Good evening, Littleton. Welcome to the December 8th, 2025 select board meeting. Uh we're going to kick off the six o'clock um executive session. All right. I make a motion to enter into
executive session uh pursuant to master law chapter 30 uh section 21 A3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining specifically regarding negotiations with the public employee committee as
discussing these matters in open session would have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the town. And furthermore, that the select board will adjourn to executive session and will convene in open session after the executive session. >> Second. >> Moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew. Mark
>> I. >> Matthew. >> I. >> Gary. >> I. >> And I'm an I. We'll be back in about half an hour. Thank you. And we're back. Uh we're running a little bit behind. So without further ado, let's get started with the pledge of allegiance.
>> I pledge allegiance >> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We're going to start with the mail. We'll move into department board updates
and requests. Uh we have a human resources vote regarding a side letter of agreement. After that, we'll have our public hearing at 7:00 with J&J Littleton Cafe application for a common victual or license. 7:15 public input and members
updates. 7:30 appointments for the Council on Aging Board. 7:35 licensing renewals of annual alcohol licenses or annual renewals of alcohol licenses. Uh at 8:00 we'll have select board discussions about various inundry. At
9:00 town administrator update 9:15 minutes and we will promptly adjourn at 9:20. On your marks, get set. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. We've got uh some uh current vacancies on town boards that are appointed by the select board.
We've got opportunities in the agricultural commission committee for the exploration of real estate tax relief for seniors, economic development committee, master plan implementation committee, permanent municipal building committee, personnel advisory committee, sustainability committee, zoning board
of appeals, and uh for appointments through Littleton Electric Light and Water Department uh their finance committee and We've got uh select board office hours. Uh today we had uh Mr. Nord House on the
22nd. Uh Mr. Rambacha the 28th of January. Uh Mr. Rambacha the 25th of February. Mr. Rambaka. >> It's all Rambaka. >> Yeah. >> All Rambach all the time. >> March 23. Mr. Rambaka. April 22nd, Mr.
Rambaka. May 27th, Mr. Rambaka and June 24th, Mr. Rambaka. Sign up to receive public notifications for the town of Littleton. Scan the QR code to register or go to www.ittletonmma.org/subscribe.
Community impacts, transportation issues, town meeting changes, public safety activity, public health concerns, town events. Stay informed. DPW seeking snowplow contractors for the 2526 winter season. Packets are
available at the DPW office 39A road on the DPW website or call 978-540-2670 for information. Rates begin at $100 an hour and up to $153 an hour depending on the equipment. Incentive signup bonus of
$1,000. Uh for the seniors that need some uh ice melt and ice melt and sand mix, get a bucket delivered for free. Sand for seniors, Littleton Elder and Human Services. Call the Council on Aging at 978-5402470.
We have a notification from Xfinity uh that uh rates are are being increased uh and uh this has been distributed to all of their customers and there is there's a as you can see there the
pricing uh for the services and the pricing are also there. It uh it's got the current um and then the new one that's going to be effective as of the new rate as of effective December 20th, 2025. And you also see in the Xfinity services
pricing has been continued also uh effective December 20th, 2025. And uh we've got some uh gift acceptance forms uh from the planning department for the affordable housing trust from
the first church unitarian for $3362 for the work of the affordable housing trust. And there's a letter to go along with that. uh that each year at their uh country fair they 10% of the proceeds and donate it to a local charity. And this year
they've chosen to donate the the funds to the Littleton Affordable Housing Trust for heating or rent assistance to residents of Littleton. Very kind. Thank you. Uh we have another gift acceptance form um from uh Sam Alvarez from the
library. The name of the offering party is Matteline Finlay and the amount of $2,000 uh to be used where it it is needed the most. Um and uh we have purpose of the gift will be expended be programming and
uh do we since we have a letter? No letter. Uh, another gift acceptance form from police chief Matthew Pernard uh from John and Carmela Crispen on the amount of $25 donation for community
policing. Thank you. And that is it, Madam Chairwoman. >> Department and board updates and requests. Human resources. >> Good evening. Michelle Vibr, human resources director. Um, what you have in
front of you is a side letter for the highway union. Uh, they have been operating since July. Uh, the transfer station employees have been operating under 40 hours. They were not doing that before. This is formality for this side to be approved. This has already been
funded by town meeting in the budget article. >> Any questions? >> I have a question. The schedule now has a 10-hour day with a 30 minute paid lunch break, whereas before it was an 8 and a half hour day with an unpaid lunch break, right? So, we're effectively
losing two hours of paid work per week. Is that correct? Or am I missing something? >> Um, I would defer to the DPW director on that question. >> I don't think they're losing hours. Um, >> well, they went from an 8 and 1/2 hour
day with an unpaid lunch break to a 10-hour day with a paid lunch break. So, that means they're only working 9 and a half hours now, >> right? >> I'm not able to comment on their their schedule, unfortunately. >> That's a good catch. >> I mean, yeah. I mean, one's legally
binding. We have to >> What's legally binding? >> They have to have the half hour lunch break. whe they take it or not, they have to be >> they have to get that lunch break, >> but it doesn't have to be paid. >> You work an 8 and 1 half hour day. Say,
let's just use the 8 and 1 half hour day. Um the half hour has to be part of that. >> In other words, you can't work an 8 hour day and take a half hour lunch break. It's an 8 and a half hour day because you're having the half hour lunch break, >> right? The the old agreement was a
alternate schedule said Monday through Friday 6:30 to 3 minute unpaid lunch break and now we're going 6:30 to 4:30 with a 30 minute paid lunch break. >> 4 days a week. >> 4 days a week. So you're going you're losing two hours of paid work per week
per employee. >> Per employee. Yeah. >> Okay. Um I know that uh dur I remember that during the contract negotiations one of the things because this was an imbalance from uh their uh the team members over at the highway uh at the
transfer station. They the highway department uh wanted to make sure that as part of the negotiation they brought them more in line to the number 40hour work week and this is what uh this is what resulted in it. So they're changing the transfer station to match the rest
of the highway department. >> I don't not match it if you can see. >> Well, I mean the as as far as four and a half >> 40 hours. They're ultimately for 40 hours because um you've got a a Saturday here. So you've got Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, Saturday instead of instead of Monday if you can see. Whereas the highway is 6:30 to 4:30 Monday through Thursday. They have the four 10-hour days. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. Are we going to retroactively pay them for their paid time off? >> That >> Well, they'll get >> an extra day. Yeah. Probably a day, right? Okay. >> But that'll have to be retroactive
>> to July. >> Any other questions? Good. I'm I'm ler to vote for this because we're basing in two hours. >> I don't think we have legal option to not vote for it. >> Well, I think we have to clarify that
ours I I follow Mark on this. >> I I I kind of agree. Like, can we just at least find out what I mean? It's not if it if it isn't a 40hour week. >> It's not a 40-hour week or like
Is it that the highway department, I'm sorry, the transfer station is now working the same number of hours per day as the highway department. >> The they are not the same hours but the same number of hours per day. >> 5 and a half hour. Yes, sir. Okay.
>> The highway is 10 hours. Um and and and uh transfer station is 10 hours also. >> Okay. It's just that the transfer station does a 10-hour day on Saturday. >> Got it. Okay. >> So, when we voted the highway contract, we gave them basically we went to 40
hours on 4 days, but only requiring them to work 38. >> Um, only require because of the 30 minute uh because of the 30 minute >> um >> or we just paid them 38. Well, if it's
paid, it's work time. They're on the clock. >> That's a 10-hour day. >> So, we're paying them to eat lunch. >> I mean, you know, like it's semantics, but >> it's financial.
>> I I I mean, I I understand. I will I would have I would vote for this if we voted tonight. I I get it. Do we can we pull back the the CBA for the highway? >> Pull it back. >> Pull it up just to
>> do a side by side or four minutes before the public hearing. So, we got some time. >> Okay. Yeah. I could recommend to the board if we need more time we can take it. Um it's not a big deal but just a retroactive being different
>> because all is changing it's retroactive time off just I think it's one day it's not we're not >> Is it because they're already working these hours? >> Yeah, >> just for the acrruel. Yeah, it's because the ac change
which is I had my iPad. I could help you, but I don't. >> No, thank you. Oh, >> I think our ratings are going down right now. >> Yeah. >> Can't have that. >> Gary could sing.
Well, that would help. Nobody wins. >> All right. So, I have a I have an memo from Ryan from May 9th. I'm not sure if that's what we ended up signing.
