I will falsely order the Tuesday, February 10th meeting of the department. There was one over there. You want one? >> Uh, look. >> Oh, Norm grabbed them all.
>> Need help? >> All right. Um, so we can start updates. Um, I just have two sort of things to kind of chew on a little bit here. Um, do we know if um, Kevin is um,
reopening? >> I have not heard from Kevin at all, so I would make the assumption probably not. >> And the reason I mentioned it is that the library had sent out an email about >> learning about being a trustee. And I thought that was kind of cool,
kind of advance, try to find someone. >> Okay. And it might be good for us to I mean times you're going to get your 50 signatures in what through end of March or so or so it's kind of time has clicked ticking.
>> They're they're well ahead of us on that curve. >> Yeah. I was thinking that's a that's a good idea like people like oh see see if you like it or see if you right >> talk to talk to a trustee see >> um so that was one the other thing I was um hiking around this weekend and um was
looking at interpretive signs at a park >> and I was thinking wouldn't it be nice to have like a nice one at Fay Park >> that like talks a little bit about the history of Fay or even town history. Yeah, >> maybe even put like an old time photo of
the pool that was in Littleton could say, "Hey, we we want a pool back." Used to have one used to have one. But um I was thinking just kind of having I they have like some some nice
old photos um at the train station um >> and it's kind of cool seeing >> I've been there a little while. >> Yeah. So, I was thinking be nice to have maybe a side at Fay and then kind of us kind of promoting ourselves a little bit.
>> I love that >> because who know who in town knows that? I mean, who knows that it's a park and wreck spot? >> Yeah. >> Not many probably. I mean, people probably unless they get permits.
>> Yeah. Yeah. So, those are my two things for the day. >> Where was the pool? >> What's that? >> Where was there? >> The pool was um where um the Toyota dealership was is right now
>> and before the Toyota dealership, it was Obashan Hardware. They moved across the street and they >> was in the movie theater. Yeah. So, it was kind of where the old movie theater was where the pool was. >> Not that I was here was before I was here.
>> There's a photo in the Littleton on my 200th of year or 300th book. >> Uh the only thing I have is we have to keep in mind that baseball field is in
>> not this year. I mean with >> we Yeah. So that is on my list of things to do is to set up a meeting because we do need to go through scheduling for spring. Yeah, >> for sure. Um >> that and um Tim's running but
in sports too. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Shake weight meeting. >> Was that you went? No, that she implied that um what's her name? Mary >> Mary Lee Mercy. >> Yeah, I they were still working on the
contract the last that I heard. So I think once they solidify that then then we set a meeting and have conversation. >> We have communicated that Angelato on our >> that's it. >> Okay.
>> Okay. In terms of parks and rec members, there was someone who had expressed interest in possibly doing it, but we would have to change our day that we meet. >> Oh, that's okay.
>> John Gaz was said he would be interested in running, but we would have to move our day. >> I talked to him and he was like, I don't know. >> He said to me he was >> really Yeah. >> Okay. He was a commissioner for a very short period of time for >> Yeah. So he said,
>> "Yeah, Tuesday nights he has to work in Watertown till like 700 p.m. That's like Dan Long. >> Can do I can do another night. >> We can Yeah. I mean, >> I'm like if you can change our night. >> Yeah.
>> Right. I And I would say that to anybody who >> is running when the board is reconstituted after the election. >> We can pick new dates. agreeable to >> Yeah. agreed to >> we're not locked into Yeah. the time frame.
>> That should not hold anyone back from applying. Yes. And running, >> right? >> Pulling papers. >> Oh. >> So, yeah. Okay. >> So, it's worth uh seeing if that was serious or >> I will. Yeah. That was just friendly
banter to get me >> all excited. Um, and then I have not been to this a school committee meeting, but I read the notes
from it and there was something about creating a better relationship with the schools for early release afternoons. It was just kind of a side comment in the notes about like if we had more programming and I don't know
>> like the school thing >> like somebody on the school committee Yeah. >> said something about like which I think we have a pretty good relationship with them for setting up programming on early release days and whatnot. >> Yeah, we do it all the time. But I just
figured I would mention that. I I just read that today. So >> I was it they were wanting the schools to do the programming? >> No. Oh no, no parks and wreck. Having a better relationship with Parks and Wreck, which I thought we have a pretty good relationship with me
>> for non, you know, for early release options. And >> yeah, >> cuz the calendar, they improved the calendar based on the notes for next year. >> Yeah. >> And it looked like a lot of the early release days are going to be Fridays next year. >> Yeah. >> So that's
>> And that makes that hard, right? Yeah. Because a lot of parents if they're able to will just be like >> let's go somewhere for the weekend or you know um we can go do some I don't know >> right >> um it gives a lot more flexibility than
if you have a half day on Wednesday >> right >> exactly >> but yeah anytime that we have a half day that happens uh through the week not necessarily Fridays because we find lower attendance on those days but um yeah if it's like
Monday through Thursday, we always have something planned and ready to go for for her parents in uh Shaker Lane uh as well as Russell and Little. So, yeah, that's interesting. >> That might be part of our discussions with them to remind them. It might be
somebody who just doesn't realize all that is done. >> Yeah. >> But um and we're finishing ski. >> It's the last night of the show. >> Yeah. >> Oh, last night in the showa. >> Wait, today? >> Yeah. There's ton of snow still out there. >> I know.
>> Well, it's end of the program. >> Yeah. So, yeah. Yeah. No, tomorrow's >> tomorrow's already six weeks. >> Isn't that crazy? >> Yeah. Just a six. >> Oh, >> yeah. Tomorrow night is the last night. >> Just came up, but it's snowing quite heavily. So,
>> yeah. >> Keep that in mind for tonight, too. >> Yes. >> Chocolate. I said good enough. >> So the and then the other thing is it looked like the superintendent posting is still there live here in town.
