Uh, thank you, Holliston. We are just returning from exec session. Now 7:02 p.m. We're going to be returning to our standard select board meeting agenda. And the first thing we have up is an update from the sewer commission. So, I'd like to uh, invite the members to
come up if they would like. Please. Names and addresses as per usual. We are very happy to have you. >> Hi, Kevin Cornwell, 48 Fisk Street. >> John Cronin, 40 Holly Lane, chair of sewer commission. Good evening. >> Mr. Chair,
Mr. Vice Chair, mother of the bride. Good to see you all. >> Good to see you as well. >> Good to see you. >> Um, this evening, it's been about 6 months, I think, or there takes since we've had a chance to sit down with you folks and give an update on what we've been up to over the last 18 months. Um,
I think it's most [clears throat] important to start with most recent event started on June 3rd. After several weeks >> [clears throat] >> of effort and intense dialogue, we pushed the button on our latest MassWorks grant application. Um, this grant application totals
4,797,373. A good crooked number that brings us comfortably to the total project cost, and I'll get into that just a second. Uh, but briefly, um, going backwards now, the total project cost was estimated to be $7.3 million by Lombardo
Associates back in 2024. That number, if you recall from the report, did include inflation numbers, some contingencies, and so forth. So, currently, it's good enough to play with, but, you know, it'll age out soon, but we feel comfortable to base our uh, TPC on that. So, with the previous
MassWorks uh, application and award, um, also known as phase one, um, that grant was 1.5. It was awarded last fall. And plus the federal earmark that we just received totaling 1.1 million. This 4.8 will, if approved, make us
whole. Before I proceed, I just noticed our other commissioner, Stacia Geleno, arrived. Hello Stacia. Nice to see you. Um Moving forward, the town was awarded the 1.5 million last fall. These funds are offsetting the upgrades currently needed
for the wastewater treatment plant. As well as the construction and engineering contractual services through Lombardo Associates to scope the improvements and assist the town with preparing the main bid for the pipe infrastructure.
The sewer commission began communicating also this past spring with the property owners in to endorse the easement agreements to permit the town to legally proceed to plan properly the specific sewer pipe installations.
To date, we've received 18 signed agreements with about 49 or 50 or so outstanding. We've got about 25% captured and that's fine by us. We are we we publicly stated that we want to work with people. This exercise is not a heavy-handed exercise
that demanded agreements by a certain date. We we gave deadlines to people but we began hearing um quite clearly from people that they had some concerns over the renderings that they were given. Those renderings were not engineering renderings or say they were not as-builts and people
[clears throat] had concerns about them. So we put them off. We've recorded their concerns. We've created a digital file every email, every concern and we'll revisit them when we award the big contract. This past May, town meeting approved the
designation of the village commercial district as the bounds for our project. Kind of a small but very meaningful act. It finally gave us the the final bounds in which we play this project out over the next several years. As you know, we started with 71
that were mapped out by the Lombardo Associates plan that optimized the 32,000 gallon metric. But what we've come to learn is that although 71 people are invited to the program, they may not accept. So,
this was an important step to allow us to utilize potentially other properties within the bounds, but outside of the existing current plan, see if we can grab them to fill in gaps as we move forward over the next several months. We've worked with these 71 identified
properties exclusively and hope that over the next several months we can learn more clearly which ones will opt in, which ones will opt out. I'll get to that just a second. We've also been contacted, I should say, by other
property owners that are in the village commercial district but not currently in the plan. We parked them. We know who they are. We know what they want. They know their status. They're sort of on deck. They'll be assessed when and if the time comes
to fill those gaps in. Earlier this year, we were informed also that the town would receive 1.09 million in a federal earmark for our project. Congressman McGovern visited Holliston in May to make this announcement. It was
a great event. These funds will be used towards the total project cost. So, looking ahead, the commission has several milestones over the next several months and I'll go through them briefly. With a portion of the 1.5 million that
we received a year ago, the commission has awarded or intends to award a contract to a vendor to begin phase one of two to improve what we call outside work. This is work at the wastewater treatment plant that is essentially installing
tanks, pilings, and other infrastructure that will support the upcoming increased demand for service. That work, hopefully, will be going out to bid by the beginning of July.
We hope to have it awarded in time for most of the work, if not all of it, to be completed before school starts. We're mindful that school starts, I believe, the last week in August. It's best to have the work done in and around the area without the children around, obviously. We'll do our best to adhere to that and
keep in touch with the schools as needed. One of the things that will help us accelerate that project completion is the fact that several of the components have already been purchased and are on on on site, if you will, already for installation.
We had to move towards this two-phase approach because we had [clears throat] we decided to take the whole apple and bite it all at once and put both the inside and the outside work together in a bid. Unfortunately, I think we came into contact with a very busy
construction season. In other words, high demand, low supply. We received one bid, which was not tenable. So, we retreated. We think that this approach will achieve both measurable success, which we think is easily attainable this summer, the
outside work, while putting off the more complex outside work, which is the balance of the contract, will bid sometime this fall. And that work can be done over winter. We'll also be working with the town manager, Frank Giaquinto, and our town council
to determine possible fall town meeting articles. Our commission has broadly discussed bylaws that may be needed and for furthermore draft of town meeting consideration. The timing of what the bylaws may be and
will be will be discussed with council over the next several months. We're trying not to get too far ahead of what those bylaws might be. We've done some research with other communities that have gone through this. I've gotten kind of a mixed bag. Not surprising. What we're trying to do is
very unique right now with the scale and size. But we're learning a lot from other communities. Some communities have very strong bylaws with a very heavy hand. I think what we're looking for are collaborative bylaws that work with property owners
to achieve obviously an improved sewer infrastructure. We also expect to hear from the state in October about the grant application that I just mentioned that we filed. Our hope is that the full amount will be funded so that we can bid the full project.
If we get news that that that that in fact differs from that expectation, we'll reset and plan accordingly. One of the things that we observed looking at the MassWorks funding history is that they typically do not award any singular
grant above $5 million in 1 year. But in contact with the state, they are very much interested in our project. They encouraged us to express our enthusiasm for the community support that we've received. Obviously, the federal earmark
goes a long way in explaining to the state stakeholders that Holliston is indeed supportive of this project. And so we're very optimistic that we may very well see that optimal number, 4.7, almost 4.8 this fall. Looking ahead, the
sewer commission is mindful of some looming issues. In no particular order, we have had conversations with some property owners within the district that may in in fact opt out. >> [clears throat] >> I just put in a new septic system, for example.
Why would you bother to go into a a sewer system if you have a perfectly, you know, fully paid septic system in on your property? Um in the event they want to opt out, we have to define the bounds by which they're out. Do they Do they out in perpetuity? Do they go to the back of the line? You know, those are
the rules that we have to sort of map out. The opt-in, as I mentioned, we do have several properties that have, by their own volition, approached us and put themselves in the queue. But once we have a general idea of what the total subscribed interest will be, we'll put
the call out for any other properties that may want to join uh within the village commercial district. We're mindful of the maintenance cost of the town to manage the system. Um we're getting several questions, good ones, but I'm I refuse to answer them, which is what's the cost to me.
Um well, it's a math question I can't answer right now. Um I perfectly understand why people want to know that because if they have a a septic system that's functioning >> [snorts] >> and they're paying $300 or $500 a year to have it pumped, any number that's above that's a value question. What do I get for that? So,
we're uh we're going to have to confront that at some point. Um property owner monthly annual cost figures into that as well. The overlaps um of system management with the Board of Health, the Department of Public Works, the Water Department. Uh we have a meeting coming up in
mid-July. We've invited uh Shawn Reese to join us. Um I think it's time we talk directly to the DPW superintendent about our shared interests. monitors homeowners water consumption through meters. Um that's an area that we probably want to learn more about as
when it gets down to how we're going to measure each property's utility, water consumption is an area that comes to mind. So, um there is a there is an area we want to talk to them more clearly about and see if we can find some um some scaled um interests. Co- co- um
what's the word I'm looking for? Um collaboration. Um we'd also like to secure a method to maintain, um, funds for system upgrades. We certainly need to maintain a system, and that would be the annual maintenance costs that the users pay, but we have to start
accruing, as your water department does, a sum of money to, um, use in the event that the future wastewater treatment plant or any of the infrastructure needs capital improvements. And then finally, um, we need to eye the system growth via water disposal, um,
with, um, a license from DEP. The commission has not spent a lot of time looking at, um, the future of the sewers in Holliston beyond this particular goal, but we are mindful that DEP has kind of given the town the notion that
its 32,000 gallons license is likely impossible to in- increase down the road, which means more capacity down at, um, the treatment plant. We're not there. We want to finish this process first, and then maybe engage that in the next couple of years as things begin to
fall into place. So, I'd like to thank the board, the select board. You have enthusiastically supported us. We really appreciate that. Uh, we'd like to thank the property owners of the district. Um, about 2 months ago, Kevin and I walked the entire district, um, property by
property with PO. Learned a lot. Met several people on the way who were very enthusiastic about what's going on. Lot of questions. Um, and would also like to thank, um, our fellow commissioners. Um, I would like to thank Kevin and Stacy. You folks have appointed a stellar team. These folks
have made every meeting. They're enthusiastic. They're They're really doing the work, which as a volunteer group, you have to appreciate that's the key to success. >> [clears throat] >> I'd also like to, uh, offer a brief congratulation to Stacy. I know she's up for re-appointment. She's putting her
name forward again for another sign. Signed up for 3 more years. Um, we really appreciate that. And finally, on behalf of the commission, um we'd like to put out a huge thanks to James Keys, the facility director, whose steadfast and expert management has been
invaluable through the project. He sits with us at every meeting. Um he's saving you money because we're not billing PO every meeting. Um as an engineer with an engineering background, he's giving us great counsel. Um we would not be making the headway we are without him. So, things are going
quite well. I'm here to report to the select board. Um we do expect setbacks. We will adjust as needed, but happy to keep you, your town manager informed going forward. Uh we're happy to answer any questions you might have this evening. Thank you. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Cronin, Kevin and
Stacia. I really appreciate all the work the commissioners have put into this. It's incredible how much progress has been made since we first started talking about this, and that is all on your shoulders. So, many thanks. I'll open it up to my board for questions or comments. >> Um >> Yeah. >> Uh >> [clears throat] >> one one quick question here. Um as you
know, Karen Sherman, the planner, is retiring, and we're having a new planner coming in soon. Do you have plans to work with the planner, talk to the planner at all about, you know, future and and what that looks like uh certainly in the district at this point.
Um I'm just curious if that's on the uh calendar at this point. >> We've made our way um been around many of the department heads in town hall. Board of Health comes to mind, the Economic Development Committee, Finance Committee. Um we'd be happy to meet with the new planner when uh he or she arrives. Um I
think it's important that all hands understand what's going on. >> Yep. >> And to that point, um I know the town manager has department head meetings from time to time. Happy to express Frank at an upcoming meeting once you have an all hands meeting what's going on with the Sewer Commission if you feel it's necessary.