>> We we did resolve this contract pretty quickly. So, >> yes, >> I don't remember them putting >> by council as well. >> I don't remember when we put the contract. I remember them talking about a 10-hour day. I don't remember we ever defining the hours, >> right? >> Effective July 1st, right? I
>> mean, the transfer one makes sense, right? Or that >> it's in it's in what Ryan sent us back in May. But again, >> no, what I'm saying is the 10.1 is correct, >> right? >> 10.1.
>> Yeah. The >> article 10 10.1 >> 10 10.1 is correct for the transfer station. It's the highway that we have the issue with. >> No, still no. They were always on a page 10 hours a
day. >> They were always on a paid lunch break. >> So nothing's changed really. >> 20 minute lunch on the fly. >> It's according to this transfer station. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 30-minute paid lunch
break. Saturday 7 to 5. >> This is this is the new 4 hour 4 days 10 hours a day, right? >> Yep. That's why putting them on the scene. >> All right. I've got the U DPW
CBA. Yeah. Uh um >> wouldn't be the first time mess up in the seat >> 6:30. >> Highway did get a 30 minute paid lunch break. >> Okay. >> Meal periods. Article 15.
Sorry, Michelle. >> Um, okay. So, it's it it it reflects all employees except transfer station employees shall be granted a paid 20 minute on the-fly meal period within the 10-hour workday. Transfer station employees shall be
granted this p a paid meal period of 1 half hour duration during each 9 and 1/2 hour work days whenever possible. The meal period shall be scheduled at the middle of the day. The alternative schedule is reintroduced for highway employees that understood that the 1
half hour unpaid meal period will also be reintroduced as referenced in article 10 hours hours of work. Um, so the uh the DPW prior had an unpaid half
hour. >> So they worked eight and a half eight and a half hour days. >> Yes, sir. Then when it was moved to 10, it was it was on the it was on the fly and and when they increased it um
with the transfer station employees uh they too were essentially going to be paid let's say uh during uh during the work hours also
consider it I mean because there's only two of them there. So, it's essentially working, you want to say, on the fly, if you want to say they're having lunch while they work. It's not like they're closing it. >> They do have a person come in, though, and work. >> They do.
>> They do. I mean, I I've I've witnessed it. Someone will come in. >> So, a 20-minut on the fly is much different than a 30-minut paid lunch break, right? >> Well, you're in violation you're violating LSA. >> It's Yeah, it's illegal. >> So, they have to take a lunch break. I
understand that. >> Okay. >> So, I I think we're going to have we have to discuss this. >> This was vetted by town council. >> The language on the fly. >> How are they getting away from >> Oh, yeah. >> Their attorney also uh reviewed it.
Their labor council also. >> Well, what's the Department of Labor saying? >> I mean, I >> It's not yours. It's that on the fly piece needs to come. Okay. Would you recommend >> and we're going one more pay period of
>> I I mean it's not it's already after the fact at this point. I >> continue it get clarification from Steve. >> Sure. >> I think it's going to be pretty quick. And it's not so much the the workers at the transfer station that it is DPW the
rest of DPW the four 10-hour days with lunch on the fly. It's like >> right >> what? No. So realistically they should be working four 10 and a half hour days. I mean if you really want to but >> with an unpaid lunch break
>> I mean I no right correct. Yeah, but the >> you can't >> the transfer station is in this document as a 10-hour with a paid lunch break. >> So, so we're getting we're getting to Mark's point
>> the 5% raise effectively. You're getting 5% of your >> This has to be fixed. I this this is this has got FLSA issues written all over it. So, I would I would ask um >> when we bring this back, let's make sure that Chris Brown is available. >> Absolutely.
All right. Thanks, Michelle. >> 7 o'clock. >> Oh, right on time. >> Let's uh open our public hearing. >> Comment. >> Where are we? >> We get it.
>> Um move that select board vote. Well, >> we have to read the read the >> Yeah, I do. Is it in the packet? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Make sure. Sorry. >> It doesn't do that. It's just >> You can't see it. >> Um Okay.
>> Do it without. >> It's all right. Isn't that something? >> Yeah. >> I've got it. >> You got it. Okay. I'm sorry. I can't see. >> You can't see that. Oh, it's Keep scrolling. It keeps scrolling up on your screen. No, the other way. Another up.
>> Keep going. Oh, right there. >> Okay, here we go. I apologize. >> Hold eyes. >> Right. Yes, it is very much. So, the Littleton Select Board will conduct a public hearing on Monday, December 8th, 2025 at 7 p.m. in the Littleton Town offices, room 10337 Shadic Street,
Littleton, Massachusetts, to consider the application for a common fixer license as requested by Apologize. I'm going to hack this name up. Jeff Apostilis. >> Jeff Aposttois,
manager J&J's Littleton Cafe at the property located at 341 King Street, Littleton, Massachusetts. A copy of the application may be seen at the Select Board Town Administrator's office, room 306 at 37 Shadic Street, Littleton, Massachusetts 01460. Comments thereon
may be submitted in writing to Littleton Select Board at littletonmass.org or to the select board town administrator's office 37 Chattic Street room 306 Littleton Mass 01460 by noon on Wednesday December 3rd 2025 or in person at the hearing sign
Littleton select board Karen Morrison chair >> Mr. Pastor Lucas or >> Hi, >> you have rep to you. >> Good evening. >> Hi. >> Um, we're just trying to change ownership for something that's been open
for 20 years. Um, going to try to do it a little more professionally. You know, hours of oper operation have always been a problem. And um you know, we're not going to have an Anel system or anything like that. There's no gas or anything like that in there, so it's very safe.
Um you know, I think Andrea still has a I think she renewed actually and we're just taking it over. So um just like your comments. >> Glad to see it uh come back to life. Sure. >> Yeah, it should. And the whole thing
about it is um you know it brings the town a little closer together too. Uh I work next door and I go next you know get a coffee or something like that and I see you know some town offices you know I see like lawyers and doctors and stuff like that which is good a nice
place to be able to relax and talk. Um it's got a friendly atmosphere and um and I'd like to see it work cuz we kind of need a waiting room now. Now we're the only station in town and uh you know it it's we're getting cars dropped off
at night without any warning at all. So I have an older crew so they're going to I'm trying to find someone you know but you can't do it these days you know kids don't want to work and it looks like some of the bluecollar workers are you know a dying breed actually. So you know
I think this would really be good for the garage and everything like that. help us out a lot for people standing around in the garage um where someone could get hurt. You know, we have cars constantly backing in and out. Um I have an older crew, so maybe their eyes aren't as good as they should be, too. So,
>> kind of like Gary's, >> you know, but um you know, I think it's good for the town. We've had a lot of positive feedback. Uh when it was down, we had a lot of people come in and ask when it was going to open. Um I've seen a lot of positive things in there, you
know, for the town. And I think it's good for the town and it's a mom and pop type thing which is, you know, it's nice keeping a little bit of that in the town, too. So, um, that's my take on it. This is my brother Jeff. That's his girlfriend Jackie. And, um, >> three days.
>> You know, they're all excited about it. So, >> it's a good one. Good. >> Any questions? I can definitely ask answer them. >> Are you going to be cooking? >> You know, I did. Yeah, I did. And you know what? They really loved it. Um, you know, at
that time when, um, you know, things were getting bad, I ended up cooking a little bit, like two weeks, and, uh, I was having fun. The only problem I had is when, you know, a party of six came in and everything had to be out at the same time. And that's, you know, I could do two or three maybe, but when six
comes in, I mean, I'm not, you know, that good. So, yeah, I don't think I will. But anyway, you know, >> are you going to do dedicated parking? >> Yes. What we did is we opened up the back and um we're going to have all our cars out back. We're going to have
little signs put out, you know, cafe parking only. Um that way, you know, it'll be pretty good. Um I'm kind of retired. I work there three days a week. So, a lot of times my job is to move cars around. You know, people don't look at signs sometimes. And, you know, I did that with Andrea. You know, move cars
around. So, um yeah, they'll be out back. So, yeah. Go ahead. No, >> no association at JJ's place in Westwood, right? >> No, no, >> no. I'm gonna That's I think we've all
said it to be great. >> Well, thank you guys for putting light back into that. It's a Okay, >> good place for us to meet off site one-on-one, grab a coffee, chat about things. >> Yeah. And um you know, I think it's a good good thing for the town. You know, it keeps people talking and people
together um you know, and you get real food. So >> but I appreciate it. >> Mr. Rambaka can have his his office hours there. >> There we go. >> Yeah. >> Office. >> Should we close the public hearing? >> Well, is there any public comment?
