Are you guys all set or need a minute? >> Uh, just a minute, please. >> Sure. Oh yeah, please. Sorry. >> All set. >> Yes. Sorry. >> Sorry. >> Stand by. >> Yes. in 5 4 3 2 1.
>> All right. Good evening everyone. Welcome to the May 4th uh select board regular meeting of the Long Meadow Select Board. Uh start with my Oops, my spiel. This is Select Board Chair Josh Lavine.
I will be confirming that all members and persons anticipated on the agenda are present and can hear me. Members, when I call your name, please respond in the affirmative. Dan Workout >> here. >> Beneath Mavathy >> here. >> Andrew Lamb, >> here. >> Shelley Maynard DeWalt >> here. >> Staff, when I call your name, please respond in the affirmative. Lynn Simmons
>> here. >> This open meeting of the Long Meadow Select Board is convened in person and via Zoom webinar as posted on the agenda. The town's website identifying how the public may join. There is no chat or Q&A function. All the materials for this meeting are available on the agenda posted on long meadow.gov. The
public is encouraged to follow along using the posted agenda unless I note otherwise. This meeting will feature resident comment. For residents attending the meeting in person, please raise your hand when we get to the comment section of the meeting and I will call on you to approach the microphone. For residents participating in the meeting via Zoom webinar format,
please use the raise hand icon at the bottom of the screen. The meeting moderator will promote you to panelist unmute you and give you permission to speak. If you join the webinar by phone, dial star9 to raise your hand and star six to mute unmute. Residents who wish to speak will identify their names and addresses only. Each individual is
afforded three minutes for comments. Please note that this meeting is being recorded, that some attendees are participating by video conference. Please remember to mute your phone or computer when you are not speaking. If anyone in attendance is recording this meeting, please announce yourself now.
Not seeing none. >> Okay. I'm just getting this still set up so I don't see anyone in the Zoom. >> Okay. So, you're just um what you're trying to do is put it up on that screen now. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So, you can keep going. We're good. I just
>> Let's move on to the pledge of allegiance. I 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.
Okay, we'll start with announcements. Annual town meeting. Reminder, annual town meeting is set for Tuesday, March 12th at 7 p.m. at Long Meadow High School. For additional information and to view the warrant, please visit long metalmma.govtown meeting. Annual town election. The annual town election will be held on
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Election information, including dates for early voting, voter registration deadline, and other resources can be found at long meadow.govctions. Future Planet Fiesta. The second annual
Future Planet Fiesta will take place on Saturday, May 9th, 11:00 a.m. to 3 PM on the town green. The Future Planet Fiesta is a collaborative event organized by Youth Fighting for a Sustainable Future, the First Church Environmental Justice Committee with support from the LHS Climate Change Club, and the Center
School Green Club. This year's events will feature workshops on composting, recycling, and lowering energy use, information on alternate alternative energy options such as solar power, vegetarian and vegan food options, local organizations, and businesses promoting
sustainable practices, and hands-on learning opportunities. Future Planet Fiesta is designed to bring our community together around solutions, empowerment, and hope for a better planet. Um, we have no one. We have no one here for announcements. Chief Stocks, are you
planning to speak for announcements? >> I was not. >> Okay. Or resident comments, I should say. Uh, anybody online then? >> Um, >> no. >> Okay, great.
Um, all right. We'll move right on to kudos and plottits. Uh this is regarding um this is from Elizabeth Bone, Andrew Chason, and Arlene Miller. Uh report on Long Meadow Earth Day Cleanup 2026. On April 18th,
2026, teams of volunteers spread out over 11 sites throughout Long pickup trash, littered debris, and items illegally dumped throughout the town. This is the sixth annual event that has been held in town and each year the teams continue to find such items as tires, mattresses, furniture furnishings such as toilets and cabinets and the
almost empty and the almost countless empty nip bottles that litter our green spaces. Uh there's a list here of the 11 places that were cleaned and uh who does this work? Uh team participation includes various Long Meadow scouting groups, high school student clubs and
families willing to spend a few hours picking up trash and improve the quality of life in Long Meadow. Continue to find large items that are simply dumped in areas that are hard to see from the road or field. Um and there's a lot of plastic that is dumped, whether soda, water bottles, or nip bottles. There
were well over 400 nip bottles collected. Uh each item that is picked up is brought to a central drop off site that is staffed by the incredible recycling commission volunteers. They go through all the bags brought in, sort out the trash that is thrown away as well as a litter that can be washed and
recycled. Uh it's tedious and exhausting and the commissioners commissioners uh sorry commission members continue to step up and do the work. Um the Long Meadow Green Cleaners noted potential hazard uh where there was
lines placed for gas, water, and other lines. Um and there was many bent down flags. Uh so they're doing some public work uh public good noting these areas of concern. Um so I I would like to thank the
recycling comm recycling commission. I know Dan was there. I'm not sure if any of the other members were there, but I appreciate everyone who uh volunteered and I sure I speak for the rest of the board on that. Um, anybody else on kudos and plots?
>> I should add that uh Venice also joined me >> for the uh >> and my son. >> Oh, yeah. And your son. >> All right. >> I think your son actually found a tire which which we helped him with. We still have a massive collection of lacrosse balls because we cleaned next to Blueberry in between Blueberry and
the wall and we must have taken home 30. We're slowly losing them again. >> Yeah, it's a it's it's a great event and it's um really fantastic to see f folks stepping up and doing what they can to keep our town beautiful. Um okay, moving on to select board
comments. >> Go ahead, Vene. >> Thank you, Josh. Uh, so I do have a sele comment, but I also want to ask Chief, uh, are you here for the dog hearing or something else? >> Just the dog hearing. Okay. Add if you need. >> No, no, no. Just because sometimes we make you stick around for hours, so I was like I was going to make a motion to move it up. Uh, if you had something
else. Um, okay, great. Um, >> oh, yeah. So, uh, for my comment, I just wanted to quickly uh just u mention the warrant night that we had last week. I thought it was a great event. We haven't done that since I've been on the select board. And I think especially when you have a night as nice as it was last
Monday, you're never sure how many folks are going to show up or anything like that, but we had uh so many people come and you know, I think unsurprisingly the fiber article was the one that I think got the most attention. And we had folks of all different ages come and ask great
questions and engage. um and um you know, we had an 85-year-old resident who came in who didn't know much about it and left saying that he was going to support Article 7 because he wanted to invest in Long Meadow's future. Um I think another resident who was a friend
of Andrews came by and uh talked about how he has a home in Maine that's in a remote area and how it frustrates him to no end that he has fiber at that home but not here in Long Meadow. and uh I think very eloquently talked about how much better it is to have a town town
owned utility uh versus you know if a private company came in and provided that same fiber internet. Um so it was it was really great and I think you know we're also seeing just the amount of attention that this issue is getting. I mean it's been on the front page of the Republican twice um in the last week. Uh
we've seen other news outlets uh pick it up as well. And I think the interest is really because the flood of dark money that we're seeing here is unprecedented and I think folks are really interested to see how Long Meadow responds to that. Um you know last year Southwick went
through the same thing that we're going through now when they had a town meeting vote that needed twothirds majority and um they were also flooded with the same kind of u money. And when talking with some of the select board members out in Southwick, what they told me was, you know, watch out for this last week
before a town meeting because this is when things kind of just get really out of hand. Uh they in Southwick last year they had mass priorities door knockers going to homes representing themselves as Town of Southwick employees uh which caused a lot of problems for them. And
you know they said to kind of you know be be on the lookout for things like that. And we're kind of seeing some of that happen now too. I mean, we're seeing, you know, Mass Priorities create fake Facebook accounts or pretend to be town residents and spam folks and and do all that stuff. Um, so, you know, this
is going to be something that I think, you know, we're going to have to just be vigilant about, watch out for, making sure we're getting information out there. But I think uh what is you know after seeing all this and you know uh experiencing all of this I think you know they have gone so far out of their
way to try to cast doubt on the take rate projections the strength of the financial models uh of uh you know fers's viability as a long-term infrastructure and I think uh what we have seen is that nobody believes in the
take rate projections or the strength of the financial models or fibers as long-term infrastructure. Nobody believes in that more than Comcast and Mass Priorities because otherwise they wouldn't be spending, you know, tens of thousands of dollars uh trying to kill this because, you know, they're they're smart. They've seen how this has worked
in every town in Western Mass and they know that they are going to lose customers um if it comes to pass here and so they're trying to kill it before it can even get off the ground. Um, so, you know, for everything they're doing to try to cast out on it, I think their actions show that they know that this is going to work uh better than anyone
else. Um, so, you know, I think in the spirit of the warrant night that we had last week, I hope, you know, and I know um some of the town staff have mentioned to that folks have actually even walked into uh town offices and have asked questions and tried to learn more uh about the project. And, you know, I would just encourage folks to continue
to do that. And hopefully, you know, we can have a vote next week that's not, you know, the story isn't about uh how much uh, you know, dark money influenced that vote, but it's about how, you know, Long Meadow was able to actually make a uh make a decision uh without without
any of that influence. >> Thanks, Rene. Um, if I could just piggyback on that a bit, uh, just on the event, I thought the, uh, Lynn and the rest of your staff, um, really grateful that that was put together. But I thought it was a
it's more of a what we would love town government to be where uh people came in genuinely curious had some great conversations. Um I was not at a one of the more exciting tables. Um but I had some good conversations and uh I kind of caught some of the uh outflow from fiber
so I did get some conversation people coming that way but there were a few who just walked through to every table and said so what are you doing what tell me about this and uh it was really nice. So I think it's a very helpful thing and we shouldn't just limit it to years when we have a big question although there's
always something big. So um yes. So thank you for putting that together and I think it it went great. Um and and just uh I wanted to while I'm talking just one more thing that we were talking right before the meeting started. Um
there was a somebody spoofed a town email address and asked a applicant or a citizen petitioner for the town meeting next week uh for a fee for review and it looked very good. Um it was a if you
weren't paying close attention or even if you were you could say this this seems legitimate. Um thankfully the uh Mr. Freeman did not pay it and said sent it to us and said, "What is this all about?" And we were able to flag it and um it just
happened to my law firm as well. Uh it's it's something that people should continue to keep an eye out for. It's very sophisticated. Um we're seeing a lot of sophisticated scams that to the extent we can protect our residents, uh we we certainly should. Um I I noticed
to jump ahead a little bit that uh there was a victim of a Bitcoin scam at one of the ATMs which we have on the ballot next week. Um thank or on the warrant next week but uh just keep keep your eyes open and trust and verify.
