FinCom had
during the process leading up to it. So zero as Jim is indicating from the back row back there. >> Just wondering if that's best practice or are we good here? I mean, if you guys want to sit on the band meetings next year, I'd love to have you so you can have a better understanding. >> Well, I mean, I know how they work, right? And they're supposed to renew
every year and eventually be replaced with long-term debt, that's the that's the whole functionality of it. >> Um, but if we're going to renew it every year till we pay it off, that's a that's a horse of a different color. Yes. Right. >> Yep. >> So, we're working towards paying it off. >> So, I perhaps the finance committee
should at least be made aware of the financial situation. >> Sure. Sure, >> that would be helpful. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Chris, what >> Chris? I guess not as much as a question, just a statement. I just as a resident and a taxpayer, >> I'm hearing about the millions of
dollars was spelled in this treatment plan and it still doesn't ever get up running and it just broke again cuz I just came in the water department meeting and now it's down again. It's just it just sucks to hear that is your money paying millions of dollars and we don't even have a working plan yet.
Yeah. Yeah. I know breaks. >> I know they're not thrilled with the setup over there. Um to your point, it goes down more frequently than it should. So, um I know they're they're working on things over there trying to remedy that.
>> Yeah, we're aware it's not over. >> Not good. >> So, Stephen, what's the what's the alternative here? You know, we um we accept this or renegotiate or back off or >> Well, Bill still has to read through the actual document. So, it's just the acceptance of it because it's pretty much already been done through bond
counsel. Um, that was the process as it was explained to me through Hilltop Securities, Megan Highland, and the and the team over there. So, um, ultimately the treasurer collector signs off on the acceptance of the money. Uh, and then you guys sign off on the official document that Bill has in
front of him. >> And this was always this was always the plan. You know, this nothing is change, you know, we're not >> uh changing course on anything. This was always the idea was we need to borrow money. We didn't want to get into a longer, you know, the longer the loan, the longer you're going to pay on
interest. So, this was always the plan for a short-term solution. >> Yeah. I don't agree the original plan. Was that the original plan the best plan? I'm just I'm just asking now, you know. So, >> yeah. Yeah. I think shorter a shorter term makes more to my opinion makes more sense. >> Any other questions or anything, guys?
No. All right. So, we're uh entertaining a motion for the board of selectment to >> bill. So, you have it there. >> You're going to read the novel. >> Oh, all right. Go right ahead. >> I, the clerk of the board of selectment of the town of Halifax, Massachusetts, the town, certified at a meeting of the
board of selectmen held April 28th, 2026, of which meeting all members of the board were duly notified and a quorum was present. The following votes were unanimously passed, all which appear upon the official record of the
board in my custody. Voted to approve the sale of $1 million 4% general obligation bond anticipation notes of town dated May 7th, 2026 and paid on May
6, 2026 27. the notes to Oppenheimer and Company incorporated at par in a current interest if any plus a premium of $11,130. further voted that in connection with the marketing and the sale of notes, the
preparation and distribution of notice of sale of preliminary official statement dated April 14, 2026 and the final official statement dated April 22nd, 2026 in which each form as may be approved by the town treasurer be and
hereby ratified, confirmed, approved, and adopted. further voted that the town treasurer and the board of selecting be and hereby are authorized to execute and deliver a significant event disclosure undertaking in compliance with section
rule 15C2-12 in such form as may be approved by the uh bond council to the town which undertakings shall be incorporated by the reference in the notes for the benefit of the holders of the notes from time to time further voting that we
authorize the direct the town treasurer to establish postisssuance federal tax compliance procedures and the continuing disclosure procedure in such forms as the town treasurer and bond council deem sufficient
or if such procedures are currently in place to review the updated set procedures in order to monitor and maintain the tax exempt status of the notes and to comply with relevant security laws. Further voted that any certificates of
documents relating to the notes collectively the documents may be exe executed in several counterparts each of which may be regarded as an original and all which shall constitute one in the same document. Delivery of the executed
counterpart of the signature page to the document by electronic mail in a PDF file or by other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manual executed executed counterpart signature pays to such document viewers.
The electronic signature on any of the documents shall be deemed original signatures for the purpose of the documents and all matters relating there to having the same legal effect as the original signatures. Further voted that each member of the
board of selectmen, the town clerk, the town treasurer, be hereby are authorized to take any and all actions, execute and deliver such certificates, receipts, or other documents as may be determined by them in any of them to be necessary or
conveyant to carry into effect the provisions of the foregoing votes. I further certified that all votes were taken at the meeting open to public that no vote was taken by a secret ballot that a notice stating the place date
time agenda for the meeting which agenda included the adoption of the above votes was filed with the town clerk in a copy posted in the manner conspicuously visible to all public at all hours in or on the municipal building that the
office of the town clerk is located or if applicable in accordance with the alternative method of notice prescribed or approved by the turn of adrenal set forth in 9 uh 940 CMR section 2903 2B at
least 48 hours not including Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays prior to the time of the meeting and remain posted at the time of the meeting that no deliberations or decisions in connection with the sale of notes were taken in executive session all in accordance with
general law chapter 38. a section 18 through 25 as amended. We're taking a test after this. >> Sorry. Can you repeat that? >> Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Bill Smith. >> Well done. Well done. Well done. Could you read that again?
>> All right. So, uh, we want to entertain a motion to have him sign that. Is that what we're getting at? >> Yeah. Just a quick question. I mean, so why does it have to be unanimous here? Why is that pre-printed unanimous? >> I I don't know if that's the law. That has to be a unanimous decision. >> Hold on. We have
>> Actually, it's more just a detailed question. So, you know, how are we? So, we're we're going to borrow a million 4% interest. That's $40,000 additional, right? I mean, that's just an easy math. >> Yeah. >> What are we going to do? Yeah, exactly.
I can balance a check. Um, what are we going to do when the interest rate goes up? >> And then secondly, we have to start paying on the principal in year two, >> right? Yeah, >> that's what the $300,000. >> So that's 300, then another 300, then we're at six, and then we're at 400. Cuz
at the 5year mark, we have to convert it to long-term debt if we're not paid off completely. >> Mhm. Well, the idea is to get paid off before. >> But when interest rates go up, then our burden on paying the interest goes up, which leaves less for the principal. >> Sure. But I think, Jim, if you if you
cost it out to this plan as opposed to one that say is over a 20-year plan, you're paying more in interest over that 20 year that 20-year plan than you are short >> lower interest rate. I would think >> lower interest rate, but but longer over time. >> Okay. So, I mean, I'm just, you know,
>> that's that was the approach. >> Committ any input on this. >> I mean, I see both sides of that, but it's all well and good, but we don't even know whether we can balance a budget in May 11th or not. So, we're already we're already decreasing spending by 1 potentially by 1.5 million.
>> Yeah, but this is coming this is coming out of water retained earnings. >> I understand that. >> Yeah, >> I understand that. But we're we're we're executing long-term plans here. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> I I don't know why it says long I don't know why it says unanimous. >> I was a good tough area.
>> So, is unanimous is it is it is it contingent upon amendment? >> There are forms that require all your signatures. All three board members have to sign and though what he read in that packet there um it does have them list like no litigation, no financial interest and it has a bill selected. So
there's all three >> all three of us are signing it. >> So he's signing that one bill but then there's other forms here. There's two of >> So I'm not going to be the stickler here but just for the general sake of argument this is not the this is not the
the initial agreement. This is a continuation of something else that already happened. >> This is the first renewal. >> This is the first renewal. Something we started this time last year was going. >> So, let's just pretend that Bill didn't get Let's Let's pretend we're all willing to sign this, the three of us.
