All right, good evening everyone. Welcome. I call the meeting to order. This meeting of the Hopkins Select Board is being held both in person and remotely using the video conference platform Zoom. All members participate participating in the meeting are present in the meeting room or will be. Uh the public has the option of attending in
person here at town hall or v via zoom using the link post in this meeting's agenda. This meeting is being recorded. We're going to start with the pledge of allegiance. >> I aliance 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. Welcome. All right. Uh so we will start with public forum. Each person will have two
minutes to speak at public forum. Please start by stating your name and address. Um if there's anyone that would like to start and remember as we've been doing that you can whoever wants to start can come up. But uh we will be capping that at 6:20 tonight to move on to our other agenda items and then pick up public
forum at the end if there's additional people that would like to speak. So, who would like to start with public forum? >> One hand raised on Zoom. >> Uh, yeah. Do you Someone's on Zoom with their hand raised. Can you hear us? >> Dave Cormier.
>> Dave Cormier. Do you have your hand raised for >> Yes. >> Welcome. >> Hi. Uh, my name is Dave Cormier, 66 Pine Island Road. I've lived on Pine Island Road for 28 years. I've done extensive
research on the history of Lake Maspan, which you can find on maspano.com. I'm zooming in tonight to speak on the possibility of Pine Island Road being removed from the plowing list by the DPW. Um, some facts that may not be known.
Pine Island Road is an ancient way that's been used by Hawington citizens to access the southeastern shoreline of Lake Maspanox since before 1830. There are 20 private residential parcels on the road that contribute over $200,000
in property taxes annually to Hopington. These parcels became disconnected from Hopington proper and Middle Sex County by the discontinuation of Oldtown Road by town meeting vote in 1999 in order to facilitate the sale of the
minini property to EMC. This landlocked the entire neighborhood and gave only access through Milford. We have no access to town water or town sewer. We only have trash and plowing services here. Most people don't even know we're part of Hawkington. The town
has always acknowledged the geographic reality of Pine Island Road being landlocked and has plowed and repaired the road to the town line since before the first full-time residents in 1975. One of those realities is the neighborhood children walk a half mile
into Milford in order to catch the Hopington school bus. If the plowing stops, that walk becomes an unacceptable hazard for those students and a direct liability for the town. I ask the select board to consider the unique location and historical record of maintenance of
Pine Island Road and ask that you direct the DPW to please keep Pine Island Road on the plowing list for the safety of our families. Thank you. Thank you, Dave. >> Who would like to come up next?
>> Welcome. >> Thank you. Um Karen Crumb, 12 Joseph Road. Um I probably have a few questions. I know you can't answer them. Totally appreciate that. um after last meeting that I listened to um multiple
times. Um I watched it live and it was actually there was so much information coming out that um it was overwhelming I almost had to turn it off. Um, I went back and listened to it again and and again and I act I also requested the
materials that the board received that night and I did go through them and I do understand what um what was being said and there was a lot surrounding it but um I do understand that when we were
talking about the former hillers and the Vic license that um that in December of 2024, they they weren't discussed as being late. They weren't discussed as having contingencies. They just weren't on the
list. But at the next meeting, Angel's Hilltop Cafe came up as a separate item. And Miss Lazarus said, "It's a separate item on the agenda from the other renewals because it came in after your
last meeting." But then on the 21st, Hillers was put in the consent agenda. Not consistent. It just calls things into questions. Um I could see why there are so many
questions why things are inconsistent. I get it. Um I don't think they should be. I think there should be some consistency. The other thing I just want to talk about, and this is more of my questions, is it seemed like there was a lot that
the select board needed to call on town council for. I would imagine that Mrs. Lazarus did as well. Don't you share the same town council? like who's the town council for both you and the things that
were being brought up regarding the town manager in the paper this past week in the independent. Um I appreciate that it was answer the questions were answered but everything was turned on the board. It was the
board and I would just like to say that um we pay our town manager. We expect leadership. Please do not blame the board for things. This should have been the time to step up and actually say maybe we
should run a Corey. Thank you. >> Thank you. Would like to speak next. >> Anyone else on Zoom? >> No other hands raised on Zoom. You're welcome. >> Forgive me. I'm sorry. I'm very nervous.
>> It's okay. >> Give me a second. I've never done this before. It's a sensitive topic for me. Good evening. My name is Lynn Keyi and I'm currently a resident of Millville,
but my family is from Ashland. My father, Bill Keyi, is retired now, but he was the fire chief in Ashland for almost 20 years and a sergeant major in the Massachusetts National Guard who served four tours of duty for this country. My sister, Amanda Key, worked
at Bill's Pizza, now Bowman, for years in her late teens and early 20s. And our family has gone to church here in Hopington since I was 12 years old. For reference, I just turned 40 at Christmas. I appreciate you letting me speak today and promise that you'll understand my attention to detail and
identifying both myself and my family by the time I'm finished with my comments, and I'll do my best to keep it to 2 minutes. I have a friend here who can finish for me if that is preferable if I go over. On the Thursday before Easter of 2022, I
decided to attend Monday Thursday service at my church in person for the first time since co I was excited as it's both mine and my late grandmother's, my nanny's favorite service of the year, and filed into a seat at the back left corner of the church just as worship was kicking off.
As I took in the scene around me, I scanned the stage, its backdrop, and the people playing in the band, and froze because the man playing guitar, Jeffrey Belmore, shouldn't have been there. You see, Jeff had been a part-time firefighter and full-time dispatcher on my father's department when I was a
teenager. He was my guitar teacher and over a period of about a year and a half when I was 14 and 15 years old, he was also my abuser. In 2002, he was charged with four counts of rape of a child for that abuse for which he was convicted
after two trials in 2006. He was sentenced to 3 to four years in prison, followed by 5 years of probation and was classified as a level two sex offender upon his release in 2009. I was told that there was a lifetime
stayaway order. I was safe. Knowing all of this, I chose not to run from the church I'd called home since I was young. That had buried both my nanny and my uncle TJ. And that served as my spiritual epicenter and place of power. If someone was going to leave, it would have to be him. But I wasn't about to
interrupt church and make a scene to have him removed. Instead, I decided that I would simply go with the flow of the service, knowing that if he saw me, he would have to leave on his own accord or face the legal consequences later. It was that simple. Or so I thought at the
time. During communion, we filed out of our seats as a congregation to make our way to the front of to receive the Eucharist. Jeff and his two young children were seated two or three rows ahead of me, and at one point, we were less than 3 ft from each other for several minutes as we waited. He never once skipped a beat, never mind left.
Needless to say, I was a bit rattled after that and I promise I'll get to the end. I can have her finish if you'd like. >> We're already like over two and a half minutes. >> Okay. >> Mind. >> Go ahead. >> Hi, my name is Heather Stannic. Um, I'm going to finish this reading this as a
phone. Lynn. The next day, I called Hopington PD to report what had happened. he had violated the restraining order and I assured that either the the church didn't know his history and status as a sex offender or there was some very good explanation as to why he was allowed to play in the
church band where he had exposed his where he was exposed to his target population regularly. Knowing that he was also supposed to register all of his jobs and volunteer positions with Sorb, my guess was it was the latter. And in some ways that was fine with me as long
as we were they were being safe about it. He had served his time and was there with his kids. Who was I to judge at the end of the day. It had been almost 20 years. I spoke with an officer who took my report and said he'd investigate everything and get back to me. Knowing how these things work, as my sister was
also a survivor of both rape and a later sexual assault and the criminal proceedings that came come along with that, I put the whole thing on the back burner and got busy waiting. Four months later, when I still hadn't heard anything back, I decided it was time to follow up and see where we were at. I
called the Hopington PD and spoke with someone who told me that the officer who had taken my report had left the department and that he had never followed up on it. I was shocked. Here he was, a convicted rapist and a level two sex offender working and/or volunteering at a church in the praise
band. One who was brazen and unrepentant enough to stand three feet from his victim for several minutes and a lifetime stayaway order. and no one had done anything to follow up with the church to find out what was going on. It was insane to me considering the risk involved, and it took me a little bit to center myself and decide what to do
next. I thought back to my sister's second sexual assault, which had happened here at Bill's Pizza in 2012, and decided that my best bet was to reach out to Detective Sergeant Tim Brennan. I had been in my I had been my sister's fresh complaint witness at that case. And having seen her interaction
with law enforcement over the years go south on so many occasions, Tim stood out as the only SA officer to ever make it through an interview with Amanda without triggering her. This started what ended up being a 9-month process of investigation culminating in a failure to register charge being brought against
Mr. Belmore by Detective Van Ralton as Detective Sergeant Brennan had been suspended the day before. I'm out of time, so I'll end with this now. For now, the HPD's failure to follow up on my call for 4 months and the internal pressures that made the investigation stretch out nine additional months
before charges were levied, coupled with Detective Sergeant Brennan's suspension was not only jarring, it was retraumatizing. And it came just 6 months after my sister passed away from the end result of her trauma. There is more to my story and my families and I will be back to tell it. But for now, I would just consider that you ask
yourselves what anyone could have done to fix it had another child been abused at that church while they were unaware they had a child sex offender in their inner circles to the level that they filmed a Christmas special at his home with several children participating. Considering what happened recently at Hiller's Pizza where another level two
sex offender was allowed to run a business while the public was left unaware resulting in the sexual assault of a teenager on camera. Given the recent history with your own police department or Jay Porter, the former school resource officer who was recently sentenced to seven years for rape he
committed of a student in the course of his duties. The same officer, former detective Sergeant Brennan, was suspended and later fired for bringing to the state police. Thank you. >> Thank you both for coming. Thank you. >> Who else would like to speak tonight?
Anyone on Zoom? Amy? >> Uh, no hands raised. >> Okay, with that we will move on. Uh, next we have public forum statement. Um, select board will share information and responses uh
related to previous meetings. And so this one we had some responses to comments that were made at our meeting on January 6th. Um so we kind of start broke this out with the comments and then you know we had council and uh take a look and provide
responses. So to start you know some of the comments were around Hiller's Pizza submitted an application on 121324 after the deadline. It was not reviewed by the board until January 25th 2025. Uh the town manager placed the application on the January 25th agenda swiftly and
stealthily. uh and the town manager allowed a business to operate without a license while the application was pending. For a response, you know, we we wanted to clarify the deadline for renewal applications in 2024 was 11:3024. Hiller's application was indeed late.
However, late applications are accepted. We do not reject late applications and then order a business to cease operating altogether merely because the application is late. Uh it is true that the application was not reviewed by the board until January 25th, 2025. This is because it was re received too late to
be included on the agenda for the last select board meeting in December which was the 17th. It was not included on the agenda for the for the first meeting in January because the inspections had not been completed yet. The renewal was included on the January 25th agenda when it was ready for board review.