>> Okay. >> Say two >> explain three things. one I attended the going party for Tim >> which was fantastic and delicious did a lovely poem um that was really quite
quite entertaining um and uh and well attended and lot of folks I think by time so that was great um wishing the best act uh also attended the budget meeting with
the select floor of PIPCOM that went relatively straightforward. Um it was again reinforced that they're there would they would like to have a policy for our revolving fund among
other things. U have a very very rough sketch for draft or something >> that we can talk about later. Uh and then I'll also uh the charter
committee is continuing to discuss uh they're at it actually right now. Um whether boards should be elected or appointed as one of their significant topics. U I don't know where they were coming down
on our board at this point. So >> yeah, because I I mean originally I had heard that it would stay elected, but >> yeah, they had that was their initial discussion and then they decided at some point along the way to go back and
redisuss all of the boards. Um so they're they're reviewing them again. Uh there were some changes being proposed but I think there were were members on both sides.
Give some thought. I may have a public inquire open house event coming up. Anybody wants to share about minutes? >> Um, yeah. Minutes. Make a motion to approve uh the January minutes. I would
just like to say there's just one small correction on I didn't attend the school board meeting um but I had email communication with him so that's >> okay I will fix that >> just if that's struck the keeping the
because I had had correspondence >> okay >> make a motion with that edit >> I would second that >> motion to second all those in favor I Carrie, you slide.
>> All right. I just put this in here because this was something we had continued to talk about. Haven't really wrapped up yet. Um, so I did want uh I have been working with town council to see if we can get a meeting set up so that the two of you can sit down with
them. um just so we can make some headway cuz the me being that middle person in between just it I think it would be a lot easier just to sit down and be like hey these are our thoughts and he can tell you right then and there we can do this we can't do this or
>> you know whatever um so I will reach back out to him tomorrow and see if we can get something set. Are there any days that are better or worse for the two of you? I my schedule's fairly flexible. >> And we were thinking um virtual or
>> Yeah, I most of the lawyer ones are are dead. >> Are we thinking um potentially next week or >> Yeah, we can even have some time on Friday.
>> Friday. Excellent. Got quite a bit of time virtually on Wednesday. >> Next Wednesday. >> Yeah. Wednesday the 18th or the 19th. 19th of Hawaii open at any time. >> Okay.
So, I will get and see if I can set that up. Um I can put this down so that we could talk about this. Um so the continued discussion on policy updates. So um we talked about it at our last meeting and
yes this was something that we talked about at the uh uh budget hearing last week and uh so developing a revolving fund policy for uh essentially we would I'll go over some of the information um that I presented at the meeting. um just
just in case you guys hadn't seen um that presentation, but um the idea is ultimately we're we will create a stabilization account line um and a project funding account line. Um so the
amounts things like that are all should be put into a policy. Um so this is something that you know we definitely should uh work on um develop an overhead policy. That was something that was
written on the last um the last one. So I just put that on there if that's something that we wanted to discuss. Um and I did talk with Diane Corey who is our town clerk. Um and she is in the know of all things open meeting law. Um,
and there the only thing that I could do is yes, I could share files with you. Like I could send an email out and put all of those files, you know, give them to you. However, we can't like upload stuff to a Google Drive where you can
make notes because that's still its, you know, communication. So that is not allowed. So, the only way that we could really do that is if I sent each of you the documents and if you had your own
track changes and then I had them all together. Um, and then we can discuss those at a meeting. But as far as like just working on it as a group, that's not something we can do. >> And where are we at with having all of
the existing gathered? Um, so Nate has gathered everything into one place on our M drive, which is internal. Um, but we don't have those shifted to put out onto the actual website yet. We have I mean
the important policies, we have those up there. Um, we also have like the waiver and things like that that are uh every time you sign up for a program, you have to go through those. Um, so on the important ones that have to do with programming are up there or any of our
refunds, cancellation policies, all that's available on the website. Um, but as far as like creating that one page, web page that's going to have all the information we have. Sorry about that. Yeah. >> Yeah. I was thinking more for for us. I think maybe I see
>> one way of doing it is >> once we see what's there and what we want to work on, we can each take >> Okay. >> a couple. >> Yeah. >> And then or start with one or two. >> Yeah. >> I think it's still permissible that
the members can send one way to one person gathers it. >> So if we each have sort of a document Yeah. >> that we're working on that's not >> collaborating outside of an open meeting. But I think if it's like if you put your comments and then sends it to Kate.
>> No, no, it has to be Well, I can send it to Kate as long as everybody sent it to Kate. >> But then only send it to you. >> Yeah. >> Or you can bring it to an open meeting with >> proposed changes and then we discuss it there. >> Yeah. >> Absolutely. Yeah.
>> That's >> Yeah. >> So >> we can also check like the I mean the schools have regular policy reviews. I'm not sure how they're doing it, but the school committee >> I can talk to Yeah, I can talk to Kelly about that. >> Yeah. And they're so I don't know if
they assign two people to a bunch of them. They work together. >> Well, that's one of the other things I was going to suggest and I we haven't really done it with this before is like they you can create a working group. Um, and that's something where you can meet
um to do things like that outside of I mean I think you still have to post them um but it's not as like rigorous as like putting all of this together. Um so yeah, that's a possibility as well.
There's some some ways uh to do it for sure. Um, do you want to do this? >> I mean, just while we're So, I started on it. It is obviously a very very rough draft
of just trying to get kind of the the main concepts in place. >> I still haven't been reviewed by anybody by anybody except me. Okay. Something to to kick us off, get us
started on thinking about. Make sure that when this goes up to clear Yeah, I don't think that up yet. >> You do if it's something that we look at during the meeting. >> Oh, part as part of the
>> Y >> and I think it must be a type of expenditures will be directed. So, but but I take it it's supposed to be by >> Yes. Okay. Y >> I was gonna ask that wrong.