>> But Bill didn't get elected last year. So, whoever did win the election is not willing to sign this. Does that nullify the agreement that we started last year? >> I don't know the answer. >> So, I mean, if that's not the case, how how can it be unanimous? How could it be required to be unanimous if it's a
continuation of an agreement? >> I'm just asking. It feels like a strong arm. >> Whose langu This is the um agreement with the bond company. >> Bond council. Yeah. >> But this is not their first time. I'm sure. >> No, no, this is my first time. >> And again, >> and this is the first renewal, so I
don't even know what had different language last year as well. >> Well, it's probably boilerplate >> if we're interested in agreeing to this. It just seems to me that it's um >> what if something changed in the last 365 days? >> I agree. >> Including the board of dire including the board of selectmen who may have a
different opinion than when we started. >> Are we obligated to sign based on a >> we have we have a renewal at this time next year. So I think that would be next year's issue. But I think >> right now though this is an issue right now. >> No, no, I know. But if the three of us agree that this is the course forward, then we're covered for this coming year
for this agreement. So, and you know, if whoever is sitting in these seats next year, they want to go a different route, then that's their prerogative. >> Well, I guess that's my question. What is the other route? Because if it's if it has to be unanimous and it's not unanimous tonight, are we just we stuck
or we out of a compliance? Are we out of money? Are we in a waiting game? Or where are we? >> What does that what does that look like? >> Um, >> I don't have an answer. I guess I guess my question to you, Tom, is why why would you not vote for it? Just just
curious, you know? >> I'm not saying I'm not for it. >> Uh I would feel better if the finance committee reviewed it. >> Um we rely on them for so much. Why wouldn't we rely on them about short-term debt versus long-term liability? >> Y >> um I'm concerned about the language in
in mandating it be unanimous. What's is that required? Is that a suggestion? Is that mandated? I don't know if that's >> I get that it comes from water retain you know retained water earnings which is separate from the operating budget but >> you know
seems to be pretty strong language I won't hold this up >> yeah you sure >> okay all right sounds very convincing okay um if that's the case we will
entertain a motion to approve the uh Bill's what's what's the verbiage here guys on this so I make sure >> I'm not reading yet >> yeah could you read that middle part again Bill top of the sheet over there for >> Hold on here
I'll find it was right here that's the treasure >> Yeah it's the t certificate award >> yeah so we'll We'll entertain a motion to um have the board of selectment approve the ban acceptance for the renewal uh for the fiscal year 2027.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I opposed. Passes unanimous. We're covered for one more year. All right. Going down to E. discussion of an open meeting law complaint filed by Amy
Troop concerning action taken at the April 14th, 2026 board of selectman meeting. Uh so as you folks know these meetings are run by open meeting law. It's a law in Massachusetts that meetings are to be run a certain way. We have certain protocols and procedures
that we have to follow uh per the state of Massachusetts. Sometimes uh a person uh might have a disagreement with how uh either a meeting is run or an agenda is put together. So that is what was um put forth in this place. Uh let me see here.
So it was received uh April 16th. Um a response to the complaint has been provided. Um will be by May 7th. Uh, and the board will meet before 14 business days are up. So, that's it. Um,
and let's see, we have looked at the substance of the complaint. Uh, and there's no violation of open meeting law. Actually, let me just read to you guys what the actual complaint was. I do have to read that into the record. >> Uh, so again, filed by Amy Troop, 10
Hillside A, Halifax, Mass 02338. Uh and it was to myself, board of selectman chair Jonathan Celig. Uh and the description is uh on the selectman's 414 2026 agenda under new business. Uh
we had a disclosure of public employee for uncompensated position, Michael Broen. Uh and the complaint here says that uh it was too vague and how is someone supposed to know what is being discussed with this vague agenda? Um
and again we have um looked at this. We have had our legal team look at this. Uh they maintain that there was no uh open meeting law violation to this claim. Um and then what else do I have to do here as far as putting this into the record?
Hold on one sec. Uh all right. >> Yeah. So >> you have to have town council >> we'll have town council look at it guys again and have them >> response >> put a response to it. So um again when these we have been hit with these every
once in a while um we send those to our town council that's why we have them and uh again we will follow protocol here and send that to town council and get a response. Um so and that would be um you
know the the procedure that we usually do. So, any questions from the board on this open meeting law complaint? No. Okay. Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion to have um our town council uh issue a response to the open meeting law complaint. >> So, move. >> Second.
>> All those in favor? >> I I opposed. Passes unanimous. All right. Next up, uh F authorization for town administrator to sign natural gas contract. Um, Stephen, you want to give us a little bit of background
information on this one? >> Sure can. So, um, few weeks ago, we were approached by Kathy Stanley, which is the town's energy manager. Um, this is a practice that I'm used to. This is a practice that I came off of doing in Norwood and Sharon, which is basically procuring natural gas. Uh, as many folks
know, globally right now, um, all energy producing commodities are sort of under attack. They're all rising in price. uh oil is rising in price, gasoline is rising in price and as a result natural gas is also rising in price because that's where all the natural gas fields
are. Um so when we were approached at the beginning of the month uh by the uh by National Grid uh and the representative of Picira's large lots of gas for us, we use about 5,692
uh in volume per uh per year. uh and the prices just to show you the difference in what what it's done just over the course of this month, the last couple weeks. So, I've been charting the prices. Uh on April 14th, we had a price that fluctuated at a fixed rate between $848
to $918, which would have been a cost of $48,200 to $52,250. On the 15th, it actually went slightly down to $48,29 and 52,000. Um, and then suddenly in the
last week or so, we've seen an increase in that $8.48 jumping all the way up to $8.63 to 9.26, thus jumping the rate up to 50,000 and then 52,685 to secure that same amount of gas. So, the longer the
um, you know, the global scene continues as as it is, the higher these rates are going to go. Now, what the town has is the opportunity to lock into a three-year fixed deal with three to five year fixed deal on these gas prices. That means we can lock in now. Obviously, we want to be careful with
that because the gas prices will return eventually. So, it's sort of a gamble. Um, I'm not saying that the authorization here would be for me to sign a contract tomorrow. It would just be out there so that we could watch the market more effectively, bring those prices to you guys as I chart them and
then, you know, give you a signal saying, "Hey, this is where the prices are at. I don't see them getting any better than this." Right now, historically, this is the time of the year where natural gas tends to bottom out because we're in the summer months where natural gas use is low. Therefore, the supply the the demand is extremely
low. These prices are higher than I've seen in 10 to 15 years. and it's 100% based on what's going going on internationally. Um, so we're going to keep an eye on it and I want to keep an eye on it. We're watching NMAX. We're watching all the fixed costs that are
associated with LG and all the LG plants and the entire Middle East in general. Um, but it's a fluctuating market and if you hit it right, you can do a lot of savings. Uh so what I'm asking the select board tonight is for that authorization to sign that contract when the timing is right when you know and
obviously bringing that to them when I have those prices because the prices literally change every 24 hours. So it could change overnight. I mean a deal could be struck and then we could see them bottom out and that's when you want to strike when the iron's hot because if
you can get in on one of those real dips that's where the value is the best. So question, Stephen. Let's say you you you're watching the rates and you notice that there's a dip and it's a in your opinion a good time to buy. This would give you cart blanch to jump on that
