Okay. >> Okay. Welcome to our club meeting to order. Uh we always start with our public participation at Hatfield Select Board meetings. The Hfield Select Board welcomes everyone to its meetings and all public meetings of the town of Hatfield. All regular and special meetings of the boards and communities
of the town of Hatfield shall be open to the public and shall conform to the open meeting law. Executive sessions are closed to the public and will be held only as prescribed by the statues of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is important to recognize that the open
meeting law affords the opportunity to listen to the proceedings but not necessarily participate. During meetings of the select board, an attempt will be made to find a balance between hearing from members of the community and conducting the required business of the
HP sweep board. For the public's information, this meeting is being recorded. Um, we'll start with announcements. And I just want to announce that if anybody in town has a son, daughter, or grandson,
granddaughter, and they're interested in uh police service or fire service, a career in law enforcement, a career in fire service, please contact our chiefs, and they'll give you all the information that they may need to possibly have a
career with the town. So, I just wanted to throw that out that so uh we do have some re we have some people leaving the police department and we are short on the fire department. So, if anybody out there wants to uh get involved and help
their community, the town of Hatfield, it's a great opportunity. So, those are my announcements. Uh do you guys have an announcement? Uh no only that uh deadline for um any elected positions for for pulling papers
for any elected positions and returning signatures is at the end of March March 31st. >> Okay. March 31st deadline. You can also go online to our website which will be new starting April 2nd. >> We'll have a new website coming up.
>> You you'll notice a new design of the website. Um right now the the uh scheduled date is April 2nd. Yep. >> Yeah. April 2nd. So uh you can get either come down to the town hall and talk to the town clerk or uh go online
for more information. Uh we will go into public forum. Is anybody here for public forum? >> Oh >> you're not public forum. Okay. >> Okay. Uh we nobody's here for public
forum. We'll move to uh minutes if I have a motion. >> I'll make a motion to approve February 24th, 2026 meeting minutes. >> Second. >> Okay. Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? Uh all in favor?
>> Motion carries. Okay. Topic one. Uh topic one, we'll go right to an amendment to Treeworks house community agreement. To my understanding, there was a snafu in the paperwork. There was like a wrong date
that was printed and and there was something on the wording and that's my understanding. It was it's not nothing major issue. It's just something that we have to correct. Is that >> that is absolutely right. There's no material changes to the to the document. And we do have someone here from
treeworks this evening, I believe, in case we have any questions. But um you know it's it is just something that's flagged by the cannabis control commission. This I think has happened with all of our host community agreements. They they have gone through them with fine tooth combs and and found very specific things that need to be
fixed. So, this would be an amendment that would uh correct the date of the uh final license date for uh TreeWorks uh and would also um make a slight adjustment to um what the services are, the fees that are that are uh charged as
part of a hosting agreement. So, >> okay. Thank you. Uh do my colleagues have any questions on this? >> I do not. >> If not, I'll I'll entertain a motion. >> Make a motion to approve the amendment to tree works host community agreement. >> Second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any
discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries. Okay. Tree works. You're all set. >> Okay. >> We'll get you a signed version. You have it. Carol will send it along. >> Yeah. >> Nice. >> Okay. Uh topic two is budget review. We
continue with budget reviews of our different departments. Our first one on the agenda is DPW, which will include water and sewer. So, I don't know who's making your presentation. the on the water. The board have three small
budgets after us. If you'd like to take them first and some folks who are uh joining just for the budget piece, it might make sense to do historic and uh recreation first. That's all right. >> That's fine. Okay, we'll take historic recreation. Who likes to go?
>> I'll come up to the microphone and have a seat in the front by the mics. uh please state your name and I know you're here representing a historical and so let all the folks in town know who you are. >> Good evening everyone in Slugboard. My
name is Kathy Olsen and I am a member of the Hatfield Historical Commission and sitting next to me is our our co-chair Amy Novak and we are here to um present our budget request for 2027.
Would you like me to run through the line items or >> Yes, I mean, well, you don't have to go through the line items. You can highlight any changes that you're requesting or increases that you're requesting or you can also take the time to mention anything that uh the
historical historical commission's been doing or just to let the towns people know what what's been going on. >> All right. Well, for all intents and purposes, it's a levelfunded budget that we're requesting in the amount of
$2,350. And um it uh incorporates um expenses that cover the Hatfield Historical Society um uh events and um uh activities that that they might need
support with. And um it also um uh the historical commission is uh um uh responsible for uh funding the um uh uh museums and any any of
their some of their needs and um watching over infrastructure needs and uh if there's any um major repairs, we would definitely uh in
enlist the funding from the um um CPC CPC grants and all that kind of thing. >> So, we're already working on stuff for um a cleaner application process for November to just kind of continue the
momentum of um uh some of the gravestone work that has been done. Of course, uh hopefully you're all aware of what's been going on with the farm museum. Um they've been working intensively inside re redoing, redecorating, and getting ready also um in the library. I was able
to meet with Meg um Baker, our curator. They're getting ready for um changes upstairs in the library for the 250th uh celebration this year of our country. Um, and I have to agree with Kathy, everything seems pretty
um, level funded. Um, the only thing I'm a little nervous about is the electricity. Um, because everything of course is is going up. And being new to this process and new to the um, being a co-chair, um, I guess my
question would be is what if we go over budget? What typically could somebody explain to me and maybe to towns people what happens if our budget for electricity is twice that? >> Usually usually what happens is the finance board always recommends you go
forward and spend the money and then at if for some reason you let us know if you're going over and the reason for it. Okay. >> And then near the end of the year we can do a transfer with if it's within reason. Okay. or we do have other funds that we can transfer money depending on
the circumstances and the conditions. Uh usually uh if we know that something's going to happen, you you just have to spend for electricity, you spend it and then we we try to make up the difference with a transfer of funds at the end of
the year. I mean, that's been the uh unless you have something to add. >> The only other thing I'll add to that, you're you're exactly right, Mr. Chair. The the only other thing I'll add is that um the way that we do our budget um when you're actually expending during the year uh if you go slightly over in one line item uh but you're under in
another as long as the the overall department under the category so let's say services supplies >> uh is is under and has funds available you're okay. So um in the past you haven't come close to to going over your budget. So I think even if one line item
is slightly over like you did once for fire extinguisher expens inspections that was slightly over but it was no problem because it balances the rest of >> good know being like I say new co-chair I'm just trying to grasp the financial part of it and we appreciate your time. >> Yeah. So we we don't have a problem
these things happen. I mean we don't have control over electric bills or gas bills. That's that's always an unknown in our >> and uh we've been warning that electricity rates may go up. So, >> it's going to be something that we don't want to see, but it's not going to be
unanticipated type of thing. >> So, >> and I think that's pretty much it for what we have um itemwise and budget wise. It's >> I I I do thank you both for volunteering and being on the historical commission. We do appreciate it for all the work you
do >> working with the historical society as well. I feel like we're merging, not merging, but we're working well together. And there's all kinds of it's exciting to see stuff happening, the little events. >> Now, you have your a collection upstairs
part of it. Uh, and that's under climate control. So, that's been taken care of. And >> I know in the future you'll probably be looking for more room, but right now I I guess the needs have been met for the most part. >> Yes. >> I don't know if my colleagues have any
questions on the budgets. Nope. >> It's all good. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Appreciate it. Thank you. Okay. Uh we'll take Carrie Recreation Commission. >> Thank you, Marlo, for letting me go
before your budget. >> Um I'm Carrie Flity for anybody who may not know, but um I'm the new apparent chair to the recreation uh committee. Um I had filled a vacancy
spot last year just to get us back to a board of three and or a committee of three and um thankfully we've had some people uh step forward and step up and we now have a full committee of five which is great to be back into that of having enough people and holding
meetings and lots of different opinions and knowledge to try to move forward the recreation department as a whole. Um, a lot of good things have happened over the last few years. Um, but our budget line that we're talking about tonight is the normal $5,000.