>> Thanks. Is there a timeline for when that person might be joining? >> Um >> August. >> Yeah, sometime in August. >> Okay. >> Perfect. Summer, fall. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Great. >> That's it. Thank you. And I appreciate all the work that uh the Sewer Commission has done. You're doing a huge amount of work behind the scenes and uh
we really appreciate all the things that you're doing and continue to do to uh bring this project forward. So, thank you. >> Thanks, Ben. >> Uh my question is is really to Frank and the and to you uh Sewer Commissioners. Uh when it comes to the $4.8 million request to MassWorks program, we're
waiting for an October announcement. Is there action this board should take to request letters of support from Senate President Spilka, from James Arena DeRosa, from Jim McGovern? We know they support us. I think you might know that Frank and I spent a a good hour and a half, 2 hours in the Senate President's
office back in April, uh early May meeting with her regarding a number of opportunities that the state can help the town with. We had the Under Secretary of uh Housing and Livable Communities present with us. And the emphasis was very much on development in the downtown area through the sewer
project. So, I think they're fully aware uh of what this presents to Holliston for economic growth and development and are supportive. In fact, I do recall Karen Spilka leaning across the table and and sort of leaning in to say you can see Holliston's ready for this. >> Mhm. >> Uh and that felt like a wonderful
endorsement in the moment. But, can we do more now for you? >> So, I can tell you the letters did go in with the application. >> Okay, perfect. >> All three. >> Okay, perfect. Okay, I'm all set. Thank you. >> Uh a couple of tactical questions. I'll keep them brief, though. Um for some of the work that you mentioned that's upcoming that you're trying to make sure
doesn't uh overlap with the new school year starting. And then you mentioned some of the winter-based work that could be done. Are there any seasonality windows where there are specific windows of work that will be constrained based on the season, or is it all pretty much as planned? >> There is. Um I As I mentioned, the
outside work is designed to be done in favorable weather. Um [clears throat] we were we are trying to achieve that work before school starts. Excuse me. We're also mindful that if you're familiar with the treatment plant
space, it shares a a common um um circle of interest, if you will, with the proposed basketball court at the old Flag School. Um through James, we've been monitoring um the work that we plan to do. We'll communicate that with the parks because I believe there may be
some overlap to some extent in the in the um public works space, Damon. Um but our goal is to try to get it done without the children in and around the area. We're We're confident we can do that um without interfering with much of the
school year at all. Um the um the inside work is more technical. Uh we're talking about a a good size Well, about $300,000 worth of work. A little bit more than half of the scope will be um
the modernization of the um infrastructure inside the plant. Upgrading the technology, if you will, um to monitor the system's performance. So, that won't interfere much at all with the school. >> So, that's purely monitoring, not uh capacity, that portion.
>> I don't understand the question. >> Uh so, you're talking about the upgrades that will be done in terms of monitoring. That's purely in like internal work. >> That's all inside. >> That's all inside. >> And it can be done mostly and it can be done all winter long. >> Oh, fantastic. >> And ideally it would be done potentially weekends or um on school breaks, those kinds of things in and >> Great.
>> But it's To be clear, it's more than monitoring. It's diagnostic. It's performance. This system is um I mean, you don't want to use the often used expression state of the art, but it is a modern wastewater treatment plant function. It um it utilizes much more
technology than ones in the past that have been more manual or human involved. Um so, we're expecting the investment to pay off with uh relatively low human maintenance down the road. >> Excellent. Thank you. Appreciate it. >> My pleasure.
>> Any other questions or comments? No? John, want to say thank you very much again. Commissioners, um this is something that's been on a lot of people's agendas for a long time. Thank you for all the progress. It's really great. >> My pleasure. And thanks my commissioners. Have a great night. >> Thank you.
One moment, please. All right. So, uh just a quick moment. What we're going to do is we're going to be moving into um a joint meeting with the school committee shortly uh on a vote to appoint school committee vacancies. And we're going to reassemble briefly up here, take a very brief 2-3
minute break. Uh everyone from the school committee is going to come up and join us. We'll re-seat a little bit. And then we'll begin discussing uh some of the nominees that we've got. So, 2 minutes, please. >> We are turning now and our intent is to move into joint session. It is currently 7:23
and I believe that we need the school committee to be called into order to join the joint session. >> Yes. So call to order all the school committee to 7:23. We don't need to roll call vote because we're meeting in person, so we're called to order.
>> Called to order. All right. We are now in joint session. Very exciting. Tonight's business is one that has been building up for a while and we are very grateful to be finally addressing it. I want to thank all the members of the school committee in advance. We've already had some great discussions, so I appreciate it. On the agenda is
essentially nominating an individual to fill a vacancy that was previously left by someone who left the school committee and I believe that we have two nominees. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> The way we're going to be doing this is we're going to allow
a statement from each nominee and followed by questions from assembled around the table for each nominee and then we'll move straight to a roll call vote unless we have further discussions after that. Sound good to you? >> That works, Damon. >> Excellent. >> Who shall be our first nominee? >> I guess we'll go in alphabetical order.
So Ally. >> Please join us. >> Ally is on camera, I think. >> Allison, are you able to get on microphone? I know that there were some concerns with your travel. All right, you're there. Excellent. >> I am. Can you hear me?
>> We can hear you extremely well, so please continue. We're aiming at like 2 minutes for the joint statement, but of course there's there's room in there. >> No, that's that's fine. Um, accept my apologies for not being able to be there tonight as I am on vacation. I've presented my qualifications
multiple times now, so so I don't think I have anything new to add. I do want to say, you know, from my vantage point, I I understand tonight's vote to be relatively illustrative and procedural.
As I'm sure Sarah knew she had the votes to be appointed prior to submitting. Plus after all she was elected by the town um in the recent election. So I I didn't reach out to anyone in the community to submit letters of support on my behalf. But I did want to speak
just quickly because over the past few weeks I've heard from residents who really are quite frustrated. They feel that the process to fill a vacancy is rigged. So I wanted to see this procedure through and see it out. And to those folks, I obviously hear you on that.
But at the same time, understanding the why behind this scenario is important. It's because the law requires a joint vote between the school committee and the select board. And since our select board is smaller than the school committee, any vacancy generally comes
down to who who the school committee picks. I do want to also speak directly in response to adverse things that have been said or written online about Sarah's character.
Not only is the rhetoric completely inappropriate. And I might add not productive to helping that cause. I also want to know it's factually wrong. I've known Sarah Fitzgerald for
approximately 10 years. First meeting thanks to Hollister Youth Soccer because our daughters are the same age and her husband was the coach. Over many years the Fitzgeralds have have been a I mean the whole family have been a fixture in Holliston soccer
and our sons most recently played together in high school. So I have seen you sports bring out the very worst in some parents but never have I seen anything but the best of Sarah Fitzgerald. She's a total class act.
And you know do I degree or do I disagree with some of the procedural or stylistic choices she made in conducting the June 7th school committee meeting? Yes. Do I think that some of the choices fed the ensuing fire after the meeting?
Also yes. I do believe the community would benefit from an explanation for her as to why as the leader did she resign when the committee most needed leadership?
And then also why did she decide to come back and submit to fill the vacancy create she created? I feel like those are the main questions I've been hearing from the community. And these are all fair questions but to her character no.
So to the residents who reached out to me with your concerns and your frustrations, I guess I just want to say that the sense of community is what drew my family to to Holliston and I imagine yours as well. And so please let us hold that in the
center of our healthy debates, discourse and discussions. Thanks. That's all. >> Thank you Allison, very much appreciate it and I thank you for that extreme level of real generosity and civility. Appreciate it. Questions or comments from around
the table? No? No questions for the candidates? >> Are we is the process to ask each candidate the same questions? >> Yes. In theory. >> Um okay. >> Don, sorry really quick just before we and don't mean to cut you off, before we uh proceed, I just want to remind folks
to speak directly into the microphone. We're getting some feedback from Zoom that we can't hear folks. I have an extra microphone down here that I'm happy to donate to someone else if they need it. So, thanks. >> Okay. Um do others have questions for the candidates?
>> I can ask. Um Ally, can you Are you kind of touched upon it, but I'm curious um what inspired you to run or not run, but put your name in um for the first appointment and then again for the second?
>> Um as a parent, I've you know, been frustrated with in some areas. When I have offered uh input, um depending on who I offered it to, uh
I didn't feel that um I was listened to. And so, I thought rather than um sit at home and complain, um I would throw my hat in the ring. Um I have a lot of obviously, you know, from my my application, um you know, I
have a lot of um corporate leadership, analytical, logic based um style, and I thought it would be very complimentary um to the other folks on the board. >> Thank you.
>> Yeah. >> Further questions? >> I I do have questions. I have two questions. >> proceed. >> But I can do just one if there's others that have questions. >> Okay. >> Um the Holliston School Committee recently reviewed the recommendations of the math leveling review committee
regarding middle school mathematics leveling and pathways. This followed um changes implemented in 2020-2021 and then ongoing discussions at school committee meetings in 2021, 2022, 2023,
2024, and then this past year. What aspects of its recommendations do you support, and are there any areas where you would have taken a different approach? And then also, if you could just discuss how you would balance that academic rigor, student opportunity,
equity, and parent feedback when making decisions about course leveling. >> Sure. So, I I'm not um unbiased in this particular question. Um I'm a structural engineer, um and you
know, high-level math is very important um to go to school for engineering. And I personally took uh algebra in in eighth grade, and so that put me on on the good track. Um my kids are all old enough um that they were
before this leveling um discussion. And so, I've I've seen through my three kids that are all wired differently. Um all with the opportunity um to be in a higher level um
it was either great or maybe too fast or or um you know, just fine. Uh so, I I [clears throat] think I come out at, you know, as an engineer. Uh you know, we have a massive need for new engineers. So, plug for all civil
engineers out there. Tell your kids to go into civil engineering. Um I'm a huge advocate for the leveling of the math curriculum um to provide kids that opportunity um to really differentiate themselves with
superior math skills. Um but I also do see the other side that sometimes there are kids like my kids. Um I you know, I I had kids that that were sort of pushed into that because I advocated for it and it really wasn't
necessarily the best for them. So Don, I know you had a couple other parts to that. Are there Um, do you want to follow up? >> I guess um, just discuss how you'd balance academic rigor, student opportunity, equity, and parent feedback when making decisions about course
leveling as a committee member. >> Um, I'm writing that down. Academic rigor. Um, >> student opportunity >> parent feedback >> equity and parent feedback when while making decisions about course leveling as a school committee member.
