All right. Good evening everyone. Welcome. I call the meeting to order. This meeting of the Hopkins Select Board is being held both p in person and remotely using the video conference platform Zoom. Um all members participating in the meeting tonight will be present in the room. The public
has the option of attending in person here at town hall or via Zoom using the link post in this meeting's agenda. This meeting is being recorded and we will start with the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Next, we will move to public forum. Uh each person will have two to three
minutes to speak at public forum. Please start by stating your name and address. Is there anyone present that would like to start tonight? Ken Weiss metal 145 Ash Street. Originally, I was planning to use my two minutes to explain my idea on a new
inbasin water source of water for Hopkin that can be developed hopefully very cheaply. Instead, I will use my two minutes to talk about two other subjects. I read that the school committee and the
building committee are ahead of schedule and under budget on the school buildings. That is great news and I congratulate all that's involved. But then I read further down in the article and it said it was reported that they were considering looking for other ne new
ideas to spend the money on. I have a novel idea. Don't take it out of the taxpayers's pockets. Return it. Appropriate for another needed project at town meeting. My second point tonight is that during
the budget process, you select board acting as water commissioners need to put money into uh solving your unaccountable water issues. A water audit needs to be in the
budget. Me some part progress in water meter replacement. More leak detection. your inattention to you unaccounted for water could delay your connection project uh to the MWR.
The water resources staff cannot do a meaningful needs analysis with historically high unaccountable water. Until you start making progress to that, you're not going to get very far. Thank you. >> Thank you, Ken. Who else would like to
come up and speak? Welcome. >> Thank you. Hi. Uh, good evening. My name is Carly Grant of Nine Greystone Lane and I'm here tonight to speak on behalf of victims and survivors of sexual assault in our community regarding the case of Petro Sisman.
I want to ask this board, our town leadership, and the police department a difficult but necessary question. Why would the town of Hopkin allow a known sex offender a business uh a business license or license renewal? Our town has
been named one of the safest in America, but how is that possibly true when we knowingly allowed someone with a record of sexual assault to operate a business here, putting our children and residents at risk? There is already a power imbalance when an adult business owner employs teens or young adults. That
dynamic makes it even more critical that we as a town do everything we can to ensure their safety. Yet, we have allowed a situation where a person with a known history of sexual assault is once again placed in a position of influence and trust. How did this
happen? How did our systems end up protecting him rather than the victims? So, I urge the select board to enact meaningful changes to the requirements for anyone seeking or renewing a business license in Hopkin. changes that prioritize the protection and safety of
our children and our community above all else. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hello, I'm Linda just from 11 school street. Later tonight, you'll be hearing from Peter Lgoy about a bike speed limit on the gravel trails in town, which I
fully support. I want to add that it's a good first step for ebikes and other vehicles, but the town also needs legislation, education, and enforcement for ebikes on any path, road, or sidewalk.
Ebikes are extremely beneficial for economic reasons and for the environment by using far fewer carbon um dioxide emissions than cars. They've also had a significant impact in reducing traffic in cities like New York. We can dream
that they could help with traffic here, too. However, there are safety concerns right now. It's like the wild west here in Hopkin with regard to ebikes. Too many riders doing whatever they want without consequences and endangering
others and themselves. Please consider going further than just a speed limit on the three trails. Maybe even require ebike riders to register them and or have a license to ride one in town. It's one way to help with the education and
to enforce safe usage. We are falling behind here. Let's not wait for a serious accident to happen before we're shamed into acting. So, please take action now with education, legislation, and enforcement to help prevent injuries
and damages. A group or someone can come up with more encompassing plan. I hope and I hope that soon. Thank you. >> Thank you. Welcome. >> Hi, I'm Nicole Simpson from 16 Ledgestone Drive and today I'm
representing the sustainable green committee in support of allowing ebikes on stone dust trails in town with reasonable guidelines as will be discussed later tonight. Ebikes are an important sustainable transport solution as they can be a substitute for cars in many situations, avoiding emissions and
reducing traffic. But that is only possible when there are safe places to ride to key locations in town. Ebikes provide accessibility, allowing seniors and people with limited mobility to enjoy bike recreation. They give teenagers independents to get themselves
around town without driver's licenses. They give community members a commuting option that doesn't require the expense of car ownership. And for me, an ebike provides a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to ride with my kids on the back of my cargo bike to school activities and
errands around town. Allowing ebikes on trails like Center Trail provides a key connectivity bridge, linking the main street bike path to schools, and neighborhoods. It is about safety. When you push bikes away from trails, they move onto the street, which is where the tragedies
involving ebikes occur. Cars are what make ebikes unsafe. And if there aren't safe connections, people like me have to opt out of biking with kids to get places, becoming yet another car on the road, causing traffic. As Hopkin envisions a future bike network
connecting throughout town to neighboring town branches, limiting what modalities can use it significantly diminishes the value of that network. All ebikes display the current speed and have different speed settings, making it very easy to comply with a speed limit
when users know about it. The sustainable green committee supports signage on town trails for reasonable speed limits applying to all types of bikes to maximize the enjoyment, connectivity, and sustainable car-free options for both pedestrians and riders. Thank you. Thank
>> Thank you. Who would like to come up and speak next? Good evening, Beth Mallaloy, 190 Lumber Street. While I'm encouraged to see the select board starting to do Corey and Sori all Vic license applicants this year, I
believe this shows progress in fixing a broken system. However, what I'm concerned about is how the HPD, the Hopington Police Department did not provide information regarding the applicant's new license. It's now been uncovered that the business owner can
commit that a business owner can commit a felony and our police department feels no obligation to share this information with you. The last time I checked, the police chief reports to you. You have been led to believe the
businesses that you license are safe, a safe place to work. And I wish I could join you in that belief. I hope you all watched Channel 10 last night with even more information brought to light today. I am still shocked at what Ryan Catham covered. What more do you need to start
asking the tough questions of the Hopington Police Chief? What are you waiting for? I now wonder how many other businesses have gone unchecked. If a business owner that you license is a convict is convicted of a crime, will the people in charge of public safety
warn you? You assume the issue with cis manis was a one-off, but how can you be sure? When this whole thing started, I met with Chief Joe. I was one of his biggest cheerleaders. I advocated for him in the past and wanted to believe none of this
could be true. I have been a resident of this town for over 30 years. And I am so disappointed in the town that I raised my family in. And I'm disappointed in Chief Joe. I want to know
why this information was never passed to you. Or was it and you chose to do nothing? These are the questions I have for you. Why did the select board choose to do nothing in 2018 when Brendan Tedstone brought it to them? Why did you decide to do nothing in 2024 when you
knew what he did in 2023? Their license was 2 months late and you still gave it to them. So many opportunities were missed to put this man out of business. What really truly makes me sad is how the people of this
town are still looking the other way. Why did it take a small group of protesters to bring this to light? And what will you do now? Who would like to come speak next? Sabine St. Peter. Week after week for quite some time now,
there's a handful of concerned citizens to whom many appear to be harping on the past. Some might find it annoying and have tuned out. But in light of yet another failure of our town government, I truly hope that you and the community are paying attention. More need to be
involved. There's an old adage. We all know it. We learn from our mistakes. In this case, many of you have inherited serious issues caused by failures of other select board members who did not do their jobs. That is unfortunate, but we don't get to choose the hand that we are
dealt. But as the CEOs of our town, you actually now have to deal with it. All of it. And it's a lot. I do not envy you. But this is your opportunity to learn from those mistakes and ensure that they're not repeated. Those past failures have not only cost the town financially, but they've also caused
emotional harm. It's now in your hands to prevent future harm. At its core, this comes down to accountability. I understand and appreciate that in light of all of these things, starting with the Brennan policy piece, that we're now looking at
policies and procedures. But to me, this is something that should have been focused on time after time, year after year in reviews. In the past year, we have had plenty of validation and metrics on the amount of pizza parties that the HPD has hosted. But where was
the follow-through from the select board on making sure that proper checks were done and were reported back? lack of policy, lack of procedure, lack of accountability. From what I've witnessed the last few years, there seems to be a lot of taking someone's word for it and not actually viewing and making sure
that these things have actually been done. The process is only as good as the people who are implementing it. And if there's no one holding these people accountable to make sure that the plan and processes are being executed with 100% efficacy, then you're wasting your time and our time and our tax dollars.
When you know there's something you can do better, you should do it. And we as a town deserve better. This is your opportunity to write the wrongs of the previous select board and change the course to ensure the safety of our community. Thank you. >> Thank you.
[Applause] >> Welcome. Hi Karen Crrum, 12 Joseph Road. On August 5th and at every select board meeting since, citizens have sat here voicing their complaints about how the
Hopington Police Department failed to provide you with the required public safety information you should have had in order to easily determine that Sismansis's history made him an improper recipient of a VIC license. This topic
has been on your agenda several times over the past few months. Citizens have showed up. Victim's families have showed up. Victims have showed up. Residents and surrounding communities showed up. Even the fire chief has showed up. Why
aren't any of you asking why you didn't know this information or why you weren't given this information by the police chief who reports directly to you? Our police chief is the only person that can answer this. You are ultimately the only
ones that can hold him accountable. I mean, seriously, Hopington was featured under Smalltown Secrets last night as the top story on the news. And our police chief is exposed for knowing all of this and allowing him to continue to be in the presence of teenagers on a
daily basis. Not long ago, residents had spoken out, written to you, packed this room at every board meeting, protested outside town hall, signed petitions, all roads leading to complaints about your police chief, our police chief. Let's
not forget that there was overwhelming support at the 2024 town meeting to influence the select board to take action on a citizen's warrant. Chief Bennett has sat before the board while a long list was read detailing that he was
not performing in his role. His response was that it was a hostile work environment and that has somehow allowed him to remain in his position. Well, what about our claim that we don't feel adequately protected in our own community? The town's long-standing
concerns about Susmanis were not rooted in his sprinkler system or his smoke detectors. But I do applaud Fire Chief Gary Doherty for doing his job and being here every single time you had Sisman's license on your agenda. The longstanding concerns were rooted in the town's
complaints to the Hopington Police Department about Sis Manis. Most of them told to you in this room by citizens who elected you. The rest clearly errored last night by the work of an investigative journalist. Thank God. Where has Joe Bennett been in all this?
I would be really surprised if this is the only thing that is going to be a fallout from this. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Who'd like to come speak? >> Good evening. Uh Kevin Darbone, 14
Hillrest Drive in Hopington. I spoke last year around the swatting incident. Um, I still haven't heard back from any of the select board members about a resolution uh with regards to that and all the members of the community that have
spoken against um the business owner at Hillers. Um, I'm very disheartened because I think this town has really kind of lost its faith and dignity around delivering to the community. Um,
some sort of resolve or some sort of clarity to the residents. Um, we have buildings falling over. We have swatting incidents without uh I've not got an email from any select board members since my email. Um, I'm going to give you an incident. Uh most recently, my
wife, another small business owner out of Westboro, lives in Hopington. She reached out to Senator Marky, which is far busier than this select board. Within 36 hours, she got an email back from Senator Marky going through a government shutdown. And she had an
email back. We had a a nice little talk about some of the health care benefits uh that are going to be lost during the shutdown or whatever happens around that. This isn't a political thing. This is more of delivering a message and coming up with a resolution. He reached
out. We had a meeting on Saturday. We spoke in front of the um um Beth Israel Deaconist uh medical center and he had a solution to the problem very quickly. So, I asked the select board to come up with solutions
to problems for our community members and come up with some sort of resolve instead of some rhetoric that's read in the paper from community members. And it's so super frustrating as somebody who's a taxpayer in town to know that I
have no idea where my tax dollars are being spent. Uh, is it the police chief? Is it this? Is it that? It's just super frustrating to never understand what is going on. Whether it's taking down a building during the opening of school, it collapses and could have been a
catastrophic event. Probably not the proper day to do that. As a small business owner, there's a lot of proper days I can't do business. I have to have a real tough conversation with X, Y, and Z client. So, thank you for hearing me
out. Have a good evening. Thank you. Who would like to speak next? Steven Snow, 78 Pine Island Road. First, thank you, gentlemen, for your service. So, there's a lot to say, but the root
thing is every single public forum mentioned today is about public safety in the town of Hopington. the lack of it. I came here the select board meeting after the building collapse and when we had the issues going on with Hiller's Pizza, I expected to see Chief Bennett,
did not see Chief Bennett. I expected to see Chris McHuite, building inspector, did not see them. We saw Chief Doherty that showed up because he thought he might need to be in give some statement. He was ranked the same as Chief Bennett,
but yet the guy is a young frier officer that's doing a great job in this town and he gets ranked the same as a chief that's a slacker that is not doing anything for this town. When are you people going to realize there's I mean my grandfather told me if you're digging yourself in a hole, put
the freaking shovel down. Let's do that. Write the ship. You ran Joe, you ran, Brian, you ran on straightening the stuff out in this town. Let's straighten it out. Let's realize that we've made mistakes. Fix them. Just fix them. Simple. Do the
necessary things to fix the problems. Everything here tonight is public safety issue. Public safety is Joe Bennett. Let's hold him accountable to do his job or get his money. Thank you. >> Thank you, Steve.