Um, just so that you are aware, our plan in spending that is to um we're going to till up and renovate the baseball field at the elementary school, which um, Shay Landscaping took care of us took care of
it for us last year. Um, and we're going to add to it, um, the softball field behind the old center school, um, which was used for recreation for many years. Um, probably as long as my daughter played up until last year and then we
started using Smith Academy. Um, not that there's a problem with the Smith Academy field. Um, however, we have a field here that's specific for Wreck and it was for Wreck and um, we've it's it's sized for recreation softball, too. not
as at the high school you have to make different lines and different circles for pitching purposes and things like that because of the regulations. So it just makes it easier to maintain one field specific to the elementary school kids grade level obviously for the sport and not have to
worry about changing stuff at Smith Academy or worrying about I say messing up their field which we never had that issue. I just don't want it to be a problem. Um working with Mr. Duncan has been great for the last two years anyways, but um we've decided that
putting rec softball back behind the center school and uh parents will know that parking will be on Main Street and or in the parking lot out back here that they won't be able to use the parking lot behind uh the condos because obviously that's for those that live in the in the building. Um, but for a
couple days a week for softball purposes, I think it'll be good to see the field being used and and um the resources being used appropriately. So, our goal is to have if he can um Sheay landscaping again take care of both
fields and getting them prepped. Um, he has the knowledge and the history of being able to do stuff for field activities like that. Um, and if for some reason he can't take on that job, then we'll be looking for a comp some company to come forward and give us a
quote and hopefully take care of both fields just so that they're prepared correctly for both seasons. Um, and then just a couple other extra things in regards to wreck, just because I'm here. Um, we have we're hoping to reach out to
local businesses possibly or any family that is in carpentry or building that kind of stuff. We have the funds to be able to buy the materials um to make dugouts down here behind the center school for this field just like they
have at the elementary school. Um, and it's been a conversation piece that we would like to consider building some type of coverage for the players when games are going on. There's no coverage down here currently. So, like if it starts to rain or if it's really sunny, which that field can get, you
know, good sun at certain times of the day, it'd be nice that the kids have somewhere to be able to like go into the dugout and be able to sit on the bench while they're waiting to play or take the field, etc. Um, so our hopes is to see if we can get the time donated to
build them with us using out of our revolving fund the, you know, for paying for materials if necessary. I mean, if somebody is gracious enough to donate some funds towards materials, then that's great, too. But, um, that's just our one of our project goals for this
year. Um, we have a ton of parents that I can't thank enough that have stepped forward to be coaching for all of our seasons. It's sometimes it's been pulling teeth to get somebody to come forward last minute or you got to ask that person and it's a lot of work to give up your time to be able to do that. So, uh we
appreciate it. This season for softball and baseball we have I have more parents than I honestly can put on teams to coach. So, it's great having that ability to have parents stepping up and wanting to coach and help out all these kids for sports. Um and then the last smaller project which um thank you to
Marlo for putting forward this. We're hope the hope is if town floor for CPA uh purposes is to renovate and bring to code correctly the um park next to the old or next to the fire station between
Fishtails and the fire station um with the right not that it was done wrong but that to bring it up to code particularly for um safety purposes of um the right wood chips being in there and um and
playground ground um structures. Um we're looking to hopefully make it that we can have some swings that are there that are for ADA purposes, too, so that um all children are able to go down and use the location versus it being restricted to mainly those that don't
have um you know, disabilities. So like at least they could go and use the swings and maybe even some other play structure if we're able to find it if it falls within budget to um give them the ability to use the wreck the wreck location. I mean obviously they have the ability to use the school but it'd be
nice to have that there too for people who like to use the basketball courts also or pickle ball. They've been playing down there too. So kind of make it all around options. So, it's a goal for town floor that hopefully everybody will approve the project because it's definitely one that the residents should
be supporting hopefully. So, um and I think that's it as long as nobody has a problem with our $5,000. >> I think it's nice to see that the field that used to be the little baseball the little league field >> being used for softball. And I know that
one one way they did fundraising is when they got businesses on the fence, they put their banner, their name on it. Yep. >> So if the businesses gave, I know, a good good donation, they'd get a banner with their name and their business on it. >> Yeah, for sure. So, and that's not hard
to do. So, we would definitely do that to recognize them. And we have a Facebook page, too. So, social media wise, we'd be able to um you know, recognize the business and be able to get that kind of publicity out there for them, too. in regards to that of anything that they can do to help us out. So, >> and I you did answer one of the
questions of parking. As long as the parents know that they have to park on Main Street or back here, then that should resolve any future issues. As far as the playground, I think it's great. I think CPC has approved the funding to move forward at town meeting and I that
would be nice to do that park over here. Yeah. especially for if they have a summer concert series and they have young kids, they can use that park or if they have young kids during the day when school's in session, they can use the park because they won't be able to get
access to the elementary school. So, I think that's those are great things. >> And one of one of me particularly, I've always been a supporter of it and I would I'm glad to see that we're hopefully able to I'm a big supporter of making it available for everybody to get to use it. So, I want children children
or adult children to be able to use the location and um and have it be safe for them, be it swings or the play structure itself, etc. So, it'll be nice to be able to have it available for anybody to use, residents or outside residents, town, you know, out of town residents
that know that we have the location that they can bring. >> Yeah. Plus, behind the center school used to be softball on the opposite corner. Yeah. >> That used to be Ozie Construction and St. Cavs softball teams used to play there and then little league and then the high school Smith Academy had their
baseball field in like in the middle. >> Yeah, we have and then we have field hockey down there too at one point. So that field's been used for a lot of sports. So it's good to see it back used again. So >> nice to see it being used again. So I I do thank you for your work on the committee and also the committee members. I know it's it's a lot of work
and I know you have the summer uh stuff coming up pretty soon. >> Yeah, sorry. Completely forgot about that. We'll we'll be posting jobs for that, too. Uh we have a director. She'll be taking she'll stay um Kelly Bryant who's run our summer program for the last couple of years. She's going to be our lead director, and we're going to be
posting hopefully soon. I'm hoping to meet in the clerk's office or um the treasur's office this week to see if there's a job description already for the assistant director position. And if not, I might have to work uh a little bit with Andrew and getting that figured out so that we can get a posting for
that to have an assistant director. Um, we'll be running an 8week program like normal and this year we're offering uh 5 days a week, full days, three days a week, full days or half days. Um, so the half days is new and we'll see how it goes. Um, I've heard some parents say
that they would like half days versus full days. So, we're hoping that people are signing up and we have a deadline. So the only thing I can express is that we cannot open up the application process after the deadline happens because we have to hire enough counselors and people based on numbers.
So it's not it's not something that once the deadline hits we won't be able to open up. >> So that's the only thing and thank you for bringing up summer wreck because I forgot to speak about it. So >> okay. Uh do you guys have questions? I'm good. >> Thank you guys very much. >> Thank you for for that.
>> Okay. Conservation Committee. come after DPW because I'm doing two things after that. >> Yeah, >> sounds good. >> Or you want to wait or you want to go back with the DPW? >> I know Tony's here with the water and Marlo's here.
>> I think out of the 11 12 budgets, we can start with the water because I invited Tony Knight, our water superintendent. Um, come on up in case they have any questions, Tony. Um, so in general, uh,
Tony and I worked together. He did a a lion share of the budget. He knows where he's at with testing and chemicals and the com different compounds we have to test for. Um, so on and so forth in our drinking water. Um, the one big change to water and sewer is the first line
item. Um, in many communities, a director's salary is split three ways from the general budget, water budget, and sewer budget. So, um, Andrew and I talked about it. Um, we felt we were in a pretty good position. So, 20% of my salaries are going to come out of water
and 20%'s going to come out of sewer. And that, um, that that $50,000 or or thereabouts will come off the general side budget where you see me in the the highway area. Um
the only other really big change to the the current budget is going to quarterly billing. Um our water postage and mailing is going from $200 to $2,200. Um it seems like a lot, but in the past Tammy's kind of carried that on the
general ledger on the general side of the budgets. Um and technically water and sewer we should be paying the postage and handling for the water sewer billing. Those are the only uh major changes to the budget. Um but if you have any questions whatsoever
on the water budget, um Tony be happy. >> It's not represented on the sheet that I have. >> There was a a new version that should be in your packet. Um. Oh. >> You can tell the difference because this one's vertical and the other one's
horizontal. So, All right. >> Sounds good. >> Tony, is there anything else you want to say? >> No, I mean it's just a level funded budget. We've got no colas in there because we don't know what's going to happen yet. Um,
we don't anticipate any major expenses. I mean, obviously electricity and stuff's going to go up, but We're hoping to stay within budget. I mean, right now we're doing good. Knock on wood. >> Well, usually the unknowns are the chemicals and the electricity.
>> The chemicals and stuff pretty much run even. Um, chlorine does increase every year. That just goes crazy. And believe it or not, chlorine gas is the cheapest thing to make. >> Um, it's the transportation getting the tanker cars to the factory. It's
incredible what they charge. Um, but everything else is staying relatively stable. So, >> okay. Any questions on the budget for water? >> Nope. >> The only question I have on water is how we dealing with catching up on meters
that need to be fixed there. >> We're working on it. I hung a door tag out today because a customer wanted a meter test, which we haven't heard any conversation from. The two phone numbers we had for them didn't work. So, the door tags are working to get people's
attention when we find them broken. Um, we're currently working on our water regulations because we do have a problem area that we really want to address differently. >> And that's mostly access to property. Is that what you're
>> No, it's it it involves a parcel with many units on it that >> Okay. >> We we're trying to address issues. >> All right. And we're going to do that. >> Most of the headaches are gone that you guys had on the meters and >> Oh, yes. That's what I'm asking. I mean,
>> the door tags that we came up with and Tammy had um printed up are working phenomenal for us. >> Okay. >> I mean, some people Yeah. Oh, I got this about three months ago. I finally decided to call, but you know, it is what it is. >> Okay. So right now you're still working
on certain regulations so we can figure out uh how to get a few issues that are left unresolved. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Essentially we're updating looking at the the regulations or the rules we have now and we're updating them to
today's standards like using other communities and whatnot and so on and so forth. So, couple months we should be able to bring them to to you all at the >> final approval. >> And we're we're putting a document together so that you can see the strike
strike through and the crossouts and what's changed in our current. We're we're going to put that together for you so you can see what it said and now what it should say and we can explain it. Okay. >> Those are my only questions. You guys have any questions on >> No, that's good. I know we were talking
about doing that stuff also with the uh bylaw committee. >> Yes. making sure those all line up well too with your policies. >> Yeah, because we don't have too many bylaws at all, >> right? But it could just refer to your >> Yeah. >> your stuff. >> Yeah. >> I mean, the plant's running good.
There's no major things that we have to be worried about in the future. >> We We're actually doing real well up there. I mean, we've got some upgrades we're going to do um once things calm down in the springtime. Um, the electrician's already on board for it, but it's a lot of mechanical work in the
basement to put new valves in and >> and nothing's light. >> Nothing's ever easy. So, >> no, I think we uh Oh, I'm going to pay for this, but we've we've had a a pretty good winter when it comes to emergency work, too. But I'm not going to say
those words. So, we've uh in the industry, we don't like to say those words. And I think you know what I'm inquiring on as far as our system and our pipes. But I >> mean currently we're off offline at the water plant. We're running on the wells just because of spring runoff. The water
looks as yellow as can be. >> Spring runoff doesn't cause levels to exceed where we have to treat it more or >> No. It actually will plug up our filters a little bit and you can't treat for color. You can't filter color out. Okay. So, we just don't want the water quality
issues. Um, it does increase our demand for chlorine just because it's organic material basically. Um, the leaves and stuff that have been decomposing all winter. >> So, it's kind of like a rain event where we take the place offline and keep
things running smooth. But >> but I mean some of the advantage we have in town is we have the wells the master wells and >> stuff and pets old wells and we we've been fortunate to have those as a backup just in case.
>> Yeah. And it it helps out tremendously. >> And I know the reports on water quality have always been pretty good. So they they do that like once a year or something, right? Or >> the water quality report? Yeah. >> Yeah. I actually um just paid for it and
now I just got to put in some information because they had to activate the account and make sure all the legal wording is in there properly for us. But now I just got to go and put in our uh results for testing of contaminants we
found. But what we've noticed is in the past the way the report comes out is um amount detected which could be zero or none detected and then to the highest
range detected and that just the highest range is what comes up as detected. So we could have at one place we could have none detected and over here we have a two. Well that's what the reporting level is is two. So it it looks
confusing to people. They're like, "Why are we always at the highest range?" Well, if you actually read the report, we're not in a violation. We're under regulations. It's just It looks confusing the way the state makes us do it in EPA.