Anybody else? D. Thanks, Jess. Um, on on Saturday, I I attended the um Western Mass uh MMA uh rural event where every year they MMA puts on an event where they come out to uh Western Mass. I've been going to that since I was elected.
and and this year some of the topics we're talking really about at the state level figuring out better mechanism to divide up the funds more evenly when it comes to like our schools, our roads. Um
we seem to get the short end of the stick. So, um just the overall equation that they're going to be looking at more closely, which um should hopefully benefit communities like Long Meadow. Um and then the other the other topic they
just mentioned as well, which I thought resonated well with Long Meadow, is um we're all facing a lot of the same struggles as our counterparts across the the Commonwealth, especially around staffing. So, um, they didn't really go
into what other communities are doing, but the lieutenant governor. Um, that's on their radar. Uh, other town managers, um, are in the same boat as us. So, Long Meadow is not alone, but I just wanted to share, they did send over the slides
I can share with the select board, um, if you'd be interested. And then just I probably should have brought this up earlier, but on the the kudos, I wanted to credit Venice for recently um uh being named the executive director uh of
Mass Housing. So I know that's quite an accomplishment, especially in your young age and uh your uh impressive resume. So I just wanted to applaud you for that. And then Andrew, you got to help me out. you went to your your conference and you got to speak in front of everyone and
you were I think the honorary chair. So I wanted to >> commend you for being honored uh to speak in front of the whole group. So um that's that's all that I had. But uh thanks Josh. >> I just disagree that Vene is that young. >> I think we're the youngest elect in the
history of the town. Everyone's under 50. Way under 50. Okay. Um, if nothing further, we will uh we have the dog hearing is set for 7:30. We have to wait for that time. Um, so why don't we move on to our application?
>> Can I make a motion? >> Can can I move to uh move the quarterly investment report up so we get Erica out of here? >> That's very kind of That's a good idea. Keep call. Let me move her in. Apologies. >> I think I need a second though, right? >> Second.
>> I hope she's ready. >> Yeah. Yeah, she might not be ready. >> It's usually 10 o'clock. >> Can't see you. Try it. >> Let's see if she's ready and then we can >> There she comes. Owl just won't leave me alone. >> There we go. >> I'm ready.
>> Oh, great. All right. Thank you, Erica. >> Hey, guys. Thank you for bumping me up. I appreciate that. >> Well, we haven't bumped you up yet. That's uh we just got a vote. Um All right. I have a motion and a second to take this item out of order. Uh any further discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor?
>> Unanimous. Okay, great. All right, Erica, thank you very much. Go ahead. Okay. I'm here tonight to submit my quarterly investment report um for the period ending March 31st, 2026. As per the investment policy, the town held no long-term investments that exceeded the
5-year limit. The individual bank balances were under the $20 million balance provision. All banks received the highest safety ratings of green from Barank except for Newberry Port Savings Bank and Bank ESB, which I'll come back to that. Um and all accounts are fully
in insured or secured. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, we have seen interest rates continue to to decrease. Most noteworthy, People's Bank reduce the rate on our general fund, school lunch, and student activity accounts from 3.73% to 3.31%.
Mson Savings Bank, however, offered a shortterm rate increase on our general funds, raising the previous 1% to 4.1%. Um, we did end up moving a bunch of money in there to take advantage of that increased rate. The treasur and assistant treasurer are closely monitoring interest rates and
moving funds to the appropriate accounts that will optimize investments with the best return. Um, banks bank ESP changed from a green bar bank rating to a yellow status. Um, the bank's government banking officer has assured me that this is only temporary and we will see a
restoration to green status next period. Newberry bank, Newberry Port Bank, however, remained yellow for a second consecutive quarter. We have begun to move funds from this institution and should the status remain yellow for a third consecutive quarter, we will remove all funds within 90 days per the
investment policy. Please see attached for the correspondence um with representatives from both institutions. Additionally, we have advised been advised that Adams Community Bank will be merging with Pit Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. The merger is set to complete in late fall 2026 subject to
regulatory approvals. No changes to our current banking structures have changed at this time. Additionally, the OPED pension reserve fund experienced a loss in quarterly interest. The quarter ended with a net decrease of approximately $84,000
and the March 31st balance of the fund is approximately $9.6 million. Also noteworthy, during the last quarter, the town earned a total of $342,464.69 in interest. The treasur's office will continue to seek the best possible
interest rates and diversify funds appropriately to maximize investment potential while being in compliance with Massachusetts state laws and regulations. We will also continue to monitor all accounts and ensure the safety and security of all our investments. >> All right, thank you Erica. Um I have a
few questions. Uh so one uh the declining interest rates you know we're all seeing it I think a bit and uh something that I'm glad you're staying on top of. Uh are you do you work with the town manager's office and
the uh and the CFO's office on discussing the future projections on the interest rates and how we're looking quarter to quarter. um not directly with the town manager's office, but Ian and I have conversations about the interest and um where we see
it going. We've had those types of conversations, but not directly with Lynn or Mike. >> Okay. And uh Newberry Port, that's um I'm glad you're on top of that. Uh but I noticed that is one of our currently highest interest rates. Uh where where
are you planning to put that money if we do need to pull it out? Um, so People's Bank has a had a competitive rate. Theirs has been adjusting depending with the Fed. Um, when they adjust their interest rates, they've been going up or down with them. Um, but theirs is still fairly competitive with Newberry Port Bank. Um,
Newberry Port was at 3.5. And I think even since the data, this report, the interest rate has come down more. They also adjust their rates depending on how much is in the account. So the more money we take out of there, the lower the interest rate goes. >> Okay.
All right. Thank you. Any other questions from the rest of the board? Okay. Well, you can uh still go out and enjoy some sunlight. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. Have a good night, everyone. >> You as well. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> We still have a bit of time.
Um why don't we go back up now unless anyone feels otherwise and do our one day applications. >> All right. I will uh move to approve the one-day liquor license application submitted by the Long Meadow Adult
Center uh community fund um for May 28th, 2026. >> Second. >> Any further? All those in favor? >> All right. And go ahead. >> It's all you. >> All right. Can I do both? Same. Do you
do them individually since it's the same person or do them individually? >> So, I'll make a motion >> for to approve the St. Mary's um guild application for Wednesday, May 20th.
>> Second further favor. >> Uh make a motion to accept St. Mary's Parish one day application for May 28th. Second.
>> Any further? All those in favor? Okay. All right. Moving on. Anyone to discuss or anyone like to discuss anything from correspondence? Okay. And Glenn, can you do your town manager
report? >> Yep. >> Okay. Uh so Long Meadow Street, Converse Street, uh L Project update. Uh Marias is proposing overnight work on the project from May 11th to May 14th for
10-hour nights and May 18th to May 21st, also for 10-hour nights. The intention is to start in the evening as soon as traffic subsides, which should be around 7 p.m. Um earlier if possible, but they want to start no later than 8:00 p.m. A proposed detour plan is still under review by the DPW and the police
department. uh Bliss and Reynold pool updates. So, this one's a little bit long, but um we've got a lot going on at both pools to get them ready to open on time. Um for Bliss, uh Reynolds pool, while the DPW was doing the work, the design work
on phase two of the pool renovations to install the new liner, uh engineers discovered that the current shell at Bliss is made of aluminum, which is really rare. Uh unfortunately that means any attempt to make an alteration to the pool structure uh should a leak emerge um which it's not currently leaking. Um
but this would require drastic alter alterations to the pool. All the plumbing leading in and out of the pool would need to be altered and a large area of the deck would need to be replaced. Uh the current estimates for that work is about $2 million. So for now all the capital work has concluded
at uh Reynolds pool and we myself the select board um and DPW now need to decide if we want to turn back the unspent funds or repurpose them for another use uh or if we want to try to move ahead with additional um repairs
there. Um but at this point the DPW and my office do not recommend moving forward with additional plumbing or decking work. We uh think we should leave it as is and um decide what the next step would be. Um and DPW staff has been making plans for the annual pool
opening. Uh work included upgrades to the cleanouts and distribution system and um procurement advertised our annual maintenance and chemical contract. The only bid was from Connecticut Custom Aquatics. They are um they will be
addressing the chlorine issue that keeps plaguing the kiddie pool and we're hoping that we'll be able to get that up and running. And keeping the kiddie pool consistently open is another issue. We have challenges maintaining pH levels as you can imagine with a small shallow pool with a lot of little kids in it. Um
it's tough to maintain that. So that's why you see it intermittently closed throughout the day. Um but Bliss Pool will be open on schedule for its normal pool season. That's expected to start open on weekends June 13th. Greenwood updates. >> That's a lot. So, I'm going to pause
there for a sec. No, it's okay. Um, so how much unspent money is there? >> Um, I want to say it's about $700,000, but I will verify that specific amount. >> And what was that initially tabbed for? >> Um, they were doing decking and plumbing
work. >> Okay. >> But they now know >> historic ship, >> right? No, that was a an late addition. >> Okay. >> That's a separate, right? That's an additional the shed. Yeah. >> Follow different project. >> So So it's basically money we were going
to use to fix things, but now we realize because of this aluminum liner. Wow. If we tried to do these things, it would open Pandora's box. Yeah. Essentially. >> Yeah. >> And then there's no So it's great that it's ready to go and we're going to open on time. Um, is there And there's no
reason to think the aluminum liner will leak, right? It right. There's no reason to think it's going to be a catastrophe someday. It's >> okay. >> How did we not know this? Is the liner's the liner the shell >> Why is it surprise? >> Um, I I don't know that. Well, one is
we've had a lot of historical turnover in departments. So, anyone that would have been there for the time that maybe there was some serious modifications at the pool and would have known what it was constructed out of, they're not there anymore. Um, in terms of what type of records there are. Oh, like with
engineering, >> even just looking at it, like you can't you see the liner, not the the aluminum behind the liner. >> Correct. Right. Yes. >> I I not accusing anybody of not knowing. I just It seems like >> Yeah. It's not You're not looking. >> I feel like the last five or six years we replaced the liner if I recall. I
don't remember exactly, but but anyway, I'm glad the pool is operational. I I agree with you know your the town man like the you were saying that pretty much all of our staff agree let's just use it and leave it and enjoy it >> at this point.