Regardless of whether an item appears on the consent agenda or is a separate agenda item, the opportunity for review and discussion by the board is the same. Board members may pull out items on the consent agenda for a separate vote and does so from time to time. The renewal application was not placed on the agenda
swiftly. It was more than a month after it was submitted or stealthily. It was on the posted agenda in compliance with the open meeting law. Uh the select board chair reviews and approves every meeting agenda. The select board ha as the licensing authority has not directed town staff to shut down a business if a
license application is pending before the board uh but hasn't been approved. the town manager did not shut down the business because she had not been directed to do so by the board. Um there was additional comments around alcohol licenses require a review of those who
have financial interest in the business and this did not happen for Hiller's Pizza. Um Hiller's Pizza did not have an alcohol license in response. Uh Hiller's Pizza should have had an entertainment license was another comment that was made. Um Hiller's Pizza did not have an
entertainment license after 2019. Uh there was a statement made um Elaine Lazarus stated that a Corey check of a common VIC license licenses was not a requirement but submission of a Corey form is listed as a checkbox on the application form and so it was required
in response. Uh what Elaine said is true. Um this uh I I believe this comment was from Miss Lcowski. Uh Miss Lascowski has not read the application form correctly. In fact, this is a general license application form to be used for five different licenses. The board has used a consolidated
application form for several years to streamline the process for applicants. Um, on the form, it's it states right above the checklist, uh, the checklist of additional information to be included with the general license application if applicable. So, just because the Corey form was listed as one of the items that
could be checked off on application form doesn't mean that it was a requirement at that time for the particular license they requesting. Additional comments around the town manager uni unilaterally changed the renewal process without a board vote. The town manager implemented zory checks or or applicants without
authorization from the board and that the police department has been removed from the process unilaterally unilaterally by the town manager. So in response to those comments, you know, concerns about the common vic license process were first raised several months ago. Uh very earlier on these that there
was consensus by the board that we should be doing Corey and Sori checks of business owners and managers for common VIC licenses and the board's staff understood correctly that this would be implemented for the fall 2025 renewal process. This was clearly stated at meetings. Um the town manager and her
staff have done what the board requested. The board has discussed changing its common VIC license process at several meetings. We've reviewed a flowchart and discussed which departments would be reviewing applications in this year's renewal process. The police department has been involved in the in the review of the alcohol and class one and class 2
applications which is consistent with the board's process review uh conducted to date and there has been general discussion of the police department's role in inspections and in providing information as has been stated at several meetings. The board will be considering adopting a new written common vict policy this year and the
role of all involved departments will be reviewed during the renewal process. the board has received the information it has asked for this year. And the last comment that was made was the town manager has ignored the board's requirements to do a background check of those with financial interest in a
business. And so we discussed this at a meeting on November 18th, 2025. The board reviewed requests by Miss Lcowski and others to include a review for every Common Vic application applicant uh financial records including loans and ownership interests and to require the submission of personal information forms
for owners, shareholders, officers, managers, and persons with a financial interest in the business. It was the consensus of the board on November 18th to not do this. Therefore, the town manager and her staff have acted in accordance with the direction of the board.
So that is our response uh this evening. Um and so I think that brings us forward to the union contract update. So this board will announce the the the board's vote to sign a July 1st, 2025 to June 30th, 2028 contract with the local 272
of the Laborers International Union of North America. Uh and we'll review the terms of the contract. So, uh, this was, uh, voted on in executive session, but, you know, now that it's signed, we wanted to share just kind of an update with the town on the new contract
language, uh, with the DPW union. So, some of that new language includes, uh, you know, the prior contract allowed employees with 5 years of service to acrue comp time. In the new contract, all employees are eligible. The vacation schedule and approval was changed to
match the schedule for non-union town employees with the exception that employees hired before July 1st 2010 2010 with at least 17 years of continuous service will retain the number of days they received under the prior contract. Um
uh we adjusted briement leave to match what is provided to non-union town employees. In the wage schedule, the bottom step was eliminated and a top step was added. The new top step is a longevity step for employees with 15 years of continuous service being eligible. Uh pay increases
are 3% on July 1st, 2025, 2% on July 1st, 2026, and 2% on July 1st, 2027. Uh the cemetery leads person position will receive $3,000 additional per year due to the extra duties performed and additional stipens were added for
employees with certain licenses and certifications pertaining to drinking water, hoisting, and bucket truck certification. Uh so you know we thank the union members for their continued service and dedication to the town and this this contract will be uploaded to the site um for all residents to review
and see as well. Any comments or thoughts from the board on the contract update? >> No. >> Thank you. >> No, I think just emphasize how collaborative Miss Lazarus noted the discussions were for us. This felt like an easy one. I would take note of that and thank the unions involved for
operating with us in very clearly good faith. Yeah, nothing to add. I think um it's good that we have completed it and uh have everyone happy and uh thanks to Rain and Lance for um a congenial and
very satisfactory uh negotiation. Thank you. >> Perfect. Um so congrats on getting that signed. So next we're going to move on to uh the comprehensive budget submitt for FY27.
So, the talent man manager will submit the comprehensive FY27 budget to the select board and the board will discuss the budget provisions and the process going forward. Um, so for this one, I'd like to have the school committee and appropriations join us. Kyle as well. >> So, Michael Eric Haleian from
appropriations is on the Zoom so we could liven him up. Um, >> okay. >> I don't see Susan. Who else were we yet? >> Not yet. Unless she's under a different name. We >> um
>> we we are >> Yeah, we are a few minutes early so we can wait five to get started because >> you need quorum. Well, you don't need you. >> Yeah, >> Bill. >> Susan joins. >> Bill is at the ESBC. He said he would
switch over to this meeting at 6:30. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> But then and Oh, and you said Mike Airian's on. >> Okay. So we can give it few minutes so we can start at 6:30. Try and get every everyone out of here on time tonight. >> Jamie, I have to acknowledge how
intimidatingly well behaved your children are. >> Um >> you say that you say that on the way out. >> Just just for good luck. That >> can we do the >> This is hard for adults to engage with.
>> Can we do the constant agenda in five minutes? Maybe >> can move. >> Yep. >> Kylie and Kylie can sit next to each other. >> Act like we're friendly. We know each other. >> So, if you guys don't mind, we're going to do the consent agenda uh while we give it a few minutes. Okay. So, the the
board will consider the following consent agenda. Select board will consider approving the minutes of the December 15, 2025 meeting. The select board will consider accepting the resignations of Stacy Schmidt from the Council on Aging and Konchin Ter and Laura Green from the
Hopkins and Cultural Council. The board will consider approving a request from the Marathon Fund Committee for $2,000 to be used for funding a DJ at the May 12th, 2026 Hopkin High School senior parent dinner being held at Gillette Stadium. Step four will consider confirming the town manager appointment
of Sabrina Raymond as administrative assistant in the finance department. The select board will consider approving a parade permit application from Hopkin and Little League for the opening day parade on May 3rd, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. with a rain date of May 10th, 2026. Parade route will start on Main Street
at the Town Common and end at a driveway at Carrian Park. Road closures are requested on Main Street from the Town Common to 85 Main Street. And the board will consider accepting a donation of $1,000 from the Hopkin and Mums Group, Inc. to the Hopkin Public Library to be used where needed. So, with that, I'll
look to the board if there's anything you want to break out or discuss. >> I have two motion. >> I have two quick questions. I don't know that they require breakouts. Uh, Elaine, on the donation to the Hopinson Public Library, can you explicitly donate to a
town or do they have to donate to like the friends of the library? Something like that? No, >> you can donate to a town department. >> Okay. >> But the board has to accept it. select what has to accept it, goes into a separate account that can be spent only for that purpose.
>> Okay. Thank you. My first time seeing it like that. And then I wanted to just ask, I noticed two resignations on culture council. Is there something going on there? Anything we should be concerned about or aware of? >> I have not heard of anything. >> Okay. It just caught me unusual to see
two at the same time. >> It's a large committee. They have maybe 15. >> One is aging, too. >> I think that contributes to it. >> Two cultural and one aging. Yeah, pretty uncommon. >> Just not used to seeing multiple from the same committee at the same time. Wanted to make sure there wasn't something bigger we could be getting
involved in as leaders. Sounds okay. >> All right. Thanks, Matt. >> Thank you. >> Shel, Amy, comments, you want to pull anything out or make a motion? >> Uh, no, nothing particular. Just thanks to Ken, Stacy, and Laura for their
service and uh thanks to the donation um from the math and funds. I move to approve the consent agenda. >> Second. >> All right. There's a motion and a second. Any final thoughts? All those in favor?
>> I I >> I. >> Any opposed? >> That is unanimous. >> Thank you. >> So, there's a few more people. Um, >> we should have Mrs. Richards Kavanagh. >> There's someone marked Nancy. It could be Nancy Kavanagh. >> Yes. She said she was coming. The elementary school building committee
meeting is over. >> Okay. >> And Bill is now on. >> We got Bill. Uh, >> we've got them both, we think. >> Sorry, they're getting livened up one at a time. So, Evan Bishop is on, Michaelian, Susan Roth, and Bill Flannry. And now we got Nancy. Um,
>> like to call >> Can I call my meeting to order? >> Yep. >> I Nancy, >> he's muted. I'm muted. >> Sorry. Yes. Hi. >> Yes. Hello. Good. >> Hello. >> All right, we're all set.
>> Perfect. You guys have a quorum? >> Yep. And we do have a quorum. So, call our meeting to order at 6:29. >> Perfect. All right. So, welcome everyone. Thank you for attending. Can everyone on the Zoom hear us that just joined us?
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Perfect. >> Can you hear me as well? Bill Flannry? >> Yes, >> we can, Bill. >> Okay. Thanks. So, we need to call our our our uh meeting to order as well. >> Uh Jean just did. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Yep. Um perfect. So, thank you everyone
for coming. Elaine, do you want to walk us through the budget submitt for this evening? >> Yes. Started. >> Thank you. So, um in your packet provided the uh FY27 uh comprehensive budget transmitt. Um and I'll just briefly describe that and we'll turn it
over to Kyla to give a little bit more information. Uh so the transmitted FY27 budget uh is when the constraints within the constraints of proposition 2 and a half. Uh it complies with the town's financial policies. It incorporates the use of funds available with the
estimates received to date. It reflects a sensitivity to tax impact and it addresses long-term financial stability by funding key liabilities and reserves. It's a balanced budget. Uh, not all department requests have been included and some decisions have been made way to
trim the budgets to get to the balanced budget. The school committee has not yet voted on a recommended budget. So, this contains the most recent proposed budget. Uh, we understand they'll be voting later this week on that. So, the transmitt forecasts revenues that are 7.46%
above the budgeted revenue level for FY26. Uh, local receipts are estimated to increase uh 40% largely driven by investment income. Free cash certification is expected soon and state aid is is estimated to increase by 4% and that's pending additional
information from the governor and the legislature in the next couple of months. Uh with regard to the uses of funds the expenses uh town departments were requested to provide level service budgets for FY27 and this is defined as an increase of three and a half% average for salaries
and a 2% increase for expenses. So that was the target identified by the board. uh the aggregated budgets resulted in a 7% increase and a budget shortfall and then in the initial re reviews of their budgets with departments we identified areas where there were funds or requests
that could be reduced if needed. So in reducing uh to get to the to get at that shortfall uh Kyla and I revisited those items and I've discussed each of those with the relevant department heads. Um the proposed budget for town departments uh non-school town
departments retains the core services and important services. Uh the changes to budget uh requests can be discussed in greater detail at the upcoming budget review meetings that you'll have with each department over the next month and a half and most of them are listed in my memo as well. The proposed budget does
include a contribution of $896,888 to the OPE fund. uh and it includes a contribution of 700,000 to the stabilization fund to bring that close to the 5% uh target of uh operating spending. The town is fortunate to have
a robust amount of free cash again this year, but it's not a sustainable or reliable revenue source over time. It does allow us to meet some of our capital project needs. Uh there will be borrowing proposed for two water projects within the enterprise fund. Um, and the capital projects proposed for
FY27 are including included in my transmitt as an attachment along with the five-year forecast. The tax impact continues to be an important concern, especially as we consider the challenges of seniors, young families, and others struggling to stay in Hopington. The tax impact from this budget transmitt is
projected to be 6.06% on existing taxpayers. So, as the budget review progresses, we'll continue to monitor and report on the refinement of current estimates involving the sources of revenue and the projected expense amounts. And I'd like to thank uh my town staff colleagues,
department heads, and town boards, commissions, and committees for their collaborative effort and continued support in bringing these materials to this point for consideration. And I truly appreciate the collaborative nature of the budget process. And I encourage residents to also be involved in providing feedback and recommendations throughout the process.
