Hey, welcome. Call our meeting to order for October 28th. Uh begin with our public participation at town of Hatfield Select Board meetings. The Hatfield Select Board welcomes everyone to its 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 conform to the [clears throat] open meeting laws. Exe executive sessions are closed to the public and will be held only 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 a balance between hearing from members of the community and conducting the required business of the
Hatfield select board for the public's information. This meeting is being recorded. And with that, under announcements, uh, just a reminder, [clears throat] Halloween's this Friday. Be careful as you watch the different
ghouls and spooks warning around. So, be careful uh, driving out there. And also on November 11th will be Veterans Day ceremony in front of town hall at 11:00 a.m. Veterans Day is 1111.
It was supposed to be the war to end all wars. It's uh also referred to as Armistice Day. So, if the public can attend uh to honor your veterans on 11 at 11:00 a.m., that would be very nice. Uh with that, those are my
announcements. Do my colleagues have any announcements? >> I just wanted to say congratulations uh to Bill Inglehart for all his hard work for the town. uh he was given the um well I should say he earned the hometown hero award that was given at uh
homecoming last weekend. So um congratulations to Bill and certainly all of his work is is noticed. So >> nice. >> Nothing. >> Okay, with that I'll just add one thing. >> I want to add one one announcement just on the Halloween topic. Uh this Friday
the public library will be open from 1 to 7 normal hours, but they'll do a special uh trick or read event for kids between 1 and 7. If you come in in a costume, you can pick out a free book to to keep. Uh they'll also have some donate uh candy donated by the friends of the Hatfield Library. So nice little
event at the library to check out. >> Thank you for reminding us. Appreciate it. Uh anything else we have for announcements? Nope. >> If if nothing else, then uh is anybody here for public forum? If not, then we will go to our consent
agenda. Um, do I have a motion for approval of October? >> I make a motion to approve October 14th, 2025 and October 21st, 2025 meeting minutes. >> Second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? All in favor?
>> Motion carries. [snorts] Um I know we have a couple gentlemen here that for for topics four. So since you gentlemen there I was going [snorts] to move you forward on
the agenda if that's okay with my colleagues >> and we have uh Rich Abbott and uh >> that works a lot worked a lot. >> Yeah. Okay. This is actually two two different items. Topic three and four. I guess the
three is the um we'd like to um engage Bay State Forestry to do some um management of of invasive plants up at uh Horse [clears throat] Mountain. So, um, back in 2017, the town acquired
several parcels on Hos Mountain through grants, some town money, but a lot of grant money. And as part of that, the property was conserved under CR. We've been working on trails to connect up to a sort of a little network of trails
that go along the the ridge up there. And um several acres of that property has some heavy uh invasive plants growth and the previous owner Bob Cole was um managing them and we wanted to continue that. So
we have some CPA money which we actually got quite a while ago and want to um you know engage Bay State Forest to do some work. Um, in the original proposal, we were going to have them cutting vines, treating the vines, brush painting them, doing some hand work, and
also doing some spraying, but we have backed off. We decided not to do spraying just because there's a, you know, there's some risk there, which we just, you know, want to avoid. Um, so the total CPA ward and the amount we engage state forestry worth would be
like $15,000. Do we have any other discussion on that? Well, >> uh, we have a proposal from them, which I assume we might want to update since it does still mention the spraying the proposal, which is fine. We can work with them to update that. >> Um, as long as you you approve of the
the general approach here, then we can move forward with the open space committee signing a contract or at least sign a proposal with them. But, um, if this this board wants to discuss, you know, any questions on it, we do have the experts here to answer what the plan is. Well, I know we've been talking
about invasive species up up in the the wood lots and one of the reason that we did the logging was to capture some money that we could use to help keep the forest healthy and invasive species. So,
I mean that's been a discussion now for quite a few years. And now that we finally got the logging started, that's a good thing up there, right? So, and this proposal you present, I I like it basically. I don't know if you want to comment on it.
>> I guess I I have a few questions. One would be that if they're not going to be spending time uh applying the herbicides and there's no material cost for herbicides, how much more acreage does that get us for treatment?
>> Well, um to be determined. I'm actually meeting with him Friday because this was the original um ask was doing the treatment, >> right? >> Um but basically they charge hundred bucks an hour and they originally had like four guys, you know, for whatever
that you know four or five days I think it added up to. >> Right. Right. And like the original spec went out for a two and a half acre area. Just curious that if they're not going to be spending so much time with application and there's no material cost associated with it, are we going to be able to get three acres out of it?
>> So that two and a half acres is so intensely overgrown with invasives that we didn't even anticipate that we'd get through all that. >> Gotcha. >> Even with spraying and you know with the handwork. So our our our goal is there's
a as you walk in there's some invasives >> kind of lower ones we deal with a little bit of a path and then when you get up there's a nice rock wall a nice y >> area there with a might have been an old orchard or at least an old field that we'd like to sort of start making inroads. So as you go up there you got
>> sort of the you know nice little >> scenery and then start making inroads on that two and a half acres at that point. >> Okay. >> Kind of to be determined how far we get. It's hard to hard to know that some of the stuff is so thick we actually didn't even go through it. We kind of went around it.
>> I guess my other question would be is that uh in their proposal there's a you know a 90% or more elimination of existing invasive plants. So that gives us a metric to be able to measure their work. Since we're not going to be treating with an herbicide that's
actually going to kill the root systems, how are we going to establish what is a good application? because as most people probably are aware, you cut down these invasives and a year or two they're right back repprouted. So
>> yeah, um you know that's a tough one. You know, we would like to sort of start replanting some native stuff whether you know obviously that would take some funding and all that in terms of measuring it. You know, I think a lot of it is just going to be I mean, I think
we'll be able to tell, like I said, if the few areas that we picked out, we'll be able to tell how far they get. You know, I think the trick is trying to sort of then reclaim that and not have this, you know, plants grow back. And that's >> right. >> The only way you're going to do that is
sort of try to plant some, you know, um, some native plants, which >> Right. But I think the problem with the invasives lies that you already have established invasive material that grows faster than our native plants do anyway. Yeah. >> And they've already got a jump start
because they have established root systems. >> Yeah. So, I mean, my personal opinion would be that I think that you're still going to have to do some sort of herbicide application and rather than doing broadcast folure spray, if they're going to do paint applications to individual
stems and not using long residuals like glyphosate and things like that, then I think the application of the herbicides is probably, I would say, encouraged. Um, I would run it through conservation and see if they have anything that they would want to add on that because some
herbicides can be restricted or you get certain ones that don't have surfactants in it that you can use near wet areas and things like that. So there's low residuals. >> Yeah. And that you know the wet areas really was our main concern because um, you know, a lot of folks up there in know well I think all all the houses up
there have wells, >> right? >> And there's definitely wetlands coming straight down the hill. >> Yep. And that's, you know, part of the reason we kind of backed off at the last moment with the pesticides, you know, because, you know, it's tough to read, you know,
you know, how uh what the risks with these things are. It really depends on who you're talking to. I think the folks who who deal with it every day feel pretty comfortable with it, >> right? >> But then you have other places, other towns that have banned certain things, you know. So, >> Right. >> Yeah. I just I saw in the original
proposal that came out that um you know contractors proposing use of glyphosis fate must also submit an alternate everything that they've proposed is an alternate um and I'm pretty sure that triaper can
also be used in wetland areas and I would I would urge if you know to get a better result to to talk with some of the people at D about it because there are full lists of of herbicides and um that can be used directly into an abuing
wetlands. >> Okay. >> Um there's, you know, an example on North Hatfield Road, there was a lot of Japanese knweed that was directly um getting into an agricultural ditch that was carrying water. and they were the land owner was able to work with both
conservation and DP to find um they actually proposed three different um herbicides that were all appropriate for use there. So, I definitely understand the um you know the hesitation about the herbicides and the long-term effects of
them, but I do think there are some that would probably work well and then also get you that long-term result, right? You know, because I mean, even if they go in there, I mean, if they go in there this winter, the plants already dormant. And so, even if you cut the cut the shoots off and dispose of them or leave
them to decay, it's going to immediately send up response growth first thing in the spring. >> Yeah. >> And it's going to send up that growth before you can even try to get anything else replanted. So, >> yeah. Well, we'll talk, you know, keep that in mind. I'll talk to Bay State
Forest again on Friday. Um, and then take it from there and see if we can come up with something that would uh, >> right? I would just hate to see you guys spend this money and then have to spend it again in the exact same area next year, >> right? >> You know, because the kill because you're not going to get that full kill, >> right?