Alisha, I know you mentioned this before, but um vehicles get purchased out of >> capital >> capital. >> They could be purchased out of >> They could. >> Yeah, >> they could. But I believe uh this is one
of the conversations I wanted to have with Steve a little bit more. Um I don't I I don't know if a decision has to be made that it's not going to be on capital anymore, but like the revolving
funds couldn't pay for something that's on capital. So that's where I want a little bit more clarification on what that means exactly. >> Yeah. Um, but I I remember him mentioning something about that that there would be uh but I haven't read
anything necessarily in mass general law that says that it can't be. So I just wanted to pick his brain about that a little bit more. >> And I Yeah. And then I think there are some questions about the revolving funds are supposed to go
back to wherever they were coming from. So essentially programming. I don't know how much outside of like if uh upgrades to parks the dump programming on large scale yeah
>> would qualify for that funding or not. >> So that's something that maybe we should that should be clarified then. >> Um >> so just things Yeah. Those are things we have to look at. >> Yeah. Okay.
>> I just want to get everybody's skeptical start. >> So, how's this different than what happens today? >> Is this largely it's not >> well the two account buckets that Felicia
mentioned are new. >> Okay. >> Um and that is I think mostly a bookkeeping function to to understand what the balances are and and and understand why we're you know is there a
reason to be having a significant balance in the revoling fund. The answer is yes because you want to pay for projects in the future but those are larger and we can't you're not going to do them out of >> amount of annual program >> right >> u
but no mostly it is just to document >> what we're doing and make make it clear to everybody and if we all disappear tomorrow there's still a >> understanding of what's supposed to be happening just
>> I I I think ultimately like one of the goals that we've been trying to work through is how do we make this the most transparent that we can do >> um because with it it's revolving right so it just keeps rolling rolling rolling
um and so it's one of those things that it you know it's hard sometimes for folks to understand >> where the budget is because it changes dayto day. Um, so this kind of gives us some ideas like with when I did the
budget presentation, uh, you know, if we take our snapshot in December, um, December is right before we open all of our programs for the summer, um, all of the money essentially, I should say a majority of the money that we collect in January is already booked for next
fiscal year. So, um, it's just kind of getting an understanding of, you know, if there is money that's left in there as, um, you know, a net, what what are we doing with response? It's not just sitting in there to just sit in there like there's a purpose for it being, you
know, >> it has a use. >> So, was there any enabling language when this was set up outside of just we're setting up a robotic bug for parking rack? >> Yes. >> Yeah. uh there's stuff that could be added to it or
>> Yeah, you pretty much got it. >> I mean, it was I think it was uh enacted through town meeting. U we can get the the specific 22. Yeah, >> it's under
the Smash Channel. So we yeah we closed the enterprise and then opened a revolving um and that I can't remember if it was fall or spring um but it was in 22 and um yeah we completely switched
from one funding mechanism to the other um and that was kind of one of the the purposes of being able to set up the revolving is that you know we would be able to have this stability fund. So if we ever ended up in a
situation like you know I keep using the co example because so many people can relate to it. Y >> um and in that year we ended up same situation right we opened registrations took in all the funds for January February and then boomcharchch
>> March and we weren't going to run any programs. So, you know, uh we weren't didn't feel comfortable saying, "Hey, we're going to hang on to this money." That wasn't the right thing to do. Um so, we refunded everybody, but that was at a huge detriment to the department.
>> Sure. >> Um whereas if we had already had some of these funds available, we could have back some of that up. >> And what's the is there what's the limit of what we can keep in there? we set that or is it by law?
>> It is uh it keeps changing how they do it but it is set by um the town I think primarily by the select board. >> Yeah, >> that's what we had said. It's a percent it's percentage of the town budget or
budget. >> Yeah, >> no. So, it's just it's just a the town puts a cap so on what could come in annually. Um, and initially it was set at town meeting and been updated at town meeting a couple of times. Uh, but the
select board can also make that question >> like I've done it at select or sorry town meetings because again that was at like wanting to be transparent. It's not required to do that. Um, so if something I don't know, something were to happen
and you know we needed to be able to increase that cap we could technically do that as select >> but because if you exceed the cap what do you have to spend it down within such a period of time that >> that's one of those things that's not
entirely clear >> at least not to me. Um, >> yeah, >> we're not going to get there so we won't find out. >> You go. >> How about that? >> Right. And that does I mean that does put a limit on how much we can can hold at the moment because our the
combination of what we're holding plus the year's revenue >> yes >> is limited at this point. So, >> yep. >> Um, again, if we decide that we are holding for the Wilson Aquatic Center, >> I love everyone keeps calling that.
>> Um, then maybe we need to up that because we're going to sit on, you know, a large sum for an extended period of time, but >> yeah, >> that'll come later. There used to be uh limits in the Mass General law that
said it could only be such percentage of the town's tax revenue and those were removed some years ago. So that it's no longer >> limited in that way. It's just limited by whatever the town decides. And I do
have that in this slide deck later on. Is that something we'll have to do? Uh or tell me more than the bylaw change. >> Yes. >> And does >> uh No, >> no, I think it's policy change. I don't
think it's on the by >> I forget. I went I to look at the email again. There's >> Okay. Because there were two places. There was a financial document and I thought >> yeah a select board policy >> right they're both policies >> okay so not okay
>> y all right >> and does number one under where it says expenditures from the fund are to be used for one is paying salaries and benefits is that addressing what we were talking
about at last meeting how some salaries are coming out of one program some are coming out of another is that part address that or is that >> what it clarifies is so um the only thing the general fund which is the tax
um tax revenue for the town um that that pays for is my salary and the assistant director's salary. Any So it doesn't matter if it's full-time, it doesn't matter if it's part-time. Any staff that is being paid for programming has to be
paid for out of the revolving. So it doesn't matter if they are benefit eligible, not benefit eligible regardless. All of the funds that that we collect um that they have to be paid
out of that account. That's one of the um if you look at Mass General law, they have rules about like what you can and can't do with revolving funds. Um and for the uh 53E and a half that we have that is one of the rules that
that that is you know yeah so that we couldn't say like oh hey town can you pay for you know we'll pay for our program coordinators but can you pay for the benefits the answer is no >> right if you're yeah if you're paying out of the if you're paying salary or
wages out of the benefits also have >> everything yeah We >> the the other the and the reason I phrase it that way is right now we it's just a little or the director and assistant director in the past we had
part of the >> office >> the office coordinator that could come back in the future there could be some other thing in future >> to put it it would be whatever anybody who's being paid will get a bit of benefits from
>> but that's all handled. That's a bookkeeping. That's whoever that's like finance, right? Like there somewhere it's coded that when their salary is paid, it hits the bucket that also revenue.