>> Yeah, so I think that equity is a hard one because I I think the angle there is that um, there may be kids that are not quite ready um, or perceived as not quite ready and they may not get that opportunity. Um, but in a more balanced
classroom, um, maybe they would. Um, I think from a parent feedback standpoint, I think it's important, um, obviously I'm a parent and I I had strong opinions um, for my
kids and sometimes um, I work to you know, push harder. Um, but you know, in hindsight, I see um, really that the educators, the teachers, the department heads, right? They have a really good handle on it. Um,
my sense as a parent is when I come at things the strongest um, it's s- it's with, you know, passionate love for my child. Um, but sometimes without all the information. I I think so in terms of
parent feedback, I think it's important that people feel listened to. Um, but I also feel it's important to educate people on things that they may not be aware of because they see them um, from the from their own lens. Um, from academic rigor,
um, you know, I I already spoke to that, um, the the importance of it. Um, Did that Did Again, did that answer your question? I mean, how how would I balance? There's no way to perfectly balance everything, right? Um,
I definitely would look to the educators as the as the as a voice, important voice. Thank you. >> I do have one question. >> Please, go ahead. >> Um, Elliot, totally hear you, the community, and voicing
frustration. I I get the sense that there's not listening happening, and I can I can tell you there is listening, it's just not always a favorable outcome. What would be one decision that you would differ from, um, and and and support, um,
if you were on the committee? What is something you're passionate about? >> Um, well, I said this in an early conversation with Don and Sarah, actually, um, that that's a hard, you know, that's a hard, um,
question to to answer fully, um, because there's a lot of discussions, um, that happen maybe in an executive session or whatnot that I'm I'm not privy to. Um, and and I mean, everything is just so detailed, um, so I don't want to be
the the backseat driver that pretends that I have have all the answers. Um, that said, the the decision, ultimately it was reversed, um, that I appreciate, but the decision to to really kind of force this
this high school schedule earlier than than I felt the high school could have really responded to it. I I thought that that was a poor decision and I feel that the feedback that the school committee
received was was very strong and ultimately you guys made the decision to to delay which I was in support of. >> Thank you. >> Dina, I have a question. >> Please go ahead, Tina. >> Ellie, I just want to thank you for
taking a question that you know you have no preface for. So, here it goes. Where we would interact with you as a member of the school committee here on the select board would be primarily through the budget process. We heard up through this
current round of budget process that there were challenges being faced across the state of Massachusetts that Holliston was also facing challenges, that Holliston needed to be concerned moving forward as well with the budget in the upcoming years. So, my question
for you would be do you have concerns about the budget for fiscal year 27 so the 26-27 academic year? Do you have concerns about what was passed? Do you see areas that should have been funded more? What would you be looking to have conversations with the
select board regarding the budget for the upcoming well the 27-28 academic year? >> I I don't have specific concerns about the budget that was passed. You know, my sense is there's never
enough money and there's certainly not enough money from the state and so it's it's really it's really a balancing act. So, I I don't I don't have any specific
things that I would you know say I I disagreed with. Um I as I'm new to the school system, I I think that our, you know, the school committee lens um I think I would be very interested in
any sort of grants possible. Um I'm not an expert in that, so it would be something that I would want to look into. Um But for example, in I do I I through work
I worked on a project um in a neighboring town, a municipal bridge project. The town didn't have money for the bridge. Um and I was able to find um a priority at the state level
um that that effectively made the cost to the town go away. Um so I don't mean to compare that the the the school funding to road road and highway funding. Um I know they're they're totally different animals, um but that idea of
trying to um find money somewhere um would be a goal. I know it's it's a lofty goal, and and other people have the same goal. >> Thank you. >> Allison, I have one question. It's it's fairly broad, um but I tend to ask it all the time. Uh when you think about
continued investment in the schools, the need for growth in that investment, what metrics would you use to judge kind of the return on investment, the efficacy of the continued investment when it comes to understanding the outcomes for the schools? Uh this is definitely one of those big and inscrutable questions
that's faced by every school everywhere, but what's your personal point of view? How do you track ROI on continued investment? >> Um as a resident, I would say that um I feel that residents care most about that list of where we sit
relative to Hopkinton, Ashland, um etc. Um that list isn't actually overly important to me personally, but I respect that people look at this as, you know, their property values and where we sit and how attractive the town um is.
I So so that's a metric. It's not overly important to me um because I understand why some, you know, why we've fallen away from from the metric some degree. Um I think
I I think more of of like nuts and bolts things. Um kids at at higher levels being able to receive certain classes, um certain programs that, you know, as kids as my kids have been recently, you know,
applying to schools, um there's programs that happen in other schools that don't happen in Holliston High School. Um and I think the schedule will help with that. The changes in the schedule will help with that. Um But I so I think the diversity of the curriculum
um I don't know how to apply a specific metric to that. Um but but that's something um super important to me. Preparing um kids for actually professional jobs. Um you know, I I feel like that's really a hard leap
of what are you going to do after after um What are you going to do after high school and um you know, if you're going to go to college, what are you going to major in um that that has some sort of an ROI and what jobs are even out there. I feel
like that's an that's actually a gap um currently um that there could be a lot more done. Um ultimately, the way I answered the question last time is an important metric to me um is the
stability of the teachers um to make sure that that we're really trap attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers. Um, my kids have had, uh, you know, great teachers who have left for a variety of reasons, um, and replaced,
um, by, you know, kind of, uh, very different, um, teachers that I, you know, I had wished that other person had stayed. Um, but I think Holliston is is a, you know, strong strong district, uh, you know, for teachers and I guess I
would just want to, you know, focus on, um, that teaching metric in terms of the the number of, um, you know, reach retainment of teachers, I guess is what I'd say. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. Any other questions for the candidate?
No. >> One additional question for us. Um, since COVID, young students are struggling more than ever with mental health. Is Holliston seeing a need for increased behavioral services for students? And what is your overarching plan to address the social and emotional needs of Holliston public
school students? >> Um, I think it depends on the school. Um, my experience has been that at some schools there's just not enough staff, um, to really support the kids that they that need it. Um, I don't know, you
know, that that was when my kids, um, were in that, you know, in that school at that time. So, in terms of specific staff, um, need, um, that that would be kind of the first line of defense, making sure that we have,
um, adequate staffing. Um, I feel that we, uh, the the social emotional health, um, you know, at at the high school, I've had great experience with actually
um, middle school is rough, but middle school is such a rough developmental time. I you know, my kids I had some struggles at Miller. Um, and so I feel like at the younger schools, there's a lot of good culture around, you know, community and all
being, you know, part of one group, a lot of, you know, Dave Kime with his costumes and dance parties and reading nights and and and things that are are really great and I see those as really fostering a great um, a a great sense of community that also
supports um, social emotional health. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Further questions? >> I have one more. Um, Allie, um, what do you foresee, um, if you were to get appointed, what do you
foresee as some of your initial challenges or areas for growth and um, where when what areas do you think you could um, hit the ground running? >> Well, I'd say my initial challenge is that I've never done it before. Right, so all of you who have been living and
breathing the school committee, I don't I don't have that experience. Um, you know, I'm aware of the Mass Association of School Committees and their training and their resources. Um, I've you know, I've looked into some of them, but but but surely I would I
would need training um, to to get up to get up to speed. Um, in terms of like my strengths, uh, really anything to do with um, numbers, data, research,
um, trying to kind of understand why things are the way they are, um, is, you know, kind of something that is you know, my personal strength, so that really kind of aligns um you know, with
metrics, but certainly with with budgeting. Um I think actually my priority would be in communication. Um just thinking about some of the comments that have been made to me um over the past few weeks. Um I think the most important thing for the
school committee now is to build the trust of the community and to kind of listen to the naysayers and um try to understand where there's common ground so that that component of the committee can just be a healthier path forward.
So, that would be, you know, in in you know, numbers aside, that would be the the thing that I would be most passionate about. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? All right. Thank you for answering our our many questions. We really appreciate
you could join us virtually. Uh so, thank you very much, and I think with that we'll move on to the second nominee. >> Yep. >> All right, Sarah Fitzgerald. Would you like to come join us up here? Please state your name and address, and then can proceed to your comments.
>> Hi, I'm uh Sarah Fitzgerald. I live at Three Quill Run. Um to the Holliston School Committee and the Select Board, thank you for meeting tonight to fill the open seat on the School Committee. I'm here to obviously express my
interest in that seat. Um over the past 3 years serving on the School Committee has been both an honor and a responsibility. I entered this role with a strong desire to serve our district, and through that experience developed a deep understanding of the challenges and
opportunities facing our schools. I'm proud of the meaningful progress that the School Committee has made together during that time. I'm grateful that the Holliston community reelected me for a second term this past May, and I deeply appreciate the confidence and support demonstrated
through that election. Um for reference, just during my 3 years on the School Committee, um I served as chair last year. Um I had I've been a member since 2026. Um during that time, I served on the Superintendent Search Committee, the
Math Leveling Committee, um the Policy, Communication, Superintendent Eval subcommittees. I also um was a member of the Equity Audit Steering Committee and the Holliston Coalition against hate and bias. Um I worked on various negotiation
teams, um worked with the paraprofessionals contract, the cafeteria workers, administrative assistants, and we had just started the nurses contract, um in June. And then, prior to serving on the School Committee, I was an active district volunteer for
many years. So, between PTO president, volunteer coordinator, classroom coordinator, library volunteers, I've been in the schools for over 16 years. Um So, during my first School Committee term, I kept students at the center of every decision with a strong focus on
inclusion and equity. I advocated for meaningful support of educators and worked to support to ensure all families felt heard and represented. That work continues. As our schools face important decisions ahead, I believe my experience,
experience, perspective, and commitment position me to help move the district forward. The Holliston Public Schools are at a critical juncture. In the coming months, the School Committee will need to focus on several key priorities. Um we have a major leadership transition
with almost a whole new central office staff, a new superintendent, new director of teaching and learning. Um, hopefully a new assistant superintendent of finance and operations to be named soon. Um, returning assistant superintendent of student services, a
new Miller school principal. Um, and I just would really welcome the opportunity to work closely with the district leadership to support a smooth and successful transition. We'll also be working on negotiating a new three-year teacher contract. Um,
we'll have a new um, the MSBA projects getting up and going soon. Um, while these priorities stand out in the near term, my core focus remains ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education, every family's voice is heard, and our
teachers and staff are supported in the vital work they do each day. I'm looking forward to building on what we've accomplished and continuing to work collaboratively to strengthen our schools. So, with that being said, I will address the probably the big question. So, why
are we here? I mean, um, as I'm applying for the seat that I recently vacated, I recognize that this is a very unusual situation. Um, I used the word unusual in the letter of interest that I submitted to
um, the school committee and a select board. The meeting that we had on June 2nd and the reactions that followed both that evening and in the days afterward were very difficult. Public boards are often faced with criticism and disagreement.
And healthy debate is an important part of public service. It's not unusual for the school committee to make decisions that don't please everyone. In fact, I would acknowledge that it's incredibly hard to please everyone at the same time. In some cases, our decisions work well
for some families and not for others. In other cases, it worked the decisions work well for certain age groups and not for others. And it might take some time for your kids to make it to the high school to appreciate the time changes or things like that. Um
Ultimately, however, the decisions that the school committee makes are intended to take into account the experiences of all students and to make for the best possible education experience for the whole student body. When we make those difficult decisions,
public discourse, even critical discourse, is expected. The feedback helps the school committee better understand and accommodate the needs of students. To be clear, we're quite equipped to weather those types of storms.
At the same time, I believe those conversations should remain respectful and constructive. While the whole week of June 2nd was full of great end-of-year events, celebrations of our students, field trips, showcases, the carnival for
our youngest students, for me personally, the celebration of our seniors. There's senior sunset, there's a scholarship night with graduation coming up that Sunday. This was all in contrast to the deeply disappointing response we heard both on
June 2nd and in the subsequent days. These responses hit very differently. These responses were a huge distraction from the good things happening in the district. As things got incredi- increasingly personal, both for me and my colleagues, um they really crossed a line that was
not something I wanted to be a part of. I felt thought important to bring the temperature down at that point, both for myself and for the rest of the committee. At that moment, I didn't know how else to do it other than to step away. After taking time to reflect, and more
importantly, after hearing from so many community members who not only shared my disappointment, but also supported my service to the schools, I remain deeply committed to our schools and mindful of the responsibility to continue serving the community members who placed their
trust in me through the recent election. For that reason, I'm submitting my name once again in the hope of continuing to serve our students, families, and the broader community. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Sarah.
Questions from the assembled. >> Well, I mean, I feel like you definitely already answered the why apply and why reapply. Um, so, thank you for that. Um, so, I guess I'll skip ahead to my other question, which um, was
um, what do you think um, are areas of growth for you um, if you were to get appointed, and what challenges do you foresee, and where could you hit the ground running? I think we know that, but if you could expand on that. >> Um, I'd love to hit the ground running, I guess. Um, just to continue what we've
been working on. I think we do have a great team, um, and I would love to be working again with all of you. Um, I think we all can always do better, myself included. Um, you know, we these
are all learning experiences, you know, we're we're here for education. Um, and that that includes us. Um, I think, you know, communication, the way we do things, um, how we incorporate community members
into our decisions are all things we need to continually look at and reassess and re- reevaluate. Um, and I just think that is something we can always do better on. So, um, you know, I'm just trying to use all of
this as a learning opportunity and to do better for the whole community as we move forward. You know, we are volunteers, we're doing our best. Um, that's not an excuse for when things don't go well. Um, it's it's it's
the reality of we're trying here and we just need to keep keep plugging along and keep working with people and keep working with, you know, the various boards that are, um, part of Holliston and part of making all this work happen.
