Good evening, Holliston. Welcome to the select board meeting uh tonight, February 25th. Uh just as a uh note, we will be entering executive session at the conclusion of the uh our open session uh
meeting and not returning to open session at that conclusion. Um but uh we were going to begin with our agenda and first up we have the policy advisory committee um giving us an update on what's going on with them. So please come on up. >> Thank you. >> Just make sure you're talking into a
microphone and if you could be so kind as to just introduce yourselves >> if people don't know you or sometimes like our backs to the uh uh camera so that way people know who's uh who's talking. We'd appreciate it. So thank you very much for coming in this evening. >> Why don't you introduce first? >> Good evening. Thank you so much for
having us. My name is Mariah Kajist and I am the vice chair of the policy advisory committee. Started back in July of 2025. I'm not only a resident but I'm a parent of a daughter that attends the middle school and I run a small business
here in Sto. >> Thank you >> in Holl and this is the chair. Thank you. >> Even Robert Prince chair policy advisory committee. Um, yeah, I'm a resident, a grandfather, and all that stuff. And I got sore arms and shoulders, too, Dennis. So, we're we're in the same
boat. I think we all are, right? Um, so we have a slide deck. Uh, and and thank you so much for meeting with us so we can um continue to move this forward. Um, and and uh so besides the update, we
want to get some clarification as to what we're doing and how how we're doing it. Okay. um as well as to ask for support in a few areas. Um so uh yeah and and and we we need to develop a
partnership around this work. Um certainly with the leadership in town as well as the town as a whole. So that's why we're trying to just build this out low by slow. Right. Um so go to the next slide. Thank you. And Frank, thanks so much for getting this up there and
getting it running. So just what I just said, there it is. There's the nutshell of what we're trying to accomplish here tonight. Um and uh also if we just go to the next slide, we'll see uh what we got in terms of current membership. Um as
you can see, we're five. Um we've lost two seats that are both school committee appointees. And just as a historical piece, we've met since last March. Three of the five
original members are gone. Um and and I my understanding initially was that um one of those individuals actually did the town a favor to make it a group of five initially. Um uh but so so there lies one of our traction issues, right?
to get enough people engaged specifically in this particular piece of looking at town policies and procedures through a you know diversity, equity, inclusion lens. It you know it's a distinctive kind of work, right? So um certainly we get get into that more
later on. We you have you developed back in let's see you approve the overview and the purpose of this group in November of 24. Um, and since then we've kind of come up with something a little more like an elevator speech. Mariah, if you want to go to the next slide, Frank,
please. Uh, so yeah, so although we do have the policy advisory committee that was created by the board in order for us to work together and have a foundation of what our common language is going to be, it's kind of what we put together. Just like
Robert said, a kind of elevator speech. But when we speak to the town, when we speak to uh the people that is going to be affecting that, we could just tell them um basically in plain language of what we would like to to do here. And so with that being said, what we wanted to
add to that is more of clarity of how to move forward because we've done some work thus far. So now we want to get from you guys clarity of how to want to move forward. And so well I'm gonna speak about the framework mostly and then >> I just passed out a copy of that for you
all just so you had a hard copy. >> Okay. So we have the development stages. What we have done in terms of the development stages we research other towns that has gone through similar work that we have and the different things that we saw they were doing and they
were doing it well and efficiently is by going to different stages. And so you will see here there's about nine stages. We it's not concurrent in terms of one through nine altogether but certainly some of them can be done concurrently and we wanted to really share that with
you. But before we can even go and jump in and ask the town and the different um committees, we wanted to get from you guys kind of the foundation type of work. And this is really to set up a foundation of what we've done so far before we can ask from the committee
what we actually need. And so what you see in front of you is the stages and then also uh the drafting of the foundation in the back of the um of um >> the resources >> the resources of of what we have. So if there's any type of additional
information or where the information came from, we cited the resources for you and also printed the resources for you. So >> So um how we got here I guess is the resource piece. As uh Mariah said, we've looked in other communities um kind of a
wide variety just through the MAPC for example, Lynn, Massachusetts, Malden um were two that we connected with and their direct worked around DEI assessment within town policies and procedures and also came across uh
Hinesburg, Vermont um which um Adam we're we're one of the next things to work on and as you see in this stage is coming up are the rubric um they had a a decent one that we're that we're working off of their smaller
in a bunch of ways same racial ethnic demographics basically. So some similarities in terms of of of who they are um and then we've had conversations in terms of uh committees in in town certainly members of the vision future Holliston as well as the Hollist public
schools and specifically the office of and equity. So that's we've just had initial conversations to get some materials together to be able to develop something that looks like a process and a rubric for this work. Um so um Frank
next please. >> And so in order be before we move into the clarification of what we want I wanted to take a pause to find out if there was any questions of what we've said so far or any clarifications that you guys might need thus far before we move on to the next section. >> I just have I have one. Mhm.
>> Are you able to make quorum at most of where you're five out of seven? You should be able to, but are you having any difficulty making quorum at most of your meetings? >> No, we make quum at most of >> Yeah, we we everybody that's been and again it's only Kate and I the original
members uh uh and and and and since fortunate uh Mariah, Jess, um and Amanda have joined. Um but it's a dedicated bunch. Um, so gets a little lonely sometimes, but
yeah, people are hanging out and and and sticking with the work. >> Great. Thank you. >> A point of clarification, you mentioned that you lost two members. This were those the school appointed members? >> Uh, there was only one school appointed member from the very beginning. >> Okay. Um yeah, one, you know, to be
honest with you, David, I'm not sure which, but I do know another one of the appointees was um uh select board if I'm not mistaken initially. >> Uh and I'm not sure where the third was. >> And the two school board ones have just
they haven't submitted new people at this point. >> No, I've been in touch with Sarah um you know, Fitzgerald a number of times and and we we had some possibilities actually internal which was great. Um um but it did work out. Uh >> again, nobody's chomping at the bit, you
know, overall. Um so so uh >> but also um talking to Frank because we have the talent bank, too. So there might be people who could be out there that we can make some suggestions that could be other people who might be um interested in doing something that's not
necessarily um having to go search for people on their side. We could say, "Hey, here's some suggestions. These are some recommendations and people that we've that uh have expressed interest. >> Excellent. >> That's good. >> Okay. Very good. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, what we're going to be talking about now is our scope of work, right?
So, just like it says, there are a couple of things that we found that we kept going back to where within ourselves we found to be a little bit confusing. If not confusing, but we wanted the clarification within oursel to make sure that we were actually going to the proper course. And the next thing
we want to do is kind of request your help so we can have proper course correct if needed and proper attention from a group of uh uh from the town so we can just say hey this is what we've done so far instead of coming back here
can somebody just come and spend like 15 minutes with us because this is what we've done so far so we can continue. So what does that mean for us? If you don't mind going to the next uh slide um is if you can read there there is those last two sections. The policy advisory
committee will review existing policies and procedures through DNI lens and make specific recommendations for improving policies and procedures to the appropriate board committee commission that oversees and particularly policies or procedures. But then you will find
the second part says the advisory board will issue annual report to town departments and elected appointment town board committees and commission and work with those groups to ensure that their policies and procedures are equitable. So what we found there there is a little
bit of confusion of who do we need to partner with, who do we need to really collaborate with and then who needs to get a report to and within ourselves we're having some discussion and we wanted to come back to the board to ask for that clarity. So I want to take this
moment to just like actually have a conversation about that and I don't know if you wanted to add more. >> Yeah, just that that I mean this part is simple per se. is is and where are departments included or not with this? It's we're clear on
the boards the board committee and commission part >> but then it says we're going to issue reports to the departments. Is that just a general report on what we found with working with boards, committees and commissions or does that include also doing this this analysis and assessment
with departments? Question mark. >> What do you think? Um, what do I think? Most definitely it should. But I I mean quite frankly, and I'll be honest, um um Kathleen Buckley um was very clear when she was here to
say no, this is not departments. So, um the only reason I say yes is because the work and that's part of the MAPC stuff. They say it over and over again that all of town leadership at a municipal level needs to be able to go through and see
how is how are they doing with whatever programming or services under their domain in terms of access and equity. Right. So sure. Well, I I and I think one of the things sort of to keep in mind is there could be you you could sort of you I hear
where you're coming from is, you know, we want to sort of go to the stakeholders and talk to them specifically, but then you could also make the the the argument um is that town departments all report to boards. So going through the boards is a method
of getting to those departments and working with those departments. >> So that's one of the things we needed to understand more about even in terms of governance as it's set up in town. >> Yeah. And I think that's one thing. And I think that, you know, it also kind of like we want you to be successful and not try to like, you know, eat the whole
elephant in one bite. You know, there's, you know, you you might have more success being able to, >> you know, um, provide information to those boards and then you're not trying to like come up with 30 different reports. You're coming up with only a handful or, you know, sort of a handful
of groupings within those. >> So that points to Could you go back a slide, please, Frank? Thank you. you guys this this issue of a clarification of both well I mean again like I'm I'm going to paraphrase what you're saying um then as a starting point of which
policies and procedures um and what you know what what committees you where you want us to start per se so is there lowhanging fruit or not um that kind of thing. So now we get the clarification, you know, the the departments eventually
report to boards. Yeah. >> But where do you you know, so there you go. Where do you want us to start? >> What is the appetite on your in your committee for community engagement? >> Um can we just jump ahead and just Tina in response to your question one more?