At this point, uh, Kyla will proide a little bit more information. >> So, I don't have a lot to add, but I do want to call out, um, the second attachment, which is the five-year forecast. I want to provide a little bit of clarity because the numbers on this attachment
are alarming, and I want to um just calm some nerves about the deficits that are reflected here. So for 2028 you're going to see a negative 34 million 29 36 million. So I want to make sure that
everyone understands that that includes capital requests as part of our five-year plan. What I am proposing, because this is the format that we've used historically, is that we change this because this is very
misleading, thinking that we're going to have this $34 million deficit. when in fact if you change the look of this and you take out the capital and you zero out free cash because we're not going to have the level of free cash that we have
today. Our deficit right now for 2028 looks more in the line of 6 million not 34 million. So, uh, going forward, you're going to see a different, it's going to look the same, but our capital
is going to be called out as a separate line item, not part of the operating budget, and our free cash is going to come down to zero. So, as the town accountant and I were talking about the new policy around free cash,
um we think a 5% buffer on free cash is what the town should the guideline of what the town should adhere to in our financial policy and Shahadu, you know, we can discuss further, but looking at the
calculations, that's a fair indication of where I think we should land. Anything more than that, um, we're not budgeting correctly. So, going forward, um, we'll call out our capital expenditures. We'll zero out free cash
and that will be a better indicator of what our operating expense looks like going forward in our forecast. So, 34 million is not, you know, intended to create drama. So, I want to just make sure everyone
understands that. >> Yep. I I mean, it's a very important thing to call out. I'll look for the board. Do we have any comments or thoughts around that specifically? Amy, you want to start? >> I need Yeah, I I don't think I'm ready to make comment. I'm thinking about it a little bit. Um,
>> okay. >> So, you can go to the next person. >> So, you're saying there's a $34 million deficit next year if we include capital expenses and operational expenses as currently forecast? It's not necessarily a deficit. We will need to we won't have
that level of free cash. So, we will have to go out for debt in order to fund the capital projects. So, this is why I asked the question that way is I wanted to make sure it was clear to people. That's that's fancy finance talk for more borrowing, more debt, more
interest, more long-term service payments. I appreciate the creativity here in terms of trying to normalize so we can just look at operational expenses. A $6 million deficit is certainly different than 34. You and I joked about two million the other day. We shake the couch cushions for two million. 6 million is a shake of two
couches or three if we're doing math well. So, okay, I'm with you there. But, and I apologize for being sort of the spectre of the other side of this. That operational the capex budget was submitted in good faith. I have to believe that these are items that are relevant. I'm looking at my colleagues
from the school committee and I know some of the big items there are HVAC. In some cases, this is extant to the building. I mean, I'd love to sit up here and swing a hammer about spending money and whether we really need to do this, but kids need to breathe good air and they need to be heated and cooled to be in the schools and we have legal
requirements there as well. So, I can appreciate the way you're reflecting this to us, but I guess I'd like to ask, how much of that capex budget do you and town staff currently perceive as being funible? Because you're essentially presenting it to me as being elective. I'm not sure if I understand the
question. Um, but in the $32 million that's included here in capital expenditure, those are all requests which were included in your fiveyear plan within the memo. >> Right. I let me let me try again. I think what I'm trying to ask, Kyla, is
from your perspective, you've essentially zeroed out the budget to show us it's 6 verse 34, but there's still 28 in capex there. In order to view it that way, I have to at least entertain the notion that some, if not all of those will not be approved. So, this is me trying to ask, has any
conversation happened in that regard about whether or not we'll be revisiting the 5-year capital plan or was the purpose just to highlight the deficiency of OPEX versus capex? >> Um, we have not had in-depth conversations for FY28 and 29 regarding
our capital expenditures. So, um, they are just purely requests based on the department heads and what they think they're going to need at that point in time. >> Okay. And I know you and I talked about this, but I am going to say it out loud so people get the benefit of the conversation. Kyla, that sounds like an
override, but I remember you specifically telling me that this would not require an override, and I should not use that term, so I will not use it, but could you explain in a little more detail here if we truly did do all 34 million? So the both the capex and the opex respectively. Can you walk us
through what that would actually look like so that we can understand and the taxpayer can understand what new debt they would actually be acrewing? >> And it all depends on what is debt excluded as opposed to what is included in Prop 2 and a half. knowing these big
projects, the majority of the projects would be excluded debt, which means that um it's outside of the 2.5% so it would have an impact on your tax rate outside of the 2 and 12%. It has nothing to do
with an override. >> Okay, perfect. >> Can I disc people would get to vote on these individually, so they may not even all pass. >> Yes. >> Yep. Thank you. I again folks, I'm trying to do this out in a level of detail and trying to boil it down to make it just a touch more accessible and
because I want you to know that we are having these conversations. We don't always myself I'll speak for myself. I don't always do a good job of reflecting these here. So, please know that the conversation I'm trying to have with Miss Lapierre right now is so that we can have a back and forth to try and make this a little bit planer. I really do appreciate the work here. And I think
the last thing I just want to underscore because we have shifted budget software and I think Kyla has emphasized this. We're not expecting to be carrying the free cash balances that we had. You and I talked about if we saw a department for more than two or three years generating free cash variance. That's something we'd be looking at. What I
hope you hear that in the town as it is more likely we will need to borrow or need to have hard conversations about what capital expenses we approve because we are less likely to just have money hanging around to pay for them consistently. That's going to be a change in how we fund things and our
ways of work. And I just want to make sure that you all understand that it's not a bad thing. It's not a good thing. It's just a statement of fact. Thank you. >> Uh, sure. Thank you, Kyla and, uh, Elaine Lens and the team for putting it
together and the school committee as well and appreciations, everyone's contribution. I think this is shaping up. Uh, of course, we don't like the 1.8 ate um u deficit at the moment and we
don't like the override either and I have a few questions first kind of clarifying and then I'll give couple of comments one is I agree with the 5% I think that's close to what I was thinking so I appreciate that and that
should help us with the opics going forward is uh my projection based on the you know previous experiences cuz if we are doing 12 million 15 million year over year last two three years even though there are some annualies but it should ease up a little bit from the
opex side. So speaking of which uh on the opex front you had um the local receipts now 30% growth is that sustainable it it's up from 6.6 million to 9.3 million this year.
>> So so it's a 40% growth >> 40%. Yep. >> Yep. Um and that's primarily based on investment income because we were projecting um a flat increase of investment income and with all of the prudent investment
that we've been doing this year >> um we have actually tripled our interest income. So we're projecting that we're going to make about 3.5 million as opposed to 1 and a half. Um so that's the majority of the swing.
>> Okay. So it may not be sustainable with the Greenland talk going on. It may tank up soon. Hopefully hopefully not too bad. But anyways, um so that's not in your calculation for 27 and forward. Uh that's what I wanted to kind of clarify.
>> Yeah, once we make this adjustment about what real revenue looks like, um obviously we're not going to have 40% increases yearover-year, >> right? No, makes sense. Then on the new growth side, it also uh is projected to
go down by 30%. We are having almost 60 65 new apartments or new building. Is that included in the projection? >> It is um after talking to the principal assessor and knowing that the um the
large swing that we had this year. So our original projection for 2026 was 1.6 million and it actually came in at 1.2 2 million which um hurt us on the tax recap. We didn't want to have to go
through that same swing again. So, we're actually airing on the side of caution and going in with 800,000. >> Okay, understood. Yeah. And and I appreciate that. I think going conservative is a good idea. um I would just adjust or kind of reconcile with
the major known growth and maybe that's what the assessor has given and done just to check on that um for the peace of mind we'll know more as we get in there cuz 800 with the developments that we are seeing and no seems little low
but again this is a variable so we can't count too much on that uh third question I see the special ed reserve is zeroed out for the subsequent years. What's the reason for that and what's the impact? >> It's now included in the school um
>> budget. >> Oh, I see. Okay. >> Oh, you saw a big increase in our budget this year, which really wasn't a big increase. It was just >> Gotcha. Yeah, that's the 1 million increase on that. >> People were saying there we were up so much, but we weren't.
>> Yep. You got a few new new allocations. Okay. Yeah. I just wanted to make sure we have that. U now a little more on the I think potential reduction side. Ela with these seven or eight elimination or
reduction. What is the impact we are anticipating or were these like good to have a little bit nice to have or is it going to cut us to the bone and we are going to see impact on our quality of service? Yeah, these were um proposed
items um as far as the positions go. So, none of the positions are occupied by anyone. Um they were proposed positions or a vacant position that has never been occupied. >> Um with regard to some of the other things that are in there, um I anticipate some discussion on that such
as the holiday lights uh when we go forward. So, I'm sure there'll be discussion of those. >> Sure. Yeah. I think holiday lights um uh the residents raised 10k this year and obviously shows the enthusiasm and how much people love it. I would love to
include that. Um for 10k it probably is a blip but still money is money. I get that. Uh at the same time when we are you know increasing taxes some small wins like this might be healthy.