>> Um, the Holliston School Committee recently reviewed the recommendations of the math leveling review committee regarding middle school mathematics leveling and pathways. This followed changes implemented in 2020 to 21 and there were ongoing discussions at school
committee meetings in 2021, 22, 23, 24 and this past year. What aspects of its recommendations do you support and are there any areas that you would have taken where you would have taken a different approach? And then also discuss how you would balance academic rigor, student opportunity,
equity and parent feedback when making decisions about course leveling. And of course I can break that apart, too. So, I guess the first part is, um, what aspects of the recommendation do you support and are there any areas where you would have taken a different approach? >> Um, full disclosure, I was on that
committee. So, I I guess I am thrilled to have a full year of Algebra 1 back in 8th grade. I'm happy that there are levels in 7th grade. Um, I do think, um, it's really important to have
to allow those opportunities for students, you know, for the students that are ready and are able to take on those challenges. Um one of the things that I am happy about with the way that those changes were implemented is that um
we do provide some extra supports. There's a math lab for the eighth graders right now. So, if some of them still needed some extra help getting into and you know, staying up with the with the algebra class, um they're getting it in the math lab option. Um
I do think we can again keep doing things better um in terms of how we are doing our the placement of students, identifying who's ready for those um more challenge the more challenging work. Um
you know, I think middle school is a time of maturity. Kids are at different levels of maturity. They're ready or not, you know. So, trying to assess when are students ready for the challenge um and it's that fine balance of providing
the the rigor, but also not turning off kids who may be frustrated because they're not quite there yet. Um so I think um between providing supports to students as well as how we're doing the identification. One of the pieces that
um led into how we're doing that um kind of bounced off of the equity audit in terms of um taking a little bit of the teacher bias out and using a data-centered approach. Um and I think it can be combination of looking at test
scores, looking at assessments, as well as when children are almost ready, you know, providing them the opportunity to reach for the next level. So, I think um I'm happy to see that we have the levels
and I think especially with some of the changes with our [clears throat] high school schedule, um where math will be year-long, I think it's important to have that algebra in eighth grade so that they can get to calculus more easily by the time they get to senior year.
>> Thank you. Further questions? >> I'll repeat the question I had for Ally, uh which is in terms of the budget process, uh which is where we interact, uh select board and school committee, there was a 3.5% increase for this upcoming fiscal year and academic year. Are there areas that you would look to
see increase uh for next year that were not addressed in this budget process? >> I mean, I think we are going to be, you know, we'll be entering into contract negotiations, so salary is always a big part of our budget. Um so we have to figure out how that's all going to play
out. Um but other than that, I think you know, we have done a very good job of meeting, you know, initially it was the 3.25% target and then thankfully we were able to work in some
additional priority needs there. Um you know, I think um some of the things like the additional state aid that provided us an opportunity to get an out of district um coordinator for the special ed program, um
those are excellent opportunities and I'm thrilled that we were able to take advantage of working with that and and figuring out how to better support our student services and all of that. So, I think um I just look forward to keep working with
the select board and finance committee and making all of those things work well. >> Thank you. Further questions? I'll get mine in if no one else is >> I was next to you. >> I think you were next, actually. >> Okay. I will I will go. Some of the Ali's question. um
It's really unique for you to say that, but is there a decision that you would take back and change? Decision and or event. If you could give us an example of something that you you have learned that obviously as you
mentioned we have to learn a lot. Every time we do something we're learning and getting better hopefully. Is there something you have done differently or change your decision after that? >> Um. So I think for me if I think back to the last 3
years where we have gotten the most pushback it is in how we are working with the community. Um. You know, it's sometimes I you know there can be a lot of work and it can be difficult to always reach out. Um, but I
do think we try to do that um and I think we need to keep doing that. Um. Because ultimately we are here to serve the community, to serve families, to serve students. And the only way we can really
understand what their needs and asks and desires are is by engaging closely with them. So I think things like you know, I think our office hours at Rushford have been a great option. Um. They seem to be very well attended. Um,
for some reason they're better than than the coffee even mornings. Um, you know, so but you know, I think I've always tried to touch base with people when people reach out. Um. You know, meet them for coffee. I think
the conversations face-to-face are much more productive than um even email sometimes. So I guess for me it's it's that kind of thing. I mean, if if you're talking about actual school committee decisions,
I mean, budget can also be difficult, you know, anytime we're really looking at where are we going to squeeze money, you know, I personally would love to see a more robust um staffing of our libraries, but that's just me. I love our libraries and I love, you know,
but so if I had to reconsider, you know, I'd love to put, but that's my own personal thing and sometimes you have to look at the big picture and and still do what's best for the entire district and we still have limited funds, so those, you know, the budget
decisions are hard. Um so, you know, that's where I kind of where I fall. >> Thank you, Sarah. Um I'll jump in with mine. It's a same one as it always is. How do you At what metrics do you use to judge kind of the return on investment broadly for a
continued investment and growth of investment in our schools? >> And again, that's a super hard one to answer. I don't think there is any one um metric. I think, you know, we especially I think for for depending on where you
are in, you know, in the trajectory of your children or maybe if you're even outside of, you know, your kids are grown and they've, you know, they're done with the schools. I think the lens you look at the schools
can differ as you progress through life. Um for me, I think looking at student growth and how how are we improving on on our our numbers in terms of um
you know, how are kids accessing math and how are they doing with it? How are they accessing reading? Are they improving in writing and all of that? Um but also there's, you know, the MetroWest Health Survey that really gives us a gauge on how are our students feeling? Are they
Are they feeling supported? Are they feeling good about themselves? Are they able to do the work? Are they feeling safe and supported in their schools? So, I think some of those um softer metrics are also super important for us to understand how successful can the
students be if they're, you know, hopefully feeling healthy and productive and supported. So, I think it's a balance of looking at that kind of information um uh you know, student engagement and understanding how well they're doing,
you know, grade-wise, test score-wise, that is also a piece of it. Um you know, but there's lots of different ways to to, you know, even if you just look at, you know, the Instagram page for the student um you know, what their plans are after college after high school. Are they
going to college or that, you know, how are they doing? What schools are they getting into? I think, you know, this year I think kids are having fantastic um future ahead of them based on some of the the schools that they're interested in. So,
um I just think there's lots of ways um to me, you know, if I think about even just the recently graduation um to me it says a lot. Uh so, one of the great Holliston traditions is that uh the seniors can pick a uh staff
member from any point in their education to be the person to give them their diploma. Um and for me to see elementary teachers out there, you know, second grade teachers um giving away a diploma, that to me says a lot. Um the those teachers
have made such an impact on the students' lives. Um so, I guess those are the things that that really impressed me and make me feel like, "Okay, we're, you know, we can always do better, but but there's also a lot of good stuff going on. So.
>> Thank you. >> Since COVID, young students are struggling more than ever with mental health. Is Holliston seeing a need for increased behavioral services for students? And what is your overarching plan to address the social and emotional needs of Holliston public school students?
>> Um so yes, we are definitely seeing an increase in IEPs and 504s over the years. Um and a lot of those are due to social emotional or behavioral issues. Um you know, so some of it we're looking at staffing, you know, BCBAs, also the out
of district um coordinator. Um I'm thrilled that Jess Biedi, the student services director, will be returning to to the schools. Um and I'm also thrilled that she'll have some help so that um the the
uh BCBAs and the SSAs who are working in the buildings will have um more access to focus on the students that are still here in district and there will be someone else to work with the students that are out of district. Um you know, we have bridge programs, we
have um programs for for trying to keep students in district, which I think is always great. They can be closer to their families and get the support that they need. Um but one of the things for me that is you know, I think at the last couple of
um school committee meetings in May and June, um there were presentations by students themselves who came and are talking about things like um how to be a bystander, how to um support your um
um your peers. Um even the the um we had the the the youth action team from Holliston who work work closely with um Holliston Youth and Family Services, you know, on everything from drug and alcohol awareness. Um the the work that the youth are doing I
think is so important and and really beneficial and they're leading by example. Um which I think is tremendous. So, um I think some of the community partnerships between our emergency, you know, Chief Cassidy, um our police
department, um youth and family services through the therapy and all of the options that they are able to provide. I think all of those things, um you know, work to build a robust support system for um all of our [clears throat] students. >> Is that the end of our questioning
round? Any others? Thank you, Sarah. >> Thank you, Sarah. Thank you, Sarah. >> Yeah. All right. With that, we move into joint discussion on the candidates before us. Um I would usually do round robin unless anyone objects and we can just go
around. Anyone can add any thoughts they have. Sound acceptable? So, you guys all right. Want to begin with you? >> Round robin was going to be joint first [laughter] in the hot seat. >> If you If you like, we can go on the other end. It should should be fine. Yeah, do you want us to go over here? >> It doesn't I I'm fine.
>> All right. If you're ready to roll, roll roll. >> Um so, uh thank you to both candidates uh for their willingness to volunteer for this one-year appointment. Um both Ally and Sarah have certainly a lot to offer. Um I
know we had mentioned before a focus on looking at budget and um the some of the things that our district and our committee needs in particular. Um Ally certainly has a lot of those qualities, which um are fabulous. Um however, I do feel that experience is really what we need with such a young
committee that we have before us here. And um I believe that Sarah is the person that would best fill the seat for our school committee. Um I think that a lot of the circumstances surrounding Sarah's resignation have um
they were very disheartening. It was really hard. Uh I know personally um I tried to stay off social media as things were really going down, but I was still distraught and um explaining to my 7-year-old why I was crying and upset because of online uh
vitriol and the some of the comments that were made and the defamation of people that were was happening. That was a lot to explain into all of my children and they range in ages. So, I fully respect that Sarah had to set up some boundaries and although the question has come up, well, you know,
it's unusual uh to use her word there. I think it's fabulous that she has put her name back in. Um I think that being able to set boundaries for yourself and your family is important. None of us here as volunteers deserve that level of vitriol that was being thrown at us um personally. It wasn't just the decision
we were making, it became personal attacks and that's never an acceptable um mode of communication as adults. Our children are watching all of this. Um so, I respect that completely. I think Sarah has helped lead the hiring of multiple new central office administrators. She's worked through negotiations. She's fostered
relationships. She listed out all of her qualifications and a lot of the boards in this community. And those are the relationships and the people that I have heard from over the past few weeks um on sidelines, via email, phone calls, conversations um of expressing their support. I know as a board uh joint board, we got a number of
emails over the past week um saying those same things um in support of Sarah. So, um I believe she's always been an asset to our school community and our school committee and I fully support her um appointment on this board.