>> Um, that's just >> Would you be suggesting we wait and have them get some more information or what would >> from base date? I would say pro my opinion would be yes. I don't think that application timing of this service whether it waits another two weeks until
our next meeting is going to be detrimental to the project. >> Yeah. Then they wouldn't they in the proposal that they responded um they weren't even going to start it till weren't do anything to next February. >> Perfect. So, I would say let's talk with them and see if they have any other suggestions or if we need to reach out
at Mark Stinson at D and get an approved list of of herbicides that might be able to be used in this application. >> Sure. >> Um and I just think we're going to get a a long better long-term solution, >> right? >> Um because unless you're going to do root excavation with this stuff, it's I
mean and then you're disturbing soil and all that. though. >> Um, you know, controlled application seems like it would probably be the best solution. So, that's that's just my >> Would you be in agreement with that? >> Okay. >> Yeah, I appreciate >> we we suggest
>> you come back again, but >> I I mean these are some good suggestions, I think. >> Are you also here for the White Rock Trail? Is Mark here for that or? >> Yeah, this this is a >> while you're here. It's um topic number
four. Um this this uh issue came up back in 2019 actually. Um um and we had just uh constructed a trail off of Rocks Road. Um one of which, uh there's three trails that head
up to White Rock. Um and they all kind of meet in one spot and then there's the trail that goes in the steepest area up to White Rock. But this particular area is is kind of the the northernmost trail. Um, and we built it in 2017 or 18
and then in 2019 um some no trespassing signs popped up in the in the middle of the woods. Um, and it uh so it it we had to uh we brought it to
the border selectment at that time. Um, and it was decided that we should hire a surveyor or a surveyor should be hired should be hired and both parties, the town and the the land owner would um agree to hire this surveyor and
make a final determination as to what the property line really was. And it I guess it took all these I think the surveyor was engaged in 2020 or 2021. I'm not sure. Maybe Andrew knows the answer. But, uh, I remember
going out to the site, had >> this conversation, a board meeting, and and I'm just surprised it's unfortunately it's taken this long. Yeah. >> To get the survey, but it's finally got done. So, >> survey finally got done. >> And it does prove that the land
>> is is a town owned land. So the next step I believe is a recommendation to send to the land owner or or has the land owner already receive this report? >> So the the recommendation would be to send the report along with a letter from
council and town council just to make sure we we have that uh phrased well. Um updating the land owner of the findings of this report. Um I want to just thank Karen for persistence on this. uh we went through a number of survey companies that would tell us they were
starting the work and then just never ended up doing it. So uh a lot of persistence from her and following through these folks from from Northeast Survey. We really appreciate them getting this done. Um so that would be the recommendation is to take these findings share with the landowner with a letter from council as well
>> and I assume we we council would be asking the landowner to remove the no trespassing signs. >> That would make sense. Yeah, I would say that has to be part of that. >> Yes. >> Well, thank you for sticking with it. [laughter]
>> Right. >> Government sometimes it's it it moves but sometimes very slowly. So, >> yeah. >> Like pushing the rock up the hill. So, >> right. [laughter] >> I don't know if any of you were on the board at that you were on the board I
guess Ed at that time. So, anyway, but >> yeah. And it's seems everything I've been involved with's taken like five or six years to get it get it done. >> Right. [laughter] Right. >> Okay. Do we have any more comments on
those on those two topics? >> So Mark Galad and Rich, thank you for coming. Appreciate you uh giving us updates on this and thank you for all you do for the town of Hatfield. We appreciate it. Thank you. >> Thank you. You're welcome. Appreciate it. >> So I make a motion. Uh, that'd be
helpful. >> Can I make a motion to authorize the town council to prepare a letter to Mr. Auadro regarding the survey results? >> Second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries. Okay, we'll go back to
topic one. >> I'd recommend um going to number two since we do have Mr. >> Okay, we'll go with uh Tom. We'll go with topic two. >> As close as you need. I implant doesn't work as well as
[laughter] looking for uh baitman on on the water and sewer for the legion um as this last bill at uh usage 3500 units there. There's something wrong
somewhere. I had the DPW come in and check the the meter. They said we had no leaks. But if you go through past water bills,
700 units, 1,000 units, 1,800 units, 980 units, 800 units back in 22 after uh they declared co COVID over, we had a
burst of functions at the Legion and I can understand the 2800 there because I keep track of functions that we have every month because I'm the guy that sets up the
Legion for all of them. Well, I know you you told me that they changed the meter to to make sure and you've been monitoring it and actually this bill is far. It's like five times higher than what you normally get. So,
there must have been an issue with something somewhere. >> Yeah. So, it's it's not in the Legion. There was never a leak any any time. I'm there every day, >> right? and especially after functions to check the bathrooms and because at one
point we had a flood because somebody jammed it up. So I make sure that everything is working fine. I have no idea how they could read 3500. However the units are measured on the
last bill. A faulty unit. I I you know however they measure it. They said they shoot it with an electric gun and it reads it, >> right? I mean, well, >> but I'm >> I think you're
>> I got to fight this because I gota >> every penny I can save for the Legion is one day more open. >> I agree. You probably need some kind of rebate. It's just if my colleagues feel
that this is fair on the rebate. So, I'll open it up to them. So let me get this straight. So there was a new meter put in. >> A new meter has been put in. Is >> a new meter was put in? Yes. >> Since >> after after the issue. So that the meter
after this >> DPW was called because you know Tom saw this bill. >> Yeah. >> Seemed like it was a lot higher than usual. So DPW came in to look for a leak. Did not see any signs of of any kind of evident leak anywhere but did change out the meter in case that would be helpful. So,
>> but the foreman told me that as the meters get older and as far as I don't know how long that one's been in there, he said they actually run slower so your bill could have been higher. So, I says, "Well, put in the new meter for me so
things are accurate." So, they did. >> Maro wants to comment. If >> I may, the other part of putting a new meter in is the newer style meter. um the superintendent can data log and see if we got something going on there intermittently or or whatnot. Other
words, we can monitor it. Um and he did go through the whole building and final leaks at the time. So I just wanted to put that in about the new meter, [clears throat] >> but you're monitoring it now, right? So >> yeah,
>> the only thing left is the ice machine. I don't know if that has a drain valve or something on the ice machine or that's tied in or >> but ice machine's been in there for six or eight years and
>> well if you if your meter if you see an issue on the meter I would say the last thing to check is probably the ice machine to see if it's causing some kind of problem with dumping water. That's all I'm saying. I don't know if that's possible.