>> Oh, yeah. That's right. >> Okay. >> Good. >> You going to keep Gino out? >> That's a little tough. You guys keep him out of here? >> I don't think so. You know how it is. >> Okay, that means you'll call. >> Oh, you did it. >> I'd like to add something. First of all,
I love you all of you. These are Rotary and we love them and I every time I come at the meeting it's like my family but the question is I have so many family in Rotary because everywhere I go I go to see the governor
and she says Gina how are you doing everything? Yeah, you know something we need housing in Littleton because we have no place to put the the people in. you know what I mean? In in their apartment because we don't have any more room. And another thing is they have my
family by two. The very I know him for 42 years and and the the the coffee cafe there happened. He didn't send anybody out of it. The lady lost the son because he
died with drugs. And I I wish I would find out who did it that they hit this poor guy and died. So she she neglected the place and he was very upset and she's a beautiful lady. Every time I
used to go get for I don't drink coffee so I let you know or wine or something but nevertheless I go there to for ginger and the lady kind of gave me a hug and then after when she lost her son she every time she gave me a hug she was crying and I I I told her I said not to
worry God will help you. >> Thank you Gina. The reason I'm here is because these two gentlemen being like a family, they deserve it to reopen the cafe because in in in my
situation in Rotary, we had the school. We had about two or three almost 300 people and we had a somebody says, "Gino, did you put this sign there? The cafe has to be open again." I said, "No, I only mention it." And the and every
place I was serving the those those people the food she said you think they're going to open the coffee cafe. I says well I'm in a ba health they are very clean they said people nobody got
sick you know what I mean so I don't think they should be denied for you know what I mean for the piece of paper. >> Yep. We're in full agreement. >> Let your family do business though. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. I'm sorry that I I I >> You hijacked the meeting, Gino.
>> Never lost. I as long as you don't throw me out. >> Thinking about it. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you everyone. >> Thank you. Hope to see you over there. >> Thank you. You're welcome. >> Very nice. Thank you. >> Move that the select board vote to appoint >> uh we need to close the hearing first. >> Close the hearing.
>> Move to >> close the hearing. >> Close the hearing. >> Second. >> Moved by Gary. Seconded by Matthew Mark. >> Hi. >> Matthew. >> I. >> Karen's an eye. >> Gary's eye. >> Chuck's eye. Right. >> Right. >> All right. It's another tough name, but I'm going to give it a go. Move that the select
board vote to appoint Diane. >> No, no, that's that's not that's an appointment. >> Approving the Where am I at? Sorry. >> You're killing me. >> I'm a soup sandwich today. >> Move that select board vote to approve the application for a common dictionary
license for J&J's Littleton Cafe located at 341 King Street. Hours of operation Monday through Saturday 7 am to 2 pm. >> That second >> moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew >> Mark. >> Matthew I.
>> Karen's eye. >> Jerry's eye. >> I All right. >> Unanimous. Thank you guys. >> May God bless you all. All of >> you guys. >> Merry Christmas. You have an opening. >> Thank you so much. >> Open it up. >> Thank you. >> If you have an opening date in mind, >> uh, hopefully at like maybe the middle
of December. >> Yes. Great. You know, it's kind of a tough time, but uh you know, at least been stuck here. >> Might want to talk to Jackie. >> Good luck. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thanks so much. Good luck. >> Thank you so much. >> See you soon.
>> Good night. >> Good night. >> Good night. Thank you, Gino. >> Thanks, Gino. We're going to take >> public input and members updates >> is next. >> Let's start with member updates. >> Who wants to go first?
>> I don't have much, so I'll go first. >> Okay. um attended the u the high school drama production this weekend couple of couple of nights and um it just it's amazing to
see what these kids can put on and um it was a Thornton Wilder um play. It was our town and it was a packed house. It was a little bit different was almost like a blackbox setting and um it was it's just a great um cultural event in
little Iowa town. That's all I got. >> Um we had uh want to appreciate the police putting on their every other month the veteran breakfast. Uh I think it was last last week. >> Mhm.
>> Yeah. Last week. Um, and I know I I was able to make it to the tree lighting. I hope somebody was here last. Um, other than that, I really don't have much. Um, oh, the plug for the Toys for Tots. Yeah. So, this Saturday, Toys for Tots 10 to 12. Uh,
fantastic annual event that the um, uh, LPD will be at the Littleton Police Station. It's a great way to drop off uh, items or checks or whatever. just it's a simple drive right around drive-thru. Um don't have to get out of your vehicle if you don't desire to do
so. So please uh come and support those in need this time of year and always. That's all I have. Uh I wanted to offer condolences um to the family of the pedestrian who was struck last week on the common. Um,
with the days being shorter, um, this is it. It it uh it's harder and harder to um drive safely. So, I hope everyone will just do their best. Uh, thank you to DPW for um all their
work to clear the streets with the storm last week. Um, and thanks to all of those who um organized the holiday bazaar. I attended it was I was one of many many hundreds if not thousands who attended they it felt like all at once
at some times but uh it's I love seeing how many different organizations we have in Littleton doing good things. It it always sort of um it strikes me every year just what a great town we live in to be able to support a um something of that size.
Had office hours on December 5th. We had had a nice turnout. Um and I had great dialogue and I really appreciate everybody who came. Podcast was on December 4th and uh we launched the green Littleton series and that was uh launched with Charlotte
Dolan from the sustainability committee. So um be doing um various green topics over the next few months. met with um HHT, the historical commission, the historical society, right about uh the
Tuttle House. Um and that will be an ongoing discussion. I wanted and uh met with PRCE to discuss um report followup. Um and I would have plugged Toys for Tots, but Gary's got it
covered. And I would have plugged the bizaar, but >> I'm scattered tonight. So, but >> and I would have plugged toys for tots and the bizaar. Both of you went first. So, I'm left with the drags, I guess. Um, I will, you know, I was looking into
some of the moving. Someone brought up the old space need study that we did. Well, not relatively old of this building. And um looking at the town website, there's a town building and space needs analysis working group, which actually Gary and
Mark, you were both on, >> which I don't think is there's no agenda. There's no meeting minutes ever. >> Yeah. >> I'm just wondering like >> it's a good idea. >> It's a work in progress, Matthew. >> Well, yes, I guess so. But I do I do it did we I think we should um we should
discuss uh you know we've been discussing the space needs in this in this building and what we're going to do with this building. I think we should maybe have a more holistic view of it rather than like talking about little bits and pieces everywhere and how things fit together. Um, >> yeah, that's kind of what I mentioned
last week. But I was just curious, was that something we got put on when we first got on the select board and they said, "Hey, you guys are going to be on this." I don't recall it. >> Cindy Cindy and I were on it before you, I think. >> Were you? >> Yeah. >> March P is also unfortunately on that as so clearly out of date.
>> Um, and then uh the the Tuttle House. So, would the idea be to move it to where the the vacant lot next to the the Old Elks Club or? >> Yes, sir. >> That's the idea. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> Actually drive it over there someday.
>> Exactly. >> Want to give us a better idea? Where is that? >> Where's >> between Castle? >> It's right in front of Castle in the Trees. >> The old townhouse was >> where the old park and wreck was. >> No. >> No. Like right across from um right across from the historical society. >> There's a there's a castle town hall.
There's a little plaque about the old >> townhouse. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That used to be park and wreck. I'm going let you guys know that. >> No. No. Was down. >> So, you're talking about next to the Masonic Hall? >> Yes. >> Between the hall and parking between the hall and the parking lot. >> The other building was down farther.
>> The building you're thinking about was in the parking lot. >> Yeah. Okay. Anyway, that's it's that area. So, that's interesting. The space in there then, I'm assume. Yeah. Okay. Wow. >> Okay. That's all I got. and with plans to what would that
>> I don't know >> that was part of the discussion >> that becomes our building >> or is it >> part of the discussion >> continue all right thank you >> all right TBD >> I got some ideas >> TV yeah TBD >> the cultural uh right there >> so um I attended the clean lakes meeting
last week um we're working um on um the water water and conservation department are working on RFPs for um herbicide treatments for the lakes for um to proceed in the spring and we're
working on the budget for next year. I attended the charter meet committee meeting. They have a very rough draft of the charter that they're working through that I would expect they'll present to us sometime in I'm guessing Februaryish would we we'd see a draft. Uh I also
attended the play. I thought the kids did an amazing job. It was um the setting was really much more intimate than the other plays they've done. That worked out really well. Um after the actually before the play and after the bizaar there was a rodenticide program o
over at the library where they uh talked um um they talked about um banning uh some of the second generation rodenticides because um uh they uh they well they do a good job of killing the
rodents but then the uh owls and um foxes and everything eat them and then it kills them too. So, there's a lot better solutions out there. Um, I would expect that, um, there's a potential for a citizens petition to come along
banning those. Surprisingly, one of my favorite solution they came up with for rats and mice is mashed potato flakes. So, they say mashed potato flakes work. So, put them in a dry >> What does it do to them? >> Um, it basically gives them gas and they >> blow up.