>> Thank you. >> I agree with Tracy um in in um regards to the fact that this is a really difficult decision. Um you know, both candidates come with um um, their unique uh set of strengths. Um, Sarah's strongest assets, as was
discussed, um, is her school committee experience, her knowledge of district operations, >> [clears throat] >> her labor and negotiation experience, her long-standing community involvement, >> [clears throat] >> and probably most importantly, her ability to provide continuity during a pivotal
period for the school district. Uh, with that said, I do believe this appointment also presents an opportunity to add a new perspective and complementary expertise to the committee. Some of Ally's strengths include, um, financial and project management expertise, including budgeting, forecasting, and
risk assessment. Um, she takes a data-driven approach with real-world context. Um, she has experience with large-scale facilities projects, including school construction. She has strong community involvement and first-hand understanding of student
support and special education issues. Um, and I think one of the things that stood out to me, um, about Ally was her persistence throughout this entire, um, process. She not only put her name in the hat for the
first appointment and stayed in it when multiple candidates had, um, pulled their names from that, um, appointed seat. She stayed with it, and then when she ultimately was not appointed, she put her name in again this time, and I think that shows a level of commitment,
um, and and just, um, perseverance that I think would really benefit, um, the district. Um, I really, um, I think that no matter who we appoint, um, we need to reflect on what has transpired in the last few
weeks, um, and we all need to work really hard to build a sense of truck trust amongst each other and the broader community, and I really think we need to appoint someone who's committed to doing that. Um, for this for me this decision comes down
to the needs of the community at this moment. Um, Sarah provides consistency. Ally presents an opportunity for growth with her unique skill set. Um, I am I'm I'm really conflicted with this and I'm interested to hear what the
rest of the um, the the select board and the school committee think before putting an official name out there. >> Excellent. >> Sure. Um, you know, to hear Sarah reflect on June 2nd brings back memories that I've experienced as a select board
member, um, being heckled in person, being heckled on my private property, being followed to my private property, um, the concerns my family have over the way in which public officials have are treated, uh, the the pressures that puts on me as
both a private member and also a public person personality, I suppose, in this role. Uh, it's difficult to hear how that challenged you, Sarah, and and I echo those concerns. Um, I rest in the conviction that I'm doing a good job in the role that I have
on the select board and that that is what allows me to continue and that is why I'm in my third term. It's certainly not what we want in our community. It does not reflect the best of our community and I do hope we reach a higher standard and move forward with um, better treatment of all of our volunteers, elected, appointed, and in
any role. We all deserve that. Uh, we're better than that as a town, for sure, Sarah. I echo your comments. Um, at this point I I recognize every strength that Sarah Fitzgerald presents. I disagree with none of them, agree with all of them. Um, this is not a no, but I will likely
abstain from a vote for Sarah Fitzgerald. Uh, there's additional information that I would like more time to understand and learn, um, and in order to serve my role as a select board member. And for those reasons I will likely abstain. Um, I I advance Ally Lima as my
preferred candidate here. Uh, I respect her critical thinking that she's demonstrated repeatedly in answering questions, in presenting her statements on multiple occasions both in writing and in person. I find her to be analytical, an active listener,
critical thinker. I I see the same in Sarah. This is not a comparison to put one above the other, but I also see Ali Lima as representing a new perspective for the school committee and to echo um Jess's comments, I see a growth opportunity
here as well. So, that's where I sit right now. I am also open to the conversation at the table here. >> Thank you. >> So, I echo a lot of what's already been said, so I won't repeat everything, but just kind of maybe highlight a couple of of things and also add a a few
additional areas for context. So, um I would echo Jess's remarks about both Ali and Sarah's commitment. Um for Sarah to do a full term, run for re-election, and then put her name back in, I think really speaks to her
commitment to the community. Um and as Jess mentioned with Ali, to go through this process, which was long the first time with multiple public meetings, and then to put her name back in again, I think speaks to her deep commitment to the role and to the
community. Um I haven't changed my thinking since we met in June in terms of what we need in um kind of to fill out this this board with the work ahead. I'm still considering the needs of the budget,
um the negotiations coming up, along with um continuing to build relationships with the community, our communications, and building our relationship with the new district staff members that will be
coming up in our next leadership transition. So, in thinking about that, um we have a lot of new faces already on the board. Frank, myself, Tracy are all in our first year, our first term. Jess
was elected um just last month. David Kime hasn't even started yet. So, I feel like we already have fresh perspectives, fresh experience. Um I'm also really in would love to have Sarah's she's very strong in her communication,
her relationship building. I think that would be an asset to the school committee. >> Thank you. >> I might be a little briefer here because I I again I reiterate [clears throat] what um Tracy said and also Hillary. I want to talk a little bit about um
I I think there was a comment about how the the process for vacancy is rigged or some people had that perception. I just want to say we take this very seriously. Um we received the letters of interest. You know, we listen to what others
around us are saying. Um we reflect on uh letters that that people send and we also look to what the needs of the committee is. Having sat on this committee, reflecting back over the last 7 years, thinking about what the next year brings with the transition of leadership, all of those things weighs
weigh into um my decision, our decision as a um as a group here. I will say I um I also uh am pleased to see that Ali Lima has been persistent um over these last 3 weeks
since June 2nd to this day. Um I'm really uh looking forward to next year. We'll have four open seats um for next year's election and I I hope that we have a number of candidates and people bring this enthusiasm and um run
again next year. I I I think that she does have that professional experience as an engineer and with budgets. I think that's important. She's definitely accomplished professionally. Um but I also look to Sarah's experience. Um the three years that she
served, one as chair, um on a number of different committees, and then even before that, her 16 years of involvement as a volunteer in in the school. I will say that serving with her, I feel like she's led with grace and authenticity. She's made decisions
in a thoughtful manner. She brings an outstanding work ethic and she has always prioritized students. In terms of her leadership style, um she's grown more confident and decisive in her approach while maintaining that open mind and that
ability to engage others and listen well to others. And when I think of those qualities, I think of that as as the leadership that we need. Um I think she's always been very flexible and creative um and hard working to address the problems that we
face. Um and so for those reasons, um I feel strongly that I would like to see um Sarah Fitzgerald back on this committee um because of her experience. >> Thank you. >> I'll be pretty brief as well cuz I do
agree with a lot that has been said. I think we are lucky as a community to have two great candidates speak um speak up and also participate. Um and the resiliency uh of Ally um coming back and and thank you.
Um I do want to speak on Sarah. I I think something uh that hit me hard when she resigned was we are people. We're all people. We're all community members. We're all sitting here trying to do the right thing. Um
and to see some comments, whether right or wrong, be that she isn't resilient enough to put up with it, and why she resigned, and why should she come back. Um it hurt hit me hard. Because at the same time, I put myself in her shoes. Her daughter's graduating, and she's
going through the immense stress of what happened on June 2nd and the days that followed. Um myself gone through it as well, not in the same situation. She saw best fit for this community to step down. And through the resiliency of this community to come out in her support,
I think has been incredible. The letters we've received, the feedback we've received. She is the right person for this role. And I think it she should be a wake-up call to, as we move forward, how we work together. And how we really come together as a
community. We will not always agree. In fact, most of times we will disagree. But how do we come together with respect and humility, and understand we're all people, and we're all going through our own troubles, our own challenges, and we're here to try to succeed as a community, and we will make mistakes.
We have made mistakes, we'll continue to make mistakes. The question is, how do we learn as a community? How do we accept those mistakes, and how do we get better? So, um with that said, um as much as Ally, I again, I will say I appreciate your resiliency. I hope to see you continue
to contribute, uh be part of this process. Um I'd be remiss uh to say I I I I have to support Sarah Fitzgerald for this appointment. >> Thank you, Frank. Um I will go next in turn. Um I was distracted for a moment because
there is a beautiful rainbow outside right now, if you take a look, and it's I think always worth it to take a breath and look at the good things in life, especially when one is stressed or busy. Um it's a very interesting process today. I think that there's been a lot of acrimony in the last couple of weeks. Um
and before I say anything else, I'd like to thank members of the school committee who have taken time to chat with me personally. I feel like we're turning a corner and I think we all agree that civility is a great thing and we should be embracing it more. So, we're starting off on the right foot, I think. Um
between these two candidates, I'll I'll just be honest. I think Ally, you are exactly the kind of multifaceted skill set and outsider mindset that I would usually jump on and embrace for a position such as this. The caveat here is I am actually a little bit worried
about the newness of a lot of the different staff that we have and I wanted to really think this through and I've been vacillating for the last week or so, um but I think that at the moment my point of view is that Sarah's probably the right pick given the current situation on the ground. Um the
experience does matter, especially given the friction that we are going to be walking into and a lot of the leadership changes that we are seeing. Um and I also was very impressed the way that Sarah addressed the elephant in the room immediately uh in a way that I think we can all relate to, not only as public
servants, but as people who live in the community together and want good things for especially our kids and all of us. So, um I think both candidates are truly strong um and Ally, I have a guess we're not going to we're you won't be like walking off in the sunset. I'm pretty sure we're going to see you again and
hopefully you'll be involved. Um but for this particular nomination, this particular appointment, I think my vote will be with Sarah at the moment. >> Thank you, Damon. Um I I appreciate the comments from both of the candidates here.
Um I think Ally's comments and um her uh kindness towards Sarah, I think are impressive. I think she has incredible qualifications and would certainly be somebody who would be very um qualified and an exceptional addition
to the school committee or any board she decides to serve on. Um I will also say for when it comes to Sarah, um you know, we talk about experience and things like that and there's certainly she has a wealth of experience and I can say personally I had many conversations with her
and I think she's an exceptional person who has um impeccable character. Um, she would disagree with me in a civil way um and I find her to be a a great person and so I would just sort
of come from a personal perspective in saying that I'm fully supportive of Sarah in this role um moving forward. Um, it's a shame that she would only get 1 year and have to run again, but um I'm happy that she put her name back into the into the equation.
Um, just a one other comment here. Um, you know, um the comments after June 2nd were disappointing. Um, we're better than that and as a town and as a community, um I think we need to be able to have discussions in a civil way.
We need to be able to disagree in a civil way and there needs to be opportunities for disagreements and for um communication and conversation and um it's hard um but we have to find ways to do it and we have to find ways to get
through it and even when people disagree, if we listen to them, we can find ways to move ahead as a community, as a group and we have to remember that we're all neighbors and we um we're going to see each other and we also
we owe it to each other to put forward the best community that we possibly can. So, um I'm happy to support Sarah um moving forward and uh looking forward to the vote. Thank you. >> Uh I'll defer to many of my colleagues if we feel that further discussion is
warranted, but I am also open to motions if that is where the waves carry us, but I think there is still some potential need for discussion. I'll leave it to y'all. >> I'm all I'm good. Okay. >> All right. >> [clears throat] >> I'll make a motion. >> Oh, all right. Well,
>> I'll move to appoint uh Sarah Fitzgerald to the School Committee vacancy through the May 2017 annual town election. >> Seconded by Don. >> All right. Um I'll uh Damon asked me to do the roll call, so I'm going to do I will do the uh Select Board first, and then I'll do the School Committee. Uh Damon?
>> Aye. >> Tina? >> Abstain. >> I vote aye. I'm going to go down the line here. Uh Tracy? >> Aye. >> Uh Jess? >> Aye. >> Was it? >> Yes. >> Okay. Sorry. [laughter] >> Sorry. >> Hillary? >> Aye. >> Don? >> Yes.