Uh yeah. So this is concurrent and sequential. So, we're talking to you to say, "Hey, where do you want to start?" Right? Then then we're we've got this issue of partnering with boards, committees, etc. And very specifically, we we're very
conscious of this coming off as supportive of people's advancement of access in their areas. So, it's first question, where do you see opportunities to create greater access? Not to say I'm sorry. Go ahead. No, go
ahead. Jump in. >> And I was going to add specifically asking those boards and those committees like what do you see? It's not the approach where we're telling it's more like how can we support how can we help you and that's how we have a rubric that we have an idea how we can come and ask
the right questions and then if they see like well we have this or can we go and assess some groups of the organiza of the state I'm excuse me of the city because it could be something like well this is for the businesses and these are for the residents and these are for this
particular place of the res and you address them differently than you would dep depending which committee that we're addressing >> basically. >> Yeah. >> So, please please continue. >> No, no, go ahead. Go. What do you think? Well, what I would say is I I remember
Kathleen Buckley's uh comments and um advice at the start when the policy advisory committee was being formed as a charge and then its memberships was being membership was being determined and I remember her comments about touching policy that lives within town
departments. Uh and I without repeating them I I value her input. I think she was correct in her interpretation of where the policy advisory committee should be focusing and where they shouldn't be focusing and I don't disagree with her at all. So um to your point about to your comments about
Kathleen shared they the policy advisory committee should not be in the space of town department policies for all of the reasons stated at the time which we can go over but I won't for the sake of time. Um I think that's correct. Yeah. I wouldn't look for that to change. I
think that when it comes to boards and committees, what I feel confident about from from my perspective and it's simply that is that there's good deliberation on policy. We we have formal processes in place and open public meetings for deliberation. The outcome may not be
what all hope for, but the deliberation is present and strong and and thorough. I feel that we have good council that reviews policies. uh that doesn't mean it captures everything but we have a good process and I believe and trust in our our staff that we have expertise
within our staff departments where so I'm coming with that perspective where you're asking for our feedback where I feel that there could be blinders are w within the community >> uh we have changing demographics we have changing um experiences among the people
who live in the town and the boards and committees from from my perspective we have our finger on the pulse in all ways. So that's for me where where I'm looking for the policy advisory committee perhaps to go is community engagement to understand how are
policies affecting them uh are they what are their experiences and sifting through those and then starting to turn the view that you have back to >> the policies that we have in town if that makes sense. That's where I feel that we may have a blind spot. Mhm.
>> So, you're suggesting and I I meant to hear what both you all thinking over there as well. Um >> um that that the this this we start as I said this is somewhat sequential and or concurrent and you're suggesting Tina
that that we start with the community to to inform policies as they currently exist. Um uh given that information we have we have sample and I I can we can read you some questions that would be part this we got directly from MAPC
questioning for the community about the quality of life essentially right >> um again all we're very very conscious of making this a partnership we're very very conscious of asking people what they think where we can improve >> yes
>> um because some of my experience in this work is too often people automatically assume it's punitive. >> You know, we're trying we're trying to catch someone not doing something that should be happening, right? But that's that's a cultural issue, right? And as
we know, there's a tenor out there in in the country as a whole that's not very favorable of this work. And it it it just blends in with with with no matter where you are. Um so I hear your thought, Ben, or or Damon, you want to add anything to this idea of where to start and how to do this? >> I'm happy to jump in a little bit.
>> Yeah, go ahead. >> I like what Tina's got in mind as I do think it's circular, right? I think getting a community engagement first and then as we go through the process coming back to the community with suggestions is part of that loop. Um I like I like your thinking so far on you know where
should the engagement happen with government. I do think that thinking back to uh Miss Buckley's thoughts. She did want I believe we were saying at the time that the information should potentially flow to departments so they have access to it for review. So, I just
want to clarify that it's uh that information should be at the disposal to pretty much anyone who wants it. >> Yeah. So, it's not a completely cordoned off section. It's more one-way flow. >> Okay. >> Got it. >> Y, what do you think? >> And I I think um I think Tina touched on
something I think is is uh important is that community engagement. And I think but I think um what I'd like to see is you going to where they are >> and really and I I think you know your your role could be twofold. Part of it
could be educational understanding what the work is because I think one of the things that I think is troublesome about some of the rhetoric you hear in other spaces about this these this type of work is that they think it's about a certain group of people and there's a
lot of people who benefit from this. you know, you can point to like, you know, >> people with disabilities, you can point to veterans, you know, mothers, you can like there's it's it's a very broad and inclusive um work. And I think we have I think one
of the things that I would love to see I don't want to put too much on your plate in that sense, but I'd love to see you trying to meet people where they are, educate them, and so they understand what the work really is and what's about. because I think once people hear some of those things, they go, "Oh, yeah, of course I want to support that."
And it's not and then I think th those kinds of things can can take it to the next level. Um, and so I I'd love to see that community engagement. You know, I was just I I met with uh the uh the center director today, the uh um and we were talking about some different things
and you know, going over there to talk to people, you know, go you know, there's the Dull Man's Club, there's, you know, different groups that they may feel like, hey, what is this? I want to understand and I think this is an opportunity um to get some of that input and get some of that buyin from some of
the community that may not necessarily feel like this is uh that that feels it's not for them but it is. >> And I think that we need to remember that uh as we as we look at this work. Um, and one more thing, >> and I think the other thing I'd love, you know,
>> when it comes to talking to those, you know, partnering with the boards and committees, I think that's a great idea. And I think, you know, going to talk to them and, you know, you know, and hearing what they think, I think is really valuable. And then as you sort of process this information, being able to sort of come back and say, okay, we sort
of see where the lowhanging fruit is. This is where we want to emphasize, you know, and we want to we do those things. And then people see you and start to understand. and then you know they're stopping you at coffee haven and saying hey I want to talk to you about and you know suddenly those things start happening I think that has a lot of
value too is being members of the community so >> please >> two comments one is I think what we ought to do Ben Damon see if you agree on this is a future agenda item and it could be quick work is to create a select board liaison to the policy advisory committee we don't currently
have one >> uh and so if we put that on a future agenda we could appoint somebody as we we generally Are you raising your hand? >> I will. That's not Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, of course. But we normally do it in June after the town elections. Um, and I don't know that you guys were fully active at that point. So, we just didn't
capture it then. So, I think we'd want to pull it out before June or it could wait until June >> do the next meeting and just sort of say like, you know, >> so that that fits into one of our requests. Um >> Um, I don't know.
>> I forgot. Go ahead. So, so, so, um, yeah. So, we along Ben, you hit on at this piece that, you know, to inform people to counter any misinformation as including I'm just
saying because it's out there. This is zero sum. Somebody else is going to get something. I'm going to get I'm going lose some. I'm going to lose. Somebody else going to get. Okay, that's the worst case scenario. When in truth, greater health and wellbeing for more of us, not just some of us. no matter where
it is is about the viability of that environment and that includes the future viability of Hollist. So, um we're only um I mean, for example, I was thrilled to see the the upcoming small business diversity uh uh event that's taking
place in March. That's that's fantastic, right? >> Um so, so it's it's again the the future of Hollist, all of us, right? and we need to keep talking about that over and over again wherever chance we can. So along those lines, we we'd like to
request a time slot at the town meeting in May to be able to do a little bit of kind of like, you know, education PR. Um so we can say, "Hey, this is who we are. This is what we're doing." And get start spreading the word. >> We get requests like that often. It's
always a good idea, right, to bring an effort like this to town meeting. town meeting is a complicated uh machine. I'm wondering if you would consider in the lobby as people come and we've done this on a number of different
things where you want to broach an idea with the community. You want to get feedback. As an example, HDAC, Hollison Drug and Alcohol Awareness Coalition in October, they had a survey that they wanted to promote with the community and they used the lobby as because everybody
has to come through, everybody has to register to go into town meeting and they set up space out in the lobby and uh people could come over and get information, take the survey if they wanted to. That may be a first step if I if I don't want to jump ahead of Ben and
Damon on their their thoughts, but I'm just thinking that you in my opinion, you might be reaching too far soon to go in front of town meeting with the presentation. You might want to take this the lobby space as an opportunity to engage with folks, share information,
get feedback, and then a future town meeting, come back about a presentation. That's just my two cents. We >> so two-stage kind of thing essentially. Yeah, >> I think to start for sure with take the time as people are checking in for um uh
the ability to share your information, share what you're doing and get feedback as well. >> And I yeah, I mean I would say like uh to Tina's point, I think um you're better if you if you have a particular ask for town meeting, I think you know we could have the conversation. Um, but
I think where you are, you're probably going to get more just by putting yourselves out there so people know who you are, know what's going on, and being able to hear some feedback and some things have that listening opportunity um in in in that kind of an audience I think would be beneficial. And then down
the road, we can look at and say, "Okay, now we have something, you know, because right now you're kind of, you know, still trying to get your feet under you." And I think you you know getting in front of town meeting to say that I don't think will have as much impact as actually saying this is what
we're finding this is what we're doing and actually like talking specifically about those things which you know might be more better suited for October or the following May and now could just be yeah you know like you're listening >> do you do you have a website
>> just the town just the town uh you know website and and anything we would post on our own page which we haven't done anything >> so far except agendas minutes. >> One thing we did with the htax survey is I I believe in the um select board
message uh presentation somewhere it was shared out on the screen. Maybe we had it as people were coming into their seats we had the QR code >> so when you sat down the the screen was already up and ready. >> Yeah. >> As you sat down in your chair you could
take a screenshot. Sorry. Gosh, I sound >> But I I think the only thing I want to be careful about is um uh I think there's other groups who want to do the same thing. >> No, I know. >> So, I don't want It's not that I don't think it's a great idea. It's just I want to be careful because it's like, you know, I'm hearing a couple other
groups and maybe, you know, >> we can find ways to sort of economize like if Envisioning Future Holland had something like that and then it can also, >> hey, on there it can also pivot to you like that kind of thing. So that way we're >> we're not trying to overdo it. Oh, didn't I already do this? you know, that kind of thing that we might
>> Yeah. >> I think it was a way also for us to officially let people know that you might see us around town now. You know, this this is what we do. This is what PAC is all about. So, when we go to, you know, uh Hollist day or when we do different things, you'll see us and
you're like, "Oh, yes. I recognize what they're doing." And so, that was our our idea is to like officially press out. >> Although, I really like that. I really like being in the lobby and we can have actual conversations. >> And you'd be sitting, you're probably standing right next to HDAC, you know, Jackie and Zoe, who know everybody too,
and they can be just introducing us. >> Yeah. Introducing you as part of that conversation. >> Damian, do you have anything you want to add? >> Nothing substandive. I'm kind of in line with these two. >> I I'm It's just me. It's just like, you know, two two town meetings a year. It's like, oh my god, there's just so little time and space to get in front of the
community, you know? So that's that's why we were thinking >> I I hear this is what we do and here's some of the results we found as a next step. >> So okay I mean they're in charge anyway. So >> well but one way to one way to frame
this would be that the the the business of town meeting is is um what the time in town meeting is all about. The business is the warrant. >> Yes. When we have presentations in during town meeting, we have a Warren
article that calls for that presentation and it's typically >> tied to articles that are also in the war or are coming at a future town meeting where so some just a flow. So if you have we'll have the school committee
>> this year in May, right? do a presentation to town meeting because we anticipate that they will be back in front of town meeting with a funding request for a feasibility study for the new high school. >> Uh and so that's kind of the flow. So I
think where we're not looking at a request of town meeting from the PAC to put you in front of town meeting might be premature if that makes sense. And I'm just talking about in terms of the structure of for any >> any presentation to town meeting not the PAC in general. So I understand I mean
I'm I'm fairly new to talent myself. >> Yeah. It's an unusual process. >> So I I guess I'm trying to understand when this this group has set up PAC is there and and they've told the town doesn't the town want to know what we're doing?