>> It's unfortunate, but it is what it is. >> It is what it is. >> And I think we did some work last year to reformat some of that just because it was so confusing. um >> it made it look like everything we reported was right at the the high end of the level, which which wasn't the
case. We were well within the acceptable range. >> So, we're working on that. >> Okay. I guess that covers the water side. >> Yeah. >> Uh sewer side is >> Do you want to give the report on the sewer side? Okay. >> Sure. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Tony. Tony. Okay. So on the on the sewer budget as I had indicated earlier um 20% of my salaries in the top line item. Um the other salary line item um are are
three operators or three personnel we have at the wastewater treatment plant. It doesn't include a cola to be decided later. That's their current the number in there is their current pay. um small increase in electricity about
5% is is what we're anticipating down there. Um we're also going to we have the new plant and the infrastructure up and running and we just don't know yet what that's going to look like with um the new equipment. Um,
and then there was a at the time I wrote this budget or or Eric and I and and Kenny worked on it. Um, we we took a um we we level funded the the fuel price um because it looked like it was going to decrease, but as as we know it, it's
gone up significantly lately. All kinds of fuel has. So hopefully that'll stabilize out and we'll be good at that number that's level funded. um small increase on the sewer laboratory testing and assessments. Um that's lab
laboratory uh price increases of 10% and also uh PAS testing that additional chemical compounds that we have to test for uh in our uh wastewater now too along with the drinking water. Um the the the large increase is uh
sewer sludge hauling. To explain our our our sludge hauling um it generally goes to lol uh which is a long trip. Uh but some loads go to Monagu at a much cheaper price. Um going into the budget
um working I called the um solid waste district and and Chanamine sent me a spreadsheet and this looks like a pretty good number. um we just don't know how many loads will be going to LOL and how many Monu will be able to take from us. So we kind of got to carry that number
in case say we only got two loads that that go to to Monagu out of um >> the potential 26 loads that we send sometimes more 29 loads a year. So um there's a slight increase for the
addition of Comcast with the new infrastructure down there. we had to add Comcast uh all plays into the SCADA system and reporting system. So there's a slight increase there. Uh and again the the quarterly billing, postage and handling went from 200 to
2,200. So um everything else is level funded in this budget. I tried we tried to keep everything as level as we could. >> Okay. I yeah, I'm curious with the the renovations if the costs are going to increase on just the maintenance side. I
I understand that the operation of the plant will be a little bit easier than the way it was, but I don't know if the maintenance costs are going to have to increase for new equipment or what's involved there. >> Well, we should be under warranty for
all the new equipment that was fired up a couple weeks ago for a while. So that that will carry us. Um I don't expect maintenance costs to go up or they should not. Um everything's brand new. Uh but again, you never know. There might be something down the plant that wasn't replaced that we lose. You know,
you can lose pumps, you can lose >> some some warranties say that in order to have the warranty, you have to do like certain things like an air hand where you have to change filters or you have to grease the motor. So, I'm not sure what what warranties are are we're
going to get, whether we still have to do specific maintenance to make sure the warranty holds or not. >> Yeah. And that should be part of uh Kenny's whole on&m plan out down there, operation and maintenance plan. I'm sure that's going to be a new plan that
that's going to come through when the project's handed over to the town uh once we own that that treatment plant, if you will, again, when they're done. So again, we don't know how the plan, you know, Kenny has worked a the guys have worked out a few kinks down there,
but um from when they fired it up to now, there has been nothing that's been earthshattering or headscratching for them. It's gone quite smoothly um for everything so far. But again, we don't know adjusting blowers and adjusting the pumps, you know, can we run them 18 hours a day or do we have to run them
24? All that stuff. Playing around with that stuff. I don't know what the the electricity um is going to fall at. >> And my other question was a new generator that was put in down there. Whether the generators, all the generators in town are under a contract
for the one generator company, or whether like the elementary school generator, that generator, the generator out here. >> They're all under the same company. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> I just curious about that. Okay. I know there's there's costs that
are unknown again like electricity and chemicals and and waste and sludge hage and and we just have to wait and see I guess on some of that. >> Yeah. And and again the high number for parts and materials for the collection system. You never know where you're going to run into with the collection
system. You know >> two weeks before I came there was a problem here on Main Street. So >> hopefully this this renovation will cut down on any major repair that's needed for a few years. So that's >> at the plant. Yes, >> that's a good thing. >> Yeah,
>> those are my questions. I don't have any questions. >> No, no, I'm good. >> Okay. Uh licenses. Are we still working on uh other licenses down there? I mean, I heard that the wastewater treatment
plant, we have to keep getting different licenses. >> So, current currently the the superintendent has the proper license. It used to be uh categorized as a 5C wastewater plant. It was downgraded to a 4M for municipal. So, the superintendent
is properly licensed. Our new assistant can apply to advance to the 4M after July 1. He's got the time, >> you know, the the new assistant that we hired. So, he should be good to go. It's not a matter of testing or any more time. It's to my understanding. It's a
matter of him filling the application out and upgrading it. So, we'll have two full operators down there that can operate the plant. >> Perfect. >> Or certified to operate the plant. >> That's certainly good news. >> That's great. >> Yeah.
All right. Um I guess we'll I think you're in alphabetical order. I put it in an account number order. Um but >> that's fine. I must You got any more questions on sewer? >> No. >> So I I can jump to 294 tree warden.
I'll get an easy one out of the hopefully out of the way. Go for it. So this is a level funded budget at 45,000. We're sitting at around 18,000 17,000 right now in the current budget with a lot of spring work to come. So I level
funded it. Um, and if we recall, 5,000 was cut for the special town meeting. So, I think we're in pretty good shape by level funding that going forward. Uh, it'd be my hopes to to get some trees planted this coming year, too. That's about it. One line item.
>> I know we had a lot of trees because of that disease that we had in on the trees. Was it ash or was it the Wasn't there a lot of trees in town at one time? Yeah, a lot of that ash trees died. >> A lot of ash trees died, right? So,
>> that was uh I don't know if that's still an issue with because I know we were cutting down a lot of the ash trees that were on town property. >> I think we're running into a lot of Norway maples now. They've come to the end of their life cycle and they all want to die at once. Um that's kind of
what's going on. We've trimmed some of them as far as we can trim them, but Norway maple was a was a foreign tree that was brought here and um they just don't get the years out of them like a a local hardwood or something like that. >> Well, at least if a tree is under the
power line, that's the utility companies issued. >> Yeah, I I must say that the utility company has helped us out in a few different instances. Really helps our budget um because they're they're looking out for their infrastructure. So,
>> all right. I don't have any other questions. >> Nope. >> No. >> No. Okay. Uh 422 highway. You'll see uh at the top is is the the balance of my salary after the 40% going to water and sewer. Um
you'll see an increase that's contractual on the second line. you know, their regular salaries. Um those are um union recognized positions and and and it's contracted for a 2.6 or 2.5 or 2.6%.
So I added those in because those are contractual. Um and there's uh the highway superintendent is to be TBD later um as as they're not they don't fall under the union contract. Um,
so there was a there was an increase in the next line item, part-time seasonal temp employees. Um, uh, the 10-hour position for office. I like to call that an office manager. Uh, was in another account somewhere else. It's kind of one of the changes I made, but it's
part-time for DPW, so I moved it to this account. So, that's why you see the increase um, there. Um, and also, um, I don't believe there was an increase for the actual summer help, uh,
positions here yet, either that I added in. Um, overtime shift coverage, that's kind of really fallen behind um, over the years because of the cost of living on the straight time hours. Um, I raised it to
33,000. Um but then I looked at the current budget and discussed with Andrew. Um we we certainly can if we have to we can deduct from that. Um if we get to that point on the overall budget for the town, we can take another look at that.
Um Comcast Verizon's been coming up pretty short. Um or actually we haven't been spending the money. My apologies. So, um, I put that at 3,000 just because of the normal increases from the 2500 that
we expect as far as increases. Um, admin and office supplies, I think that's another area I I level funded that. Um, but I think it's another area we can take a peek at if we we need to absolutely find more money um for the
overall budget. Um, custodial supplies, uh, I held that, um, level funded. Um, public works supplies. That's that's another one where we can take another look at it. I level funded it, but we
can take a look at it for for some monies if we absolutely need it. So, um, uniforms, um, is contractual. That's been coming up short. Um, so I increased that to where it needs to be.
Looking back in Vadar, in previous years, we've been coming up negative on that. I just adjusted it to the proper amount um to cover the contractual obligation. Um, other expenses, I just I deducted $120 off off that just to uh give us an
even number. Um, so um and I and I also decreased the dues membership by uh $25. It's only a $250 line, but we haven't been using all of it. So, um, that basically covers what
I've done in highway. I just I have a question on the regular salaries. >> Yes. >> Uh, so for it's a pretty large jump, $55,000 jump. >> Yeah. >> And what was that to accommodate?
>> So, that's 2% cola is only $8,000. So that's uh that's six personnel. >> There was a laborer position that was being funded from the sewer budget the past >> because they were hired as a sewer
operator and then ended up working mostly with highway and then we're actually catching up now by moving that to the >> to the um general fund. >> So that's that's the majority of the difference. >> That's the majority. >> Yeah, it's a good piece of it. The rest is cost a little bit. I I'm sorry if I missed it on my notes, but we needed to
correct that. >> Okay. Yeah. All right, that makes sense. >> It was a position that was kind of >> $55,000 out of a 2%. >> Yeah, it was it was a position at one point was really working across departments, but but that's not really the case anymore. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I mean, yeah, as long as it's captured.
>> I had it on my sewer presentation that I missed at the top because you'll see that it wasn't that big an increase considering the overall salaries in that line. That's why I I failed to mention it here. But that's why that they kind of did a swap a switch. >> Gotcha. But it's not backed out of
regular salaries out of sewer though. >> Yes. >> It's not at least not in the sheet that I >> because they should still have Well, we left budget for a third person in case they do choose to hire that um operator in training position.
>> I'm guess I'm confused. Aren't there three sewer operators currently? So, we have >> three people um but one of them is part-time. >> So, we have a a superintendent in the sewer department. We have a a part-time uh
>> so we're creating a position. >> There was always there was always a bud a position budgeted there. If anything, >> I guess we're creating a position in >> the um in the highway for labor, but but there
functionally was a person there. So, we're correcting the budget on the labor on the highway side. >> I'm just saying from what the budget was in both 25 and approved appropriated 26. >> If we're going to take that laborer that was being paid out of sewer
>> and now is going to the highway side, that number should come back out of sewer. I guess that's that's a decision for this board. If you'd want to remove that entirely, you could. Um, but the argument from sewer would be that they still want to be able to hire
for an operator in training. If you >> I guess that's where I'm going with with saying that we're essentially creating a position in the highway, >> right? >> Because that number is not being backed back out of sewer. >> Yeah. I mean, I think because a $50,000 position in the highway side,
>> which legitimately has to come out of highway, not sew. You can't you shouldn't be paying that position out of sewer if you're working in highway, >> right? I'm just trying to just there's a $50,000 roughly 50 $47,000 difference between >> the number that we're talking about with
the 2.6% raise for colas and this number that's in here. So either >> it should either get backed out of sewer because they're not paying it any longer or we need to discuss having >> creating this position especially trying to fill this deficit moving forward.