>> Who else would like to come speak? Do >> we have anyone on Zoom? >> There are about nine people on Zoom, but there are no hands raised. My name is Alyssa Merrill. I live at 11 Summer Street and I am grateful to the people who've come forward um when in the face of what seems like a
lot of injustice because it's a terrifying feeling and knowing that young girls in this town continue to do that and being turned away just was too much for me to bear. So, first I'd like to extend my gratitude my sincere gratitude to Marie and investigative reporter Ryan Hath for unc
bringing to light some unsettling truths in our community. Since filing for divorce in 2021, I have struggled to feel safe in Hopinson. This concern extends to my daughters who are ages 17, 15, and 13. I believe they are
at risk due to inadequate police protection. After watching last night's report, I felt a strong moral obligation to share just a small amount of my experiences from the last four years. I discovered that 26 incident reports
had been filed against me by the police, none of which had any basis of truth. I only learned of this when I arrived in court in January 2023 to find a warrant for my arrest. I've never been in trouble in my life.
Fortunately, the claims against me were dismissed by the judge. I later learned from a witness advocate that the police are obligated to log every report regardless of its validity rather than investigate its truth. In very, very stark contrast, two
reports which I made about threats to my safety went unrecorded along with a restraining order I was compelled to file when a family member faced a mental health crisis last spring.
Alarmingly, the school was never informed of this restraining order, further endangering my daughters. I learned a lot of new information last night and this I just am compelled. There's so much more I know a lot of us need to come forward and share and I
hope I've tried to come forward and share this and I've been met with additional resistance from this town, from other board members in this town, including the health department and the building department. And it's been I'm going to stop, but it's been relentless. And
on top of everything else, I have documented conversations in which police officers declined to intervene when I saw I think I've said this, but I sought to to intervene when a family member, my daughter sought help to intervene when a f my 17-year-old daughter had to call another town to get help for a family
member who was in crisis because the Hopkin police hadn't been responding. This is simply unacceptable. The recent turnover rate amongst officers is concerning and it's disheartening to see that some of my favorite police officers left without notice right around this time
starting in 2021. I've advised my daughters and her friends to be cautious around the school resource officers and local police and not to pull over but to call 911 and drive to the next town. After watching last night's report, I'm
genuinely fearful of what might happen if we don't start advocating for major change. Thank you for your attention, and we work together to seek meaningful change in Hopkin. [Applause]
>> Who would like to come speak next? >> Good evening. >> Welcome. Good evening. Marie Lascowski, 15 Luring Drive, Ashland. It has been 91 days since our first meeting. On August 5th, members of our
coalition and community asked how it was possible for a known sex offender to open and operate a restaurant that employed teens for over nine years. To be blunt, we want to know where you stand regarding the requested
investigation of Chief Joe Bennett. We provided you with documentation of possible neglect from the HPD Chief Joe Bennett, and our request for the investigation has been long ignored.
But as of 11:00 last night, we were heard by Ryan Cath and his independent investigation that exposed even more allegations. We cannot thank him enough for exposing what we have been sharing with you for
the last three months. I hope now we have your attention. So, let me ask you again. Why did the HPD fail to report the 1998 sexual assault conviction of Peter Sis
Manis for over nine years? Why did the HPD fail to report Peter Sis Manis was a level two sex offender on the Massachusetts sex registry?
Level two. Why did Joe Bennett and eight others HPD officers, including a school resource officer, stand shouldertosh shoulder with sis manis and his partners with the HPD in a photo in 2018?
Why did Chief Joe Bennett stay silent when the Massachusetts District Attorney had enough evidence to charge Sis Manis with sexual assault against an underage employee in January of 2023? Why did Chief Bennett fail to tell you
that Sis Manis, the owner of a business that you licensed, had a court order to be supervised when working with minors in 2023? Why is the call from the victim's mother
to the non-emergency police line the night of the assault missing from the police log? In fact, why is any action taken that evening regarding Sis Manis missing from the police log?
Why in TWW why in January 12th, 2025, when Sis Manis was convicted of two counts of witness intimidation and indecent insult and battery on a minor that he employed at a business you licensed? Did Chief Joe fail to report
sis menace to this board? But the biggest question, why aren't you asking Chief Joe these questions? Let me be abundantly clear. We are not going away.
In fact, we're just getting started. We will not get tired of advocating for the children of Hopington, especially the victims of sis Mannis. And we will not give up until you investigate Chief Joe Bennett.
As a survivor of sexual abuse as a teenager, it is my responsibility to provide hope for today's teenage victims in a community where leadership does not care. There is no select board, police chief, landlord, or attorney letter that
will keep me from protecting the children of this town. Thank you. If I may share the police log of the night of the actual crime. Thank you. Um dated just so the public may know. This is the police log dated January 12th,
2023. Um yes, 2023. Thank you. [Applause] >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thanks, Mary. Um, anyone else for public forum?
>> Amy, can you check? >> 11 on Zoom, but there are no hands raised. >> All right. If we have no one else, we will move on. Um, so next up, we will go move to the consent agenda. So, the board will consider the following. Um, select board will consider approving the
minutes of the September 23rd, October 7th, and October 21st, 2025 meetings. Select board will consider accepting a gift of $1,000 from Zetabyte LLC to the police department to be used as needed. Uh, Winter's Farmer Market alcohol
licenses. We will consider approving Mass General Law, Chapter 138, Section 15F, Farmers Market Licenses for Aaron Knap Sellers LLC, Westford, Mass, to sell wine at the Hawkington Farmers Market on Sundays from November 16th, 2025 to March 16th, 2026 from 11:00 a.m.
to 2 p.m. And Mass General Law Chapter 138 section 15F certification has been approved by the Mass Department of Agricultural Resources. The retail sale and sampling must be completed in accordance with MDAR regulations. Sample size cannot exceed 1 ounce. No more than five samples can be served to a single
individual. Samples must be provided in single-use disposable cups. Vendor must provide suitable trash recepticles to accommodate the sample cups. Vendor must ID individuals requesting a sample to verify that they are of legal age and bottles opened and and used for sampling
cannot be sold to the public. All paperwork including tip, certification, insurance have been provided. Um Elaine, we have two more. Can we It's written the exact same way. Is there a way to shorten that? >> Name those other.
>> So under the same, you know, um qualifications. We will be also looking at it for Salt Salt Box Cider Shop from Haveril Mass and also Jamalo Craft Wines Inc. from Ashland. So with that, I'll look for the board. Do we want to break anything out or
discuss anything? >> I think we should just discuss the alcohol license a little bit, but um I don't have any objections that the public has a lot of interest. >> Okay. >> And I just want to thank uh Sabite LLC for the uh donation uh certainly shows
uh the support and collaboration between our public and private. So this is great. >> All right. So let's start. >> I move the consent agenda as presented in in the agenda. There's a motion. Second >> comment, please. >> I'd like to call out item C if others
are agreeable. >> She's made an amendment for you to call out item C. >> You want to break it out? >> Break it out. She wanted to discuss. >> I withdraw my motion. >> All right. Thanks. >> Make a motion to break it. >> Make a motion to approve um items A A and A and B in the consent agenda. Should we do that first?
>> Okay. >> A and B. >> A and B. >> Second. >> Okay. There's a motion and a second. All those in favor to approve A and B. >> I I >> I. >> All right. So A and B is approved. So next we will move on to C. >> Mr. Chair, I move that we approve item C
in the consent agenda as presented. >> Okay. >> Second. >> Okay. So there's a motion and a second. Do we want to discuss anything before we >> I would like to discuss a little if that's okay. Just um so is it it's an alcohol license. So any cory's that would have been done would have been
done for their alcohol license with the state. Correct. Not by us. So these are the farmers market licenses, but there are quories done for these. >> There are coreies done for them. Okay. And um and we have comments from the fire department, health department, and and the police department that are all in favor of these documents and they're
in our packet. >> That's just I want to clarify that for the public. >> Yep. >> General thoughts, comments? >> Nothing actually more. I think Amy's question is on point. Um one thing I wanted to also check that uh were were
they ever approved for the summer um farmers market and this is only for the winter one. >> That's true. Yes, they are also at the at the summer farmers market >> and they were um core was done in summer and now we are doing another round of CI but we're not doing sorry because the current process does not include sorry
we proposed it and we are still evaluating it. Is that correct? >> Uh I'll have to check with the farmers market licenses but I'm assuming that we've done both. Oh, we have done both. We've >> done the Corey. >> Okay. And uh I gather I think Lance you mentioned Sori currently includes uh
national database as well. So it is pretty extensive uh beyond the state level. Is that correct? >> Correct. >> Okay. Any other concerns around any of these applications or uh this application? >> Not that I've seen either. Thank you,
>> Brian. Thoughts? >> Nothing is missing, Elaine. They're all complete. >> That's great. >> All set. Thank you. I have no additional comments. I know some of these are familiar faces from previous farmers markets. So, uh, with that, I'll look for a motion to approve item C.
>> We have the motion, I believe. >> Sorry. So, we can just we can just go for all those in favor. I need an I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> So, that is unanimous. All right. Moving on. Um, select board will review
and set the 2026 Boston Marathon Invitational Entry policy. Um, Elaine, would you like to introduce this one? >> Yes. So, um, we are, uh, grateful again this year to have received, uh, 50 invitational entries from the BAA for
the 2026 Boston Marathon. And as part of our agreement with the BAA uh and the policy adopted by the board in the past, the entries will go to uh qualified nonprofit organizations do fundraising. Um and each year the board uh approves
the um the manner in which those invitational entries will be given out. So this is this year's uh policy which is uh very similar to last year. The only thing that's different is see pull that up.
um a sentence that clarifies that uh town departments with budget appropriations um can apply, but they are only eligible if they're going to then distribute that to a qualified 501c3 organization. So,
we can't use it for fundraising for town budgets. That's clarified in the policy. It's it's been the case uh but we're just putting it in there. But >> that was never done in the past. >> It may have been Perfect. So, you said 50 entries. Is
that more or less same as we got last year? >> Same as the last couple years. >> So, and I think this is, you know, with a motion tonight, we're looking to actually open that up tomorrow for people that can actually go in and the nonprofits can apply. Correct. >> That's correct. So, the application will
go live tomorrow morning and they'll have until um the day before the board's next meeting to to apply 10 days. >> And I know we get a lot of inquiries about this. It's found at hopping tomass.gov website for all the entries.
They can go there for everything. All the resources are there. Correct. >> Yep. They can always pick one up here too if they can't find it online. >> Perfect. Um rest of the board, Brian, you want to start? Comments, thoughts for Elaine? Uh, I think it's worked reasonably well in all the years we've done this prior. Uh, I'd like the
clarification. Thanks for that. I'm all set. >> Uh, couple of questions. One is how many entry or applicants did we have last year and the year before? I know it's been growing. Do you have the latest? >> Uh, I don't have that on the top of my
head, but uh there I don't believe that there any organization that went without. >> Correct. I remember it was more than 50. Um so I expect it'll happen again. So one thing I wanted to check is if there
is a way uh which we did last time maybe we'll wait but we can increase the numbers and I like this um certainly the marathon uh badges are uh or bibs are a big driver for all the charity work that
happens in our town. a lot of the social and cultural events uh that are supported by the money that's raised. So this is a great opportunity for only we get you know probably more than others and I appreciate that. So I would like to uh do two things. One is if we can
inquire how can we optimize it and based on the trend and others can we request for more early on and uh second is um the process is has been very I think um pretty well received I would say and um have been working how can we add some
more transparency to it maybe putting it you know during the process on our website on a from application to approval and and the selection process and everything so everyone's clear not only the applicants but also the residents that would be helpful. So
those are my two um points I wanted to make. >> Perfect. I think that's fair. >> Sure. And I should have mentioned that uh there is a expectation that the each entry will raise $6,000 again this year. >> Great. Amy.
>> Yeah. I'm just going to note that we raised it to 6,000 last year and I'm comfortable keeping with it keeping it at 6,000 for now, but in the future we could increase the amount um given the high demand and inflation. >> Yeah, I I I think that's something to consider in future years. I know it's
not an easy thing. Like I thing I love about this is a lot of small organizations benefit from this in town, right? That's the intent here. So, you know, you have organizations that otherwise wouldn't be able to raise 67 8,000. So, it makes a big impact for them. Um, so, yep, I'm excited to get
this going. Reminder everyone, it can be found online. And with that, I do think we need a motion for this one to approve it as as written and discussed. >> I would move to approve the 2026 Boston Marathon invitational >> invitational entrance policy as described in the packet.
>> I second it. >> We got a motion and a second. Um, all those in favor? >> I. Any opposed? That is unanimous. So exciting to get that started already. Moving on. Um,
so next, the select board receive an update from Mike Whan regarding the upcoming Veterans Day celebration. Uh, Veterans Day is next Tuesday, November 11th. >> Welcome, Mike. Welcome, Ken. >> Y All right. Uh, Mike Whan, uh, 262 Wood
Street. Uh so I'm going to take this opportunity to promote our veterans activities this week and not only um Veterans Day, but um generally speaking, I just want the town the veterans in town to know that we do have a a monthly
breakfast at the senior center on the first Friday of every month. And you know, all veterans are, you know, welcome to attend, you know, that that breakfast at the senior center. Um and uh also ju just as a heads up uh
Saturday and Sunday the uh historic society of 168 Hayden Rose having an exhibit uh for Hopkins Hopkins Military uh history. U I checked it out yesterday. It's worthwhile. They they put a lot of work into it and um you
know I I think people would um enjoy visiting that uh that building this weekend. They can make a connection between all the past generations of Hopkin uh in their involvement in uh the
United States military. So on Tuesday, uh, November 11th, the American Legion, which we are all members, uh, we have our annual ceremony at the senior center at the traditional
time of 11 a.m. and will be a few speakers and it it's a uh formal ceremony um and we involve all ages and different generations to uh um celebrate
or acknowledge Veterans Day. Uh I'm also chairman of the veteran celebration committee and we are charged with uh putting on the appreciation dinner that evening and as we have in
past several years due to the generosity of the Woodville Rod and Gun Club we'll be holding our dinner uh Tuesday night. All veterans are certainly welcome and encouraged um you know to bring a guest too. That's
perfectly fine. We'll have plenty of food for as many people that show up. I uh just mailed out postcards to every veteran in town uh who selfidentified in the town census so they'll all get the
word. But um I really want to emphasize that we'll have plenty of food and uh would really welcome the veteran to show up. And um being that time of the year, uh Chief
Bennett has uh agreed to let me put uh a Toys for Tots collection box in the lobby of the police station um starting the day after Veterans Day. and that'll be there till around December 15th.