rate. Or would there be any sort of check back with um either our energy consultant or the board to say, "Hey, I'm thinking of of doing this." >> Well, these calls are always coordinated with um uh John Razabone with the energy
procurement. So that's the National Grid and then Kathy Stanley who's the energy manager and then obviously I can reach out to you guys as you want me to as far as talk prices or talk what the market's doing. Um obviously it's a financial matter as well. I can speak to a
representative in the fincom if they want to also have an input or suggestion or say on it. Um obviously being a financial matter that will impact us long term. Um you know energy costs are not going down. I think everybody knows that. Um, and this is just another
energy that is pretty common use here in the town of Halifax being liquid natural gas. So, or natural gas in general. >> Thoughts on the board? >> Pretty timesensitive here, right? So, the price drops and we have to move. >> Yeah, we have clearly >> we just have to be able to strike, right? >> So, I would I would be comfortable and I
I know this kind of justaposes what I just said with the fin. Uh, I mean, if you're looping in Kathy Stanley, >> y >> I mean, I would count that as okay by me. >> Uh, she knows more than I do. that we do and I know that's FinCom but if if she signs off on it based on her background
and her history education based on what you know your research shows >> there should be some amount of implicit trust there. I I would go with that. >> Sure. >> Okay. >> I agree with that. >> Okay. >> All right. So that being the case, uh I'll entertain a motion to authorize town administrator Steven Silvo to sign
uh any future uh natural gas contracts for the town of Halifax. So move >> second. >> All those in favor? >> I opposed. last few years >> trying to secure the savings I did in Norwood last year. >> All right. I would say we're gonna hold you to it. I timing time is time is money there. You know, we don't want to
>> Yes, it is. I mean, as you can see, just as the this month as I've been charting when this came to my attention, we've seen the price jump uh 15 cents in the last two weeks. So, uh you know, obviously I want that dip. Yeah, I want that dip back. And I I'm pretty confident it's going to happen because as the temperature keeps going up cuz
we're still a little chilly outside. People are still using their heat. It's a cold. I want June to heat up nicely so the so the natural gas goes way. >> So just to confirm what we just did, if you'll touch base with either the powers that be and or Kathy Stanley before you lock. >> Yeah, Kathy Stanley will actually be
probably involved on the call because she her and James uh James or John Razabone tend to send me the they send me the prices every day and Kathy's CCed on those emails. >> Yeah, Kathy's the bees knees. >> Yeah, she's she's topnotch in the energy.
>> Yep. Great. Excited. All right, down to G, pickle ball committee discussion. So, uh, for those folks that don't know, the town of Halifax has pickle ball courts. Uh, as part of our agreement, um, with Thornike development over there, uh, they have
gifted the town, uh, pickle ball courts. Um, they are, uh, conveyed to the town. So, the town is now owning those courts. Um and Stephen I think the idea is we have to come up with a plan uh number one for operations uh number two for
maintenance. Um you know just basically we need some sort of guideline some sort of regulations if you will um to make sure that those are used properly that they're being taken care of um that they don't fall into any sort of disrepair or
it's the wild wild west over there. So, uh, Stephen, your idea was, go ahead. You you had an idea to gather some folks together. >> So, yeah, I do. Um, so seeing pickle ball is obviously very popular. It's popular across all demographics, honestly. I mean, I've seen seniors use
it. I've seen the youngsters use it. I've seen everybody use it. So, um, in order to deliver this and deliver this property that the town has come across in an equitable way, I think there's a number of things that need to be done. And the reason why I think a committee like this is important just to basically
come up with the ground rules is to establish uh things like, you know, time of operation because obviously pickle ball does make some noise. So, we're going to want the fire chief, police chief, uh the zoning enforcement officer, anyone who has, you know, regulatory control to make sure that we
get a sign and we get all the input on the sign that can be posted on these pickle ball courts so that we get folks that will be listening to the rules and rags of the court. Now, uh we're thinking like dawn to dusk, but again, I want to convene a committee that has the fire chief, the police chief, the um
facilities maintenance supervisor, Scott Scott Materna, uh Dick Steel, uh youth and wreck, um you know, uh bring Mike Broen in for zoning enforcement and noise complaints, anything like that that may come into come into effect. uh myself, any representation from this
board would be helpful if you guys determine you want anyone at the table. But again, to come up with some signage and some rules and rags so that we can have a ribbon cutting and open it up to the public and you know deliver this in a way so that everyone can use it. I know there's been questions about
Halifax residents only. How do we want to approach that on the sign? How do we police that? Enforce that. Um so there's some questions to be answered. I just want to convene a committee. I don't want this to last months because we're heading into June. I want those courts to open up so people can use them this
summer. Um, so I'm thinking one or two meetings max. Get a sign together. What will go on the sign, post the sign, do a ribbon cutting, and then there we go. >> I get my I agree, Stephen. We have to make sure we roll this out the right way. Um I guess my question is do we
need a full committee or do we just want to have um a couple you know do we need to formalize have a committee or just have a couple of meetings with key people to >> I think more of a couple meetings with key people not a formal committee. >> Yeah. Yeah. I think that might be the way to go. >> So we don't have to constitute a quorum
or anything like that. >> Correct. >> Is it lighting? >> No. No. And it will not be lit because nobody wants to hear pickle ball. >> No. I was just curious. Is it fenced off? You can >> Y >> clock at night. >> Y
>> Glad they're bringing this up to to light because a lot of people have been asking seniors and so on. >> It's amazing and I go play pickle ball. >> They are uh beautiful. They are absolutely beautiful courts. >> Probably the nicest facility in the town of Halifax as far as our sports fields
go. >> Yeah. If we take care of them, right? It's just like >> I mean everyone knows how I love a good thorn project. So >> yeah. Well, >> um, >> it's, uh, >> I mean, it's not real, it's not a real committee without Mark Dylan on that. So, I think that more
>> I mean, Chris comes every >> I mean, two things. I'd like, you know, whatever it takes to get this done right because we have a lot of facilities in town that are not taken care of properly, have fallen by the wayside, >> have gone to waste, and it would be a shame if we sold our soul and didn't get
the court. >> Um, Being said, I'd like to see no dogs on the court. No, no dog signs posted on the court. >> Okay. >> At a minimum, other signs you place. >> It sounds like the selectmen have their member for this meeting sitting right next to me.
>> I can be there. >> Absolutely. >> Sounds like Tom will will run with it. >> So, great. So, you guys okay with uh the chiefs, you know, basically the the folks that Stephen said to come up with some rules and rags um and just have a
plan for for the facility. I think so. >> Good. Okay. Great. All right. We're going down to H. We have a buyback cemetery plot from Robert Dyard. >> Oh, France. Sorry, I didn't see your hand. Sorry. Go right ahead. Relative to
the to the pickle ball courts, does the town already have insurance relative to anybody getting hurt or whatever? You know, how is this being handled? How are the people who
use it being protected? Um because most of the people that are going to be going in there or a great many of them are seniors and they've never done it. M >> here we go. It's a brand new experience.
So the danger of some sort of liability increases with that scenario. >> I would imagine it's the same as the T-ball when most kids have never done it either and they're on town grounds. I imagine they're covered under town liability organization. >> Yeah, I would I would think that it's >> add to the rider.
>> Just put it on our our town rider. You know, all of our fields have a level of insurance town property. So this would be added to that. We'll follow through and put that on. >> We We better because you bring up a great point. >> It's conveyed, right, Stephen? The land is conveyed. Is that correct? >> Yeah, it is conveyed. Yep.
