Okay, welcome to our August 12th meeting. Uh, I call the meeting to order and begin with our public participation. The Hatfield Select Board welcomes everyone to meetings and all other public meetings of the town of Hatfield. All regular and special meetings of the
boards and committees of the town of Hatfield shall be open to the public and shall confirm to the open meeting. Executive sessions are closed to the public and will be held only as prescribed by the statutes 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 balance between hearing from members of the community and
conducting the required business of the HRO select board for the public's information. Uh, this meeting is being recorded. So, our next part would be announcements. Under announcements, tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. out here
at Smith Academy Park will be a purple heart ceremony. Uh, the town may remember we have declared the town a purple heart community. So, there will be a small ceremony tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. if you can make it. And those are
my announcements. Good morning, colleagues. have any announcements? >> I have none. >> I have none. >> Okay. Is anybody here for public forum? No. Now, uh I've been asked by the police department to take the uh topics out of order if that's okay with my
colleagues. I want to call up uh Lieutenant Clint Phillips with an announcement. He's he's requesting an appointment to the police department. >> Good evening. Um, I would like to introduce everybody to uh Joe Doer. Um,
he recently graduated the full-time academy back in May. Um, and he has applied um for a part-time position with the Hatfield Police Department. Um, he was interviewed by myself and the chief.
Uh, we feel like he could be a very good fit for this town and and uh quite possibly a very good addition um for future years. Well, thank you for applying. I hate. We appreciate your application and I don't have any questions unless my colleagues
have any questions. >> No, I'm glad you're interested in working here and you're welcome to be here. >> Okay. So, if with that being said, if I have a motion. >> Sure. I'll make a motion to appoint Joe Derer
as a Hatfield police officer in the part-time position. >> Motion made. Second. Motion seconded. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I >> I motion carries. Congratulations. Welcome to Hatfield. >> Welcome aboard.
>> Okay. >> That was painless, right? >> How was that? >> Okay. Hey. Uh, I'm going to move to uh approval of July 15, 2025 and July 21st,
2025 meeting minutes. >> I'll make a motion to approve July 15th and July 21st, 2025 meeting minutes. >> Second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? Uh, all in favor? >> I. >> Motion approved. Uh, posted business.
Topic one would be change of manager at Tazwa Casmir Lodge 1975 from Richard Ross to Gary Heert. Uh it's also known as the Hatfield Polish vote. So uh I I think Gary is going to make do
a great job over there. I have no opposition to this application. Do any of my colleagues have any opposition to this application? >> I do not. I think he's going to do a great job. So, do I have a motion on the floor?
>> I'll make a motion to approve the change of manager for toss David Casemier GP 1965 ZNP from Richard Ross to Gary Heert. >> I'll second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I.
>> Motion carries. Congratulations. Uh, and I don't know if you want to make any comments while you're here. >> Uh, no. I think we're uh we have some changes we're going to make. uh it'll for the better and we're just waiting to hear from Boston which uh hopefully it'll be sometime soon. Who knows?
>> So I don't know if we sign this now whether they need this now or they can wait till tomorrow or how >> completely up to you. You want to sign it right now and they can go home. >> Do you need this right now? >> Um I'm dealing with myself. Um this woman right here Karen will take care of >> Yeah, she said hey take care of
paperwork. >> Okay. So okay you'll sign it. Karen will take care of it and as long as she's out this week. Is that okay? >> Yeah, she told me she was going on vacation, >> but I'm sure she did. >> Yeah. Good. >> Okay. >> All right. She takes care of me. >> All right. Thank you. Have a good night.
>> Yeah. >> I don't know that she said. >> Okay. Topic two is u select board to vote whether or not to accept mass general laws C130 section 12D change of license clarification
and add uh Andrew you can correct me if I'm wrong. The way I read this is presently anybody that has a malt and wine license will be allowed to change it to an all alcoholic license. >> That's correct. And one of the key
provisions in here that it's non-transferable. So if they do give up that license for any reason, it's not like whoever would were to purchase it would then be purchasing an all alcohol license. It would go back to being a wine and malt license. Uh but this does
give the ability to local licensing boards to allow those who have the wine and malt license to apply to then switch to a um all alcohol license. and they would have to actually request it and want it. So, we only have one in town that has
>> So, just to clarify, it it go they can request if we approve it, they can request their maltton wine to be an all alcoholic, but if they no longer are in business, it reverts back to a Walton mine. >> That's correct. It's non-transferable.
>> It's non-transferable. Okay. So, >> and then they would have to reapply if they want it to go back up the other way. if they want to be all liquor >> like whoever were to take on their license they need to yeah apply >> and how many establishments do we have
presently with vault and mine licenses >> um only one on premise and that's um Smithsonian >> Smithsonian see only one okay any comments >> I mean it ultimately they still have to come before the board correct and we
would still then have to approve it so >> I think there is still a system of checks and balances here for us. >> Mhm. >> It's not It doesn't automatically just change over. Correct. >> That's correct. >> Yeah. So, we still have to approve it if they apply for it, >> right?
>> So, you'd have to accept it and then they would request a tradein, >> right? >> They have they would uh submit an application, then you'd have to accept that application, >> right? >> And I mean, at one time we were only allowed so many licenses. I forget how
many, but I don't think we've met the quota yet on all alcoholic uh licenses. >> We have not. No, we still have, I believe, two remaining right now. >> All right. So, but then I don't know if that is part of the quota if they had a
malt and wine and they switched to all alcoholic. I'm not sure if that >> it says in the last paragraph here that uh the license for wines and malt beverages traded in for all alcoholic beverages does not increase the total
number of licenses authorized. >> All right, that clarifies that. >> I think it also wouldn't take the spot of another >> Okay, >> this doesn't raise a cap or anything, >> right? >> That's good. I mean I I don't have an issue with this. If
>> I don't I don't have an issue with this at all with it. >> Okay. If that if ne none of us have an issue, then do I have a >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll make a motion to approve the town of Hatfield to accept master general law C138 section 12D change of license
classification. >> Second. >> Okay. Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Motion carries. Okay. So that that takes care of two. Topic three, update on opiate committee and new national opiates
settlement where Purdue. Now, if anybody's been following the national news over the years, there's been a lawsuit against manufacturer of opiates and and some other drugs. So supposedingly uh they've come to some type of
settlement on payment. But the only way a town or city can get any payment is if we appoint a uh signatory like our town administrator or a signatory and we have
to apply for this by September 25th I believe. >> So you don't even need to appoint me. I think you you you as a board have the ability to do it. But if you do appoint me, then I can just sign the paperwork when it comes in. So we don't have to worry about anything. Um, so this vote tonight will just say that you do intend
to join into the the settlement and that you'll give me the authority to do so for you just so that we can move that forward faster. Um, but I can always have go to the chair of the select board if you prefer to. But you're absolutely right that we do need to opt into this settlement. Well, by having you as
signatory, it just speeds up the process and we don't have to have meetings to to sign and all that. I I don't have a problem with that myself. I don't know if my colleagues have any issues with that. >> And I will say there are two settlements that are expected. So, one of them we've already been given the paperwork for and
that's for uh Purdue Pharma, the Sackler family. And that's quite a large settlement. It's over, you know, $9 million across the the >> United States, right? It's a lot uh compared to the other I mean when it comes down to us we'll get you know whatever thousands of dollars it is but that's still you know good we'll add
that to the amount that we already have um uh that we're working with and there's another settlement with uh a number of opioid manufacturers that I had never heard of these are some smaller manufacturers and I think that's uh more like 700 thou 700 million uh will go into that settlement which a lot
of money but by the time it gets to us it will be very small. Well, I like the idea of having your signatory and then when we finally get the settlement, then we can have at one of our meetings to determine what to do with that money because exactly >> that's another thing we'll have to determine afterward.