>> And Frank? >> Yes. >> So, that is seven to one. Uh seven to zero and one. So, uh >> And with that, >> Congratulations. Thank you. >> carries. >> Thank you. >> Uh all right. Thank you very much, and I think that before we
uh dissipate as a joint crew, uh motion to adjourn? >> By Don. >> Yes. >> Yes. Second. Sorry. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> All right. >> All right. >> Thank you very much, School Committee, for joining us. The Select Board meeting will continue. We'll have a few moments
of brief pause as people reassemble. >> All right. All right, we are back. Uh for those of you who just joining us, we just completed the uh appointment for the open uh school committee membership. And uh now we're moving on to the school building committee appointment, I
believe. Is that the next on our agenda? And I have here on the agenda >> discussion and possible vote on changing membership. >> Yes. Um so, to give a little bit of a background here, um currently we have um multiple slots open designated for the school building committee. One of those
slots, and please correct me if I'm getting this wrong, we originally intended to designate for someone with a legal background. >> She's the one you got actually working not on this. >> That's true. Do you want to Do you want to give Would you give the background then in that case? >> Sure. So, we followed best practice or practice set by other communities. We had council weigh in. Uh I think we ran
it by MSBA at some point or referred to what they have online and came up with the membership list that we felt was was comprehensive. We opened it up for applications. We asked residents who were interested to indicate what what position they were interested in and through a long open
window, we had it open for 3 weeks. We received 17, 18 applications. So, we had a very strong response rate. We did not get anyone applying as a resident with a legal background. So, the the dilemma was do we open up the
application period window again or do we go back to the MSBA and seek some counsel? Can we switch the membership because we had such a strong applicant pool on the engineering, architecture, construction slots and nothing on the legal. So, could we
open it up to include two for engineering, architecture, construction and remove the legal the resident with a legal background and there was no issue from the MSBA. No no other issues seen. So, given the strength of the applicant
pool, that seemed like in the best interest of the town of Holliston to move forward with that. So, that's where we are today. >> Thank you for the update and I speaking only for myself here, it's also worth noting that some of the applicants who had kind of a construction background also had deep policy background which for me kind of contributes that not
exactly legal, but it helps out quite a bit in other ways. So, that being said, do we have any worries about this change? >> None whatsoever. >> No? >> No, I I think it I think it makes sense. I think given
I kind of I wouldn't say that a legal background was superfluous, but I did kind of scratch my head a little bit like do we really need that? Given that I mean I don't know. I don't know enough about the process to know, but I think given sort
of the complexity of a building and engineering a building, I would love to have people with building experience. And if I could if we could have two, I would be I would be very happy with that but personally. So, I I have no problems
moving forward like that. I did have one question, procedural question here. We're talking about these members um these at-large seats. Are we intending to vote on a select board member to be placed on the board? on the school building committee tonight?
>> Uh the only answer the only three that we've got I don't think we are planning on that this evening. Are Am I incorrect on that? >> we get consensus if there's interest at the table and then we can formalize the vote later. I know there's some desire to move this process along but I think we could get consensus tonight and
>> Yeah, I was just I was just kind of curious cuz we cuz we at least we I think it might be prudent to have a discussion about it at least to cuz it is we go ahead we only have a couple more meetings and before we need to have our school building meeting. >> Says the man with a kindergartner. >> I know, right?
>> To the woman whose youngest child just graduated. >> First grader. >> Oh well. >> He's a first grader. He's going into second grade. Okay? >> We stand corrected. >> I'm so very sorry. >> The clerk has corrected us. >> Congratulations to >> [laughter] >> Uh so yeah, the only we only have three
uh on motion watch for tonight but we could have a conversation about >> I mean I I mean whatever you think but I I think you know given >> I'm not interested in being the select board member. Not because I'm not interested but because I think that there's better service to be provided by other people. So,
>> I'm not. >> [laughter] >> Uh >> I didn't put that forward. >> It's good to know because I don't I don't think that I would do it justice. So, I think there's a >> I am I am. >> last person standing conversation that might just have happened. >> If you want to have further discussion, certainly. >> All right, sounds good. So, um I think we it sounds like we have a motion for
the change. If everyone if anyone would like to make it. >> Yes, uh move to amend the existing membership composition of the Holliston School Building Committee by eliminating a seat held for a resident with legal background and adding an additional seat for a resident with architecture,
engineering, or construction experience. >> I'll second that. >> All right. All those in favor? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> It's uh moved and accepted. All right. So, that brings us on to the actual appointment conversation. So, uh just for those following along at home and
here, um that means that we have two buckets. Uh one is for the 65-year-and-older slot, and now the newly minted two slots uh for uh construction and architecture and engineering experience. So, I think that it would make sense for us to move first and conver- converse about the
65-year-and-older slot. Um let's see. How should we address that? Would you all like to do a round robin and contribute your ideas, or do we feel strongly already and feel like a motion is in order? I haven't had the chance to have much of a conversation with you two, so I'm open to it, of course.
>> Well, I think both candidates are um excellent. Um I think, you know, this this kind of becomes the the challenge of any of these conversations is you wind up with a um a number of candidates who are exceptional humans who are, you know,
qualified and capable and um interested, and it winds up being we have to make a choice. And that that kind of So, you know, that being said, I mean, I, you know, I think, you know, Howard put forward a, you know, he's got a great resume. He seems like an
exceptional person. Um you know, for me personally, I probably I would endorse uh Devlin Moore um to be to going forward with this, but um that's me personally. Um but it's difficult when you're trying to make a choice between two good people.
>> Well, as I said before, very strong applicant pool across the board. Uh so, my focus was really on three areas for all of the candidates that we're looking at tonight. Uh knowledge of complicated, large-scale, and taxpayer-funded projects. A background that includes strong volunteer service to youth and
professional or volunteer experience collaborating and building relationships with community members. I prioritized those in my choices and for that I choose Deb Moore for the 65 and older. >> Yeah, happy to contribute to that briefly. I think um as you mentioned, both candidates really exceptional. Uh
for me, I do have a recency bias that I sometimes lean into and uh since I've been on the board, obviously I've seen uh Deb perform at peak performance on multiple different initiatives. Uh I know that she has the the wherewithal to do it and that's not to say that Howard wouldn't, but uh Deb enjoys a strong
level of confidence for me just based on what I have seen in my interactions with her. So, I too would be leaning uh in her favor even though I think Howard had an exceptionally strong resume as well. >> Um one point of clarification here. Um for the motions to appoint, um is there
a term or is it the duration of >> There's no the building is >> It's for the intention for all the applicants was that they serve on the committee through the the duration of the project. >> Okay. Should we put that in the motion? >> Um sure. I guess it doesn't hurt. >> I mean just to sort of indicate rather than it's a reappointment because we're
going to do annual appointments that this isn't an isn't necessarily subject to annual appointment. It is you serve until the conclusion or you resign. >> They did acknowledge that in their application, but sure. >> Okay. Well, just to make sure that it's I I mean I I would just feel comfortable with that if that's okay with
>> Uh as as clerk, if you'd like to make that uh to >> Does that limit us in any way going forward? No, I think it should be fine, right? >> No, I mean yeah, I don't think I don't think it would. I think it just indicates the transparency of the the appointment. >> Yep. Um are you you want a motion? >> I do. >> Okay.
>> I will move to appoint Deb Moore to the Holliston School Building Committee for the seat to be held by a Holliston resident age 65 years or older for a term um for the duration of the construction project um Uh, and um yeah, that's it. >> I'll second that motion.
>> Seconded. All those in favor of appointing Deb, say aye. >> Aye. >> Aye. >> Carried. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right, that brings us to our second bucket, uh, which is the architecture, engineering, construction background. And we have an embarrassment of riches.
>> Yes, we have a lot of wonderful people here. >> Yeah, just and just to recap for those who are just joining in for the first time, so many excellent candidates that I think, you know, I'm I'm struggling at this point as well. There's just exceptional levels of skill here, um, that I did not expect going into this
process. So, for me, this is, uh, you know, two slots is not enough. I'd like to have four or five, please. Um, but let's discuss. >> would imagine that there's going to be other opportunities for subcommittees and for participation, um, for anyone who's not placed. I think there's going to be definitely much
uh, community input in this process. So, um, even if they're not appointed in at this time, they will be called upon, I'm sure, to, uh, to participate. >> Excellent. Uh, where should we begin? There's a lot to discuss. I mean, there's so many candidates here.
>> I know. I know. I guess it's hard because, I mean, so many candidates have such wonderful backgrounds and such incredible amounts of experience and energy and enthusiasm. And I think I think the thing that struck me hearing the statements and reading and and understanding, um, there was a couple candidates that
really kind of rose up because of their particular experience with the MSB. And that really struck a chord for me to really give me, um, a little bit of, like, hey, you know, having people who've sort of been through some of this process in some capacity, I think is is something that I
would, um, greatly appreciate in in into this into these roles. I mean, that's why I think for me, John and Christie really served that and really kind of, um, served that in that kind of role for me. I mean, it's hard because everybody had
such you know, there was such an amazing amount of experience but that to me was just sort of like a little bit that just sort of, you know, pushed them for for in my mind to just be a little bit above some of the other candidates. So, those were the two that I was leaning towards. >> Happy to chime in or Tina, would you like to go next?
>> Uh I'll go next if I may. So, we will certainly have representation from the non-voting members who have deep knowledge of the MSBA process including our rep from the MSBA program themselves. We'll have James Keast. We'll have
many people on the committee who are again deeply knowledgeable in construction projects. So, I felt a high level of confidence that we were off to a good start regardless and then we get the applicant pool. And so, for me what I have my priority areas and I've actually identified the candidates that
I'd like to see move move forward based on those priority areas as I mentioned before. One candidate stood out above and beyond in terms of what was shared with us in written and presented statements and follow-up questions and that's
Barbara Ryan who has direct experience navigating, maintaining operations while also facilitating a construction project in a large and complicated
system, health care system because what struck that to me is that that's service to others, right? So, for me the similarity is that number one, she's running her department, her operations while construction is going on. That is exactly what is most likely going to
happen at the school. I can't speak for sure but that is a very likely reality that school will be operating while construction will be going on and having someone who has that direct experience living it, having lived it meant a lot to me but also that this was health care and this is
education and in those situations, your primary role in that situation is to serve others. And that I just think is such a strong attribute that I didn't see at least in what was shared, reflected as strongly in the other candidate. So, that really stood out to
me as something unique that um among all of the strengths of everybody was above above uh above and beyond for me. Uh so, I call that out as a unique um aspect to that candidate. But uh again, I stated my three priority areas and I'm
happy to share when the time comes how I how I sort of view the candidates. >> Uh I'll speak openly. I try to think of this kind of like um not to use a sports metaphor that I know nothing about, but like a starting lineup. Uh there were so many great candidates that um what I was trying to
find out were who are the people who to me stood a little bit above that excellence level uh for one reason or another. Not necessarily on a dimension of excellence, but maybe they're bringing something to the table than someone else doesn't or just a dimensionality that is unique that I would find valuable personally. Um and I
think the names that keep popping up for me are uh John Nunary because of his background with both policy and general MSBA. Um and then that that one to me I think had a very a kind of a special connotation just because of that depth of policy,
but I can be swayed on that. And then the other three names that are that keep surfacing as the more I think about it are um David Liskowsky uh who I think his unique dimensionality there is that he has served on the finance committee for our town and I think that that connection might be very useful in terms
of kind of understanding some of the the conversations that we'll have going forward. And he also has an excellent construction background as well. Barbara as well, Barbara Ryan. I agree with what you were saying there. Tina, um very impressed with the background and I think that's the kind of juggling we're going to need. Uh and then uh Christie
um I was impressed with as well. Although, I you know, it's it's hard to say that it's a stand-in John or Christie, uh but their backgrounds are so similar that I think choosing one or the other um we can't do wrong. So, those are kind of the four main names. But I you know, to be honest, between the other candidates, they are just as
likely to be as not, but those would be my four initial drafts if I had to name them. >> I would add uh so, Barb Bryan, I would add uh Christie Oper, uh John Nunamaker and Dave Lescault as well. I would raise, in my opinion, uh Barb and
Christie to the top of the four, uh but all four of those are are great candidates. They're all great candidates. Let me Let me be clear. I think we can't be too clear on this one. Um this is a difficult decision, no doubt. And that was why I found it helpful to kind of pick what I found as priorities. >> What were your priorities?
>> Uh knowledge of complicated, large-scale, and taxpayer-funded projects. >> the one I was looking for. And what are uh who are your top candidates again? >> Uh Barb Bryan, >> Mhm. >> Christie Oper, John Nunamaker, Dave Lescault. >> Okay.