>> I do hope we see a gang buster summer at the pool. Um, and just uh on this point, I it's on your uh report, I believe. Um, but one of my neighbors sent an email about um she was younger
kids and wanted was asking about pool floaties and uh because she if she went by herself, she had three young kids couldn't just couldn't do it. Didn't have enough arms to have all her kids in the pool. uh and they've changed the policy this year uh to allow Coast Guard
approved floaty flotation devices. Um so I think that will really hopefully help families to to have a safer way to go to the pool and and to to get more use out of it. So um I I just want I think it's something that's really important for us to get out there because it'll make it
more much more popular, I think. >> And then just I think we talked about this a few meetings ago or maybe last year. We are going to have a more holistic conversation around the pools though. Correct. I mean, especially given this finding with the liner, the improvements needed to the plumbing, I
think, and then the potential for a new shed. I do think it makes sense for us to look at it from a a financial perspective to see one what's the usage through this season for both pools and then let's tally up what is the total cost to bring these up to where they
need to be one from an ADA perspective but then also just how much that would actually cost the town to have two pools maintenanced upgraded and running. Um just given the constraints I know that we know we're all under from a budget perspective. I know this can be a very
costly item for us. I think it might make sense for us to have a holistic conversation around the pools. >> Absolutely. >> Um, jumping actually back into the first item. Um, is there a reason the contractor is asking for these overnight shifts for these this period of time?
>> Yeah, it's for um the main intersection. >> Oh, okay. >> I want to say it's Forest Glenn and Long Meadow Street, but it may be Converse and Long Meadow. I will get that specifics. Convers Con converse and low meadow. >> That work was always part of the plan.
>> Yes. >> Yep. And this isn't new to us. We had to do it for the water sewer work. >> Um and obviously anyone that's driven through there, which is all of us. Um you know how difficult that is during the day. >> So >> Okay. Yeah. I didn't know something had
come up that changed, you know, >> was the reason that that they were asking for this. Okay. Thank you. And one one more quick question around the 700,000 um that we can that you that's kind of not being used now. Is that something we can earmark for road
upgrades or is it just specific to things like parks and wrecks? Is there any limitations for how we could use that for it has to go back to town meeting to reappropriate to another use? >> Okay. >> Do you need a move a motion from us to to turn back or you can just do it? >> Not yet. um anything with it now
>> once I get a well so to the point about the holistic review that will likely happen sometime in October around the same time that we're talking about the fall town meeting warrant. >> Okay. >> And so at that same time we can talk about or if you want it sooner we could do it in September. Um we could talk
about what else you'd like to use those funds for if we're not going to keep them for pool usage. >> Okay. >> But then we'll know how how many you know how well used the pools were during the summer. So, it'll be good timing. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Yeah.
>> Do you want me to stop because there might be more questions and do the hearing and come back or do you want me to keep going? >> Um, yeah. Why don't we >> Yeah, we still got some >> meaty >> meaty stuff. So, yeah, why don't we uh put a Why don't you finish the Greenwood Pool?
>> Okay. Um, >> so our Mint Construction has mobilized equipment to begin work finishing the drainage upgrades at Greenwood Pool that had started last year. It's expected to be complete within 3 weeks and that will close out that capital project.
Also, uh, the procurement advertised the annual maintenance and chemical bid. Again, Connecticut Custom Aquatics was the only bidder. Um DPW has started their annual pool opening work uh upgrading or I'm sorry up um upgrades to
the cleanout and distribution system um which protects against cold conditions better. And the pool is also expected to open uh on its regular schedule June 13th. And um in terms of getting prepared for that holistic conversation, DPW is
having ongoing conversations with multiple engineering firms about the projected capital costs from operating both pools going forward. Um the biggest concern right now is obviously Bliss Pool with the fire department um informing the DPW that they need to
build a separate chemical building uh some point in the near future. And we anticipate that cost to be about $500,000. We don't have any hard numbers or any drawings yet, but just with way construction's been going. Um, and then I will also be offering the chat and
splash schedule again this year where I do um drop in conversation hours at each pool location and we have a schedule already developed. There's no pool entrance fee to come to one of those sessions and it's weather dependent.
>> Okay, great. Thank you. Um, and just on Oh, thank you to DPW and everyone involved and getting the pools ready. I'm glad that we'll have both open on time this year and uh look forward to a longer conversation. Oh, I remember that question.
Part of what we had to do at Bliss was change the ventilation for the chemical storage, but that was not enough. It's been determined, >> right? >> Okay, great. Um, so let's move on. We have uh our dog
hearing attorney chaplain available. >> See, he wasn't in there a minute ago. >> There he is. So, if anybody's here who plans to speak for the dog hearing, including you, Marty Lee, if you want to come up to the table, please.
>> Are all of you here for it? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Ask anyone that had any dealings with the dog at all. It's a very unique situation, so every single person has some kind of witnessing of the dog.
>> Great. All right. Attorney Chaplan, can you hear us? >> I can hear you. Can you hear me? >> Yes, we can. Thank you. Can we Is there anybody to turn that up? >> Maybe. >> How about now? Is that better? >> I think it's on our side.
>> How about Try that? >> You're maxed out anyways. >> Is it >> testing? >> Good. At least sounds better. Um, all right. Thank you, Attorney Chaplan. Appreciate you coming in as always. Uh, can you do your uh,
we expect we're asked your guidance and getting us through this hearing. Um, and I think the first step would be if I'm not incorrect to open the public hearing. >> That's correct. I can give a summary if you'd like or we can wait until after we open the hearing, whichever works better
for Why don't why don't you go ahead? >> So, this uh this type of hearing, which unfortunately we've become familiar with in Long Meadow and familiar with in other communities, uh you have a a statute that says if you have a an incident within a town, uh a complaint
can be made to the select board and the select board acts in their capacity as a statutory hearing authority. And the complaint that we've received in this case, which is typical um in many communities, we received a complaint um from an animal control officer following
an alleged incident. So, the board's role this evening is twofold. Uh first, it's to find based on the evidence presented whether the dog in question meets the statutory definition of a dangerous dog or a nuisance dog. And those are very specific definitions that
are set forth within chapter 140 of the general laws, section 136A. We'll get into that a little bit later. If the board finds that the dog fits within one of those definitions, then the statute says that the board has to order remedial measures. If the board finds
that the dog is a nuisance dog, the statute is quite broad. The the board can can do effectively u anything within reasonable bounds. If however the board finds that the dog is a dangerous dog um then there's seven
uh remedies that the statute provides and the board has to choose between the seven. It can order one or more of the seven. And just to sort of distill it down at the outset to take the mystery out of it, a a dangerous dog as defined by the statute is one that either
commits an unprovoked attack that was not uh unreasonably disproportionate under the circumstances or instills imminent fear of reasonable imminent fear of physical injury. A nuisance dog is either one that's attacked, but it's found to be a
justified attack um or it's um something of the nature of barking, which we're going to find later is is not the nature of a complaint in this matter. So, uh what we do is this is an evidentiary hearing. Uh the statute doesn't say that
the rules of evidence strictly apply. So, we don't strictly apply them, but being a lawyer and understanding that there could be court proceedings that come out of this hearing, I do try to lean more towards the side of following the rules of evidence. I I certainly
will swear each of the witnesses as as they testify and um all who may uh testify, you know, be forewarned. You're you're being sworn under oath and um it is legally required that you tell the truth. Um, also because it's an evidentiary hearing, typically we limit
the testimony to u occurrences that are relevant to what the board has to determine that folks have observed with their own two eyes, heard with their own two ears. Um, so if there's an alleged incident and we have someone who's uh not an eyewitness to the alleged
incident, we typically don't hear from them unless their testimony would go to something else such as feasibility perhaps of remedial actions that the board might order or or something of that nature. So, as is typical, I I've talked for too much. I hope it's helpful. I'm here to assist the board
and um and to uh help the process go as smoothly as possible. >> Thank you. We are grateful for your guidance and I'm sure we'll have lots of questions as we go. Uh I will entertain a motion to open the public hearing uh regarding a nuisance or dangerous dog uh
by complainant Lyn Rivera of 120 Wimbledon Avenue or >> so moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Anything further? All those in favor? Okay. Attorney Chaplan, we first have uh Marty Lee Carante, our animal control
officer. >> Hello. >> Good evening. Good evening, Marty Lee. Uh nice to see you virtually, albeit uh if you could please raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in the matter now in hearing? >> Yes.
>> Thank you. The floor is yours. >> So, this is a unique situation. Um, I got a report a couple weeks ago of a dog charging at some people, scaring people, but there was no blood drawn, and they had stated that the dog did not live in the town. So, I made it very clear that
they could not have this dog running off leash and running at people. Uh, no quarantine was issued or anything because there was no blood drawn. And then a week later, I got called over there because the dog bit two people.
um and a dog. And so the problem being that the reported owner is reportedly incarcerated and all there seems to be a lot of um
back and forth. um all the people that were involved in in the home where the dog was being kept. Uh no one's taking real responsibility for the dog and there are no one other than
the homeowner who says she doesn't want the dog there, but the dog had been staying there. uh the other people involved that were quote watching the dog um
they can't give me any addresses even though >> they've been staying there so then know I mean this matters because >> I know let's go way back to the beginning tell us what happened what's tell us about the incidents >> well I just did I said the first one it
went out after someone so I've asked every single person that's had a incident with a dog to come and give their eyewitness as you said and then we did not think this was a long meadow dog. No blood was drawn. So that was a
non-issue. We thought a week later, but it matters because there's a precedent now. So then a week later I got called out there. Two people were bitten um and a dog. So there was blood drawn on all three
and two went to the hospital. The dog is being kept in a kennel right now. I don't know my legal I don't know legally what I can do. I don't want to release it to uh a family that's reportedly saying
that the owner is incarcerated and that no one has an actual address. Everyone appears to have >> so >> multiple addresses that they're staying at. We'll get to all this, but let's talk about >> uh the incident because this is a factf finding.
>> Correct. I'm just the legality of I of >> I know we're going >> placing it somewhere that that plays into it. If I >> tell us you we'll get to that. >> Okay. >> Tell tell us what your understanding of what happened at the incident or what >> uh >> uh what happened at the incident. Well,
so again, I'm not an eyewitness, but I have everybody here. Would you rather hear from each person that actually I came and took the dog? >> Yes. So I I would like to hear if somebody would please come up and >> and my dog. >> So please have a seat. Please introduce
yourself, your name and address. >> Okay. >> My name is Mark Scala. I live at 38 Wendleton Drive in Long Meadow. I live on the same street. >> Okay. Please tell us what happened. >> Oh, I think he's she's Can I swear the witness?
>> Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in the matter now in hearing? I do. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. So, April 23rd, taking my normal walk with my dog, Bailey. I was coming down the street.
I saw the dog. I've never seen this dog before at this address. And he was in the driveway and I noticed he just had a leash and I said, "It's a pitbull." Now, I love all animals, so I didn't assume anything.
All of a sudden, the dog turned and he saw me and my dog and he immediately ran towards me. I didn't know what to do. I said, "I can't run because I didn't know if he's going to attack me and the dog." So, I stood my ground. The dog
approached my dog, Bailey, and immediately attacked him, bit on his leg. I screamed to the owner, "Please get your dog." And he was pulling the dog and my dog
fell down and he was in pain. He had blood coming out of his right paw. So I helped him pull the dog. I went down, picked up my leash, and he bit me. I never felt the bite. I just started
screaming, "Help! Help! Help!" and the neighbors came out and helped me get me and Bailey away from the situation. Um, >> the neighbors that owned the dog or or or watching the dog or other neighbors? >> Other neighbors, >> okay, >> that live on the street helped. And then
an ambulance came and I was taken to Mercy and I received 17 stitches. uh excuse me, 14 stitches and um my wounds infected. I have to go back
Friday and they can't remove two of the stitches. Got to see what happens with that. Um I do have pictures that I received from my doctor of the bite before and after. >> And that's it.
>> I'm very sorry to hear that this happened and Thank you for coming tonight to to tell us. I I know it can't be easy to talk about. >> Um any any questions, Lynn? >> Um there is a person with the first name of Lynn in the Zoom with their hand
raised and I'm not sure. I've sent a chat to ask if they are the Lin Rivera mentioned in the complaint, but they have not replied. >> Okay. Uh why don't we wait till you have a reply? >> Okay.
Um, would anyone else Does anybody else have any questions? >> Well, what So, what kind of dog is Bailey? >> Uh, he's a golden retriever, >> like 40 lbs. >> Uh, he's an 80 pound 85 pound dog
>> approximately. How how large was the uh pitbull or the >> it's hard for me to describe because I think with the incident and my adrenaline and everything I can't give you specifics. It was a big strong dog.
Black and white I believe were the colors and and that's it. As soon as one of my neighbors helped me get out of the situation, I didn't look back. I just kept walking to get to my house. And and the neighbor that helped you, it was not their dog.
>> No. >> So the >> No. >> The where the dog came from, did did the people that live in that did the residents or the homeowners that live in that house or were staying in that house, did they come out at all when you were yelling for help to to get the dog or?
>> When the dog realized we were there, it was just on a leash. It wasn't tethered and it ran out of the driveway. And I thought it was the owner. The owner said, "Get back here. get back here. But he proceeded to run after me and my dog. And then he was ch he caught up to him,
but it was too late. He already uh had bitten Bailey and he was pulling him off. And when he I helped him pull him off, I picked up my leash and that's when the dog bit on me. >> Thanks. >> I was one of the witnesses. as well. I
had a few interactions with the doctor. >> If you could wait, we're you can introduce yourself, your name and address, and then you'll be sworn in. >> Sure. My name is Brenda Cleer, 134 Wimbledon Drive. >> And you soly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in the matter now in hearing. >> Yes.
>> Um, so my first interaction with the dog was um I'm the house right to the left of the house that owns the dog >> and I was sitting out my window and I saw the dog charge. This was about probably well I was the one that called the first complaint. So the dog um like
two days before that the dog charged out the door and tried to attack a a husky and the guy managed to put the husky on his shoulders and I I ran out to the guy. Are you okay? You okay? And then two days later walking down the road with my dogs um the dog comes charging
down to me. I I had the enough sense just to kind of like tell the dog to stop like really really stern and the dog did and the guy come running down but I had my little dog and that dog had its hackles up. He was ready. Um and then uh we have like a group chat in the in the neighborhood and there was a lady
on there that said she saw the dog get the dog almost attack another dog that same day. So that's three. And then when I heard her a week later I was sitting on my couch and I heard someone help help. And I automatically I knew I said it's that dog again. And I ran out and
she had gotten bit just as she described everything >> and that's so that was my experience. >> Okay. >> So it's definitely an issue >> is the dog it's just very recently been brought to the neighborhood. You like in a matter of weeks?
>> Yeah. Two weeks. Mhm. When I saw him charge the husky, that was the first time I had ever seen the dog. I heard it's been there for a while because I walked routine down that and I've never seen that dog. Never seen it. >> So, I don't know if they kept it in the
house or whatever, but >> I was told it's been there for a couple of months. >> I've never seen it. And I live right next door. So, >> when it charged you and your dog, was it on a leash? Where did it come from? >> It was just kind of wandering down the road. >> Oh, >> yep.
And then the guy come running down after his dog like, "Oh, sorry." And I was like, "You're not sorry." I was like, "I saw that dog attack another dog the other day, you know." So, >> okay. Uh, Chief St. >> Mr. Do you want to ask attorney Chaplan if I need to swear in the police reports
or does anyone need any clarification on that? >> I was planning on Yeah, we'll we'll get to that. Um, we're just talking about the incident now. Thank you. Good question. Uh, any other questions or uh would any other witnesses like to speak?
>> I'm her um >> if you could sit down and introduce yourself. >> I'm not a witness to it. I'm her sister Christine Scala at 38 Wimbledon Drive. >> A good odd way to be sworn in.
You solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and the nothing but the truth in the matter now in hearing. >> Yes, I do. >> Thank you. Did >> you leave? >> Um, the person's here. >> Oh, okay. >> Sorry. Go ahead.
>> I wasn't a witness. I was at home and a neighbor came and told me that my sister had been bitten by the pitbull. My point is when I got there, she was sitting in a chair with all the neighbors around her. Bailey was brought by another
neighbor limping with blood up to the house and she was in shock. There was blood all over her shoes. Her hand was ripped open and it just she was in shock of the whole thing. The dog's wound is
infected now too. So, it's just we have so many people walking on that street with dogs, children, and carriages. And if it was a child, I hate to think what would have happened. That's all I
wanted to say. >> Thank you. >> Is the man with the husky here? >> I don't believe so. >> No. I mean, I had >> Yeah, I had a similar experience. Yeah. Name and address please. Uh Brian Tool
19 Wimbledon chap. >> Do you still pray to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in the matter now in hearing? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> So the week prior I was walking my my uh dog, a 15 pound Shih Tzu, and someone at
the house was yelling, "Pick up your dog. Pick up your dog." And I turned and looked and the dog was running full speed at me. So, I had to scoop up my dog and hold him and keep turning. And thankfully, I was close to the driveway and the owner was able to retrieve the
dog. Um, but I almost had a stroke when the dog came running. >> Scary. >> And similar to Chrissy, I worry about there's tons and tons of excuse me, little kids on the street riding bikes. Makes me very, very, very nervous. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> So, I dodge the bullet. >> Yep. >> Thank you. Uh, any other questions? Okay. Um, and we have maybe the homeowner.
>> No, that's Lynn. I recognize them. And that that's the person that reportedly was watching the dog for the reported dog owner that's incarcerated. >> You please uh introduce yourself on the Zoom. You're on mute.
>> Still can't hear you. >> I don't think they know that they can't be heard because they're still talking. You may have to call in the meantime. Do you have the ability to call in? I can put the phone number in the chat.
I didn't even Marty Lee, in the meantime, um, can you tell us what when you became involved or actually I I actually imagine Chief Stocks would probably become involved first or police department if we could
go in order. Attorney Chaplan, I have my hand raised. >> Oh, I apologize, Chief. I was trying to phone number. >> You so swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in the matter now in hearing. >> I do. >> Thank you. >> Uh, good evening, everyone. Thank you. Um, as Marty Ley indicated, we're here
for a dangerous dog. Um, hearing a little unorthodox uh based on the the circumstances. Uh, incident originally started uh our first report of the the animal which I believe is Sassy. Is that correct? >> Yeah. >> This is a pitbull type dog. Uh, it
occurred on April 15th as we have witnesses uh also testifying to. That was the initial report of a wild and aggressive animal Sassy. Um, second incident was reported on April 23rd as Miss Scala testified to. That was the
one that was very concerning. Um, Marty was in typical protocol notified of both incidents. The first incident, she looked into it, but as she indicated, um, there was no blood drawn, more of an unleashed dog. Uh, kind of gave the admonishment to the the the the people
who were responsible for the animal, even though the owner is unavailable. second incident on April 23rd occurred which Miss Scala was unfortunately the victim of a dog bite as well as her her animal as well as the individual on the um on the Zoom who's trying to get in
right now uh was injured trying to separate the animals this incident um Marty Lee can testify in her own words but basically took um protocol in which she took the dog placed it into quarantine um and we're here now trying
to figure out what to do. Uh it should be noted my officers did make contact with the homeowner at 120 William uh Wimbledon, the the residence of the animal. Um after the April 15 incident, despite not having any blood drawn, our
officers tried to be a little proactive in the sense of the pitbull, not to, you know, unnecessarily deem all pitbulls dangerous. But based on the incident, based on the concern of the neighborhood, um my officers went out to the the residents, spoke with the homeowner um to get a little glean some
more information as to, you know, how long is this dog going to be here? Is it going to be temporary? Is going to be long-term? Who is the rightful owner? The homeowner was cooperative. Um did indicate allegedly that uh she was not a big fan of the dog being there, but she didn't have a time frame in which the
dog would be at the house. And unfortunately, as we know now, April 23rd happened in which the dog got loose again. Um, so I have both police reports. Uh, attorney Chaplain was provided with both as well as the photos of the injuries and, um, those are
essentially the facts involved. >> Thank you. And, uh, this dog is not registered. >> Okay. Do we know if this dog's registered in another town? >> No, there is actually no address for this dog. That's what I was trying to
explain. There's I don't have no one has given me an address. So, I don't feel that I could even It's a very different situation. I I can't release it to anywhere in good faith knowing that I don't know where this dog's going to go. I don't know if it's had prior
incidences in other towns. Um, you know, I mean, you can you can see. So, >> okay, let me see. Um, I am not able to get the Zoom call-in number. So, I will give this
person another number to call. >> Lyn, if you want to give my >> work cell phone. >> Okay. See if this works. While we're waiting for this to connect, um, is there anything else that you'd
like us to know? Anything you witnessed or any conversations you have with the homeowner or any of the te caretakers? >> The homeowner just kept saying, "I'm I'm not going to
forgive you." to uh one of the people that was reportedly watching the dog. Um they said the dog had been staying there. So that that's important I think as far as the law attorney Chapen could tell us. But I think the dog
was being kept there. So that's I think what gives us the legal right to proceed because we don't have an address for the dog. But because it was being kept in Long Meadow, I think we can. Again, that's what I'm looking for legal advice on.