>> And we have this opioid uh settlement task force that's been meeting. They would like to present at your next meeting. They've put a great report together uh about the uh survey that they did uh asking the public for their thoughts on how to use those opioid funds. Uh so they'll be presenting that to you at your next meeting and we can
talk about some ideas on how to move forward and I'm sure they they'd love to hear your thoughts as well on on what might be next. So they've been doing great work on that. Um you know we kind of arrived the the other day with our meetings is what can we set up uh that will have a positive impact in the town
to to fight the the um to to work within the the areas that are most important based on the survey on $10,000 a year for the next 10 years because that's essentially what we have. And that's not it's not a bad amount of money to be working with. So $10,000 a year for the next uh 10 years. Uh and it might even
be more than that after these settlements. >> Any more comments? >> Okay. Then do I have a motion to have Andrew as a signatory on this? >> Make a motion to authorize the town administrator signatory on the settlements with Purdue Pharma and
opioid manufacturers. >> Second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries. Okay, next topic. Topic four. This is a this is a tough one.
>> Uh Hampshire County Group Insurance has increased their rates for our employees to 20%. Which is a huge jump. So that sort of means any type of raise or increase our
employees received this last time around uh it gets wiped out which I don't think is fair and I don't think it's it's right. So, in my mind, I think we should come up with a way to cover this
additional cost, but also go back to Hampshire County and say, "You guys have to make some changes because you you could have made changes over the years on how you administer this policies, but you didn't. and you had no deductibles
and you had some other stuff that you were all wild that maybe uh there should have been co-pays on it and also at the same token I think we have to shop around to see if there's any other uh object uh insuranceances that that is
good for our employees. So I just mentioned like three things. So the first thing would be this increase. So, as far as my feelings, I think we should we should somehow come up with a way to cover it because I don't think our employees should be punished. But that's
just me. But I'm opening it up to my colleagues for how they feel about this. >> And if you want any more background from me, I'm happy to to assist as well. But I I think I've tried my best to keep all of you and and our employees up to date
on on what's going on here. Um not sure if the public has been as informed on this. Um, but happy to inform the public as well that the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust at their meeting last month voted for a mid-year increase that takes effect October 1st of 20%. Um, and
that's the amount that they will uh have the town contribute uh towards our our health insurance. So, we get a bill from the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust and that bill will now be 20% higher that that will be issued to us in September and due to us October 1st. And to pay that bill, we typically uh we
have uh an amount that's been budgeted uh through taxpayer funds and then an amount that employees contribute. And right now we split that that amount 60% from the town, 40% from employees on these premiums. Um so uh what we do need
to determine is on this increase right now this means that the town pays 20% more and that uh our employees pay 20% more. Um, what we could do from the town side is take on a greater share of the health insurance premiums. And I've written out some scenarios of what that could look like. Uh, that either
increase or will typically decrease the amount that our employees pay. Um, and it decreases the amount they pay of this new increase um of the the 20%. Um, what that would mean is that
eventually we would need an additional appropriation. uh this does we're we're in a better position than a lot of other communities. A lot of other communities are trying to scramble right now to find a lot of funding in order to cover this. Uh we had a good amount of contingency that was budgeted for this year which is
great. Uh but even with that um even if we were to split uh at the current amount that we do with our employees 6040 we would still end up with uh a shortfall and that shortfall will probably either hit in May or June this year. So the question will be how much
do we want to try to take on for for employees? Would we want this change in percentage to also extend to uh retirees? You have the option to split that up if you like. Uh and then um do we feel like we need any action now for appropriation in the form of a special
town meeting or anything else? I would say that we should be able to cover these these bills that come in until uh May or June. So we probably should be okay to go until May for an appropriation. But at the same time, if you know that there will be more funding that's needed, um, you may want to ask
the taxpayer sooner for if they they feel like they can make that contribution. So, that's that's a short introduction. I'm happy to answer more questions. The spreadsheets that I handed out to you tonight um show you a couple things. So, there's there's two of them. One of them says um FY26 health
budget at the top. And what I've shown you is the number of members that we have on each of the plans. and uh how employees um would be uh asked to pay more. This is for the rest of the year. So you see if they pay 60% uh sorry if
the town pays 60% they pay 40 like they currently do the impact on uh employees under the um PO uh family plan. They'd be paying $1,900 more for the year.
under the network blue uh family plan. It's $2,500 more for the year. That doesn't sound right because the PO should be higher. So, I'll check those numbers again. But, um but you're seeing a sign Oh, no. That's the town portion would be um
All right. I'll have to check on that number, but it's still a significant amount that that employees will be asked to take on. >> So, under the last one, the network blue. >> Yep. uh there if they pay the 20% the
employees they would go from an additional $2500 a year. Is that what we're saying or is that >> it is I'm just checking that number though. >> That seems no >> a little higher than I was expecting.
good either. Now, I'll update those numbers for you, but it's still illustrative of I think it's a little high there, but it should it should be probably closer to 1,800 for the family because this should be a little less than the um PO number, but I'll update
that for you. But I mean, we can we don't need to make a decision tonight, right? Or do we need to make a decision tonight? >> That'll be up to you. So, um, we will be billing shortly for next month's
premiums for for members. So, they do need to have information shortly. We do need to know >> if we don't act tonight, then both our employees and the town will be paying 20% more, >> right? So, we would keep employees at
the 60% they currently are responsible for. >> And if they >> at the 40% they're responsible for the town. So their premium for a just for like next month if we don't make any action and their family for a family plan would go up from their monthly cost
of what to to what would be the increase in cost for that month on our employees. Is it another $200? Is it another $400 or >> probably upwards of hundred a month? >> $100 more a month. >> Yeah, around that. So, we're talking uh
1,200. >> It depends which plan that the employees are on. Um, and this is for the next nine months because it's a mid-year increase. So, from uh October through June, they'd be playing paying this rate. >> So, on the upper plan or that family
plan, they would be paying out of pocket another $900 then for the next nine months. >> That That's right. $900 for next. Yep. That's significant. >> Mhm.