Then with those coming to the projection I agree you want to probably build the capital cost as a scenario rather than embedded in it that looks scary and it's not have an accurate projection because those are discretionary and goes into votes and all that so that would give us
little bit more I think realistic view and you know this so you propose that I appreciate that u and then on the opic side is there any um principle farm principle we have
that could give us little bit of leeway. What I mean by that for example and we definitely want to keep our safety nets with the stabilization funds and the OPE but can you tell for everyone's understanding what is our regulatory and
risk requirement and where will we be with these projections for example OPEB um we were at I forgot 15% um but anyways since I don't remember
say we were at supposed to be at X and with this projection we're going to be X plus 2% or 3%. Can you tell us that picture? I'm looking for little more tuning if there is opportunity but of course not at the cost of you know uh
accepting higher risk than we should. >> Are you asking when are we going to be fully funded? Is that what you're asking? No, I'm asking for example our um stabilization we want to stay at 5%. So with this projection are we going to
be at 5.2 5.5 or are we going to be at 7 or 8%. >> Yeah we'll be slightly above five. >> Okay so there's no room there. Um same question for uh OPED. There's no specific goal with OPB other than uh
making sure we're fully funded by the mid 2050s. >> Correct. And we were in the 30s or low 40s, right? Earlier. Do you know what the projection now is? >> I don't have that. >> Okay. I think last year remember it was
20 45 or 42 something like that. >> 48. >> 48. Okay. So we are close to that. Again, I'm looking for opportunities to adjust if if at all possible without risking anything. Um, so besides that,
there's really not much I see that we can um save. In fact, your snow and ice is also zeroed out, which we know it's not going to be zero. It's close to at least half a million to a million. So I
I think it's good uh reflection of the state of things and we need to be super careful on our budget going forward as we are. We all are getting our heads together and it's um not going to get easier. However, I am counting on at
least 3 years out on some of the economic activities with our downtown and economic planning. I'm counting on uh some of the growth adjusted because we have little more capacity or uh adjusted capacity on school. So that's
natural but uh hopefully it'll stabilize a little bit. But again we have to be super cautious, super careful and capital budget is certainly something we want to be extra careful about. Yeah, you will see a blank line item on the sources and uses for transfer to capital
stabilization. Once we have a good feel of what our certified free cashes, we'll know how much we can actually put in there this year. But it is a line item that we will fill when we know what that is. >> Thank you. Actually, that's a um last uh
quick question. So for stabilization historically and even this year we are using the free cache but in the forecast we are using it from the opics as it should be. Is that correct? >> From my understanding we've always used
free cash to fund stabilization as well as oped >> and in the future for forecasts you have done it accordingly. >> Yeah. Yeah. The goal is to continue >> continue using the free cash. Okay. So there's no room there either. Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Um I've got one question
actually. Amy, I I kind of wanted to go back to you. >> Oh, yeah. I did wonder about the pavement pavement management plan reduction of $100,000. I guess when the DPW comes before us, we'll find out why, but it just seems like we have so many DPW needs. I'm surprised we would be reducing it.
>> So, it's actually level funded to what was funded for 2026. So, she originally asked for an $800,000 budget and we reduced it to $600,000 um given the chapter 90 funds that she has abled to secure.
>> Okay. But she still wanted $100,000 more. Um >> she wanted $200,000 more, >> but some will come from chapter 90. Okay. >> All right. But we get a lot of complaints about um roads and things. So, it would be nice to fully fund what she needed if we could. And >> the meeting started with a complaint
about the roads. >> Yes. All set. >> I think I'm all set. Yeah. >> Okay. Um I just kind of wanted to recapture some of this and then hand it over to appropriations and in the school. But you know, for me, the big thing is so we were looking at a $34 million deficit. You know, you took out
the capital requests, the free cash. Um when I look at FY29, I'm seeing a almost $37 million deficit. I'm assuming, not assuming, but it looks like most of that is from capital requests as well. And you know, it's I I guess less of a question and more of a point like as as
we head towards town meeting in a couple of months, like it's not just like one or two capital projects that the town's going to be voting on. Like we've got to be cognizant of that. Like we have needs this year, we have needs next year as well. Um because that's two years in a row and we knew these were going to be the two big years, right? It it drops
down significantly after that. Um but still the impact of the taxpayers is is going to be felt over the next two years. So, I think it's really important that as we get to town meeting and we have more of these meetings in the coming months that we discuss, you know, take this whole comprehensive view that we've been doing and the school
committee did a great job at the last meeting looking out into the in the next couple of years with those capital requests so that we can just have as many residents informed as possible to these projects because we we do need them, but we also got to be cognizant of how we choose to select them. So, um,
with that, I'll pause and appropriations, schools, who who would like to kind of chime in. >> I could just say on capital expenses to for people to pay attention as we discuss this HVAC issue within the schools Mr. Kitner brought up. Um, we
have some creative solutions with that with the sustainable green committee. Some using um some of the money that hopefully will not be spent on our school building projects at this point. um you know, one some that were already closer to completion with Hopkins and
some that are early on with uh Charleswood. Um so for the public to stay tuned and really engage with the school committee on that really uh as we move through some different scenarios, I think it's really important. >> But we thank you all for your support in
our budget. And I think it's you called out a really important point like we're looking at savings for Hopkins early estimations for Charleswood, right? Like and again all that you know that doesn't just get used for other project. It goes back to town. It goes back to town
meeting. Residents get to vote on that as well. It's not just already spent. I think it's important for people to remember that. >> Um first I want to thank you. I don't remember in the last I don't know 15 years that I've been part of this being
at this point at this time in the calendar um with the budget in such good shape and I know that's been a tremendous amount of work on both of your behalfs and I think that um you've done a great job of taking a really fresh set of eyes and
looking not only at the numbers but also at the process and the presentation and Kyla I think your suggestion about breaking out the capital is really critical. It really those two budgets are very different. Um Kyla just gave us a great example of why because you have
a huge cost for the HVAC, but then that doesn't factor in grants and a lot of things that are bring that that down. And so um there's too much in those numbers to tell the story accurately. And I think it's really helpful um to
get an idea going forward about what's operating versus capital. So, especially because we handle and vote on them differently. So, mostly I just wanted to say thank you. I think we're in a very strong position, which I really didn't expect for this year. And so, really,
really um good job. I I have a lot of questions about individual line items, but those departments are coming to us, so I'm not going to walk everybody through that right now. Um, other than just to say that I I really like what you're doing about uh being intentional about
uh and and very thoughtful about presentation and how we can help everybody understand this um better and in a different way than than we've done before. So that's all I want to say tonight, but I know we have I have two of my friends here on Zoom, so I want to
let them go, too. >> Thank you, >> Bill. Bill. Yes. Uh, thanks and Kyla. I I too agree that seems like a great idea to back out the capital projects, but I'm just curious and I'm not sure that you'll have an answer now, although you
might. Um, when we back out that 28 million, assuming everything's approved, any any guess on what that will do to the debt service? It probably wouldn't affect it that year because we know it takes a while to get projects approved and borrow money. But what does 28
million in new capital projects do to additional debt service for the following year? Any idea what that would equate to? >> We would obviously go shortterm with the debt. So we would um issue a ban as opposed to a bond which will which would
save us money at least for the first 3 years bill. Um but it's too early to tell what the interest rate and um what the payment would be on that. Okay. And and my other followup is at what point
in the calendar do we get the current uh S&P rating? >> We will be going through an interview in May. Um so we started to fill out all of the documentation today. Um and we'll go through the S&P
interview in May. >> Great. Thank you. >> Perfect. Anyone else? Well, first, anyone on Zoom? I know Nancy was out there. >> Is also on Zoom. >> Okay, Mike, can you hear us? Any comments,
thoughts? >> Okay. I know NY's on as well, so >> and Susan. >> Oh, Susan is on. Okay, Nancy or Susan, any comments? >> Michael, sorry. Michael Erician has two he's logged in with two devices. the Mike Lita's iPhone.
>> You could light you can liven that one up, too. >> Can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Yes, we can. >> Okay. I have I have no other uh questions other than what Bill has stated. Over.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Perfect. >> Um, anyone else have any questions for schools appropriations? >> I do have one more quickie. >> Kyla L. I MWR. Is that reflected in any of the numbers
that I am seeing tonight? >> Yes, it's in the 5-year capital plan. >> Okay. So, the numbers I am reviewing are reflective of what our current understanding of the proposed cost of connection is. >> Correct. Currently, it's in the enterprise numbers is not included in
the general fund. >> Okay? And the reason I'm asking it this way, just to emphasize for folks, we don't have a good idea of what this number is going to be yet. This is what we understand it to be now. I would bet an awful lot of money it will look different up or down. I just want to be
clear, we're having a good discussion. I'm really excited about where we are. There is still some significant variance in a known likely mandatory expense for us that is coming. I think Kyla other Kyla said this very well. Let's keep our ears open. Let's keep our eyes up.
>> Perfect. >> All right. If no one has anything else, thank you all for coming tonight. Thank you for taking the time. >> I'm sure we'll see you all soon. >> Going to close our meeting at 659. >> Yep. >> Move to Thanks. >> Oh, vote Jamie. Yes, I vote
>> Nancy Susan. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> I make a motion to adjurnn. >> Bill Mike G made a motion to adjurnn. >> If they all leave, it's the same result. Doesn't matter. >> Can you hear me? I agree.
>> You've already lost your form anyway. >> All right. Thank you everyone. Seriously, kudos to schools for the work you did. This is going this way because of you guys and Kylo >> Alen. Um the the big document that you presented tonight in the packet that will be on will that be on the website in a new section for the town meeting? >> It's already there.
>> It is already there. Okay. >> Okay. >> Uh moving on, the select board will consider renew renewing annual licenses for the following businesses. Section 12 restaurant all alcohol and associated licenses for 110 grill. Uh Common Vic
alcohol and entertainment. Panti Common Vic alcohol and entertainment. Section 12, Club, all alcohol and associated licenses for Woodville Rott and Gun. Section 15, package store, all alcohol license. Uh for the Vinbin, Hopkins Wine
Spirits. Common Vic licenses for the Muffin House and Crusting Co. class one and class two for Main Street Service Center. Livery license for Able Limousine. Um, select board will also consider granting an extension of licenses for businesses for whom the annual
inspections are not yet complete. Section 12, restaurant, all alcohol and associate licenses for Cornell's Irish Pub, Hopkins Country Club, Co- Restaurant, Rap Scallion, Hopkins Center for the Arts, and the Arcos Hospitality. Uh, section 19 C farmer brewery pouring
permit for Startline Brewing. Uh, common vic licenses for Aro Market Dell 176 South Street and 228 South Street. Blue Square Pizza, Starbucks at Price Chopper, Starbucks coffee at 85 West Main Street, Red Barn Coffee at Angel's Cafe, and Domino's Pizza and Hapio.
Class one and class two licenses for Bulldog Fire Apparatus. And that is it. So, um, we've got we're looking at kind of two motions here. Approving the ones that are finished.
Um, extensions for those have not. You know, Elaine, I think, you know, we've been doing this for what was this third meeting in a row where we've gone through licenses. >> So, just to reiterate, like everything's in line, all inspections done for the first section of the ones that you uh
that we put in here. >> Correct. >> Yes. And I'd just like to add that today uh Bulldog Fire Apparatus uh their inspections were complete. So they can now uh receive their license as well. So in the um the motions we have included them in the the motion to
>> Okay. Go ahead. >> Um I'm just making a note if the board has comments, questions here. I think I'll just because Brian's not here, I'll ask it explicitly in his absence. Miss Lazarus, when we say this
is all clean and buttoned up, there was nothing unexpected here. We got all the information we were looking for. >> Yes. >> Nothing on the Cory. Sorry. >> Nothing on the Cory stories. >> You're hearing our hearts, Brian. Thank you.