But >> yes, I I agree with I agree with that. At the time of the incident, based on what I've reviewed, the dog was being kept at the address in question, and accordingly, the board has jurisdiction to hear the complaint. and you left them. >> Um, I gave them my cell number.
>> Okay. >> Okay. See, I do have a number now. >> Does anyone else on the board have any questions while we're waiting for the >> I have a question. >> I guess I'm confused. So, the the p the
homeowner is saying they don't know when the the owner of the dog owner is is is coming back to the house to get the dog. They they have no idea. Uh that's what I'm conf because that person's incarcerated and so they have no time
frame. They I mean, don't you have some >> It's very complicated to answer because nobody gives me a straight story. I haven't gotten a straight. I've asked, is there an address? Is there an address for this person? I'm not getting any addresses for anyone
even prior to the reported incarceration. Um, I got multiple different answers on multiple different things. The homeowner does not want to be associated with the dog, but doesn't seem
to be able to tell the people to leave. So, has had the dog there at least. It It appears for a while. That's what I was told that night, that the dog had been there for a while. >> I I was hoping to answer that question perhaps with the person being sworn in,
maybe get a a more definitive answer for you. >> Sorry to steal your >> No, that's quite all right. >> It's just a confusing situation. It's It's not >> cut and dry. They're trying to avoid responsibility is what they're trying to do.
Attorney Chaplan. Um I don't know if this is I guess it didn't make it on Did the email from today get attached to the agenda? >> Email from today. >> Oh, with the um the video >> the ring video. >> No. >> Okay. Attorney Chapman, we also received
a ring video today from another neighbor who uh the dog charged at and she picked up her dog and there's video of her running away and screaming. Uh is that something we can consider? >> Since the rules of evidence don't
strictly apply, I I think it is. Uh I might suggest to the board that if they feel they have enough based upon the eyewitness testimony, you know, not to uh not to have the decision hinge upon that um that specific evidence. I mean, if the board
members recognize the neighborhood from the Rimcam uh video, then um then then perhaps they can give it more weight. But um you know I would just encourage the board if at all possible to to base the determination on the um
on on the eyewitness testimony that's in front of the board as that makes uh next steps less complicated. >> Okay. Thank you. I've also never been in a situation where we can see somebody trying to get
on and they are unable to. Um, >> they're gone now. >> They've dropped off. >> There is a phone number for the person in the chat. I don't know if we're able to call that. >> That's my cell number. Oh, that's your cell number
>> for them to call um call here. >> They're both listed as Lynn, so it is confusing. >> Um but I would prefer to keep the public hearing open until >> Oh, wait. >> This gets resolved >> this chat. Okay, there that's wasn't showing up. Um okay.
>> Oh, >> they didn't call us. So, would you like me to try this number, >> please? Hello. >> Hi. Is this Lynn? >> Is this for Lyn Rivera? >> Yes.
>> Okay. >> Yeah. Hello. >> Hi. Um, this is the select board uh hearing regarding the dog. >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry about that. I don't know. Somehow I'm blocked um from uh interacting um verbally and um I figured
out a little way to type, but um I'm just too nervous, you know, like cuz I've never been through this before and um I'm really concerned about >> um the dog and every everything. >> Okay. So, if you could trying to say >> so I I I know you're nervous, so we're
just going to ask you to slow down. Uh, could you state your name and your address, please? >> Yeah. Um, my name is Lang River and um uh my address um right now is um 46
White Street, but I was staying um at 120 W um uh for a short period of time, but uh >> No, hold on, please. And attorney Chaplan is going to ask you to raise your right hand and uh he's going to
raise his right hand and ask you to to swear uh to go under oath. >> Sir, do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in the matter now in hearing? >> No. >> Lyn, you you don't need to be on camera
for this. You just need to swear. And so, >> okay. Just verbally. >> Yeah. Listen to this question. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Do you do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the
truth in the matter now in hearing? >> Yes, I do. >> Okay. Thank you. Um All right. So, you can you say state your name? I'm sorry, your address again. >> Okay. So, um, my my mail and address is 46 White Street.
>> And, um, >> and what and what town or city? >> With a friend of mine, um, Josh, um, on 121. >> 46 White Street in what town or city? >> Uh, Springfield, Mass., sorry about that. >> 01108.
and um uh my brother who is um the actual owner but he he's incarcerated. So I took like um care I've been taking care of the dog um since he's been um
incarceration. So, um, prior to that, Stafy was staying at, um, 21, um, uh, 21 Amity Street and Springfield 0108.
Now, Sassy could go back there. There was just, uh, they had um, uh, some cats there or something and, um, they were babies and, uh, we're just waiting to, uh, for them to get, uh, you know, placed. and uh says he could go back
there >> and then I can give you the um information. >> How long is your brother going to be incarcerated for? >> Um I I'm not sure um if the case is pending. >> Okay.
What is the charge? >> Yeah. Well, basically, yeah. And um I just basically been taking care of her since he's been um India cuz you know >> what is what is the charge your brother is facing?
Um I I I don't know something um um there was a um I don't know a stolen car and um something like that and I don't know truly but um cuz I'm not actually
in contact with him. >> So something about a stolen car. >> How did the dog come into your care if you're not in contact with your brother? Um cuz um um Sassy um and my brother, they were
staying at 21 Street. Um I was staying there um briefly, but um I I was um staying with Josh for a while and um you know, we were waiting for the cats to um uh get home and then um I was going to
uh head head back there. So we heard of many many incidents where the dog was out and running at people uh and of course attacking a dog and people. >> How was if you're caring for the dog?
How was this happening? >> Um you know um the dog got loose. She did have a chain on her but um Josh had put the dog outside but he didn't secure her. So when she see other other dogs,
she um sometimes she'll go up, she'll play with them, and then sometimes, you know, um you know, it'll turn into a fight, you know. Um I won't lie about that, you know, but I do, you know, like
she she is a great dog, though. Um and in you know the other dog um in other cases you know like would bite her but bite at her and so she will attack. I never had a a pitbull before, but you
know, I I had um my my uh you know, my mom had be on it and you know, I did, but you know, the dog had nobody to care for it when my brother went to jail. And I got very, very close to this dog. And you know, um I love Sassy and I'm sorry
what happened. I'm truly sorry. and if there's anything I can do to you know um you know make me with this um I'm going to have to and um I don't know where to go from here. Um
we're really stressed over this and um I just all I can say is I'm sorry that just happened. >> Any other questions from the board? Lynn Lynn, do you know if um Sassy is licensed in the city of Springfield
where she was living? >> Okay. So, that's one thing. Um I know my brother said she had um I haven't talked to him. Um uh cuz um you know, he doesn't have a way to call or whatever. But um uh I do know she had her first
shot, she said, >> but I don't know if she has a license to be honest. Um, if she did, I would think she would be wearing them. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Damn. >> Oh, no. >> Yeah. Um, uh, thank you, Lynn. Um, I'm
curious. What is your relationship with the homeowner at 120 W? >> Oh. Um, I'm really good friends with Josh. I've been friends with Josh for a long time. And um he he'd come over, show my house, and um you know, we hang
out and stuff. And um you know um he he invited me to stay cuz um the dog um the lady um that lives at 21 um she just had baby cats, kittens and you know I didn't want like um you know
the dog could you know like eventually like who knows you know I I wanted them to be separated so um Josh said and um we could bring them to to his Okay. And um how long do you plan to
stay at 120 W? >> Well, this was only um temporary. Um I was there about two maybe two weeks. Two weeks, two weeks or so. Um and uh so um
I would say maybe like another two, three weeks. Um, I don't know. Whatever long it takes for a cat kitten to be uh uh ready to be their mom. >> Okay. So then you and the dog Sassy,
right now the plan is for you all to leave 120 W and go to Springfield in two or three weeks. >> Yes. Uh, is Sassy spayed? >> Is she spaded? >> Spayed
>> like um >> has she been altered so she can't have puppies? >> No, she hasn't had um she hasn't been spayed if that's what you're saying. >> Anybody else from the board? Oh, go ahead. Uh, is it fair to say that
uh, Sassy moved out of 21 Amity Street because you were fearful that Sassy might harm the kittens? >> Well, yeah, because there there's more than like six kittens and um, you know,
like um, they're running around, you I just don't want I didn't want to take the you know um you know if I have to go somewhere and I have to reach Sassy you know I don't know if you know the cats get you know that was Cassie would get
the cat or anything like that you know cuz it's a an animal you know I don't know because I never uh had experience like that so I just um you know um I was talking with Josh about it he's like
bring you bring you over to my house and um when they get rid of um you know when they're ready to get rid of the kittens. So just bring it back cuz this is where my brother was staying
um prior to uh everything um up until now. And uh Lynn, who is who is responsible for whether Sassy is on a leash or goes and you know off the property? Is it you
or Josh that's responsible? >> Um I guess I didn't bring Sassy out that that the night of the incident. Um Josh brought her out um and put her on I
don't know on a uh the work gym or something like that. But she had her bleaches on and um and when I saw this, I was picking up please and um I had a book and I see run by me and I see this lady and her dog
and then like Sassy had run after her, you know, and um she uh paused for a minute and then they started the dogs started fighting together. Then I ran up and then I got pingled in the trying to
um break him up so you know nobody would get hurt and in the midst I even got pissed. >> She stops. >> Can I ask a question or I don't know if she my voice will pick up on the speaker phone but is it possible just to confirm I know um they're indicating that they
are staying at 120 W and they were because they were friends with Josh. Uh, the homeowner is Josh's mother. That's the legal homeowner. And it was my understanding at the time of this incident as well as a week or two, maybe longer prior to, Josh was not at the
residence. He was gone for extended period of time. >> I'm sorry. I heard what you're saying, but I couldn't hear. >> You want me to grab the phone, Mr.? >> No, I I think I And uh is is it correct that uh for at least some of the time when
you've been at the house, Josh has Josh has not lived there or he has not been staying there and his mother is the homeowner? >> Yeah, his mom's the homeowner. Um Josh stays there. Um >> uh that's all I know.