>> So if you said the cost of living we gave them sort of get wiped out and plus they just got an 18% increase in July. >> So that number that I gave you that should have been $1,700. Sorry about
that. I had a spreadsheet error. I think the numbers that we need to know is the difference of what they're spending now versus what the increase will give them. I think that'd be the most helpful number for us to be able to make a decision. >> So, um, what are they paying now? So, what how much more would they be paying
over the next month? >> 20% increase because >> I mean I can't do the 20% of $1,93248. So, and that's what this was supposed to show, but unfortunately I made a error here. So, the additional cost to employee for this next year with the
increase >> the number in for the blue elect single is correct. And that would be um $700 more for the year. So, someone who's on the PO single, it's $700 more for the PO
>> for 12 months or for 9 months >> for the next for 9 months. $700 for nine months. So >> for the whole nine months. >> So it's 80 bucks a month. >> Yep. >> Yep. 7864 per month. And that's if we continue with the 60/40
split. So then if you go down to network blue single says their premium is 1006 and then 60% of that is476. >> No that number should be and I can give you the right one now. 60408.
>> Yep. Sorry about that. For the two member it's 1406 and for the family it's733. So if you're on the family HMO plan then you're spending $192 more a month.
So 192 * 9 is >> we have 13 folks on that plan. 1728. So, as it sits right now, if we were to not change anything and keep it at 60%. What is the additional money that's
needed on the town's end just to cover that on that 20% increase? Is that the other spreadsheet? >> Great question. So, yep. turn to the other spreadsheet and that would show you that the appropriation needed if we have the current number of enroles that we currently do and that's with three
people who just joined in the last week which is why the numbers that I gave you before don't work anymore. Uh that's 86,269. So that's our current appropriation that will be needed. Now what I wanted to run for you is what if more people join? And
in the spreadsheet below, you'll see that if uh two more people join, one single and one family, both I did the PO just cuz that's higher. That would then become $110,000, that would be needed if we keep the
6040. And if two more single and two more family join, that's $133,000. So even if we do nothing to increase it um the import the amount that we're paying for employees just if more people join the health insurance that drives up
that appropriation need drives up the deficit further >> and that could easily happen because we still have >> employ for both right it drives up for us and it drives up for the employee. >> Yeah the employees are still paying more right because they%
>> so out of that 86 269 Yep. You said that we were overbudgeted for our health insurance line last year anyway. >> Count the overbudgeted amount. It' be 86,000 total that's needed. >> Is that's how much more we need? >> Yeah, that's how much more we would need. >> Oh, on top of what we have, >> right?
>> 86,000 on top of what we have. Yeah. >> It was over budgeted, but it wasn't anticipated to be 20% increase. >> That's right. That's right. >> So, what's the increase being then? >> Um, sorry. What's What's the question? What is it being? What is the increase
being to us? If this is 85 thou or 86,000, that's an increase of what we had set aside to pay for all this. >> Sure. So the the budget request the the budgeted amount we have right now is 1,ion23,000. If we pay 60% of employees health
insurance and nobody else joins over what we have right now, then the total spend that we'll need for the year is 1.1 million change. So that puts us at the 86,000 short that we are right now. >> Okay. >> And I anticipate that will grow because
more people will join the insurance. We'ves are not done hiring. We have an open position in DPW that will probably try to fill. Someone could join in that way. Someone could leave the town and uh who doesn't have insurance. Someone could come on who would need the
insurance. Things happen throughout the year. So we don't know the exact number right now. keep a comment if there's more. >> So that's on other sheet four. >> So >> the original one given to you.
>> Yes. >> Yeah. And those are with old numbers from July of who our members were and that's changed in the past uh okay >> three weeks. >> So our new FY26 payment to HCGIT
>> Yep. >> be 1.76 million we budgeted for 1.03 million. >> Yep. And that so the 1.76 that counts the employee premiums. So when I say we
budgeted for 1.029, that's just a town's portion, >> right? Plus the 6 622,000 that >> that the employees contribute. Exactly. >> So on this sheet, we have an remaining balance of 108,000. >> Mhm.
And that's the 108 that's getting eaten up by So when Greg said, you know, what's what what are we over? Mhm. >> Um or 86,000 over plus that 10 108 um would would capture the amount more
that we need. I guess what I'm trying to say. >> Okay. We're only at So in my original numbers here, I thought we'd need an appropriation $27,000 because the 108 um because that that amount over um
budget, the contingency that we had took up most of it was only $27,000 over, but now it's higher because of the number of employees that we have on the insurance. It's gotten bigger. So, it's the 108 minus the 86 269. Is
that where you're getting to 27,000? So um yeah in this original model the amount that would be remaining at 108 equals you see the employee contribution at 40%. >> Yep.
>> Um >> but didn't we already >> they would payund they would pay 81,000 through that contribution and then the appropriation would be 27,000. So 27 plus 81 would get you the 108. But didn't we already didn't isn't the
622,000 which you already factored in for employee contributions. Why are we doing it? >> That that's the increase. >> That's the 81,000 is just >> that increase. Yeah. >> Would have been the employee contribution on that increase. >> Okay. >> Yep.
>> Oh, I see. So in this model, we would we would only be appropriating 27,000. >> Yeah. And that was before I found out how many more people had joined the health insurance. >> So here it says that the new monthly rate is 152 372. That's how much money
we needed to get to the the trust. In reality, the number is, let me find it based on our new numbers, 160 136. And that's based on the numbers
from last week, but we even have more employees coming on. So, our monthly bill is going to be even higher than this one that I assumed here. Can you maybe I'm missing this. How are
we getting from 27 to 86? How many I mean, how many more employees joined? Because then your other by adding an additional two family or an additional family plan, two singles and two family plans, it only went up by
57 thou 57,000. So how did we make a jump from 27 for an appropriation to an to 86? Yeah, I mean the new numbers that that I have now would say that we have I think it's five more employees than I had in my original and
>> but I'm just thinking, >> you know, like if you have like two more in the numbers that you ran on the other impact sheets. >> Yep. >> Uh two more single and one additional family or two additional families on that bottom number. That's still only bringing it up by, you know,
50 50 something thousand. So to go so 27,000 needed to 86,000 you'd have a delta of about 60,000 and there's $5,500 as well that I found out today um is budgeted uh from that same line item uh
for life insurance premiums as well. So it's a nominal amount, but 55 plus the 5500 plus the 5,000 55,000 will probably get us up to that 60,000 difference between the 86 and the 27,000. It's a small number there, but
yeah. So I guess the question is whether we feel compelled to take some of the 20% hit or leave the employees taking a 20% hit
or coming up with some other scenario which I'm not sure of. >> I mean either way we're still taking a 20% hit already. It's just if we want to incur a 30 or 40% hit, >> right?
Yes. >> Right. >> So, it's whether we want to share some of that or not. >> What's the feeling in terms of between talking with other towns and stuff about
people leaving this trust or what our other options are? Yeah, it's a good question because, you know, people keep bringing up, well, what do we do next year if we if we, you know, go up to a higher percentage or whatever else. Um, I think everyone is thinking we need to be looking at every option available.