Doesn't the town would like to get like hey you know back in 2024 we set up this group. This is who they are. This is what they're doing. I mean how how do they now know we voted for this? they've voted for this or we you know thank you thank you for voting for this but this
is what we've done so far and how does that then flow back to our residents >> but I think I I think where we can do that is um I can put it in my presentation this is the PAC did you see them out in the hallway please make sure that you said hello to them these are their members
>> okay >> and uh this is the work that they're doing and um >> you know that can be a way to get to to to incorporate it in in a way that's um uh that that gets you to to be, you know, because I think this is
introductory and I think this is your opportunity to be introduced and we can certainly do that. We can serve in that role. Um >> okay, good. >> A couple of tactile kind of things. I never use that word, right? I always get yelled at at home. Anyway, um, so if a particular board committee or otherwise
does not have any policies or procedures related to PEI, do you want us to provide templates to help them develop them? >> Well, that's not on that list. >> Well, first I'd say first ask them, talk to them about it, you know, because it's, you know,
>> we certainly have our, >> you know, the our purview. Um, but you know, if you're talking to somebody who's a duly elected board and you notice something like that, talk to them and and work through them first. >> Yeah. I mean, we'd work with them, period. >> Right. And so, I I would say, you know,
don't tell tell us, tell them and then and see how that, you know, where that goes and then, you know, whatever support you need from from us or from other members of the community, you know, we can have that conversation if you need it. Um and then uh so Tina I heard you re recommended because we had
said be able to regularly engage select board you know so we can keep in touch and then you want to leazison on that. So that pretty much would cover >> that. Correct. Right. Y >> um and and you the first thing you talked about in terms of the vacancies is this talent bank. So that's fabulous.
>> Um >> we'll look at that. Yeah. >> And then uh this goes back to Kathleen again. My understanding was that besides the regular municipal governance kind of trainings that all boards are are available to all boards that there was a
a DEI focus training that was in process coming out of HR and there was the wait until Cheryl you you you became part of our our group etc to be able to get that rolling again. Frank we talked about that a little bit. Um so
um yeah I mean we have our own expertise. We want to continue to develop that. We wanted to be part of what anybody who's involved in administration of town can access to be able to inform folks about this. I don't know where. So my question is where is
all that? So last uh last week or two weeks ago uh Cheryl and I had a call with uh equity inclusion specialists um knowing that they had done similar work uh that work being um training for municipal officials and boarding
committee members. It was either in Andover or North Andover, you have to forgive me, one of those Andover towns. >> Uh it was Andover. >> Um and so we had a quick conversation with them. They understand they understood our needs. We talked a lot about the strategic plan. um and the goals that Holl had set for itself uh in
this space. Um so they actually had just followed up uh to with Cheryl and I with a sort of they called it a menu of options. >> Um some of those options are training for not external but uh non-employees boarding you know volunteer boarding
committee members. Some of those trainings would be specific to employees. Um, so now that we have that proposal, um, Cheryl and I have been just going back and forth on, you know, scheduling, you know, what what's going to make sense calendarwise. We'd like to get it in before June 30th because we do have funding for it this year. So, we
want to make sure that we make the most of that. Um, so, uh, hopefully we'll have an update on that soon. >> Thank you. Mhm. >> Um the so PAC appointments in June to June and I I only know this because Jess
who just joined us said look they're telling me I'm done in June. I say I think that's the yearly kind of appointment thing. >> You you get you reup. Basically what happens is is that um every June 30 you get a letter from from the town manager's office saying your appointment
is up. Would you like to renew? And generally people say yes absolutely but every once in a while somebody says no and but that gives you an opportunity sort of a an easy way to >> look at it. >> Uh again kind of like these nuts and
bolts kind of things. Um so the best one of the best parts about what Hollist has been doing since the development of strategic plan is having this in the strategic plan and the formation of this >> this group came out of that right
>> um the the the the kind of then the other side of the coin was that you know the objective under the DEI uh goal in the strategic plan I'm reading it now was to you know create this independent advisory group um that was going to review town policies and procedures
through a DEI lens and um we were going to be done by October 2024. >> Not quite that. >> Long long pause and insure and evaluate policies for equity by June 2025. So I mean I've seen this many times before
people get aspirational >> and then when it gets to the nuts and bolts of pulling this stuff off it doesn't happen in five minutes, right? So all that to say um I'm assuming this is now a question that you're going to you see this group as ongoing
PAC is going to be around I mean we what's our time frame that's the other thing clarification regarding deliberals and time frame that's the last question there >> well I don't think the town of Hollison right now is in the business of stop of ending committees we seem to continually form them so I don't think there's any
chance that we're going to look to end a polic policy advisory committee >> yeah I think you I I think you're you're Yeah, I don't I don't see it ending anytime soon. Um if at all. Um I never say never. Um but I would say what I would say like about that and then I
would say when it comes to like deliverables is that right now I think you're in listening mode. You're trying to get your feet under you. I would hope that by May of 2027 you would have an annual report for town meeting. And then you know then there's a conversation about how does that get presented to the
town? How does that information get brought forward? And I think that to me is a reasonable thing. And that doesn't mean you have to do a thousand things. It doesn't mean you have to analyze 10 departments. It just or you know boards or whatever. Just talking about what is the work you're doing, you know, what is
working, what's not working and how, you know, what can we do better, different, anything like that. >> Appreciate that's how I feel. >> That's helpful. That's very helpful. You >> do you have any other questions? >> That's good. I think one of the things that we talked about is if if need be,
would there be a budget for us to do certain things to reach out to the community? Um, obviously there's currently five of us, there going to be seven, but there'll be some things where, you know, I was saying something like, oh, well, we can go to, you know, uh, Hollist day. I forget what the technical term is for it now, but you
know, we can have a table and maybe have some things where we tell people about the PAC and what they would want have a survey, but that would recommend, you know, having some some level of budget, you know, printing or different things like that and we're not asking for money right now because we don't know how much we need, but we would like to be able to
come back to say this is what we've done and we do need a budget for XYZ. Is that feasible or do we need to look at the constraint of financially you don't have it but maybe other resources and resources doesn't have to be financial in nature it could be a professional
resource consulting one of you guys coming in and that's what I'm asking about resources currently we want to just have clarification but we probably would like to come back and ask for the proper resources once we have the clarity >> I think when it comes to budget um you know we'll listen to anything that
doesn't mean you know because there there's a process that have to go through. You know, probably the finance committee will have chime in, probably tell me it would would be appropriating if we're talking about that kind of an avenue. >> Um, but what I would say is that, you know, it's not a blank check. It's more
like, hey, we need $1,000 to do >> this. And that's really, you know, so, >> you know, pull together those kinds of things. Look out there. If there's trainings, if there's different kinds of things, you know, inquire, talk to, you know, talk to the HDAK Youth and Family
Services because they're often doing those kinds of things. How, you know, how are they funding, uh, you know, those kinds of things to sort of see, you know, are there other avenues? Are there other options available beyond appropriation, which can be cumbersome when even if it's uh forthcoming. So,
you know, uh, so that that's my two cents. I don't know if you guys had anything to add there. But I, you know, >> pull together what you need. Yeah. >> Before, you know, we can have the conversation and sort of look at it, but also look at alternative means and see if there's anything else
out there. >> Yeah, that's fair. >> Um, how you doing? >> I'm good. >> You good? >> Yeah, >> I'm good. >> How you doing? >> Okay. >> Um, thank you. Uh, >> sure. and and so ongoing certainly and we'll we'll we'll keep you know coming
and reporting back and thank you for being willing to >> have the liaison piece and keep supporting this and I I I don't know I pretty clearly hear that you you understand this is very much a work in progress >> very and uh but we want to do it right
uh and we want to build engagement and again I would just repeat the one thing we said earlier is we're going to do a lot of providing opportunities to be for people whether it's in town or on committees to be empowered by the information they already have. >> They know what their experience is and
their experience isn't. We just got to get to people that might might not necessarily feel that they're included in that conversation. That's going to be the challenging part. >> It's tricky. >> Um so, so to be continued. >> Sounds good. >> Thank you for coming in. We really
appreciate you uh talking to us and if there's anything else you need from us certainly reach out to one of us or Frank or >> we'll get a >> Tina Tina your LIAZISON just kidding just kidding. >> Thank you both. >> Um but yeah, so thank you so much for coming.
>> Just um I was just going to let you know I know you you were recording. It's fine. It's just I we these uh recordings are posted too. So >> okay. You don't have to you don't have you you'd be able to go back and watch it um tomorrow. >> It's a steady hand for 45 minutes.
>> I know. I know the feeling. >> To have my own little personal certainly I can use some of your public. >> No problem. That that's another option if you can't hear something or something. That's okay, too. So, thank you so much for coming in. Really appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Have a wonderful evening.