>> Uh I think it's clear pretty much. But we followed the new process and there's no concern or any question and all the background checks and everything came out clear. That's my understanding. >> That's good. >> Thank you. >> Good rock. >> Amy, you good? >> Nope. That sounds good. Thank you.
>> All right. just uh going forward. So um there are businesses then who are still being continued um and um so most of those um have had their initial inspections are awaiting scheduling of follow-up
inspections. Um and only two businesses remain that haven't been inspected. Um and the town is working with the landlord and the business owners to schedule access to those locations. So the ABCC is given a deadline of February 6 for submission of local inspection and
compliance documents for alcohol licenses. So all the alcohol licenses have to be uh completed at the next meeting or they will have to reapply for a new license. So we've informed them of this that they need to get everything done by your next meeting. Um and so
that's a deadline for the alcohol licenses. >> Sorry if you wouldn't mind expanding on that because it was a question I was going to ask you anyway. of the ones that are here for extension before us today, are there any in which you, the town, are waiting from things from the business and not the business is waiting
for us to do inspections? >> Yes. So, the the spreadsheet that's in the U packet contains generally the list of what's outstanding. >> Okay. >> And that's correct. >> If you wouldn't mind, for the benefit of those, are there any would you mind summarizing the items that are still
outstanding to you? I'd like to suggest to my colleagues that I'd like to have at least a little bit of a different conversation about items which are still outstanding to the town. In theory, we were supposed to have granted all of these licenses by the end of last calendar year and today is the 20th of
January. I think at some point there does need to be a touch of accountability to say nothing of respecting the time and efforts of town staff. >> Good question, Mr. Ker. I I would through the chair ask it a little differently. I know we had to institute
a new process and because of that our initial delay was from us uh in in some ways that we needed that decision for our board approval and all that. Now this delay is this normal or is it because of the new process you think everything just started a little bit
late or is this to Mr. Krishna's point anything that's outstanding that we should review. So everything that uh is in the inspection grid is uh what has been done before except the 90minute um test that's required now by code. So a
few of the uh applicants need what's called the 90-minute test um and that has not occurred yet >> has to do with the fire access. >> So so just to name a few I'm just looking off like the the top of the list
and the first couple in orange. So like those first three I'm seeing highlighted are start line, Cornell's and co. Um you know they have not completed the fire or the building inspection. Um it looks like Cornell's has passed the electrical. Uh so that 90minute test I
see is and again this is all public right this gets posted with the agenda so people can go in and look like to your question and see hey it's you know there's very specific things um you know and we certainly understand like you know as the town has grown like the burden for these inspections that start
at the end of November you know through the holidays to this point it's a small window to to get all of these done so I I think it's a very reasonable thing that's to be asked that's why we're discussing it Um and it looks like you know again each meeting we've shipped
away at a few of these. So um I guess my concern is around you said that is that a new ABC directive for what would you say February 5th? >> Uh so they have always had a deadline but we've never had an issue of meeting the deadline before. >> Okay. >> Do we technically have another meeting
scheduled before that deadline? >> February. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Um >> there's more math that I wanted to do. Have we communicated to the fire department and building? >> We've communicated. Everyone is aware of what needs to be done. Um and the
applicants as well. Um a lot of these uh need to be provided by the applicant. For example, the 90-minute test is something they have to do and then provide the the report. >> Yeah. >> But that's not new, is it? The 90 >> It is new. >> Oh, this is the first year. >> But that is where I'm going in terms of
I would consider that an item that is outstanding and due to the town. And I would view that very differently than say the building inspector or the fire inspector. >> Correct. So, >> okay. And it looks like there are several of those on here. >> So, there were some reports and repairs needed in various locations and then
they have to schedule that with contractor and then get it reinspected, I guess. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Are you sensing any themes amongst the things that are late to you either from a business perspective in terms of like you've got a couple customers, let's say, that you're going back and forth
with or I know this 90-minute test is coming up, but I'm just I'm trying to understand if there is a pattern in the work that is hanging on here and if there's anything we can do to help influence it. I don't know that there's a pattern, but I think uh we need to uh stress to applicants that these are
important and they shouldn't wait till the last minute >> that we need to start earlier. >> So, Miss Lazarus is being nice. I will not be nice about it. I don't intend to vote for these extensions. I will not speak and do not speak for my other three colleagues, but you have already
lost me. You have one more meeting. I would really like to see some progress here and an indication that you understand and that you value the time of not just the four of us up here, we are volunteers as well, but to the town staff, this has gone on an awful lot longer than it should have, and it is
now well past just needing additional time to coordinate things. And so so just to clarify this ABC deadline of February 5th right after our next meeting that applies to all like the section 12 all alcohol and
associated the section 12 club and the section 15 package store. >> Yeah. All of the alcohol licenses farmer brewery and the farmer brewery >> and the brewery. >> Busy 13 days folks. >> Okay. If there is nothing else I'll take the punishment on reading.
>> Yeah. I was going to say I I really appreciate having the grid this year every meeting because we hadn't followed this process as closely in the past and so it's it's good for us to see to where the where the people get stuck and what are the things holding people up. So I really appreciate the color coded every week. >> This is great. This is the first year
we've done this and it's it's been very helpful. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I would echo the same. I think this new process and also the 90minut I'm hearing is new there. So I'm and it's a handful of business so there's a trend uh obviously so and I think it's
better that we announce and reach out to them and say hey this is the last window after that you'll have to reapply that way we have a concrete uh timeline in front of them. Not that we didn't but that'll help that would be my uh my my
thinking on that. Perhaps we could say if they're not ready by the next meeting, we would expect a statement from the business explaining why, you know, before we would extend it again >> or attendance perhaps. >> Yes, that would be good. >> Good idea. >> So with that, >> well, it sounds like >> I move to just before you do just to
clarify that Amy, it sounds like we cannot extend, right? The >> not the alcohol ones. >> The alcohol ones we cannot extend. >> No. >> Yes. >> A couple of them are not alcohol, right? Hopio, um HCA, >> I'm sorry. The alcohol we cannot extend tonight. >> No. after >> after. Yeah, >> that's right.
>> One more extension. That's why I was trying to swing the hammer about please, please, please. >> Right. Right. Makes sense. >> All right. I >> I move to renew the following annual licenses. 110 Grill, one Lumber Street, common Victoria. Section 12, all alcohol and entertainment licenses. Panthai 15
Main Street, common victual. Section 12, all alcohol and entertainment licenses. The Vinbin 22 South Street. Section 15, all alcohol license. Main Street Service Center, 96 Main Street, Class One and Class 2 Auto
Dealer Licenses. Able Limusen, 102 East Main Street, livery license, Hopkins Wine and Spirits, 77 West Main Street, Section 15, all alcohol license. Muffin House Cafe, 43 Main Street, Common
Vulier License. Woodville Road and Gun Club, 252 Wood Street, common victual section 12, all alcohol and enter entertainment licenses. Crust and Company, 77 West Main Street, common victual and entertainment licenses.
Bulldog Fire Apparatus, Inc. 17 Winter Street, class one auto dealer license. >> Second. be before we vote, can we confirm that that should not be class one and class two? It's listed as class one and class two for bulldog fire in the packet
before me, but it's just class one over here in the motion. Should it be both? >> Uh, not necessarily. They're different licenses. >> Thank you. Because I didn't see it listed under extension either. >> So, all the licenses for that uh business are ready. >> So, whatever they applied for.
>> Uh, I'm reading class one and class two licenses as like the section header. And I Okay, my apologies. Thank you. >> All right. So, we have a motion and a second. Any final thoughts? All those in favor? >> I I >> Any opposed?
That is your >> Mr. Chair, I move to grant an extension of the following licenses to no later than February 4th, the day after the next select board meeting. Section 12, restaurant, all alcohol and associated licenses, Cornell's Irish Pub, Hopington
Country Club, Core Restaurant, Rapskillian, Hopkington Center for the Arts, Aros Hospitality. Section 19 C Farmer Brewery Pouring Permit Startline Brewing Company. Common
Victoria licenses for Aramark Adele, 176 South Street and 228 South Street, Blue Square Pizza, Starbucks at Price Chopper, Starbucks coffee at 85 West Main Street, Red Burn Coffee at Angels
Cafe, Domino's Pizza, Hopio. Second is that to the Octo Excuse me, February 4th. >> Yes. Okay. That's said that. >> We've got a motion and a second. Any final thoughts? >> You're going to hear a no from me and I apologize to the businesses that are
waiting on things from the town in good faith, but I unfortunately feel as though I need to send a bit of a bigger message here. >> Okay. All those in favor? I >> I >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Nay. >> Okay. Thank you. and the town manager will communicate to these businesses
that we would expect either an explanation or for them to come in person next time. Okay. If they're not ready, >> so moving on. Uh select board will consider reviewing conflict of interest and financial interest disclosure forms submitted by the town manager, fire
chief, and police chief pertaining to preparation, presentation, explaining, and providing advice or recommendations on a budget that contains their salary. The board will consider determining whether the interest is not so substantial as to to be deemed likely to affect the integrity of the services which the town may expect from the
employees. Town council recommends that every department head that advances budgetary recommendations that include salary file disclosures uh file disclosures with their appointing authority due to a recent decision of the state ethics commission that affects all municipalities. So um do you want to introduce this?
This is a new thing that came down from the state as we just walked through. it's, you know, anyone that's submitting a budget with their own salary in it, you know, it potentially could be a conflict of interest and I I think it's I understand where that's coming from and I also understand like the need for
our department heads to submit their salaries inside of their budget. So, >> yes. So, there's nothing more to say other than what you've said. Um but uh town council is hoping that the um that their ruling will be you more broadly interpreted in every department and
won't have to submit the forms annually as we would have to do. So >> okay um I'll look to the board thoughts questions you want to start. >> Um no I understand this is a new process so we are seeing this this is pretty standard and I'm sure every town is
going through this. So I appreciate that. I'll echo that and just note we ultimately get the opportunity to verify and ask questions about that as part of budgetary review and endorsement. So even if it truly did have an impact and boy do I not think it does, it's ultimately incumbent on us to be
reviewing and doing our oversight diligence. >> Thanks Amy. >> No, I think it's a good idea to have this this in writing and everybody filled it out and how that they could perform their duties um objectively. Um and so will other departments have to do this? Is that what you're saying? Next year? >> Yes. So I've asked uh the departments
that the department heads to report to the town manager to submit the forms. So I received continuing to receive those. So before they come before you, those forms will have been received by me. >> Okay. And this will be filed with the town clerk the way other people you sometimes committee members have to file a disclosure with town clerk.