>> Check that every day. Okay. So, >> perfect. So, any more comments from my colleagues or >> No, I see they're doing what they can to to resolve this. So, I'm okay.
>> I mean, it doesn't have to be as big as what we had written up here. It's because I had no idea what to ask for. >> So, we went for the max. Hope for the best. Okay. My only comment would be that the
abatement is seeking for only a $75 sewer bill, which our sewer rate is higher than our water rate. So, if we were going to abate that, I think that we should use the previous month's bill, previous quarters bill
that accounts for our sewage rate adjustment. So it's not much but >> so how much more would it add onto the sewer side? >> I would just if we are going to abate this I would just say to use these
numbers here. So it's 75 for water 9709 for sewer and that is using the same sewer rate is what the current >> reading is. It's not a lot but it keeps it fair across the board. 9775.
>> Okay. Instead of what we have written listed here. >> Yeah. Just for the sewer side. The water sides. >> They're asking so >> they're asking for both 75 and 75, but >> Luke's pointed out that should be >> one should be 97, the other should be
75. The sewer should be higher, right? >> Because it's a higher rate. Okay. >> And then the water. So, uh, he's suggesting 9709 on the sewer side and $75 on the water side.
>> Okay, that's agreeable. That's agreeable. Okay. So, if if you guys in agreement with that, I would accept the motion. I need to do some math to >> figure out the method used was to do what was to
>> So I just I went back to the previous building cycle y >> prior to that >> y >> um >> with the 700 >> what's that >> the 700 usage >> yes okay >> because that is fairly close to the average of what they've used across the board with all the bills that were
submitted with the exception of the co bill. >> Yeah. Um, and it also accounts for the same sewage rate as what we are currently >> Yep. >> sending billing for. >> Yep. >> So with the water at 700 cubic feet or 100 cubic feet, it gives a minimum
balance of $75. So that side of the abatement would be the same. >> And then I just need to do the math on >> 700 times the current sewer rate. >> Correct. Which if we go off of this bill is 9709. Yep. Uh
I think that old bill would have been at a lower rate. So I got I don't know why it would be lower. Um so you say 700 usage. Yep. >> But that's more like 7 cubic 100 cubic feet.
>> That's right. 100 cubic feet. >> 9709. Yeah. Perfect. >> Good. So I've got Right. So I've got the numbers. I I can make a motion. >> Okay. We agreement that one will be 970. >> Yeah. I've got I did all the math so I can read it as
>> here. So, um I'll make a motion to approve the water and sewer abatement for one Prospect Street in the amount of uh $388.36 for sewer and $17245
for water for a total of $560.81. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I fight. >> Motion carries. Okay. That'll be 75 for the water and 9708 for the sewer.
>> Great. Tomorrow. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. [laughter] >> Thank you. >> Okay. Since they're going out of order, we're back to topic one. Okay. [clears throat] >> [laughter] >> which is fine.
Okay. Topic one, appeal or denial of super abatement in the amount of $1,781.95 for 36 Main Street resulting from broken water lines. >> So, this comes from uh Mr. Peter
Grandonico. One of his properties uh we had I think looked this before. or one of his properties had a um a uh a break. One of the lines uh was struck and it went unnoticed for several months due to
frequent flooding in that area. It was hard to to tell that the water was actually discharging there. So the water discharged in the pasture did not enter the sewer system. What Mr. Grandono is asking for is an abatement just of the sewer side. He admits he you know the water was used uh but he says since the
water was not you put into the sewer system he's asking for an abatement there what I calculated was an average usage over the bills that we had an average average summer usage this is a summer bill and the summer usage is higher than the winter usage that
average usage is around 19,500 uh 100 cubic feet um so the uh sorry usage in this bill was was in 19500 average usage was closer to 6,000. So what I'm recommending is that you take
the difference so what what he used over that uh average usage and abate that amount at the sewer rate of 1387 which would be an abatement of $1,700. So it bring the total bill on the sewer
side down from 2704 down to 922. and he has paid in full. Um, so he'd be credited in the future if he receives this statement. >> I mean, the usage history report shows from 2019,
which is actually more like 310 to 2020. Most of it's been low. >> Yeah. Nothing nothing anywhere near this 19,500. >> There's just a spike in
102 and then last two years were two spikes and this last one was a really high spike. So it does show a problem. Mhm. And I will say it is a a project of the
DPW now that we're looking at revising our abatement guidelines moving forward. You know, I think we have two things going on that uh will help us with these abatements moving forward. One is to revise uh the policies and the other is switching to quarterly billing. So we' had these coming in with um leaks being
detected after six months of usage. Now it's going to be after three months of usage which I think is going to help a lot >> in catching these things earlier. So that should lead to fewer abatements and if any smaller >> now that'll be a great help. >> Yeah. >> Actually this year has been a higher
higher amount of baitment requests than previous years. >> Yeah. No, I think we want to make our rules a little more specific about what is an approved debatement and what isn't and that's that's something that a lot of other towns have and we want to work on that. >> Marlo, you want to comment on this
particular bill? I see I see that high spike in there and does indicate something happened, right? >> Well, I saw in the history there's a few higher ones, but not as high as the 195. I agree with that. Um,
it's also been a drought year, too. So weather affects water use as we all know. So >> well with the pools we ask for proof of it being repaired. Do we ask for proof of this stuff being repaired?
>> That's a good question. Um you know they claim it was repaired. We have a letter saying so. We don't have any kind of invoicing saying that the system's now been repaired. But I think there's an understanding that we wouldn't abate in the future. But >> right, >> that's that's really up to the board to we don't quite have a policy saying what
we require in a case like this. >> He could have had his workers repair this too. >> Yeah. >> He might not have used the company. >> I mean, if they hit it with a rotoiller, it's a pretty shallow line that probably gets blown out in the winter, >> right? >> I mean, >> yeah, it can't be very deep if you hit that with a roill. Yeah.
>> One would think it was so shallow that it would have surfaced there, too. >> Right. Right. I mean, if you don't I mean, if it's shallow and you don't blow it out in the winter and isolate it, then it's going to freeze
and the pipe's going to snap. >> Oh, I see. One of those lines. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Just a summer line something. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. What do you guys want to do on this one? He does submit uh evidence of usage
>> Mhm. >> being a lot lower for prior years and this one year being higher. I guess the question is what value to use >> and that was why my my recommendation
was basically an average of you know the last few years which would be >> would help us assume what what the amount would have been had it not been for this break. So the average usage was around 6,000. So I'm saying you would abate the difference between the 6,000
and the amount that was used this year. So that would be 12,000. So it ends up being a an abatement of $1,700. Well, I I guess we'll So as stated on here, this abatement is
uh requesting abatement of 178195. >> That's correct. >> On the sewer and but nothing on the water. >> Nothing on the water. He used the water. He wouldn't ask for an abatement there. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I'm okay with that. I'll make a motion to approve the sewer abatement of
$1,781.95 for 36 Main Street resulting resulting from a broken water line. >> Uh second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? Uh all in favor? I.