>> Yep. Thank you. So, >> this waiver liability, right, forms forms that people could sign prior to >> I don't think you're going to you're not going to get into a system where people are going to have to sign waiverss to use it. >> I mean, someone's going to be there all the time. >> It's going to be too messy on the the
sign itself, you know. >> Yeah. There'll be some some disclos you know some uh waiver liability >> at your own risk. Correct. >> No place. >> Yeah. >> Could you put a credit card thing on the door?
>> That would be nice. Yeah. Or like a Venmo Venmo sign or something to to take donations. That would be great. >> All right. >> All right. So, next up, sorry guys. Next up, we're going down to uh H, which is a
buyback uh cemetery plot for one Robert Dy. Um so, you want me to pull up my paperwork here. Sorry, guys. I should have had it. >> He's just moving location. >> Yep. He's staying in the cemetery but moving to a different spot. Um bear with
me here. >> Yeah. Do you guys have it? You know what page it's on? What page you want? read that. >> Okay, thank you. Uh, the Halifax Central Cemetery requests approval for the following transaction. Robert Dy of 39 Stonyware
Road, Halifax, Mass, requested the town buyback his plot in section D, lot 28, Grave 8. He is requesting to exchange this lot for section F, lot 11, grave 1. Price is the same for both lots. uh pursuant to mass uh to the Halifax
Central Cemetery rules and rags section three, the lot or plot can be sold back for the same amount they originally purchased for and all pertinent paperwork is attached to this document. In this instance, the pricing is the same for both lots and all he is doing is changing locations in the cemetery.
Pretty self-explanatory. Um I will say Bob is my former nextdoor neighbor. Um, so where I don't think there's any sort of um, you know, things that aren't on the up and up here, just I think for optics, I will uh, abstain
from this one just because I'm I'm familiar with Bob, friendly with Bob, and uh, >> Sounds good. >> Wouldn't want to include it. >> Any discussion? >> Nope. >> As mentioned, Jonathan will abstain. Uh, I'll entertain a motion to approve the plot change for Robert Dohy of 39 Stony Road, Halifax.
>> So moved. >> Second. All those in favor? I >> I general abstain. >> Abstain. >> It is two 0. >> Thank you. >> Okay, we are down to boards and committee. Uh man, the the words just aren't coming out tonight, guys. Boards
and committees conduct policy memorandum. So, this is something that we do uh here in the town of Halifax where um we have all of our boards, our committees, our various uh folks that are in and out of town hall um look at a
uh public policy memorandum that essentially outlines uh expected behaviors uh expected uh conducts through meetings, through dealing with the public. um essentially keeping things civil, cordial, um
especially where you are uh representing the town of Halifax. So, we've done it uh in years past. Um I think Stephen is an annual if I remember correctly. So, Stephen is new here. So, uh I think it only makes sense to um bring it up again
>> to have this go through our um boards and committees as well. Um, again, just outlining nothing controversial here, nothing crazy, just to uh remind folks that um once you're elected or appointed to a border committee, you are representing the town of Halifax. Uh,
and it just goes over uh expected behaviors for stuff like that. >> I'm being targeted here. >> Uh, it doesn't say your name. I think you referred to as TP in the uh in the agreement, but uh >> yeah, everybody good with uh you know,
Stephen once again putting out that uh reminder for boards and committees for public uh for public uh conduct. >> It's okay. >> Take out the TP >> and take out the TP and put the BS in there. >> Yes. >> That's it. Bill Smith. Okay, we're down
to um K, which is review article motions for town meeting. We have these. We have homework here, guys. >> This is so you can fill it out as >> Sure. Sure. >> All right. So, um what we usually do, guys, for town meeting is we divide up
the articles so that uh each of us can have an opportunity to speak to certain articles that uh we may want to uh that might speak to us or we're passionately about. Um some of them are actually being spoken to by other folks like I know we have Jim Walters here. So
usually our um budget article um and kind of financial articles are presented by um the finance committee. So that necessarily isn't selectman spoken to. So I guess we can go through here guys. We have articles 1 through 22. Um and
which ones the selectman uh would like to speak to? So wage and personnel that is fin I I believe correct. >> Yeah. >> No, that's us. That's us. >> That is us. Yeah. Hold on. I'm pulling% >> cola. Is that what that is? >> That is
>> Yeah. >> Maybe can do it if you want to. I'll do it. >> Whichever. However you want to go. >> Yeah. You're the point. Yeah. Exactly. Let me pull him up. We got them right here, guys.
>> All right. Sorry. Things are just not coming easy tonight. All right. So, yeah. Article one. Um it is proposed by the board of selectmen. Um Tom, you want it? >> Sure. >> Okay. So that'll be Tom. Um elected
official salary. Um I can do that. >> It says Jim to move the article, >> right? >> Mine. Do you have that >> under the motion >> on page on page 31? >> Yep. Oh, I'm on 30. Hold on.
Motion Jim Walters to move the article and provide explanation. >> Okay. >> So, >> so Jim, so you that's Jim. >> All right. 3A budget. That is Jim. >> Yeah. >> That's article one two right there.
>> Okay. >> Jim right there. >> Jim. All right. >> So, the budget is um is FINCOM. So, that's Jim as well. uh override supplemental budget that is fin as well, right?
So that's Jim. Jim, you're going to be a busy guy. >> Only for a short time early because is it one through one through three or four is the first related >> correct? That's correct. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Is it three or four?
>> Uh so so he's doing 3 A and 3B. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> As well as two. So, he's doing 2 3 A 3B. Um, four. It looks like my name is put in here, which is fine. I'll do the new revolving fund. >> Yeah, this is a draft. So, you guys >> Yeah. All right, that's fine. I can do
that one. >> Um, reserve fund again. This is looks like Fincom. >> Jim. Yep. >> So, that's Jim. Good thing we're paying them the big bucks. All right. And now we're getting into um
some of the appointed versus elected government study. So uh Tom, obviously these these are near and dear to you. So >> I'll take six through 10. >> You want them all? Yep. >> Okay. >> Benefit to not
>> No, you're beloved, Tom. >> Six penalty. >> Okay. Um, and then I know with veterans exemptions, which is article 11, I do believe that Steve Littlefield, >> Steve is actually going to be out of town.
>> Um, but I I'm not sure if he was working on I think one of his assistants might have um I think Rob Mullen might be speaking to it. >> I did see Rob in town hall today. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Um, so what we can do is >> go to your TBD then you back somewhere
back. >> Yeah. Why don't Why don't we pick a backup here in case? So, I think the plan will originally be, you know, we'd prefer to have u one of Steve's assistants do it, but if not, would which one of us would like to do? >> I'll do it. >> You got it.
>> Yeah. Okay. So, Bill will do veterans if need be. Uh, no soliciting bylaw. >> Chief Jobs. >> That is the police chief, right? >> Yeah. >> Does he actually present that? Uh, let's see what it says here.
>> Says boss on behalf of the >> police chief. >> Yeah, pretty sure it's one of us. >> Yeah, it's one of us, but but usually what what happens in those instances where it's his kind of baby. Uh, we say I will defer to the chief to um so I could do that. That's an easy one. I'll
do that one. >> You going to read the whole thing? >> I Yeah, the heck I do. As printed in the warrant. >> As printed. Well, I don't know. You've done a good trip. I was going to say it's printed on the paper >> as uh past experience. >> You'll you'll introduce it. Introduce
jobs. If some not there, you'll just go. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> All right. Uh capital plan revolving >> accounts. Where are we? 13.