>> Filed with the appointing authority. >> Oh, so with us. Okay. >> So some get filed with the town manager, some with you and some with say the board of health, parks and rec. But to Amy's broader point, all requestable, all discoverable. >> Everybody can look up and they're in our packet, too. But people can look them up
if they would like. >> Yep. >> Mr. Chair, I move to determine that the financial interest described in the financial disclosure forms submitted by Ela Lazarus, town manager. Gary Doherty, fire chief, and Joseph Bennett, police chief, is not so substantial as to be
deemed likely to affect the integrity of the services which the town may expect from them. Second. >> Perfect. Motion and a second. Any final thoughts? >> Thank you for leading the charge on this one. I agree it's a best practice. >> Right. All those in favor?
>> I. >> Any opposed? >> That is unanimous. Okay. Uh next, the select board will consider reviewing and voting to submit articles into the 2026 annual town meeting warrant. The warrant closes on February
1st, 2026. All right, I get back to us. >> Obviously, this this is our last meeting before the warrant closes. So, >> what? Oh, thank you. >> I was I got to ask for next time.
They're not visible on mine. >> Yeah, page 6970. Yeah, >> those are the ones we've already submitted into the warrant, right? >> Not visible >> on my P. I'm using your pad. I just get like a blank screen past page nine. Oh, give it a second to load. It's Yeah,
>> takes few seconds, I think. >> Oh, no. Internet or something, right? >> Elena, I had a quick question. >> The file. >> Um, >> what is our last day for accepting any warrant? Are we past that? >> February 1st. >> So, we have one more week. >> Yeah, but >> little over week.
>> Yeah, but we don't The board doesn't meet again, right? Like that's anything the board wants to vote in as a as a warrant article, we need to do tonight. Our next meeting is the third I think. So this is this is our last meeting. >> Okay. Gotcha. >> Um.
>> Yep. So I understand and thank you for clarifying that in future we may want to think about how can we align cuz people may be thinking they still have February 1. But uh if it comes through February 1st what happens to those? >> So they can submit to um our office
anytime. >> Citizens petitions. citizens petitions boards and committees there's the warrant's still open they can keep submitting they don't have to submit to this board they can submit to to us >> right >> and if there was something in emergency we could have another meeting real quick to >> yeah but I was just clarifying that is
open for longer but February 1 is the formal submission date deadline right but there is an annually because essentially it's today uh cuz if the ones that comes in the next 10 days those all needs to be citizens petition they cannot go through
us. >> They can come from boards and committees as well and department heads >> but they won't as uh Mr. Chair described they won't get the opportunity for us to review but that doesn't stop them to submit and go to the town meeting.
>> That's correct. >> Okay. >> Because we can't prevent anyone from submitting they >> No, no, no. He was just clarifying like cuz the board can obviously we can vote on anything to submit at this meeting right now but since we don't meet until after the first >> we won't last this is our last chance as
a board >> unless we have an emergency meeting >> next week which we could do. >> Thank you. >> And these are just placeholders like the um the ebike laws. We haven't really discussed what that's going to be but we'll work on that. >> Yeah. And I'm not sure there'll be time but we'll put that in just to make sure.
That was I I appreciate that you asked about that one, Amy, because that was the one I wanted to ask about. I had the distinct pleasure of having lunch with Ed Harrow last week and learning more about ebikes and mass general laws surrounding them than I knew I was going to. But I mention it here specifically because Ed had some concern about a mass
general law that seemed to indicate that we could not restrict use. And that sounded an awful lot different than the conversations we had been having here. So, I at least wanted to say that in open meetings so the town could have the benefit of that. We may not be able to put the sort of restrictions in place that we had been hoping for, but there
is still some potential creativity around licensing and other things. So, it's not a dead issue, but please know it may not work out quite the way we had hoped when we first started talking. >> Perfect. So, um, we have a list kind of put together
and Elaine just I I forget we've we've talked about some of these like, you know, we talked about the TIFF last time, but, um, I think we gave the okay to like move forward with it, right, from a negotiation standpoint, but we did not vote it into none of these have been voted in yet, correct?
>> We will vote on all of these to make recommendations at some point, and you can take them off the warrant as well. >> Okay. Um, so should I just, you know, just for anyone listening at home, like walk through the list if people aren't seeing it, just and then we can if anyone has
one that they want to call out or, you know, not supportive of, we can discuss and then make a motion collectively. >> We already voted these into the warrant at another meeting. So I I would be interested in discussing the ones that we now have more drafts of, but I don't know if we need to list the other ones. That's just my thought. But >> well, they haven't been submitted yet.
But you discussed, >> didn't we just submit them? we've discussed. That's >> We've waited to do this. >> Oh, okay. All right. Never mind. Then we should go over them all. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, I I'll just list them and then, you know, you can each like if you have one you want to pull out and we can talk about, we'll just go one at a time,
but I want everyone to hear them kind of together. So, you know, for the select board, we had, you know, the acceptance of town reports, set the salary of elected officials. Uh those are both, you know, pretty standard ones. uh civil fingerprinting, amend existing bylaw to include common VIC licenses. This is
part of our new process that we've been discussing since the fall. Establish revolving fund for municipal aggregation funds. Establish a revolving fund for municipal electric vehicle charging. Approve tax increment financing agreement for open play pickle ball. uh
land disposition zero Woody Island Road uh the ebikes the new general bylaws 145 Hayden row easement uh to grant easement for the driveway and then 147 Hayden row easement to grant it for Verizon for utilities uh for Charleswood and then
147 an additional to grant an easement to Eversource for utilities as well for Charleswood um and then you know under the town manager we had a couple FY26 supplemental Bill appropriation and transfers, unpaid bills from previous fiscal years, rescended authorized but
unissued debt, fiscal year 2027 operating budget, revolving funds spending limits, uh PEG access and cable related fund revolving revolving account funding, chapter 90 highway funds, transfer to other post-employment
benefits liability trust fund, transfer to the general stabilization fund, and uh transfer to the capital expense stabil ization fund, pay as you go capital expenses, and authorized a lease of 148 Lumber Street, which is the McFarland Sanger House, uh, for the
historical commission. So, um, a lot of these are, you know, ones that we would have in previous years and very common to see on the town meeting article, on the Warren article. So, I'll kind of look to the board. Uh, which ones do you think we need to
discuss the most? >> I think the fingerprinting um the the two new funds vehicle charging and and municipal aggregation. >> I agree. I had some clarifying question for the electric vehicle
>> 3 through eight for Matt. >> Yep. So let's I don't see anything else on here that I think you know for my opinion warrants like an individual discussion. So if we just want to start at three I think everyone >> like three through eight is that. So, first one was civil fingerprinting.
Obviously, if you go if you scroll down to it, this is where the common VIC license conversation came in. Um, I think it was something important. Like, I I'm certainly supportive, but I want to hear the rest of the board's opinion. >> I I would definitely like it to have a discussion at town meeting. I think the
people want to talk about it. They may think it's overreach or they may think it's that we should move forward with this. So, I think we should definitely put it in and um and let people discuss it. I'm in full agreement. We're on the same page today. Amy, I I have mixed thoughts about this one from a a privacy
perspective. It does start to call into question a little bit of autonomy, but on the other side, you are looking to do business in town. There is an accountability and responsibility with doing business in this community, and there is an expectation that you are operating in accordance with the law. So, I really hate the notion of saying
if you haven't done anything wrong, there's nothing to fear. So, I'm going to go with you here, Amy. I think there is benefit in this. It's something I would support, but I do think the town needs to give us a little bit of feedback about if this is really the way they want us operating and talking to businesses in our community.
>> Yeah, I I kind of also want to um definitely I think these are good added measures as we have discussed and that's why we have put it out because we have heard and we have um also discussed among ourselves how we can embolden our
background checks and all that. So this fits into that but I also want to be cognizant of you know how much time it takes how much impact it has on the business and most importantly how the residents feel about that to the extent about um our reach and overall town's
reach. So I am um all for putting it in the town meeting and discussing further and hearing from the residents. again I I see um in general I'm very supportive of you know more measures but in a
balanced way at the same time and also hearing and seeing how the business and the residents especially feel about this reach cuz we also discussed that no other or maybe one other town in the Commonwealth only does it today uh or or
a handful I forgot but it wasn't as prevalent. Yeah, >> correct. >> It's not common. I think >> it's not common. So again, I mean, doesn't mean that we can't do extra measure for good reasons, but for that reason, I think this is a good discussion to have and evaluate through
the town's lens as well. >> Ela, have we got any feedback from the chamber on this? >> So, that's another group I would really like to hear from as well. >> Yeah. And so I think you all bring up good points and and for me the most important thing right now is
>> we're just voting to get this on the warrant, right? Like the town the residents have the ability to vote for this. Um like nothing here jumps out at me as like holding back that's not even worth sending to the residents. So I'll kind of have a consistent view like
that. But and I agree with the conversation so far around the fingerprinting. >> And one of the things, this is an older bylaw, so we'll also ask town council to take a look at it, see if there's other things in there that need to be updated based on law changes and so forth since it was adopted.
>> And I think that makes it an easier conversation, honestly, if that's the way it goes back to town meeting because that's a nice we had a long discussion. You made it clear this was something you wanted us engaged in. Here we are with the actual legal updates. Yep.
>> Again, I think a lot of these things we'll discuss more in upcoming meetings to kind of vet out and it >> in the past, you know, the town's pulled back >> articles that, you know, maybe didn't maybe we didn't make as much progress on or we don't think it's good by the time
we get to the beginning of May. So, I think um you know, we can we can certainly vet these things out more. Um you know the next two were around establishing revolving funds you know one for just municipal aggregation and then the other one for municipal
electrical vehicle charging any any specific thoughts with anyone >> I mean I'll ask as the finance guy sitting up here what's an aggregation fund and what would we be intending to use it for? So the the town uh uh when the town adopted the municipal
irrigation program, there's some funds they're called the adder funds that come to the town and those are supposed to be used for energy projects. And so the um the uh funds would be used for energy related expenses. I mean we may have to you know work on that language a little bit but um that's the intent of that
those funds that that's what they'll be used for. >> Okay. So that was a critical distinction for me. It's the reason I asked the question. So this is not necessarily a new service we'd be thinking of providing that would result in an increase to the taxpayer. We are thinking about creating a fund to allocate things that are coming into us
for a specific use and purpose. >> Correct. >> We're receiving those funds now. So this would >> to hold them somewhere. >> Okay. I just wanted to talk it out so that we were clear about it. I I know if I were only checking in every so often and I looked at this and saw establish two new funds, I would go, didn't you guys say you weren't going to raise taxes? What's going on? So thank you. I
appreciate that clarity. I just have a quick question or for clarification the charging stations uh is that going to have any financial impact I mean obviously I like the idea and I think this is going to uh empower us for more charging stations and also
encourage to go uh about having more we don't have enough of course um having two electric vehicles I know some of the challenges at times but uh how is it going to reflect on the budget discussions or budget allocations that we have. >> So, uh, depending on how the charging
station is, um, installed and serviced and, um, you know, whatever company it comes from, there would be funds perhaps coming to the town from its use. And so, the funds would be put into the revolving fund and those funds would be used for the repair and maintenance uh, of the of the charging station going
forward. >> Do we get those funds today, but >> we don't have any charging stations yet? So, we're hopeful that in the next fiscal year we'll have one. Um people have been working on it on this for a couple of years and we haven't been successful yet. But if next year is the year, we'll then have a place for those
funds to go. >> Awesome. >> Because we know that they do need maintenance. >> Yeah. And and I think the sustainable green committee, you know, wants to come at one of our next meetings and talk about kind of changes and potentially, you know, um I forget what did they want us to adopt the climate leaders.