We have any other questions? Yeah. >> Uh Lynn, where is the where is the dog currently right now? >> Um the dog is in East Meadow um kennel. >> I have it. >> And and and where would it be released
to if it comes out of the kennel? Um I I would make arrangements um with um um Cararissa at 21 Anthony Street um to make sure um you know like she could be released on how long like would it be
um if we have to move the cat whatever cuz I didn't know this was going to like be like this but there was never no incident in Springfield um with Sassy this is the first incident um you
Josh, do you have >> other dogs? >> Lynn, do you have a residence right now to even take care of the dog? >> I'm sorry. We'll do that. >> Do you have a residence to take care where you can where you could house this dog?
Um at um well um I do but um it would be um I'm I'm in the medical facility right now. Um I would just have to talk to Carissa and ask her if the cats um how much longer the cats need or whatever or
if she would just um give it to her sister to take care of him. So Sassy cuz she loves Sassy. She loves Sassy like just like I do. and um you know she'd do anything pretty sassy. So I would just have to touch space for her and she had
her own place on um street and um you know and that's where that that's what happened. >> So Lynn, where where are you living now? Are you living at Wimbledon in Long
Meadow or where where do you currently reside? I was um staying with Josh for um for a little while. Um like they said um um the cats um were born and you know at cinema, you know, I wanted them to be free to roam around, you know, without
um you know, any incidents, you know, like I don't know how she's going to react to the kittens or anything like that. So, like I said, I was only there for a couple weeks and um you know, I think um I don't know what 6 to 8 weeks
that um had to be with her. Um I'm not too sure, but I talked to Teresa about that and um move forward. >> So, where do you reside currently? >> I'm sorry. >> Where do you currently reside?
Um well actually I was seen at 21 um >> yes 21. So where are you sleeping at night? Are you staying at Wimbledon or where are you where are you staying currently? Um, right now I'm I'm I'm at the
hospital cuz um I'm nervous right over this. Um, Marty Lee, do we know how the dog is doing at like behaving at the kennel? Do or is it fully quarantined from other animals? Like do we know? Are we getting any reports from the kennel?
>> You're making up. I'm sorry. It's It's not a question for you. >> Sorry, Lyn. I asked a question of the our our animal control officer. >> No, >> the dog is at a private boarding kennel, and I would not want anyone who's paying
to board their dog there to be >> So, it's fully quarantined. Yes. So, I I wouldn't want that >> dog to have any interaction with anybody's animals there that are being privately. It's just the caretakers who are interacting. >> It's just being fed and kept for the
required days and >> and then I have to decide >> well somebody has toi advise me on what to do okay >> do with the dog. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? Um,
okay. Uh, I saw a hand in the back. >> I was just wondering if there had been previous incidences in the other home. >> Uh, it's a fair question. Um, Lyn, do you know if there was any
incidents with Sassy and other dogs or people at the AMD address or anywhere else? Um no. Um like um there were no incidents where um you know like what happened um she's just I always just had
her um usually with me. If I left I would leave her with Carissa but again like um she had um had to have babies and you know um so I just took her. Um Josh Josh is like somebody who comes over all the time and he just he's like
>> Oh, so I have a I have another question. So we heard from a lot of people here and I I don't know if you heard all of them, but we got a lot of reports of people seeing sassy charge at people run after people
threaten people and dogs. And it happened >> a number of times. Why didn't you stop it? Well, um, so, so the first two times, like I said, I told you that Josh had
put her out there. the second time we came from Costco and she um I was driving and she um Josh opened the door and she saw another dog and she went to run after her after the dog, but the dog
um you know um never hurt the other dog never got to >> Why did you Why did you let this dog run free or on a leash that >> It's not that I let her run free. just likes likes all those other animals and
sometimes you know it's give or take you know like if the dog snapped back at her she you know like I know it's my fault like she got a boost you know like um you know again the cash open door you
know I she only in in my um in my uh view she only um did the one time um the lady. And then there was another time where um he almost bit um
uh I don't know. It's just going to make me more uh uh alert to keep her, you know, uh under control at all times. >> Um >> that's all I can tell you. There's >> something.
Um from my perspective, my dog Bailey is a sweet dog. When Sassy approached him, he didn't even give him a chance. He immediately viciously viciously attacked him. So to say that he would never hurt
a dog. He he hurt my dog. >> Say that. >> I didn't say that. I said I'd be more alert um on taking, you know, control of her and the surroundings, you know. Um because again, like I'm I'm I'm shaking.
I'm upset about this and I'm sorry this happened and you know it just raises my awareness like you know I myself physically have to you know take care of this dog um because um I formed a
relationship with her. >> I don't have any more questions. Anything else? No. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you, Lynn. Um I don't know how >> like um also like >> there's no more questions pending.
>> Um dog train I can get a speeded um no more questions. >> Lynn um the board is now going to start their um discussion and so there's no more questions of you at this time. So you can you can stay and listen um but they don't have any more questions for you.
>> Okay. Um thank you. We have um we have people here that may want to speak if there's any more questions from the board. Otherwise, uh entertain a motion to close the public hearing. >> Make a motion to close the public hearing.
>> Second. >> Any further discussion? >> All right. All those in favor? Okay. Uh thank you. Um All right. Attorney Chaplan, if you could tell us our next step.
>> Absolutely. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, so the next step is the board has to determine if Sassy fits within the statutory definition of a dangerous dog or a nuisance dog. I I'll read those definitions into the record now since that's the question that's currently
before the board. So, I'll start with a nuisance dog. The definition of a nuisance dog is a dog that one by excessive barking or other disturbance is a source of annoyance to a sick person residing in the vicinity or two by excessive barking causing damage or other interference. A reasonable person
would find such behavior disruptive to one's quiet and peaceful enjoyment or three has threatened or attacked livestock, a domestic animal or a person. But such threat or attack was not grossly disproportionate reaction under the circumstances. So that's a
nuisance dog. There's three ways to get to a nuisance dog. I'll next read the definition of a dangerous dog. And there's two ways to get to a dangerous dog. So a dangerous dog is a dog that either one without justification attacks a person or domestic animal causing
physical injury or death or two behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses an unjustified imminent threat of physical injury or death to a person or to a domestic or owned animal. All right. Thank you. Um, so we, as we
know from our previous dog hearings, what we our determination here is guides a bit what our remedies can be and what orders we can do. Um, so but I think we should make a finding
first before we move on. And I I see no reason Uh it's normally maybe a close call, but uh for here I I can't see how we can't find Sassy to not be how we can't find that Sassi is a
dangerous dog. Um we have heard of a number of incidents where the dog was uh threatening people and other animals and uh in fact inflicted great damage um to and we're lucky that
it wasn't more um and so that would be my that would be my inclination as much as I uh it pains me to do it but I I don't see how we can't. I agree. >> Well, so I I kind I guess I'm kind of looking at it a little bit differently.
So, you know, obviously there's the definition of a dangerous dog and a nuisance dog, but it's not just kind of how it's those words are regularly understood. It's how you know the the different uh remedies that we can provide under those definitions. And I know that if we say a dog is a dangerous
dog, there are only certain things that we can order where if you know, even though this dog is a dangerous dog, if we deem the dog a nuisance dog, there are more remedies available to us. Um, and I think this situation is just it's an odd situation that we have this dog
that doesn't really live here, nor do I think it should be released back to a homeowner in Long Meadow because I don't know what responsible homeowner would actually be taking care of this dog. Um, so I almost think that we should be working backwards a little bit
here of trying to figure out what we want to do with the dog. Um, and then we can decide whether that dangerous dog definition fits or the nuisance dog definition fits. >> Well, here's where I go ahead. >> If I if I may, just just to be helpful,
the statute explicitly states that the board cannot order the dog to be removed from the jurisdiction. So, I I just want to get that out on the table. >> Is it >> um >> in your memo, it said, is that only for dangerous dogs or is that for any dog?
It it's in section 157, so it applies to both dangerous dogs and nuisance dogs. >> Yeah. Okay. So, yeah, Ben, just to what you're saying, um, we've found I think we found a dog, a nuisance dog, and then
that dog killed another dog. And I I can't I don't know. I I don't want us to be in a position where we >> have let something happen again. >> Yeah, I was going to say I I don't I
wouldn't feel comfortable releasing this dog to another town or city where anyone else could be injured, unfortunately. And I have dogs. I love dogs, but I don't think this board can pass that danger on to anyone else. I think for me
personally, I think the dog fits under the definition of a dangerous dog. Unfortunately, that is the same as me. I've been dog officer for over 20 years, and I've never asked for a dog to be euthanized. I love dogs, but I don't
feel in good conscience that I could I don't have an owner that could even give me any kind of assurance that they could keep this dog. I would just I'd be very afraid to release this dog anywhere that than if it, like you say,
something worse happens. So I don't take this lightly. I think you guys know that. >> Sure. And and I I apologize if what I said was misunderstood. Like I think that is kind of what I wanted to hear was what the actual recommendation was
going to be and to make sure that whatever this recommendation was was that then we can kind of have the definition, you know, match up with that basically. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I I I think you just hit it right in the head, Mar Lee. I mean, that's
just just hearing the the testimony and the the big the elephant in the room here is there's no one that is taking responsibility of of ownership of the dog, and they're blaming somebody else who's uh who lives at the house, their
friend. They they're taking a dog out of uh out of Springfield, because there's kittens there, because they feel that the kittens would be harmed. There's been multiple um bitings uh on Wimbledon. We've heard from multiple neighbors. Um, a woman unfortunately she
has an infection now because of this. Um, a dog is infected. Um, I I do understand what Venice is is saying because we've gone through a lot of these where we we do want to uh make sure >> but I have to um hang up now because uh
the people got to go um home and um I I can't Is there any number I can talk to somebody? um to at a different time like tomorrow. >> Um uh yeah, like um because uh um the
lady has to go home and um you know >> Sure. Why don't I'll give you a number >> tomorrow? >> Sure. You can give a number. I can give you can give my office a call tomorrow and I can let you know the outcome of the hearing. >> But the board will be making a decision tonight. This this will not be something
that's continued. >> Okay. >> Okay. So the number is 413. >> Yeah. >> 565. >> 4110 1 4 1 0 >> 513 >> 565
>> 565 >> 4 1 1 0 >> 4 1 4 0 >> 4 1 1 0 >> 1 0 Okay. I'm sorry. So 5654110.