>> Okay. Motion carries on the Here we are now. >> Topic five. Uh, we have [clears throat] a resignation from the fire department. Jeremy Rice from the fire department and
an appointment Nicole Thornton to the fire department. >> Yes. So, we recently filled the vacancy that actually was caused by Nicole Foron leaving um with uh Christian LOL, who was here at your last meeting. Uh Jeremy
Rice joined us um somewhat recently, but he has accepted a position in IT. He's actually going to be working for computing, who does our phones here, so we might still be seeing him around, but u exciting opportunity for him. I think it's it's something that uh it's a tough
decision for him, but he's he's leaving fire service for a bit. So, um, we have a great opportunity to bring Nicole back. She took an opportunity in another, um, another district and has decided to come back here. Uh, if if,
uh, actually it's it's it's the chief's decision. Um, so it's really just for us to to be aware of. Um, but she has accepted the the chief's offer to come back to field, which would be great for the town. >> Okay. Well, the only thing I had asked for is previous boards had uh brought up
the idea of exit interviews. If anybody leaves the town of Hatfield and not not the exit interview be done by the department head, but either by town administrator or uh the liaison from the board. So the only thing I would ask is
that we do do an exit interview to see um reasons behind leaving. That's all. Yeah, I had a uh I did an interview with Nicole and I have one scheduled with with Jeremy if anyone would like to join me. I can go over details with you for timing. >> Okay.
>> But um yeah, I'm looking forward to talking with him and seeing what we can do to improve if if anything. >> Okay. So, I guess we also should give Jeremy Rice a letter of thank you for being on the fire department.
>> That' be nice. So those actions we we need to take no actions on those, right? >> That's correct. Uh besides No, you don't have to take any actions. >> Okay, we'll move to topic six. >> Yeah, [snorts] I just want to give you a a quick update on where we're at with
the health insurance. Um I had a first meeting with the public employee committee, the PEC, on Monday. Um that PE has been rounded out, which is good. It consists of a representative from each of the collective bargaining units that we have in town. So that would be a representative from uh the teachers
union and from the um the the other division the teachers union for to the uh um uh specialists working with uh students that now I'm forgetting the name of and I feel embarrassed for but um and then also for uh DPW union and it
also has a representative for the uh retired employees and that person is named by the state's um retired uh municipal and uh county employees association. So that association uh must have asked members for any volunteers
and they appointed somebody to uh join the PE and that will be Phil Genevies. Uh so he'll be the the uh representative uh on the PE for retired employees. So it's great to have a full PE. um that uh we had our first meeting Monday um and
we plan to meet again uh in the future and potentially receive a presentation from Maya as well to get a sense of what that option might look like for insurance. So PE is engaged uh good first meeting. I also had a meeting on Monday with um
uh representatives from the state's uh uh from our uh state uh legislative delegation as well as the lieutenant governor uh who are on telling us about some actions that the state is planning to take uh to assist folks who are in the Hampshire County group insurance
trust. And the first action they're taking is they have passed a bill. It's not yet signed by the governor, but the belief is that she'll sign it. That would allow municipalities uh that are in the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust who have had high uh health
insurance costs that were unexpected either this year or next year to advertise those costs over five years. So, for instance, if we see ourselves with 200 $300,000 more in costs this year, we can choose to um essentially
treat it like it's a bad snow and ice year, which is something the state allows for uh and break those costs up over the next five years. It wouldn't appear on the budget this year. It would appear uh in five equal installments for the five years after. So, that's something we could do if we chose to. uh
we could use that both for the 18% increase that we got midyear this year or if we chose to leave the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust and had uh rolloff payments that were due in the future uh if those ended up being very high claims we could amortize those over
a period of five years. So it helps us to absorb some of these higher costs. So it's good to know this is a tool that we can potentially use. We'll be talking to our treasur accounting staff to figure out if we want to use that tool and if so when. So, it's good to know that that could be an option. Uh, the state is also working on providing some
additional consulting assistance, some technical assistance uh for towns as they make decisions coming up on uh either staying with or leaving the GI uh the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust, potentially leaving uh entering into the GIC. So, they will be uh providing some assistance for for towns
as well. So, we'll be looking out for that. So, that's really the update I have in the insurance at the moment. We have until December 1st to inform the GIC if we intend to to join and we have about uh 18 days uh in our negotiation period uh since we started that two
weeks ago uh with the negotiations with the heck uh to make a decision about if we want to move. So what kind of indication at this point? You still do you have any kind of indication of which direction everybody wants to go in yet or or or [snorts]
are they still waiting to figure it out or >> I think the PE wants to see what our options look like um beyond GIC potentially. I think um people really like the insurance that we have right now, but they're understandably cautious about the costs.
Um, and they're also concerned about what the the plan coverage would look like GIC. So, I think that's just kind of where we're at right now. So, we really want to understand what options look like. >> Well, it's sort of like I like a Cadillac, but I can't afford one. You know, >> sort of.
>> Fair point, but >> it's it's got to be realistic. I think people have to understand the cost associated with staying is going to be not much unless the state legislature does something different. >> Yeah. I think they also see that there could be a potential risk in joining the
GIC. We don't know how high their costs might potentially go in the future as well. They're seeing increases. They have in the last few years. Uh they also are looking at their own pocketbooks essentially that u the the cost savings that we see on the town
side aren't necessarily reflected in on the individual side. when you look at the plan changes that would be added with more deductibles and potential out-of- pocket costs for >> I had hoped that that the state was going to give us uh a narrower window saying that instead of six months to
make a decision beforehand like you with December 1st we could wait till like January or February to give people more time >> that was the number one ask on on the call that we had with the state legislators and the lieutenant governor on Monday. Everyone's asking, can you do
anything about that December 1st deadline? >> The answer so far has been no, but they're they're going to keep asking. >> It's a it's a it's by statute that it's set that December 1st is the date and GI the GIC says that they need all that time to onboard folks. But I think
there's some some people saying, you know, statute, we can change that and um you know, GIC maybe you just need some extra resources to be able to onboard more people. So we we don't decide to change by December 1st. >> It'll be like another one-year waiting
period. >> It would be a you could add join again. The window opens again in July one. That would be to join for the next I think December. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So you can join in December [clears throat] or July one. >> I believe so. Yeah.
>> All right. >> And we we have to give Hampshire County notice also. >> 90 days. They just 90 days when it's a certain we'd have plenty of time to to tell them. >> Okay. I thought it was like a certain >> month that we could back out of that.
>> They um they haven't said that there's a specific date. Okay. They besides the 90day. >> Okay. So, that's where we're at at the moment. >> Oh, I mean 6 months
if that happens. It happens, I guess. >> Yeah. So, we're going to keep pushing on the decision on the GIC and we'll we're not we haven't reached an agreement yet, but >> I mean concerns about health insurance aren't going to go away in in the near future. It's uh they're going to
continue unfortunately. Health insurance has been an issue for quite a few years and unfortunately it'll continue to be an issue for years to come. So, how we tackle that I I guess we'll wait and see.