>> No problem. >> All right. >> Give them a moment to >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. >> All right. Uh so now we are on to talking about Welland protection bylaw
and we have and I saw Barbara Pey on the call and I think she is the chair of the uh subcommittee. She's certainly the chair of the committee. Can we get the Okay, Frank, the just to click okay just so we can
see the uh the people that are on the top there. >> Yep. >> And then we can >> X out of this uh >> the the presentation. >> Yep. >> I'm not trying to put her on the spot, but she said she was the she mentioned to me she is the chair of the
subcommittee. I meant to >> Thank you. All right. Oh, we do have looks like someone's trying to I don't know if they're trying to raise their hand for the last second. >> Carol, did you want to say something about what we just did? All right. Uh, you can unmute and just uh just name and uh
name and address. >> Oh, the kid here. >> Oh, we can't hear you. >> I don't know why. >> Oh, a little >> Oh, did you get um volume for the bottom. Is it muted on
the >> There we go. Try now. >> Am I trying now? >> Can you hear me? >> Yes. Thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. So, what I have to say and I will take maybe three minutes and I'm 89 and I'm failing. >> Okay. >> So, um I don't know how long I I don't
want to be knocked off the agenda. I'm happy to get to the end. Um as long as I know I'm going to get on tonight. >> Yeah, you you absolutely will. We're going to have public comment after the ne this item. if anyone, you know, I want to stay in in my line. Okay. >> I just wondered if I don't want to get knocked off.
>> No, no, we we're not going to knock you off. We'll we'll make sure. Carol, thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um Okay. So, the Wellhead Protection bylaw. All right. Amelia, our sustainability coordinator. Wonderful to see you. >> Nice to see you as well.
>> Good to be back. >> You're staying warm and not uh too snowed out. >> I'm trying. Last time I had a burst pipe, so hopefully this time everything goes over fine. Good luck. Thank you. >> Uh you have an update for us about wellhead protection? >> Yes. So um starting in the fall um we
assembled the wellhead protection bylaw subcommittee of the envisioning future Hollist committee to um hopefully get our um sort of groundwater protection regulations up to the same standard as uh similar surrounding towns. >> Okay. And um for the past several months
uh we have been convening um myself, our conservation agent, our town planner, um the uh conservation commission chair, as well as the planning board chair and a handful of other interested uh volunteer residents to um go through a process
that basically evaluates the status of other towns uh wellhead protection bylaws and uh compares them to the status of ours and sees uh what uh we could make stronger what theirs have that ours don't. Um I don't know how
aware you are of the status of our current bylaw, but um >> out of date. >> Yeah. Uh the uh thing that makes ours slightly unique from others is that um while all towns have a zone one, which is a certain radius around the well, and
a zone two, which is usually set by mass uh D. We have a zone 1A which was established back in the 80s 90s with a well pump test and uh it's unknown to what extent like how accurate that is. So in order to make sure that all of
these regulations are you know fair and appropriate and you know hopefully relevant. Um, we're considering a couple of different avenues for how we want to move forward in what these new proposed regulations actually cover, whether it's for specific zones or whether it's a
groundwater protection district that covers all of the land area of those three zones. Um, so that's currently one of the things that we'd like a little bit of input on. And then also um we have narrowed it down to four or five actions that are present on most other
similar towns in terms of population and have well have sewer you know things like that. Um that uh we don't have but might not be that heavy of a lift. be reviewed within those spaces um if we would be you know causing any undue
burden to you know prevent certain things from being cited but obviously grandfathering the previous regulations so that we're not you know imposing that undue burden on current businesses. So um I'm willing to answer any questions you have about uh that as well but that list of possible future regulations is
still very much just a recommendation and we haven't actually put together any draft language for it or anything yet. So I have two questions. Y um the first is is that does the state have any particular language that we should use or um
statutes that would uh inform some of this work? >> That's how we actually started our review. And uh there are certain regulations that the Massachusetts Department of Environ Environmental Protection um has as part of the format
of a model bylaw when it comes to defining what a zone one or a zone 2 is. Um, but for the most part, it really does seem to be up to municipalities on how stringent they want theirs to be. Um, there's no, um, to my knowledge, there's no like, uh, standards that have
been set out of like you absolutely may not, you know, prohibit or permit this in your town. Okay. Um and obviously anything that someone had a you know big problem with could be you know legally adjudicated through the state but in our
research we didn't really stumble across any other towns who had an issue with that or anything like that. >> Okay. And then my second question here is, is your expectation that you would have some kind of proposal in May or you
think in October or kind of like where where are you at with um a product? >> There's basically two options. Um obviously May and October, but why? Um, if we had something prepared for May, it would have to be the draft language for
just a bylaw that essentially we haven't really we wouldn't have had time to do the engagement for. We wouldn't have time to reach out to the community and especially reach out to people who are in those affected zones and see if you know, for example, there was anyone who was like, I was about to put a gas
station there or things like that. Sure. >> Um, another advantage of potentially doing it in October is, um, in addition to just having it kind of be like a full year of making sure that time for all seasons, everyone's had their eyes on it. Yep. is also that um there is
currently a um B round of um state uh climate resilience grants uh called the ECO one-stop grants which is a package of six grants that you can kind of just apply for allin-one and they'll allocate you to the one that you know they think most suits you or that they have
available funding for. And um on that list there are about two or three grants that would allow us to have the funding not only for that public engagement but also to potentially do some groundwater quality tests, water table tests, mapping, things like
that that might you know better, you know, educate like >> if if we do create a protection district versus going with the zones we have now. >> So >> um Okay. Um, I think, you know, and I I personally I would say like I think this is important. I think it's something
that we should be doing. I would would rather see us wait and get it right then rush and get something that's premature that needs more work. >> We already have to do the work. So, let's get it right. >> For sure. >> We do. So, that's my opinion. So, any comments?
>> Yeah, for sure. I think if there's grant funding out there to do a deeper dive, no pun intended, is there a pun there? I'm not sure, but if there's grant funding out there, particularly in the community engagement um and data collection, which it sounds like there is, that seems like a very smart step to
take. I am interested, and this is a complete lack of knowledge on my part. You talk about a pro protection district or perhaps further refinement or definition of our existing zones. Have you explored any impact that
potentially could have on ongoing efforts the town has by way of a sewer district? Uh we have a 40B proposal. Uh we have several 40B proposals. Uh there's another project I'm thinking of that's escaping me right now, but let's really focus on the downtown sewer. Um I
don't know my maps well enough, but I have a feeling some of the zone 1A 1A to probably interact with where we're also considering a district. So, has anyone explored potential impacts? Here's the pun downstream. >> Uh, we've thought informally about it,
but we haven't had the opportunity to look at what other towns have encountered when it comes to this. I will say that housing doesn't show up in any of the regulations. So, not in terms of like, okay, a certain amount of impervious cover or anything like that. Um, as long as they adhere to the current regulations, there shouldn't be
anything that would be added with this that would prevent any of that kind of development. Um, on the other hand, if we do want to pursue potentially like remapping, that would honestly just be more data that would be helpful to getting a more accurate estimate for, you know, the sewer district, um,
anything that, you know, transitions us away from like individual septic systems to like a wastewater treatment >> is beneficial >> is beneficial and, you know, is is removing a hazard to the groundwater protection district or, you know, the areas that we're concerned about.
>> That's a good point. Have you talked to sewer commission or I mean the because the engineer there has done a lot of um P Lombardo has done a lot of work on different things along those lines and might have >> he might have some professional
>> might have a little bit of professional >> you know like mapping and things like that when it comes to at least that that part of town the sewer district and things like that and um and and certainly the uh the effluent that's >> coming from it like where it would go and things like that and how that could impact >> Yeah. I mean what you're doing you know
just I've I've spoken with it you know casually with like James and things like that. Um but uh one of the things that we want to make sure we do as part of that engagement is before we even go to the public with this make sure that we do an internal review that all the department heads get their eyes on it and other you know board committee anyone who wants to be satisfied with it
>> and um that's you know kind of the number one person to go to that in the water department. I was just going to say I'm glad to hear that because that would be the other impact that exactly >> the one that I wasn't able to name a moment ago would be that our water supply >> um
>> needs to be >> uh considered serious of of course. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Um, one thing as you look forward when you actually start to get kind of your story together and the idea of what you want to propose, I'm always kind of personally interested in understanding
any internal debates that are happening as part of that. If if it's just kind of a homework ask it helps me understand kind of how you got to where you are. That narrative is very useful to me in the future. >> Sure. Cool. I mean, I can share right now we are chums. You know, there's
something that no one's at each other's throats. But, um, I also think that, uh, through this process, I'm excited to hear more of what the community has to say since I'm relatively new to this position. I'm, you know, I'm not Holl resident. Like, I don't have a lot of experience with the community itself.
So, I'm excited to speak to people who have lived here their whole lives and have seen the ups and downs and uh people who have more personal connections to the concerns that are being raised so that I can hopefully, you know, incorporate those in a meaningful way rather than just doing it
because it seems like Medfield is doing it or something like that. Yeah, I think the along that line um I think you know yeah having that those community of conversations because there's nothing nothing more uh frustrating from I can say from experience than getting to town meeting thinking everything's great and
then you get people who are asking questions that you're why didn't I hear this over the past year that I've been working on this. Um and uh so I think there's yeah you know and the other the other group you know when we get a economic development coordinators like talking to some businesses and things
like that how that how this impacts them >> and what they think about some of these kinds of things I think will be uh you know another data point to to consider. >> Yeah I have another question you mentioned the eco grant program >> eco onetop. >> Thank you. Uh
>> they're coming up with new names all the time. >> It's like I know the one stop for Okay. Uh does the grant timeline cycle work for October? >> It does. So um the grant is currently open. It will close on the 10th. It's the March 10th. Um I'm currently working
on one for Sherburn and another one for Holl and I'm fairly confident I could, you know, pull this one off as well. >> Okay. >> Um it doesn't require a lot of uh input upfront. uh and depending on which grant they sort us into that will have
different requirements for you know the the reporting or things like that um all of them are either one year or two-year grants. So regardless of where it spits us out, it will be awarded in time for us to do meaningful work with it. >> Okay? And then there will be another six
months of of grant funding after that which might be useful in case you know god forbid like it gets voted down at fall town meeting and we need to do more data or you know things like that. >> And we've we've said this before as a board as long as Frank is uh reviewing the application before it goes in that
satisfies the you know uh it doesn't need to come back. I don't speak for you guys, but I think that's >> just making sure that he knows about it because we we had we had a two different groups applying for the same grant and uh Frank chimed in and I I'm not saying that it would happen, but
>> different bodies are allowed to apply for this within the town of Holl, hence why I'm also doing this in addition to another one for invasive species management. So, >> Lake Winthrop, >> actually, no, the golf course. >> Okay, >> talk to James about it.