>> Blow blow up. They can't >> It fermentss in their stomach and they can't So >> that's crazy. >> When they drink water. >> Yeah. >> That's what activates that. Correct. >> Seriously? >> Yeah. So, mashed potatoes and if you add a little bit of baking soda, it's even better. So, I bought a box. I'm going to
try it out. >> That explains Thanksgiving. >> Wow. >> That's all I got. >> All right. >> And on that note, >> And on that note, uh, public input, nobody. All right.
catch us up. >> Oops. We are ahead of schedule. >> Just like that. >> Oh, you jinxed us. >> Let's move on to 6A appointments. >> Okay. So, we have a council on aging appointments. >> This was uh vetted through by the
council and they voted uh independently uh before it was presented submitted for your approval. >> Okay. Um I did have the pleasure of working with um Diane at the tread table on Saturday at the bizaar. So um lovely
lady who's excited for the opportunity. So >> that's great. >> All right. >> Great. >> Thank you. >> Move that the select board vote to appoint Diane Wlette Hadock to the Council on Aging for a term expiring June 30th, 2027.
>> Second. >> Moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew. All those in favor? I thanks very much. Get sworn in. >> Yes. We'll see Diane or Andrew. >> Yeah.
>> We're about to get busy here. >> All right. Annual alcohol license renewals for 2026. There of which there are many. Did anybody have any questions about the applications in the packet? >> No. No. >> Okay. >> Nor did I
>> I mean, I know we have a couple cases hanging out there, but we haven't been act asked to act on anything from ABC or anything. So, >> Right. >> Okay. >> All right. This is
um move that the select board vote to approve the annual renewal of alcohol licenses as cited within the select board packet for the calendar year 2026. license issuance contingent upon satisfactory inspections and submission
of all required documents, fees, and payments of municipal charges to be reviewed by the town administrator. >> Second. >> Moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew. All those in favor? >> I start signing.
>> Yep. >> There we go. >> All right. >> All right. Let's move on. hand out. I'll hand them out so we can >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Entertainment. >> All right. So, did that that did not include the
entertainment licenses, did it? Or did it? >> That was only the alcohol. >> Okay. So, then be common vicer. So, >> I just one question on the common Vic. We just approved J&J. Do they what's
their are they automatically for 26 or do they have to resubmit or >> There's one in there for them too. >> There's one in there for them. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any questions? Is that good? >> Yeah. >> All right. Move that select board vote
to approve the annual renewal of all common victual licenses as cited in the packet for the calendar calendar year 2026. License issuance is contingent upon satisfactory inspections and submission of all required documents, fees, and payments of municipal charges
to be reviewed by the town administrator. >> Yeah, J&J is not listed in the packet though. >> So, that motion doesn't cover that. >> Okay. To include as as amended to include um >> JJ Cafe >> JJ's Cafe as discussed this evening.
>> Second as amended. >> Moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew. All those in favor? >> I >> I >> Okay, we're on to >> entertainment licenses. >> Entertainment. Not a very long list. All right. Move that select board vote
to approve the annual renewal of all entertainment licenses as cited in the packet for the calendar year 2026. License issuance is contingent upon satisfactory inspections and submission of all required documents, fees and payments of municipal charges to re
reviewed by the town administrator. >> Second. >> Moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew. All those in favor? >> I >> entertainment auto amusement. >> Yep. Jax is still on there. >> Sal is still on there too.
>> The other So I assume these are the ones that are currently have licenses that have asked to apply or >> current licenses the way that uh >> but they haven't >> I understand but >> but they haven't necessarily reapplied. We're just going by the current ones,
not people that have resubmitted applications. So if they don't come in to get them, we can approve them because they're out of business. >> Correct. >> So, okay. >> How should we? >> It's their license until it's no longer >> We're going to pay for it, pick it up.
So, if we sign something, >> Okay. Contingency, it falls into Jim's not approving it. Okay. Move that the select board vote to approve the annual renewal of all entertainment and automatic amusement licenses as cited in the packet for the
calendar year 2026. License issuance is contingent upon satisfactory inspections and submission of all required documents, fees, and payments of municipal charges to reviewed by the town administrator. >> Second. >> Moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew. All those in favor? I
>> class one dealer. >> Class one dealers. So, we only have one I believe, right? >> Two. >> One. >> Didn't we just appoint Didn't we just uh do Noah's Miller Automotive? >> There's two advanced automotive, right? >> Yeah. >> Class two.
>> Zach's class two. Class one's coach. >> Got it. >> Sorry. >> Move that the select board vote to approve the annual renewal of all class one licenses as cited in the packet for the calendar year 2026. License issuances. Issuance is contingent upon satisfactory inspections and submission
of all required documents, fees, and payments of municipal charges to be reviewed by the town administrator. >> Second. >> Moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew. All those in favor? >> I. >> Here's our class two. >> Class two. >> Class two licenses. All right.
>> Three of them. Yeah. Move that the select board vote to approve the annual renewal of all class 2 licenses as cited in the packet for the calendar year 2026. License issuance is contingent upon satisfactory inspections and submission of all required documents,
fees, and payments of municipal charges to be reviewed by the town administrator. >> Second. >> Moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew. All those in favor? >> I. >> And lodging house. lodging. Little tin in
Little. Okay. Move that the select board vote to approve the annual renewal of all lodging house licenses. One Littleton House as cited in the packet for the calendar year 2026 license issuance contingent upon satisfactory
inspections and submission of all required documents, fees, and payments of municipal charges to be reviewed by the town administrator. >> Second. Moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew. All those in favor? Bye. >> That's it.
>> Yay. This >> We could sit here for half an hour and sign documents. >> You can >> or we could move on. But we'll keep that do we can >> uh select board discussions uh day after Christmas holiday which was something
that we discussed earlier and decided to come back to um this is something that we've done in years past but not my understanding is for not always
>> we just I think we've done it the past few years >> we haven't made it formal >> and we haven't made it formal But we wouldn't be doing that right now either. >> Um I think >> I understand I agree that we should bring it up as a policy discussion. I
just think we're it's a little late to be doing a policy discussion for two weeks from now. >> And it would potentially um have to be if we did that, it would potentially have to be discussed as a um one of the
>> Yeah. a holiday. >> Yeah. >> Um and then the unions also would probably have to come back to the table. >> So I'm not in favor of >> We made it a policy. >> I'm not in favor of closing the day after Thanksgiving or day after Christmas. I just I mean it's a it's a random day. You're
going you're going to throw it around. You know, Christmas moves around every year. Sometimes you're going to say, "Well, the only day you're going to say you don't want to close around Christmas is if Christmas is on a Wednesday." Otherwise, you're going to say, "Oh, we're going to close the day before Christmas or the day after Christmas.
It's just our We shouldn't be doing this." >> But have we been doing that or is that just a projection? >> To my knowledge, we haven't. >> You're saying you don't want to approve it every year? >> I don't want to approve it. Period. I don't think we should be doing it. I don't think we have in my tenure. >> Okay. Approved day after Christmas. I
thought we did it last year. >> Thanksgiving was like a a a gift when Keith was still here. The first time we did it, it was like Keith was pretty hard and fast on there's got to be coverage in the town hall because people are off the day after Thanksgiving and that's their only time to get to town hall. We've amended we've switched
around the hour so one night a week town hall's open a little later but um Christmas wasn't even on the table in 16 years. I'm glad this comes on um in front of us every year because there are
circumstances I would and you know I think Mark brought up one just the day that it falls on I I'm more apt as a select board member to say yes to a Friday off because the holidays on a Thursday as I am not on a Wednesday perhaps to give a Thursday off in the
middle of the week but I don't know that makes any sense >> there would be some other things maybe that were going on in town that we had to get certain things done where certain departments had to stay open. But um I know the effects of this are when you
typically give town hall employees a time off, the unions follow with some type of time off or compensation for those days. Um you know, c across the board, they usually have some type. So it is it's there's a larger effect to this than we
than we think. But for this particular one, I'm I'm more in favor of it. >> I I I guess I'm in I'm in favor of doing it on a Friday this year. >> I don't think it's a good president's to
set. I don't think we should be doing it. It just you you mentioned all the all the reasons we shouldn't be doing it. It's the unions don't get it. How do we how do we assign it? And I'm with Mark. I don't think it's a
good precedent to set. So whatever the next Thursday Christmas is, we got to do it then, too. You know, I just Christmas is on a Tuesday. You're going to close down on Monday because it's Christmas Eve. I mean, there's always going to be an argument for it.