So, there are other options that are available to us. There's the state's group insurance commission. Um, it's a possibility to join that. They offer a number of plans that would be comparable to this. You could argue that the the trust's plans are are better. they have
no deductible and other features that have always made them know very attractive to us. But I think we need to look at other options since these premiums have gotten so high. There's also the opportunity to work with the the state's uh Massachusetts uh interlocal insurance agency MIA um
offered through the Mass Municipal Association. They work basically uh with I think over 100 towns uh to facilitate matching them with different plans and they do have some I think joined uh risk pools there that that are useful for for
smaller towns. Um but it's certainly an option that we can look at. So there those are two op options that stand out right away. Mhm. >> My only concern with changing the the percentage share for the town is
that it also changes a lot of data moving forward that we have based off of what we've paid in the past. It changes a lot of contracts as well. And then next year, we don't really have something that's as concrete to be able to work back against. We're going to
have to compare numbers for new vendors off of 3 months at 60 and then 9 months at 62.4 or whatever. And I think that it might get a little confusing to actually see if we're getting apples for apples.
If we keep everything at 60 in the current arrangement that it is, yes, it's unfortunate that the town employee is going to have to pay their share of that 20% increase, but I think it gives us better data to look at for next year
in terms of what what those numbers actually look like. I think it's that that that's definitely true in some ways. I think part of the challenge of this is regardless there's a lot of variables that we're playing around with. you know, we'll have to look at have to ask employees and their unions
to think about the difference between moving to plans with deductibles and moving to plans that maybe have lower premiums, but these deductibles or co-pays that might be different. So, um, while I think you're right that that is another variable that could be introduced because we're dealing with so many variables, we'll really need a a
pretty good analysis of this and I'm already looking at options for trying to find some folks who've worked in the healthcare industry to help us, you know, better organize this and price this out um, and run some good models on this. So, I think it will it will be complicated. Well, I I I think you're right that this that adds a little more
complication to it. Um it's it'll be your decision whether you want to take that on. It will still be a complicated process even if we keep that variable the same. >> I I have this plan personally, not through Hatfield, but through the through the trust and and I'm feeling it
too. Um, well, I don't I don't know how this compares to like uh health insurance that you would get anywhere else as it is. Like if we had went out to bid for those other ones, are we going to end up paying more? I mean, is this is this just kind of bringing it up to where I mean, we have
71 is it 71 groups in the trust? Um, you know, a big number like that is very powerful to get these bids and to get the insurance low. I I would assume that we have a lower insurance premium already than everybody else even
with this. Would that be a Would that be accurate or not? >> I feel like that's tough to say though because like if Maya has hundreds of different towns in it >> Yeah. >> then >> but would be argued. >> Yeah. But like with the GIC, is that what it's called? >> Yeah.
>> Is the GI is the GIC are their rates any different than this? Now >> they offer a number of choices in their plans. Um I looked at you know some of their rates say through um Health New England they don't offer Blue Cross Blue Shield like us. So again you don't have an apples to apples comparison because it's different different coverage.
>> Um the premiums looked competitive to me. Um they do have deductibles on those plans. So that's another thing you'd have to compare. >> Um there's an argument that's that I've heard that the trust was offering really strong plans for prices that could be
considered lower >> than what's out there. Um, again, the premiums to me looked similar to what I saw in other areas, but um, the benefits are certainly very good here. So, is this just bringing us into line with what healthcare should cost? I don't
know. I don't have >> I don't have enough data to really say that. I think um it's it's possible to look at it that way, but I think at the same time um you know part of of what I want to make sure was was clear for this board was just the amount that this is
hard for both the town and employees and taking on the extra 20%. So the 40% increase over last year a lot. >> Do you think we need more information before making a decision? And and if if so what information would
you be requesting? I I don't think I need any more information. I mean, it's just this is tough for me on all sides because, you know, everybody's insurance is going to go up. >> Correct. >> I mean, >> and it's going to go up for us and then
we're going to go to the taxpayers whose insurance is probably also going up and ask them to pay us more. >> I mean, I know >> it just keeps going on and going. >> My private sector job, we had a roughly 20% increase this year as well. So >> yeah, >> I mean it's I don't think this is something that's necessarily affecting
just the public sector and I got 20% more taken out of my paycheck every week, you know, and yeah, I it's it's tough. I mean, no one wants to spend more money, but I also I don't know if it's not like you just
touched on. I don't know if it's the burden of the taxpayers to incur that additional 20% that the employees are being asked to contribute. >> I guess the question becomes if you're an employer, what expenses should you be uh taking care of? I mean in the past
we've covered benefits, we've covered a percentage of insurance, we've covered some other aspects of clothing allowance or whatever. So um I guess whether the points you make are very solid and and
very realistic but on one hand it's a big chunk whether even if we went if we went up to 62% it would make them a little bit take away
instead of them paying 20% it'd be paying like 10 or 12% And of course it would we would take on the burden of the additional 20 plus 30 but that would mean a little bit more for us. So
>> but then does that ex set an expectation that if there's another 20% increase in another four years that the town's going to then take on another 2 and a2%. >> Well it's now we're at if if that's what we we feel should be
voted but if we don't vote for it it's not an expectation. I mean sometimes they use this for contract negotiation saying okay you know for the contracts we're willing to increase you know a certain percentage on insurance to to
help out or sometimes it isn't this just came at a bad time it just came out of nowhere because a trust is in trouble and some of their trouble we shouldn't have to suffer for but we are I mean everybody on the the trust is suffering
right now because there's what a $14 million loss in that trust. >> There's about um about eight to $9 million over five months. >> And unfortunately, other insurance plans, you can't get in until like June
or July. I mean, like the state for GIC, they tend to pay 80%. So the we've we've paid 60, but people have liked the plan because there's been no deductibles. Correct. There's there's
no deductibles in your plan. >> There there's some. Yeah. Yeah. >> There are >> I I believe there are for certain things, but Okay. >> Not not very many at all. >> All right. There's not very many deductibles. And you know, yeah, they're going to have to add that kind of stuff onto it,
too, which will affect everybody. But also at the same time, this isn't this isn't affecting every single employee of the town. >> It's affecting those that take the health insurance. >> Just the people. Yeah. The people that take the health insurance.
