is not working. There's nobody on any way. So, >> is that Zoom? We're supposed to be Zoom. >> This Yeah, this is Zoom. And it's so that our recording secretary can actually make the minutes. So, usually we have somebody here, but I'm like, you don't need to come. It's like we cut this fancy out. All right. Anyway, um so
please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and will be brought to the public access channel and eventually on YouTube. Um there is nobody on Zoom. Um so there's no instructions for the Zoom. All right. First up, do we have any board or public comments?
>> Do you have one? >> No. >> Anybody? Nobody. Okay. Um I'm going to do this in my order. It's so it's going to be super quick though. Um so Chris Ruth is not with us tonight. Um he did want to let us know that the Wallace Park um playground equipment that was
damaged with the um the vehicle that went into it over the summer um that equipment is on its way. We did have another report unfortunately of a handle being torn off the twirly thing again. As Chris was making arrangements to have
that repaired, another one was damaged. Um, so he spoke with Cindy Mack, who is the woman who does the playground over there. She recommended something, so Chris asked me to mention it tonight. Um, there is a noise deterrent out there
called the mosquito anti-loitering alarm. And I guess it's used in other communities. The way it works, it would sit on the roof of the snack shack. um when the park is closed, that park's closed from d from dusk to dawn, it would have um I believe we would be
using a motion sensor that would trigger it. It's a it's a high pitch frequency that only >> mosquitoes could hear >> the younger generation can hear. >> The younger age >> Yeah. Yeah. So like none of us could hear it, but our like our 25 and under
somethings can hear it. It doesn't damage hearing, but it's annoying enough that it supposedly moves kids along. Um, I don't know how I feel about it. Um, the range is approximately 100 ft and the directional output, I guess, can be
adjusted. It does not travel through um, solid material, so it wouldn't like travel into somebody's house cuz it's a residential neighborhood. Um, so if it's all right with everyone, I will send over a link um to your email so that you
can look up and see what this mosquito anti-loitering device is if you want to provide some feedback to Chris. Um, we >> $700 maybe. It's not ridiculous. Um, something needs to be done there and I'm just not sure what it is. I was over
there on half day a few weeks ago with some kids and there was a fairly large group of kids that um were just hanging around the parking lot, but there was a lot of strange interactions going on. So, I actually called over to the police department and just said, "If someone's
in the area, can they drive by? I'm not really sure what's going on and I don't want to stick around to find out." Um, so there's definitely people over there and I we do think that this damage is happening after dark. >> You have cameras on, too? We do not have cameras over there. >> Would it make sense to do that first?
>> That's one of the things that we have thought about as well. >> That is way less expensive. >> So the thought I think Chris's thought was on it though is that when you put the camera up the um we're going back in footage to try to find
we're catching them after the fact and then we have to go back and we have to figure out how to identify them and all that. Whereas this, they just wouldn't want to be in the park. They would just not want to hang out there. >> But you had old people hanging out though. >> We could You want to meet at the park?
We could meet at the park. >> So you think this is vandalism, though? I mean, it's not like just breaking. >> No. No, it's vandalism. >> I remember these things when we were kids. Those things are possible. >> No, this one is This one's definitely vandalism. >> They used to interesting. >> Yep. So, that's Chris's update on that.
Um he did call me the other day saying that he's going to he's working on putting stuff together for um the McN sorry not McN Fitzgerald Fields um for a master plan not good grief capital plan
um to send that over to um finance committee and so they can start going through that stuff. Um he's hoping that it it meets the threshold. They sort of gave him some ideas of other things that could be added if it didn't meet the threshold. Um, but he's pretty confident
that it will. He But he did add he's not sure what will get funded for capital this year because he's not sure how much money is going to be aotted to capital this year. So, >> so what's the plan to actually fix for this bro?
>> At um at Wallace Park. Um the it's a bar that comes down comes across and down. um weld it, have somebody at the DPW weld it. That was the plan on the first one. I'm not sure. I thought Chris said somebody stole
the handle, but I didn't ask for a picture, so I'm not 100% sure. >> So, the damage is in addition to one that was shared on Facebook, but another one beyond that. >> Once you do the first one, we'll see the second third one. >> So, this will be the third. This is the third
incident of damage that we've had down. one of them getting significant >> um since I think August. >> So um yes, >> we just put a sign up says just cameras. >> We could I I don't we could do that.