Oh, yeah. Man, whatever I had for breakfast today, don't have it forget. Revolving accounts. Uh, this one's pretty straightforward. I can do it. Bill, Tom, anybody? You're essentially just setting the amounts for these various I'll do it. Categories you want, Bill.
>> Okay. >> Um, capital plan. Is that fin or proposed by board selectman? So, um, I could do that. You guys want me to do that one? Capital plan.
All right. Uh then we have uh South Coastal Counties Legal Services. Anybody want that one? I'll >> do that, >> Bill. Uh unpaid bills. >> I'll do that, >> Bill. I get it. Unpaid bills. I got you.
>> There you go. >> Cuz essentially this year he is an unpaid bill. >> You want to fix that? >> He is unpaid bill. All right. >> All right. And then, um, legal services,
uh, domestic violence intervention program. That's another great one, too. Anybody want that one? Uh, Tom, you're doing a heavy loads here. I can >> Yeah, I'll do whatever you want. >> No, but you've already done that. >> You got that, Bill? >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Familiar with that. >> So, that's bill 17.
>> You get tired of my voice early. >> Yeah. You're going to be spent with that. >> We're just reading the motion, right? >> Yeah. and then speak to it though if there's questions. >> We'll do the explanations. >> Yeah. So it'll be in your book. >> Y >> uh what's this one? This one is 4 appropriation. Um
>> 18. >> That's another pretty self pretty easy one. Um I could do that if you want or bill. Yeah, I'm due. It looks like I'm I'm missing a couple. >> Whatever you want. >> No, no, no, no, no. Hold on. So we have me. >> I mean there's 22. Jim's got four. So
there's 18 to around us have six, give or take. >> Yep. All right, let's go down to 19 >> is lumped with 20. >> 19 is lumped with 20. Uh that's the PAS. I can I can do that one.
>> Oh. >> Yeah. Yeah, they're kind of lumped together. >> And then 22 is the citizens position petition which they will read. >> Yeah, the Yeah, we don't present it that >> 21 is it? >> 21 is is that liquor license? I'll do that. >> And that was the one I read that far down yet, but that's the one we were
combining. We're expanding the beer and wine liquor. >> It's a liquor. Yeah. Yeah. >> Include malt beverages and all that stuff. >> You got that one. >> Bill's got that one. >> One, two, three, four, five, six for myself. >> I have five.
>> Um, hold on. You have one, two, three, four, five. I got you a six. >> I took number one. >> You took number one. So, >> you got six. >> Oh, no. Wait. Did we work that out perfectly? >> I don't think so. >> Hold on. Uh, Bill. 1 2 3 4 5 six. Well, explain six and six.
>> We'll explain it. Oh, there's 38. It's actually 23 cuz 3 A and 3B. So 666 3 A 3B 67. My kids would be wild. All right. So, we got those. Uh, the other thing too as part of this guys is we had a
couple of articles that we said we would have our decision at town meeting. So, um, we essentially have to, I mean, I I I don't know how we're going to have to we're going to have to come to some sort of agreement before, uh, meeting or if we do it, you know,
>> without talking off camera, >> right? >> It's difficult, >> right? So, I don't meeting before. >> So, maybe the meeting before if you guys okay with that, put it on the agenda. >> What were they? You recall? >> Yes. um the PAS
>> um 1920, the citizens petition 22, and the capital plan 14. >> So, what we'll do is we have always have that little mini meeting before the town meeting. >> We'll have those on our agenda. We'll officially make our um you know, stance
known there just so that we have everything all buttoned up before we go into the meeting. So, thank >> for the capital plan. Does it matter if we're going to make a motion to change it? Is it done now or? >> No, it would have to be on on town
meeting floor. Yeah, town meeting floor. But um I think one of the issues, Stephen, was we were waiting on a number for retained earnings for WA was water, right? Wasn't it the >> um >> that was for the ban >> for the ban. So that was one of the reasons that we held off. We went over the all the articles last time. We
weren't sure about what that number was. So that's why we now we're figured it out. So, um, >> yeah, >> Stephen, I have a question. I I know we have I know we're on the article's here. Mr. Chair, sorry. >> Go right. Come on. Go right.
>> We haven't gotten to L yet >> uh or town manure report or any other comments we have. >> I have a question for you. If if citizens or board of selected members have questions about procedure on the floor at town meeting, when is the best
time? Is it now? Is it at town meeting? >> Probably at town meeting. Um because we'll have town council and the moderator present. >> Okay. >> As far as they can they can sort of consult if they need to as far as strategy as far as how things should be >> okay. >> Framed.
>> Okay. Um >> but if you have a general question, we can certainly >> Well, the general question the general question is there's a lot of things floating around. There's been overriding study committees which have been increasingly well attended. I understand >> um >> about a a special fall town meeting and
so those are those are asked those are asking you know some are asking about what that looks like what that feels like what's capable um do we talk in May do we is it coming up on the town of call the September meeting
um to you know allocate different funds and so forth and I just um I thought at some point >> before the discussion on the override happens on time It might be beneficial at some of the override study committee meetings in the leadup tonight on the 11th um to talk
about what that might look like. >> Sure. >> For a special fall town meeting to fund a certain department or committee >> or region of the town >> just so we're all on the same page so there's no surprises once we vote and then there's no recourse and there's no fallback.
>> You know, you know what is a great opportunity, Tom? So, we have three more um override 101 meetings left. So, if any tomorrow uh the weekend at the library and then at Triad. So, if anybody has any questions, even if you
can't make the meeting, >> send them to us, email them to us or to Stephen, to Pam, whoever. Um so, so that we can get that information out there, you know. And to your point, Tom, town meeting is we try to keep that as even killed and as organized as we can, but
there's a lot of moving parts to it. So, >> yeah. So, I just I I wonder and worry not worry you, but I you know, I'm just thinking out loud about >> how information is most easily accessible and disseminated these days. And that's not from Halifax.mma.gov.
It's Facebook. And so there's things floating around about, you know, how to get a special town meeting and funding this department and vote this way at the town meeting because we can always do this. >> Yeah. >> And I think it'd be productive and helpful to everybody if everyone understood in the same forum what that looked like and what was possible and
what was not prior to town meeting so that we could all vote accordingly at town meeting, not with a plan B that may not be available. >> Correct. >> That's where I'm going with this question. >> Yeah. >> Understood. Yeah. >> Yeah. You'll be interested to hear my town administrator's report tonight.
>> Whoa. There you go. >> Awesome. >> All right. So, we're done with K. So, as Stephen just teased, we are down to L, which is our town administrator report. Mr. Solo, take it away. >> Yeah, thanks. Um, so I will touch on exactly what Tom was talking about. Um,
at least touch on it and definitely make it more of a point during the last three sessions we have left for override 101 as we're now terming it. Um, so the first item I have to talk about tonight is the FY2026 master plan earmark that was given by the by Kathy Latra's
office. So just to give you guys a little bit of background, that was uh a FY26 earmark, which means it was given in July of last year, which means it needed to be spent by June of this year.