>> I mean, like Greg, like you say, you have this a similar plan. You know, would you expect your employer to then increase their contribution rate because the rates went up across the board for both private or for both? >> I don't the member. >> I don't expect them to do that. I don't
think they will be doing that. >> Yeah, >> I don't either. >> And I I think I think we've given the I I just I I feel like we've given what we can for everybody for raises and what we could afford. And I I think that if if we if we increase this, which I I kind of want to
because I feel for them and I want to keep our employees, but at the same time, you know, that we we've told all the employees that this is all we can do and that was all we could do like for giving people raises and getting everybody up to,
you know, what their earnings is. And that would be that would be helping only again the people that have insurance through us. We won't be helping the people that don't have insurance through us who are
probably also feeling this but not directly through us. If that makes sense. >> Yeah. I mean, the person who elected to not take a plan through us, I'm fairly confident in saying that they probably also faced the health insurance
increase, >> right? And we weren't able to give them any help. So, it's just >> Yeah, I think that's fairation. >> You also have um I mean, for for an employee, if they're making say $50,000 a year, their their cola this year was
2.7%. And that brings that translates to 1350. So if they're on the family plan, um that's been negated by this increase, which we didn't budget for and wasn't planned. So I just for the folks who, you know, made their budgets coming into
this year, this is a cost they weren't expecting. And >> while they have the opportunity to leave the plan on health insurance, they don't necessarily have the opportunity to say go on to a spouse's plan or something else because it's not a qualifying event for them. They also uh don't have the they have the opportunity to move from
our HMO to our PO, but that wouldn't be a very large savings compared to uh sorry, they can go from the PO to the HMO. That still wouldn't be a very large savings compared to the amount of the uh the hit they'd be getting. >> So, if I'm hearing both of you guys,
right, you want to leave it as is. >> I I' I'd like to leave it as is. And on top on top of what I just said about comparing employees to employees, I I don't want to go back to the taxpayers and ask for more money. >> And we already do need to ask the taxpayers for more money. I based on
where we're currently at. It's it could be anywhere between $86,000 the floor right now. While I put 133 as your ceiling, it could go higher. >> Right. Yeah. We we haven't even discussed what those numbers then move to, right? >> By changing the percentage ask. So yeah,
I'm I'm in favor of leaving it at the 60 where it's at. >> I am too. >> Well, then that that's fine. I guess I don't have a vote on this because that's that's fine. That's why there's three of us because >> we're not always going to agree and as
long as we can disagree to agree. So, and that's okay. But we can always come back and revisit this at any time. So, that's okay. So, I'll leave it at this topic. We will I'll leave it open to come back and revisit at a later date. >> And if there's more information that
would be helpful, please just let me know. Uh this the the information you gave us about the going to be one of my questions. So that's that is helpful to know. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah, I mean and that was that was based on say if someone made $50,000 a year which land employees make more some
make less than a goal of you know 2.7% that translates to 1350 more a year and you know the for the nine months if they were on say that person was on the the family plan they'll be spending $1,700
more so there goes the cola >> but I think we also need to visit other plans plans to see what's available, especially GIC. >> Yeah, that's absolutely something we need to be doing and that's a solution for for next year. It it will not affect
this year and the 40% increase for folks >> and there is a possibility that the state might even help with this because they have asked uh the senators and and the representatives to see if there's any relief from the state. >> Correct. I mean,
>> the trust has asked for for funding from the state. Um, it seems unlikely that that would come or if it did, it might come with the the the ask that they use that funding to settle their accounts and shut down and move everyone to the the state's plan, which I think is what
the state would want to see, but I don't know. I can't speak for the legislators. >> That's that's poor that's more likely a scenario telling them to shut down and go to the state's plan. Probably >> we just we don't know where where this
will head. Okay, this is impressive. >> So, with that being said, we'll move on to topic five. So, topic five, we've already declared the town and I we did the proclamation. I believe this is something I'm supposed
to read tomorrow, so I don't need to read it. >> You don't need to read it tonight. Just make sure people are uh comfortable with some of the date changes, word changes. Should be good to go. >> Topic six. uh water and sewer billing. As as most people know, we've always
been behind on setting water sewer rates. So, there is a proposal to set to have four billings a year to give us a better chance of being correct on setting the rates or are doing that if I
believe this is the proposal for >> precisely. Yeah. And we had a great meeting with uh with Tony uh Marlo and Tammy and myself where we worked through when would the billing need to take place in order to uh collect the the
funding that we need for that fiscal year. And then there kind of three things that we needed to figure out at the same time. when the uh rates would have to be changed, um when the usage periods would occur, and then when the billing would happen because we don't
want to bill people set different rates for water they've already used. That just can't be done. It's not fair to folks. Uh so we've already changed the rates here. We will run uh we're doing a uh reading right now that will bill people at the old rates from March until
the end of July. Then the new rates will uh take effect in August and we'll do that until uh the end of December and then have billing in January. That's a transition to get us to four bills a year. Um because that will be two
five-month periods. Then starting in January 1st, uh running through a usage period that ends at the end of March. Uh that'll be the the next the first quarterly usage period and we will bill for that. uh we'll read in April is you'll read in April and then bill in
May. So that this puts us in a a period where that the usage is the quarters that people can understand and then the billing will occur uh August, November, February and May. So puts us on four billing cycles um that will then line up
uh with the fiscal year and they'll also it'll help Tony because the usage will run on the calendar year which is what he needs to report to D. And then um we will set the rates. We'll plan to do that in March so that um the billing
cycle that runs from the usage cycle that runs from April to June can be uh set uh for that new rate and we'll have already drafted our budget at that point so we can reflect the new um costs that we anticipate. So I think that this cycle should work really well. Um if I'm
leaving anything out, I have a feeling Tony will text me and tell me. Um, but I I think this this should uh put us in a really good position for the future and then there's a transition in there uh that bills people fairly based on the rates that were just set um and transitions well to the quarterly.
>> I appreciate you guys working on this to to help us out with that. I I sort of like the idea. >> I do too. >> So, I need a motion them. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh, I'll make a motion to approve the new water sewer billing schedule to
four times per year, February, May, August, and November of each year, and a transition period this year with billings in September and February. >> Motion made. >> Second. >> Motion seconded. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I oppose. Motion carries.
So, again, thank you guys for working out the billing thing. That's that's a big help, I think, to us in the town. Topic seven, we have a resignation from Nicholas Heert from the rec commission.
Um, I'll need a motion on that. >> Uh, with thanks to Nick, I will make a motion. Well, thanks for doing what he did, I should say. I'll make a motion to accept the resignation of Nicholas Heert from the Recreation Commission. >> Motion made and seconded. And all in
favor? >> I. >> I. All post. Motion carries. Yes. And let's make sure we send Nicholas a letter of thank you for his years on the rec committee. And unfortunately due to job com constraints
and other issues, he was unable he was unable to continue serving. And we're looking at an appointment of Holland Hogan to open space committee. I'll make a motion to appoint Holland Hogland to the open space committee.
>> Second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. All in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries. No opposition to that motion. >> Thank you. >> Thank that person for all in for getting into that committee too. We need people.
Absolutely. We need people. >> Yes. Um appointment of Cheryl Stevens as election worker. Uh, I'll make a motion to appoint Cheryl Stevens as an election worker.
>> Motion made. Motion seconded. I'll second that. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any oppose? Motion carries. >> Thank you, Cheryl. And then there's a listing for reappointment of pole workers for the
period of September 1st, 2025 through August 31st, 2026. >> You were handed a updated version of that list. The earlier one did not include Karen Karowski. Uh so she's been added to our list.