>> Yes. >> Okay. And your name? >> Lynn. >> Okay, Lynn. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um, is there a specific time I should call or >> anytime that works for you? >> Okay. Thank you, Lyn. I appreciate you. Thank you. >> Take care. Good night.
>> Y, too. Bye. I kind of lost my train of thought here, but uh uh but yeah, just I was just saying, you know, we go through a lot of these um unfortunately and and I think to to Venice's point, uh we've been able to leverage
considering the dog a nuisance dog where we have more leverage to um help try to mitigate anything in the future. I think after just um the testimony and and you know seeing uh the information that was sent over to
us as well and um I think a lot of us have our dog owners too and this the last thing we want to do is you know is you know put a dog down. I I just in this situation, this is a terrible situation and I agree. I don't think that we can allow this dog to um you
know, be back out into the public when there's no owner that is taking uh any um majority of ownership and trying to um provide a good safe life for the dog and for the uh residents of
of Long Meadow and especially um the residents of of Wimbledon. So, um, I also, so I I do agree with the board here, um, in my long-winded, uh, comments. >> I also agree this is a dangerous dog.
>> All right. Um, I will entertain a motion to find that sassy is a dangerous dog under chapter 157. Chapter 140, section 157. >> So move. >> Second. Anything
further? All those in favor? Okay. Attorney Chaplan. So at this point, the board has to determine what the remedy will be because the finding has been dangerousness. The statute specifies seven
remedies that the board must choose between. So that I'm there's a handout, I believe, in front of the board. So I I'm not going to read it word for word. Um, but I will summarize each of the seven. So, the first is that the dog be humanely restrained. The second is that
the dog be confined to the premises of the owner or the keeper. The third is that the dog be muzzled. The fourth is that the dog provide proof of insurance in an amount not less than $100,000 to cover injury claims. The fifth is that
the owner provide the licensing authority, i.e. board or the animal control officer identifying information such as photographs or ship information for the dog. The sixth is that the dog be altered, so spayed or neutered if that has not occurred already. And the
seventh is an order that the dog be humanely euthanized. So, the statute tells the board it must choose between uh it must choose one or more of those seven that I just read. I've said it many times. This is the dog hearings are the worst thing we do.
I think and it really it does stick with me that we once tried to craft a remedy for a dog that we must have found was a nuisance dog that was a dangerous dog and it it killed another dog. And that
does it stays with you. Um, and I I don't think that uh as far I'm not a veterinarian, but I don't think that spaying a dog
necessarily helps with aggressiveness. And I I I think it's been even in just a few weeks, we saw that this dog is very aggressive and is not controlled. And that's not the dog's
fault, that's the owner's fault. Um, and I just I I can't I can't put a dangerous dog back out there. Um,
yeah. It's uh it's a terrible situation. You want to ask Marty her recommendation to elaborate? >> I didn't understand your question. Do you want to give a recommendation based on your experience in this situation? >> Um, well, I think I just stated it a a couple minutes ago. I yes
>> I as I feel as sad as Josh does I but I I can't really recommend anything other than euthanasia and and I have as you said we did actually deem another dog I I thought we
deemed it dangerous but we used one of the other options that he had of really trying to put orders on it and muzzle and all that and then they didn't listen and the dog went and heard another. So in this case, we don't even have anybody
to It's just real clear, none of those other options are even available one through six. So euthanasia is the only option. >> Yeah. And and that's kind of where um where I'm at too. It's just, you know, because you know that one incident obviously was very unfortunate. We never
want to see that happen. You know, I I hope that we're not just going to be euthanizing dogs because of that one incident. But here, like I said, there's nobody to release this dog to. There's no uh there's no way for us to even craft another um another solution or try to work with
anyone or do anything here. And so um yeah, it's it's unfortunate that like like Marty Lee said that there's no other really choice left. I concur. I think that euthanasia is unfortunate, but in this situation, there's no none of these other remedies
do we can we have confidence in or or are adequate to ensure the safety of people in the neighborhood whether in Long Meadow or anywhere else this dog will be residing if they were to move away from our town. So that's the way I
think about it. All right. Um, do we have a motion? >> Do we have to motion what we're suggesting? >> Yes. >> How does that have to be? >> We have to move for the for the remedy.
>> I'll try it, but nobody can like break up a little bit. Um, I make a motion to humanely euthanize sassy under the dangerous definition. >> Second. >> All right. Anything else?
Really? Um, I'm gutted that hoping I I was hoping we would never have to do this, but I think it's it's warranted. And I thank you all for coming tonight. I know it was difficult, but we appreciate it. All right. Um, all those in favor.
>> Thank you. >> You've taken a lot of hard votes and that must be probably the the hardest vote I'd say that I've I've had to take here. >> Yeah. It's very hard for her to have to for
Margaret to uh have to do this to a dog. There's no greater person who's an animal lover >> as she is. >> So I know how she feels also. >> But I guess take the comfort in
>> it could be saving a child. >> Oh no. I I please I'm not disagreeing with you at all. I absolutely agree with you. Thank you, Attorney. >> Three minute recess. >> Thank you, Attorney Chaplain. >> Good night. Thank you.
>> I hate this. Rob hates this. Would none of us want to be here over Are you guys all set or on another minute? >> Uh, no. We're all set. Thank you. >> Okay. >> All right. I'll just let you go when you're ready. >> Okay. Thanks.
>> All right, Lynn. Um, we are about halfway through the town manage report. I'm go back to that. >> Okay. Um uh so regarding the net metering solar credit cash out, you may recall we went back and forth with department of
revenue late last year regarding creation of a revolving fund for our cashed out net metering credits. This had been an article in the fall town meeting warrant. Um but ultimately we requested no action at that meeting while we sought an opinion from do legal
council regarding our plan to create a revolving fund to put this money in. And then the future net metering cash out funds do's position has not changed and while I would like to push this issue I don't think it's a good use of our time
or town council's time. Uh and so with the select board's agreement I would like to direct Eversource to issue the check to us. It's $886,000. It would then be deposited into our miscellaneous revenue account and certified with free cash that we would
then be able to allocate in the fall. Um we could then plan a use for the those funds um at for our fall town meeting. Um and I think I had previously expressed I was hoping to use those funds towards energy efficiency efforts. Um but obviously if it's a free cash
article, we could um have any sort of use for it. So, um that's just that's an update on that and I'm just looking for some sort of um you know consensus to have Eversource issue that check and knowing it will come in as free cash.
Um and then I have a legal expense update. This is our quarterly legal expense update. We are doing um fairly well um with where things have been trending over the last few years and um not inspect not uh anticipating any um
shortfalls at all as we close out the fiscal year or get closer to closing out the fiscal year. Um and then uh accessory dwelling units um there is a survey that has launched. It's brief 10 question one. We're helping put the word out uh with the
planning department and our housing authority. Um there is a link on the town website for people to help guide planning efforts in the development of ADU design guidelines and standards. Sorry, I misspoke. Not housing authority. This was um that was
something else I was thinking of, but this is um the ADU design guidelines and standards that are currently in development with the planning board and um they are looking for residents to complete this survey just to help guide what those guidelines will end up ultimately being. Um, the project is
funded through a planning assistance grant that was awarded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and it's going to be used to create a set of design guidelines and standards that are tailored to meet the town while also keeping us in compliance with the ADU
um, bylaw. And I'm happy to report that the future building use task force has been meeting. They've held several meetings and also had an opportunity to tour the three buildings. a community engagement strategy is being developed. Um they're
attending some public events in the near future to seek feedback from residents and there's um a form on the town website to just gather that feedback anytime someone wants to submit a question or a thought or an opinion. Um you can go to the long meadow ma.gov
website and go to the future building use task force page and it's linked right there. And that concludes my report. I'm happy to answer any questions you have. >> Just had one quick question on the free cash. Um if we if that goes into free cash, could we use it for anything we
want? So like I'm thinking of the budget conversation we had and the school committee had we don't have to talk detail now, but as an example, the FTE they had to eliminate from their budget. Could that go to fund that for one more year or is it not allowed to be used for something like that because it's a
>> um so uh once anything goes to free cash? Yes, it could be for any use. Okay. Um there you do have a free cash policy that generally stays away from using free cash for recurring funds because their free cash is a onetime fund. >> Um >> Okay.
>> But we can certainly discuss it. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Anything else on Berlin or on the monthly reports? Seeing none, we'll go on to 13B, delivery of marijuana and marijuana products from the CCC.
>> Thank you. >> Lyn, can you explain this? >> Yep. Um, so this is relatively new um but we received this bulletin um between your last meeting and tonight. Um there has been a change by the Cannabis Control Commission um through this new
um act that was signed by the governor. Uh and Long Meadow has not allowed marijuana uh sales in town and um up until this new act that also um carried over to delivery. Uh that is now going
to change and delivery will be allowed unless you opt out and opt outs are good for two years. So uh I'm bringing this to your attention. You don't need to do anything with it tonight. Um unless you wanted to. The Cannabis Control Commission is still in the process of um
developing the the actual form that you would fill out to opt out. Um but I did want to put this on your radar because it is an action that you would need to take if you did want to prohibit delivery in town. >> Is there uh a fiscal benefit to allowing
delivery in town? >> That is a good question and I don't have an answer on that. Um, I'm not sure that it I don't know if the sale is at the transaction of the establishment or if it's at the delivery
point that I'm not sure about. So, I can find out. >> I know like for some or e- retailers should at least be paying state tax for where they deliver, but I don't know if it matters locally. So, I think that's that something important for us to
consider. Lyn, do we have any kind of recommendations or thoughts from the police department just on either what's known about cannabis delivery and anything associated with that? I think that would be interesting to hear their opinion if they have one.
>> Great. I'll get that as well. Um, and potentially public health department or board of health. >> Yeah, I was trying to think of the other department. I couldn't think of which one. Yep. >> Okay. So, I'll bring this back when I have more information. >> Is there a deadline we have to opt out? I didn't get
>> um No, it's still in review. Okay. Um they're going to issue further guidance and an application procedure and timelines. Um >> I didn't see a date, but I didn't know if I missed it or if there was another article. Okay. >> Not yet, but we'll be closely watching this. So, I I can't imagine we'll, you know, extend this out six months or
anything. >> Okay. Okay. >> All right. Anything else on that? And I I skipped over old business completely. Uh so if we can first look at uh the April 6th minutes,
>> I'll make a motion that we approve the April 6, 2026 minutes as written. >> Second. >> Any further? All those in favor? >> I'll make a motion that we approve the April 16th, 2026 minutes as written.