>> So it's there as a starting point. I'm sure there are other things that we need to include or talk about to think about for the next month. One of the things if you're okay with it that I'll do is I'll reach out to MRPA um and see if there's
other towns that have revoling policies and just see you we can shop around and look and see what other people have that would make sense. So speak You can do it. Okay. So, um the 2026 speech operation
discussion. I have this on here just so we can start this discussion. um where we're at right now. Um Tim was the person that was overall in charge of the beach. So we don't have that person
right now. Um so we are going to uh we are the position for the uh assistant director is being posted uh either was done this evening or it will be tomorrow. Um, so with that, you know, we
have to kind of stay tuned and see, you know, whomever comes on, what experience that they have. Um, we do want to focus on getting an aquatics director this summer out at the beach. Um, and that person would be the one that would be in charge, um, sort of in the way that, you
know, Tim was down there. Um, so a lot of this stuff that we're talking about, um, is going to be based off of how we can staff it, if we're able to staff it. Um, so um, for now, if we're just kind
of going through our regular process that we would um, you know, we would talk about the operation dates, uh, and times. So, we can put those and say, you know, we're okay with those. We're good to go. Um, I have the rates from last year if there's anything that we wanted
to talk about with those. Um, but ultimately I want to have a little bit more information with staffing before, you know, we say what we're absolutely going to do or not going to do down there. Um, the the goal obviously would
be to operate the beach as normal. Um, but we may not be able to do that. So, that's just something to kind of keep in mind and um yeah, we will do what we can what our staff is able to do that.
>> That makes sense. >> Is that the the hours that we kept posted? >> Yeah. So, I just updated the um the dates. Um, interestingly, I did not cuz I I didn't put the Memorial Day to Labor Day
because uh Labor Day is actually like August 7th or sorry, September 7th. It's like really late. >> So, there's no way we can keep the page open that late. It's not going to happen. Um, so instead, >> yes, May 23rd is the Memorial Day
weekend. Um but the uh August 30th is the last week of August. Um there still would be a whole additional another week in September. Uh which I don't think we would have staffing to be able to cover that.
>> State swimming areas usually go to the third week of August. They don't go beyond that. >> Yeah. So we and like even when Tim talked about these dates, you know, he always wanted to try to open it for as long as he possibly could. Um but because of a lot a lot of our lifeguards
are in college, um we tend to lose them around like the second week of August. >> Yeah. >> Go ahead. >> I would say in terms of families in town, the tenative last day of school is
now June 16. So, which coincides pretty nicely with that. So, yeah, kids getting out and then each opening up. >> Yeah, they must go back around that >> they that's set. Yeah, they're going
back the 1st of September. >> So, there's not a whole lot of time in between, you know, there. But, um, yeah, it's just the last week of August, beginning of September. just so harvest that. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. I'm pretty sure it's the first of the year. >> So, they're going back in before Labor Day. >> They switched it a few years ago. >> Yeah. And then they have that Friday off of Labor Day. >> Yeah. >> I do think it would be
worthwhile to think about it. Maybe. Yeah, the lifeguards I think are the the challenge. >> U challenge, but if if there's an opportunity to keep, you know, boat rentals and snack shack bathrooms open, those sorts
of things longer, even if the lifeguards aren't there. I mean, that's something we need to think about, but it it certainly would be I mean, there's certainly going to be lots of activity, lots of people there
>> with September, certainly until >> right, >> the first couple weekends. So, to the degree that we can keep the facilities >> Yeah. >> open and accessibility, that would be valuable. Uh yeah, the other
again this may not be a year to try this but um >> I'm always open. I know I just I mean the again because you do see a lot of activity down there in the evening again it may be that
continuing to send the lifeguards away at six but a night or two a week having bathroom snack shack and boat rentals >> open till 8 or something just to
>> to have some more potential activity Yeah, that would be something >> maybe. >> But I hear you on that. Yeah, >> but yeah, but any other questions on this? We can come back to it at another meeting. I just
wanted to start having these steps because to make a decision sooner. >> Yeah. Um just thinking about ratewise are there. >> So this is what we've had. I know. Oh that two small
>> two angles. Have you guys talked about them roll? >> What do you mean? >> We doing a direct replacement for them. Um, yeah, it's hard to be able to find somebody who has that type of aquatics
experience is, you know, that's going to be a very difficult person to replace. >> Yep. >> Um, so we do have to be able to figure out how to kind of manage that. A we have the speech, but you know, the
assistant director, I feel like, you know, Tim definitely took on way more than he should have. um he's capable, right? It's not that it's just it's a lot. It's a lot. Um so you know ideally I think we we are going to start working
back to the place of it would be lovely if we can do training in house but I think holistically um it makes more sense for the assistant director to kind of be in charge of um organizing and making sure that people
stay current with their certifications. So whether that means, you know, they're going to work and schedule, you know, outside folks to come in, it's going to end up um costing the department a lot more. Um but I think in the long run,
it's probably a better decision um as far as, you know, requirements or job tasks for that specific person. I would see them taking the day-to-day supervision the >> too.