>> Okay. So we have the updated list and >> Yep. So I'll make a motion to reappoint poleworkers for the period of September 1st, 2025 through August 31st, 2026 as presented.
>> Second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Uh >> I. >> All in favor? >> Any discussion? Any opposed? No. Motion carries. Okay. Uh we're getting finally to Marlo DPW report. So why don't you
come on down Marlo? I know you've been sitting there patiently waiting. Again, uh folks, this is our new DPW director, Marlo, and uh he has our his first DPW report for us as our new DPW
director. >> Okay. Can you hear me? Um, so do we want to um talk about uh the highway superintendent full-time appointment first? >> Okay. >> You have a letter um that a memo that I
sent you. Um we interviewed uh we had a posting from uh the 16th through the 30th of July. We received two applications um internally. Um both candidates were interviewed by Andrew and myself on the
31st of July. Um both candidates interviewed very well. Um but at this point I'm recommending uh Dwayne Mi who who is the the interim to to full-time. Um
since I've come aboard he's been a really big help. Um he definitely knows his business when it comes to highway and all the functions. Um he's dedicated. Um the crews resp the crew responds to him real well. Uh and the big thing for me is his communication to
me. Uh and his communication with the public. That's something we've really been focusing on since I came aboard, getting right back to folks, letting them know when we can take care of something or when we can't take care of something. Um, so, um, there's been some very good input to me from I've met a
lot of people, uh, in the last month and there's been good input on, uh, how Dwayne's handling the crew, uh, the workload, they're seeing the workers working out there, um, and also the way he handles the public, um, in response to them, in response to their issues.
So, um, at this time, I'm recommending him uh, to full-time. Um he's very good at setting priorities. Uh he jumped right into the chapter 90. Uh him and I worked together with uh district 2. Um
at this time um there there's not a a uh salary increase, but he was requesting a a town phone which is 70 a stipen for 70 $75 a month. That has changed. Um he's decided to uh take on a town phone and
have the two phones. So, he has his business phone, not his personal sellout to everyone. So, the stipend at this point um is not going to be needed. So, it's a little change from last week's information to you. I've heard a lot of good things about Dwayne. So, I have no
objection to your appointment. Uh any comment from my colleague? >> Any opposition? >> No, I like Dwayne. I look forward to him taking this job. So, I will entertain a motion. >> I'll make a motion to approve Dwayne
Mian as highway and superintendent. >> Second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? Uh, all in favor? >> Motion carries. Okay. So, Dwayne is your new highway superintendent. >> Thank you.
>> Uh, so that will leave an operator's position open. Um, I don't want to bounce around on on the document. and I sent you. But since we're on the subject, uh that opens up a operator's position and we also have one laborer's
position open. Um that the best time to review a job description in my opinion is when somebody vacates a position. Best time to review them and send them along to to uh to to the board for approval. So, um I did rewrite the uh
operator's job description. Um and so as soon as we get approval from you with the operator, the laborer, and I also am introducing a new job description, but not a new new addition to the highway department. Um, but as soon as we get
your approval on those job descriptions, I can at least um get those out out to advertisement, the operator and the and the laborer. Um, the the the new job description is is labeled as a crew chief. Um, a lot of what we I've been
focusing on is chain of command. Um, and I tried to put this in the best format I could for you. Um, with everything going on and taking little pieces of everything and a little little uh improvements at at different times. Um,
so the the crew chief position, it's not a higher paid position. It it's a title and and and it was written in such a way that they're going to be um, for lack of better terms, the foreman on the job out there with the highway crew. you know, boots on the ground with with them doing
projects. Um, they will take orders from from Dwayne um and myself, priorities and whatnot. And hopefully we get a work order system going and and the work orders for the day or even for the week, set uh set priorities by Dwayne. Um, and
that individual as the crew chief will be working with the crew, keeping the crews moving from one priority to the next. uh knowledgeable on, you know, uh traffic safety, all that stuff, handling the stuff handson with those projects in
the field with the crew. Um so I felt that that title kind of fit. Uh we've used it I've used it in other communities. Um so in and Dwayne on his end, it's it's not really taking anything away from Dwayne. It's a matter
of Dwayne having the time on instituting a work order system. Uh instituting uh a safety program that that we need to institute. We're we're kind of behind on that. Uh when it comes to OSHA and uh DLS and whatnot. Um so that I didn't
mean to jump all around. Like I said, that that's uh those are before you tonight, I believe. I believe for for taking a peek at >> I would say that the changes to the labor and uh heavy equipment operator
positions are are pretty small from the last time you would have uh seen them but um want to give Marlo the opportunity to review and and make some changes. And then the crew chief one is is new for you to look at. Obviously it's your first time seeing these tonight. So, if you need to take more time with them, they can be approved at
your next meeting. But, um, they're also smaller changes for the especially for the heavy equipment operator. >> I'm not seeing them in my packet. I could be >> And this was um I >> Oh, and the update. I got you. Okay.
Sorry. Yeah. >> The only question I have about the crew chief function um would be that in in a I guess in a town this size, we don't necessarily want to become too topheavy, you know what I
mean? With a director and then a highway super crew chief, operators, laborers. How do you see that working when there's no seasonals here and there's a less staffing on the DPW side? >> Well, well, the the crew chief is is
still would be responsible for operating equipment, laboring and and whatnot. That's why I put the labor section in there. Um, they're still responsible if we only have a threeperson crew. The crew she's going to hop in wherever they're needed. Say we're, you know, doing an excavation of some sort or
maybe a small sidewalk replacement or something. they're going to be hands-on. >> So, it's more just outlining who the foreman of that of your operational crew is when Dwayne's unavailable to be on the job site. >> Well, the other piece of it is rather than four or five people calling Dwayne
throughout the day, >> yeah, >> they can deal with the crew chief. >> Okay, makes sense. >> And and again, I I truly recognize the the size of the department and I I I wanted to make it clear, in fact, we work with the union, too, on these. We
wanted to make it clear that it wasn't another supervisor position, if you will. Um, >> so is it just a position with a title that outlines essentially who's in charge and establishes the chain of command or is there a higher pay scale
with it as well? >> Uh, no higher pay scale at this point in time. >> Okay. So, it's just simply Yeah. a title. >> It it'll be paid probably the operator's rate. >> Okay. All right. >> Yeah. Yeah. Nothing changing there. I mean, we can look at that later on down the road, but um I'm just uh I think
last meeting I had said that we we kind of got to establish the the chain of command and reestablish the the division, the highway division and go from there. >> Well, with that clarification, I don't I don't have a problem. >> So, this isn't an additional position.