Um, and the town in the past has been very very generous and is much appreciated. And um, you know, it's it's a it's a testament to the generosity of all our citizens. Uh, and they really seem to like to go to the police station
lobby to uh, drop off their toys. So, I say thanks for the police department for that. Okay, >> perfect. Thank you, Mike. I know, you know, thank you for like all your service, all of you, everything you do for this. I think it's a great thing for the town. Um, I think we've got one
other thing. Ken, did you want to say something tonight? >> Yes. Uh, we all know Mike for his great service to the veterans, organizing all the events, sending out the postcards, calling everyone before all the wakes and funerals of veterans. Uh, but I'd
like to take my veterans hat off today and present Mike with a plaque from the CPC. As you guys know, I'm a chair of the CPC and Mike did an extraordinary thing for us. Do you know that Mike's
such a humble guy that he would show up here and put in an agenda? >> That's right. Mike from CPC [Music] up >> what Mike did in the restoration of the
bridge right on the border. He did all the he did all and sprink up the uh granite that was needed for that and CC had money for this and
Mike basically told the star commission sponsored the project you guys are all volunteers I volunteer on this and I don't know how many hours of work a sign post that says hoping the one
right in the on the border. Uh the historic commission couldn't keep things in history, but Mike added that uh a bench uh a signpost for us. Uh just a wonderful job and that's our letter of appreciation and thank you for
allowing us to this so quickly. We would have never got in here. >> Sorry, we had to we had to spring that on you, Mike. Well, thanks to everybody who was involved in this. Um, you did well to keep it a secret from me. You
know, obviously it's much appreciated to uh receive recognition from your peers and this is a very special moment for me. Thank you very much. >> Nicely done. I don't. >> Okay. >> Or maybe we'll do one.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> All right. So, next, the select board has set aside some time to hear the public about priorities and recommendations for the FY 2027 budget, which is currently being developed. So, if there's anyone from town that would
like to come up, join us, and share some comments and thoughts. >> And can you check Zoom? Let me see if anyone's on. >> There are five people, but no hands raised. >> No hands raised. >> Um, do we have an update on where we are like in the process? I I we've been
talking about this every week, but just while while we have the time, someone like to share. >> Hi, Kyla. Welcome. So, we have finished all of the FY27 capital requests and we kick off our um
capital improvement committee meetings starting tomorrow night and we will meet weekly for the next four weeks. Um all of the operating budgets from the department heads have been submitted as of this weekend. They've all been consolidated and put into the sources
and uses. And right now with all of the operating budgets and updates we've made over the past month, we are at a $1.8 million deficit. >> 1.8 deficit. >> Yeah. >> So our operating budget meetings will
start with Elaine next week starting on Monday and we will have those finished up within the next 3 weeks. >> Okay. And this is a deficit in the operating budget not not capital is that it is >> right now it right now it's a overall deficit and we are assuming that all of
our capital projects will be funded with free cash >> okay so I guess could we reduce some capital projects to not have a deficit or no because you're funding them from free cash those are all set >> correct >> okay >> do you know top of your head out of the 1.8 how much is for capital and how much
is total op 1.8 8 million has nothing to do with capital >> entirely. >> Mr. Chair, if I could. >> Yep. >> So, $1.8 million deficit today. Um how much of that how much free cash is going into the number that still generates
that 1.8 deficit? Do you know? >> So, we have um I'm accounting for over 12 million in free cash. And the reason why I have that is all of our capital expenses or requests um are about 10.6
million and then to fund stabilization and to fund OPE equals that 12 million. >> So it's a full use of the free cash between capital and operating including going into stabilization and OPED. >> Correct. >> Got it. Okay. So back to Amy's point, if
that capital comes down by $1.8 $8 million then we can wash it out. Correct. >> We don't you we try not to use free cash for our operating budget, >> right? But in these tax with these schools, we're going to be doing all kinds of things we try not to do. So, we
may have to consider that as we get down the path a little bit, >> but not our preference to do that >> or we just don't do those projects and like we wouldn't do those projects and keep that. Yeah, it's the same thing though. I can understand what you're saying. Yeah. Because it would still be going to operating. >> Yeah. As we go through our operating
budgets between the town and the school departments, maybe we can find the 1.8 million. >> When you put all the new budgets or the requested budgets into the into the blender and spit it out, what did that net increase be year-over-year percentage- wise?
>> It varies. Some departments definitely came to Elaine's recommendation of 2%. Um the majority of them are well over the 2%. >> So we're well over the requested budget message
information, right? >> In total. Yes. >> Okay. So there's an opportunity there too. >> Yeah. We're about 6%. >> Okay. Over over 6%. >> Yes. 6% over FY26. >> All in including the schools.
>> And what were the schools at? >> 7.6. 6 >> 7.6 and overall we're at six and there's other budget there other departments above the two two and a half. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. And if I could just going out a couple of years I mean you
know I guess I don't have the patience I used to have for all this stuff. Um every year I've done this going on 15 years now three or four years on the planning board we always had outyear crises coming at us every year. So this
notion that we've got a crisis in 28 and a crisis in 29, a crisis in 30, that's no difference than the crisis in 11, the crisis in 12, and the crisis in 13. And it's no different than the crisis in ' 08, 07, whatever. So there's always a crisis, right? So we're either going to
be a drama managed process or we're going to just stick to some numbers and try to avoid some of the drama. So what do you see in those outer years? Someone said something about $17 million or $12 million or something next year in a deficit right now. Is that what that
what is that number right now that's feeding some of this? >> It depends on what you include in the deficit. So if you are including all of the capital requests and the operating budget, the number's not pretty. It's $30
million. And that's assuming we have $8 million in free cash. >> And that's that goldplated school called Center School over here. And it's the goldplated new this and the goldplated new that and all this other wish list stuff that we would like to have.
>> Y >> that we're not going to be able to afford to have that's adding to that number. That's this huge deficit in outer years. Right. We have $32 million in capital requests for FY28 and $ 34 million in FY29
just in the general fund, not including CPC and enterprise. >> Is that trend lane any different than in 2011, 12, and 13? Did we always have these big numbers out in future years because of capital and all the wish list stuff we wanted? >> I think this is >> it's a rhetorical question.
>> This is bigger than in the past. >> Yeah, it's bigger. I agree because we've got a bigger nut to start with which is these two brand new schools, but there's always been this wish list stuff. So, I guess my point is we're getting a little ahead of ourselves. Not Kyla and not others, but I think the town is getting
a little bit ahead of itself and the drama around the budget for this coming year and the years thereafter. This isn't new. This isn't this is a process we go through every time. We will figure it out as we always have. Remember this town has done three underrides in the
last 15 years. Three underrides when every year at the start it was a crisis and the world was going to come to an end and the sky was going to fall. So let's hang in there. We will figure this out. A $1.8 million deficit is within our reach. >> Yep.
>> Thank you. >> So a quick question. You said in 28 we had a $32 million capital like expected capital. Did that include the MWR? Is that included in those numbers? >> No. MWR is in the enterprise. It's not
in the general fund. >> And center school is CPC and a community partnership too. So that's won't that won't be in our regular capital projects either, right? >> Yeah. Because centers centers loaned against future CPC funds.
>> Shadow, any thoughts? >> Yeah, sure. Um yeah, I know the 32 million we've been uh putting this pipeline for some time and we made it visible in the past. Is it currently available for everyone to see and um
kind of process everyone meaning the residents, not only us? >> I haven't published the five-year capital plan yet, but we can. >> Yeah, I think that would be >> We had one last year, so that would be four years out instead of five years out, but that's out there. Sure. >> Yeah. No, that's right. last year we
published. So I think that would help also to understand the reason is um I think we definitely have a lot of aspirational projects and a lot of uh projects that we do need need to do um but it would be of course a lot discretionary right those are not
approved and we'll all decide what our priority what our urgency is and then the town in the town meeting we will all vote and decide what we will do and what we will not and we will choose our paints accordingly right do we want uh um take the pain of not having something
or take the pain of an increased budget with or increased um financial cost and taxes. So I think that's an ongoing thing and we will handle it accordingly and the best I can think is as I have advocated in the past is um
communication transparency and let everyone uh from the town to process it and collectively let's prioritize and see how much and what we can do and when we can do uh and that's how we are going to manage that. Now one thing I I think
I mentioned uh in the past as well is that one trend I know and it's not always in our um predictive control in some ways is
that we see these budget challenges 1.8 million last year it was I think similar 2.2 2 or 1.5 and then we were able to manage it and on the other hand we have the free cash growing
uh I remember in my appropriation days it used to be 3 to 5 million on an average and in recent years we've had some good luck years in some ways and it has crossed 10 million 12 million which has fed our capital needs a lot but it
also makes me wonder that are we cutting too sharp on the OPEX side that it ends up giving us more free cash at the cost of managing the OPEX
little bit suboptimally. In other words, are we making sacrifice on the OPEC side or are we making it, you know, more tension, more drama than it needs to be in anticipation of getting more money at the end as a
reward in the free cash so we can spend it on um capital and I'm not saying we are doing it in intentionally but it's happening and we're seeing that trend. So one thing I would request is can we balance it a little bit more so we have
our opex little bit balanced and I would give up you know instead of 12 million in free cash 6 million or 8 million in free cash at the end of the year that way we have more of a smoother ride and of course then we'll be able to do less
on the capital side but again capital side is supposed to be discretionary right and it is discretionary so then we can prioritize it better and that's how I would try to kind of wrap our mind around a little bit process it and think
it and see how best we can manage it and of course when we see the capital budgets we'll also cry and have other you know um intense discussions which one to prioritize but that is a more I think process-wise budget method wise
little bit more comfortable little bit more um I think logical than having the free cash, you know, as a reward at the end. That's number that's something to think about as we do the budgeting and uh kind of help reconcile maybe do some analysis, see
some of the trends and see how we can balance it better or did we have a balance and because of some offsets un and there are unknowns. I fully appreciate that that we are seeing this but now the unknowns are becoming known so we can predict better. A lot said on
that. My third point I wanted to inquire a little bit. How is it looking on our Eversource um tax collection and areas side? Are we fully now caught up with the areas in
terms of arbitration or the various court matters they had in our tax claims before? A >> I believe we're caught up through 2024, but I haven't talked to the assessor >> specific to that.
>> Something to I I wanted to check and are we making any assumption for full recovery in the coming year or 50% or taking into some risk adjustments because of our previous learning from their um tax payment behavior?
I don't have the answer to that schedule. >> Yeah, if you can check on that. For example, I think it used to be I may maybe wrong on top of my head 5 to 8 million say and we used to only count 3 million of it because they always go to
arbitration or do the claims because of which we have to put the money aside and can't use it. If we are doing that, that in and of itself is where our deficit is coming from. But I I just wanted to zoom into that and see what's happening there
in the coming days. I'm glad that last year they really uh came back after our long discussion for several years and have caught up with ours and hopefully they will continue to pay in full amount going forward and if they do that should help the budget but if you can check on
that that would be great and I'll just take a moment that on that note uh I was talking to our state representative and he actually looking at our previous experience with Eversource and um some of the history eversource as I think
almost another 40 or 50 towns are suffering from the same tax challenges from ever sources claims versus legal uh challenges on tax claims. uh he is drafting a um law actually for the state
to manage it better help uh the towns to get a little bit more I would say comfort and assurance in terms of some of these while you know respecting the rights of the business of course so that should also help and uh I'll talk to you
offline how we can help the street representative in collecting some of these information and if need be kind of prepare those case. Uh so those are some of the things I think we can tie a little bit and hopefully we'll resolve the 1.8 million and going forward if we
can if this may can help balance it a little bit more that would be great. Thank you. >> Yeah, thanks. I agree with Brian that we are early in the budget process and numbers can still shift and hopefully we can get it all worked out in the end so that some numbers can go up or down and
maybe some things will come in lower price than we expect. Um, for the free cash, I know we had a really large amount last year. Is this a smaller amount expected or because we used some of it last year? Correct. >> I'm expecting around the same as last year. >> Around the same. Okay. All right. Um,
because I felt like we used a lot of it last year. Okay. And then, um, let's see. I think that's it. And I would suggest too if we can have some of these listening sessions not at our regular meetings, people might be more willing like if we had a library session or something like that or senior center maybe people be more willing to come to
us. Not always unless we still have them other places and no one comes. >> Okay. And then um oh and I will note that Matt Kissner did submit some notes on the budget and writing. So I assume those will be passed along to Kyla and appropriations >> into enter into the public record. >> Right. But they want us to know to look
there. I I don't think I have any other comments for now, but I appreciate the update. >> Perfect. Um, I'm good. I think there's a couple themes. You got one more? >> Yeah. Go ahead. When you're done. >> Yeah. I I think, you know, I think Shadow will me mentioned it. Last year,
we were in like a deeper hole than we are now to start the process. We work through it. So, we got to stress patience through the process. And then also, you know, the capital projects I do think we need to as a town look more closely at. Like we've always as a town
voted yes on every capital project as a, you know, we need it right now. Um, but I think as as we head into some of these bigger years, you know, a little patience and maybe stretching things out and pushing off, I think could only help us with this situation. So that's my last thought. Brian,
>> uh, another piece of this puzzle that's going to come at us a little bit this year and certainly come at the community, if my if I remember correctly, uh, John was saying recently or assessor the tax bills start to go out in January or February of 26, 2, 3
months from now with the increases starting to show up. So while we are going to negotiate and figure out this budget, at the same time our residents, ourselves, we're going to be under a lot of pressure to pay more in taxes. The schools are coming home to roost now. We've been talking about this for a
couple of years. So in the midst of all that, and a lot of folks don't know come January, it's going up. They just don't know until they get the bill in the mail. >> Yeah. John will be in front of the select board on the 18th tax, >> right? Like we're going to get thousands
of people going, "What is this? I don't understand this. Why is this tax bill going up? So, we're going to have to deal with that at the same time that we sort this budget out and we plan for these future years. Uh but those future years, the numbers are going to be strong harder as we go down the path here for three or four years. It's
because we're building and I love the fact that we're saving some money on the schools. So, instead of spending $190 million, we're only spending $160 million. We've never built a $160 million school ever in Metro West, let alone, you know, in the last 5 years.