No, >> we're we're actively working. If you have any ideas that you want me to pursue, please let me know. There's a couple healthcare consultants out there that have >> reached out that I'm having some conversations with as well, and maybe that extra >> assistance could help us. So, figure that out.
>> Once we get final numbers back from GIC and stuff like that, do we have any sort of leverage with Hampshire County to essentially go to them and say, "Look at we're leaving unless you can do better." If we decide by December 1st to go to GIC, that that's a binding decision. So,
we can't really back out then of of GIC that they'd be expecting us to join, >> right? >> Um so, we wouldn't really have the option to, you know, negotiate with Hampshire [snorts] County after that. That's how it's been explained to me at least.
>> But we already have numbers from GIC, don't we? That >> we don't have uh numbers for what next year's rates will look like, >> right? Uh we don't and we don't have that from really anybody. Nobody can tell us right now what their rates are going to be for FY27. We can compare the 26 rates for
Hampshire County to GIC to a typical community in Maya. Maya's rates are are different wherever you go. >> I'm sorry. >> And when will we know back from the state legislature if we can amorize our our potential risk during the switch? I
think we should know soon and that should pass pretty soon. I think it's already been passed by the the legislature. It just needs to be signed by the governor. They've given us every intention that that she's going to do that. So, the amortization
we can basically count on for now. It's just a question of does that move the needle enough for anybody. I in my mind it it lessens the blow of the potential claims that could be out there, >> right? protects the town slightly in terms of if we get a claim >> in our
>> gap between the two. >> Correct. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> Which I think is smart to protect us from. >> Um I don't necessarily think that we should use it to amorterize the 18% increase last year because then it's just setting a precedent for doing that every year
that we get an increase. >> Well, it this is viewed as a as a one-time >> opportunity for us. So if we needed to to do it to balance our budget this one year or if we instead of using say a large amount of free cash wanted to just break that up and then the budget can
absorb it because you're you know using it with the new growth the two and a half% increases >> that it's something could be a softer landing essentially. Um, and it say if say it's $200,000 that we need to absorb, breaking that down into smaller chunks of 40,000 a year could could be
helpful. >> It's it's an option that we have. We'd have to >> I guess it's kind of tricky because like we can say that it's it's going to be signed and move quickly, but it could be another 30 days before that actually happens. And Right. >> And then we're at the end of November, you know, so
>> we're then we're kind of out of time. Yep. And I think that is something that >> Yeah, I think it depends in part on if you think that amortization is a deal breakaker. In my mind, it might not necessarily be one. I think the biggest concern right now is in trying to
compare that the current costs and current levels of insurance to what future costs and future levels of insurance, levels of care >> look like under Hampshire County and under GIC. It's difficult to make that comparison with all the variables that
are there, right? >> And I guess the worry is would Hampshire County have another jump in another year or two or will they will they make adjustments? Are they going to make the adjustments they need to make to to keep
the cost sort of within reason or >> and I believe I told this group as well that the executive director of the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust is retiring at the in the middle of November, November 14th. So they had a leadership change there too to navigate, >> right? >> Which is another variable.
>> And it seems like from previous years that they're kind of on a downward trajectory and the more towns that end up leaving, the less funds that they're going to have, right? Correct. So >> we there'd be fewer funds, but the towns that leave, we don't know if they're the ones that have high amounts of spending
as well. So we don't know what effect that would have on the rest of the trust, >> right? >> That's what the the trust has said. I I do believe that that it's difficult to know what what any individual's >> uh actions could could affect it. Now, you could assume that some of the groups that feel more comfortable leaving if
they were testing the open market or something else, they're the ones that might have healthier what they call medical loss ratios. So, lower claims, higher uh amounts of premiums that they're collecting. >> Mhm. >> Well, thank you for staying on top of this, I guess. >> Yeah, I'll continue to keep all of you.
>> I know you'll probably have some information at next meeting on this again and so >> we'll keep talking. Fantastic. >> All right, Marlo, we're waiting for you. Topic seven, DPW report. Okay.
Good evening. [sighs] Um, this is a tough tough report to write. We got so much going on. Um, could have been four pages. Um, but uh to follow the agenda, you had the pavement management program on the agenda. So, I can touch on that first.
Um, I also sent along uh the proposal from Beta Group. Um, I've used them both in my two previous communities I've worked with. Uh, they do really good work. Um, when they're done with the program, um, we have something to work
with and we can plug our numbers in year to year so that we know what our overall road management uh, number is as a percentage. Um it will be very helpful in moving forward uh figuring out uh we all know um the elephant in the room
when it comes to roads is the chapter 90. It finally got increased here recently uh but it was stagnant from 2015. We all know what costs have done to to paving. So um [clears throat] this would give us a better idea to look at a
capital plan going forward eventually uh if our numbers our percentages on our roads start falling dramatically because of the funding and then costs to to repair um it gives us an idea on a capital plan if down the road which I
hope doesn't happen we we need to put in you know or need to request funds from from the town to keep up with our roads. Um, with that being said, I have to say that Hatfield's got the best roads I've ever seen. Uh, I think we're going to road rate very well. Um, so going
through this plan and when when they do the penetrating radar and everything, it'll give us a better idea. A road may look good, but it could come apart in one winter as we all know. Um so and then there's other modules in this pavement mo man management program
and and and I look at the pavement management program as it it's like our asset management when we talk about water, sewer and storm water which we're going through. Um it includes your road systems. It can include your sidewalks. It can include your line painting um and
signage overall signage. Um those were additional in there additional cost. Um I I think at this point in time I don't think we need to go with any of the other modules especially not line painting. Uh we can do that ourselves in house and design a spreadsheet. Um
signage could be something down the road but potentially sidewalks uh condition of sidewalks and um when those should be replaced. that would tell us what's in code, what's not in code as far as ADA, um so on and so forth. So, I wanted to
bring it to the board. Um it it um it's a very useful tool for me, myself, and um uh Dwayne, our highway superintendent moving forward uh as a town. Um deciding on which roads are we going to pave next uh next year, the year after, so on and
so forth. Um it's a very useful tool. Uh it says it ties into the the town's uh ArcGIS, but I'm going in another direction because uh there's a free GIS right through Mass DOT that I want to get involved in and have all our stuff
in there available to us. In other words, we don't have to pay for software or anything. It's a free tool. I want to look into it and potentially use it. So, um that's kind of in a nutshell um what the pavement management program is.
I think it'd be a very useful tool for us. >> Well, I think it's important to have the right tools to that are helpful. >> Yeah. >> And and it can be charged a chapter 90 and as you saw, I gave you a balance tonight and an update on the chapter 90
balance also that we have right now. [clears throat] >> You guys have any question? Now, this funding for this would come from chapter 90 or do we have to go to town meeting for >> uh I can take it from chapter 90. I
mean, if if you all agree you think it's a good idea, um we can put in a project request and we can get it going. Well, I'll get an official proposal for signature. >> Okay. I got >> and I can bring it to the board if you want to sign that or um if I'm allowed to sign it. I'm not sure. >> So, the code you you would be looking
for is 246. Is that what it is? Yeah. And I and I can still tinker with that a little bit. I I'm going to meet with the the folks again. >> And you do have that under chapter 90 money. >> Yes. Yeah. We got a balance of >> use use chapter 90 for this application.