All right. Ben, any thoughts now that you've had time to reflect? >> Um I mean, I am, you know, I I I've heard certainly some uh some things here, too. I am comfortable like if we wanted to move forward with say
uh with what Tina was suggesting, Barb and Christie. I think that would I would be comfortable with that. It sounded like that could be >> I don't think I would uh stand against that. Um I'm curious to hear more about the the John Christie >> Well, I think, you know, as I sort of
think about it a little bit here, John and Christie are both terrific, but I think there's a lot of overlap there. And having something a little bit uh somebody with a little bit of a different perspective as I listen to you both in this in this context, I think having somebody who has
experience, but also has a little bit of a different background. I think it's uh is impactful for me as well. >> Christie spoke specifically two Mondays ago about building relationships with community members and that's not to say
that the others have not done that. >> Mhm. >> But being able to make up my decision based on what's presented, I I recall specifically I wrote my notes out that evening that that was a standout comment that she made and then referring back to what she presented in her statements and
so on and maybe a little bit of LinkedIn digging as well. Which I think is wholly appropriate here. You know, it's reflected there. So for for me it was that so in my sort of scoring rubric here, I gave more weight to Christie in that she
she's recognizing in how she presented to us that that value of relationships, building relationships with the community members. That's going to be so important. And please, I can't I can't I cannot say this enough. It's not to say that the others don't >> Right. >> have that. It's just these were the what
stood out to the process we just engaged in. >> you got your your they're so good. You're trying to find anything to sort of find something to say, "Well, wait a minute. That's not the actual It's like it's not cuz it is it is difficult to >> [clears throat] >> when you have a group of people that are this good. I
mean, I >> I'm trying to be transparent in the process that I went through. >> I and you have we have to be we have to be you know, we have to put our cards on the table and say this. Um >> It's interesting. Let me ask a question of you, Ben. So one of the things that obviously Mr. Wiskowski
really great construction background as well. Am I overemphasizing the finance committee membership aspect in in my thinking here? >> Well, you have to make that decision yourself. >> Of course. But [laughter] I'm curious. I mean, you know, as a former finance committee member >> I mean, I think, you know, I think any
experience is good experience when it comes to these kinds of aspects and I think you're going to you know, you inevitably have trade-offs where somebody has experience in one role and not in another. And, you know, if you feel that, you know, having that experience with that committee is is beneficial,
you know, certainly that that could be that could be a powerful thing. I think at the end of the day, you know, there's you're going to have that those communications. You're going to have those opportunities to uh meet with other groups and things like that. So, I think, you know, having that certainly
is valuable, but I I I know I wouldn't necessarily personally weight it more than other aspects given the role that we're talking about which is um architectural engineering experience. >> So, it sounds like what we discussed
potentially doing an approval vote, but we have not locked that in yet. Um but if we were doing an approval vote, it sounds like our mutual approval is the only two people who all three of us would endorse strongly at the moment would be Barbara and Christie. That's
not to say we wouldn't endorse the others, but that those are the two >> Yeah. >> that rise to the top. And if we were doing an approval vote, that would be the natural outcome >> That's interesting. >> I think that's fair to say given our conversation. >> And so, the question is do we want to do an approval vote or knowing that that would be the outcome anyway, I mean we
prefer >> I what I what I was saying when, you know, uh it was brought to our attention that, you know, our the microphones were on. I'm a little uncomfortable doing an approval vote um in this kind of a context because for for two reasons. One, we're talking about, you know, a a lot of different people and things like
that. And um I think you wind up with, you know, I know personally I just like I don't know if I want to be able to say I don't endorse this person. I don't want to endorse this person. >> It's only pro. >> Right. And but I feel like, you know,
not not a no vote or like a not voting is sort of a I I feel a little bit uncomfortable in that kind of context to do that. And um if, you know, I will defer if the two of you feel strongly, but I think we you know, where we are I think we have enough of a consensus to say those two
people, but you know, I I think we I think I can I'm comfortable making a motion for Christie and Barbara. >> Yeah, to me we have just done an approval vote, we just didn't do a vote. We just talked it out. >> of just kind of just kind of talked our way through it. So, it's literally the same thing minus a piece of paper where
we check mark things. So, I believe our approval conversation got to the same two people. >> Okay. >> And we can come back to this under other business cuz I think we should continue to talk about approval voting. >> Different conversation. >> Correct. I think we're at a point here where Ben might have a motion. >> Yes. I will move to appoint Barbara Ryan
and Christie O'Hare to the Holliston School Building Committee for the two seats to be held by Holliston residents with construction, architecture, or engineering experience for a term to be ending when the project has completed. >> I second that vote. >> All those in favor? >> Yes.
>> Yes. Carried. >> Thank you. >> Excellent. Congratulations. >> Thank you, Barbara. >> I was not expecting the gavel, but I don't know why I got >> [laughter] >> It's just for fun. It's just for fun. >> I'm Judge Wopner. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Barbara.
Thank you for putting your name forward. >> Yeah, I'm actually shocked, but thank you so much and >> Thank you. >> Don't rescind now. >> [laughter] >> It's the wrong time to do it. >> All right. Okay. >> Cheers. >> All right, excellent.
We are just we are breezing right along here. >> I We are. I know, it's almost 9:00. >> Wow. >> Um So, I would just say could we I think we were talking about meeting next week. >> Yes, potentially. >> Yeah, potentially. >> I'll bring it up. >> Okay. Sounds good.
All right, so that is the end of School Building Committee update and appointments, bringing us to [snorts] topic four, vote to sign Constitution Village Road acceptance documents. So, we do need a vote on that. Can you >> [laughter] >> Would you like to go go through a little bit of what we're doing there, Frank, just for folks who are later watching?
>> Sure, this is purely an administrative matter. So, the town meeting in May approved the road acceptance for the roads in question, the Constitution Village Subdivision. Um so, just to be totally transparent and cautious, we figured we'd throw it on our agenda item
without or excuse me, before before signing. >> All right, excellent. All right, great. And then >> Um can I ask one ask one question? >> Absolutely. >> Uh um do I remember correctly that these have like what is it, 120 days after town meeting? Are there like time frames that we have to complete these things? Because I remember there was one, I
think it was actually in that neighborhood, that we had kept having to do because we couldn't quite complete the task. [laughter] >> So, um >> We're good, I think. >> I think, you know, do we have what we need and we can move ahead and we're on our way, so that we won't necessarily have to do it again.
>> Yes, my understanding is that the agent of Fafard will be picking up all these documents tomorrow and we should we should be on our way. And the Planning Board, I believe, has signed everything as well. >> Okay. >> All right, I guess we're looking for a motion. >> All right, I will make a motion. Let me
put that right there. Um I will make a move to sign the deeds and other necessary documentation related to road acceptance of Constitution Village Subdivision as approved at the May 2026 annual town meeting. >> I will second that. >> All those in favor?
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> So carried. All right, Constitution Village, welcome to the town, I suppose. Great. [laughter] Uh and now we are going on to warrants, the most exciting part of the night. >> Yes. >> Frank, please tell us about the warrants. >> Sure, I have three to report. June 8th,
2026, $573,323.23. Uh June 15th, 2026, $3,333,221.26. And then third, June 22nd, 2026, 674,605.69. >> Excellent. Thank you. >> No problem. >> All right. On to public comments.
We have a huge crowd here in the auditorium. For those who can't see, it's It's James. >> [laughter] >> Hi, James. >> Of all the exciting people have decided to go to their exciting ways. But for those online, if there's anyone who'd like to make public comment, please raise your virtual hand
in Zoom. If not, No, looks like no takers. Excellent. >> There's one I have one to read when you have a >> Sure. Please go right ahead.
>> Do you need a board comment too? >> After this. >> Okay. This is from resident Carrie Marsh, 182 Highland Street. Um she'd like this to be read into the public record. What happened after the June 2nd vote should concern everyone who values local governance.
Ben, when I chaired the AgCom and faced a difficult application, you once told me that a committee speaks through its motions and votes. On June 2nd, the School Committee did exactly that. It deliberated, voted, and selected a candidate. Whether people agreed with the outcome or not, the committee had the right to make that choice. The School Committee is the body that
must work with this individual. It should have the authority to choose who it wants to serve alongside, free from interference from that fact. Instead of respecting that decision, the Select Board challenged the outcome, feeling unnecessary division and controversy that ultimately led to the School Committee member resigning and the
select candidate withdrawing. My request is simple. The Select Board should recuse itself from this appointment process and allow the School Committee to select the person it believes is best suited to serve with them. Respect the vote, respect the process, and respect the committee's right to choose its own colleague. In closing, I firmly believe Sarah
Fitzgerald was always the right choice for the school committee. Her qualifications, experience, and dedication to our schools and community speak for themselves. She has consistently demonstrated the leadership, professionalism, and commitment necessary to serve effectively and advocate for students, families, educators, and taxpayers
alike. I am confident that Sarah will continue to be a thoughtful, responsible, and valuable member of the school committee, and I fully support her service in this role. Thank you. >> Thank you, Kate, for your >> Thank you for that. Uh we do see a hand raised online. Uh please identify yourself, uh name and address before
commenting. Someone has to grant it, though. It's a Samsung >> Yeah. >> SM-X210. >> I'm on mute. >> There we go. Oh, back on mute. Is that technical difficulties, or are they're not? >> I think they just unmuted and then muted again.
>> All right. Oh, gone. >> Okay. >> All right. Well, >> Is there someone in the chat? Is there anything in the chat? >> No. Oh, no, it's more >> All right. >> Sorry. >> Uh I'm assuming technical difficulties, so we'll move on to comments from board.
>> Um uh no, nothing at this time, I don't think. >> All right. >> I just had two uh comments, really, thank yous to our fantastic uh HDAc coordinator, Zoe Morrow, who's running our drug-free community grant program.
Uh not only was she invited to present a diploma to a graduating senior this year at the high school graduation. >> idea. >> It's just remarkable. You know, she herself is just some number of years outside of graduation either, yet the students she works with works with identify her as such a strong leader and
such a strong uh mentor and inspiration for them that they asked one of them asked her to present the diploma and speak so highly of Zoe and what she's capable of and what she means to this community. She also graduated from the Leadership Metro West Academy uh class
of 2026. That just happened a number of days ago. So, um you know, we've seen Zoe come in as our first Drug Free Co- Grant Coordinator uh community grant coordinator uh and she has just excelled
in everything she's touched. Um most recently this month with these two examples. So, I just want to thank her and call her out for these um really meaningful ways she's impacting our community and and her tremendous accomplishments. That's all I have to say. >> Thank you, Tina. Uh nothing on my end
except for uh thank you to my fellow board members for your patience with me on my first night officially chairing. Um hopefully I did an okay job. I know I have gigantic boat-sized shoes to fill, but I think we uh we did an okay job tonight as far as reach out to other
boards and committees and it was really great to see the progress. Feel like we're starting out on an okay foot um and that would not be possible with your support. So, I thank you. >> You're very welcome. >> All right. That brings us to comments from the town manager. >> I have a number of updates tonight, so
uh please bear with me. Uh I just want to remind everyone that there will be no trash and recycling delay on uh July the 3rd. Um we'll also push that out on Facebook just as a reminder. Uh also coming up soon is our household hazardous waste day
on July 11th. Uh it will take place from 8:00 a.m. to noon or until capacity is reached at the Adams Middle School. Note you'll actually enter through the Placentino entrance and then circle through uh into the Adams parking lot and then exit from there. Um feel free to reach out to the town manager's
office uh for additional information or with questions. The Department of Public Works has finalized the summer 2026 paving schedule. The DPW has reached out directly to residents in affected neighborhoods with project information and anticipated timelines. Residents are
asked to avoid parking on affected streets while paving operations are underway to help ensure the work can be completed safely and efficiently. On Monday, June 29th, reclaiming will begin on Kim Place, the lower portion, Austin Road and Old Town Road on the
Washington Street side. Other roads scheduled to be repaved this summer include Prentice Street from Chamberlain to Marshall Street, Juniper Road, Country Road, Aaron Way, Goring Drive Extension, the currently paved portion, Purses Place, Stagecoach Road and Dorset Road.