>> So, I think that's a really important one to call out because we saw last week Hopkins is coming ahead of schedule under budget. I think a month or two ago, we saw that for Charleswood as well. Um, I I I just think, you know, there's talk about expanding the scope of those projects because they're under
budget. And I think that's money that goes directly back back into the taxpayers. Like just because we approved that at town meeting doesn't mean it's just there to use. It goes directly back to the the residents on their tax bills. And with these bills coming, you know, right in January, we need to make sure
in our future conversations that we're looking at that and knowing like at least in my mind like that money should go back and should be decided on in town meeting. That's how it should be used because that's how it was voted for. So if we bring that up in future meetings >> and that comment, Kyle, is not to you as
a to-do appear on your list, right? That's a comment. for the community to understand your tax bills are going up. We've been talking about here they come and we got a budget deficit and then there's going to be a lot of arguing about well why are we building new schools? Well, that ship has sailed. If you look down Hayden Road Street, you can see the mud all over the place,
right? Uh it's up and going now. So, uh it's going to be an interesting couple of years and it's going to get harder before it gets easier. It's going to get harder for sure. >> through the chair. Um I couldn't agree more. I think um that's why the pipeline
and other transparency is helping and appribations does a wonderful job in laying it out how it's going to increase and when and where we are going to see the tax increases. The more we communicate it better I think prepared people are it is not the best news but
um we want everyone to feel they are communicated well and properly um managed budget is what we are all thriving for. Now that said um I think I agree that um the savings from some of the uh school projects that's going on
uh we did the estimation during the co or right after co time and now it's a little bit better in terms of some of the uh construction materials front which is going to give us some savings and that would be great to give back and then we can see and decide how it
impacts our taxes and whatnot. I just wanted to point out that the and Bill is here he can also add uh his wisdom and experience on this which is the USBC actually brand has done a wonderful job in managing the cost and estimations um
from the get-go compared to many other towns and we did a pretty thorough analysis and during that time there were I believe four schools that was uh proposed and happening in the uh entire state and MSBA was involved and we came
out to be the most cost optimized proposal and budget per square ft and by every measure that was uh given to us. So I just wanted to point out that the school and the um ESBC committee and everyone dedicated all the volunteers
have really really been focused and very dedicated and uh and um I think on top of their head concerned about using the tax money and done the best job I have seen on that front. >> Thank you. >> Can I add a little bit more? I just want
to clarify a few things for the public too. Just so if the Charleswood school comes in under budget as we hope um the money can't just be reused immediately. It has to go to it would always have to go to a town meeting vote to be reappropriated for a different purpose. Right. >> If it was not related to the building of
the new school >> if it's not related to the building but they can do other things within the building is my understanding. >> Oh other things for the building. >> It's still part of the building. So, so we we can dig into this in a future meeting, but I heard like conversations
around well like there's things that could be replaced inside like and this was associated I believe you know to Hopkins which >> you know that to me just seems out of scope of what the initial town meeting vote was >> and so I just think we need to be very careful around that idea of just it's
it's not it's not free money like we got it for a specific reason so let's make sure it stays for that if we want to go back to town meeting and request it put it to the residents to decide at that point. >> Okay. And then um if and money it's not spent, it doesn't really go back to taxpayers because we haven't put it in
the tax bill until after we spend it. Right. So if it's it's just not spent, right? So >> if it's not spent, we can reduce the amount that we have to borrow. >> Yes. >> Because they haven't spent it, >> right? But it doesn't really come literally come back to people's pockets because we haven't spent it yet.
>> But we don't have to borrow. >> Yeah. Nothing's going back physically. >> I know people use that term and >> important distinction. It's not a refund. It's It's offsetting a future tax liability, right? >> Reducing a tax liability in the future. >> Okay. Um
>> All right. Anything else? Elaine Lance, any thoughts from you guys? All right. Well, Kyla, thank you for coming up. I think that was last name. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um so, next, the select board will review the licensing renewal process for the alcoholic beverage common victular entertainment class one and class 2
licenses. So this is obviously a continuation of the conversation that we started two weeks ago. Um I think you know when we started the conversation there's obviously been a lot of feedback from the town things that we need to look at more closely. Um so behind the
scenes town has been looking into some of these things making you know making sure one we want transparency. We want everyone to know how the process works. We want to walk through that. I think we have some flowcharts. We also have um we're going to talk more about the background check information a little
bit tonight. And then there was one other thing um I think we had a comparison we I I think some of the feedback was some of the other towns like the city of Boston. So would that >> a larger chart this time? >> Correct. Yeah, it's more information on
it. So Elaine, would you like to start with this? >> Sure. Um one of the things that uh you just mentioned that the board talked about was a flowchart. So we have a a basic flowchart of the process uh in the packet um talks about the select board um process and the fire building
electrical process which occurs in parallel and then feeds into that. So that will help um I think if we produce that for applicants and put it on the website I think you know with some adjustments to it over the years um whatever needs to be done uh it's a good place to start. I'm happy to receive
feedback on that and u then put that available for people to see. and make any adjustments that that you think are appropriate in that process. Can I >> starting in September >> for the flowchart for September? So, is that already begun? The treasurer collector is starting to determine if
anyone has outstanding taxes, right? >> Okay. And the renewal letter instructions has already been sent in October. >> No. So, that that's before all the instructions are sent. >> Okay. But now but now we're in November. So, have the instructions been sent? Are you waiting? >> Yeah. So, everything's uh happened. So, all the instructions have been sent.
We're starting to get applications back right now. >> Okay, great. >> And as they're coming in, we're reviewing them. >> Okay. >> And then the board will vote to issue licenses in December at both of its meetings. Uh usually we break them into
a couple of groups um depending on which ones are ready on a given date. I was going to say, can we take a minute or so putting it on the um on the camera so the residents can see the process?
>> So, uh if Ben can put up the um the flowchart, page 161 of the packet. >> Uh no, I I was thinking on hcam. So, it's in the record and >> Oh, uh so you can do it >> if you're prepared otherwise you can do it on the time. But if Ben puts it up,
it's going out on the H cam, isn't it? >> Right. >> But he hasn't has >> Sorry. >> Yeah, but Ben Ben should have access to to the packet. >> Perfect. >> Yep. >> Oh, okay. Usually we see it here, but >> Well, I think you just need to give it a
minute. >> He's got to find the page, I think. >> Oh, okay. Yeah, >> you said 161. >> 161. Yeah. context >> and lane um I'm thinking this is good progress and thank you for the process this is u
making it more visible but in uh general I saw also the comparison for um between the towns in Massachusetts and where we stand and all those together and given the attention and the concerns we are
hearing from the residents I would recommend that Then we have a good summary of summary statement as to what exactly our process is where we are improving it and given the concerns that
we have how it's going to prevent or uh help remediate those concerns going forward. I think it's not very clear to everyone and um very clearly communicated and we want to listen to the residents of course and after
communicating those that's the understanding I think the board currently is reviewing that how can we prevent how can we make it more robust and more reliable so even after all of those we want to hear if there is any other loophole that anyone sees any
other gap that anyone sees that other towns are doing better or even if other towns are not doing we can do better and get that feedback and see how we can augment and um remediate that or make it
more robust. Now that said um what are the in the proposed process one thing is we are adding the story right >> that's in the proposal and and I'm also
say repeating it so everyone kind of pro helps um process everyone's mind mapping around it which is u the story covers the sex offenders not only in Massachusetts but across
the national database. Can you can you confirm or speak to that lens for everyone's understanding? And this is a new addition that was not there before. >> Correct. Yes. Um so yeah, that is my understanding that um you know it pulls from a national database based on the
research we've done this far. Um and we are the only town in my research that uh would be conducting story checks. Um I have not found any other community that does. So, >> we're going to do Corey and Sor, >> right? And out of the 12 surveyed, uh, four did Corey checks. Um, and you know,
including us. So, we're one of the four. And >> I do want to add about that. I really appreciate this chart we had. It's on page 162 and and after about what each thing pulls. So, the story pulls only level two and level three sex offender. So, if someone is a level one sex offender, we would not get that
information. Um, but the story, but we can't. It sounds like, right, it's not possible. Okay. And then the standard quaries too that we're going to be doing now still there's a limit with that too. If it's a misdemeanor um it has to be have happened within 5
years prior to the Corey request date. And if it's a felony it has to happen within 10 years of the Corey request date. So older convictions would not necessarily be in the Corey either. >> Can we go to the next slide that Amy's >> Yeah. 162. Yeah. There we go. >> Sorry.
And then um so a law enforcement Corey police are only allowed to run those under limited circumstances which is firearms licensing, solicitor permits, ice cream truck vendors very specifically. Criminal investigations and law enforcement employment backgrounds. Um so the what we can run
is the standard I guess right as a town for these licens licensing authorities. We're only allowed to do the standard. >> We're only allowed to do the standard. Okay. And then let's see. And then um some of these other things that are more intense, we would have to
change our bylaws, it sounded like to me, and develop a process to to do further searches. So if we wanted to access um state criminal records and FBI national criminal records, we have to do fingerprinting. >> Okay. And we would have to have a our
own bylaw about that. >> We have to adopt a bylaw, too. We do have a bylaw that's been adopted and that is for ice cream vendors and we would have to add additional licences to that. >> Okay. So that would be something we could consider for town meeting if we think that that's valuable
>> and and so is that something all of that process would be done in town hall with current headcount like what just walk us through what that >> we would not be able to do fingerprinting. The police department would have to do the fingerprinting and the search of the database. So that would be the police department. could
also sub that out though. There are agencies out there that'll do that. >> Yeah. The school has used an agency to do that. >> No. >> And uh I I know are we planning to have more discussions and process evaluation before we vote on it?
>> Yes. >> Yeah. This is again this is I don't think this is something that we could possibly solve in even one or two meetings. It's we've got to like the work, you know, it takes a couple days behind the scenes to get kind of some of this leg work done. You know, thank you to Lance and Elaine for pulling this
together in an easy easy to take in format. Um, so this is going to be a continued conversation. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, we I would think whatever we settle on or as we go down the path, maybe even before we settle on it, that we get town council involved and make sure that there's nothing here that's opening us
up to some other legal action against the community for prohibiting X, Y, or Z from happening, somebody being employed, etc. >> I agree. And then the other thing would be um once we get the results of these queries and stories, in which cases are we allowed to deny someone a license or
not? Um because we don't have that information, right? >> No. And uh council does recommend that you would have to adopt some sort of policy. >> Okay. >> And which we don't have right now >> in that regard. It can't be arbitrary. >> Can't be arbitrary. Okay. So we would that' be something we would need to work
on once we get or well it's a little late this year. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So for this year a couple of thoughts. One is that um yeah we should definitely continue to review this and review through our council and um there are
quite a few proposals right in terms of back uh ground checks we have the sorry but we are also talking about the fingerprint and all of those I agree with Brian we should uh vet out with the council in terms of the legal liabilities or the legal implications and u or uh viability in some ways uh
within our authority. So that's one. uh second is that u the costs involved on this and the speed or time of the cycle. I I wanted to have an assessment of that on various scenarios so we can make you
know more educated and robust decision on that. And the third one and this is a little bit I know you know uh the 800 lb gorilla in the room which is I want to test do a stress test and see is it going to
prevent some of the complaints or some of the um previous incidents that has happened during the licensing or approval process. In other words, are we going to
able to be able to catch what we could not catch before potentially? And it's not only on Hopkin. I also want to understand is there any town who has a robust enough policy and process that
could have caught what was missed in those approval processes. And I'm more focused on our town and even if other towns are missing it, I want to make sure we don't miss it. But that is a stress test we all need to do
and we all owe because that's what essentially triggered this process evaluation. So maybe you know build some test cases or run those within this new framework and policy that we are proposing and see
if it passes. And in certain cases, as um Amy mentioned, there are legal constraints and authority constraints. But let's lay it out and be transparent in communicating that that if this is a
unsub if and I'm not a legal expert, so I'll I won't spell out or try to spell it out. There are certain court orders or there are certain um scenarios where police can log in the complaints but may not be able to share it uh or we may not
be able to consider it in our decision process. If there are are those type of scenarios, we should list those out and make it transparent and uh help everyone understand those that I I think that is
an excellent point. Having served on the board in 2018 and sat in that executive session over there, um I know what went on in there and what was told to us by legal in people, right, attorneys, what could and could not be done. I'd love to see
if that would be different now based on this test that you put us through or this this this the process would go through and see if that would change the decisions of of that time. I don't I don't know. I'm an engineer, not a lawyer, but that'll be very interesting to see.