>> I think that's very chunk of money. I think if you look on the highway side, it ends up being relatively flat because there's the uh the change from $125,000 in 2026 to $76,000 for the director position. So, right there it ends up
kind of being flat for highways. That's fine, but you're you're bringing up a good point, which is what should the staffing level be in the sewer department? And I think that that's something that needs to be discussed. Uh because right now we have two full-time positions.
They are funded for essentially two full-time positions and a part-time person. And the part-time person, uh, Eric Meals, and it's compensated quite highly because he's been doing the work of an assistant superintendent. We've now hired an assistant superintendent. So, the question should be, what does
that third person look like? Um, we've heard that it's good practice to have three people working in the uh, sewer department for a system of our size. So, right now, we do have at three people, one of them is compensated quite highly. uh for being a part-time person. So, we
do need to look at are we creating a position there? Do we need a third person? If so, what are they paid at? It's a good question. So, the uh under under the D staffing accepted staffing plan, it works out to an odd number. Two and a half staff you're supposed to have
at that size plant down there through the staffing plan approved by DP. Um and and as um Andrew had mentioned, our hope is to move as the new assistant uh becomes acclimated with the plant and used to the plant, which takes some
time. You know, the idiosyncrasies and running that plant. Um at the end of the day, I'd like to see the org chart. Um you have to have three people or you have to have two and a half according to the EP. But at the end of the day, I'd like to see um the superintendent, the
assistant superintendent, and then a a laborer or an operator in training, which can be offset. There's not actually four people here. It's it is like an extra half person in case we make that transition in this coming
budget year. Um, in other words, um, with our current personnel, our part-time person we have now, um, eventually, um, would come out of the picture and we'd have three of our own operators down there. Um,
>> right. But currently we have two and a half, right? We have two and a half is fair. Yeah. Right. So we're under our current model, we are meeting the D guideline for that plan. Yeah. Correct. Right. I'd also say I don't know if we really
created a position because there was always an open position for a laborer that existed. It's just we did have that being filled by this person who was hired as a wastewater operator in training and then kept doing the the job and that was being being funded from there.
>> I I don't disagree with that. It was but it was being funded out of sewer. Y >> So now that it's not going to be funded out of sewer, that number should come back out of sewer. Yeah. >> Yeah, that's fair. Um it it could. So we we should probably run the numbers again on what the the number actually should be for staffing for this year and if
they want to add that. >> Right. I mean at least if we can run the number from for like for what those those contractual colas are and then back it out of that 405892 number and figure out what that difference is for that quote unquote created position.
>> Yep. >> It should be somewhere the you know 48,000 range. Great. I think >> we can do that. >> I see that number come down. >> Yeah. I have the exact number. I didn't put it in this folder actually back at the shop >> and I'm not trying to like >> No, it was >> be a pain, but I just I know that we
have a deficit that we're going to have. >> You you make a very good point because I mean we understand it, but we have to make sure that the town's people understand what we're presenting in the budget. So, your points are very valid. So, it's a very good point cuz when we
go to town people and we present the budget and they go, >> they'd be asking the same questions you're asking and then just it makes it easier to explain it that way. So, >> yeah. >> All right. We can get that number. >> Great. Thank you. Other than that, everything else makes a lot of sense.
Um, >> okay. And and it is confusing if we were going to transition to our own organizational chart, our own operators that there needed to be a little extra in there on top of of Eric's, >> right? >> And maybe that's an opportunity. Sorry to cut you off, but maybe that's an
opportunity where, you know, we don't have maybe it's not the full 47,000 needs to come out. Maybe 30 comes back out of sewer to cover that position going to the highway side. and we leave a little something in there so that we can then continue to supplement those
operators that we do have. >> Okay. >> And it could also be something that in three years when we're through this deficit that we need to to come come back up, we could add the position back in and fund it when we have a little bit more funding available.
>> So I I mean I don't think it's something that necessarily needs to go away forever, but yeah. And the way the sewer budget's presented right now, it ends up looking basically flat for salaries besides the portion that it takes on of the director's salary. So >> when it comes and plus that doesn't help
us on the the general fund side anyway where I'm trying to make sure we can stay pretty stable. position is from. >> But that's kind of where it gets confusing too because in the sewer the director's the piece that gets slid over isn't represented when you look at your percentage for
your percentage changed. But since it came back out of your professional salary on 5110 on the highway side, >> that's what makes the highway budget balance. >> Yep. So you've got an increase in the labor side, but you've got a decrease in the director's side. So correct.
>> That's what balances it. >> But it's not capture it's not captured in the percentages on the sewer side. >> Yep. I agree with that. >> So Yep. So we can work on that. Yep. Great. >> Yeah. Because if we don't understand it, the the town's people won't understand.
We have to make it so everybody understands it. >> Yes. But other like I said, other than that, everything else to me looks looks great. Yeah. And again, it was all about trying to correct a sewer position working full-time on a highway.
>> I totally Yeah, I totally get it. >> It's all good. Any questions? >> No. >> No. Okay. >> Hey, that covers that. >> That was That wasn't that bad, was it? Okay. >> How many more do you have?
>> I only got like 15 more. >> Right. Let's keep going. >> Okay. I don't have city councilors here either. This is okay. Um, so the next one is 429 facilities.
Um, basically the the cola was included for our custodian. Um, so there's a slight increase there. Um, and everything else was level funded. Uh, at the bottom, admin and office supplies.
We can take a look at that down the road too um to to possibly take a little money from there. All these places that I'm mentioning is small money, but if we need it, we certainly can talk about it. Um just in in the public works world,
one year you don't use something out of a line item and the next year you go $20,000 over. All depends what happens in all our moving parts in in construction. >> Yes. So, um, so that's basically it on the the facilities. I level funded just
about everything except for that one salary. >> Looks good. The other pieces I'm I'm looking at all the budgets as we go, too, to get my own sense of how they're spent and when monies go out and what they look like. So, I've been kind of tracking it,
trying to understand where we're going to land in June on these. So, um, when I built these, I was looking at of one quarter of of the year. Um, obviously, we we spend less money in some areas in the winter and we spend more money in other areas in the winter. It just, um,
it's a constant moving target with over 200 accounts that that are always moving in all the things we do. So, uh, next one is 421 public works administration. Um there was a little bit of a spreadsheet error here that that came up
for me, but um currently there was 43,700 appropriated and 5,300 the public works uh professional services. That's generally consultant firms um third party testing if we need it um when it
comes to uh storm water and also the fur cog contract. Um, so I I was looking around to see what what was budgeted so high there because we currently have 35,000 left in it. Um, my best guess is there was a project in mind by my
predecessor that probably needed engineering. I'm going out on a limb and guessing it was for Straits Road, but we turned around and we were going after that grant, >> which I believe that's what it was. >> Yes. >> Yes. So, um I have cut that budget back
to 17,000 for for this coming year. >> That's great. >> If anything else does come up though, and for instance, some of our work on on Route Five, it might make sense to have a little bit more of a of a budget there. So, we can check on that and see where we stand for everything >> and we'll decide if it makes sense to
build some of those Routt Five costs maybe into its own account to take some money from free cash or build it into a budget. So, we can talk about that. Ideally, we'll get reimbured for all that, but we can talk about that later. >> Yeah, these these accounts are the professional services are kind of important. It's one of those things
where you hope you don't want to use them, >> right? >> You know, like if we lose a culvert, I'd have to take it from here if we needed some sort of design for DEB. >> Sure. >> Right. >> With our covert situations these days in the way they like to see them done. So, >> it's nice to have some extra budget
there if you need it. >> Looks good. I'm good. Good. Good. >> 423 snow and ice. >> This is a big question, right?
>> Well, presenting a new budget's easy. >> Um I I just want to say real quick, and I I like I said, I I don't want to take, you know, a lot of time on these, but um from my experiences, uh Luke and I have talked a little bit. Um so the snow and
ice budget really um is extremely underfunded for today's costs and whatnot. Um in road mileage we have here we have about 56 miles um should put us in a target range of around $100,000 for a snow and ice budget uh for a normal
winter. Um and and honestly um it it's starting to prove true as I track this winter with 20 um 20 different storm events that we've had. So, I I have increased this a little bit. Um Andrew and I have talked about it. I I increased overall $5,000, especially
uh with the overtime and whatnot. Um you know, with co colas go up on straight time, but they also go up a lot more on the overtime. And you know, if you look at about a 40% increase in cost with salt, if you go back seven or eight years per ton, uh cost of living's gone
up. So, um I understand it's the the one budget that you can go over and you can backfill. Um and it's just my opinion that that this has fallen so far behind. I think every winter you're going to be in deficit. >> Well, that is that is by design and the the reason it's
>> the reason it's it's underfunded is by design because that's the only budget that you can spend over the amount and then usually you can pay for it the following year once you know the exact amount. This way you're not tying up a lot of money for something else that the
DPW could be using it for. So that's that's basically the intent. So I mean the finance committee likes it that way. And when we meet with the finance committee, they'll give you the same explanation on why they don't like to
put too much money into it. Right. >> The long-term goal, which I think, you know, just like remember Long Street and and and Marlo Share, which is one we should be moving to, is you put a budget together that adequately captures what the floor is for or Yeah. the floor for
costs. I think you want to try to get to that. If you know that you'll be spending around that each year, then you want to try some of it out of >> We'll have that discussion with the finance comm. Yeah. You know, I mean, >> I'm more on your side of this debate anyway, but but yeah, we'll work this
out. So, don't get nervous about it being underfunded because we know that's that's by design. >> So, but it was increased $5,000. Everything else was level funded. I I split it between the salaries and the uh the snow
and ice supplies. Uh you'll see that there's an account or two missing. It didn't make sense those other two accounts to be broken out because I can do my salt and sand under the 5530 and all I got to do is go into Vadar and I can break that out for anybody that wants the information rather than have
more accounts. I kind of consolidated snow and ice a little bit. >> Sounds good. So, I mean it's you guys have done a great job ma making sure the roads are taken care of this year and you know you just
think you did pretty well. >> Yeah, >> they've done great. >> Any questions? >> No, I'll bring it up in finance. >> Okay, that's fine. >> Okay. All right.