Now it hasn't been spent by June. it won't be spent by June 30th of this year because we're already in May. Um, and the deadline in order to get funding is May 1st. So, Christopher Jean, the associate or assistant to Kathleen, had
reached out and said, "In order to do something with this and potentially push that funding to next year, you need to basically submit a project description. uh you need to execute all the contracts and get everything in order on Submittable, which is a new portal they
use with the the state. Um so I got all that paperwork done and finished today and now we will be playing the waiting game to see if they're able to extend that money and push it to 2027. >> How much was it? >> $50,000. >> $50,000. >> So there's no penalty in the event that
it's not pushed forward. And the best case scenario is it is pushed forward and we actually get to do the master plan which would at this point involve going out for an RFP to get a planner in have the forms similar to what we're doing with override 101 but bringing in
residents to have forums talk about what they want to see in the community moving forward from a perspective of infrastructure from a perspective of open space and recreation you know economic development um the various buildings in town. So, it's a good opportunity to get all the residents
together and get their ideas on paper and into a plan that also acts as a lever for a lot of grants. If you have a master plan in place, grants become readily available because then you have more shovel ready uh options in town,
which means you your residents have already thought about things they want to do. So, in grant applications, what you often see is has your does your town have a master plan? Does your town have an open space and recreation plan? With these master plans, what you do is develop the process in order to get
those things so that you can then use them during a grant application process to say, "Yes, we have this plan. This is how we would take this money and use it if we were awarded it." Um, basically, it's you've already done the planning. And that's what the state likes to see
when they're issuing grants. Um, so here's hoping that uh Katherine Latro's office is able to extend it to next year. Um, they also did knowing this information now knowing that we were also earmarked uh $50,000 for special education for FY2027.
I'll be on that on July 1st to make sure that comes through in a much earlier time span because I assume that's just $50,000 that we apply to special education because that was the earmark for this year. Um, so it it fixes my time and understanding. So again on the timeline, so you had this award back in
July last year. You had the previous TA move on. Then you had an interim, then I came on in January with essentially 3 months to act on it. Um so now I'm doing my best to extend it. >> Either of those have any um any uh bearing MBTA stuff?
>> No, they nope. They're earmarked. So they're totally environments. >> Yep. They're budget budget items. >> Yep. >> Yeah. Yeah, we need to we really need to we need to make that happen. Yep. >> You know, because that is a a rally cry for folks in this town that we uh we
don't have an effective master plan. >> Um and you hear it all the time about how we have, you know, four coffee shops and, you know, there's not a ton of foresight in Halifax and a master plan is essentially mapping out foresight for
the town. So, I really, really, really hope that we're able to Yeah. um extend that because that would be really unfortunate if we don't >> doing everything I can to make sure I stay on top of that office and get that funding through. >> But that doesn't cover the entire cost of a master plan, right? >> It should. >> It should. Yeah.
>> What about a planner? >> You don't need a planner to develop a master plan. You just bring in a temporary consultant. >> It's like >> to enact it to enact master plan, you don't need a planner. >> No. It's like when you're building hazard mitigation plan too. Yeah. You
put out the you get the funding offer. >> They build it and they go over with you what they imply what you want in it. >> It would be I mean there may be zoning suggestions and planning suggestions in the master plan that may be further down
the road like 5 to 10 years out that say you know best advice would be if you reach a town size of 10,000 hire a part-time planner so you can enact these zoning and planning changes. Um, so that's where it can sort of head at that point. But in order to build a master plan, you do not need a full-time
planner. Uh, you just need someone to act on the the programs that are put together. >> All right, fingers crossed everybody. We need that one. >> Um, so if there's no more questions on that, I'll move on to the next item. Um, which is the extension of uh, so we've
been in conversations with all state waste um, talking about uh, extending the trash contract. Uh and I should be able to bring an updated uh offer and contract extension to the board of selectman after town meeting. Um we're
looking at they have two-year options left, two one-year options. And then with TR contracts, you actually have the ability to extend beyond that without having to go through procurement. So that the select board depending on if the rates are appropriate or maybe it's a sweetheart deal that you guys are able
to review and keep something you know pretty level funded for the um residents in town. It certainly be a benefit. So um being competitive when it comes to initial discussions as we've been talking so I'm like what liking what I'm hearing. So, we should have more
official contracts and offers and proposals in place by the next time we meet uh post town uh town meeting. >> Great. Um something I've looked into because I had to look into it for myself looking at the my MCPO certification which
expires in February of 27. So, I have to look into the continuing education credits that go along with that. Um most of the continuing education credits that go along with that are free. They're just webinars that are offered through the OIG's office. um the actual official renewal process, which if you don't do
the CUS, ends up being about $1,200. Uh the other thing I need to approach um the OIG about is they offer a uh free MCPO light uh certification to towns that um have certain populations under a
certain amount and because they see it as a restrictive cost to that town. So, I don't know if Halifax has taken advantage of that yet. When I was in Middbor, that's how I actually got my certification. They utilized their free certification on me to take the classes and it ends up being about $1,500 value.
So, it would be nice if we haven't taken advantage of it yet to approach the OIG, identify someone in town and send them to the training for free so that we have another procurement officer in town. Um, someone that can help out, whether it's, you know, a town accountant would be a helpful um procurement officer or
someone in one of the financial offices, you know, they have that certification. So it actually acts as an incentive for them as well um to further their education experience. Um so continuing more on the override 101 forums, we have three left uh as
Jonathan mentioned. Tomorrow we'll be at Heinrich Hall uh at 3:30 with the police chief, fire chief, and I assume deputy chief Benner will probably make the appearance as well um to discuss with the mobile home uh Halifax mobile home park uh um estates and their residents
the impacts potential impacts of the override. Um, on May 2nd, we'll be at the library and that will be a morning meeting. Uh, hopefully trying to catch all the parents coming off the soccer fields and see how many we can get to divert in there and and also let them
let those folks know that what the impacts potentially are on that that group of residents. And then lastly, we will have another meeting on May 5th um that will coincide with the triad meeting at Great Hall. Um and
uh again this will again be the same presentation that was given at the previous two which were last week and are both online on the town's website. To Tom's point, there is the ability to find it there. Um to get the information out there, uh if people want to post
that to Facebook, please do. I don't utilize Facebook. I I stay away from Facebook. Um uh so I but I I want to get this information out there. Uh I think it's important to get it out there however we however we can. Um so um and
pardon me. Yeah. We also still have Halifax um which is a service where if you have a question you want to get true verified information back from a town employee most likely Stephen um submit the question through Halifax. don't submit a
question on one of the town pages or you know so at least that way with Halifax you know you're getting from the horse's mouth information so that service is still there it's still on our town page um you know much more reliable source for info than uh than you know floating
around town >> so >> and I did update the um calculator that's on the website so there's a new override calculator that's on the website where you can enter in your assessed value and not only does it give you the um increased tax um revenue that
you would need to produce with the override, but it also inserts the 2.5% that will be included as your typical annual increase. So, you will now be able to enter your your home value, your assessed home value from this year, and it will give you your full impact, your basically your bill for next year with
an override passage. So, um that will help you, you know, make your decision or at least make your decision more informed. Um, speaking to Tom's point about special town meeting, um, yeah, so I did have a conversation about this
with the fincom from in the last FINCOM meeting when we were talking about special town meeting and capital planning. Um, special town meeting is going to have to be will be necessary. I'll I'll start with that. Um, it will mainly focus around uh capital planning
items. So one-time expenditures we'll be we'll be convening the capital planning committee after town meeting uh and start those you know going through the list of items that the departments have you know put in for their capital items whether it's ambulances or you know
trucks at the DPW or police cruisers. So those are the types of items that are on that list. Those will go through the capital planning committee. We need to know how much free cash we're going to be putting towards the capital plan so that they can figure out how to prioritize the items and then that's what will be a majority of the meeting
in the fall. Um the other thing we will have to address in the fall uh we have one calendar year to address the snow and ice deficit. So that will be another item that will be addressed at special town meeting. We'll be taking care of the deficit that was a result of the blizzard that we experienced in uh
February. Um, we have a we're working on finding the funding to pay for that because we have to raise and allocate those funds. Um, I guess I think the question Tom was getting at was is there going to be any ability for residents to potentially take money from any
available source at special town meeting in the fall and say fund department X because they didn't receive it during annual town meeting. Short answer to that is probably no. Um, because those funds will be put aside for capital planning. Um, and that's pretty much
going to be it. Uh, if you're going to want to change the way the budget looks for the year rolling out into FY27 is going to happen during annual town meeting and there will be a process for that as well. Um, because in c in annual
town meeting free cash is not available for funding purposes either. So that will stay off the table. The only free cash that will actually be on the table will be the $17,000 $17,300 that's been put aside for
>> assessor's department uh for their um inspections to regarding compliance of their department. Um otherwise you will see the rest of free cash somehow divided at special town meeting to pay for one-time capital expenditures for
the most part. question >> just to clarify that that answered the question the bulk of it just to clarify in layman's terms free cash is not available for discussion >> for May 11th we're putting that to special town meeting >> correct >> so on the town meeting floor things that
are available for discussion do not include the allocation of free cash >> correct correct that'll be at the special >> and that'll be at the special >> clear >> and furthermore if it is and this is why we will have council present and we will
be meeting with the moderator and council before the meeting. Any even attempt at amendment to utilize free cash will be called out of order because you're changing the scope of the article. So you fundamentally cannot change the budget at town meeting which
means you cannot use other funding sources and bring them into articles that are already structured. That's basically it. That will be called out of order. Out of scope, out of order. >> Fine by me. want to make sure that's out there because that's a popular thing. >> Yes. And I will make that very clear. >> That's a very popular thing where things
are not being clarified. It's not Halifax. It's not forums. It's social media. And there's a lot of, >> hey, we can do this and we can do that and let's do this and I just want to make sure we're all on the same page that or people should be >> educated that that is not available and that should not be relied upon.