>> Yes. >> Yeah. We got a balance of 148750 and some change 148,000. Chapter 90. I don't have a problem with that. I don't know how my colleagues feel.
>> That's a good idea. >> So, we need a motion on that. >> Um, nope. >> We need a motion to use chapter 90 or >> I think that was already approved. It wouldn't have been approved at town meeting. >> Chapter 90 is grant doesn't require um
yeah, appropriation. >> It's grant. >> If you want to approve the proposal, you [clears throat] certainly could. Um, you can authorize Marlo to sign the the contract. That's probably the best thing to do just to um yeah, just just to make sure that the
the board approves of the the contract or the proposal. So, I want to make a motion to approve Marlo's use of chapter 90 to fund the $24,600 for this,
which is You're looking for the amount >> 246 >> 24,600. >> That'd be under the asset management. >> Yeah. Pavement management. >> No, that's that's the roads, right? >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Pavement management. Yeah.
>> For the name of the company. I'll make a motion to authorize Marlo Warner to award a contract to Beta Group, Inc. of up to $24,600
for pavement asset management. >> I'll second that. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I just found it when you're reading it. [laughter] >> Perfect. Yeah, I think it's a good idea to hold on the options for now that are
below the original task. >> Uh like I said, the other there there's two of them I think we could potentially handle in house, maybe sidewalks down the road, but >> I think we can hold on the optionals for now. So, um to my update, um hi, we've been
very busy in highway. Um, the one thing I didn't put in here is we've been trying to get to the gravel rows before winter and regrade them, reshape them and and as the leaves come down and pull the leaves out of the ditches and and everything else. Um, so we've we've been
working on that a little bit. We've had a few structures, meaning catch basins that are starting to collapse, which we repaired. Um, the other thing was uh I I I don't think I brought it up in a meeting. Maybe I brought it up to Luke, but uh we didn't have a plow for one of
our dump trucks, highway plows, one of our big dump trucks. Um and prices like everything else is skyrocketed. It was either $14,000 or $18,000 for only the plow. No head gear, no nothing. Um so
[clears throat] Dwayne, I I I I assigned Dwayne, get the feelers out to everybody, you know, see if we can find something used. um something that we we can probably do a little work on. Um well, he came across Twin Plows up in Planefield. I forget the name of the
company. You may remember, Luke, >> you remember? >> Um so these plows are in excellent shape. Um and they offered because we don't have a spare plow either. You got to have a spare plow in a snowstorm if you lose a big plow. Um so it was uh
three 3600 for one or I think it was 6,500 for the two of them. Um, I think it was a no-brainer. I spent the I I told Dwayne, "Let's get both of them." Um, the our laborer and our our last remaining summer help has sanded them all down. It was all surface rust.
There's really no rot. The plows themselves were in great condition. Um, so they're painting them now. Um, getting them ready for winter. Um, so what goes along with that, which is further down the road, is is Dwayne came in under on his first uh paving project
costwise. We finally got all the invoices in and he was $4,000 under. It's better than being over on our chapter 90. So, hats off to Dwayne. I know he worked hard on that uh with contingencies and whatnot. Um [clears throat] and of course the our mechanic is is
chipping away at the um the the winter equipment also. He's he's been working on that probably on and off for three, four weeks now. Um had to rebuild a battery box on one of the dump trucks, so on and so forth. a lot of little things, but uh he's doing a good job getting everything ready. Not the I'm
trying to jinx us of getting snow next week, but we all know we have to be ready. Um so the the driveway permit, it's been completed. Um and as we talked about last meeting, um and I sent it to the building commissioner and asked them
to put it in the permit eyes platform. I heard this week we got an application for a new home, so we may be getting our new permit uh first permit very soon. Um the the the Hatfield Elementary School roof and boiler programs, the engineering and design or projects I
should say are moving forward. They're in the there's been a few questions or whatnot, but they seem to be moving ahead pretty quickly. Uh on the design, especially on the boilers, um uh Route Five water and sewer. Um I haven't seen
uh I thought they were the the contractor's uh subcontractor was supposed to be back out there this week. I haven't seen them yet. Um, they continue their cleaning, flushing, and cammering of the lines, uh, of the of the new system, I should say.
Um, compactor replacement, that's moving along. Um, we're just waiting for the the final parts of the hopper that goes on top of the compactor. Uh, the compactor has arrived. Um, so I'm guessing probably within about two weeks, the electrical and the new compactor will be in place at the
transfer station. Uh, I'm I'm right around $50,000 right now with the 80,000 in appropriation. Um, then I'm going to take another look at what we call our cans over there. The big the big dumpsters. We got a few of them in pretty rough shape. Those around
10,000 a piece. Um, it might be a good time to because they attach to the compactor. Might be a good time to replace one or two of those, but um I we're definitely going to be under our number for that appropriation. Um
pavement management we covered. Um >> can I ask it is >> um the transfer station it's going to be open like normal. >> So we're we're going to get the word out on that. We're we're trying to time it so that the company comes in for removal
and install on a Monday. Electrician comes on a Monday. We're hoping to not be closed on that Wednesday, but there's always a possibility we have to close. And as soon as I know that, we're going to we'll get it out there to the public. Um but they they should be able to get
everything done in two days, but um anything could cost another half a day or whatever. But our our hope is we definitely won't be closed two days. Um you know, for a full week, I should say. So if anything, it may be a Wednesday.
Um we'll be closed, but we'll be reopened by Saturday. That's worst case scenario. um at this point. Um [clears throat] so um the other thing as I get into this asset management and and work orders as
far as uh BMS building maintenance systems um right now we're going through the cleaning um of all the duck work and all the um the mini splits. Uh town hall is complete. uh fire uh they work on
police today, but we're doing fire, the fire apparatus bay in the library as well as PD. Uh stuff hasn't been done in quite a while. They're getting a lot of stuff. So, uh much needed maintenance on the filters and and and the duck work.