>> Okay, sounds good. Um, anything else? >> No, that's it for me. >> Per usual. Fantastic. Thank you. >> Thank you so much for all the work you're doing and we really appreciate it. >> Of course. >> We will talk again soon. >> See you next time. >> See you next time.
>> Ar, anything to add? >> I don't think so. She didn't come on, so I don't think she is. That's okay. We can hear from her if we need to. All right, moving on. We are on to public comments. Carol, this is your opportunity. Um, I'm just going to put you at the front of
the line because you already said something. So, if you want to unmute yourself, just give us your name and address and then you can uh give us your comment and then uh anyone else who wants to uh give public comment this evening, just raise your hand using the under the reaction button. It's the reaction button, right? >> Okay.
>> My name is Carol Howard. I live at 78 Lane. I've been here since 1981. >> Okay. Yep. >> Okay. So, I am here tonight to get permission to have a gathering at Blair Square on April 25th. Um, I represent
the House and Garden Club. Every year we have an Arbor Day tree that we plant in the town. We've been doing this since I think 1957. Um, some years we might have missed. So, this year we want to have a celebration of John Thomas's life as we plant the
tree. Um, do you know who John Thomas is, people? >> Um, even if we we do, I would be wonderful to educate us. Um, and anyone else on the call who has not heard of John Thomas. >> Okay. Um, well, he uh was a a very
active member of uh our town and did a lot of um positive things for the rail trail and other things that had to do with um trees and plantings and so on in town. Um he was he lived here for many
many years and then he retired and he and Kathy moved to Florida and Rhode Island and he died recently. Okay. >> So Kathy was a member and still is a member of our garden club. So we all need to do this in his honor because he was a well-known person. So all we
wanted to do is have permission to plant a tree in square. I've been in touch with Indiana about where to do it and what kind of a tree to plant and she has made a suggestion of a nice misa which is a lovely tree. >> Okay.
>> So I think that's what we're going to do. We're going to plant that. Uh the gathering will probably be from 12 to 2 something like that. We'll come and set up a table with some cookies and water and then there'll be speeches and we'll
water the tree. the tree will already be planted by the town. I'm also asking permission for the town to dig the hole and plant the tree for us. That would be very good. Um because we're a bunch of old ladies now. You know, it's hard for
us to do that. So, um that is why I'm here to get permission for us to hold the gathering. I don't know if you have police um here for us. I you know, it's not going to be a dangerous group, but I'm not sure what how you do that. That's up to you. We're not asking for
that. I I think the only thing I would um I would contact um >> Frank and the and the town manager's office and it might be parks. Um we just go through Frank just go through the town manager's office to make it simple. Um because um they have a calendar for
um Blair Square just to make sure you know you Yeah. There's like a I think there's like a a sheet that you fill out to make sure like hey this is our slot just so that way no one else takes it from you and things like that. >> Done that. I talked to them on the phone. We got you down to the date. It's time. Go ahead.
>> Yeah. And and I I'm I mean I I think we're we're fine with it. I think um you know, we don't have an agenda item, so we have nothing really to vote on. Um >> Carol, do you have a a phone number I can reach you at tomorrow? >> I'm sorry. >> Do you have Do you have a phone number I can reach you at tomorrow? >> Uh let's don't Yeah. Sorry. Sorry.
Sorry. >> Don't give it on the Sorry. Don't That was my bad. just like um Carol, we just don't want because this is an open meeting and people are going to hear it and it's going to be recorded and we don't want your phone number out there. >> Um um >> how about this? >> Yeah. Call the town town manager's
office. >> I think the uh the town manager's office has my phone number in my email already. I've been in touch with them. >> Okay. Okay. >> To set this up, >> but um Michelle, how shall I get to? >> I'm I'm sending an email to both of you right now, Carol. I've got your email
address and I'm going to connect you by email with Frank and you guys can take it from there >> off camera. >> Yeah, you you you take it from there and um you know we we support it. I don't even think I think actually because it's not an alcohol license. I think you can >> you can approve it yourself and I don't
think you need to. I think it's a great idea. Uh let us know when it's uh you know when you if you have any uh flyers or anything like that. We can make sure it gets published and we can advertise it for you too. And Tina's got some comments that she wants to share as well. >> We will be advertising and we'll be
sending you invitations to all of you. >> Thank you. >> Two questions for you, Carol. Have you talked to James Kee about where it would go? Have you do you have the location all set? >> Um, yes. Showed us where she wants the tree to go. >> If you would just share that with Frank
when you guys exchange phone numbers so that he >> I can't I can't describe it because I'm not I don't know how to do that. If you want to talk to Daniels, she was I think it's right next to the other
>> and close to the um what do you call it the >> pavilion? Sure. >> Yeah. Close to that. >> Okay. >> Other than that, I can't describe this location any better. >> No worries. Second thing, >> because of because we are Tree City, USA
town now, we're supposed to read the proclamation every year. Yes. >> Do you want that at the April 25th event? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> We would love you to do it. >> Well, I'm sure Damon would do a better job. So, let's not forget him.
>> We can do it in German. We can do it in German. It'll be delightful for everyone to come and anybody who wants to read that is welcome. Any words you want to say everything everybody is welcome to say whatever they want at this event. >> Wonderful. >> Thank you, Carol. And just hopefully the snow is all melted by the time you get
to April 25th. Um, you know, there's a chance. >> We're hoping. We're hoping. >> Do I have permission then from you? >> Um, it's actually Frank's actually the one that gives permission. I I don't see any reason why you would not have permission. You might just need something a little more formal, but I I
can't imagine there'd be a reason not to. >> Yeah, I don't think there'd be any reason to say no. So, I can uh either um I'll follow up I'll plan to follow up tomorrow after Tina connects us. Um this actually >> I am I am not going to be home tomorrow. Okay. >> So, just so you know.
>> Yeah. Okay. >> Friday. >> Okay. Thank you, Carol. >> Sounds great. Really appreciate it. >> Okay. >> I appreciate you. >> Have a wonderful day. Stay warm. Take care. Have a great day. >> Bye, Cal. >> Bye. >> All right. Dr. Tyler, I see your hand is
raised. We've missed you. Please uh unmute yourself and uh name and address and uh you can give us your public comment this evening. >> I'm so glad you missed me. Dr. Liz Tyler, 17 New Orleans Street here in Hollist.
Um I first have a question for the um speaker who talked about the um protection bylaws for the wellhead and I'm I'm not sure if I understood her correctly, but um D does have groundwater supply protection
regulations and it's 310 CMR 22.21. >> Okay. And so there definitely are D. Someone asked the question if there were state regulations and there definitely are state regulations. >> Yeah, I think you know I think this is I
think the intention here is beyond >> uh the state statute. >> Yes. To go beyond but I if I maybe I misunderstood her. I thought she said there were no state regulations. >> Oh no. Maybe I I think what she meant was is that there's no state the the state regulations don't tell us how we
have to write some of our bylaws about the wellhead protection. >> Okay. >> That I think that's I think that was the that that's what the way I interpreted what she said. >> Okay. Okay. And I'm sorry, but could I ask you her name? I didn't get it. >> Uh it's Amelia Lando. >> Lando.
>> Uh L A N D AU. >> She's our sustainability coordinator. >> What is her >> What is her first name? Amelia A M E L I Ah, >> her last name is Landau. L A N D AU.
>> She's the sustainability coordinator in Hollist and Sherburn. >> And her email's online as well and phone number. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> No problem. >> Okay. All right. So, um now to my public
comment. >> Sure. Okay. The um Purdue University uh engineering department stated in a study that one gallon of
gasoline can contaminate 1 million gallons of water. And I sent you all all of you that study so you can see that quote directly. The January 23rd, 2026 letter from DP
to the applicant um concerning 194 Land Street wrote um and I quote, "Several test pits witnessed by Mass D odor and staining. Further, there was a
leaking underground storage tank or storage tank spill on the property. We know I urge you as overseers of the water department to act to protect our water supply and voice your concerns
publicly and to the zoning board. The water department cannot stay silent as a project is proposed on documented past contamination and present contamination
as well as on the documented very shallow aquifer of less than 20 ft for 70% of our drinking water. With your action, we can protect our drinking water.
That's the end of my comment. I have one question also. >> Sure. >> Um I would like to know how I can um obtain the number of gallons of water
that DP allows Collist to pump. >> It's our permit. >> Yeah. Uh Dr. Dr. Tyler, I just I think um I think Sean was a little bit delayed and he had a uh emergency up at the high school, but he literally just emailed us
back within the past hour. It is 1.16 million gallons per day. That's our permitted amount. >> 1.16 million? >> Yes. >> Per day. >> Mhm. Yes. >> Okay. And that's the D
>> Yes. >> That's the D um limit. Okay. Yeah. >> Um >> All right. I just need to do my calculation so I may come back. Okay. Thank you. >> Sure. >> Um Okay. Uh any other public comment
this evening? Raise your hand if you're on the Zoom. I don't think Tom and the Chief are going to say much to us. All right, I'm not seeing any other hands. What happened here?
And I think we can move on to select member updates. On to the next item on the agenda. All right, Tina, any select me any updates for us?