>> And to your point, I think um I will speak to the moderator and maybe have some sort of announcement >> announcement at the beginning address that. >> Yeah. be helpful. >> As long as we can get that conferred with town council, that's something that would probably have to be confirmed. >> Yeah, that's that's a possibility. It's best so that all the cards are on the
table before we start >> and there's no change in the game. The cars aren't being, you know, maneuvered where we are. >> You're accused of changing the rules through. >> Let's get the rules out there. >> Yep. >> And further to your point, Tom, I will make it a point of emphasis in the remaining forums to say and clarify what
monies are actually being discussed during town >> and or available >> and or available for discussion. Yes or no? Whatever it is, let's just get it. >> And if people have further question about what actually can be amended, I'm here for those questions as well. >> Sure. >> And you know, I think even Jim as well
is is here for those questions as a member of the fincom to answer those questions that may be out of order or outside the scope because we know we're going to get them not only leading up to town meeting, we're going to get them at town meeting. We're already ready for that. All right. >> Thank you. That's that was my point from
earlier. I appreciate that. >> Great. Um So there's no more questions on the forums. I hope to see everybody there. Expect to see all these faces on the forums. >> Steve, you said tomorrow at 3:30. >> Tomorrow at 3:30 down at Hinrich Hall. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> 2:30.
>> 3:30. >> 3:30. >> 3:30. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. We'll bring in Caesar with us. So we'll have the whole presentation just like we had it everywhere else. >> Um we as of this morning are engaged with five out of six unions in
bargaining. Uh it's going well so far. Um just feeling in the process of just filling out. It's just initial grounds things like that. So um moving on to the principal assessor appraiser recruitment. So as I think everybody knows Debbie Dean is going to be
retiring as of July 1st. So we will be looking to replace our principal assessor and appraiser. Um, I've assisted to this point at helping them um, redevelop their their job posting and the just taking a look at the job description and sort of just tightening
it up and cleaning up for language, grammar. Um, again, the principal assessor appraiser is a board appointed position by the board of assessors. So, I'm always staying involved from just the perspective of as they want me involved, helping them, you know, with the paperwork, administration of that.
Um, and then they will be doing the interviews uh publicly and then they'll go from there. But Debbie is the one who's actually going to be physically collecting the resumes as they come in. >> Is there um, Stephen any sort of timeline? I guess my question is will
there be any sort of overlap before Debbie leaves with our new assessor? So, I know the the intent is that they just got the ads this week. They're going to try to put them out uh
as after their most after their next meeting, which is next week. So, then they're looking at there being minimal overlap um or or a seamless transition. They're trying to time it right for July 1st. Okay.
>> That's what the ide Yeah. So, they're trying to time it. >> I don't know what the board thinks, but yeah, I mean, at least a couple days of maybe overlap to or I'm sure, you know, Debbiey's a great person. I'm sure she'd come in and and help, but I, you know,
it probably makes sense to have that at least overlap a couple days just to give her the he or she the lay of the land. >> Yeah, I would agree. In general, that's a good practice if possible. >> Great. >> Yeah. And if we could get the person here maybe the last week of June,
>> right? >> Yeah. Yeah. Right. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And we're going to miss Deb, the dean, the assessing queen. >> Yeah, she's great. >> She's been great. Um, she's been a source of knowledge. She's been here long enough to know uh I've been able to rely on her for some information here
and there. She's advanced my my knowledge and assessing. So, >> yeah, she's great. >> I'm appreciative of uh her help while I've been on board for sure. Um and she's leading a good staff of um young women down there too. So >> yeah, happy for her retire. Sad for us, happy for her. Yes, she's definitely
earned her retirement. >> Um moving on to the next item on my list is 60 Hemlock Street solar project. So um Agelitus is the company, the Sam Engles. It's a new project manager. So this is the concerning the solar that's on the landfill that's out back here on
the town landfill. Um, I know Jonathan had mentioned that there is a cap issue on that landfill as well. Um, and that TRC and Mike Martin is the representative out there for that issue. So, I'm going to reach out to Mike
Martin, but I've had preliminary discussions about re-engaging with Agelitus and seeing what what is potentially on the table from a revenue standpoint with solar out there. Then also talking about potentially putting the DPW behind the meter so that it would be powered by the solar that's
coming off the um the dump site. So we would power the building and then get some revenue on top of that. Um so that's something that I've done in previous communities I've been in. It tends to work out pretty well um from a utility cost avoidance perspective. So
again um you'll probably be hearing about that more as time goes on. I just re-engaged with them. I know Cody had been involved with them and then there was a cap issue. So, um, moving on to the next item, uh, town meeting preparations. So, we are pretty busy going through town meeting
preparations. Um, some of the things I'm looking at are, um, I'm going to invest in a couple of timers. Um, so for both rooms, uh, I want to have a timer that's, uh, limiting the amount of speech that's pretty much allowed at the floor on the floor and to assist the
moderator run a more efficient meeting. >> What's What's going to be the limit? >> Uh, 3 minutes. >> 3 minutes. >> Yep. Um, and so you're not just necessarily limited to 3 minutes. You can always ask for an extension of time. >> I see it commonly at other town meetings. I've seen it at my town
meeting that I go to in Falmouth. If you are up against if you're at 2 minutes and 50 seconds and you still have another minute and a half to go, you can ask the moderator for another minute and a half. As long as you're and if the moderator agrees, you can keep going. Um, what we want to do with this is to
stop folks from simply just grandstanding and and getting up there and taking up and making the meeting inefficient. Um, we want to try to run a meeting that gets out of there in a timely manner where everyone's comments get out there and that we don't have the same redundant comments coming up to the
microphone because often that's what we see during town meetings across the board. We see the same comment just come up from a different person from time to time. So, trying to avoid that. The timer tends to help. I've seen it help in other communities where people see the timer, they realize they better get
to their point and speak to it and move on. Jim, >> I just have one question. Is it possible to have the moderator read the rules of chapter 9 under deliberation in town meeting minutes that sets the standard for who can speak, how long they can
speak, one person at a time, not talking over others. There's like 12 individual rules I think that would really kind of set the decorum for the entire meeting. and that you know he enforces the three kind of strike thing right so if you're
not being respectful to others you are warned if you continue to not be respectful you are asked to leave personally and if you refuse to leave that's fine but if you do it a third time then you will be asked you will be escorted out of the meeting that's according to town meeting myth what we
changed two years ago >> last year >> yeah and that's all we want I mean we want people's opinions to be heard and voices is to be heard, but keep it civil, keep it respectful. Um, and I I I love that idea. >> Jim, what' you say? That was chapter nine. >> Chapter n deliberation.