>> I think I think I'm all set. I did Matt had a few things. Um, >> yeah, I think we're going to I was just going to say comments on the licenses, you know, some of them were kind of spoken to, but can we just enter that in so that everyone can kind of see >> Sure. >> what the comments were. I think he had a request for a future agenda item as
well, which we will save for um later on. >> And I do have some information from council on a couple of the questions that the board had regarding licensing. I do have a couple of uh information from uh council on a couple of the questions that the board had about
extending licenses after December 31st. >> Oh, okay. Yeah. >> So, that we asked the question um can a board grant an extension of a license beyond December 31st if expension inspections or other contingencies aren't complete? And the response is that uh chapter 140 does not prohibit
local licensing authorities from granting request for renewal of a common fictional license even if there's a failure to obtain an annual inspection or to comply with other contingencies. However, uh it is advisable to um to set a time limit on that. So, uh we want to
give someone 30 days so or 20 days, whatever the case may be for their >> not an open-ended. That seems like a good solution. So the answer was yes, you can extend set a timeline >> extend the time certain. >> Thank you. >> Yes,
>> Ela. On that note, when do we have to decide and vote on that so we don't miss the vote? >> Uh board doesn't need to vote on that. You can consider that when you're voting on the licenses themselves. >> Okay? So, if there's a license before you, a license application where something's not complete as far as an
inspection goes, say by the building department, you can uh approve it contingent on that inspection being done within 30 days. >> So, at our last meeting in December is when we would have to do that, I guess, if needed. >> Was there any additional feedback from
council on some of the outstanding questions? We also did ask um you know are we required to shut down a business on January 1st and then if there's an extension then that wouldn't be necessary but the town is not required to shut down businesses. Um but it's recommended that the board either
withhold a license until it's demonstrated compliance or grant the extension. But that doesn't prevent um say the board of health, the fire department or building from closing down a business if if something >> it's a safety issue. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Uh the other question we did ask
was um can the police department share information with the board from a police level Corey which is more than the standard level Corey that we're able to do and the response is in general the police department may not share any information obtained for criminal justice purposes as the Corey
information available to the town for common victual licenses is more limited to that available to the PD in the performance of their duty. So the town must be um registered to conduct Corey checks on license applicants and current licenses. So the town uh only has that
standard license access and that's all that can be shared with the board for licensing purposes. >> That sounds familiar. >> Yeah. But it's so so to be clear it's a like a whole separate Corey check that the police get instead of what the town
would get and they legally cannot share that with us. >> Not for licensing purposes. Yep, that's coming back to me now. >> How about the question around investigating finances and uh other speak to that?
>> Yeah, it didn't ask about finances, but we did ask about, you know, who are we cying? Are we uh do we we're owners, managers, shareholders, corporate officers, all persons with a financial interest in the business? A lot of things have been suggested. Um you know,
we have some of our licenses say uh Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Price Chopper, Aramark are corporate entities and so who who do we corey in that regard? Um and the response is there's no specific limitation but they recommend there's a policy in place so that any individual
who you plan to corey must sign a separate Corey acknowledgement form and that's good for a year. So we can't corey someone without their approval either. So but they recommend if you're going to do more than right now we're doing owners managers and uh yeah owners
and managers and applicants if someone different. Um >> but what about this >> not anyone else? We don't have the approval to do that right Yeah. What what about you know the the ideas that were raised by some that we should be digging into the finances, the loans,
the incorporation documents, um all that sort of stuff and you know where's the money coming from etc etc. Is any of that >> we have not asked those questions yet. >> Should we >> we can >> I think we know the answer but I think it would make sense to ask the question
so that we do get the formal answer so we have that available to those that are interested. So you may want to think about what policy we want to have for who is CIE like our authority on that or
flexibility from the town's end on that and it wouldn't hurt knowing if the town has limitation statutory or legal who and private citizens or residents what can they do about that because sometimes
private citizens have different or more legal rights than the town certain authorities as an individual is my understanding too. So it would be good to just clarify it so everyone understands what's happening and how best to handle that.
Yeah, I I think we're going to need at a minimum like a recommendation from council on on the policy to start with because I understand, you know, if we look at, you know, applicants for a small business may be easy, right? You know, one person solely responsible, but
like we we can't quy the entire Starbucks leadership. We have to make sure it's functional to keep, you know, people in Hopington safe. So there's got to be like a a minimum level of, you know, background or like of corey check that we do based off of what what the
company is. And I know there's going to be a lot of nuance in that, but it's it seems like we need a recommendation on that. >> Okay. So we we we put all this together and we improve the process and we
you know fill any cracks in, plug any holes, etc. and really tighten this thing down, right? Which we want to do to make sure we are a safe community for all and all these licenses are in line with that that that ideal. And then we
have Ashland and Southboro and Milford all clamoring for the same businesses to come to them to bring tax dollars to them to help them balance their books. And they say, "Okay, Hopington is god awful. Go get a license in so much work
over there." They're all perfectly innocent people. They're all great human beings. They got great businesses. But they look at Hopington and say, "Oh my gosh, it's going to cost me 100 grand in six months of my life to get a license for Hopkin. I can go to Ashmore. I can go here. I can go there." And it's just
an easier process. I'm not saying we shouldn't do all these things. I'm just saying we have to balance because we represent 20,000 people. We have to balance the needs of the community as a whole with obviously keeping the community safe, right? Safety has to be
number one, but there's other factors here that we have to consider as well. If we become the most difficult town in Massachusetts to do business in, that tax problem we were talking about earlier, that budget problem we were talking about earlier is only going to go up exponentially. So, we got to be careful how we do this and not make it
so ownorous. You know, the economic development committee, you guys are going to go out of business. There won't be any economic development because no one will come here. I can tell you the four top towns in Massachusetts not to do solar in. I know them right off the top of my brain. And a 100 people that work on Hayden Row with me know those
towns, too. We don't want to be one of those towns for other businesses because they lose opportunities left and right. >> I get that point, but if we're talking about Cory and Sari checks, like is that really disruption to >> I'm talking about the whole package
here. Like looking into their finances, looking into their loans, looking into all these other things. I'm talking about the whole package, not just Cory story. I think Cory's story, frankly, is pretty easy. >> I really do. And it should be done and there should be no question about that. and especially the people that work in the facilities. But all these other things that we've been muddling through
and considering and hearing about, they open up cans of worms left and right to business people like myself and go, I think I'll go to that other town. >> Good points. And I think that's why Ela the stress test, the safety checks and
all those uh again is the focus because of the uh recent challenges and we want to make sure we are ticked and tight on that. But at the same time, we want to also I wanna I think I mentioned to Brian's point and um Joe mentioned it in last couple of meetings too. How much
time it's going to take and what it means for the business. uh and how can we digitize it and make it more transparent but yet more efficient. And we want to have a robust safety check points and um you know safety net for
our town, our young girls and uh boys and all the people, employees and customers and make sure food and um other criminal safety all those are robust enough. But also want to
understand what are the timing costs, what are the efficiency that we can gain and how can we optimize it and what are the costs for the town or for the business in addition uh for the additional improvements and taking it
all into account I think we can find a solution that covers all the bases. I'm sure >> I think my questions have been answered. >> Well said. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> All right. So I I think we'll wrap that up for tonight. Again, this is an ongoing conversation like it's by no
means. Uh so I I envision us coming back to this in a few weeks at our next meeting. Um so moving on, our next one, the select board will consider reviewing information from the trails committee relative to ebikes use on Hopton Trails and discuss the town's enforcement and
education options. So Mr. Lgoy, would you like to join us? >> Sure. So, Peter Lgoy, 21 Hayden Road Street and chair of the Hopin and Trails Committee. Um, I shared a letter with you and to briefly summarize that we see
ebike use increasing throughout town. We on the committee feel that there are a lot of benefits to that use, but we're also starting to see some detriment and some problems particularly on this resource, the trails that um were responsible for. We're seeing both
damage to the trails, um, kids using them irresponsibly, spinning them out, and we're also seeing, um, their use being done in a way that adversely affects our our quote unquote clients.
You know, people blowing down the trails at 25 miles an hour and and going close by people. And as far as I know, we haven't had an accident on the trails yet, but it's it's simply a matter of time. So, I provide you that letter, but
what I wanted to provide was a little more perspective on why we're here tonight. Um, ebikes was an issue we started looking at over a year ago w with those kind of the key points. These are valuable. We see a benefit in having
kids and you're seeing a lot of senior use. people outside on the ebikes, but then also really within the last 6 months, we started to see more problems with the ebikes. And it was an issue that up until about 6 months ago that we
thought we'd take on ourselves. You know, this is a a trails issue and a trails problem. Over the summer and going into the new school year, we're seeing them throughout town. You you're seeing ebikes buzzing down the middle of Main Street. um doesn't appear to be a
whole lot of enforcement, which is critical. Um and and they're all over and I know we've had one scooter car accident, but if you read the papers, you're seeing a huge increase in pedestrian accidents,
bikes, ebikes hitting pedestrians, they can go pretty fast. Um a lane share. So that's kind of the perspective is as we looked at this, we said it's our issue and then we said no, it's a it's a much bigger issue and it's something that
really you folks need to address because it's a townwide issue and particularly a downtown issue. So in looking for some help on that, one of the thoughts, you know, we we had I shared in that letter the the police
chief have an approach. They've laid out a memo as to what's legal, what's allowed. You know, there shouldn't be a problem on center trail, for example. They're not allowed on those type trails without approval from the town. We don't we haven't offered that approval. Having
said that and in and our committee this is certainly uh an issue that's going to require a lot of thought a lot of planning enforcement and education and kind of you know a broad perspective because we look even within our committee some of the people said well
let's just you know the the chiefs say you can't use them on the trails done end of story and and some of our members feel that way including one who uses the trail really regularly and has been hit or come close to being hit a couple of times. He's he's definitely in the camp
of let's not do this. Um my feeling is that to just say no may not be a good way to move into that education mode. So that's kind of where the the letter came
out was that hey, can we this and and the board help us kind of get to a point where we come up with something that's reasonable to to Brian's point, something that balances the value of these things at the same time um making sure that some of this
detriment and these problems go away. >> Yep. And thank you. I couldn't agree with you more. Um, I should have prefaced this with, you know, our view like from the board and, you know, I'll share my personal opinion. There's been a lot, everyone knows the traffic issues in town are, you know, at a very high
point right now. Um, these things are flying around town and it's not about just like saying no, these aren't allowed here or they aren't allowed there. Um, I see this as like are we doing everything we can to inform people, educate them, and really just make sure that we're, you know, viewing
this from a public safety perspective so that, you know, one, you know, parents and residents know what the town is, you know, getting into and what they're thinking about. Um, so like tonight, we're not making any decisions on anything. I've invited, you know, two of our public safety leaders um to join us
tonight and share their perspectives from both the police department and fire department cuz to your point, it's not just one person's responsibility. It's kind of us as a collective town to just make sure, you know, we're thinking about all those factors that you brought up, you know, that everyone else has um discussed and and really just make sure
all of the residents have a real view of, you know, here's the benefits, you know, here are some of the risks. how can we mitigate those risks and get as much out out of the benefits as we can. So, um I I mean I'd like to invite our public safety leaders up to join us. >> Okay. And as they're coming up, I I will
say the key is really balance. I mean, you could say, okay, we closed down Center Trail, which some of our members advocated, but then where are the kids going to go? It's great the kids are outside using these as a way to get to uh to get to the schools. You don't want
them riding up Pleasant Street on those things instead of going on the trail, but how do you do it in a way that's responsible? >> So, welcome DHY, Deputy Chief Van Rton. Appreciate you guys coming tonight. Um, and and you guys have both done some
back work, background work on this, like getting prepared, getting some thoughts. So, I kind of want to open it up and for you guys to have a chance to share kind of each department's view of these things. And, you know, again, we're starting withformational stuff. We're not looking for outcomes tonight. We're just looking to get the ball rolling.