>> Okay. Uh 4 424 street lights. Um, I have a $2,000 increase in here, anticipating um expected increases. I look at the the six-month lookout uh six months into the current budget, and we're pretty darn
close. So, I'm thinking the 2,000 should should get us there for this year. >> That's the only account number in that budget. I don't know if they'd ever get to the point where some of the street lights are solar. So that they're using
the solar to help off like have batteries recharged in those unit. But we'll see. So since I come aboard in July, I've probably had 15 different lights replaced contacting Eversource that were reported to me or through the DPW. And so I took started taking a look
at the street lights and and the older style is everywhere in town. And the only time they replace it with an LED is when the old one burns out. They don't even carry the old bulbs anymore. So, um, when I get some spare time, I kind of want to dig into that and work with
Eversource and see if we can get the all the light swapped out to LED and and see how we can get that done because that's going to be a an electrical savings for us, too. On the other end, you would think it'd be pretty large, too. >> Yeah. >> From those old style bulbs to to go on a
LED. As long as they're not like the blue LEDs. We like the the nice amber soft light. >> Those are in my truck. No. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. Uh motorpool vehicle
maintenance 425. Um so I I level funded actually I I took $159 out of our uh repairs and maintenance. uh brought it down to 48,000. Um I think we can hold that even though
we we got increase in everything we buy for a vehicle or a truck. Um it's it's getting pretty outrageous even for a light. Um so I'm level funding it only because that I I think we've done pretty good with the fleet. We have another
truck coming aboard. I kind of do this little formula in my head and and and look at the overall fleet age and and uh I'm hoping that I can maintain that as level funded but um still probably spending most of it just because of increased costs.
Um the vehicle maintenance, rental and leases. Um I have a number in there that's the current number. Uh 139,462 down from 233631 in the current budget, but that does not
include any any vehicles that get approved going through the process for capital this year. So it have to be currently the water and sewer. Um, you probably probably caught that in the wire. Sewer budget, the two new vehicles, they're they have their own
lease line for their numbers on that already. So, that's coming out of water and sewer for the new water and sewer vehicles that that just arrived recently. So, like I said, the number's down to 169 from 233, but that doesn't include whatever gets approval to the
capital. We're going to put capital planning meet next week. They they should be able to finalize. Did you have a question there? So the water and sewer vehicles that are
in their budgets uh sewer is 20,07 and water is 42450. >> That should get cut in half that that water number should only be 20,000 for water.
>> I check with Tony but yeah I check and check with Tony but I think >> it's 40 all in for or around 40 for both those vehicles. So sewer's carrying 20, the water one should cut down to 20 as well. Right around 20. >> So we should note that. >> Y >> because that'll change water budget.
>> Yep. >> I guess my only question is so if those are both 20, that's $40,000, but there's a $100,000 decrease for motorpool. >> It has nothing to do with those those water sewer vehicles. Um because it's $100,000 in vehicles that's come off the
lease this year. >> Oh, with other vehicles as well. Okay. Not directly ambulance, two uh two two pickup trucks, a COA vehicle, all come off the lease. Yeah. All those a whole bunch came off. That was the number I just got from them when I built this budget. >> Gotcha.
>> Contact with the lease company. >> Sounds good. >> Yeah. >> So, you have 169 as a number right now? >> I have no I have 139 462. >> Good. Good. That's a number we should have. >> Tired eyes. Sorry. >> Yep. Nope. No problem. If we were to add
the two new vehicles that the capital improvement committee is considering, that would bring us up to around 170 uh 180. Um, but we have to decide if we want to bring those in and add those to the lease. I'd like to keep the lease number low, but we can talk about that.
All right. What's next? Uh, let's see. Uh, 433 transfer station. Um, so there for our two part-time employees there, there's no cola included. Um, so
that's a level funded cost. Um, level funded salary. My apologies. Um, transfer station equipment repairs and maintenance. I level funded that, but it's another spot where we might be able to take a little money from there because I just replaced the compactor
um the new chute and replace the the trash can that hooks to the compactor and I have enough funding left in that um compactor account to replace one of the recycling cans s too. Um the other thing that's coming out of that account is the electrical service to the main
building that supplies power to that compactor is in really bad shape. Same with the meter socket. So, I have an electrician next Tuesday that Ever Source is coming. We're replacing all that equipment because it's dangerously rusted. So, um no doubt.
>> Um and then, uh the other two accounts are are level funded. Uh well, excuse me. No, they're not. Um the uh transfer station recycling and hauling is a contractual thing. It's supposed to go up $2.64 a ton for FY27.
So I increased it from 23 to 26,000 on our on our average tonnage that we that we haul or have hauled for us. That's good. And then the the trash is also a $5
increase per ton under contract from 30. I actually level funded that and I and and I'll say that we've had um looking at the history we we've had some pretty good money left in there. And then looking at our tons, I I felt that I could level fund that and we can still
cover the $5 a ton increase. Well, the only question I have on a transfer, I mean last year there was an issue of uh people dropping off their brush and getting the brush show taken care of. Is is that still an ongoing issue or is that do you think that's
been resolved? >> Uh we had a few at the end of the year. Um currently I'm I'm working on a way I I think we discussed it at a meeting early on um about adding a camera on one of the polls. Mhm. >> Um I think the current systems I have in
place can be used. Um but I'm working with the IT company right now on on another issue I'm having with that system. So we can we can we can continue with that if we we need to. >> Okay. >> Uh but it hasn't been a real big problem.
>> All right. >> Since I arrived in July anyways. >> Okay. >> That's good. Yep. Uh townwide fuel. Um both line items were level funded. Um we'll see where where that all goes, but I I level
funded the um equipment repairs and maintenance. Um and the vehicle fuel I level funded also. >> Was that walked in through the cog? Did we on the fuel side? >> We have a contract. >> We have a contract, right? So, we're on the price. So, the price
increases right now won't affect us because we already have a >> no >> locked in price. >> No, I I don't know what the contract says, but >> it won't for this year and then, you know, we'll join the the paragog for next year. >> Yeah, >> they'll be getting the bids probably soon. >> Okay. Yeah,
>> we'll see how they do. >> I'm I'm kind of concerned about paving this year. I hope it comes down because there's a fuel escalation on paving, too. >> Yeah. cause and effect. >> Yeah, sure. We land. >> Uh I believe um last but not least is
the cemetery budget is is level funded at $10,000. One line. >> Mostly that's for mowing, right? Maintenance >> mowing and and the implements to mow and and and some headstone repair, emergency
repair, right? Stuff like that. And that should be summer help. Uh, right. You have summer help through that most. >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, we're looking, it looks like, um, we won't have any returnees this year potentially. So, we'll be looking for summer help
>> somewhat soon. >> Okay. >> Get the word out there. >> I don't have any other questions. >> I'm good. >> You're good. >> Great. So, you got a little dress rehearsal before
the finance committee, so you're >> No problem. >> I tried, Bella. I tried. >> Okay, we're going to move to topic three. I actually do conservation real quick. >> You want to do conservation real quick? Okay.
>> There's not much to say. No. All right, Bella will take that. All right. >> Okay, it's level funded. >> Um to save that. >> The biggest thing from before from last
year was that um they added a $5,500 salary for a conservation agent, which is me. Um I'm also funded by planning and CPC. So I think conservation's remaining stable for this coming year. that planning might go up. Um but
otherwise it's just stuff like um professional development which is for training at various like seminars and conferences that can also be used to train new commissioners which is really important because it's such a technical job. um advertising and legal notices in
the paper and then also um membership fees for MAC conservation organization for commission members and for me that's it. >> I don't have any questions. I mean it's
your level funded and >> they're right on track with their budget for this year. So all looks good. >> Very cool. Okay. Um, the first thing is about establishing an affordable housing
trust. I think you've heard about this before, maybe at a previous meeting a little bit, but the idea would be um, if you choose to, you could adopt this statute, which you have in your folder, the red text in it. the statute would
create a board with certain powers um that would be able to review requests for town funding for affordable housing projects. So, right now the group that does that is CPC. Um a lot of times these
applications are pretty complicated and technical because of state law around um what affordable housing projects can look like. And we have heard directly from CPC that um it's kind of burdensome and that they maybe don't have the technical capacity to review some of these. And so if you chose to adopt this
statute um either at this town meeting or next town meeting, it would create a board and give them these powers after which five people, one of them would be one of you um by state law. And then once the board was created, they would
go through a period of training to review these applications and understand the process better of like what a um what a reasonable request would look like for requesting funding from town housing funds for affordable housing development. Um,
so we have also a housing authority and just to clarify what our different housing groups already are. The housing authority only deals with municipally owned properties like Kapowanc um and it has appointees on the board who are like appointed by the state, right? Who aren't necessarily residents
>> state and then one by select board and there's a process for those. Yeah. >> Yeah. Um so you could if you wanted adapt the statute. Um if you adapt it too much it kind of if you strip the board of like too many powers it kind of ceases to be
a functional board. So it would you would have to go through >> um maybe some advice from um the housing >> um what is it called? >> Mass housing partnership. housing partnership could advise on like what would make sense to even adapt if you were interested in like reviewing this
>> in detail and tweaking what the um powers that are given to this board are. But in order to change that, you would need to adapt to adopt a bylaw to do that with. So, just to sort of sketch out a timeline of if you did adopt this statute and create this board this year
at annual town meeting, um you would basically create the board. This statute doesn't it doesn't move any money into their account. It just creates the board and allows them to be um trained for the foreseeable future until money would be moved into their
account. um over the course of 2026, if you created the board in May, they could be trained. Um and then in 2027, you could vote, the town could vote to move money out of CPC housing bucket into the
um affordable housing trust bucket. And then after that, they would be trained up and ready to review um proposals for affordable housing developments. One potential benefit to getting this started sooner than later is that we have access to technical assistance
right now from Mass Housing Partnership um until October 2026. And so if the board were created this year um Mass Housing Partnership could train that board. And then also simultaneously if we're working on a housing production plan update, which we are and hoping to
have that finished sometime in 2027, then the board would be like trained and sort of ready to um work on goals of the housing production plan in 2027. So the question is, are you interested in forming this board? Um and if so, do you
take issue at all with the statute? You don't have to vote like think about this right now, but I suppose in the next >> Well, my my first question is >> the town has to approve this, right? >> This would have to be the town meeting. >> Yeah. Any uh >> by creating a board now, are we putting
the cart before the horse? If the town doesn't approve it, then >> well, when we say create when we say create a board, we mean are you interested in this idea? Would you like to move this potential statute towards town meeting and have the town decide on it? And if so, you know, we would have a
a public meeting before that. Mass Housing Partnership would help by facilitating a webinar of sorts or something else. We get more information out there and get public feedback so that we're really ready to move on this at town meeting. >> Our next step is moving this to town meeting. >> Do we want to move this?