Um so, we're working on that. They should be complete with that. Completed all the work by Thursday, Thursday or Friday. Um, so, so Andrew and I met with a with a company um named Brightly online. Um, used to be known as Dude
Solutions if you've ever heard of it, but uh that was the name of the company before that. Uh, they they do all kinds of asset management and work order systems. Um, and Andrew and I have been talking how, you know, you can think, okay, you got to do the maintenance on
the town hall, you got to do it on the library, you got to do it on the schools. But when you really boil it down, there's there's really a lot of stuff you got to pay attention to that can get away from you in our town buildings and it can get away from you in a hurry, not even realizing it. So, um, I was pretty impressed with with
this company. Um, everything goes into software. Um, it'll give you work orders. It'll give you reminders. Like an example is the filters on these returns upstairs on the stage should be done every 90 days. Well, 90 days goes fast and and working off just a
spreadsheet or something. You don't get a reminder from like an Excel spreadsheet. So, but everything gets plugged into this software. The the the like the boilers, uh the manufacturer date, install date, um all the maintenance associated with them, the
year year of them. Um, and then you you can build in anything else, you know, your roofing systems, anything else. So that you can have an idea on a capital plan going forward. Like, hey, the boilers downstairs at the town hall, they've been there 19 years. Uh, we
should start thinking about our five-year capital plan and getting those swapped out. Um, I experienced uh half [clears throat] of a city hall go down in the middle of a very cold winter. It's not pleasant moving everybody. it really and and it's very
costly. Um, so one of these if this is the system we go with or we're looking at a couple more, I I think it would really behoove us to to invest in this system. Uh, honestly, it I'm in charge of facilities. It make my life a lot easier. Um,
>> I I it's I'm glad you brought that up because I asked that when I first got on the board after some type of asset management to and it never happened. So, finally we have an opportunity to get it to happen. Th >> This one's a little pricey because we
were looking at something for highway also. Um, you can plug in all our equipment, plows, like we talked about everything. Um, I don't think we need this this um this much of a system for the highway. We still got to talk about it some more,
but I was impressed with it for for the buildings anyways um to keep us moving forward with the buildings. Um, unless Andrew, you have something else to add um to that. >> No, I I think it's the kind of system
that um be very helpful for us and eventually saves you money in the long term because you're actually doing your maintenance on on a good schedule. Um I think we can talk more about what functionality we absolutely need and is there an advantage to having this rather than a big Excel spreadsheet. I I think
there is. I think the the the alerts and things that it sets up and um the amount of information that that would be in there is probably superior, but we can talk about it. Um there weren't a lot of bells and whistles in the system, which I liked. I think it was pretty bare bones when it came to, you know, user
interface, which is fine. I I think it just has, you know, most of what you need in there. So, we'll we'll do some uh looking and see if there's any other products we want to demo as well, but I think it's a good idea to to move forward with something like this. and it'll just be a question of uh when we on board it, when we have the budget for
it, and when to make it happen. But I think it's a probably a good thing to have in mind long >> term. I think it's a good thing to have. I mean, otherwise, you're dependent on the contractors to to do the maintenance under their maintenance schedule, then they have all the paperwork and and you
don't stay on top of everything that way. This way you get to stay on top of it and you can start looking at things for capital planning and it's it's a good tool to have and especially when you have small man power as they say
it's good to have as many tools as possible. >> Yeah, that I mean that that's been a task just talking to all the department heads in the different buildings figuring out when stuff was serviced or cleaned or or anything, you know. Um, so I mean like we're we're we're trying to
get the boiler replacement done at the elementary school this winter um because they have cost so much money in the last three or four years, but >> this type of um software can can kind of tip that off for us ahead of time.
Um, well, I've been concerned about the boiler downstairs, but one relief that we have is with all the different heat pumps, we we do have supplemental heat. Uh, so it sort of helps us if something does happen with that boiler. >> Yeah.
>> But yeah, we could resurrect the one next to it. >> I've removed a few of them in my career. They're not fun. >> Like 10 section cast iron. >> [laughter] >> It is Halloween if you want to go down
and take a a peek in the dark. [laughter] >> Had one break in the basement a few years back. They had to dig up the floor to to fix the pipe. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um so I'm I'm looking at other any other questions on that or
I'm looking at uh the unpaved roads grant. It finally came out. There was a hiccup. We talked about it I think the first month I started my first meeting. Um it got a little there was a little delay in getting it signed and then funneling down to the um the districts in Mass DOT, but I'm going to a uh Zoom
meeting on Thursday um to to get all the details on that and how to apply for it. First thing that comes to mind was Straits Road. We we had a project request in for Straits Road for injection and adding gravel and regrading and everything, but I want to
take another look at that um if we can get the money through grants. So, I pulled that project out of chapter 90 to make the money back available to us in case we need it. Um, I hope that we have good success in going for an unpaid roads grant um and and and get the
funding for that. Um, Straits Road comes to mind. I don't know all the roads by heart yet, but uh I keep hearing Straits Road. So, um and if there's any other ideas, let me know. Um staffing, we're slowing down. I I want to publicly thank the the
summer help. They did a great do job this year. Uh we had a lot of good compliments on the cemeteries um and in the different facilities that they work on. Um their their work is very important. Everybody sees it, you know. Um so I want to thank them. They worked
hard. Uh we're hanging on to one for another week or two. As you know, it's leaf season. So um we'll get caught up on the the leaves. Um, [clears throat] so the the last thing I have right now, um, is our new freight liner that was
approved back at town meeting. Uh, it's arrived about a month, month and a half early at ATG in Westfield. So, uh, Dwayne went down and looked at it. All the bells and whistles are there, what we asked for. Um, but now we don't know how long it's going to take to get it
outfitted with the dump body, the plow, all that. That seems to be the hangup or the long wait times now for for um CDL vehicles. >> This is the hook truck, correct? >> Yes. >> Y >> Yep. So, I think they're a little behind
on having that in stock, the the hook stuff. So, um but I think it's going to be a very valuable truck here, especially in a community like this. >> Absolutely. >> Uh other than that, I'm sure I got a lot of stuff. Yeah, we're working on a lot of other things too, but I think those
are the main >> The only the only question I have again is uh it seems like CI and our heal or her are slow walking out there on getting that information because I if I recall a few weeks ago we were told
they're going to be out there and they were what one day? >> One day and that was it and we haven't seen them since. It's like >> and then yeah, they were due back last week or the week before, but they had an equipment breakdown. I'm in an email thread on that, but um I I I feel your
pain on that. I mean, they got to get that done >> because pretty soon that five and 10 they're not allowed to work on. When's the date that they can't work? >> November 15th usually. I know most communities, I'm pretty sure that's messed up also. So,
>> they'll even complete what they need to do to investigate by November 15th. >> Yeah. I mean, we can look at what our options are for trying to take a harder line on any of this. I mean, they they were at first somewhat responsive and
got the contractor out and then they're claiming this was a contractor issue this time for why they they couldn't get out there sooner, a mechanical issue from folks are using, but they need to be done by the end of this week. So, >> I mean, I'm anticipating not only are they supposed to investigate the whole
line, they should have a complete game plan on how they're going to fix it. And I don't know how far they're going to get. >> Yeah. >> And if they don't in the next couple months, I mean, we we have to start looking at how we're going to deal with
this. >> Yes. I agree 100%. So, >> we should get a we should get a film from them, too, which >> Oh, yeah. >> We should have gotten or you all should have received long ago. >> So, before I I arrived here. But
>> I do appreciate all the work you've been doing since you've come on board and you're doing a great job and I appreciate the reports and I think it's it's nice to hear, you know, it's sort of refreshing in some ways to me. Well, it's nice [laughter] to to
[clears throat] actually have reports. It's great. >> Yeah. >> It's great to hear from the taxpayer out there that I bump into that I don't even know who they are and they, you know, they comment on the employees and they're keeping busy and they're doing things and responsive. Um I I I think that I had mentioned back in the