And again, we've never done it. So, >> yeah, >> that's the precedent. >> Okay. >> Okay. I will say it's not precedent setting. That's why we have to come. It comes in front of us every single year to discuss. Any given board should say no or >> should be coming before us on December
8th or when it came before us two weeks ago. It should be something that's discussed when employees are when we're assigning vacations and putting that calendar together because that was put out in last December. >> Yeah, I I mean I hear your your point. I
will say that the president every year the president decides two weeks or three weeks before Christmas day after Christmas to give federal employees it >> or not >> and it's not all it doesn't always happen but sometimes it does and >> so it is a
>> more of a random thing um whether it's an election year or not for obviously for certain presidents and others right >> um >> all right let I I guess I'd like to know what you you the negative preced besides precedent setting. Um
there's a fiscal piece to it. Sure. And >> the impact of morale on on those that aren't going to be able to do it, police, fire. >> Um >> I want to believe that and I think just thinking the fact that they they do try
to compensate the the chiefs try to compensate their personnel with with time off. I'd like to ask actually. >> That's that's fiscal. >> Yeah, it is. Sure. >> We if we determine that to be a holiday, then that's holiday pay.
>> Well, we're not we're not determining. That's why it has to come in front of us every year. This is a I said any board any different board makeup. You might have five people like absolutely not for I mean it's this is
every year we're going to be having these. That's why it's in front of us every year. So I think it's much different if all the employees decide they want to take a vacation day and we close town hall because there's no one here to staff it versus us saying you can have the day
off >> have like a walk out. >> Yeah. >> Does our vacation policy require that in order to be able to take the time off you have to have coverage? Has >> to be approved by the supervisor, right? I don't know that there's going to be a
whole lot of people from the town looking to do town, you know, pay their taxes or um go to the building commissioner's office, that kind of thing on the Friday after Christmas. >> I mean, that's just it, right? how much
work is getting done when 80% of the uh of an office takes the time off. I not going to say I have been in that 20% and no work was done but I will say that
in theory you know hypothetically had I been there I would not have been getting much work done and I don't think anybody else does. It's just not what happens. So I I question the the you
know well there's a you know no there's not much impact financially in terms of you know opportunity costs to what work would have gotten done had we not called it a day off. It also impacts all part-time employees
because part-time employees don't get paid for that day now because we decided they're not working and part-time employees don't get correct holidays. So I guess what I'm not understanding is
day after Thanksgiving versus day after Christmas. All the you know all the arguments that are that you're making for day after Christmas would also apply to day after Thanksgiving. >> I I agree with that.
>> I'm not really thrilled with the day after Thanksgiving, but at least it's a set thing and it's more common that people get it off. No, I mean, >> well, it's the last Thursday. It's always the Thursday. >> It's always on a Thursday. Right. Right. >> That's that's where I kind of >> even there we not something we've always
done. We've done it the last Anthony was here the first time we did it. >> I Jim, you putting this in front of us? >> Not I. It's the um committee or Michelle, do you know who put this out
in front of us? >> Me because we talked about it before >> and we said we'd come back to it. >> Well, who brought it up the first time? >> I think it I think it rose as a result of >> Thanksgiving. >> Thanksgiving. And then part of the conversation said, "Well, what are we going to do the day after Thanks?" And
and okay, we'll kick that down the road a little bit. So, do we I I'm perfectly fine with departments closing down. If they announce that no one's going to be here, they're going to close down. Put it on the website that they're
closing down and everyone's taking the vacation day, right? I'm okay with them doing that. That's much different than us giving them the day off, though. >> It's a free vacation day. ask >> if if everyone or it's a fourth vacation >> that way.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. If we Yeah. What I was saying is if we >> if we just give it it's a free vacation. >> I'm sorry. Okay. I'm okay if if departments close down as long as it's published appropriately. So, everyone knows that, you know, the
town clerk or the building department will not be open this day, right? >> Because everybody's on leave >> because everyone took vacation. The only problem with that is Jim just brought up it's a uh when I asked it's a free ve when I said it's free vacation day. Now,
it's a forced vacation day. So some of them may have all their vacation planned. They're forced to take a vacation day on the Friday after Christmas. >> Well, if the well or they well or the departments, you know, decide that they're going to staff and come in, right?
>> Well, you're saying that the departments are allowed, you know, you you'd be able to authorize departments to um kind of minimal manning. >> Correct. >> And if they couldn't, if that wasn't possible, then they're allowed to close with prior notice.
Right. that that type of thing. >> Sure. I >> mean, but you're you're saying >> that's how we used to do Thanksgiving. >> It had to be somebody to manage. >> So, you're saying there has to be somebody in each office. >> That's how we did Thanksgiving in the past. I'm not saying that. I'm just I'm
offering up some alternative perspective. >> So, yeah. I'm okay if we want to say that if they don't can't meet their staffing that we allow them to close. Right? That's much
different than giving them a vacation day. >> It's not going to fight. Not if I were going to win. So I'm not going to die on the hill for it. So I think >> it sounds pretty split. We don't know. I I think we do.
>> Any other discussion? >> Nope. >> Okay. >> Is there any way to leverage it if it passes? >> Mr. Dugen, can we put him on the spot? >> Sure. >> Kiss of death as a boss. I I think uh No, I I think uh
>> that's why I asked if you put it in front of us because that does mean something if if this we don't I'm not going to >> I wouldn't recommend it if you said >> I agree that >> you didn't recommend it. In other words, >> I no I um I agree with uh
giving the day off and not have a count towards vacation or anything personal time. Great. >> I'll um make a motion. >> Yes, please. >> I'm here.
>> But everybody has to write a a report. >> What they did on that day, >> what I did on Christmas vacation. >> Single page, single spaced, narrow margins. I think it's I mean I'd love to put my name on and say we're
doing it, but I just from a um fiscal conservative I guess perspective I I I'm not sure it's a prudent decision, but sounds like we have enough of a vote to put it that way. So I'm vote with consensus.
>> I won't. >> You're much more principled than me. I'm I won't vote for it. >> I'm I So you won't be on an island, Chuck. >> I'm comfortable with this because it's not precedent setting and it's something every year that we could just say no
because X >> everything is precedent setting. Whenever you do it, it sets a precedence always goes back. >> No, it doesn't. >> Not this. It's >> Yeah. >> Until next year when they say >> you did it last year, we did it. Yeah. Well, that's just >> that's how Thanksgiving >> I'm not I'm not considering the pressure of last year. Now I'm making my decision
this year. >> I'm doing it because I town hall. >> We said it wasn't going to be precedent setting when we did Thanksgiving >> eight years ago, 10 years ago, whatever. >> We do it every Thanksgiving now. It should just be on the calendar. It should be part of an employees package.
These are the vacations and if if Christmas falls on a Thursday, you get Friday off. I I I'd rather just have that policy set. >> That makes sense. But it's got to be included in the employees factor. We can't be discussing it in November,
December for this holiday season. Again, my my opinion there's there's there's there's a lot of credit to that to that argument because if Christmas falls on a Saturday, >> does that mean you get Monday off? >> Saturday?
>> No, I never had Friday. We've never hit >> or but you see but like some contracts that have have shown if the holiday falls on a weekend you either get Monday or Friday off. >> Right. Yeah. So the the policy right now says if the Christmas falls on a Saturday you get the Friday off. >> Yeah.
>> But or it did but then the library that's open on Saturday wants both Friday and Saturday off because you're giving the rest of the employees Friday off. So I think we fixed that. So you get the day off if it's not. But >> did we give Thursday off last year?