I have four updates and one request. Uh the up first update is I joined the friends of the Hollist trails uh on this week uh their regular meeting and they had a presentation from Mike Carvalo who
is the um resident back backing the the bike park >> yep >> project. Uh and so he was providing a lot of information. I just wanted to update this board. So, not only are they they are making a request uh for funds from the friends of and the friends of are considering a $10,000 donation to
their um uh crowdsource funding effort. Uh they were also uh in front of the CPC for a very preliminary conversation about CPC funds. So, we should anticipate in May uh of this year seeing an article the CPC article including um
the bike park project. So that is moving forward. Um happy to answer any questions if you want details, but um glad to see that moving forward. I met with Frank and the chief uh chief of police and uh one lieutenant and one
sergeant, one officer were in the room uh about a microobility policy for ebike and e- scooter and and uh other microobility devices here in Hollist. We had a good conversation. out of that came plan uh an update that they're planning a a bike rodeo on May
2nd. Um so we're still talking about the policy to get it right, but anticipate having would like to have it in time for May when the bike rodeo is um being held. So early May having a policy that this board's going to review ahead of time on the use of uh microobility
devices around town uh and some some uh considerations and changes to our traffic rules and orders. So, that is still an ongoing um uh policy development. And then last week, I can't believe it was over vacation week, but I was able to meet with two of the school committee members
for the working group to discuss the school building committee. We had a very productive, very early conversation about just some general ideas that um uh we would like the school building committee to take up on once we formalize the charge and its membership.
Um, and I asked the school committee members there to take it back to their meeting. I think they're meeting tomorrow night. Uh, and see if maybe they wanted to consider a straw vote on whether we would look for feasibility funding in May or October. There are
pros and cons to everything, of course. Uh, and so there was a little bit of conversation, but I hope to get more feedback from the full school committee on what they're feeling about, uh, when that feasibility funding request should be made. Um, and uh, I did let them know that you had put an article on for the
school committee to present to town meeting in May. And the the general feeling in the room, and I'm paraphrasing here and also now speaking for those two school committee members, but I think they're okay with this. Um, I told them that I'd be updating my board. I think they're the general thought is that that presentation starts
to talk about a feasibility funding article in October. That is one one strong idea. So not go for feasibility funding in May, but use the time to present to town meeting to share where we're
going with all this. That is just one approach. They're going to get some feedback from their full committee tomorrow night. I hope >> my understanding is is you know we I hadn't heard October in any of my conversations with anybody. >> Um not to say that October isn't the the
isn't an option. Um, but my expectation personally is May that we would have an article in May. >> I think it's very much on the table. Sure. I think they're both on the table. >> It's looking, you know, to see um uh funding to determine if the funding
is uh is is there to try to get it out there because the language is mandated by the state. So, >> okay. Uh those so those are my updates and then my request is could we get on a future agenda or talk about it under um other business at the end of this
meeting. Uh talk about the 250th this July and sort of efforts corraling efforts that are going ongoing and uh talking about where maybe uh the town wants to step in and and do something for the 250th. >> I think it probably be best to be an
agenda item. Sure. because then we can have an opportunity to sort of ponder and sort of see like solicit um ideas and things like that. I've heard a few things bandied about. I think that might be a good >> Okay, >> that's that's how I would want to handle that. >> I like that. Thank you. >> Okay, >> all set,
>> Damon. Um couple of things. So um I've been just reflecting on the fact that you know as we have heard a lot of different issues in town about the difficulties for various organizations and businesses um sorry the difficulties
they face and kind of just going through normal procedures even though we have excellent staff that really really helps people through those processes. um on my mind a lot is just the the steps for licensing and events related approvals. Sometimes multiple boards and committees
and departments that people have to be in contact with. Uh I think right now we we do a pretty good job trying to funnel those through the uh through Frank and and the staff. But I have sent um a very early speculative letter to Frank with a proposal of how we might make this more
into a one-stop shop. Uh it's something that's just, you know, it's very oblique at this point, not very well defined. Uh I'm going to look into that a little bit more and I Frank, if you don't mind me saying Frank sent it to council for some advice, which I think is good. Um it it I don't have like a proposal at this point and it's probably premature to
speak about the specific idea but u suffice it to say it addresses kind of the problem that we have as a select board being both quasi judicial as well as policy which puts us in a position where um as a granting authority we are
actually encumbered from speaking about some of the things that we are or we are technically supposed to be encumbered from speaking about some of the things that we would actually judge. Even though those policy points are ones that we were elected to address, putting us in unusual position where as elected as
elected policy heads, we are actually some of the least free to speak about the positions that we have on various policies. So, sorry that's 10,000 foot view. Um, that will get more concrete and I just want to give you a heads up that I'll be navigating that and then when we have something concrete from council, I'll I'll share with the board
for discussion obviously. Um, that's one. Uh, I also wanted to just point out, I'm sure that we're all paying attention to social media more than we want to. Uh, last couple of days have been a tremendous dig out from the snow and uh, I think our staff has done a pretty darn remarkable job uh, getting
us out of truly record-breaking levels. That being said, obviously there's a lot of folks who are unhappy with the level of service. Lots of things are happening. You know, trucks are breaking down, people that we contract aren't coming up to speed, etc. But I think all in all, considering that we just had uh
truly a historic level of snow, we're in a pretty good spot and I'm grateful for that. I'm grateful for everyone's efforts. We can always do better, but uh it's it's amazing how how quickly we reacted to that and how well. Um and then finally, I think um we talked a little bit about DEI initiatives. Uh I
think that from a policy point of view, something for us to be aware of uh especially when people are really reactive um to what's going on in the town. I'll use the snow as an example. I've heard people talk about, hey, should we be a little bit more stronger on having a policy that for instance, folks should be clearing their um their
sidewalks as a matter of law? Um, and I think that that's an interesting thing to discuss, but there it lens. I'll just use it as an example, right? Uh, an elderly person would have a tough time doing that. A person who doesn't have money would have a tough time doing that. Um, do we actually have
the wherewithal as a town to want to impose that with all the incumbrances that creates for those who may not be extremely fit, extremely wealthy, and have the time on their hands? That's just kind of an example. Uh, and I'm very much looking forward to the policy advisory committee providing some guidelines uh for people to think about
those things going forward. Uh, what I want to make sure that we don't lose focus on is the fact that that advisory committee from my point of view should be coming back to us uh and to the town itself with helpful ways to think about things. and I know that they're very early yet. Um, but it's one of those things where I don't want to do a set it and forget it. I hope we continue to
engage with that committee uh and hear a lot about their ideas, but also push back where appropriate if they miss anything that's uh Yes. >> Oh, I was just going to say that the town of Denim has a I believe they have um a bylaw or policy that requires residents to to shovel. They complement
that with a snow angels program. I like it. >> And the DPW in the town of Denim is this one example. they're tasked with promoting the snow angel uh program so that you can kind of uh I I do hear there are challenges to it but um you know that there are ways in which you
can be creative but uh we've had the conversation here about uh requiring residents to plow their the shovel the driveway sorry the sidewalk in front of their house >> fire hydrants fire >> yeah um >> adopt a fire hydrant >> yeah I I'm a I mean just talking to
weekly about it I We're very extemporaneous here, but I think it's like it's one of those things that seems like a really good idea. And then when you start to think about like, you know, a person who happens to be on a property where we decide to put a sidewalk next to it and they didn't have any say in that, but now they must clear that
sidewalk. Um, or a person who has a large tract of land with an enormous amount that would need to be cleared and maybe they're elderly and don't have a ton of money, so then what? And those are like the little things that you know through policy we can get creative and say that there are certain exclusions and caveats and it's just something to be mindful of. I would benefit from it
greatly. So I would love to have my sidewalk areas cleared because I have a dog that I have to walk in right now. I'm in the middle of the street. But those are it's just an example of kind of like thoughtfulness and policy that I think we need to make sure we're serving the entire community. Whereas we will probably hear from the more affluent and
more engaged people who will necessarily be in a ven diagram of certain demographics that won't be the normal the norm of the town. That's all I'm saying. >> Sure. >> In a very long-winded way, which is my brand apologies. >> It's all good. >> Yep. Um okay. Um uh I don't really have too
many updates. Uh I think the only one I would mention is uh envisioning future house met last week. It was last week >> and um there is a call to um for a um for the planning board to review a
it's like a master plan revision bylaw. Um it's not necessarily it's not really clear how it it goes from there but because it involves the planning board doing something um they're the first stop and I just wanted to make you aware
that it could be something coming down the pipe very soon um but um it's not necessarily uh there yet um and basically what it would do is it would tell the planning board that every few years they have to do some um
rudimentary review and updating of the master plan and every few years after that um actually um do formal changes and updates to the master plan. So like it's like a five and 10. I believe it's uh based on Denim's language if I
remember correctly um since we're in Denim. Um uh and that's really the only update that I have at this time. Um and now I think we can move on to annual town meeting budget updates.
Um we have uh potential to do a few um departmental budgets. We had put this on there to sort of like uh help the finance committee for a Tuesday meeting which now that it's Wednesday, it's sort of kind of a cow's opinion. It's a moot
point. And um friends joke? No. Anybody? Okay. Um, >> I was with you. >> I knew it. >> Okay. Okay. All right. All right. All right. >> Um, so, um, but, uh, so I'll ask, do is there an appetite to go through these
and do these now or do we want to wait till Saturday when we have our big summit? >> What do you what do you guys think? >> My only consideration is time. I know that we might have we might want to catch up a little bit after this. So, I I'm I'm going to be up for a while anyway. So, don't worry about me. But if
you all would like to expedite the conversation, we're happy to move these to >> uh to Saturday. >> What do you guys think? >> I don't think I'll get any value out of this discussion without some folks from finance there. So, I'm okay moving it. >> What do you think? >> Uh whatever Damon just said.