>> College college. >> Yeah. >> Um so that's why I said this summer we're going to try to go back to um an aquatics director. We do need to have an aquatics director position um for camp teeth. So that person has to be uh 21
and above. >> Um and obviously we want them to have a fair amount of waterfront experience. Um, but it is a part-time. It's a not parttime. It's a seasonal position. So, um, it could be challenging to find somebody in that role, but we'll do our
darnest. So, if anybody out there would love to be an aquatics director and you're above 21 years old, please come see the park and work department. Put in an application. Any teachers out there?
>> Yeah. Right. Yeah. Yeah, I guess just as we're as you're going through it over the next month, thinking let's think about both the if there going to be significant additional costs for training. >> Yeah.
>> And if there's any wage changes where we stand on that or talked I think we Yeah. Anyway, um and any anyone let's just make sure that we're
aiming for a balance operation. >> Yeah. Uh well, and to that's the other side of it too is, you know, we have the lifeguards trained. That's one thing. Um but then, you know, all of our camp
staff, we want them to be CPR, AED, and first aid trained as well. So, all of that training would need to happen. um as well. So, that's something I think we can do some of it inhouse. Um I know Jeff was he was signed up to do one um
an instructor course, but it ended up getting cancelled because of weather. Um so, he's trying to find another one to be able to do. Um so, I think that is something that we can do in house. I used to do them in the past um when we first when I first started here at the
department. Um, so you know, that's something potentially I could go back into doing, but I don't think that's something I should do. I think that would be like a last resort. I do enjoy teaching. I love love that stuff, but um, just because I like it doesn't mean
it's the right thing to do. Um, so yeah, we we've got to come up with different ways of of being able to do it. U, so yes, we are considering that. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, so this was just uh the rates from
last summer. Uh, I haven't really had any time to sort of crunch numbers and things like that. Um, we were in the positive this year. I mean, not like crazy amounts positive for the beach, but um, you know, so if this is something that we did, again, it
probably could stick with these rates, I think it would be okay. Um >> did in that did we meet what we said we were going to give to clean lakes for >> so long. >> Yeah. So I I actually need to remind myself to do that during the entry. Um
so we ended up I can't remember the total amount but it was like it's over $2,000. >> Yeah. You had it last but it's closer to three but >> yeah. Um, so that was um a you know percentage that we took off of um the uh
membership fees um so that I can move over to them. But um we also instituted that 1% on camp as well. So um they will have more funding next year than they did this past. Yeah. Because we just
didn't think we'd be able to like turn it around that quickly. Um, so you know, yeah, we were able to get a little bit of of funds for them. >> And the rate change for KT is for next year, right? Because we were talking
about it late or did you get it in play for this year? >> It's in play for this year. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Any questions about the move? No, that's because I zoomed in. Was trying to help you out. >> I know. I still had to go up.
>> Yeah. Um, so the special events, I apologize. I just have not had a chance to get to that in the depth that I wanted to get. So, I'm just going to table that and I will do that next uh meeting. Um, the So, this is some of the information.
Oh, interesting. The uh that changed the formatting is funky because uh I've just randomly I don't know why the font changed on that. Anyway, well um so this was just uh some of the slides that I did uh for the presentation um at the
budget hearing. Um so this slide specifically is referencing uh the general fund um and what the town is funding. Um, so wages and expenses. Um, the wages would cover uh my salary,
benefits, the assistant director salary and benefits. Um, expenses cover things like utilities, uh, special events, uh, professional services, and we also have a vehicle maintenance line. Um, so that
is essentially, you know, you kind of haggle back and forth for a couple of months, but, um, this is where we got to. Um, there was a reduction of special events line, um, by $6,200, which is a lot. Um, so we may have to
look at cancelling some special events. Um, obviously the big ones, we want to try to keep those focused on that. So that'd be like October Fest, trunk or treat, um pies and tiaras. We're going to do that one um not this coming
weekend, the following weekend. Um >> can we talk about maybe reducing the number of third Thursdays? >> Yeah. And and the third Thursdays was something that, you know, we've kind of seen drop off on that year after year. So, um, we're in a place now where, you
know, maybe it makes sense to sort of rebuild or relook and see, you know, do we want to continue with that? Do we want it to be something totally different? Um, so I think that's something we'll have to kind of go back to the drawing board on on that one
specifically. But, uh, yeah, I would say the majority, the bigger ones, uh, we definitely want to be able to stick with. Um, and some of this other stuff is just, you know,
they reduced it. The expenses was a little bit more. They reduced that by 2,655. Uh, because I had encounted in trash removal for 36 King Street. The facilities already budgeted, so it didn't make any sense to keep that in
mind. So, we got rid of that. Um, and then because uh Tim left to accept the job in Actton, um, there's no, we don't need his longevity in there. So that's $700 that can also go back to um the
general fund for them to be able to use where they can. So um, but that's where we're at. Uh, no capital projects were funded, at least not that I've heard of yet. um they couldn't change their minds if there's still time for that, but I kind of doubt that. So, um yeah, we as
we are right now, no capital projects were funded uh for this upcoming fiscal year. Um so, that could be good things. We might, you know, came off a lot of really big building projects. >> We had a lot of big building projects. We also had a lot of
time and energy invested then there probably take break. >> Yeah. I mean, we still have fields and things that we're going to have to fix and and we can get to, but I don't think those are going to be as large of projects as, you know, renovating a building.