>> Certainly. Um, so this is another instance where technology has outpaced the legislature. Uh, there is really nothing other than enforcing the helmet law that we as a police department can do. Uh, they've
classified ebikes as actual bicycles. Um, so they're not required to be registered. They don't fall under a moped because they're not motorized. uh through like a a mechanical engine. Um like you spoke about with the trails,
there is ways to uh in to create town ordinances for uh non-paved public trails. Um but as far as the roadway goes and their their action on the roadway, we can
educate the cit citizens that are on these bikes. Um, but we don't have an enforcement tool uh as far as like ticketing goes or things like that. The only thing that we have is individuals under the age of 17 have to wear a helmet. And that's where we're at right
now. Uh, obviously we're not the only community that is faced with um faced with this. And uh I do believe that one of our immediate actions could be an educational campaign in cooperation with
the school. Um, I think we'd all agree some of our more reckless riders are of adolescent age, uh, rather than our age. So, um, I think that that is that is one of the things that we could start doing.
Um, ultimately, uh, I think they're not cheap bikes and I don't believe a lot of the students are purchasing them on their own. Uh, so I would advocate towards parental advocacy as far as what they purchase
their children. Uh, I know that we've had two crashes in town. Um, the individual that was involved in those crashes was the same person. Um, and the second crash, he had a new bike. Um, and one of the things that we are seeing in
this is because of their speeds, people are pulling into driveways and not seeing the bike because it comes up so fast onto the vehicle. Um, so I think like I said, I think legally wise our hands are
a little bit tied in that aspect. Um, so the next phase that we could look at is partnering with the schools and creating some sort of educational campaign um and advocating to at least the parents um to be mindful of what what their children
are out riding. >> Perfect. Chief, I know you had some thoughts as well. >> Uh good evening. Thank you for inviting us. Um the fire department, we're looking at this totally differently uh also in an education way, but we're looking more at the batteries. Um just
nationally the fires due to the way these batteries um charge improper charging uh damage um trends for house fires are up nationally. Um we've had a couple incidents where batteries have just offg gas in Hington, but we haven't
had any house fires caused by that. But at Harvey's, we're down there two to three times a month, us in Westboro, uh, putting out uh, batteries that come out of ebikes, uh, scooters. Um, pardon, >> two, three times a month. >> Yes. But that's because them batteries
are being jostled, they're damaged, and that kind of stuff. Um, so we're more looking at as an education of um, proper charging, where to store them. Um, if you're going to buy a battery, you don't buy the cheapest one. you buy one with a battery management system that kind of
controls the uh the way it charges. >> I mean, it does seem like a a a problem that has from the education point of view two levels that you can educate on. the kid level, which is the the perpetrator, the ones driving around, the one sitting there and, you know,
holding their th throttle down and then releasing the brake and blowing a big bunch of dirt out, which while fun, wrecks the trails, you know, and the guy screaming by the the pedestrian walking on the trails, but you also, to your point, these are expensive things. And
so I think you can educate the parents and potentially come up with some enforcement that would, you know, encourage more responsible use. If a kid gets caught, you know, blowing by a pedestrian and and gets a ticket, if
there's a way to give them a ticket and the ebike goes away for a month, that's going to get the parents attention. And if you know your third crime you it goes away for a couple of years that really is going to get the
attention. Obviously that would be a town meeting thing if even allowed under state law. But you know I think there are way there's there's two groups we can educate here. So I I think there's a lot of potential for that.
>> Yeah I I agree. I mean I'll open up to the board to start with comments questions. Yeah, I definitely agree. A lot of education needs to happen. I've seen other towns putting up um at sandwich boards at all the trail heads and various places. People are more likely using the bikes and with the specific rules for that town if they
have specific rules or the state rules. Um or some some towns I think have sent out a postcard to every household about the rules. Um I guess we don't really know exactly what all our rules are yet because we know state has some rules but um but I think that would be valuable because people it's a new and people
don't know the rules and so we need to educate them. The um the other thing too about the licensing this is the bulletin from uh Massachusetts state uh chiefs of police there. Um so if somebody is riding on a class three or greater bike
they do need a light a driver's license. Is that right? So, I read into that and not to be disrespectful, but I ar I would argue against that because I reread chapter 90 section one
>> and that outlines what quote unquote a moped motor vehicle is and a class 3 electric bike is listed as not being a registered vehicle >> um despite the speed that it could go greater than 20 miles an hour. So, but
you could can we can take it if they have don't have a helmet on and they're under 18 or >> under 17. >> Under 17. >> And then what about um riding them on the sidewalks? That's not >> they have to abide by all the bike laws. So, they have to stop at the stoplight. They have to stay off the sidewalk. Um
you know, they have to abide by normal physical bikes laws. >> Yeah. And I know it's tricky in Hington because it's not really safe for them to ride on the street either, especially teenagers and middle schoolers. Yet, they are often riding on the sidewalks in an unsafe way, too, which is unsafe
for pedestrians. So, that could they could get a ticket or warning for something like that, riding on the sidewalk in an un. What's really drawing the attention is the speed. >> Yeah. I mean, it's it's really the the fast acceleration
um using um the the driveways between the between the driveways as jumps. >> Yes. Very fun. >> That we don't typically see with our road bikes. Um >> Okay. Yeah. So I definitely agree on I don't know if we have any funding for
more publicity or education because just having an event at the school people might not even attend parents that need to attend but um there's something we can get out to all households or or sign you know sandwich boards would be good. I think that's all I have. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. No, this is an interesting problem and I think it's evolving for all the towns and state and I'm sure national level. So I appreciate the conversation and insights and the um thoughtful um proposals that you have and uh we'll need to process it and this is a good
discussion good starting point. I agree education is always the prime but at the same time in a balanced way u Peter Brian has mentioned um how can we achieve something that um provides that oversight provides that responsibility
and provides that uh safety for the trail walkers and joggers and others or bikers and I would not mind being you know one of the uh pioneering towns formulating
something uh creatively that satisfies all these. So I'm sure it's more discussions to have but something we definitely want to keep that working and on our focus. >> Yeah. Just for a second. Um and one of the that's why I put the 10 m hour speed
limit out there as an option. That's something that the board would have to approve. It's 10 versus 15. Milford has a 15 mph speed limit on their trail, but I thought 10 was something that you can put up a couple of markers and the police could actually
in the event of education not working on on a few kids, you could wait for them. The the person who was having the issue of just about getting run over runs at the same time on the center trail every morning and you know he's buzzed by the same kid.
You know, if that kid isn't amanable to education, then that kid gets stopped one time, that's probably, you know, one or a couple times, and that's all it's going to take. But you could easily mark a distance in, you know, if it's 10, if
he's under 10 seconds, he's good. If he's over 10 seconds, he's going over 10. You know, it's it's an easy one to to enforce. I think it it's easier than trying even to enforce and say no ebikes cuz some ebikes look like regular bikes
with the one two and three. I know Ed Harrow was telling me that he has a friend who's got an ebike that you can go from one two to three to class three in the same bike. What's that registered as? Oh, I was I was class oneing it today. You know, makes enforcement next
to impossible, I would think. >> Yeah. I'm cur I'm curious just your thoughts on like if you implement something like a 10 or 15 miles per hour, can that be enforced? >> I I'd argue that it is difficult to enforce.
>> We have a hard enough time enforcing traffic laws with motor vehicles across town. Um to station an individual officer in the middle of the woods on the center trail is is a asset, >> right? Um so um I I do I mean I I
sympathize with you know the the use the people who are using the trail. Um and that's why you know I I I still feel that um you know we we got to start with some sort of education work with the schools on this. Um I think fortunately we're getting into the colder months
where we'll see probably a reduced activity um building up until you know April and May when it gets nicer again. Uh but I do I do think that actual enforcement will be difficult. Um and whether it's effective or not maybe
effective on some won't be effective on all. It's not it's not a foolproof with anything. >> Right. >> Sure. >> It is with cars though, right? >> Oh yeah. We're doing great with that. >> We've got Main Street down to about five miles.
>> Can we put in those um some raised structures in there? >> Structures on the trail. improvements >> a traffic calming device. >> Yeah. One quick thought, can we put in those uh speed displays, make it self-governed, then the other um user of
the trails can also monitor and they can also learn themselves. >> The like the flashing lights, >> right? Right. >> The argument there is most of them run on solar and I think you'd agree that their canopy on that >> Yes. is next to impossible to
>> I think some people go into the trail to get away from >> not exactly aesthetically pleasing big brother just like look at >> or they're trying to get a high speed. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That's got Yeah. A couple of thoughts. Um I've been buzzed a couple of times on the
center trail. Uh one person in particular did it twice. Uh coming and going when I was jogging at my very slow pace and they yelled at me to get out of the way. So, of course, that just kept on going. We didn't have the conversation around it. Um, uh, another quick story, a friend of mine lives in
Illinois. He's on a similar board to this, and they are taking up this topic literally this week. So, across America, it's becoming an issue. Uh, but do we have to wait for the state to change the laws for us to make our own laws?
My belief is through bylaw you could because we have numerous bylaws that we enforce um with our standard Hopkins citation uh parking enforcement. Um we even did like when marijuana was illegal it was a bylaw violation. Um, so I'm I'm
thinking maybe through legal we could work that avenue um and develop that into um some sort of regulation >> if we could if we could do our own legally binding and state sanctioned because we're allowed to have our own
bylaws uh rules and regs around this that includes impounding the bike. Uh I think we'd get down the path here pretty quickly, pardon the pun. Um, you know, so that's something I think we should consider as part of this. I have no idea what those rules and reg should be
because I'm not an ebike expert, uh, other than the guy buzzing me. Um, so something to consider and maybe Reparina and Senator Spila can help us in that regard. Then they take what we're talking about to Beacon Hill and say, "Folks, we got to change some things here. This is what Hopington's doing."
So I'd like to see if we can possibly do something like that through our legal team and put something before town meeting next spring. So we talk about articles here in a little bit. >> We have time to get one for Tommy. >> Yeah, I think we would have something to get ready for them. So that would that's one thought. Um and I guess you know for
me on the education side having raised five kids, you tell them do this or don't do this. That's exactly what they're going to do. So um I think it would be, you know, we have to have the stick, I think, before we do the carrot here. Um and the stick's going to take a while to figure out. So let's get
working on that. Yeah, I think with this one, the education's just as important for the parents. Yes. >> Like it's kind it's kind of a new thing, right? So, no one has a ton of experience with them. You just kind of, you know, you're running down the center trail and you have someone whiz by you. So, I think it's like I think that
education, you know, right away could only help to just let them know like, hey, here's here's the risk. Here's what we're seeing. Like, it sounds like this great thing, but you you need to know again back to the pros and cons and work through that. So, >> I like I like educating the the parents
by impounding the $2,000 bike. >> That will educate the parents. >> Well, I I think we have time for, you know, are we talking about town meeting articles, you know, next actually. So we'll talk about timing for you know any bylaw articles that we could and we
don't need to have depending on what the like the timing is. We don't need to have a fully vetted out plan because we can you know put an article in around ebike you know regulation and that can be amended you know come town meeting in you know six seven eight months whatever
it is. So I think it's gives us time to do something, do more research, welcome you all back, you know, continue this conversation and, you know, look look to see if there is a solution come the spring. Is everyone kind of good with that for now? Did you guys have anything else you
wanted to share tonight? >> All right. >> Nope. Appreciate your time. >> Yeah, I appreciate you guys all around. >> Thank you. >> Thank you for coming. >> All right. So with that, the select board will consider discussing its annual town meeting articles, including
any potential general bylaw changes. So >> there's one. >> I think we've got at least one. >> We got one. >> Okay. Am you want to introduce this? You know, timing we're going to work through. >> Sure. So this is the time of year when we start to think about uh articles for
town meeting. uh we have our regular recurring articles which I had put into the packet but there's always some other ones that are mentioned during the year and we usually I usually keep a list um so I do have a list of a few we've talked about um a revolving account say
for the municipal aggregation uh program uh things like that a general bylaw uh for historic districts I think um there was a change on the number of days from 60 to 30 for a realtor representative and Okay. >> Um but those are the ones we have. Um
and then um a possible tiff agreement with Open Play Pickle Ball Club and perhaps the uh Woody Island Road uh lot disposition that we received a letter from the resident um and that was in the correspondence for the last meeting. Um,
so I've communicated with the resident on that and we've sent uh that information out to departments to see if that uh is something uh a piece of property that the town doesn't have interest in. Uh, so we've initiated our regular process in leading toward a potential town meeting article for that
one. >> Anything for central school that uh would be prepared by then? >> Um, we're not sure uh at this point. I think we're waiting to hear from the CPC on that. the lease is still being advertised on
that uh project right now. Um so once we get the leie on board and the design process is more underway, we might have a better understanding. I don't know if it'll be in time for this town meeting. Um but it's important that we have that that partner on board before we get too far along in the design process.
>> So that whole lease though was dependent on there was an RFP that was open what last month? >> It's currently open. Uh open. Yep. Still open. Um, I believe it closes uh next week. Um, unless we extend the deadline for some reason, which you know, we'll we'll see what feedback we get, but uh,
yeah. So, we'll we'll see what responses we have at that time. >> Okay. >> I would like to recommend that we put uh some form of an ebike regulation package. >> I agree. >> For town meeting. And did we want to add something about
um we have something about fingerprinting for ice cream truck vendors. We could consider having we can discuss it more later if we want to add fingerprinting in the bylaw for other things. >> Yeah, I think with the process review we may have a few items that may become bylaws or >> it might need to be bylaws.
>> May need to get to the warrant. >> Yeah. So so just from a timing perspective, the warrant opens first week of January. Correct. >> Beginning of January. So, you know, we still got a few meetings before the end of the year, so we can talk about these. >> We don't have to know the exact wording of something.