>> Said Saturday. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, yeah, we can move it to Saturday. Um we're still on for for Saturday um for was it 9:30? >> Yep. Um and uh we'll go through all of our uh departmental budgets, go through that exercise. We've done that a couple
years in a row. Um uh I have invited the finance committee um to view. Um I have felt that it's um unfair to department heads to have to go to us and make a presentation and then give the exact
same presentation to the finance committee. Feel that's a kind of a waste of everyone's time. Um and um so trying to find ways to do some of those things and try to make things a little bit easier, especially on the smaller budgets that are a little less there's a
little less involved. I mean these are perfect examples of ones that are pretty basic, pretty simple. Um uh to to go through there's usually one maybe two lines, pretty straightforward. Um and so the expectation is on Saturday, you know, we'll go through all those things. There might be, you know,
I think the the standard questions that I have and that I would hope that every department head would answer would be, you know, it changed, what changed, why is this changing? And that's you know a um I think all we really the the the
main crux of what we want to see um is to understand you know what is the source of the changes and um and because we don't need to go through every line to do everything um for every budget just to think about it ahead so that way we can talk about those things and then
have um you know what are their initiatives what are the things that they're looking for they're trying to do um any you know anything that you know need to haves what is the opportunity what kinds of things do we want to talk through um
from that exercise and um I think Frank are you prepared to have a town manager budget this the end of this week or you so you would kind of as part of the conversation on >> Saturday you would present your >> budget yep >> to us okay
>> yep and so um I'm hopeful that you'll have that probably by tomorrow Okay. >> Um, you might not have all the appendices um but you'll have all the you'll have the meat and potatoes of it. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And that'll include like the write up and things like that. Okay.
>> And um yeah, so that'll be good. We can review that and then share that and then that can go to the once we've looked at it and talked about it, we can share with the finance committee >> um and what the priorities are. Um, one of the things that I'd like us to do as part of this exercise, not this week,
but when we get to doing our budget, is to sort of outline like where our priorities are and things like that. And I would like to be able to have the opportunity to present what we're doing, what we're thinking to the finance committee. Um, I see other departments, particularly the schools, being able to do that. And I think it's
important for us to have that opportunity. And I had spoken to the chair and he he was very uh open to uh to my doing that. And I think that that's something so I'd like to sort of, you know, when we get, you know, we're still that's still a few weeks away, but when we get towards that point where
we're starting to do our budget, we can start to put something together. We can say that this is the things that matter to us and this is what we this is why we want to see this budget this way. >> Um, as a matter of course, >> you see that as a change of practice moving forward?
>> Um, potentially. Mhm. >> I mean, you know, I think some of these are just norms just based on like how >> how we do things. Um I don't necessar you know, I I think it's a good idea, but I would never want to put somebody in a position where like you have to do this. >> Okay. >> But I'm offering to do it. That's kind
of what I'm saying. >> Two uh thoughts, questions. Uh first, I've reached out to a lot of the department heads for the budget for the liaison that I'm assigned just to say, you know, if there's anything to talk about, I'm available. Um, but I'm not hearing back that there's any need. So,
I'm feeling pretty comfortable going into it. But in terms of your the level two budget, Frank, if you're I believe the last time we heard you present uh on where we were in terms of departmental requests and where we were projecting revenue to be, there was like maybe a
$650,000 was it 900? I'm blanking on the number exactly. >> At the time it was the requests were about 930,000. the projected uh availability of funds, whatever you want to call that, was somewhere between 600 and 7 600 650 and 750. Y
>> we came in just above 750. >> Okay. >> Um so that's good. >> Okay. >> Um still obviously a big difference between 750 and 930,000. Um and a lot of the a lot of that 930,000
um a lot of those weren't nice to haves. They were step increases, collective bargaining agreements, regional dispatch assessments, you know, that that type of stuff. >> Are you letting department heads know in your level to what changes that you'll
be making ahead of them coming in for their budget hearing? >> Yes. Okay. >> Most of them, I think, at this point are I've had sort of one-on-one conversations with them about >> where they'll expect to see things. >> Okay. So when we get it from you, we'll know that all the department heads who are affected by changes that you've made
in the level two um are aware and notified. Okay. And then last question, GIC did March. It's March, isn't it? >> Yeah. So they are they are it's funny, Cheryl and I were talking this morning. We apparently >> GIC is the insurance company for our health insurance for our insurance.
>> I saw something in the Globe about it. Um >> Oh, really? >> I think it was the Globe. There was a little bit about that. There was like a protest, but then they backed off. exactly what was going on. >> Cheryl and I apparently, we were funny joking about this morning because we we've both apparently been stalking their website because they were they were supposed to have a meeting
>> tomorrow, which they are, but they didn't post it until very, you know, right up against the deadline. At their last meeting, uh the group insurance commission were charged with uh were scheduled anyway to vote on plan design changes uh that would influence their
final rates that they were supposed to approve tomorrow. They uh had at that meeting there as soon as the meeting started there was a motion maybe 10 minutes into the meeting there was a motion to basically postpone everything until there was more time for the GIC
staff to come up with um basically some databacked impact analysis of what the different plan design changes would mean for um for those that are covered through the GIC. Um, I will say that that the GIC staff,
I think, um, somewhat appropriately pushed back and said, "You might be asking for X, but I don't know if two weeks is going to get you X. In fact, I don't know what you could ask for in 3 weeks, and I don't even know what I could get you in three weeks."
>> And they're also running up against open enrollment, which begins on April 1st. >> Is it April 1st? Yeah, April 1st. >> That's right. Um so tomorrow uh the plan is for them to vote on the plan design changes. Um again that was their plan at the last meeting. >> Okay. >> Uh but they have not yet announced when
they would actually vote on the premium rate increases or the you know the the the premiums for fiscal >> be happening tomorrow. >> No that was not on their agenda. So >> maybe reading some tea leaves though >> once they determine the plan changes that are approved then they can go and
and calculate the rates but it's dependent on the rate changes. Okay. >> Yeah. >> That means it tells me they might not be confident on what I don't know. >> Yeah. >> And that was the biggest variable from the town's budget perspect perspective was what that GIC number was going to be. >> Yeah. Because you know the the range uh
usually they start the budget process with okay the the premium increases are going to be somewhere between this number and that number and by the time we get to February >> four to like 12%. It was like kind of absurd the the >> range. So right now and so usually by the time so that's in December by the
time we get till February they're usually like no these are going to be the rates but we're still >> there's that one thing that they're trying to figure out and that's a big >> the big question is the right are they going to cover them >> say lipids but that's not the right >> that's a huge
>> could be potentially big >> and there there are other small things I know there's a couple things important things too like with um hearing aid coverage and a couple you know increasing co-pays for surviving spouse houses and things like that. But the biggest financial piece is that is the GOP ones. >> Okay. They haven't figured that out.
>> And I think that's you know some of the commissioners spoke to or yeah spoke to a lot of the feedback that they had heard from um you know you know folks who were covered through the GIC and I think they wanted some more time to talk to those people as well. I think they said they got over 500 emails.
>> Yeah. >> About you know some of the decisions that could be made. Um okay. >> So we'll have to see how tomorrow goes and >> Okay. We'll take it as it comes. >> Yeah. But to your point, Ben, though, it's like, you know, it's not like it's 4 percent or 5 percent. It's it's a substantial swing. Um, so I think you'll
find what what I end up sending to you takes a pretty defensive stance just to protect the town. But I'm hopeful that the the number will come down and, you know, we'll be granted some additional flexibility. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Any other comments about the
>> uh No, not none from the budget. Do you want to run through the uh the warrant article list as it as it stands quickly? Yeah, just uh just let us know if there's any changes to what we've seen previously. >> Yeah, the only Okay, so the only thing that um I think I have uh there's a couple that
I think we've taken off. Um >> Okay, >> the Oh, sorry, I didn't share. >> Okay, >> we're like trained monkeys. We're like watching him and then watching the screen. Watching him like put up on the screen like we know where to look. Look at us. >> Okay. >> Okay. So um stick I'll just run at the
top the we we're sticking with the the three reports at the beginning of the meeting select board finance committee and school committee. Then we have um the um consent agenda items. >> The board of assessors had submitted a number of um exemption
>> and tax referral program or new programs. These would not be um >> Gotcha. >> Uh basically reupping of previous exemptions. >> Yeah. Usually if we're reapping that can go in consent agenda, but if they're changes, material changes or if they're new, then we would want to have
>> all of these other uh these other items I think we had discussed previously. Um >> whoops, sorry, my mouse is messing up. Okay, so um I caught up with the uh the town clerk uh about the elected to appointed transition and I think that
there we have some additional time that we could >> um take on that one. Um especially given everything that's coming up in the spring, I think that it's not exactly time sensitive. Uh so for now, we can I've peg tape one is delayed to the fall. >> Okay. >> Um and then uh the other one that we've
crossed off here is um taking a look at acrruel for sick time. Uh sick and vacation time for employees who work less than 19 hours. >> Okay. >> Um I thought it was going to be a relatively straightforward fix. There's some other pieces that I that it's definitely a thing that we need to do.
Okay. But um solving it between now and >> May >> May is probably not the best approach. >> Um but Cheryl and I have talked about it at length. Um so we'll definitely be back in the vault for them. But again, I think as we were talking about with the wellhead protection bylaw, uh it's better just to do it once as opposed to
>> y >> doing it and then going back to fix it. >> Um so that brings me to the wellhead protection bylaw, which it it seems like the consensus was to wait till >> Yeah. I think I think probably it's best to wait until fall with that one. Uh it sounds like they're not ready and if they don't have anything to talk about
yet, it doesn't make a lot of sense to >> Okay. >> Um one that has been added since we last met is a uh Jasper Hill open space purchase. >> Okay. >> So, um if you'll recall, this was actually an item that was on the CPC's radar going into last fall. >> Yeah.
>> Um the purchase the town's purchase of that property fell through. A new owner has come. We actually met with him a number of months ago. >> Um that property owner and the open space committee are in discussions about um selling off portions of the property to the town. >> Okay.