>> Yeah, that's great. We have a question from Fred. >> An awful lot can be said in two minutes. And every town that I've been in, and I've been in 11 minutes,
that was the time frame they used rather than the 3 minutes. Now, the moderator can always extend your time if you're talking sensibly and staying on top. So my suggestion would be instead of 3
minutes change that to two and it's up to the moderator to extend. >> We'll call it the Corgan rule. I like it. >> Too many things to keep things moving moves the meeting along. >> Oh, I like it. I like it. >> I mean to his point 2 minutes
uninterrupted is a long time. >> A long time. Yeah. >> So, I mean, if there's opportunity, two minutes goes by, question answer, >> but do you think the timers are a good idea? >> Yes. Heck yeah. >> Yes. 100%. >> Heck yeah.
>> We could be like the Oscars, but those play and Jim >> two minutes and then also the deliberation in chapter nine. >> Yes. So, but the moderator needs to lay those both out prior. So reading this chapter nine and then >> saying out loud
>> and provide discussion at this meeting we're recommending or isolating two-minute comments >> questions and but in conjunction with each other at the at the outset rather than reactive >> set the tone. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Great idea. >> Both good. >> Yep. Thank you for that. It has to be
the um the moderator that directs if you want to take someone out of the meeting, the moderator has to direct the police to escort them out of the meeting. >> They're the one that has to >> moderate. It's the moderator's >> meeting his or her meeting. In this case, it's >> I've seen I've seen people escorted out
of town. >> That's not good. >> Yeah. All righty. Um so if we don't have any more questions on that or any more comments or suggestions, I'll take more suggestions, Mr. Cory, if you got them. That was a good one. >> That was great. Those were great. >> I'll take two minutes over three every day.
>> Absolutely. >> Suggestion. >> Yeah. >> When you when you send out the town notice, >> maybe you could put that thing on the time frame like on the back side of it. So when they get the town notice, they also get the rules. >> Yeah. Unfortunately, it's a great idea,
John. Our warrant has already been mailed out. >> It's already gone out. >> Yeah. >> Could do as part of the supplemental. >> Oh, yeah. For next year. I think that's a great it's a great addition. Yeah. >> Yeah. That is a good point. Yeah. >> Yep. >> All right.
So, last but not least, um this is uh National Excuse me, National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Uh I was notified by Kendra today. As a matter of fact, out back, I don't know if you guys saw all the trucks coming in. Uh there's a training exercise that's actually
going on at the DPW by our first responders. Uh so, Chief Wam had put together a bunch of scenarios. There's flipped over cars back there. They're using Jaws of Life back there. So, um, he told me about that a couple days. Kendra, his executive assistant, Kendra
Kelly, uh, notified, uh, me and Caesar today that the, um, this weekend is actually National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. And that light the night initiative is led, um, nationally. And so on May 2nd, they will have lights
lit up red to honor national uh, to honor firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty. So, I've um issued the authorization to Caesar to light the building up red on that night for to uh fall in line with what we're doing nationally with the firefighters. So, um
they provide a lot of good services to the folks of this town and um we all know how much they're loved and supported. So, um it's just another thing to, you know, appreciate them and show them that we're thinking of them at all times. So, >> great. >> And we have to vote on that or is that
that comes from you? No, I think we I think we have a we have a protocol where um it's they have to check with the TA. We've given essentially TA the >> um the Okay. >> And that's all I've got for tonight.
>> Awesome. All right. Anything else from the peanut gallery? No, we are good. All right. Seeing no none other things to discuss. Um what's you have something else? >> Just one last thing. So, I would just encourage everybody, this is a high stakes season. Um, this is the last time
we'll be in front of your faces as a group, our group, uh, before May 11th, except for the hour before. >> Mhm. >> I would encourage everybody to attend both May 11th at at 6:30. >> Mhm. >> 6:30. >> Get there early. >> Get there early, check in. There'll be a check-in process, maybe an overall room
if needed. And I also encourage everyone to similarly vote uh on the Saturday following May 16th. Some of the items you hear on the 11th will be contingent upon the 16th vote. Some of them are separate, some are different and so forth. But both of them are an opportunity to be heard. You know, there's a lot of um there's a lot of
obligations you have as a citizen in town. None more um privileged maybe than to be able to vote cuz a lot of people don't have that say in this world. And so you have the opportunity to be heard. Your vote comes just counts just as much as everybody else's. I'd encourage you all to show up
at least once if not twice and make your voice heard how you see fit. Whether you agree with us, whether you disagree with us and every board committee here, uh it's an opportunity that a lot of people wish they had and you haven't. >> So I would encourage you both all take advantage of both.
>> May 11th at 6:30 and May 16th >> 9 to 5 >> 9 to 5 early there's a big window to 10 to 6. >> Both of those happen at the Halifax Elementary School across the street. >> So take advantage of it. Make your voice heard however you see fit. Mhm.
>> Town meeting is the truest sense of democracy, right? >> Oldest form. >> It is the oldest form. And we're we're essentially the the people of the town are are setting our year for the town, our budget, our our procedures. So, um I agree, you know, wholeheartedly, Tom,
that um it's just good to be involved. You know, we we see the same faces at these meetings. Not that we don't love these faces, but uh you know, it's just a a minuscule sample of the people that are in this town. Unfortunately, not enough folks uh feel like they want to
get involved or feel like they should get involved. So, I hope we we broaden the horizons a little bit of some folks. >> I think everyone's got to respect the other members of the town meeting. >> That's it. >> And everyone has the right to speak and just because you don't agree what they have to say, there's no need to make
comments in the background or say something or do something. >> Absolutely. >> Everyone has their right. And >> Yep. I always say speak like your grandmother's watching you, right? So, >> I know people get they get intimidated. >> Oh, sure. >> They're intimidated. They see the crowd over there saying stuff and they're
like, I'm not going to borrow this. >> Yeah. Right. Sure. >> All right. Anything else, guys? Uh, seeing nothing, I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> Already? >> Yes. All ready? >> So, move. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I oppose. Pass unanimous. Meeting is
over at 8:01. Thank you guys. Thank you, John from Area 58. See you at town meeting. Thanks. >> Thanks, Sean.