I do think with with Bay Park being on high on the list that we identified, um there's probably value, you know, even before we get to having
feasibilities done and that sort of thing, outreach to the town residents about what they would like to see there, what they wouldn't like to see there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know, some of those things that we
can we can do without large expenditures with funds >> and that's pretty easy. I mean, we can do similar to like what we did for um the open space and recreation plan. You know, we can have uh public hearings and just, you know, get people's opinion
that they that they want. Um >> that wasn't we didn't talk about anything specific in that. >> We did not. Um we were looking at um so with that what would have been funded this year would have been um looking at a design
um so that process would have included public input um on what that design would look like and what people would Yeah. Um but you know that's something yeah in house we can it's pretty easy to ask people what their opinions are and
what they would like to see and um you know that would give us a heads up if we go into that design process and say hey you know we met with public these couple different times and this is the the information the datab can take this and
run with it. And it probably is also worth taking a beat and seeing what ends up being the plan and the execution at 550 because there is >> right
>> there is some public open space park space yeah sort of >> I don't know I don't know if the music venue is there but that sort of thing is being discussed. Do they have I mean I don't feel like they have to have
finalized plans for anything but >> uh I I don't know. There are some elements that have to be finalized fairly soon. >> Okay. >> McDonald that space part of that.
Um, yeah, I think there's a lot of things that are kind of up in the air that you have to kind of wait and see what happens. >> Yeah, right. I think it would, you know, it would make, you know, if they're going to put in a little band stand, then it probably would not make sense to put on a little
>> park. There may be some, you know, some discussion back and forth or we have to just figure out what they have planned before >> making any final. >> Um so just some basic information to go through um with everybody. So, uh, I
have been working with the, um, treasurer of the town and, um, one of the things we really wanted to focus on was trying to come up with actuals. So, um, she and I went back and forth quite a few times and, um, you know, wanted to
make sure that we were getting to the the right numbers. Um so we do feel um pretty confident that the net that we had for uh 25 was about 221,000 um which is really good. Uh again, the
point of that is to be able to sort of save that money uh and the revolving percentage of that go to, you know, if we want to call a rainy day stability fund, we can do that. Um and the rest of those funds would go towards um working
on projects. Um so that would be our actual for 25. Uh but the revolving did start in 22. So overall, I know it's kind of switched up there at the top, so I apologize. Um, so
we have about um as of cash um revolving cash was around 7,000 or sorry 740,000. Um if we take that 15% then you would have
166,000 for the expenditures that was that stability fund that we talked about. Um and the remainder of that would go into a project account line. Um, and those are things like, you know, if we needed to be able to put funds
into creating, we had talked about an interim baseball field at Cooper, um, to help baseball get through the next three to four years with Shaker Lanefield being offline that, you know,
would be able to do something like that. Um, so there's different things that that we'll be able to uh to bond with this. You know, we'd even talk about if we wanted to do um like the design for Bay Park, we could just get that started
on our own. Um that is possibility that you know there's just two. So um back out here um I think it is worth pointing out that there's a a significant surplus this
year but we're actually >> in deficit last year. So it is not a >> guarantee every >> ongoing trend yet that we will have 100 surpluses year to year. Also looking at that number
and thinking about the overall budget I wonder if 15% is the right number. >> You think it should be more or less? >> I think more. >> So I originally had hitched 20.
>> Okay. And for some reason, I feel like FINCOM was kind of stuck on 15. I don't know exactly why. So that's something again, we're creating this policy. >> Yeah. >> So that's something, you know, as we were going um as I was going into the
budget hearing, I said, "Okay, if you want me to work with 15%, I'll do 15%." >> Um but if that's something that you feel should be different, then we can change that. A >> little more research, >> right? See, >> I think I I think I would like to look
at sort of some of our fixed costs, >> staffing costs. What >> it's a lot like when you you look at our overall wage um >> and especially when you're looking at
like the seasonal staff. I mean, I I don't think a lot of people realize that, you know, we have anywhere between 80 to 90 seasonal staff. Um, and over three to four months that it adds up. They put in a lot of work, a lot of time. They're amazing. Um, but um, yeah,
our our wage line is pretty high because we couldn't do the type of programs we do without awesome staff. So, yeah. >> Yeah. I was thinking more Yeah. If we if we I guess my my think is more along the lines of we weren't going to be doing programming for some reason,
there's no revenue there. Do we Are we able to hold on to permanent staff, >> right? >> Hold on staff for a period of time >> without having or Yeah. >> What does that look like? >> Yeah. I mean, that's right. The co
scenario is >> I mean, I hate to to bring it up because we all want to forget it so much, but like >> this whatever this circumstance is, you can't >> can't run programs, but you have the overhead.
>> And what is that? What does that look? How long can you go? How long can you go? How long ago? >> So, >> yeah. >> And then, yeah, just trying, you know, rather than >> I don't know where 15% came from. Maybe there is a rational. >> Yeah.
>> I think it's it's worth it just a deeper dive into >> Absolutely. And did a big part of that surplus this year come from South Savings? >> Couple what? >> Southary. >> Uh oh. Um a little bit. So um yes,
because we ended up um when Cass left >> was there was like a threemon period in there. >> Yep. Yeah. So and even now, you know, with him not being there. So uh that is something that Yes. when we have had some of those um staff that have been
here for a little while that have left. Um there is usually a couple of months that we end up saving money, you know, and I'll >> you said it was this year is not typical. >> Right. Yeah. So that has a little bit to
do with it. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. And that's that's what about 20% of revenue. Oh, pardon. >> What's that? >> The the surplus >> billion B is wages specifically.
>> Yeah. The total revenue was billion3. >> We're So yeah, we've brought in what? A million3. Um, >> so% 130. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, it's it's not not quite 20%.