Christmas is on a Wednesday. >> I don't think so. >> No. >> No. >> Okay. >> We've never given the day after Christmas off. >> We have authorized like if it's um on the days that we're open late, we'd offer like if Christmas was on Tuesday,
town halls open until 6:00, we could say you closed at 2 or 4 or something like that. We've done things like that, >> but we haven't given entire days off. >> And we we I mean I think we've been pretty liberal with giving Jim empowering Jim to if there's
potentially inclement weather that's coming and we don't want to put any of our employees at risk. And we're giving him the power to say, "All right, employees stay home. If you can work remote, good. But >> leave early." >> Leave early. >> Yeah. I'm going to stick to my stick to my because it's on a Friday and town
hall's only open till noon anyway on a Friday and it's a special I I just I'm willing to give it up. >> That's my stand. That's my So, >> make a motion. >> I'll do a motion. >> Make a motion that the select board
close town hall on Friday, December 26, 2025. >> Second. >> Moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew. All those in favor? I. >> All those opposed? >> No. >> No. >> I know I said I was going to do the consensus, but you should convince me on the
>> votes for um the minutes. >> Okay. So, we had yay from Gary, Karen, and Matthew. We had no from Chuck and >> one. No, I don't think of it that way. I I sound logic what you were talking
about. And yeah, maybe there is some discussion to be had about policy wide if it is a Friday where we know Fridays are half a day anyway. >> Want to close January 2nd, too? >> Don't be dafted. >> Can we agree right now? We're not going
to close January second. >> That doesn't make any sense. >> Let's move on. >> Thank you. That's a >> approval of the proposed January to June 2026 select board meeting scheduled. Does anybody have any questions about that schedule? >> This is the same as we were presented
last time. >> I believe it is. Yes. >> And no, I have no I have no comments or problems. >> Did we move the budget stuff to Wednesdays? Thank you for >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Um a huge help for me. >> Yeah, same. I will say that um if I can
request a uh change of a little bit on January 14th FY27 budget public information session. Mhm. >> I would I would recommend that it would
be a um public input budget public input session allowing so that kind be able to help people s you know that they >> the fincom and the select board and the
administration will be looking to public comments or suggestions. Correct. It it's it's an input session. It would not be a a Q&A. Um, >> and there's no presentations. >> Correct. >> Yeah. Makes sense.
>> Thank you, >> everybody. You okay? >> Yep. >> One minute. >> Okay. Um Mark in the charter review session noted in discussion with FINCOM how your Wednesday sessions that are
your joint meetings with FINCOM may be best presented as working sessions which then resolve the issue that I had attending Super Saturday and trying to give public input and being denied by identifying as working sessions. the
public's informed there's no opportunity for public involvement. >> So, so in so the Wednesday in Super Saturday meetings instead of calling them meetings, call them workshops or working working sessions, right? So,
we're not accepting public input during those meetings per se. >> I I I don't think there should be public input during Super Saturday. >> Right. So, so changing the word meeting to so that it's not implying that because at all of our meetings, we have
a time for public input. So, change it so that it's a working session to mean that it is not a normal we're not allowing >> we're not allowing input. >> All right. I was looking at the other. Okay. >> It's still posted as a meeting. >> Posted as we're just changing the
wording of the of the announcement. Okay. >> I see. Makes >> sense. Yeah, I'm fine with that. Anybody have any objections? All right. So, the changes are the public
Wednesday, January 14th, FY27 budget public input session. And then for all Wednesday meetings and for super Saturday, those are
>> working sessions. working sessions rather than meeting. >> So with the public in public uh session on the 14th I when are we publishing the budget books so the public can look at it in time to comment on that
>> at least electronically. >> Yeah. >> Uh we are working to provide the balanced budget by the end of this month. >> Okay. All right. >> Thank you, sir.
>> All done. >> Thank you. Could I have a motion as amended? >> Yes, you can. Um, >> did you get those changes? >> Yes, I did. >> Thank you. >> Move the select board vote to approve the January to June 2026 meeting schedule as amended with the wording
change. >> Second. >> Moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew. All those in favor? I >> Okay, great. Next, discussion and vote on the application for use of the common on December 18th
for a Hanukkah celebration submitted by David Roth. Is Mr. Roth here to speak to his request? >> I don't think he's here, but I just walked in, so he should be here soon. Yes. >> Okay. Um, >> if you think he's coming, then
>> do we have any >> do the town common policy discussion maybe? >> Yeah. >> So, um, um, I'll give an update on this. Um, I talked to, uh, the police chief. He said the number that, uh, the people that
would change his patrol or anything would be 100. So, I'm going to update the policy to say 100. Um, I am working on language for what to put around the veterans corner. Um, and I also found some pol some uh in some language in
like the Westford policy for how they use their band stand basically that says things like, you know, you're not allowed to advertise an event as supported by the town or the slick border, that type of thing. So, um, I did not get that language in for
inclusion in the packet. I'm going to suggest we hold off on the finalizing this and vote it at our first meeting in January. I will get this out as soon as possible so that we can get it posted and get public comment on it. >> So, it's going to be more the language
is going to be centered around if more than 100 individual need then you need to >> consider. Yeah, that's >> but that's at one time. Yeah. >> Not 100 total over the course of like a three-hour thing. If >> right
>> the expectation um and I clarified they need to they only need a heads up if they're expecting more than 100 at a time. >> So if we have to put that in there specifically would be important. >> Yeah. >> So >> cool. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. So we'll table that for now.
>> Um I'm looking at a couple other policies. I found Actton had a couple cool policies. One was um they have a traffic calming policy that they just um posted fairly recently talking about like you know when they do crosswalks
and um lining the streets and how to request the change in speed limit on all that. So I'm going to look through their policy and see if I can take that policy and our parking policy and kind of merge them into one. They also have a policy on um the use of town council for
citizens petitions that I think we should probably have as well. So I will look to bring those forward next unless people have other ideas on what they would like to see in our policy updates. >> Great. Those are the big ones I'm trying to think. >> Yeah, there's one that I'm working on
every now and then. Is it >> We were talking about a drone policy early in the year. right now, but I'll come back with the one that I'm working on. Whatever it is. All right.
So, >> midy year review planning discussion, >> we don't need to discount it. >> All right. So midyear review is coming up um for the town administrator. I just wanted to >> the chiefs
>> and the chiefs and talk about um process and I would just suggest that we do it like we did last time where I'll solicit feedback and collect it
>> from all of you and put it all together. >> Yep. So >> I thought that worked pretty well. want a motion. I mean, >> I think I think we're okay as long as we're all good. >> So, just here
>> you want feedback by >> I'll send it out. >> And if you if you need any help with any >> with I mean this you this Jim the two chiefs. >> Yeah, >> that's really it. >> Yeah. >> For us. Yeah.
>> Yep. All right. So, keep your eyes out peeled for an email from me and I'll delegate and request as needed. Thank you for the offer. All right. NOG Orchard annual monitoring
report. >> Um, I did forward it to the board, but I just wanted to read a snippet from the email that Dia sent me. Um, I think it's important to note she she did talk to us a bit about um the politics of, you
know, what goes on at MDAR and that it it wasn't necessarily a just a um that there was concern about the fact that the property was abandoned. I think that it was perhaps a little bit more significant than we were we were taking
it. Um D commends you on the progress made by the new leasing operator Bransfield Tree to steer the APR out of an abandonment track. It may be difficult to qualif and then she talks about grants and stuff that she really talks a lot. >> Very informative. >> Yeah. So I just I thought that was
interesting because this is her, you know, her official report that goes to all of her overlords and >> she mentioned that. So I think that that a little reading between the lines. It's a little bit telling. So, yeah. >> At any rate, um I can't I I continue to be um very impressed with John's
operation and his attention and his thoughtfulness to the property. >> Um and I think Mark and I just were talking recently about the house. And I think we should start, you know, have some discussions probably first of the year about what we're doing with the house. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> I'm so glad we own this property still.
I mean, I'm >> Yeah, I know. I go back I go back to the four votes, you know, and and we don't have the property and you know, so I'm I'm just >> We got lucky. I'll tell you that. >> No, I know, but sometimes that's what happens. So, >> agreed. >> Um, are you going to post a report to
the Orchard Working Group page? >> I believe it's already there. If it's not, I will. Let me make a note of that because Yeah, I do want to do that. >> Okay. So, we don't need a vote there. >> We do have a minutes we can go over.
>> Yeah, we could look over the minutes. >> November 17th and November 24th. And I did get email from Sue saying that she thinks, you know, she went through and addressed everything
that we had questions about uh from the prior minutes. >> Oh, good. >> Yeah. >> Were those were those amended minutes included in the packet? I didn't see them. Here's November 17th.
>> They're not listed. Cuz we still need to approve those, right? >> Yeah. I think I don't think we voted to approve them. I think we held off on them. >> Tabled it. >> Yeah. >> That was for the November 17th. >> No, would have been the November
November >> November 3rd, right? So, yeah. So, we we still need to approve those minutes. >> Yeah. Can we make a note to bring the November 3rd minutes back? >> Thank you. Uh November 17th. >> Any questions or concerns?