>> Yeah. The climate leaders program, the the vehicle policy. >> Yeah. So, I think there's been some changes there that would be attractive to the town to revisit. Um, and so I think this, you know, for just for that reason, as we look ahead to this, it would make sense to get establish the
fund now. So, I'm good with that one. Any other comments? You know, >> Oh, great. I think >> and there is one additional from um uh Harrington Heap has let us know that uh so they're still the attorney for the uh the Costa brothers uh litigation which
is a school department uh litigation regarding the high school edition and he's recommending putting an article on just in case there's a settlement in that lawsuit as a placeholder for now >> as well. >> Okay. Is that on the list? >> It's not on the list. It came in after
after the >> Okay. Okay. So we we would need to add that as part of the motion >> or I can add it as one of the town manager articles whichever >> again I have no problem adding it. It's >> rather add it have it and then let the town discuss. So what would we put you know Harrington Heap
>> placeholder for Costa Brothers >> for legal settlement for Costa brothers >> case. Okay, >> that makes sense. Um, next one was the TIFF agreement. I I I
personally don't support this, but I'm not I'm not going to hold it back. I think we gave the town just two weeks ago the the go-ahhead to kind of renegotiate. So, I think, you know, it's in the best interest to see how that goes. Um,
I'm with you as well. I don't support it either, and I did want to discuss it with the rest of the group. I'm cognizant of the fact that we get to make a recommendation. So, it will not be it will not be uncertain where we stand on this. To me, the inclusion of
something from the select board on the warrant, regardless of what we say we recommend, we submitted it. To me, that is a signal of support and consideration. We have an opportunity to not bring it if we don't think it has value. I'm not so sure I'm comfortable simply passing this one forward as a
placeholder given the concerns about actual value to the community you and I are expressing. >> I am on the fence. I think I expressed my concerns earlier that um the way it was structured I'm not in favor of that but um I recommended some adjustments
and all. So with that I would support with the adjustments putting it on the resident's radar and hear how they want to pursue it and approach it and there's no harm in my view in a sense we have
done ke before but more so I I know we had good discussion if we think about it I mean we need to encourage more business and in a situation where we are not seeing much revenue from the business side uh this is one way to encourage that and it doesn't mean we
won't negotiate the negotiation points I mentioned I think with the clawback or reduction of the fund all those and the other way to think about it is that um if we don't have the business it's lost tax
uh so this is not essentially um a tax that is I mean right now in this particular case it may be a little bit different story but generally when we do the t it's not the tax that we have it's a tax that we don't have. So if we allow
that for couple of years or 2 3 years of not collect or uh T that means we have guaranteed uh tax collection the subsequent years but if we don't approve any at all that means we don't have any
opportunity or um any prospect in the horizon. That's how I see it. It's u not necessarily tax lost but tax that we never had but an opportunity to gain it in 2 3 years again with proper negotiation. I don't see any negotiated numbers here. I don't know if it has
changed. Uh I would recommend we keep it if the negotiated numbers and others looks more favorable down the road. um we can vote on it and see if we want to put it as a select board agenda item or select board supported item or just as
an item that we are passing through and let the residents decide. That would be my take on this. >> I am comfortable putting it on here for as a placeholder for now. We don't have any update since our last meeting on negotiations, but definitely I think we all indicated we were not okay with the
the one we were presented with the at the last meeting. But um yeah, I am open to um a smaller a shorter agreement and I I just think about on lumber street we had that big tennis and swim thing with all these grand plans to move in and now it's just a hole in the ground. So I would really like to encourage a
business like this to come and to be able want them to be make it work for them that they can afford it and be a good business that in the long term is going to bring us tax revenue. So I would like to keep it on here for now but I'm open to removing it if we can't come to an agreement and >> so so that that was my and I know you want I can tell you want to say
something but um so if the board um recommends an article tonight and say in two two meetings from now we can want to withdraw it we have the ability to do so. Correct. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. Okay. >> And we don't have to recommend it. We can just put it on the warrant and may make our recommendation.
>> Well, sorry. So, sorry. Just to be clear, I meant putting it on the warrant. We have the ability to withdraw it so that it doesn't even go to town meeting. >> Right. >> Okay. I just want to be clear about that. >> We have both the options. You're right. >> Yeah. Um >> I am going to ask you to tease that one out when we have the vote.
>> Yeah. Because like my opinion is not going to change on this one. I'm I'm not going to support this one. I think you know everything that you brought up I support the idea of economic development. I think that's but again the tiff is something that we use upfront when
someone's debating coming to Hopington. There is a building that's built. They are accepting memberships. To me that's revenue coming in. It's not I I don't know. I just don't think that's you know that's already tax revenue that's going to start coming in. I don't see how that
changes and I don't want to take that tax revenue away from the residents in this scenario. So, I'm not going to change my opinion. Um, I know you had a comment before we move on in on this one. >> My comment was that I wanted to tease it out when we did the vote because I want to be able to specifically vote on that
one. >> Okay. >> Well, there's four of us, so if if you two are against, then it's not going anymore. So that's >> I I haven't I've heard I don't want to speak for you, Joe, but what I thought I heard was you say you do not support it and don't intend to support it. However,
you were not opposed to advancing it. I was opposed to advancing it. I'm not totally sure where you are. >> Yeah. Um yeah, I'm I'm not for advancing it at this time. I know that we we gave town the ability to kind of negotiate, but um
instead of instead of coming back and pulling something away at this point in time, I don't see the benefit to the residents. Yeah, I I fully appreciate that. I think I would like to keep it and see what the negotiated final term is and then we can
revisit a month later because with the current one, none of us are supportive, it seems. But with the negotiated ones we may look at it and if we still don't like it we have time to drop. So I want to keep it and only other thing is that
uh um in this case I think it is retroactive. I agree with um um with Joe but it still has an incentive and marketing effect that we are businessfriendly. We encourage business and we are rewarding business or
incentivizing business for coming to our town. And I think that message is strong especially in the business community. But I fully appreciate this is kind of timing thing. It appears that they are already here. It doesn't make sense to incentivize at this time except it may
be a favorable thing looking as a business friendly and focusing in the future and encourage other similar businesses to come and um you know have their home in Hopkin. But again, we have time in my view, so I would support
keeping it for now. >> Yeah, I I I think the >> I think we could probably just vote on it, right? We've >> Yeah, I was just going to say the only comment and you know, a little bit separate, but you know, we have we have established with the meals tax an economic development fund, right? Like,
and there's a budget that we can draw from. We have ways to incentivize businesses that are just thinking about coming to Hopington. So the economic development advisory board. There's tons of avenues that we can do this. This is not saying like Hopington is not open for business. It's just we need to
protect our tax revenue base right now and you know continue to look for new businesses in parallel. That's my opinion. Um but to your point Amy >> I think we've all said our piece. >> No saying to your point we can vote on it. >> Okay. So I'll just let me just separate
that one out. I would make motion to submit an article into the warrant to approve a tax increment financing agreement for the open play pickle ball. >> Does anyone second? >> Second. >> Okay. And then we can vote. >> We've got a motion and a second. Um I think we we've already deliberated on
this. Yes. >> All those in favor? >> I >> I opposed. >> Nay. >> So it will not go forward. >> Two two not going forward. >> Okay. Um, so we had I think two other that we wanted to discuss. The land
disposition at Woody Island Road and then the ebikes. Did anyone have any comments on those two? >> Remind me the land disposition that's um >> So this is the the lot on Woody Island that's um between two homeowners and
over the years um there have been encroachments onto that. Um so uh we circulated that to town departments. Still I'm waiting to hear from Open Space Preservation Commission, but for the meantime, we could uh put that on there. Uh it's the intent of the two
owners to u purchase it potentially and divide it between the two of them. >> Okay. >> It's not a building lot. It's small. It's too small. >> We've officially been working together. You saw my face light up. >> As part of the reaching out to other uh boards and committees and departments,
it's been suggested we place a restriction on building on the lot so that nothing can be built there. Okay? or at least within a certain distance from the lake and that would be a decision of the select board. >> Okay. So, I'm comfortable moving that one forward. >> Ebikes. Just quickly, I know I mentioned it at the top. I remain in supportive of
doing something, but I think this is going to be more complicated than it initially presented as based on some of what I'm understanding to be the mass general laws here. So, very comfortable advancing it, hoping that there's still work to be done, but I want to just continue to calibrate the town that this one may not totally get across the
finish line this time. Yeah, I would advance it as well. I don't see any reason to hold it back right now. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I think we we can put it forward. However, for ebike, if you um can refresh refresh me, we did hear one
proposal from the trails or from one of the residents. Is that what we are finalizing or what is what is the final warrant on the bylaws? So um I had drafted a just a brief kind of framework for a bylaw. Sent it out to a number of
people to take a look at. People had different feedback. So the feedback now is that we should meet and discuss because there's a you know there's a lot of things we that people would like to do but the question is can we do them as >> I see. I think this is a major concern
by the residents. So let's keep it and see how it yeah evolves. We have time. I think everyone's sharing that opinion to advance it, but there's a lot more >> need to be had. So, if it's not ready, we can remove it. >> And let's be clear that this is not just ebikes in terms of like what we're used to with the pedals and the accelerators.
Now, this is also like dirt bikes and the things that we'd be getting in trouble in the forest on. So, this is also broader than just the bikes you're seeing on the road. This is multifaceted. >> All depends on how the bylaw's written. >> Yes. >> All right. And the the other thing I
just wanted to draw attention to, so uh on item 12 under the town manager list is uh something that um the historical commission is going to be considering submitting or would like to consider, but they don't meet until after the deadline after February 1st. So I said that I would put it on for them if they
decide to go forward. I'd like to see it submitted if they do because if my memory serves me that's something that they came before this board requesting our guidance on and I remember giving them a bit of a hard time in terms of it feels like you know what you want to do and you're asking for permission. So are we still asking for permission? >> So we have a uh so town meeting
authorized the sale of the property. So we have an RFP that's just about ready to go out. >> Okay. Now they would like to consider um an alternative and that is leasing it to potentially in a butter >> but to be at their next meeting.