interview process that um I believe in a um uh a department that uh isn't just responsive but we're proactive. I like we're working our way towards that. You can be only so proactive with a small
department but um there's other things we can do. So um I'm very happy. So >> that's good. Okay. I mean, I have nothing else. >> No, that's great. Thank you. I'm good. >> Thank you. Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Thank you. >> Topic eight to Andrew's report. >> So, I don't have too much more for this evening. So, I already talked about health insurance and topic six. >> Uh budgeting. Believe it or not, we're we're basically at the beginning of budget season. Uh I have for you um a
schedule that uh Karen put together um for how the the FY27 schedule could look this year. It's basically uh around the same structure as last year. Um the first item is those CPA fund deadlines which I'll talk about in a moment. It's
coming up. Uh and then uh preparing the the budget guidance to send around to department heads and all boards and commissions that have a budget. We'll want to get that out early next week. Typically, that guidance asks for um
what we want folks to aim for for a budget target. In the past, we've asked for both a level funded and a level services budget. >> I myself uh would say I don't think we necessarily need to ask for a level funded budget. I think we have all the information about what the budget was
set at last year. If we wanted to keep things at a certain level, we we know how to do that. um we can ask folks to instead, you know, create their level services or their their desired budget and then my plan is to work with them before a
budget comes to you. I' I'd like to meet with each department head uh as they go through the process and help them put a budget together that I think would meet our needs to to begin with. So, I'd like to do a little streamlining of that to work with them uh so that the budget they they submit is one that I think
matches what is realistic as an ask. Um, so that instead of asking them to create two budgets, they really can just put in one request. Um, I don't know if this board has any comments on that. >> No, I I >> that makes sense. >> I mean, it's it's nice that you have your schedule already laid out and and I
know budget season [snorts] always comes and it's like it's like there's never enough of time to uh figure out the budget. [laughter] >> Yeah, I I do think that this asks for a lot of work upfront early, which I think is really good. it sets us up to be able to come up with a budget in a
>> a good time frame. Um the only downside of that is there are some costs that we can't control that we'll find out later just where they they come in at health insurance being a very large one. Um couple other drivers we just don't know. But um we'll put in a you know good
request like we always do and I'll work with folks early to try to make sure that that you know the needs that they have are being met. Um, I'm anticipating a couple areas where we need to right size. A little higher, a little lower in some places. So, we'll
do that. Any questions on schedule? >> No, >> this looks fine. Okay, great. So, we'll plan to send that around on Monday with uh some templates for folks. Um, day pond working on finalizing the uh bid package for that. I was hoping to get
out today. We're going to aim for next week instead. the the due date for bids will be November 19th. Engineering team has been very responsive uh in in updating that. We've got good materials ready to go. We're uh hopeful for for good bids that stay within budget. So
that it should be in good shape. Um CPA, as I said, that November 1st, November 3rd deadline is is coming up. Uh I had a couple projects that I'll be working with uh Marlo and and Connor on. Um, but I wanted to know if this board
had any thoughts of any other projects that we wanted to see advanced for community preservation act. I don't know of too many applications that are out there this year and those funds can be very useful in advancing some uh goals we have. >> I haven't heard of anything that would
fall under the criteria for CPA. >> I haven't heard any good. All right. So, you have a couple things that that I'll be advancing um with DPW and some other folks, but that should be fine. Um the uh my only comment sorry my only
comment >> um about the Smith Academy walking paths um a good portion of those are in wetland areas. >> So before putting a whole lot of work into funding and stuff for that I would
highly suggest looking into what sections of that. >> Yeah agreed. Marlin and I were talking about that last week and we're really thinking anything that goes right down into the wetlands. >> We probably don't want a much of a path there at all. >> Basically, it's pretty much everything
from the field hockey field down and around. >> Yeah. Yep. For sure. >> This out. So, >> we might not really end up with a finished loop. I think that that might be the the reality of this. >> I mean, you very much could. >> Yeah. >> There just might be a per further permitting component to it rather than just
>> Yeah. So, which would imagine have some sort of engineering fees. So, I would just plan that into your funding for your CPA so that we're fully funding the project and don't have to come back for more money. >> Yeah, >> it's definitely I mean you definitely >> you can pretty much permit anything. It's just how much is it going to cost?
>> Yeah, it depends on how much we want to spend on it. >> Exactly. So >> very much nice to have >> the other the other portion of uh as we enter the wetlands there to go down and come back up is we got to make sure we maintain ADA compliance part of that too.
>> Yeah, the right. So that's a bit of an undertaking with the the wetland issue as you well to know. Um, so I'm I'm kind of geared to having that gap in the middle at this point or at least getting the the current piece paved, >> right?
>> Because it's a it's a maintenance nightmare um as gravel. >> Yeah, I think it's I mean I think it'd be a great use of funding. Um I know they would certainly get used, but I just wanted to bring that up that that could be an additional component for funding that we should look into.
>> Yep. Important point for sure. I was I was hoping on the day pond project that the road would go over near it. [laughter] >> Yeah. >> But um it's not going to work out that way. >> Unless we want that project to be much more expensive. >> There we go.
>> Uh the state has a new platform for grants. Um they do a one-stop for economic development grants to now have one for environment and climate grants as well through uh EA. Um so there's a number of grants that have been put onto that platform. Uh the deadline for
expression of interest uh is in a few hours. Um every town is limited to four applications. We've put in three uh for some of the grants that are in there. One is for culvert assessment or replacement. I'd like to do kind of a culvert plan so we can get some more
data on on what might be next for some culprit replacement in town so we don't have any more surprises like Cowbridge a couple years ago. Would any of that be part of the ditch mapping that we're teamed up with Hadley for? >> It's a great question. If we can get that covered entirely through that budget, that would be great. The ditch
mapping might not count all the coverage. We're going to try to get most of them included. But we might get a little more data out of out of this. And you're right, we if we can attack it all through that grant, then we don't even need to use this, >> right? Or maybe tackle, you know, 60% of it or something like that. So, >> yeah, I think that's great. Uh we also
are applying for funding uh planning assistance so that we can complete our housing production plan and then um we're putting in an application as well um for the implementation phase of that ditch mapping project. So the ditch mitigation or ditch ditch maintenance.
So uh we'll see how th those expressions of interest come back. Uh that will give us some guidance and if it's worth applying for those grants. So we'll go from there. Um that's basically all I have unless you have any questions on anything. Just curious on where our status is with
the electronic timekeeping. We keep bringing it up and I'd like to get it implemented before the winter months. >> Okay. I got a um updated quote from them uh this week so I can uh advance that and um I think it's just a question of if we have the the budget for for this year, but I I think we can probably make
it work. Yeah. Find a way to do it. >> So uh yeah. Um my question was if you know they start charging us for all employees or just employees we start rolling it out to. I think we want to do it on a kind of slower basis. Just do a couple departments at a time, but we
definitely want to do that with um buyer and DPW. We talked about that. So, a couple decisions to make in there, but I think it's we're basically have what we need to start on boarding it. >> Timekeeping. >> Yeah, I know. It just it would nice to be have it implemented and
>> Mhm. >> everyone be comfortable with it before we roll into the winter months with, you know, people coming in at odd hours for snow plowing and delays and things like that. So, yep. Absolutely. >> I asked for that when I first got on the first [laughter] floor. That was >> we talk about all the time. I think
realistically both for our planning purposes we should set up a schedule for um you know is it every two months are we going to add another department or is it every we're trying with DPW and fire for two months and then we bring the rest of the town on or is it then the
town hall and then school last or how are we going to do it? But I'd like within six months to have everyone on board. >> All right. I'll bring a schedule to you at the next meeting. >> That'd be great. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Any other business, old business or anything else?
>> No. >> I'll entertain a motion then. >> Make a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Motion made. Motion seconded. All in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries. Thank you, John. And happy Halloween.