>> Correct. That's the thing. So, you can >> put something on and then >> and remove it. Remove it, amend it. So, we've got plenty of time to work through these things. I think all these things make sense going off our recent meetings. >> So, we we've probably got at least two
or three right now. Um, so I think that can start. I mean, anything else between now and the the warrant opening that we should be thinking about just just in regards to town meeting articles? >> Yeah, I mean, anything that come up that you think should be addressed in a
bylaw, for example, a general bylaw. I mean, we have a couple. Nothing else we've made notes of through the last year, but there could be something that may may think of. There's still time. >> Okay. >> And we'll get from the other committees,
of course, some of the >> Yes. other people will be considering their articles too >> and we are communicating to them about the deadline and all that. >> Uh we will we have that the timeline that's been distributed so people do know about the timeline and >> that time of year.
>> Yeah. And we do um have a period of time uh in December we um put out to all the boards and committees and um and departments that we they um can submit conceptual articles for council review before they put a lot of effort into something if there's something that may
or may not be legal. They can ask that question. >> Okay. >> Uh an idea and I don't know if it would make sense or not, but just as we talk about all this budget stuff, I've been thinking about it. the stabilization
fund. There's a percentage for that. I think it's five or six%. >> Um, is that a bylaw? Is that a requirement or is that a is that guidance? Is that is that been our history, our practice? Like what is
that? Where's that number from? I know that AAA, you know, our bond ratings and everything likes that, but what how do we codify that and put some discipline around that because that's what's going to get squeezed here in the next few years. That's in the board's adopted financial management policy. >> So, that's at the board level, but it's
not at the town level, >> right? >> Yeah. Okay. I don't know if it would make sense to put it at the town level, but um I just think about all this pressure we're going to be under here for money for the next few years. Anything that we can do to create some
discipline that keeps us going in the direction. We didn't build these schools to have everybody say, "I'm not moving to Hopington because the schools stink and I'm going to go somewhere else." We built the schools to take care of our children and we have to pay for those schools. We have to staff those schools.
We have to clean those schools. We got to do all those things to these new buildings. We don't want to go backwards. So, we have to be careful not to to have knee-jerk reactions. Oh my god, we're $12 million short. Cut all the teachers. Well, then why the heck do we build the new schools, right? So, I'm just worried that we need to have some
safeguards in place and but I don't know if town meetings is the place. So, we'll think about that. Thank you. >> Yep. to the chair. Those are great points, Brian. I think um last year or the year be probably the year before uh
we revisited the financial policy and principles with uh appropriations as well as CIC. >> Mhm. >> And that covers some of these core principles and they have been our principles but we kind of reaffirmed some of those principles. It would be
good to look at those and it's eventually how select board and appropriations follows those principles >> um to protect us I think. >> Okay. >> But great points. >> Yeah. So you recommending that for like a board a future board item like in >> I think it would be a good idea. It's
been two years so why not take a >> I don't think we did it last year but it would be a good idea and then maybe if that feels good then we're all set. If it doesn't feel good we want more more discipline. We could maybe look at town. I'm not a big fan of putting a million things on town meeting. I'm just I just
know what's this budget thing is going to do something for years to come. >> And sometimes I think we're inclined to put more in stabilization than we even need to. And so we could use that to kick offset some of this stuff too. But >> I don't know where I don't know where we
are today. >> Like we did last year. >> Yeah. Yeah. We we could have done something else with that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We put some in capital stabilization as well. >> Yes. Yeah, we hadn't done for a long time. >> Okay. Sorry.
>> Um, did we need I don't think we needed a motion or anything. Any other closing comments from you? >> Nope. Just uh let let us know if you think of anything. >> Work on it. >> Okay. Um, so I think that moves us on to board will consider approving the land
disposition agreement for 28 null road with Habitat for for Humanity for development of an affordable single family home on the property. In accordance with the terms of the previously authorized request for proposals, Habitat for Humanity has been identified as the most advantageous, responsive, and responsive bidder.
So, we've talked about this. >> Yep. >> All right. Thank you. Um, so if the board recalls, back in February of uh 2025, Jack Neilan, the chair of the affordable housing trust fund, uh, came and presented the board uh, with the idea of developing this parcel um, as an
affordable unit. Um, at which point the board gave their indication that they're in favor of the idea. So, we worked with them and legal counsel to develop an RFP, which the board approved in July of 2025. So, um, Habitat Humanity was, uh, the only respondent, but they were the
ideal candidate. So, I think it's, you know, it's a very acceptable result based on what we're looking for here. Um, now what you have in front of you is the land disposition agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions, uh, with which the town will work with Habitat to transfer the property, such
as it has a reverter built in there where if they failed to comply with the terms, the property would come back to the community. um such of that nature. So um Habitat's excited to move forward. Um you know the uh affordable housing trust fund is also excited to move
forward. They're you know also working to sign their grant agreement and all that. So happy to answer any questions. >> Perfect. Amy, you want to start questions? >> Um no I don't think I have any questions. It seems like I'm happy that the house habitat for humanity is bid for the house and they'll or they'll
build an affordable house. Yeah. >> Yeah. I know I'm very happy to see our affordable housing is in the focus and this is a great proposal. Having for humanity I've volunteered for them in the past. They're a great organization. Uh so I'm happy that this is coming to
fruition. Um we have um just quick question this agreement has been reviewed by our council and everyone and we know >> so it's been reviewed both by town council and Habitat for Humanity. They had questions. We work with legal counsel to resolve those concerns. So everyone's on board.
>> That's great. No, I'm very supportive of this. Last one is uh we should look for more opportunities like this. >> So, this would be a sale to of an affordable unit, correct? Someone would buy it. >> Correct. >> What would be the dollar? What is a what is an affordable unit in Hington today
for a single family? >> Um I'm not sure the uh dollar value at this time. >> Okay. Um and then uh as far as you know the process goes were all abutterss to this property like that 300t radius or whatever it is were all of notified
about all this? >> Is that a process is that part of a process? >> Um it's not part of the process. This um I mean this project was a land parcel was approved for disposition back in May 2013. It was the town authorized at town meeting that select board can dispose of
this property. Um, you know, if you had just sold it regularly, it could be developed, you know, by a sing as a single family home by anyone who purchased at the time. Um, you know, I don't know that there's any legal difference, you know, because just because the housing is particularly affordable, I don't think it requires a
larger butter for notification. >> Were a Butters notified back in 2013 >> uh before it went to town meeting? Um, I don't know. I would suggest some kind of notification go out uh only because um
you know if it's been sitting there it's a wooded lot I assume or something like that. >> It's undeveloped. >> Sorry. >> It's undeveloped. Yes. >> Yeah. So um I just think some kind of notification would make sense for the residents in the area um just so they
know what's going on. >> Sure. Um, I have no additional comments. So, so with that, I'll look for a motion. I >> move to approve the land disposition agreement for 28 N road. >> Second. >> Get a motion in a second.
>> Comment. Um, if we're all agreeable to notifying uh a Butters, could we hold off on this until notifi notifications have gone out? Is there what's the rush here? >> Well, we have an RFP process, right? >> Concluded the RFP process.
Like, were we going to change our mind and not sell it to the person who bid or >> No, I just This is one of those things where people can say, "What's going on here? I never heard about it." And they're building this house next to me. Like, and the town and the town sanctioned it. Okay. I know that we're all supposed to be paying attention to our local government every day. That is
not what happens. People pay attention maybe once a year. Um, so I'm just concerned that people are going to hear about it and go, "What the heck?" So timing wise, if if we approve this motion tonight, like what's the next steps? Is there time to do the notifications? Like I don't think I
don't think the abuter is knowing to kind of Amy's point, I don't think that's going to change the end result, but if it helps to get a little bit of time for them to get a notification, is there time for that? >> Can they go in parallel? >> I mean, they're not going to be breaking ground immediately certainly. And you
know, I don't know that, you know, if if we did I don't know if it's the board's interest here to, you know, take a butter feedback and then try to amend the RFP or the land is business agreement at this point. Um I think that would be uh a tricky process if we were
to >> I'm not suggesting we would change anything. I just trying to overcommunicate instead of undercommunicate. When you overcommunicate, it's you less people will come in and raise heck that they didn't know something was going on. If we don't communicate and it happens and we get a room full of people frustrated,
you know, it's just one less thing that we >> Yeah. But I mean, I guess say we notify them, they come frustrated, are we going to like we can't not >> I don't think we go backwards. We already did. >> We can't go backwards. Yeah. >> I appreciate Brian's thoughts and I am thinking it's sounds like Brian the
concern is more awareness, right? How can we communicate make them aware and hey this is happening not that it's going to change given the trajectory that we have and the legal rights and everything that we have vetted this for.
Uh so how about we approve this but in parallel we work on the awareness issue and my thinking is either way we'll have a room full of people if someone doesn't like it. >> I'm good with that. Let's go ahead and
proceed with the vote. And please, if we could let people know what's going on so that they're not surprised 6 months from now, 12 months from now, and the hole goes ground contingent on this a notice being sent. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> We'll do that. >> Okay. So, we had a motion and a second.
Did you amend it for the contingency? >> Yeah. So, motion to approve the land. Or no, I didn't make the motion. Who Who made the motion? >> I didn't make it. >> I made the motion. I don't need the motion. I'll >> add the contingency or I meant uh to add the contingency as stated.
>> It will notify everyone. Okay. Not everyone. The utters >> that in line. >> Yep. >> Okay. So, with that, we'll put it to a vote. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Okay. Thank you all. And that brings us
to the town manager report. So, in addition to the updates that I had regarding the Main Street uh corridor project update uh in the memo, um some additional information from today, um so beginning tomorrow, Emorella will begin milling the
transition areas, the pavement uh which are going to be paved. Um they'll start on the side streets and then followed by intersections and delays are expected. Um notifications will be in place that say road work ahead seek alternate routes um and alternating traffic will
be used between 9 and 3 and final pl paving will take place next week on the 12th and the 13th. That's Wednesday and Thursday and there will be detours during that time and there won't be any work on Veterans Day. >> Okay. So that's an update on the final
paving which as of u the date of my memo it was delayed without any information on when that would be happening >> and so that's from like basically top of wood street to police station >> generally in that area where we see the
raised structures now. >> Okay. And we have to continue to be careful with those raised structures and our tires also during this time. We're seeing a lot of people having some
issues there. >> Yep. >> Uh in addition, um the poles have continued to be removed. There's only a couple of left in this area of uh of the project. Um and uh they we've seen lots of curbing and sidewalk repairs being
finished uh at this time. So that's being and actively being done right now. >> Perfect. >> Any questions on the landscaping has gone in? >> Seen that looks nice. >> Some of the landscaping like the landscaping goes in and the winds blow
right and some of the trees literally unflown. So they're going through and redoing some of that. You know, they own all that for a year. So they'll make sure everything takes. Um but yeah, all that's come together nicely. >> Can I ask about um the ADA access audit that all the ADA accessible items on
that are supposed to be on the project really did happen? I know we people were saying they couldn't hear this the crosswalk signal. Um and I think Brian said it it could it could be adjusted. So I just want to make sure all those things happen. >> Yeah. Last I heard they were looking into that. I haven't heard uh results yet. >> Okay. because we did have someone who
was legally blind tell us she couldn't hear the signal but signal. Okay. >> And then uh as we knew as we know there'll be a um a 10-year charter review coming up and so with regard to the charter review committee uh we've posted a notice we have only received
two applications so far so not a lot of interested people. So encourage people who are interested in local government in any way whether they have any experience or not in it uh might be a good opportunity to participate. >> Did we set a deadline for that or just going to keep it?
>> There isn't a deadline but uh in order to get this um going this year we have to um think about appointing people in November so that they can have a first meeting in December. >> How many positions are open? >> Seven. >> Uh seven. uh but uh three are probably
member in general or >> so uh one is appointed by the select board, one by the appropriation committee and one by the school committee. It does not have to be a member of that board. It can be anyone but it could be a member >> and then there's four additional people that are appointed by a special appointing committee. Um and there'll be
one person from each of those boards on that committee. So at some point either this meeting or the next the board would appoint one of one of this its members to be on that pointing committee. >> Ideally that would meet in November. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Right.
>> Been there done that. >> It's only one meeting to >> Been there done that. And >> meeting is only to appoint a member to appoint the members. Yeah. So >> so I've reached out to >> I think the vice chair would serve us well on that board. So I reached out to appropriations
>> nominations. >> I reached out to appropriations and the school committee for them to designate their one person to participate in this appointing comm. >> Okay. So we'll designate one of our members to the appointing committee next time. But we have to encourage all our f friends to apply. I think >> right.
So, and I recommend if any board members are interested in uh serving that I mean there will be a pool of other people and uh you may want to submit an application through the application process to be considered. >> No questions.