This is just >> No. >> And it would be the same as a heavy equipment operator. >> Yes. Job description wise, >> we have two other we have two heavy equipment operators already, >> but again, the crew chief can fill in as
a he as a heavy equipment operator. >> And this is okay with the union. >> Yes. Yeah. >> They reviewed this and approved. They had some edits and there this reflects their edits. >> Yeah. >> Even the
crew chief. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yeah. In fact, those were the only edits out of the three, I believe, >> was on the increase sheet position. >> It was like a sentence and a half or something like that. So, >> and they agreed with the I don't know what the changes are that you made, whatever the changes are that you made
in the other descriptions. >> Yes. So, they're mostly for format, >> right? Oh, okay. Understood. Then, >> and mostly the the heavy equipment operator was I I think that was the furthest behind. It was a lot of one sentence, like four pages. and I took
and combined it and tried to format it the the the last few that you all have done and then the ones I was working on trying to make them all look the same format. >> Any other questions on job description? The only last one that I have for heavy
equipment operator, nowhere does it list that you have to have like a 2A 1C or a 4G. It doesn't list any of that in here. >> I generally go by what what's required um as the licenses keep changing. You
may know, right? Um so I think it's in there um that I would determine what what's needed for the position somewhere. It just did what? It Yeah, it there's hoist hoisting license and class B CDL.
>> Yes, >> you just didn't say which I don't uh minimum qualifications on the second page. Oh yeah, my mistake. I glazed over that. >> Perfect. >> Yeah. an example is if we got like over
the guard rail mower, I'd have to add four G's to everyone and and I normally put in there whatever's required under Mass General Law or whatever to operate that that piece of equipment rather than have to come to the board if they make changes to the different hoisting
licenses and what's needed like you need a 4G for for a true over the guardrail mower. um the more we're getting, we don't we don't have to have that. But if we get into a position where we have to have additional endorsements on them hoisting, um I can make that
determination um as well as the the highway superintendent rather than, you know, I could come back every three months as the state changes things and and you rewrite these things. So, >> no, that makes sense. Kind of like a coverall. >> Just I overread that.
>> No problem. I'm good with everything. I'm good with all this, too. >> So, I'll make a motion to approve the job descriptions for laborer, heavy equipment operator, and crew chief. >> Uh, second. >> Okay. Motion made. Motion seconded. Any
discussion? Um, all in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries. Great. >> Okay. continue with your uh DPW report. I do want to say I am impressed with receiving uh a handout from you on uh an
update on what you've been doing. I I really appreciate that. >> It's amazing how much has changed since August 7th that I could have added to this or changed with updates, but stuff's moving fast right now with the projects. Um, one other small personnel
change is, uh, moving forward, I'm going to have the, uh, DPW mechanic report directly to me. Um, and the reason for that at this point is is I got to get my handle on the equipment. Um, also I have a little bit of vested interest being a former mechanic myself. So, um, I want
to dig in and and see, you know, the fleet is what make makes the town go. Um, we work on everything over there. So, I want to get kind of a handle on it and work directly with our mechanic uh on priorities um and making everybody part of the discussion of equipment
going forward, too. So, um he's still going to report to to the the highway superintendent in snow and ice. Uh but daytoday, um I want to talk to him more and more in and at least every other day and start putting some stuff together. So, um it looks like we need a major
cleaning out of the yard and and in the shop, too. So, that'll be part of it come fall. So, um again, um I've been really focusing on on communication with the public,
communication with Andrew. Um myself personally, I've had some very good conversations with the taxpayer. Um, they've been excellent actually, all of them. Um, and I'm also trying to instill that in the the superintendent as much as I can
because it's important that everyone knows where their dollars are going and what we're up to. Um, and getting back to somebody in a timely manner is is really important to me. Always has been. So, um, it it was been going pretty smooth. You may have heard about the
Mountain Road 5 and 10 intersection that was milled. It's a state project. Um, there was no signage. They never put any transitions in. Uh, bicycle had an accident there. People were going to start blowing tires. Potholes were forming. Um, so Dwayne and I were
working together. He was working at Mass DOT and they finally got some signs out there. They painted the rings and um, we ran it up the chain at Mass DOT and it's supposed to be paved Thursday or Friday. So, in case you all heard anything, uh, we we we had a few that said they were going to bring bring it to the select
board's attention because we, let's say we were having slow communication, uh, from the other side on that, but >> the paper and the roller are there. >> Thank you. >> So, >> I saw the signs in the painted rings on the way home last night. Finally,
>> they got dropped this afternoon, so it was a good sign. >> Well, they're not going to leave it there long. Okay. >> So, very good. Uh, Hatfield, just a few projects. I mean, you have all this um I actually met with the school superintendent today to get up on all
three roofs and all three long ladders to get up on the roofs because we're having to walk through next week and and uh Andrew, jump in if I'm overlapping you because we're in a transition together too on projects and and whatnot. Um, so there's a walkthrough. I
believe there was seven for the roof and for the boilers. There was there was seven companies that took out docks, >> which is a good sign. Um, >> and it kind of dovetales into the the parking lot and street paving. I got updated numbers. I met with um um a
contractor yesterday. Uh, as of right now for the roadway for Billings, um, in both school lots, uh, we're looking at close to 1.1 million right now is the latest quote. Um, but
>> Yeah. Yeah. which I expected a little higher. Um, which is good, but we're looking at it's tricky on the timing. Um, they they actually suggested to me that that we don't run all kinds of equipment on a brand new mat for up to
six months to a year, especially in the heat, you know, we've been having. So, we could go through the Furcog bid and and get the bids for parking lots, which we weren't in this year. Um, but I think we need to stick to getting the bid out in January, February on our own and and
we'll put that together so that we can get right in the queue for for the contractor that gets the bid to get right in there as soon as school is out in the spring. In the meantime, it's our hope that we can get the boiler and the roof done before then. So, it kind of
reversed itself because I we don't have time to get bids out for the paving and then them get to it this year anyways. So, um, if you have anything to add, Andrew. Um, so that that's just my my thinking at this point. Um, so hopefully
things will work out that way. Um, Route Five Water and Sewer. Um, I've reached out for, um, I believe DPC and I was requesting a copy of the video that was taken of the new sewer lines out there.