>> Second. >> Any further? All those in favor? >> Oh, abs. Go ahead. Abstain. I think I wasn't >> all right. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Any abstensions? >> Excuse me. >> Yes. One extension.
Okay. And presentation on article 7 at town meeting. That's the fiber article. So beneath if you'd like to speak. >> Yeah. Um so this came up because obviously with articles that are of high interest where I think residents at town meeting would benefit from presentation.
Usually a presentation is done. Um so uh the question here was who would be the proper party to give a presentation on this article and um the town moderator advised that since this is a select board proposal that the select board
could give a presentation or could delegate somebody to give a presentation for the select board. And so you know I I thought it might be better for us to delegate it out to somebody else to give a presentation. and um Ben Brown who was on the municipal fiber task force. The
last time a presentation was given about the design and engineering application and um creating the MLP, he was the one that gave the presentation. I thought he'd be a good person uh to give a presentation um at at town meeting on this article. Um you know, he's someone
that was with the task force the whole way through, knows uh the project um as well as anyone. And even in his, you know, um, in his own career, he runs the UMass, um, internet system and, you know, which serves, I think, seven or eight times the number of people that
the town of Long Meadow would. Um, and so somebody that's very familiar with the technical side of this, the financial side of this, and also, um, you know, the statutory, um, requirements and everything like that. So, I think he would do a good job here. Um so this would just be a vote to
delegate um giving the presentation to him. >> I think it's a good idea. Um and as you said when we are spending big bucks potentially the more information we get out to the voters the better. So I think that's uh
this is a good way to do it. Um anything else from us in the board? You want to move any? >> Yep. Um I will move to um delegate the article 7 presentation at town meeting to Ben Brown. >> Second
further. All those in favor. >> All right. Uh you just need us to vote for or to approve to this this annual town meeting sign. >> Uh no this is the election warrant. >> Oh jeez. >> So that ballots can be ordered. What did
I just look at? >> Uh early voting schedule maybe. >> Yes. >> Um I will move to set the June 2nd, 2026 annual town election warrant. >> Second.
>> All right. Anything further? All those in favor? Do you have that for us to sign tonight or do you want that done or you do it electronically? >> We'll do that electronically. Okay. >> All right. Now, I saw there's a sign >> and I just just so it's abundantly clear, we have to order ballots
>> now. >> Um because in order to get them in time for early voting and by June 2nd, they need to be ordered now. If article 7 fails, the question on the debt exclusion will still be on the ballot because ballots are ordered now. We
can't wait until after town meeting. So, just so that it's very clear, >> that's a good point. That's a But if it if it were not to pass, >> then it would be moot. >> Like it would have no action or >> No. Um there's another community that
just had went through this. Um not for a fiber article for something else. If it fails at town meeting, but it's on the ballot and it passes at the ballot by majority vote, you can call a special town meeting to revote the borrowing authorization.
>> We can but don't have to. >> Right. And this has a 50% threshold rather. They're calling a town meeting up to the select board again or >> the what? I'm sorry. >> So if it fails a town meeting and passes 50% at a vote, then who decides if
there's going to be a special town meeting again? >> Well, you could call it or a citizen petition could do it. >> And is there a time frame in which that town meeting would have to be called? >> Um, good question. I I'll get back to you.
>> Probably right. some kind of >> um I don't know I don't know how long the ballot vote I mean >> I think the ballot vote's good forever but >> Oh >> but that town meeting would also have to be twothirds again. >> Yes. >> So I remember for the school we talked
about which one we wanted to do first >> and it wasn't I mean logistically it makes sense to do the the two/3s vote first but >> Yep. >> which is what we're doing >> right but I don't remember if there was a some sort because there's there's not
necessarily something triggering a law that says if you pass a town election question, you have to have a special town meeting. It would just be >> right >> when we'd want. Yeah. Okay. >> And then with this when we had the zoning change, remember it failed at the
church, but that was a there was two years. We had to wait two years. We don't have to wait two years should this >> That's a zoning bylaw. That's a quirk of 48. >> Okay. Is the is the printing it's it's because is it anything to do with early voting or is it
>> Yes. And just in general >> and just January is January June 2nd would be not enough time. >> Right. And early voting just condenses that even more. >> Okay. >> Right. Because early voting I mean absentee in person starts in two weeks
basically. Okay. Good. Um so I will um move to uh set the early voting and absentee voting uh in person dates um as attached to the agenda. >> Second.
Any further? All those in favor? >> Okay. Len budget task force. >> Okay. So, um this is something I've been working on and I've floated this idea informally to um many people. Um there is a draft here for you tonight to look at. Um this is structured as a town
manager budget task force. I have modeled this after several others across the state um that other communities are grappling with this same topic right now. And um essentially what this would do is uh create a task force that would work for
a condensed amount of time. So I'm thinking something like June through December where there would be a recommendation made by the task force to the joint meeting of the select board of school committee and finance committee. Um this is not just looking at next fiscal year's budget. It is looking at
the next five fiscal years. this um um uh budget deficit that we're in is not projected to go away anytime soon. And I need uh a consensus of people to come together and really have some tough conversations about um what is a core
service that we are maintaining? What are we looking at doing differently? Um or what are some potential alternate revenue sources that we might be able to explore? Um I've structured this as a um select board member participant a finance
committee member participant school committee town manager superintendent of schools finance director school business manager and then four members of the public appointed by my office. Um I did feel like it was important to have an
impartial chair. Not that I think any of these people would not be impartial, but um someone that was not um myself or um you know the superintendent. Uh and so it calls out you know the areas where someone could be chair and then it
breaks the work out here. Um I'm not asking for anything from you tonight because I know this is a lot to take in but I would appreciate your feedback just as I finalize this scope. I am going to put a call out though for members of the public to submit interest
because I do want this to start in June. Um, and then I'm hoping we can finalize this scope at the next meeting. Um, I have already had some very preliminary conversations with the superintendent of schools who was very supportive of this effort and was happy to take part. I
would also like to share a copy with the school department as well. >> I think this is a fantastic idea. Um, I circulated with at least some members of the board, uh, a an article in I think it was in the Times or Globe
this week about Mthuan and the their budget troubles and $10 million gap on their school budget. Um, and it's they're having to make hard decisions now on the ground and we're seeing them
in South Hadley. Um, and it's going to keep happening and the more we can get ahead of it and identifying identify things that we're willing to to to lose or to not maintain the level we do.
Uh, and if there's nothing we will are comfortable doing that on, what we're willing to do to get over the hump. Um, and it's it's a really really hard dis there's could be some very hard
decisions coming up and uh we got some a lot of smart people in town. I think it'd be really you can have a great conversation. So, I think this is an excellent idea. >> I agree. I think it's a really great idea. I like it. >> I agree. I like that it's um also kind
of not during a budget season. It's kind of like in a time when there's no pressure. It's just forward thinking and I think it'll be the best scenario for getting a lot of you know everyone comes in with an open mind and then think about brainstorming and then come up
with the best recommendation. So I think it's a good time timing. >> I agree and I think it'll help us for next year this time too. So I I agree. I think the timing is very smart. >> Yeah. I think in other towns around us, you're seeing this happen kind of after
the crisis has really exploded like in East Hampton or South. So, it's good that we're getting in front of this. um the the one um representative and it's I don't know who this would be because the capital planning committee building committee that is kind of in flux right
now but it almost seems like someone with that kind of um expertise or that interest in our town buildings um having them at the table would I think be useful um but again because th those
committees are in flux I'm not sure who that would be, but I don't know if there's a way we could think about making sure that that perspective is represented. >> I thought the DPW would be pretty important, but I assume the town manager would be the person who's the most
knowledgeable most knowledgeable about those aspects of our projects, Lynn, do you think? >> Yeah. Okay. >> Um, and at once you start to include one, >> then you have to Yeah. the second tier the second tier wedding invite is now we've opened it up Pandora's box with 50 people
>> I I read this as this task force would be >> able to tap into those resources and expertise to help them have conversations and kind of form opinions right that's I think it's okay that's how I read >> what is the um the thought for like a
cadence of having meetings and and updates to the select board >> um well I've structured this so that it will follow open meeting law. Um, and then I would anticipate uh regular updates either by myself in my manager report or from the select
board liaison. >> Thank you for pulling this together. Thank you. >> Yeah. So, I will um this week you'll likely see a call for residents to submit um you know statements of interest in in being on this um while we work to finalize this actual scope. So, if you have any thoughts on the scope,
feel free to send them to myself or Ian um and we'll look to see if we can incorporate it and then I'll bring it back on the 18th for I guess your your vote just to um put us all in agreement on moving
forward. And then would we also be um if they're going to start meeting in June, when do we want to appoint the public members? >> Um so because it's a town manager task force, I would just appoint them. >> Oh, okay. Okay. >> Yep. Um so we did something similar with
the complete streets committee. Um that worked pretty well. Uh and the long range plan, although that did go through planning board at one point. Um where we did interviews. My office does the interviews. They're usually just virtual, myself and this time it will be Mike sitting in. Um hopefully we have
more than four people interested so we have um a good selection and then um I just send out letters appointing someone. >> We'll have to appoint somebody from >> Yes. >> our board though. >> Yep. >> Uh I just have one. Are you going to
send out this document as part of the uh the advertisement or the call for action? >> No. Just because it's draft, I don't I know it will likely change a little bit. Um >> Oh, I didn't mean I'm Well, I'm in the final version of this. Is that what you plan to use?
>> Um, no, because I want to start advertising for it this week. So, I'll likely greatly summarize this to just put out a quick something. >> Okay. I I was asking just because when I was going through the that the first scenario is override.
>> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Maybe. >> Yeah. >> Switch those around. Yep. Yeah. >> Okay. Well, thank you for doing that. I think that this is u it's smart. It was something that
kind of akin to what we were talking about with with the Prop 2 and a half task force, which >> yeah, >> I think is a little farther on our horizon than we thought it was going to be. Um but this is a great thing to get
ahead of. forward to see more. >> Agreed. >> I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. >> So moved. Second. >> All those in favor. >> Thank you. >> Thank you everyone. >> Thank you.