>> If we say I'm in agreement of that, I I don't know. I let my colleagues speak for >> I'm in agreement. I think this is a good idea. I mean, all we're doing is taking the housing portion away from CPC and moving it into its own dedicated board >> in a sense. Yeah. Because and they would
still decide every year, do we want to take money from CPC and put it into this housing trust, they could still, you know, uh, review any any applications on their own if they wanted to, right? >> But there's still a town, you know, mechanism for saying, you know, should this board even get money that would go
through CBC. Well, plus my understanding is with with the trusts, we don't have to wait they won't have to wait for town meeting to to act on something. They if they come across something that's workable, they can move right ahead. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Because the funding would be allocated
already. >> That's right. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> We can move on to uh getting more community information out there. But I'll bookmark this as something that we'll put on the the warrant uh for your approval. >> Do you need a motion on that or not? No, because the the motion will come when we
uh when we actually um >> put it on the warrant. >> Oh, move this forward. >> If they could come and present in person and not >> web style. >> What was the problem with web style? >> Oh, yeah. Yeah, right. >> We get a lot more out of it. >> What happened? >> I'll I'll set something up. >> That'd be great.
>> Yeah. >> It's me still. >> Oh, hey. All right. So, Mr. Chair, I think we're done with with a state grant that we got. So, if the town approves it, then they will assist us. >> Yeah. >> Right. So, that's that's >> and they're they're already, you know, assisting us by getting information
together, whatever else, but we've got them, you know, helping us until the end of October. So, might as well help us >> see if we can get this passed and then train up a board. So, great. >> Okay. Good. >> And Bella now has the floor for topic four if the chair wants to move there um
to to discuss >> battery energy storage systems. And this is the big piece of uh zoning um that would come before uh town meeting this year. This is a a new bylaw >> to discuss. Bella's been working really
hard on this. There's a lot to discuss here. We thought it was a good idea to get some community uh information about this soon rather than later. So, she'll give you a quick presentation on this tonight. More to come, but whenever you're ready. >> Okay. um
a result of some things that have moved pretty quickly at the state level. Um, in the fall, uh, they released this model zoning bylaw for us to to help guide our regulating of battery energy storage
systems because, um, these are something that was basically put forward by the 2024 climate act as a statewide goal for the 2050 like emissions free Massachusetts plan. They're like a key component of that
plan. And so it is mandatory basically that towns allow these. They will allow us to regulate how and where they're cited. And that's because we have no zoning regulations around these at all. It's important that we get those in place quickly.
>> Storage that that have everybody up in arms making all these regulations. I mean, yeah. Is it uh >> I I know that they're for larger solar systems, >> right? >> And they're they're big and >> they can be really big. Yeah.
>> But but I I've been reading a lot on it and it it's just trying to understand what exactly is driving this for all these regulations. >> The safety concern the >> speak on that. >> It's called thermal runaway is what people are often referring to as sort of
the basis of what is scary about them. potentially. There was a period of time, it was like I think 2017 to like 2022 where there were some widely publicized battery fire incidents where the thermal runaway basically is like heat spreading from one battery to the next and then it
creates a big fire and battery fires are really difficult to put out. Um they take a lot more water to put out or you can use chemicals to put them out but the chemicals that you would use cause chemical runoff and it's can be quite messy. So after 2022, they sort of
radically overhauled the safety um protections and fire protocol for BES to improve these and make them more palatable and safe for people. But um it is still sort of an issue like the overarching question here is and I'll get to this in the presentation a little
bit, but where in town can we accept even like a 1% chance of failure of something like this? Um, so that's sort of a good framing for for why we're talking about it at all. Um, like you said, they at
the larger scale. Um, they store power for renewable sources, solar and wind farms. Um, they can also be just for like a single residence. Like if you have like say it's a barn even if you have a solar panel on top of a barn and you're generating more power through that than you need on a regular basis,
you can store it on the battery and then release it as a battery to your property in like low supply periods. So they can be anywhere from like the size of like a Tesla battery all the way up to like multiple shipping containers in a field kind of thing. Um and
um in 2026 of this year, the state is going to start permitting larger scale BEST. So we're talking about like multiple shipping containers um with batteries inside of them. And maybe you can explain at some point what you've seen when you've done like the fire
training on them. But um they look like big shipping containers a lot of the time effectively from the outside. In July, the state is going to start expediting the permitting of these larger scale bus installations through what they're calling consolidated permits. So that's taking all the permitting process that exists around
this including like fire, electric, um, D, board of health, building, and any zoning that you have. And they would do that all in one big permit from the state level quite quickly. And so if you don't have any zoning, that part is even
faster. So this could happen sort of rapidly without us having any regulations in place unless we adopt them in May to try to get ahead of that July consolidated permit thing that they're doing. Um people ask if we can do a townwide moratorum on these. We
cannot because of the do amendment which is a clean energy sighting law. Um we can't ban them townwide and we also can't ban any one size of them. So we can't say like we only allow small scale bass in town. we don't allow the big ones. We have to allow all sizes, but we
can control um through what permits we allow them and then where we allow them. So, they provided us with this model bylaw that you have. Um the blue boxes are like state guidance for what we're allowed to modify in the bylaw um while remaining in compliance with the clean
energy sighting laws. Um, another reason it's important to sort of think about these in the Pineer Valley in particular is because we have all of these big open expanses of undeveloped flat land which are really great for citing large scale battery
installations. Um, and you may have seen in the paper that nearby municipalities in the Pioneer Valley even have had these proposals come to town and they haven't had any um, regulations in place and there's been blowback for concoming when they're kind of caught on the back
foot about it. So, that's what we're trying to avoid. Um, planning can only regulate batteries that have like actual land used impact. So, if it's like the size of like a water heater in your basement, that is not something that planning can deal
with. It's only something that has um even visual impacts from like a neighboring property, but it has to have land use impacts. Um we cannot ban best from the majority of the town's land area. That won't pass the AG. We have to
um we can't confine it to let's say like just the industrial section of town because that's not enough land area for the law. Um, but we can ban BE best from zones that exist for the stated purpose of protecting public health health and safety. So that would be like the
drinking water protection district and the flood plane, which is what is in this bylaw. So um, of course before everyone knows this, but before a best development reaches planning, it has to go through all of the local fire, state and federal local fire, electric
building and environmental permitting processes. and then planning just deals with land sighting. Um, so this bylaw basically creates it creates like rigorous development standards for best that don't appear to be blocking clean energy development from occurring in
Hatfield um in order to meet the requirements of the Dover amendment and pass ag scrutiny after a vote. Um, it proposes a tier structure for permitting best at different sizes. Um it provides
a table of uses which is like where and through what permits or approval processes um Hatfield could allow different sizes of best by zone. It creates strict um application and ongoing site management requirements for
the developers and it creates some pretty strict um environmental protections for Hatfield's natural resources in particular farmland soils and drinking water. Um the review processes are the standard
planning review processes. We have site plan review which would allow best in certain zones but with strict performance standards. Then we have special permit which would allow but it would allow the planning board to deny the proposal if it's if the proposal isn't able to meet certain performance standards. And then we are able to ban
it as I mentioned in um certain designated zones for public health and safety protection. Um, it requires things like that the developer provide an O andM plan, um, an emergency response plan, including you
can require a communications plan for nearby residences. So, if there's an emergency fire that breaks out, you can require that the developer have a plan for alerting neighbors um, and coordination with fire and other emergency services. Um, you can require that they demonstrate 110% containment
capacity for any liquid hazardous materials on site. um and that they put together a decommissioning plan and even a decommissioning fund for if um it's to be disassembled in a set amount of time. Sometimes these are leased. So um it
references the Hatfield design guidelines handbook for visual stuff like um lighting and signage and vegetation screening. Um, and then it does it would be in fact I was able to work these in. It would be the only
place in any of Hatfield's regulations that we have protections for native soil. So, it would require the developer to provide a map of any NRCS mapped prime farmland soils and other priority um soils for protection and um require
that they avoid um disturbing those soils if at all possible and if not possible that they preserve and protect those soils um in a designated area. Um, long story short, if all of the regulations are met, this is like a type
of development that could be it could be positive um in that it contributes to the tax base. It doesn't create like significant new traffic. Often these are leases and so if it's done right, it's like solar or best
could be put on farmland and then removed later so that the farmland remains intact and this can be a source of funding for a farm to sort of carry it into the next generation. Um and theoretically it can stabilize or lower energy costs for an individual or the
region. So that's kind of the those would be some of the positives. But um ultimately this is it would be a zoning bylaw that we would vote on adopting at town meeting 2026. And the urgency once again is that in July the permits for these are going to be moved along more
quickly by the state. So that's sort of the idea on the back page. You don't have to look at this now, but there's a table of uses which would be where they're allowed and through what permit and then the zones. And then up here, I kind of put in like a description of what they might look like at the tiers
that I created, which is sort of helpful because they're really difficult to visualize. >> Okay. My my only question is, is the planning board planning and doing like a PowerPoint with this at town meeting uh presenting all this or
>> um should we have it on YouTube or >> I did the presentation for the planning board last week. Um, I want to put together like a handout that I can have in the office or maybe it could be up in the clerk's office that's just like a one pager about what these are and like what just a little more, you know,
public facing simple answers. It is pretty I'm concerned that this is alarming to people and that people might see adopting a bylaw that allows them as an issue. Um it's important that people
understand that we don't really have a choice um to adopt something that also regulates them if that makes sense. But at town meeting if I understand correctly we have some time to do a presentation but not maybe this much time or I don't know
>> what do you think? >> It's it's a significant change in some ways and you'd want to make sure that residents feel like they have information about it. It's the kind of thing where it would be great to do presentation ahead of time so that folks are interested check it out and they can do a shortened overview handout add it
but that's really up to this board you'll res >> and in the past anything that's uh concern to the residents we try to do a presentation of some sort >> sure >> beforehand whether we with we've been on
to uh like you know just go through each of these and just mention and what's being said. This is a good This is a lot of work and a great presentation. I just I just wish all the people in town could see the work that was put into this. >> I'm happy to do it again. I wasn't sure
how much time there is or if I should come up with like a sort of shortened one or if this is too technical, but it's sort of it is a technical subject. So, >> you've done this for the planning board now that you've done it here. I mean, >> yeah. Can we get something in the media
like on our channel or something for that? >> Yeah. I think um >> that that worked out really well before >> it >> worked out great for the special town meeting if we did a similar thing with Bella or someone from the planning board. Yeah, it could be great. >> Great >> if you're on board for that. >> Totally.
>> And if we can book John >> Yeah, it can be great. >> John needs something else to do. >> John is smiling with glee here for folks who can't see. >> He's so happy.