>> Any questions or concerns on November 24th minutes? Okay. >> Oh, no. Ready? >> Let's do it. >> Both of them. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Move that the select board vote to approve the meeting minutes from the select board meetings on November 17th
and November 24th, 2025. >> Second. >> Moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew. All those in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. >> Uh, town administrator update. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman, members of the select board. Uh few things. Uh want
to communicate to everybody that the funds that Representative RCRO had advocated to be put in the state budget as an earmark and that the $60,000 to update the 2019
Littleton common revitalization roadmap. I received communication on Friday evening and sign appro and immediately signed the uh um the appropriate uh forms uh to accepting the the the the money uh that
was appropriated uh that was awarded and uh moving forward and uh with with uh Tony and uh we'll be moving forward with with Maren. Uh we also received a grant uh agreement in the amount of $45,700 for the ADA self-evaluation and
transition plan that uh and this was something that if you remember a couple years ago the select board had ident had looked at um $35,000 as a match to up to $35,000 for a match for the transition
plan. That's no longer necessary with this funding source. uh this is the first round of the of the grant. Then there will be a follow-up after this evaluation and transportation plan is done. There is then a followup for with identified uh areas of improvement uh
recommended improvements to make those improvements with with funding uh opportunity there. Uh I >> sorry um who's who's driving that grant or is that hiring consultants? What is >> that? Uh that's going to be done through the Colin Center. Uh and that was done
with uh through with Diane and uh the uh right the disability commission. They're uh intimately involved in the the entire thing. Uh there will be a meeting on December 17th uh with the regarding the
regional energy manager that has that was the contract employee uh with the uh the communities around around this area about looking at uh um what we
identified as our uh what plan was that? Was it the green communities? >> Yeah, not the green communities. Mark, what plan was that? The sustainability climate action plan. >> Oh, >> thank you. And um so that is going to be
discussed how that position is going to continue to carry forward for the end of the grant uh amongst all the the communities on the 17th. Uh you have I've I've distributed to the select board the storm asset management project. uh you got uh the closeout
acknowledgement letter and uh it also provided a uh a link to uh to that uh to the uh to the uh to the document. Uh we will be coming before the select board uh after the f the first of the year of
really looking at and identifying areas about moving forward about potential areas that we have to do. We'll start that discussion. Um, and maybe there may be something that uh the select board would uh maybe convene a an ad hoc
committee or something like that to take this. This is not a a one meeting situation. This is a a larger picture uh that um has financial strong financial implications uh to this requirement regarding our MS4 permit.
Uh today we 550 King Street. Uh next week uh phase one is going to be before the planning board on the 15th uh over at the center run on Shadic. Phase one will presented uh we had the internal
team and Leolei team. We had a presented a dry run with us with uh with and we offered uh suggestions on uh on on clarity on some of the issues on uh messaging uh to uh as as we move forward
as as it moves forward. So that's it's exciting. It's it's coming now. It's one of those things and one thing that uh that that I shared uh with you from from Mr. Leolei in the past is once we start the ball rolling it's going to become
more aggressive. So then they're going to be for the planning board uh maybe potentially at the end of uh again at the end of December and then beginning of the end of January >> month almost. >> Uh really it's it's it's it's rolling. >> Uh which
>> the rendition looks great. I don't know. Great. I mean >> what they what what I expected. >> Yeah. Um the pre-qualification meeting for the Shaker Lane for the new Shaker proposed new Shaker Lane school is we are meeting uh to interview the four
contractors that uh were uh that were selected from the eight that we uh receive requests to be uh considered. And those interviews will be uh next Monday uh from on Monday from 4:00 to 6:30. And
then on Tuesday they will be from 6:00 to 9:00 which will at the end of that meeting the committee will vote and then on Wednesday evening uh the recommended uh uh company will be presented to the permanent building committee uh for for
for that. Um, Liz Tridiac has uh uh requested she uh the to approve a um looking for uh an unpaid intern uh in the spring for a total of 20 hours. And this is something that uh the intern is
looking for a community based organization and and and also lives in Littleton which is great. uh com as as you know we've been going through the budget working hard on the budget uh and all the departments have uh been very
cooperative and understanding and with continued conversations of areas of uh how we can uh be able to present that balanced budget. Uh one of the conversations we have unilaterally is with Nishobate and I talked to Mr. Ellis
today communicated and uh he believes that the increase that is looked at eight an increase of 8% from last year is in the neighborhood and is uh is appro does look appropriate. Um and last
couple last things uh creep business recognition the select board's uh business recognition program that you have started um has uh we've gotten some of some good support. It's exciting uh to see the number of uh to see the the
uh the requests come in. Uh Lisa has started uh she started today and will continue this week to um schedule uh two locations uh for this week. That's the goal is for two loca two locations. And the idea uh the idea
was uh to potentially look at having between two and four every month uh depending on um till we get caught up in um but we're also um uh Tony and I have uh Tony has made
some great suggestions on how we can expand that uh that exposure for those uh for those businesses that will uh will circle back and share those uh with the select board and uh we'll make sure that you have the appropriate dates and
times uh for the interviews and the photo op. Uh so and would love to be able to have uh select board members uh be there also. um agricultural um businesses.
um as one of the things that was discussed during the uh select board um goals uh is really to highlight uh we want to be able to highlight the town's agricultural heritage uh and on the town
website and uh what and uh so what we will be looking at to present is is basically having a a standalone section and then giving the different uh farms in the community opportunity to have uh
their link up there, a description or pictures or or anything like that. And uh so if someone looking to tour or go on a hay ride or do apple picking or something, they want to come to Littleton, they can they can see the the opportunities, they press on it and then
uh it brings them to their to their website. >> You used another community. You showed me an example back in July, >> right? >> It looked I like the way that was set up. It was I think it was tabbed actually. Yeah, >> you could tab right to it. It was right there and boom, all your farms,
>> right? It it was and similar to to Littleton. There was a strong agricultural heritage there. And uh and you want to maintain that and clearly uh what's been shared by the select board to Tony and as I Tony and I, you want to
make sure that you know we maintain that that heritage and continue to recognize that because uh that is such a big part of Littleton. So, and uh that's it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh
>> now we're ready. >> Yeah. Looks like we're ready to um for the discussion and vote on the application for Monora display on town common >> and two separate requests here. Correct. >> Yes. >> Two separate requests. >> Okay. >> Um >> Mr. Roth
>> and then Okay. So, it's application for the common. Oh, okay. And then and then for a celebration. Yep. >> I see. Okay. >> Uh let's start with the common application. >> This use of the lower common for the
celebration Thursday, December >> 18th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. >> And that's submitted by Miss David Roth. Mr. Roth. >> Yes. >> Okay. Did you have anything you wanted to say or >> um do I need to go? >> Sure. >> Yeah. if you're going to say something.
Yeah, please. >> So, I'll introduce myself and I'm here with Rabbi Palter. Um, we just submitted an application for a manora on the common uh including uh celebration for one of the days. So, um if we have any
questions, happy to answer them. But that's the summary. >> Okay. Yeah, I was thrilled to see your application. Thank you. Yeah, you're welcome. >> Any questions? >> Okay. >> Um, Chuck, >> what was the period that you were you're
proposing to display the minora? >> 14th to the 22nd. >> 14th 22nd. >> First day is the 14th. Sorry. Um, no, I don't really have any questions. I do have some
thoughts as we deliberate. No questions for Mr. Ro though. >> Okay, great. Thank you. >> Great. Anybody have anything they want to say for discussion? Um it's like going down the precedent road
again with um putting any religious um any religious display on municipal property. So I nothing against any faith. I just um I've never allowed anything that has
been faith-based be displayed. It's >> Christmas tree though. >> Christmas tree is not up there. is a common tree. It's a holiday tree. >> It's actually pagan ritual. >> I the event um the event is fine. >> I agree.
>> Um I have no problem with the event at all. >> I am a little concerned about the president for a religious um display being left >> on the common for a period of time. So,
and I don't know if this opens us up to anything from legally on what we on setting a president or what we have to do. I think I think it's into the establishment clause of the first amendment. So, it's it's
it displays a preference by a government for a particular faith. >> It's only a preference if you approve it for some and not for others. >> Right? said there's no other requests have to approve that for for anybody who asks theoretically. >> Exactly. Which does
>> which is the president Chuck is concerned. >> Exactly. Matthew, thank you. >> I understand that. I guess I had assumed that the Christmas tree was um religious. >> No. So you concerned
so we um I mean we talked the legality I guess of when you could say no to if if you allow this and then say no to another that's that's what you're talking about by the >> presidentarians come to us and say we want to put a giant flying spaghetti monster on the common
>> they they they have argued in court they're a legitimate religion >> and and they have won and like so so we say love you pulled that out you can't have it and then they sue us. I mean, that's far-fetched, but it's not outside the realm of possibility. I guess I'm more concerned with some malicious
someone, you know, deciding that there's a really hateful religion that wants to put something up that's absolutely aborant to me. >> Like, I don't want to do that and I don't want to open the door for that.