Residents with additional questions are encouraged to contact the DPW at 508-429-0615. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as this work is completed to improve local roadways. As a means to increase our communications efforts here at Town Hall, I'm pleased to announce a couple
of new initiatives kicking off this month. Judy O'Gara and I, Judy is the editor of the free monthly Holliston Local Town Pages, will be sitting down each month to catch up on the events of the past month and to look forward to what community members can look forward to in the coming month.
Look for the July 2026 edition to see the first article in the series and a thank you to Judy for her time. This month we've also rebooted Ask the Town Manager with a slightly different spin. The series will showcase the work that our departments do on a day-to-day basis, highlight how it impacts members
of our community and demystify how local government works every day. First up was Tyler Shrubbick, our conservation agent, who shared some great information about what wetlands are, how to determine whether you live near one, what that might mean and the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission. We also talked about
Conservation Commission's support of the bike park construction on Woodland Street, their ongoing trails assessment, Lake Winthrop and more. That episode is now available on H Cat and as a reminder, you can also hear this weekly update or bi-weekly update and other town manager updates in
podcast form also through H Cat. Last week I attended the coffee hour hosted by the Economic Development Committee at Dream Cafe. Look for future announcements in the coming weeks about the schedule for these breakfasts which will now be hosted on a monthly basis by the EDC. And on a related note, I'm
looking forward to attending the Holliston Business Association's upcoming meeting on July 27th. Habitat for Humanity MetroWest Greater Worcester is pleased to announce that they are they are now accepting applications for home ownership. This opportunity is a three-bedroom,
one-bathroom single-family ranch style located at 550 Concord Street here in Holliston. Habitat for Humanity is seeking qualified applicants within their 42 community service area who earn 30 to 60% of HUD's fiscal year 25 AMI
based on their family size. The homes will be excuse me, the home will be sold at or below a maximum sales price of $357,499. The actual cost will be based on 30% of a selected applicant's eligible income. Selection will be made through an EOHLC
approved lottery process. Details and forms are posted on their website or alternatively, please check the town's website for additional information. The town is hiring for a number of exciting positions including outreach coordinator for the Council on Aging, head mechanic for the DPW, tree
supervisor for the DPW excuse me, DPW, economic development and communications coordinator, administrative clerk for planning and community development, and head of adult services and access at the library. For more information, please visit the
town's website or call 508-474-3335. Lots of threes, sorry. Uh also excited to remind residents that town hall is revitalizing the senior veterans tax work-off program offering senior and veteran homeowners an opportunity to perform work in town departments with a reduction of their
property tax bill of up to $1,500 annually. This re-energized program will be offered for fiscal year '27, which starts July 1st, 2026. We aim to enroll up to 20 seniors or veterans in the program with more in future years as the program is expanded.
Participants will be accepted as they are approved after receiving all application requirements described on the town's website. The town will try to match any areas of expertise that the participants might bring to the program with town departments' needs. For more information, please contact Human
Resources 508-474-3335 or the Council on Aging at 508-429-0622. A couple more, please bear with me. A reminder to the community that Celebrate Holliston will be sponsoring a number of events this summer to commemorate the nation's 250th. This weekend, June 27th, the Unlikely Strummers ukulele band will
hold a free concert at Blair Square from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A breakfast will be held at the Mount Hollis Lodge beginning at 8:00 a.m. on July 4th to be held to be followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence by a number of notable Hollistonians right here on the steps of town hall.
On Friday, July 31st, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., a free concert will take place featuring Group Therapy with rock, pop, country, oldies, and contemporary tunes in Blair Square. And finally, on August 15th, the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra will hold a free concert at
6:00 p.m. in Blair Square. Looking ahead to the fall, I'm also happy to announce that Farms Day will be held on September 13th with six local farms already signed up to participate. Celebrate Holliston will take place on September 19th at Damigella Field, and the Historical Society's Harvest Fair
will be held on September 20th, the 45th year of the event. That is the Town Matters update for June 23rd, 2026. Thank you for listening. >> Thank you, Frank. Much appreciated. >> Absolutely. >> A couple things. First is is I think it's only funny that Tyler's going to
say where is a wetland because Holliston is basically [laughter] an entire wetland. >> Um I had [clears throat] a question about the the town pages. >> Sure. >> Um is there opportunity for boards or for uh groups in in in to participate? I know Envisioning Future Holliston have
been having a conversation about potentially submitting um ideas and things like that or or articles. And so I was wondering if there is an opportunity for that in that relationship. >> Yeah, based based on the feedback that I've got I've received from Judy, I think she's all ears on anyone who wants to participate. So I'm I'm happy to
reach I can reach out to Barbara or through you, whoever I can see how best way to facilitate that. >> I would also I would uh strongly urge you to cast the net as wide as possible to see if there's other other groups who might want to participate. You know uh
in in town, whether it's H stack or you know parks and recreation or anything like that. If anybody else wants to I think it would be an awesome opportunity to try to find other ways to communicate with the community. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> No problem.
All right. I think we're done. All right, next up board business. >> Yes. >> Uh Mr. >> Oh, you're going to go No, go ahead. You're you're going to >> I was just going to ask if we were doing that as a consent agenda or not. >> Um I believe we can. Um I was just going
to add a ask a question about the appointments. Um can we um or have we started uh published uh open seats that are still out there that we still haven't uh filled? >> Um we have not yet. I don't I think we're still waiting on some folks to respond.
>> Oh, okay. >> Um but that would I would like to do that this summer once we hear back from everyone and confirm yes or no. >> Yeah, I would I would ask through the through the board if it's possible we could have like, you know, like maybe quarterly update or something like that like every, you know, few months. It doesn't have to be a barrage, but it's
just like opportunities to push things out there and say, "Hey, >> I like that. >> please please participate. We still have some open seats for various roles." I mean, how many boards committees boards are there? I think it's 30 30 31 >> but >> [laughter] >> We're getting more
>> It's a lot. >> Do we consolidate some of >> Yeah, maybe we talk about that. It's a policy consultation. >> It's a lot. >> So, anyway, I you know, finding ways to get that information out there maybe every few months I think would be a good idea to try to continue to fill those roles, fill the
talent bank, things like that. >> Sure. >> I like that. So, that's the only thing comment I have. Otherwise, I'm comfortable with >> I just to yes and that. I think I think actually you bumped into a good question. We are talking about potentially having a meeting where we'll talk about policy ideas for the upcoming year. That'll be a public meeting, of course, but also that on site maybe
looking at the different committees that we've got and just thinking about what's working what's not working. That'd be part of that conversation. >> Yeah, sure. Yeah. If so if we're inclined. All right. >> So I'm inclined. Let me do Do you want me to do the If you feel like it. Please. >> [laughter] >> a motion
Move to approve board business as a consent agenda as presented including annual reappointments effective July 1st, 2026 also as presented. >> Second that. >> All in favor? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Done. >> Boo-ya.
>> Boo-ya, we're done. I just want to use that four times in a meeting. So, we did it. >> Wow. >> So, I think that brings us to the end of our agenda. >> Other business? >> We do have some other business. >> Um one I don't know if you all want to discuss this right now, but we had I think Tara and I were discussing that
the next scheduled meeting I believe was July 13th. We may be looking at another meeting in there just to take care of um other matters, but for in terms of regular business, um do we want to reschedule the the July
13th meeting? >> I will not be around on July 13th. So, I'll be off country. So, it's up to you two. I'm more than confident that you can do without me. The question is whether or not you want to do without me for that particular meeting. >> Well, as you map out the agendas for the
next couple meetings with Frank, if there's something that requires all three votes or consensus, whatever voices on that July 13th, usually summer quiets, I would think. >> Yeah, pretty quiet. >> So, we probably could do a meeting on the 13th, keep it that way. Are you on vacation at all?
>> I'm not. No, well, I I will be here. >> You will be here. Okay. I mean, I think I'm I'm personally fine with just the two of us unless there's some pressing matter that we can't and you just let us know, Frank. >> Yeah, I I I think that would be fine. I think I would say I think it'd be a good idea that we get a
select board member on the school building committee and it needs to be seated by July 31st and we should be doing it before July 13th because otherwise we're we're kind of running up against like, you know, >> It's my understanding we as Frank mentioned, we might have a housekeeping meeting coming up in our near future.
Maybe we can add that to that particular agenda. >> Yeah, I and I think the other thing I would ask in the near future is to have like a goals conversation and have some, you know, like >> We've been we've been talking about it. Haven't nothing gelled yet. >> And then the other thing would be
opening thinking about like the timeline for town meeting and opening the the warrant for articles and things like that. So, >> It's quickly coming, faster than we ever expect. >> Well, and it's also like the summer is such a dead time and you want to make sure that you get it out there
early enough so that way people have time and you know, with vacations and things like that. >> I was wondering, are you are you both amenable to, you know, we did this is for in terms of budget, but we did a larger meeting although it had a lot of different department heads in it. Would you to be amenable if we're talking about big ideas or whatnot?
We're thinking about doing like a brainstorming meeting where in the morning we would address ideas in the afternoon kind of debate and curate and you could, you know, potentially >> Sure. >> do a potluck and whatnot so that we're not all going hungry. Uh but I'd be in favor of that. So >> No, I'm in favor of that. >> Yeah, I think I think that would I think
that would be might be a good idea to do something like that to to align everyone. >> Great. Awesome. We'll We'll start We'll work on it. >> If I can put something on your radar here where we had that strong applicant pool for the school building committee and we're only pulling three names off of it. May I suggest that we write a
thank you letter through perhaps town manager write a thank you letter to the other candidates, but also let them know that there will be the formation of ad hoc advisory groups and that there will be opportunities if they're interested to
contribute in other ways and that just something for them to be thinking about. And two other things related to that is finalizing the MOU. >> Mhm. >> I suppose that we'll want to see the school building committee seated, but I'm just keeping that >> Yeah, we need to keep that up there, yeah.
>> And finally, we did talk at the last meeting about a joint statement between the school committee and the select board sort of unifying a message through this joint appointment process about however we want to approach it, but I see value in that. I really do.
>> I agree. >> And that brings me full circle to approval voting. We didn't We practiced tonight. >> Yep. >> We tried it on for size. I liked the fit and feel of it. I would like to see it fleshed out more and I would like to see
it brought back for joint joint appointment processes. I think we have one or two in our future. >> Excellent. >> I think the parts >> one approximately, right? >> Yes. So I do think that this is something we should pursue further. And finally, I didn't mention this under
public comment, but I don't want to forget Chief Stone was interviewed by the MetroWest Daily News. You remember when we did all of that work for e-bike use, e-scooter use. We're proactive and uh ahead of many municipalities and he was briefly interviewed in an article
and it's good for Holliston to be out in front of this and he he definitely highlighted that and so I'm I'm grateful to him, but um pleased to see that we are being recognized in a broader regional discussion about this
issue as being proactive. >> Well, I'll let my child know who to be angry at about the e-bike. >> Oh, send >> [laughter] >> I was about to buy him one and he was >> Angry children? Got it. >> No problem. >> On it. >> You're an expert. >> Uh yeah, unfortunately, yeah. >> Excellent. >> That's all I had.
>> All right. It's good. Uh any other new other business? >> I said what I needed to say. >> All right, then I think we are looking for a motion. >> Motion to adjourn at 9:16 p.m. >> I second. >> All those in favor? >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. Boom. Good night, Holliston.