>> Um so I heard from Lexi Kerry on that. So that is um that one's on here. It's perfectly as we did last time perfectly reasonable I think to slide that into the uh CPC article should they use CPC funds? But I don't think there's been a decision yet. I think the the I think
the reason we did things like with Goodwill Park is the size of the project was substantial. So, we separated because it was over a million dollars. >> Um but if it's a you know a reasonably priced amount, I would imagine it would go into the CPC. >> Yeah. >> And I I actually don't know if they're
um I don't know the the I think the price tag is going to be significantly less than the fall ask. >> Um so I don't know if Open Space is planning on just using their trust funds to purchase this or if they're going to go to CPC. Um, but it's on here for now. >> Does the CPC have anything in the
pipeline for this town meeting? >> They have a lot going on. Uh, the bike park is going to be the big one. >> That was the wrong name. >> Um, I don't think we'll be hearing from Fowl at this point, the Lake Winthrip initiative. >> Um, but I expect um I expect there'll be
a number of things on CPC, probably a couple smaller things, but I think that the um the bike park piece is going to be the big one. I know the conservation commission will be going to them for funds for a trail study. >> Um that was the item that we had talked about where there was a couple different groups looking for the same pot of
money. Um >> um >> Okay. >> But yeah. >> Okay. >> And I believe they've CPC already started meeting I want to say in mid January. >> Okay. >> I think their applications were due January 16th. >> All righty. >> But that's all I have for the warrant.
>> Okay. Any questions from the board about the warrant or comments? >> Thank you. >> Yep. So, we just Yeah, we'll remove the wellhead protection at this point and uh clerk go into the fall. That'll be fine to put it off to
>> Okay. Any other budget >> comments, thoughts before we move on to the >> uh No, no. Like I said, Cheryl and I will be tuning in to the GIC meeting tomorrow. Um we'll be meeting here on Saturday and then the finance committee
will pick they took a break last week. Uh they took a break this week because of the timing snap with the snow. >> Yep. >> And then um Okay. >> They'll they'll pick up again next week. >> Yeah. My my intention is after the summit to talk to the chair a little bit. Um sort of figure out how to um
make this a little more streamlined between our two boards um with some of these processes. So >> that's ongoing. All right. Um, moving on. All right. So, next we have discussion and potential revision to October 27th, 2025 meeting minutes.
So, we had a call to change the meeting minutes. Um based on our um motion um I guess the um individuals felt that the motion in the minutes was not reflective
accurately of the actual motion that was made. Um and um I have the act the exact language of the motion. >> Yeah. Where are you finding that by the way? >> It's complicated. >> I got the transcript. I was about to
read it. Yeah. So what I what I did is I had access to the actual Zoom transcript so I could go in and see it and I had to actually tweak it because it was there was you know Zoom catches weird things and stuff. So um I actually went to the video and listened to it and and and caught it. So what I have is the exactly
language of the motion was vote to grant the amendment to the premises as presented tonight for B social's application for an alcohol license and continue to hold the license in escrow until full compliance with zoning through the special permit and site plan process. That's what I had as the language.
>> Does that has truth in this? This is a long time ago. >> It it is. It is. That's why I went to the um as close to the source as I could. Um but um we could I mean I have no issue with amending our minutes to
reflect that you know to change the motion of that in that particular part of the minutes from October 27th to reflect that uh language. Um are you both comfortable with doing that? >> This is fine. Thank you. Yeah. >> All right. Um I'll take a motion just you can take >> um so moved.
>> Second. >> All right. Uh all those in favor >> I >> I >> All right. We can um I sent Frank I had sent this to you on February 10th so you have the exact language so you can just um >> I'll get it to peg and then >> get that get that to peg if she can amend it and then um we can have the clerk update the minutes on
>> and I will follow up with the uh resident tomorrow as well. >> Sounds good. Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Uh moving on to I don't think we have any high school project MSBA updates. I mean, you shared a little bit about the uh uh preliminary
conversations with uh um about the SBC. >> We plan to meet again, the working group plans to meet again on March 4th. >> Wonderful. That's great to hear. I heard it. Was it was it Frank and Hillary? Did I hear that? >> Yes. Okay. >> Yes. >> Excellent. Well, appreciate you you doing that. And then um and is the
timeline still like end of March having something? >> I we didn't actually get into the details that to that level. I think March 4th. So, if there are particular things that you would like the working group to really focus on, that'd be good to hear, but it was really a kind of meet and greet and laying laying the
groundwork. We didn't get into >> Okay. >> Um, real specific information. >> Okay. >> So, >> great. Any uh any updates from I don't think there's really anything happening right now. I think that's about the the extent of it right there. >> Um although I did hear there was a some some challenges at the actual building.
We have a high school update. >> We may need a new high school update. >> Kind of justifies our our very uh uh inclusion in this project. >> Um so if nothing else, I mean we put this um full disclosure, we put this MSBA updates on the uh our um agenda
similar to um annual town meeting and budget updates. there may or may not be actual updates. But just having that as a sort of a standing agenda item for the time being because uh um sometimes things can happen very quickly and just being able to have a a space to have a conversation about it if we need to. Um
not taking votes or anything like that. Um move on. Warrants. >> Warrants. Okay. Uh since we last met, we had a warrant on uh February 9th actually. So this must have been around the day we met. uh in an amount of
$2,837,55845 and on February the 17th uh 1,798,4748. >> Wonderful. >> Couple other updates if you don't mind, >> please. >> Perfect. All right. So, uh, as Damon mentioned and others, I just want to begin tonight by thanking not only our DPW, but also our residents for their
patience during this week's storm. Uh, cleanup efforts continue and the DPW will conduct large-scale snow removal operations on Friday evening. You can continue to please feel free to contact the town manager's office with any concerns. And again, we appreciate everyone's patience. As a reminder,
trash and recycling is delayed only one day. And if there are issues with your EL Harvey pickup, please contact the town manager's office and we will be happy to coordinate. Uh we know been there's been a couple issues out there spread about town, so we're happy to uh we're happy to assist there and and
follow up with Eel Harvey as needed. Um we are excited to invite residents to our climate action plan update and Q&A session on Monday, March 2nd at 7 p.m. at Town Hall in this room or virtually. learn about the progress we've made, what's coming next, and how you can help
shape a lowcarbon resilient future for our community. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and get involved. For more information on the climate action plan or other sustainability initiatives, please visit the town's website. You can find it under departments and sustainability.
>> I will be there for that on Monday. The uh the town is also hiring a number of positions including an outreach coordinator role at the center, DPW foreman and part-time crossing guard. Please feel free to visit the HR section
of the town's website or call 508-474335 to learn more about these roles and other opportunities. Looking ahead to just some of the public meetings on the calendar in the coming weeks, the planning board meets tomorrow, February 26. The finance committee will resume their meetings next week on Tuesday,
March 3rd. The ZBA met last night and voted to continue uh their hearing on 194 Len Street until March 24th. Peer review is expected to begin on that project shortly. So, I'm assuming that uh by the time we they meet next, we'll hear more on that project.
Did you Sorry, did someone have a question? Oh, my bad. Never mind. Okay. Um, the select board will actually meet this coming Saturday beginning at 9:30 for their annual budget hearing and we'll meet again on March 9th to take up regular business. At that meeting, we
will also be joined by Senate President Spila and Representative James Arena D. Rosa. Both the school committee and finance committee have been invited to join as well. As a reminder, at that meeting, uh, excuse me, the date of that meeting, March 9th, is the date the warrant is scheduled to close.
Nomination papers for elected office are due March 31st. Town meeting is May 11th and May 19th is the town election. Just a quick pl plug for the town hall digest. If you missed the February 9th select board meeting, I'd strongly encourage you to check out that
meeting's edition. Important updates on the DPW project were shared along with the fiscical year 27 water rate hearing. That is the town manager's update for February 25th. The select board will meet again this coming Saturday, February 28th, to discuss the fiscal year 27 budget.
>> Any questions for the town manager? >> Is the agenda posted for the 28th? >> It is. >> Okay. >> Okay. And uh one request for um the recording if we could just if possible
try to time stamp when various everybody was um presenting within there. So that way um if uh particularly with our finance committee friends if they want to go back and see what the presentation looks like they could go okay then I can go straight to that >> particular uh time stamp.
>> Okay. >> Thank you. Um great. All right. uh board business. We have a robust consent agenda. Does anyone have any objections to um
approving all of the items in a consent agenda? >> One comment, not an objection, that we pull out 11H and that we amend the agenda for 228 to add a vote for the annual calendar for flying flags in Blair Square.
We have done that in prior years since since adopting the flag policy believe twice now 24 and 25 we've establish an annuals calendar uh that incorporates five flags to be flown on a schedule in
Blair Square. So my suggestion would be that we pull out H and add it to that calendar and vote that calendar on 228. It doesn't change anything. It just formalizes. Why don't we approve the this and then just approve the calendar?
>> We could do both. >> Only because the policy says we'll uh we will each year >> Okay. >> vote on an annual calendar. >> Okay, that's fine. Yeah, we can we can do that. >> I I understand the time. It's coming up fast. I know we want to get it done. That's why maybe it's an opportunity on
Saturday to just add it to the agenda. Doesn't delay anything. >> You do it first thing and then have it. Okay. >> Okay. Uh I will send you a draft that we use for 24 and 25 and then you've got the five calendars. >> All right, we'll pull we'll pull H out. Thank you. Appreciate that. Okay.
>> And then uh we can approve uh all the other items except for H. >> Okay. Move to approve the consent agenda as listed with the exception of 11H uh being withdrawn from the motion.
>> Second. >> Uh all those in favor? I >> I >> and I would just add that there's no objection from this board for H. Just we're doing it in a slightly different way. >> Thank you. >> Sounds good. All right. Uh other business,
>> there was one. It's gone. So, moving on. >> Cheryl, any other business? >> Okay. Meandered enough previously. >> Okay, Frank. >> I am all good. Thank you. >> I have no other business. Um I will take a motion to uh go into executive session for
um reason um to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation um if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares. I declare. All right. Um I'll take a motion to
enter executive session. >> Uh so moved. >> Seconded. >> All right. It's a roll call vote. Tina. >> Yes. >> Damon. >> Yes. and I vote yes. So, we are in executive session. We will not be returning to open session at the conclusion of our executive session. So, have a wonderful evening and uh we will
uh see you on the 28th if you are brave and ambitious to sit with us for budgets. Um >> recording stopped. >> Okay. Good night.