>> Okay. >> So >> does in the interest of our own time and please don't hear this is me trying to stem the conversation. Are there any other ones across the list between the town manager and the select board anybody else wants to discuss because otherwise I I want to suggest we can
vote. Yes, >> that was the last one. The san house >> on the capital list is the um the purchase of 280 Cedar Street, >> the Carboni property. >> Yep. >> Is it on here? >> So that it's not on there, but it's on the capital list. And so that would be a
tell manager article unless the board wants to submit that. >> Oh, okay. >> That should come through. >> So you're saying that that will be under pay as you go capital or is it a separate one? >> Be free cash and perhaps CPC as well. >> Okay. >> All right. So we don't need to vote to suspend it. It'll
>> it'll it'll appear. >> It'll appear. Okay. >> So I move to submit all articles except number six under the select board approved tax increment financing agreement. Opal play pickle ball. So I move to advance all except that item for
both the select board and town manager to submit the follow to submit the relevant articles into the 2026 annual town meeting warrant. >> Second. We got to add amended to add Harrington Heap >> and I will amend the motion as suggested to include an additional placeholder for
Harrington Heap recommended settlement for the Aosta Brothers >> been accepted and seconded. >> Okay, we've got a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed?
>> Oh, that is unanimous. Let I had a quick question through the chair for the financial principles and some of the budgetary changes. Is there any particular warrant that can evolve from that? Um even if it's you know
complimentary for the residents to participate in the process. >> Um not sure I understand the question. So we made some proposals and some are uh budget principles are additive and some are modifying.
Is there any option adding those as a warrant and that'll help I think in some ways awareness as well as more participation from the residents but if it is something you know not as significant and we can
approve among ourselves discuss ourselves that is certainly an option but something I wanted to check and explore >> that the so the amendments to the financial management policies correct >> yes so that would be adopted by this board after review with appropriations and others as well.
>> And I will confirm that based on a meeting I had with Kylo last week, a draft has been sent out to Lance, Elaine, Carrie, and a few other people reflecting Kyla's revisions from our feedback as well as other discussions. So, I I'm optimistic that that's moving
and that we will see that back. >> No, that's good. Yep. >> Good good point to bring up though. >> Thanks. >> Um, that brings us to the town manager report. Okay. Uh so in your packet is a draft uh annual annual report for 2025 um by the
select board and manager and it's there for your review uh discussion and um thoughts on anything else we would like to include there or change. Uh we're still waiting for some of the information, but it's generally following the same format as previous
years. And the items that are highlighted in yellow are the ones that are required by uh the general bylaws to be included here or elsewhere in the annual town report. >> Do we have any process by which we get feedback about the annual town report?
Cuz this is no small effort for you, the publication, the binding, the creation, the coalation. I mean, I'm sitting on this board and I won't pretend that I've read all the town reports in my time in town. I understand this is something we need to compile as a legal requirement, but there's a difference between
compiling and paying to make it publicly available. So, I was just hoping to get some feedback from you about what sort of engagement do you routinely see around this? Do you actually get constituent comments and questions based on this report? >> Not too many, but over the years there's been some comments and that's why we now
include metrics. We ask people to include a lot of metrics. So that's that data, that information is important to people. So that's what we tried to to beef up the metrics that we provide. Thank you. >> So you know maybe 5 years ago we didn't provide what's here. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I was going to say I keep them all at
home on my bookshelf and I do refer to them. If I can't remember when something happened I I open it. >> I got them all. I just wasn't going to pretend I'd read them all. >> Yeah. It's the public has brought issues to us that you know happened a few years ago that I had forgotten. I'll go look it up. Like so I'm a member of the
public and I >> I just wanted to make >> the report. >> Yeah. I wanted to make sure they had value and it seems clear from this conversation that they do. >> People seem to like the metrics. >> Good. >> We really struggled that with that with the historic district commission the other night. We're like what kind of metrics do we have? All of our houses
are one year older than they were last year. >> Percent historical. >> They're Yeah, they're all historical. >> Green. >> Think I think we're good on that one. And we did include a photo. >> Yep. I thought I heard we were supposed
to include three photos. >> Well, I could only find one good one. We have others >> of us. >> Yeah. From the select board. >> Wow. That's not >> like the historic district put in pictures of the buildings in the district. >> Mhm. Do we want to perhaps I mean I
suppose I'm offering myself commentary here. Would we like to put on nice clothes for next meeting and maybe try and stage a photo at the beginning or end of next meeting? Well, I think if I'm happy to do that, we could also there's photos of the town hall, you know, with marathon banners or things like that. Might be nice. We didn't have
those marathon banners before, right? Um >> I don't know. Or or some of the main street quarter that's almost done. >> You'll have to take more pictures. >> What's that? >> We'll have to take more pictures. >> We could just use Gen AI to change the picture that we have spots.
>> Yeah, cuz I'm Mary Joprenia right now. >> Reorganize us. I thought this was a good photo. Everyone's in it. >> Yeah, I like it otherwise. >> This is um Mavis. There you >> don't even recognize myself. Proud moment. >> We did all dress up that day. So,
>> all right. >> I've got uh what was next? Vacancies. >> Uh yes. So, um, uh, asking for, um, approval to post the summer seasonal positions at the parks and recck department. Uh, they're
already planning for summer. >> Speaking of planning for summer, are is he confident and comfortable that we have made the necessary improvements we need to increase the safety of those temporary workers? I know this was a lengthy conversation last year about wanting supplemental funding there and
having spent some time in Sandy Beach. That's a little bit of a shanty shop where we're asking teenagers to confront adults. I would like to better understand if we have made adjustments. >> They have made adjustments. I recall that they had discussed those. Um but they will discuss that too when they come for their budget review as well.
>> Perfect. We'll need a motion for this one. Um, I move to approve the posting of the parks and wreck summer seasonal positions. >> Second. >> There's a motion and a second. Any
thoughts? >> Without knowing what the improvements are and not having heard them, this isn't something I feel as though I am in a position to support. I do have strong concerns. There are multiple residents who are in that area who have expressed concern to me about teenagers essentially having to confront drunken
individuals. I I want to better understand and I think thematically based on the conversations we've been having maybe this is the right way of putting it. I have been led to believe there is some potential concern for some children who live in Hopkin based on the way we are asking them to operate. I want to make
sure that's okay. >> All those in favor I >> any opposed? today. >> Okay. >> Just curious who who's our park and Rick representative. >> Same. W I will have that conversation.
>> Oh, okay. >> Thank you. >> I was is why I was weirdly knowledgeable about the uh improvements over there. >> And when are they coming to do the budget? In February. >> Big Sandy beach guy, right? >> One of the next three meetings. >> One of the next three meetings >> by people. >> All right.
Uh and finally, just a brief update on the Main Street Carter project. Uh Mass D has indicated that Emerald contract will be extended uh through October 2026. Hopefully, they won't need that long to finish up. Um so, all work including the punch list items must be completed before the end of the
contract. Uh they'll plan to mobilize after the marathon. Utility structures will need to be raised on the east side of the project ahead of final paving. Uh but that won't occur until after the marathon. >> Perfect. Um, liaison
board invites. Amy, would you like to start? >> I don't think I've had any leazison um things recently, but um we got a bunch of invites that are at the bot back at the bottom of the email that we should decide who's going to go to different
events. We got the Lunar New Year and invite women's club. >> Yep. >> So, I just want to make sure that those are covered. >> Yeah. I I responded to Barb. I can make the February 9th. >> Okay.
>> I think that's a Monday for the women's club. Um it's like at 11, I believe, at the library. So, if anyone else wants to join, but I I can make that >> Okay. >> Um >> because it's detailed. They need a presentation, right? >> Yep. >> Okay. Thank you for doing that.
>> I was I was less committal on the Chinese New Year invitation because I think that was a Saturday. >> I'm planning to join there. Yeah, I think I can go to that, too. >> Okay. Because I I have um we have friends staying with us that weekend, so I might be able to swing by, but I I just couldn't commit to it.
>> Yeah, I can I can go to that as well. >> It's a wonderful event next time. >> Yeah. No, I I >> enjoy it a lot and um every year try to make it anious one. But of course, yeah, but I'll be there. Amy probably was planning to I'm >> going to target that one as well. I
hadn't been feeling well enough for a lot of the public stuff, but I'd like to get out, too. Oh, >> all right. I don't think there was any additional um >> events event.
>> Yeah, the YMCA invited to the us to the community breakfast again for the marathon in March. So, we've got some time to figure out that one. >> Yeah, I don't see anything else right now. It's coming up quickly. Okay.
Um All right. So, it sounds like at least we'll have coverage for those two that are coming in the next couple weeks. All right. That's good. Um who had liaison reports? Amy, I think you said you were >> I think I said it. I don't think I >> um just one thing I wanted to clarify
the ESBC, we wanted um to have an update and the chair coming in. >> Has that been scheduled? Remember, >> uh he was going to identify when he'd like to >> Okay. Yeah. That that would be great. And also I was wondering now that we are
3 months 4 months away from marathon maybe 3 months would it be a good time to get some update on the marathon related preparation planning and all that >> schedu did you
>> um no leazison updates I just want to capture some of the future agenda items you said the ESPC right? Mhm. >> I'd like to suggest combining items A and J. >> Marathon. >> Uh, Vice Chairman and I, I believe, have
a meeting on Friday with a few parties to discuss next steps around Eversource LNG and the way in which we are hoping to influence that discussion and I do want to thank you for your support and partnership there as well as Representative Arena D. Rosa for partnering with us there as well. Sure.
Okay. So you said A and J to combine those two. >> Yeah. >> Ultimately this was driven from the conversation with Eversource but it's going to be a broader conversation about how we oversee and interact. So, repres Representative D Roza has called for a
meeting just to discuss and hear us. So, we can kind of um look at possible uh I think regulation that he's proposing for um utility companies, Eversource and others about their taxation or tax payment behavior and others. It'll be an
interesting discussion. >> Yeah, I think that's great. So, if you guys want to combine A&J, anyone have any issues with that? No. >> Okay. Um I think
I think the only other one was I mentioned has sustainable green come formally. I know they you know they said something to me kind of casually about a future meeting like an upcoming meeting for adopting that additional code around the electric vehicles. >> Yeah, I've heard that they would like to
but no formal word yet. >> All right. And I have one I'd like to ask for. I would love to have Open Space come and present a strategic plan of what their aspirations and intents are for all this land they're gobbling up and want to continue to gobble up. I can
appreciate that we want to keep the town green and accessible, but I would like to have a better idea of what the plan is besides keeping the town green and accessible. >> Got it. >> Thank you. >> That's it. Yep,
>> I got it. I move to convene in executive session pursuant to MGLC 330A 21A purpose 3 to consider strategy with respect to litigation bah verses manis at all because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating
position of the board pursuant to MGLC 3A21A purpose 3 to consider strategy with respect to negotiation with the dispatch and fire unions because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating positions of the board to approve executive session minutes from 6, 2026 to allow Lane Lazarus,
Lance Pure, and Douglas Louis to participate in executive session and to not reconvene in open session at the conclusion of executive session. >> Second. >> This is roll call. >> Yep. We've got a motion and a second. Amy >> Amy Rbrush. Yes.
>> Matthew Kizner. Yes. >> Yes. >> Joe Clark. Yes. >> Have a great night, everybody. >> Thanks all. >> All right. I just I do have some nice photos of the town hall. Um, >> so I sent them to you and you