But, you know, I think in terms of a target, you know, to be able to build up a and maintain budget stability in project funds. >> Yeah. you know, we're going to be looking for probably 10ish% as a
budgeting to >> Yeah. >> to aim for any other question. >> Okay. >> Oh, he's moving in again. Um, awesome news. Uh Jeff took his certified
park and rec professional exam on Saturday and he passed. So that means he is eligible for uh stipens. So I put that in there. Um because this was the first time he took the exam. Um first
year you get the 2500. Um and then every year after you get uh $1,000 um to maintain that certification. Um, so yeah, you would be eligible for
the uh 2500. So that's something if you want to go forward, you just would have to vote on grouping. >> Vote to approve that. He receives >> he receives it. Yeah. I make a motion to
vote that Jeff receives the stipen for the NRPACP certification. >> Second motion in a second. All those in favor >> I need
um the update on um yeah we kind of talked about a couple times already but the posting it either was put out tonight or it will be tomorrow. Um so uh with that we definitely need to do the creation for the preliminary screening
committee. Um last time we met we talked about um you know if we were going to do it internally or externally and ultimately sorry well we had that discussion ultimately I think the decision was to um open it externally um
to see you know what we get in um but doing that um we would have to have that group that's going to go through and process all of those um folks that come through uh as candidates. So, we just have to decide who's going to be on that
group and um then do our wonderful magical statement. That's not too deep. >> So, we make the this motion first and then decide who's on the group or we need >> I would probably do group first, who you
want on it and then yeah, we can go through the process of because we can add those names into into this as well. So >> in the past it was I normally did the
last round. I did the round before that. I mean is it >> you need >> because you don't have to have you need two people maybe. >> Um it it's kind it's up to you guys. Um I haven't had a chance to talk to Michelle to see if that's something that she's interested in doing. I know she's
super busy. Um >> she was really helpful. >> She she's great. Yeah. Um, so I could see, you know, if she has time to be part of that process. Um, the other other times,
um, some of the other department heads have kind of jumped in to help out. Um, like, um, when we were hiring our elder uh, and human services director, um, it was members from the Council on
Aging. I actually served on that one to um help hire that person. Um so there is a possibility we could get, you know, somebody from another department to be part of that process too. >> Maybe the other thought is maybe like
splitting it up like I I could offer to like help with reviewing resumes and stuff like that, but maybe not able to sit in. >> I got you. I can do it again. Yeah.
>> Okay. >> So, um I mean for now we can say that it's you and I and then I will see because yeah, Michelle would be great to to have in that. Um so I could follow up
and see if she's available. Um >> I think it would be worth having discussion with Jim that table. >> Okay. with Jim being like Michelle with us or him being on the >> Yeah, just just getting his
>> thoughts >> thoughts on if there's anybody that he would like to see on screen. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I think >> any that's a good idea. >> Yeah, I think that would be that. But I think we can I think we start with we're
we're appointing you and Norm and other members to be determined later. >> Yeah, that's fine. Okay. But we should create the because we can
come back and look at the members later, but we should definitely set up the um screening committee so that we can get started on that once they start coming through. >> Can I propose it if I'm a member? >> Sure.
So I propose that the preliminary screening committee conduct the screening process in executive session because having the candidate selected >> Wait, first you got a foreman. >> Oh, I just propose the the creation of a plinary screening committee >> of you and I.
>> Sorry. >> So I propose that we create the special uh screening committee made up of Alicia and myself. um for the purpose of Can I
go to this snap? >> Sure. Yeah. >> So, I propose that >> and so I can't read this. The preliminary screening committee conduct the screening process and executive session because having the candidate selection discussion and open session
will be detrimental to the public body's ability to attract qualified applicants for the position of program. >> Oh, nope. Position of a director. Sorry. Nope. Done. We'll stop that. >> Moved by Nor by Kate. All those in
favor? >> I >> Okay, cool. Um, >> correct. >> Yes, I will definitely correct that. >> Um, all right. Public inputs. Dave says me. Okay.
saw that commercial. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> New uh so new business um annual town meeting warrant was opened by the select board uh last night. So it is set for May 5th, 2026.
Um just uh throwing it out there for right now because we'll probably not probably we'll have discussions about this um in the next couple months, but um I I do want to be able to do an update to schedule C rate and step grid. Um so that's for seasonal staff. Um it
is we uh kind of stopped for a little while because we had done so many increases every year to be able to get to that $15 minimum wage. Um but it is time to to look at that again so that we can keep the rates. Um so that's
something I'll be putting forward. Um and then the second part once you know what we were talking about earlier. So if that's not something we have to go >> we'll figure out if that's a war thing or if it's not >> Yeah. Um so then we would uh just
have be involved with amending that finance policy. So, uh, yeah. Um, so those would be the two things that we're looking at at the moment for articles. Um,
old business. Um, so we are going to start sending out offer letters. Um, but we need to make a decision on the seasonal employees. Um, we had talked about this. I think back
in December, um HR was going to go to the board of selectmen and uh update the employee handbook. It was just like one simple sentence that needed to be updated. Um but you guys have said hold off because you know we want to take a look at this. So the clarification that
we came to is that you cannot separate overtime and benefits that it's it's either you do all of them or you do none of them. So that's Yeah. So, that's something that we either update that and say that they're
exempt from that um or leave it the way that it is, but then they may be open to benefits. That that's what HR said. We can >> I agree that context about that. Yeah. Okay. Well, that's fine.
Um >> but yeah there there is there is a need for clarification of the benefits eligibility policy. >> Um but yeah I don't think that it should be
tightly good but >> and I can have her come to one of the meetings. I can have her come to the next meeting and can have a conversation about it. You want to do that? Yeah. So, what I mean I know when we talked about this previously and I don't
know what how people feel um there was definitely some multiple views on whether or not we should should be paying overtime. Um, I'm going to wait.
>> Being time and a half >> being time and a half. Yeah. >> Yeah. Time and half. >> I mean, because everyone gets paid for their hours, right? >> Yeah. >> Should we be paying time and a half uh for hours over 40 hours a week? U
So, while we have this up, I guess I will open that to anybody who'd like to comment. Basically, we I if if we feel like putting this aside for the moment because I I think they can be separated,
but we'll have to sort that out. But assuming we can separate them um or I guess I mean, yeah, I don't I don't think it makes sense to include benefits for people who are working three months, >> right? So >> when when we talked about this last
time, I believe the consensus was that everyone wanted to be able to offer the time and a half or overtime but did not feel that the benefits were and that's why I wanted to go back and clarify with her if that's something that could be
split. Um so we could definitely do more research into it. Um but yeah, her answer was that they could not be. So I don't know if that's just as simple as that statement or is there more grain to it? I don't know.