Is that a joke? >> Call electric. >> All right. >> All right. >> Any other questions? >> No. >> Thank you very much. >> Appreciate it. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. >> Okay. The next topic, the use of town
garage space. So, I mean, we did ask for some idea from Marlo to get some type of a if we just put in a concrete floor and if we put in electricity, what the cost would
be. And then I I was thinking, you know, we we have behind here nothing but all this storage. on under the future plan, it's trying to remove take all the files from town hall and move them to higher ground. If if one of those bays actually
became a storage spot, what would we have to do? What files could be cold storage or do they have to be climate controlled or whether to build uh inside that space? whether we wanted to move with a place for our files that we have
to maintain and keep and get them out on onto higher ground. I mean, that was just we we had some issues over the years on our archives and our files and our data and and moving them out of town hall. So, I don't know if that's a a
good idea or a bad idea, but I mean, one garage bay, turn that into a climate controlled space with a heat pump or something. And >> it was something that we discussed in our original talk of potentially moving
the police up there. And ultimately what it came down to is that the style of building that it's that it is would it would you would need extensive insulating and and damp proofing and all sorts of things like that >> for one bay.
>> You think so? For one bay with four walls. >> Yeah. >> All right. Ultimately, from the ideas, from what we were told by the architect what it would take to make that building into a climate
controlled with weatherization and everything that we might want to just consider talking with like the five college annex and seeing if we can store our stuff there since it's already a building that's specific built for that.
>> I know. I also want to try to get rid of a lot of the stuff we have in >> digital were there before and then they said they wanted all the stuff out. >> Yeah. >> But even though and I would think five college would be helpful to us since they don't pay taxes
but they're not. >> But maybe they are now. I don't know. But okay. So I if if you guys feel that's not a good idea, then we'll just continue with making that into a just an area where we can park something
undercover. I guess >> it was just it was the price to to retrofit from that style building to what would be needed for file storage was it was cost prohibitive as compared to
outfitting a a different style structure. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Right now we don't have any structure to outfit. So, um >> Right. Right. >> Yeah. It's ultimately a three garage. >> Right. That building that working space
quite expensive. >> Yeah. >> Did you want to go over the quotes that you received for some potential work? >> I I can. Um >> I'm just curious. I mean, if if we're if we're bringing electricity into it and putting in a cement floor,
And you got >> Okay, let's Marlin needs Marlin needs batteries. >> Great. Break. >> Okay, take five. >> We'll take five. That's fine. Take five. >> Ed's had enough of us.
>> Fair enough. Oh, yeah. Okay. >> Okay. You're all set. >> We're back. >> Okay. We're back. You were saying >> Okay. >> I was I was saying, well, I don't know if what the cost would be just take one
bay and make it into a storage space. But if if you guys are saying the architect saying it's cost prohibitive, then maybe it is. under that structure cuz I'm looking at just like four walls insulated
with fireproof sheetrock. The sheetrock the uh stuff you put in the garage and 3/4 in sheetrock and couple plugs and lights cuz it's not a living space. But >> but it also becomes that the the
structure is 22 feet tall. So, if you just build a 10-ft tall room, what do you do with that space above it? You know, are you putting in floor joists and making that accessible? Does it need LVL's and a steel beam to carry the load for that
second floor? Is that all just become then dead space? So, that was a lot of what came into consideration. It's not >> it's not just four walls and insulation. It's it's HVAC. It's humidity controls. It's a lot of
>> all right involved. >> I mean, I'm just trying to find a solution for an ongoing issue that we've had for years. >> I agree. I just don't think that >> storage of our files and stuff. So, I guess
all right. Well, anyways, we have this on the agenda. We know we're going to move forward with a cement for an electricity at town meeting. Is that what we want to do anyways? I think that's a question for for this
board. I mean, it's it's uh it's a good question about if we think we'll be using this space as a garage if we had demonstrated need for it, >> right? >> I don't know what we're going to do with that building, you know. >> Yeah. I mean, and I think it's a
question for this board of if you feel like there is a need for that space and and if so, you know, would would we have vehicles that could benefit from being stored there or do we have other materials to benefit being stored there? Otherwise, I would worry less about trying to rush to find a use for the building because we might think
differently about that entire space at Elm Court. We might have other considerations there. I will say that it's been a a point that's been coming up in the Hatfield 20 240 uh comprehensive plan implementation group talking about, you know, overall feels
like we need a facilities plan and uh getting some consultant help to work with that could be a really good thing to help us kind of make some decisions there. >> I I I I do agree with you. If we move forward with saying that space is going to be a garage, we definitely would have to have a game plan cuz if we go to town
meeting, we can't just say, "Well, we're going to put in a Ford electric and and not have an idea on how we're going to use it." So, I guess I'm not sure. We still don't know what we want to do with that building, right? We're still
>> Yeah, >> we we feel that we should do something with that building. We just don't know what it should be at this point. >> Yeah. >> If it's a cold storage space, then if it's going to be used for cold storage, then it just needs a floor and
electricity and a couple lights and garage doors, right? >> Openers. We got the doors >> basically. If it's going to be used for anything else, then it needs other things. And the other things that don't work according to the committee we had on the
architectural side saying it just be expensive to renovate that into a useful space for police or fire. >> No, it wouldn't be it's not
it could be renovated into other things. It's just the cost of doing it for the police application or for the just the record storage is what makes it cost prohibitive.
>> Okay. So it's cheaper to build another building. >> Correct. >> Instead of renovating >> renovating that one. So really >> turn it into a record storage/ police station. >> Right. Exactly. So right now the way that that building is constructed and like with the style of building that it
is it really is a garage space garage and maybe cold storage. >> Cold storage. Correct. >> So you guys feel that the way the present building is, so I got this right. That building could only be used
for possibly garage storage. >> It makes the most sense for that. Yes. Okay. And it or so it really that's like the only thing it could be used for. >> And I'm of the opinion and this board should tell me if I'm completely wrong, but if a greater need for the town were
to come up and we were to think there's something else you want to do with that entire Elmc Court space, which right now belongs to us and is the largest kind of asset we have that's untouched. You you take down that that garage. I mean, it costs some money to put up, but I don't want to view it as something that prohibits us from using the rest of
the space in a way we really want to. I would sooner demolish that and then do something we really want to do with the rest of that space than build our entire plans around just that garage already being there. But that's that's just my opinion. The nice thing about that garage space though is that where it's situated on the property is fairly out
of the way and the size of the property, you could still in the future relocate something there if you wanted to and that garage space isn't necessarily going to be in the way. I mean, I think garage space is something that
this town could always benefit from. Um, and I think the quotes that Marlo got are fairly reasonable for doing the work and whether it's pouring a floor in there so that we can actually start to use the space and having the garage door
openers installed so that we can use those doors and then the electrical which is pretty basic. It's flood lights on the outside, um, high bay lights inside, and then a 200 amp panel that if we ever in the future decided to renovate this space into something, you
could easily tie into, and you'd have plenty of power to be able to do that. So, I don't think any of the things that Marlo is proposing here um, are things that would stop us from potentially renovating in the future if we ever had to. Y >> so if we go to town meeting then the
reason we're moving forward with this would be for the purpose of utilizing that as a garage space at this point. >> Correct. So if we would have a purpose if we can agree that that's going to be a garage space and we go to town meeting
we have an explanation of why we want to do that. I mean, that was the purpose of the building from the original get-go of this was for it to be cold garage storage space. >> Okay? >> It was never presented to the town years
ago as being anything more than that. And that was where a lot of residents got hung up the last few years when trying to finish this is that there was no clear objective of what was going to happen. And so if we clearly know that
we want to start to use this as storage base, whether it's for DPW vehicles, the conversation of the COA vans, the school, it could be a school van, it could be numerous things that primarily sit outside and get abused by the sun.
Um, you know, we're going to have an over the boom mower. Things like that sitting outside constantly in the sun isn't great for the hydraulic hoses and things like that. So if we have the opportunity to store something inside, doing so on a on a on a floor, being
able to operate the doors and having power to be able to see and for security is are all a good investment. >> Okay. In your opinion, >> I don't think we should put another penny into that building until we have a plan.
>> Plan for what we're going to do with it. >> What what's exactly why is it actually needed? This is these are all good prices. Yeah. But we don't know exactly what we're going to do with that building. And you know, some we could have I hate to spend money on this and then say, you know, we we need to renovate some other building to do
something different that that that has a purpose or, you know, our whole all of our structures all need improvement or expansion. And just just have another building up there that was another option doesn't make sense to me until
>> So, do we take it sell it? because it's been sitting vacant for 5 years and we spent a lot of taxpayers money on it. >> Yeah, we did. I I I agree. >> Well, the problem we have now, we have another problem that's uh the closing. They want to close the fire station in
North Hatfield. So, how do we deal with that? Does this all tie in or doesn't tie in? I mean, are we going to say COA, you're going to have to put your van outside because we need the space for public
safety built uh public safety piece of apparatus, which is a priority to be inside. It can't be outside or how we going to deal with that? Do we do we need another couple weeks to think about this? whether we're going to tell the
COA, okay, we're going to put the vans up there and we're going to try to renovate that and then bring the fire truck down here or I mean this is a whole these this sort of goes together I think in a way
>> cuz right now we where we >> if we bring the fire truck down here where do we put it and do we kick out COA's van and if we kick out COA's van do we make it them now park it in the
parking lot or do we put it in a a garage that it's got more protection? Yeah. I mean, I know the COA is not going to be happy if if we do that because the drivers probably don't want
to go up there to get the vehicle, but I I'm I can't seem to find any other solution cuz I looked at the map and I was thinking, well, maybe, you know, like at U-Haul, they have a big canopy for their big big trucks to weather. But
you the the town the end of the town bar and here is on the property line just about. So there's there's no place to even put one. >> Mhm. >> So I think for our next meeting we
definitely got to make a decision on two things. is what we're going to do with a firet truck and what we're going to do with the seal of a van and if we want to use Elm court as a garage storage or whether
I don't I don't think DPW can give up a space up there for the the van. I don't think you have any spaces at DPW for a COA van. Do you? Well, I was batting that around and we do, like Luke
had said, we we swap equip equipment out. We have our some summer equipment in Elport garage, call it a garage now that we do swap equipment out. Um, and and I batted that around. I mean, a lot of our equipment is is partially exposed
out back too under the Leanto building. There's no doors, no nothing on it. Um, and all our all all our regular truck bays are full of vehicles that should be in there. So, we're kind of limited. We swap equipment out from one season to the other from Elm Court back to the
yard also. >> Well, in the back of your garage, you just have like an overhang for for like basic stuff, not not the trucks, but just some other equipment, right? That's >> Yeah. Yeah. Um, and when I got these quotes, it was
to, >> I guess, um, if you will, to finish the garage that just isn't weathertight right now or protected. That this was bare minimum with lights, get a floor in it. I approached it like it's a garage because I guess that's what it is.