um they said they were in review and that uh I'd receive them as soon as they were done reviewing. So that's kind of where we're at on that project. Not not much further to update at this point. Um so um the grants the chapter 90 for the
first time in I think since 2015 other than small supplemental amounts uh the governor really added quite a bit of money to the to the road money this year the chapter 90. So these were approximate figures I put in here. I just got a new spreadsheet late this afternoon from district 2. I think I'm
pretty close. Um, and as far as what we're paving this year, Elm Street and that last 450 ft of maple, is it that we're going to do that whole stretch that's in the hopper. Uh, they're going to mill and start raising
basins the week of September 8th and is due to be paved the week of the 15th at at this point of September. Um, subject to change with weather and schedules with with paving contract. >> We can get that on the website at this time. Can we? >> Yeah. I I just Yeah, I would caution
weather permitting because if we It does It's not in the forecast. You get a week of rain, it's going to throw the contractor off for a week on his other uh jobs. >> Maybe let the schools know about that. >> Yep. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um
so, u I'm looking into a work order system. Uh I chatted with the fire chief. He he's got a system and maybe I can dubtail off that to save the the town some money. um him and I will meet and talk about that and I'll take a peek at it and see what he's using and maybe we just pay a
portion of it and we get our module in there too. So um for a better cost. Um the new F550 has arrived. Um it's all set, ready to go. We're just waiting on the plow. We had to order the plow for it. So um and I think I put in here the
the other vehicles. um one's due in October, the water truck and um the um the sewer truck hasn't hit production yet, so I don't have a date on that. I'm guessing that's going to be one of those. It'll be 9 10 11 12 months out. Uh which is pretty standard ordering a
new truck today that's needs to be built. Um and the council on aging van is about a year out year out year away before we see it. So we just recently put it all back together in the shop in
recent days. So, um, do you have, uh, let's see. I'm looking into the transfer station compactor replacement. Apparently, we have some money set aside from a few years ago, so I'm going to see if I can. The the floor on that
thing's getting pretty thin, so it needs a lot of work. So, I'm looking into that. Um, and then Tony had mentioned a potential voluntary water ban late this afternoon. I haven't talked to him. um only because of the weather forecast and what he's
running for numbers. Um and we can get more information to you on that um when we get to it. Um anything else? Any questions or >> No, you gave us an update also on the uh logging of for
>> Oh, yes. Yes. If there's any I just received that. I didn't really review it. I got it late this afternoon and we pulled the numbers off radar for the for the actual grant and the appropriation. uh remaining funds that you have a copy of. Um
so >> so they they started up there or they're not >> Excuse me. >> They started cutting already or >> Oh yeah. Oh yeah. >> So where where up there were they cutting? Is it you have the tree farm? Is it on this side or is it up further?
It's uh so when you come up mountain road up to the tree farm and there's that dirt road on the left that's reservoir road that goes to the back side of the reservoir. That's where they started. >> Okay. That's where they're >> some of the larger timber through there. This phase two that's in our packet is
going to be to the south west. So more where the trail entrance is and the other entrance to the water department. It's going to be some of the timber that's in there as well as um when you continue down the road through the dirt portion before you turn you would turn
left onto rocks. Uh there's some old fire roads in there and there's some plantation red pine that is all beetle kill and dying and there's a lot of invasives in there. So, one of the things that the forestry um the forester outlines
is that there's going to need to be some uh some management in that area that ultimately since you're not producing timber off of it is going to cost some sort of dollar figure, but may be able to be offset with proceeds from the
other timber harvesting. I mean, that was sort of the idea to get money in and then attack the invasives up there where we kind >> So, they have a there is an invasive um removal company called Tangled Roots Landscaping. They go through and they pull invasives by hand in some of the
more sensitive areas. So, that is still being done, but there's going to need to be some pretty large mechanical um control of some of it in these in like those beetle killed areas and stuff where there's not going to be a lot of production of marketable timber. So
>> anyways, we're that's been a five-year process. It's happened. >> We're moving along. That's a good thing. >> Things are moving in a good direction overall. So >> perfect. >> The land needed to be cut and managed and that's exactly what they're doing. So they're doing a very good job with it. So
>> nice. >> The one other update I got late last week after I had sent this in was um the treatment plant project. They got the stairs in. They're moving right along on that that building. So, um,
>> well, looking good, Marlo. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. >> So, any more questions for Mr. Warner? >> I guess >> then you can get home. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Please pass the order. Anybody needs anything phone, it works now, too. So, uh, anybody has a concern, complaint, work order, send them our way. Good. Thank you. Thank you.
>> Topic nine, town administrator report. >> Yep. I'll be very brief since uh uh meetings go along nicely. You you have the uh report from me in your packet. Uh we've already talked about group insurance trust. You've heard a great update from from Marlo. We also were
working on a couple things around uh energy management the last couple weeks and and facilities. Uh so that was that was good. Um I've recently joined the Massachusetts Municipal Association's Municipal and Regional Administration Policy
Committee. Uh they extra spot on that and offered to me which I'm very excited to be a part of. Uh I had our first meeting last month and discussed the um number of bills that are priority for MMA. Uh and one of them they talked
about uh kind of some early thoughts on the chapter 61A right of reverse refusal process. So that affects some of our land that's in um agricultural chapter support. So that was interesting to to hear some thoughts on that. Um I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on things
that I hear from what's going on in the state. So it'll be useful. Um Smith Academy carpets got started yesterday. uh already started. Not sure how many rooms they finished so far, but carpet is down in a couple rooms already. So that will be done before the start of
the school year. Uh teachers come back I think the the 25th. So by end of next week they will be done plan. So they're moving really quickly. They'll get some more guys on the crew, but this looks like it's going really well. Um, I'm not sure how in depth all of you were aware
of this, but unfortunately the they did not have uh the purple trim that the superintendent wanted to uh install on the rooms. So, we had to go with a steel blue color instead. Uh, so we will not have purple trim on all the carpets. Um, make of that what you will. Uh, but it's
going to end up looking pretty good. Um, and then the um bylaw review committee met again today. Uh, Marlo was there. Good meeting. Uh we'll keep you updated on our progress there. There's an interest in uh getting some help from an outside vendor called ECode 360 that
helps with the reformatting and then the online posting of uh the bylaws in a pretty userfriendly format. If you've ever seen how Hadley or some other towns post their bylaws, it looks pretty sharp. Um and I didn't realize just how much support that they offer kind of
transition process as well. It's vetted by some municipal lawyers and other things. So it could be a helpful thing for us to consider in that committee. We'll brief you more on that in the future. Uh and that's all I have for tonight. Uh the next thing that I had on on the
agenda under my report was continue our discussion around select board goals. And I did pass out to you um both uh the whole summary matrix of goals and actions that came from the comprehensive plan as well as a two-page version that
just had the goals. So not all the actions but the goals that uh identify the select board as either responsible or as in a support role. So that's for your review. Um happy to start going through some of that tonight or we can save it for our next meeting. Uh you can
read through it more and be ready for the next meeting. So I leave that to discretion of the chair. >> Oh wow. I mean we've already had a long meeting. I I unless you guys want to continue on the matrix soon and >> I think it'd be a good topic to take up.
>> Okay, agree. >> Yeah, sounds great. >> Sounds like a plan. >> Okay, next meeting we'll put that at the beginning of the uh >> topics. >> Okay, so that brings us to topic nine.
So no, we're done with topic nine. So topic 10 um pursuant to mass general laws chapter 30 section 21A2 conduct strategy sessions and preparations for negotiation with
non-union personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with non union personnel and we will not be coming back into open session. Uh do I have a second on that? A second.
>> Uh George B. I >> I am going to be recusing myself from this executive session uh based on the advice of the state ethics committee. >> Okay. So, uh
I had a second and we have one abstain due to uh the reasoning and so I guess we're >> roll call vote to uh >> we're we moving into executive session. You just do the you should just do the vote to move into executive session.
>> Okay. U Jorski I >> Very good. >> Thank you, John. And have a good night.