>> So is that I guess is that still a consensus that we would want for time. >> I would wear appropriate over 40 hours in a minute. >> Yeah. What what is your wear? Well, I mean,
I'm thinking that we want to be fis fiscally served. We want like have a lot of overtime. Um, >> the goal is never to have overtime, but it does happen. Um, you know, there's I
think especially in camp t we'll have to have a discussion because I think one of the areas that really got us was we would have um people that would volunteer to do before care camp and then after care and if you do that like
twice a week you're Yeah. So we may have to limit um the hours. The hard part with that is like we obviously need to have staff and there's some that are more willing to do it than others. So, um
at the end of the day like you know we have to have a staff program. >> Then again when we're you know we were looking at it when we looked at the last couple years there were a lot of two hours a week of over two hours pay over time like
>> that I'm less concerned about. I don't want to see people put it in 60 hour weeks or that sort of thing. So, >> right on the financial basis saying just it's not >> I did that for a while. It's not complete.
>> It's not complete. >> And also at that point, isn't it more fiscally responsible just to add another person, >> right? >> If you can find them, right? So, that's that's also sometimes a challenge, you know. >> So, all right. So there's no need for
there's no need at this point for us to ask the select board to make that change >> assuming that we can sort out this overtime decision. >> Yeah. I just wanted to bring it up because I know we have to make a decision a lot sooner than later because seasonal's >> just around the corner,
>> right? >> He said that's true. That's the answer. I mean there's no debate. seems weird. But >> yeah, I I get that. >> But then if we if we're not
going if we were going to go if if they can't be separated, then >> I think it's limited benefits. I don't think that they're like right now they already get uh
>> probably pension or whatever they get over. >> Yeah. So that they already get they could because we do think slip slim the pink slip them at the end of the summer. um they could and I'm going to suggest go back and take that money out of
>> um that account cuz then they'll start charging you for keeping the money in there. So um >> yeah, any parents out there tell your kids take it out. Um but um yeah I >> so if it's if it's some of that limited
like we're not offering health insurance or >> right >> those sorts of things like >> so that's the piece I would want more clarification on is like when we say benefits what's >> yeah okay >> okay >> I can do that >> right
>> um office is closed on Monday um president's day and then we are straight into uh February vacation week. So, loads and loads of programming for the kids. Um and >> do we we don't do programming on the
16th? >> No. Um typically we do not because it's a government holiday. So, um town hall is closed. Our office is closed. Um so, usually yes, we'll do February or April
vacation start on Tuesday. T and Saras Saturday, February 21st. Go back. >> Back of business for one. Uh, where do we stand on the dock position? >> Um, so I did have a follow-up
conversation with Tim Pearson. He said that Conscom is sort of in a bit of a holding pattern a little bit right now. Um, but he did say he thinks in the next couple of weeks that they're going to make more strides towards coming to a
solution with that. So, I just told him to keep me up to date, >> but changes >> like purchasing the doc. Um, >> not >> um I will definitely put it on there. Um,
>> I think at a Yeah, we should get at least the the RFQ or whatever the the right >> piece is out. >> Yeah. >> Um, so I imagine that getting them shipped and everything
Yeah. getting them processed and shipped and everything else is to be on us before we know it. nice to install that additional dockage at the same time. Yeah, both the the finger dock and swim box, >> right?
>> And the other stuff and I forget when we had that seem like >> it does. Yeah, >> it has been a couple years. >> Yeah, >> be good to get that done. >> All right, I will meet with Kim. Um,
yeah, we're working on RFP for uh recreation software and not this Saturday, but the following. Um it's going to be um at the new um building in the theater which
will be great. Um so we've got uh DJ Mike Pride. He's fantastic. Um so he's going to be there. Doors are going to open at 5:30. Um the dance will be 6:00 to 8. Uh we're not going to do the buffet this year. I think it's just a lot simpler like people who come free
time. So um yeah, we're just going to focus on the the dance. Um, so the registrations for that uh is open. Um, so if anyone's interested, they can go online and sign up. There we go. Oh, not so not sold out
yet. Not yet. No, we still have space. Yeah. I think we can only fit 150 people. Okay. March meeting. Do we have people that will be here? I won't be here for on the
10th. >> Um, March 10th. >> That's our usual scheduled day. I'm I'm down here. Um 6 or 6:30 6:30
>> 6:30 build natural on >> we tried the 6 and it was like know which building to go to >> I know it was crazy for a little bit >> um and I will
say between after that meeting if you have any comments for the review uh goals for next year that we will put into the review. Please bring those to the next meeting or send them to me
directly. I will attempt to do that between a large meeting and a vote. I did mention that um in the uh my meeting with town administrator today
um and the HR director said that she would send the form and information to you earlier now um so that you have that available >> right >> it's a lofty goal I'm glad we're giving that >> someone want to reach out to Kevin and just see if Kevin's
>> around >> still or is he >> I'll try yeah >> is He's still with us or he's got his 50 signatures yet. >> I feel like u anytime during the hockey season he just is kind of MIA because
Teddy really well. >> Y really good. >> Yeah, see I had a feeling. Um but I'll reach out to him. >> Yeah. anybody who's interested. I think that is that open. The pickers are available.
>> Yep. Um so yeah, if anybody would be interested in that position, um you would have to pull papers uh from the town clerk office and then um they can walk you through the rest of the process, but we need signatures to be
able to get on to the ballot. >> And that's the only seat that's up for correct. Yeah. For this year. Yeah. Leave the odd man out. >> All right. >> They asking about both the second half of the basketball and the
vote for >> vote. Second. >> Is there a second? I can't. All >> in favor? We return. Thank you very much.