>> Um, I've talked to the staff a little bit, too. Um, having all our our water fittings and piping and everything way up at the water plant when we have a water main break is a problem. So, we could use one of those bays for storage of just water and sewer repair materials
alone. So, um I know that's not a grand plan of the building, but I I I think at the end of the day, it's a garage and it's going to be storage. I mean, that's my opinion. >> Well, let's let's for the next meeting actually think about this and then and if we can use that for garage space,
then what's the plan? And it's got to tie in now. All this got to tie in the fire truck coming down, the COA van, and the stuff from the water department. I guess this all ties in. >> Well, there's three bays there. Pretty
goodiz bays. So, >> because I I don't know what else do or do we propose another building being built someplace, you know? I mean, I don't know. I think people would say, "Okay, let's let's fix that one. I don't want to build another one." And I don't
think people would like tearing it down and then putting another one in place at this point, but maybe maybe all this stuff can work together and somebody will be unhappy if we have to move stuff around anyways,
but we have to do what we have to do in order to protect our our equipment in the town. So, I mean, the fire truck not making sense up north have to coming down here makes makes more sense. and then say, "Oh, a van. It's
you can put it in the garage up there, I guess." Or I don't know. I'm just trying to put it all together somehow. So, what why don't we do this with next meeting? We have to come up with an actual game plan of whether we're going to use it or not use it. And if we're
going to use it, how are we going to use it? Because if we go to town meeting, we have to be able to present them why we want to do this. and the reasons behind it because I I know the taxpayers and I agree with you. Taxpayers don't want to
pay for anything. If they don't have to if it doesn't make sense, but if it makes sense and we can show the taxpayers it makes sense, then they're willing to pay for it. >> So, how's that sound? That come up to a
compromise that way. >> You you'll figure it out the next meeting. >> Sure. Yeah. >> Okay. And if you have any further questions that you have for either fire or COA, let me know and I can get those to them. >> You need any more information, but I think you understand the framing pretty well. >> Yeah, it's not an easy one, but it's
something that that's why you guys make the big bucks. >> Yeah. >> To be fair, I make zero dollars. >> Okay. a notice of bid award for elementary school roof project. I know
uh Andrew has a report on that. >> Yep. So, this is for your review. Um you don't need to sign this. This will be signed by the um the contractor. Uh but this is the result of the bid that went out for the elementary school roof. Uh we received bids last week on Wednesday,
March 4th. Low bidder is MDM Engineering out of Dudley, Mass. The architect has worked with them before, which is great to hear. that they they come well recommended. Uh their bid came in around $400,000 below the estimated cost of the project. The architect had a thorough discussion with them just going through
their bid, making sure that it matched up with everything that was needed. Uh the big savings comes from the fact that they do their own masonry. Uh and the masonry ended up being a large chunk of the project. So that was a filed sub bid. So, they filed that as a sub bid
and say that they were they were the only ones who are allowed to use their work, which made sense. And then the other uh uh biders, you know, came in higher on that uh by around 200,000 $250,000 on that piece of the the bid. So, that was an advantage that they had because they they do their own masonry and
they're good at it. Uh and then they they came in, you know, pretty reasonable in the rest of it. They're excited about this project. They want to take it on. So, you know, the original uh budget for this project is 1.67 million. Right now, we're looking at uh $1.5 million with contingency uh just
for the roof alone. So, that's good news. Uh so, we're excited to work with uh um uh Zigg Mashka and his team uh but uh over at MDM Engineering. So, um I
think I' I've asked for you for a vote for that. Um you don't have anything to sign tonight, but obviously everything will come back to you on that contract at the end of the month. So, we'll work on getting all that together. >> Okay. >> But like to have your your vote for awarding the bid to uh MDM Engineering
Company. >> I'll accept I'll take a motion on that. >> I'll make a motion to approve the notice of bid award for elementary school roof project. >> Second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries. >> Right.
>> Okay. Topic seven. Uh this is this is sad in a way. We're we're losing uh three police officers. We have one of the police officers has worked for the town for over 19 years. Another officer has made a big impact on the town. Even
though he's only been here like four or five years, he's had like 24 years of of police service. And and these two officers, both Mike Johnson and Dave Samson, are just great examples of what community policing is all about.
uh they've been great for this town and I'm sorry to see them uh step back, but they they feel it's time for them to step back and move on to other things. And the third officer is um Joe Doer. He
wasn't here a long time, but he feels it's best for him to move on. So, it's I'm thankful that he came to town to give it a shot here in Hatfield, but other things have happened and he's moving on to another job. So, again, I I
know for Sergeant Johnson and for Sergeant Samson, I I hope we can send a a letter of appreciation and also to uh Joe Doer appreciation. And again, I can't stress how grateful the town of
Hatfield is for David Samson and Michael Johnson for their work for the town of Hatfield. So, uh, that's that's what I have to say before I don't know if my colleagues want to add anything before we, uh, go with motions to approve their
uh, res retirement and from the Hatfield Police Department. I personally will miss working with MJ and David. Both of them, they're both great, great guys to work with. >> I think you nailed it on the head when you said that they represent what
community policing is. So, >> fantastic. >> So, thank you guys. So, I will entertain a motion on each of them has to be separate. So, >> I will make a motion to approve the retirement of Sergeant Michael Johnson from the police department. >> Second.
>> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Motion carries. >> I will make a motion to approve the retirement of David A. Samson from the police department. >> Second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Motion carries.
>> I will make a motion to approve the resignation of Do Joe Doer from the police department. Second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? All in favor? Motion carries. Okay. Thank you. Thank you guys for your work for the town of Hatfield.
That's one of the reasons at the beginning of the uh our meeting I was saying if you know of people that are interested in law enforcement then talk to our chiefs or fire service. Talk to our chiefs. They can give you
explanation. We do have a uh resignation from Greg Neil as assistant electrical inspector. I want to thank him for his service to the town of Hatfield and I'll entertain a motion on that. >> We'll make a motion to approve the
resignation of Craig Neil as assistant electrical inspector. >> Second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Motion carries. And we do are requesting appointment of Lori Motika to the board
of registars for a three-year term. I will make a motion to appoint Lori Motika to the board of registars for a three-year term beginning April 1st, 2026 and expiring March 31st, 2029. >> Second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any
discussion? All in favor? >> Motion carries. Uh topic eight, town administrator report. >> All right, >> back to you, Andrew. Okay, >> so I do have to say I did not think I would be here this evening. Um, so I did structure the meeting to have a lot of
uh presentations and and contributions from other folks and I I think it's been great to hear so much from from Marlo and from Bella and from others. So thank you to all of you for that. Um uh you all know this but my my uh my family is expecting our second child and my wife's
due date was Friday. So we are on borrowed time at the moment as it were. Um, but uh we're all doing great and um I will be out for for two weeks uh once baby's born and I'll keep in touch with all of you so you can at least get
pictures. Um so uh everything is uh going fine. Um so health insurance I am looking for another quote that should be coming in shortly. We talked about um Maya um the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust uh had made some
changes. So, we're looking to um accept those. We have a choice to either go through the kind of formal process that we talked about last time under NGL 32B section 21 through 23 or just negotiate uh uh with with the union and accept
changes the way you normally would with collective bargaining agreements. I think that's the way we're going to try to go to streamline things a little bit. Um if we do want to leave the trust still, if we have another quote that's better, uh we need to inform them by April 1st. So, time is ticking. I I assume we'll stay with the trust for next year, but I'll let you know if we
end up with a very good offer. Um, electronic time sheets are live in the treasur's office. So, this next payroll will be going through electronically in the treasur's office alone and then we'll start spreading it out to other offices. We'll do a town administrator, we'll do town clerk, and then we'll start bringing out to other folks. So,
that's all good news. Um, new website, the design looks great. We're just uh giving everyone the permissions they need to start making their changes on their end, but April 2nd is our uh date for that at the moment. And then um Route Five, Ty and Bond has done their
field work uh and we will uh update folks when we have more information. Uh we'll also be working with a geotechnical engineering consultant uh to do some deeper dives there. Um and that's uh Busteren Engineering uh out of
um Ammerst. They seem great. we we've enjoyed talking about so far. So, I think they'll be very helpful. And then uh the elementary school roof we've already talked about that's in great shape. And the Day Pond dredge, the dredging work itself is complete. And then as soon as the weather is warm
enough, they'll do the existing site um remediation and then we'll be in good shape. Uh the one hiccup we've had is that uh uh we were told early in advance that if we had a JV baseball team this year at at Smith Academy, uh they would need that field out there. They haven't
had one in years and this year of course is the year they've been able to field the team. So uh we will have uh some work that that we'll try to do as fast as possible so the team can get out there and play in their first first uh season in years. But that's just great news all around that dredge is done. We got a JV team and then everything will
be uh restored. So that's all heading in a good direction there. >> That's great. That's really good. >> Baseball and softball. >> Yeah, some some more athletics. It's It's good to hear. >> So that's all I've got for my report this evening. Um I'll use the end of my
report to segue into your last item that we had to add. Um I am finishing an application for uh the Farm Museum for the state's uh Massachusetts preservation projects fund. Uh it's a big application. We've gotten a lot of support from the architect on it, which
is great. Um there's a lot of hoops in here, but I think we're going to make them all. We have a letter that's signed by um historic commission here and bunch of other folks. Um there is a requirement in this application to have your signature uh a vote and a signature
saying that you authorize me to um enter into a contract with uh the state historic office should we be awarded a grant. So, we'll need a vote from you uh saying that you would authorize me to to to sign that and also that you'd authorize me to sign on to a
preservation restriction. There already is a preservation restriction on the site, but so I don't believe that that's that's necessary. Um but it is a required part of the the uh application. So, just need um your vote to authorize me to sign contracts with the Massachusetts.
>> Any question? Any questions? I'll entertain a motion. Make a motion to authorize the town administrator to execute a contract with the Massachusetts Historical Commission for the repair of the Cutter Farm Museum. >> Motion made. >> Second. >> Motion seconded. Any discussion? All in
favor? >> Motion carries. Okay. Uh we have anything before we go into executive session. And >> I have nothing else. >> Okay. Well, first of all, I I wish you luck on the new one. I know they they
come whenever they feel like coming. So >> that's the only option. >> Okay. Meeting in executive session with special counsel pursuant to general law 38. I'm making a motion to go into executive session with special counsel
pursuant to general law C30A section 21 A3 to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation arising from the Route 5 infrastructure project in pursuant to general law C38A sections 21 A7T
to comply with or act under the authority of any general or special law or federal grant and aid requirement. Specifically, the public records law, general law, C4S726, discuss privilege communication from
special counsel and not to return in regular session. >> I'll second that. >> Uh motion made, motion seconded. Uh Jorski I >> Long Street I thank you. We're going into executive session and we will not
be returning. And thank you John for taping tonight.