>> As Okay. as opposed to a critical uh religion and community members of our community. >> Look, I don't I don't like it, you know. I don't like saying no. >> Yeah. No, I but I I value what you're saying as far as you could have all
kinds of different and I guess my opinion on that is what does that hurt? So we went through that. >> So if it's a if it's a recognized religion um and we're going down the line now. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Where we could still say no with for
reasoning that we could say because of X. I mean we could come up with I believe you could. >> No. So we have flag policy for exactly this purpose. >> Right. >> Right. Because if we didn't have the flag policy and we allowed any group then we had allowed all groups to put up
a flag. the same. >> So yes, >> um I the event itself is fine because it's attended. It's an event like any other event, >> right? >> The Indian um >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Independence Day. Independence Day. Thank you.
>> I I Yeah, I'd like to see this one vetted by town council. What we open this if if we don't open this up to anything, which I really am concerned that we do. Um on >> more to the point, I think I would like
to ask town council what are realistically what are what is a recourse that we have if someone sets cites this as a precedent for putting something on the common that we don't want there. >> I don't think we do Matthew. >> Well I I want to ask council that's what I want clarification on
>> because I fear that there's no defense that we can put up that's going to be legitimate. I don't think it's a if you let it happen once, you have to let it happen forever, right? We could change our we could enact a policy that says we're not going to do this anymore if that's what we wanted to do
>> after if if it became a problem, >> right? >> Okay. >> But for the time being, if we have, you know, anybody, we have to >> until that time, >> we would have to accept any other organ religious
um >> Yeah. And I think that if we had somebody that was creating us going back and saying we're going to we're going to create a policy to I think that's a slippery slope as well. Something I'd prefer to get vetted by
town council because if whatever that organization is if we're at the point where we want to change our policy, they're going to dig in and they're going to fight us on it. >> Oh yeah. No, I mean I I think Yeah. I didn't think about it in terms of if somebody asks me change our policy. I thought about it in terms of
as we are working on our pol like we don't have enough time to put together a policy for this season this holiday season. >> Yeah. >> But if we wanted to get one together for next holiday season >> I think that you know we would be well
within our rights to do so. I mean, I I I have trouble believing that this isn't that we're not the first community common that's had a minor on display. >> I agree. >> So, um that's where I I
>> Yeah. I mean, I I I also think like, >> you know, vibrant members of the community want >> the fear is overblown maybe. So, >> I still think it's slippery slope. >> I thought the fear was overwhelmed, too.
And then but the flag policy kind of changed my mind because >> other towns had issues. >> Other towns had serious issues with >> with the flag policies. So, >> and we might be able to fix this since we're working on the common policy. We
could approve this one and by January basically disallow it if town council says and and be okay since we are technically in the process of revising this policy anyway. So, it might be a one-off no matter what,
>> right? >> So, that's me talking myself into it. But, >> can we vote on the first one anyway? That one I think we're in agreement on. Correct. >> On that event. >> Absolutely. Yes. >> So, I'm going to move that the select board vote to approve the use of Lower Littleton Common for Hanukkah's a
Hanukkah celebration on Thursday, December 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. Second. >> Moved by Gary. Second. Can I just if we can do something for the I do you have any idea where you guys are going to be setting up? Can I just ask that
question? Because I'm talking about the u veterans corner. I I just we keep putting things on the common and we're we're not >> doing anything about that. >> I think we've got time to work on the veterans common. >> No, I just want to ask him more. >> Where are you planning on setting it up? Yeah.
>> So, um maybe you might have a better idea, but but the actual manora is how big? Like 6 ft. >> 6 foot. So, like you know the length of my arms. I'm not sure exactly where we plan to set it up, but it's not a huge
piece of real estate. >> If we were going to were going to have it there for the eight days, we would need it to be next to the electricity. >> Right. >> Right. Yeah. >> The event itself will do a lighting, but then we put back in the bulbs. Mhm. >> So I assume that means the that's I
don't know which that's probably the common over there next to the tree where there's wires that correct >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So basically what I'm trying to defend is >> Yeah. Um the where it comes to a point >> if you're coming from
>> 495 y pl many places you should come from 495 but from like the high school if you're coming >> the American flag basically >> up the hill there's an American flag on the corner so you can go Steven Street this way you can stay on King Street that corner to the first walkway is it's
considered Veterans Corner. So just >> I'm trying to >> protect that essentially. So if if you could >> we don't have a policy we don't have a policy there at this point there are not >> well there's there's the monuments it's very easy to see the American flag in
the middle and then the monuments right around the flag >> that's all yeah if you just yeah >> I don't I don't think yeah >> I think the electricity >> to your point is going to be a little further away anyway. >> Yeah this side anyway. Yeah.
>> Thank you. So, we have a we have a motion in the second for the use of the comment on sorry on December 18th from 6 to 7 p.m. >> Okay. >> Moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew. All those in favor? >> I I >> Okay, now that discussion
>> so >> I'm I'm sort of with Mark. I think we should approve this um this time. >> Yeah. and um if it becomes an issue and if and if we decide town council says this should really be added to the common policy I think that's valid and
>> like let's go let's go ahead and do it >> until then I think this is >> I again not anything against >> any faith or any religion um but I can't I I think even if we do it this time
we're going to have to ask town council if that could be considered precedent if another group came in. So I I I'm I'm pretty hard and fast. No. >> Okay. >> I'm going to say since we don't have something in our policy currently that disallows it. >> Well, the Constitution. >> Well, no. In our No, in our policy, we
don't disallow religious on the common currently. So, if we change it in the future to disallow >> Okay. >> We should be Do we have anything for municipal property though? >> I don't think so. Just stick with my vote. Well, we
haven't taken a vote yet. >> Anybody else? >> Okay. >> Sure. Rabbi, would you mind? Uh, >> the microphone, please. >> So, the >> name and address. >> Our huge viewing audience at home needs to hear you.
>> Actton, 148 Great Road, um, our Kabad Center services area towns. Um so just I don't know if people are aware over here but this these issues have gone to court many a time and almost every single time
if not every single time they they won. I don't know the arguments on either side beginning including and beginning in Washington DC obviously right on the right in front of the white house or wherever it is over there but even here in Massachusetts there are many that have years I don't know from recent
years but uh you know 15 20 years ago there were a number of cases that were brought people sued or whatever the case was and and I think they were all found to be whatever the reasons were to be so I just want to you know make sure
This is not the first time that uh it's not the first like someone mentioned here, it's not the first common that has a right order. I mean has one thing redstone. Um but in addition to that, it's not the cases have been brought brought to court in most cases. I don't know based on what, but you know, so I
just want to throw that out to have it in the mix. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So town council should have precedent. >> Good. Yeah, that's great. >> Um >> I mean Sure. in in case law for sure, but the
in general we're going to have to discuss time periods. Obviously, Hanukkah is a a period of time where that would be up. Other religions, we we'd probably have to deal more specific in a policy of um during your holy time
or that in other words, it can't be year round type things or we'd have to get into >> probably a little bit more detail if we're going to have policy set up on it. >> Yeah. um organized religions obviously that are recognized. >> Just have to get guidance from town council on how to
>> madam chair if I may through through the chair. Um Rabbi, how how is the manora going to be uh secured on at at the common s? >> Um it sits on a base. >> Okay. So there there are no stakes or anything going into
the base. I also throw a few sandbags on just for the wind to super >> more is better. >> More is better, right? >> Okay. Thank you. >> Question. Thank you, Jim. >> All right. >> That is actually a good question because there there's two ways you can do it.
One is you take a hole and you put in the thing, but I don't that's the I do that in front of the kabad center. I did that. It's just, you know, it's >> cold ground to get through. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. No, I did it one and I have a whatever. It's like a slave that's in there.
>> I don't want you to get electrocuted on our >> when I you know when I bring them or I move them to a place I just I have a heavy base. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. What number are we?
>> It's 8 >> 8 >> D >> 8 D. Yep. 8 D. Move that select board vote to approve the use of the lower Littleton Common for a Manora display from
December 14th to December 22nd, 2025. >> Second. >> Moved by Gary, seconded by Matthew. All those in favor? I opposed. >> Um I'm opposed. I just again I want to reinforce I'm member of Bob Craft's Blue Square Alliance. I It's nothing against
>> you or your faith. So >> valid. So valid. >> So no. >> All right. So motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Is that all our business? >> That is all our business.
>> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Moved by Matthew, seconded by Gary. >> I Good night, Littleton. >> Good night, Littleton.