>> Thank you for the update. >> And then regarding um as we know there's been a lot of the news about uh food insecurity. Uh so things are happening in Hopkin as well. Uh we do have Project Just because which is the Hopkin Food Pantry. Um they are available to any
Hopkin resident. Um it's a 77 South Street. They have a website also. Lots of information there. Um and so uh anyone who is in need of food and is a Hopkin resident, they can go to Project Just Because. Um in addition um we are
also looking at ways to um increase capacity should that be necessary because project just because it's used to serving a certain number of people and that's going to increase. Uh so we're working with them and other agencies on coordinating um efforts
through um a nonprofit entity uh to uh collect uh either actual food or u money that can be given out to people um and help project just because as well. So our youth and family services department is our point um on that and they're
working with the community and with the schools on organizing that and hopefully there should be more information by the end of this week. And I know that's a tough thing when it's, you know, collecting like donations, food or or cash. You know, it's tough as a town, but I've had a lot of people reaching
out like asking how can they donate and it's I know no one really has an answer right now, but as of today, Project Just because can take donations. >> Absolutely. >> They can always take donations. >> Okay. And I I know Elen you're aware that um board of health our state rep um
Aronad Rosa and uh some of the other um youth services they've been in discussion to formulate and find how best to help it and I think there are certain limitations from town directly >> doing anything of course but that is one
option most certainly uh and I would encourage to kind of um communicate that across that this is how one question that came about and project just because it does wonderful job in in this space and so many dedicated people um and
they're just uh outstanding but I also um heard that or not heard heard uh that they may have limitation to focusing only our town. Is that correct? The reason is of course we want to do it for
everyone but um hearing the numbers in our town I don't know if it's sharable I believe it is 700 plus uh families in our town alone that's a huge number so how do project just because
going to focus on our town do we know that >> so that's one of the things we're working with them on is you how we can increase their capacity to serve all of Hopkin they are our food pantry uh they're contracted with us to provide that service.
>> Okay. More to come. >> I I just like I like the idea of if the town can do something to, you know, broadcast or communicate, hey, this is if you'd like to donate with these SNAP benefits going away. Here's in Hopington a way to do that and it's the only way
as of now. So, anything that we can think of to to like share that new information, let's do it. And we also got this weekend in our mailbox is the flyer from scouting for food. That's um next weekend and those are you can do food donations to the food pantry via
scouting for food or you can just donate online. You can put a check. There's many options. So I've just anyone who's asked I've been saying donate to project just because. >> Which day are they coming for? >> This Saturday. >> This Saturday. >> So this did you all get the flyer in your mailbox? >> I don't remember seeing it. >> I got two. One on Gro Street on Maple
Street. >> I saw something. I wasn't sure about the date. So, it's this Saturday and you leave it in our >> leave it out by 10:00 a.m. >> By 10 a.m. >> Yep. And they have a list of the food items that are most needed and things like that. >> But also, if you don't have time to go shopping, you can just donate um you can
donate online. They have PayPal. They have take a check. >> And also for seniors u also uh they may reach out to the senior center can also work with them on getting uh food from project just because also there's lunch every day at the senior center as well that seniors can take advantage of as
well. Uh, next is um just a brief MWR project update. >> Mr. Her is recusing himself. So, one of the board's future agenda items is to select its liaison for the inter intermunicipal agreement negotiations. And um so negotiations are
currently paused while permitting advances. Um but at some point um the board may uh appoint one of its members. Just a reminder that that could happen at some of your meetings coming up. Um and then uh also uh from Carrie, I do
have an update on the project itself. uh the town and par engineering met with state representatives from uh various state agencies on August 21st and followed up with another meeting on September 23rd. The state staff is going to be looking at our needs forecast in more detail and provide us with
feedback. Uh they were also going to reach out to their water management act permitting colleagues at Mass D to coordinate efforts and they highly encouraged us to conduct an M36 audit and we just submitted a grant to Mass D for that purpose. Uh, in the meantime, PAR continues to work on the MEEPA
application. Um, and there's still some hesitancy to finalize the permit applications until we confirm a proposed location for the pump station, which we're also working on. >> Great. Okay. >> Um, I think we should probably wait till Matt's here. I just wanted to say I would be happy to be the liazison if no
one else wants to do it, but we better wait for Matt to be here, I think, in case he's >> or if you guys are interested. Um I I mean I'm going to be supportive of your candidacy of course um and I
want this get water and clean water is top of mind. >> Absolutely. And um >> yeah we can talk I think >> Matt's here. >> I think it just makes sense. There's only three of us um with this anyways. So having the fourth >> Oh
>> yeah. >> Like >> Okay. So >> and and my and my thought was I don't like I wasn't interested in being the liazison but I would probably still support meetings just that we had plenty of coverage. I think there's been missed meetings in the past. >> So just to guarantee support and
>> continuity. >> Okay. >> But yeah let's let's push that off >> that on next time too >> next next meeting. >> Um and the last item. So I do have a a uh a vacancy to request posting uh wasn't uh included in the town manager report at the time. uh but the
administrative assistant in uh finance uh is leaving >> and uh so uh the finance department is looking to post that position. Uh the role is essential to maintaining daily operations uh in the finance uh specifically collector and assessing
departments. Uh it's one of the frontline customer service um positions and handles tax payments and deposits, assists assists with reconciliations, manages excise abatements and property record updates and ensures compliance with internal controls. So they're
hoping to replace the um individual promptly to avoid disruption in service and it is included in the FY26 budget. >> Did you need a motion for that? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> It's not in this. >> Oh, it's not yet.
Is it just one position? >> Yeah, the finance administrative assistant. >> I move the motion to approve the open position for finance administrative assistant as proposed. >> I'll second it.
>> So, we've got a motion and second. Um, all those in favor? >> I >> I Any any opposed? >> All right. You said I, right? >> All right. So, Three votes passes.
Um, is that everything, Elaine? Right. >> Thank you. >> All right. Lazison reports, board invites. Um, who would like to start? Brian, would you like to start? >> Uh, no. I just kind of add on to the corridor project. Uh, you know, many
Armageddon's about to happen around here with traffic for the next week or so. Uh we've already had a lot of issues with the um raised structures as Elaine mentioned. Um please drive around them slowly. If you hit them with your tires
and your tires are weak, they will tear. So um but we're all charged with driving responsibly and uh it's just uh it's part of the process. You see it in every town across America when they're getting ready to repave the raised structures. So um please hang in there. It's almost
done on the west side with all that work. Uh the landscaping does look great. It will get re redone in the spring. Anything that doesn't get through the winter, it's all under warranty. Uh the trees that blew over will get repaired. Um this thing's really starting to come together.
>> U one update is the ESBC. Um and we all um Joe was there um Amy was there for the groundbreaking of the new school child. So it was really exciting, a wonderful
day and well participated. So we are very excited about that and happy that we are going to solve and help solve our school capacity issue and these a great I think um milestone for keeping our
schools great. So very excited about that. >> Okay. So, I attended the MAPC fall meeting in Arlington uh last week and it it was in their beautifully restored town hall and they were also one of the first one if not the the first cultural
district I think in Massachusetts. So, they had a lot of the whole um event was about cultural and arts districts. So, that was very interesting and I got to see some of their marketing materials like a little folding map that lists all the you know the sites on the map and then where our bathrooms the public bathrooms that somebody might use if
they were visiting. It was it was really good to see and I enjoyed it. And then uh CPC I attended um a meeting of theirs with or a meeting of the housing authority because there's some sorry they've had a change of staff there at the housing authority since
their project with CBC funds started and there's been some confusion I guess in the transition and um CBC is going to be meeting about that this week on Thursday as well. There was an article in the paper but >> just to be clear is it a public hearing? I can't remember. >> It is a hearing I believe. Yes. So I
think that's an important one for for people to check in too. >> I think it'll I assume it will be televised. Come watch. >> Yeah. >> Good. >> That's it. >> Um the one thing, you know, we had it mentioned tonight. Uh next Tuesday is the veterans celebration. Um I'm out of
the country all week next week. So I think the board got invited to attend. I would love if someone could >> I'm going to join. >> You're going to? I've notified them as well. Okay. >> Just wanted to make sure. Sure. Yeah, >> they had sent an email about that, right? >> Right. Yeah, I saw it and Jim.
>> Perfect. >> Yeah, just as long as we have covered. >> It's a wonderful event. I attended in the past. >> Perfect. Um I don't have anything else. So I think then future agenda items. I think we had a couple. Um I was trying
to write them down. Um so Shel you talked about the idea of you know our financial principles like reviewing that in two years. So I think if we add that to an upcoming meeting >> um you know hopefully the next one.
>> Um Matt put in a request as part of his notes um you know recent concerns around police leadership and a review on that. Um, and I think there might have been a third that I did not we talked about a
third one. Um, maybe it's just those two for now. Mr. Chair, if I can make a comment on item D in that it's printed here in the agenda for this evening. So, I think it's appropriate to respond to something. Um, we did have a meeting and discussion
with the police department around the swatting incident. Yes, >> we did get a clear explanation as to what they did and why they did it and what they didn't do and why they didn't do it. So, I think that resident deserves uh a answer and I think we need
to get back to him through yourself, Elaine or the police chief that the meeting was held here in public and we had discussions around it and we should just close that loop because it's my understanding was tonight he didn't think anything happened at all. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, I I agree with you.
Those we had the conversations here. I think one thing outstanding was I think the schools were going to do something else like maybe another drill and it got postponed. >> Well, whatever that is, let's just tell the res what's going on. >> But it's it's not our responsibility,
but I think it's worth >> They do the drills. They do the drills every year. >> Yeah. >> Um but I think the resident was specifically saying no select board member had replied to him. He didn't say a >> we don't reply. >> I I know but he that's what he was asking. >> Yeah, >> that's a good point. I was a little
confused. Thanks for clarifying. >> So yeah, I think we should take some action there on that agenda item because it still appears to be open in some folks minds. >> Okay. Anything else we want to close? I think the ebike we want to probably bump it up and hold something.
>> I think we just did it right. We're going to work on that town meeting articles. >> Yeah. If we want to like whether whatever we want to do from this list, if we want to remove item L, I'm fine with that. We're going to continue that conversation though, regardless of the list. If we want to just clean up the list and take that off, I'm fine. It'll
kind of be a and >> um list to one run through of the alphabet. go past the Z and turn to double A. >> So, so again, you know, for my view, you know, both L and M we're going to
continue to talk about and go through, but if we just want to clean up the list, uh that's fine. Uh those conversations will not stop though. >> So, would you say we've had the town charter process update because we're we've started we're starting it. Um >> yeah,
>> I don't know if we need to have that on there anymore. I'm so I'm fine with cleaning up some of those things like I look at the the center school RF process update. I'd probably keep that for one more meeting since it's >> Isn't that closing? >> Yeah, we're waiting for it to close >> potentially. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, if that closes, we'll keep
that one on for now, but that one I might star as a future one to close as that progresses forward and we get a le like a lease under agreement. >> Um but town charter I'm fine with that. We are going to
obviously need to we need to look more at the we need more people to apply. >> That's that's number one. >> Are we done with item N, the goals for FY26? >> I think they did uh finalize those at
least one or two ago >> and we removed that. But um it was Matt who wanted that added per individual select board member goals. >> I don't I don't >> we operate as a board. >> Yeah. I think I I'm scratching off my list.
>> I feel like we should not remove it till Matt's here, though. But >> I'm fine with holding off on removing it, but we need to discuss. I don't I don't think it makes sense. You know, we haven't done individual goals. >> If individuals would like to have goals, that's fine. I don't think see that as a board. >> Yeah, I agree.
>> Yeah, I I agree. I think it's more like we proposed that was our individual proposals. Then we discussed collectively and decided the final ones. Would be good to hear Matt's view. >> Yeah. So, we'll keep that one on for
now. Um, ESPC update. We we that we just put that one on, right? So, we we should probably talk about that >> we've reached out. We've reached out and asking asking them to uh write an update. So, >> are they going to come? Are they going to come?
>> They'll get back to us. >> Okay. Y and then LG facility one. We can keep on um I I don't see any We can take off the G or No, I'm sorry. We did not agree. >> We didn't decide that.
>> Pushing that. >> All right. I think Yeah, I think that's it for now. >> Were we removing L&M? >> Yes. >> L&M. >> Could we remove um We are getting regular updates on the MWR. Do we have to have this listed here
or I'm fine with removing it again having it because again I was viewing this as like future agenda items that hey we haven't talked about this before. We've got to put this in a future meeting if we've started the conversation. Um like us removing it doesn't mean we're going
to stop the conversation. We're going to continue it. So I'm I'm good with that one as well. >> Yeah, I think H could be removed because we've been getting regular updates about it. Now for E, are we going to include it uh during our budget discussion or we're planning to have a separate item? We did
discuss a little bit in the past, but this is a good time for it. >> So I think it's such a dynamic conversation, you know, it changes and every time we've talked about it, like the state hasn't gotten like it's not like there's a final outcome like hey here like we've lost x amount out of the
budget. So >> it's going to be ongoing. >> I think it's going to be ongoing. Um, and it's almost like I to your point though, I wonder if we need that. I think it's as we get updates from the state and like the impact to the state and how that trickles down, we'll just
kind of include those things. I don't think we need it as a agenda item. We'll continue to address it, but it's kind of like the tariff thing. It changes, right? Like it's and the actual outcome, you know, varies. So, >> yeah, I agree. I think it could be removed because as we go through our
budget process, we will be apprised of the federal. >> Yeah. >> Um All right. I think you moved three. So that's good progress. >> No, I think we got four. >> Four. I had I had E H L M.
>> Okay. >> You did you as well? >> I think so. Actually, I was not doing it because you were pressing >> just No, that's what I had. >> Okay. Okay. It's good progress. >> All right. Um, so do we need a motion to adjurnn?
>> Mr. Chair, I moved the motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> Got a motion and a second. All those in favor? >> I >> I. Any opposed? >> All right. Thank you, everyone. >> Good night. Thank you.