>> Some sort of warning about, you know, criminal offense. >> I have some um >> signage that I um printed. I just haven't laminated yet. Um because it's easier just to do it quickly myself than it is to try to get Chris to order stuff
up right now. um of you know saying that the park is closed from dusk to dawn um so that at least if the police stopped they could point to the sign and say the park is closed and they're not feeling like they're you know having to refer them back to our website though >> that would be good.
>> Yeah. All right. Now skate park you are on Anthony. So well you are on. So we have um the skate park contract that is that >> I filed today the right of entry
agreement um that expired. So we are um in order to move forward with anything we that contract needs to be pre-executed but there is one section of it that Anthony has gone back and forth
with town manager on around the bond and >> I don't back and forth per se. >> Yeah, she gave you some and she gave some feedback on it. So um can you explain explain to to Chris and Anita what what you're what where you are
right now. Give us an idea of where you are and then that piece of the >> where I am I think we are in terms of the project. >> Well, just in terms of when you need a contract when you're looking to have this a new contract executed that sort of like where are you are you >> So, none of this made it way to you.
Okay. So, I was hoping tonight we could actually handle this out and get it done like and I was hoping this would be a working session so we could actually get this done. We're ready to sign a contract. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um, we're looking to break ground in January. I want to get a date on the board with the the builder and get him
locked and loaded. Um, back that's where we are logistically. >> Okay. >> Um, how long will the construction take? >> Still 90 days. Okay. I we'll take out the trees while the ground's frozen, right? Just so we don't destroy the place. Um, ideally we'll do, you know, late January, beginning of February, and
then we'll start, you know, as soon as the ground thaws in March, mid-Marchch. And then we should be done. >> July, beginning of July. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Hit us with your bonds.
>> So, the bond situation, um, so the original contract stipulated that we would need to get a bond. >> Didn't specify an amount. And we looked at, you know, the cost of our project. of the cost of the project on paper is $220,000 or so for the builder. Another
$160,000 or so for all the stuff that's being donated for it's about 400k in total. I know those don it's 400ish. Let's say um we've raised right now 375ish. So we're in the home stretch. We're in the home stretch and we've got so much
happening that stuff's happening and everyone is like, "Oh, you're almost there. I'd like to be the capstone gra like where were you guys five years ago, right? So anyway um so when I met with um Jen, she went off and did some
analysis and she came back and said, you know, in order for us, the town to finish the project and this is, you know, assuming of course worst case scenario >> that it would cost them about a million and a half dollars to build this park. Um,
we don't particularly agree with those numbers, but the the long and the short of it is we can't get a bond for really more than like 300K, right? Um, because the bonding agent will only bond, you know, people that are licensed, insured, etc., etc. That covers the the skate
park builder. All the stuff that's being donated, us as the actual committee that's running this project, we'd have to actually sign up personally to guarantee those things. So then they have to financially vet all of us as a group and
the rest of the group is like no no. So anyway, long story short, um I proposed the concept and and I actually done a bunch of research since I've talked to a bunch of bonding agents and if you look online, this isn't like a following concept, but to get a res
Yeah, I hear um a restorative bond. So rather than a completion bond that would take this from wherever we leave it to done, if we don't finish it, god forbid you go ahead using those dollars, restore the site to the way it is now,
no harm, no foul, and Marshall Park looks as the difference in cost to us if we had if let's say it was even financially possible to go get this B bond for a million and a half dollars, it cost us about 50k to do a restorative
bond. We're talking about 3k, huge delta, huge delta. And it's 50k that we don't have. We didn't budget for this. Uh we were more I think it would be like 6 to9k um for what we needed to get bonded. So we shot high. I reached out
to a handful of folks that are in the public and private space and said, "Look, we were 99% done with this park at, you know, you guys obviously seen what it looks like. what would it cost to rip this out store the site and I got quotes anywhere from 20 to 50k I said
okay let's call it 100k right so we have people literally planting blades of grass by hand right making Marshall Park look as picture perfect as possible and let's put that in place that in the contract sign it and let's go
>> so the pricing that you got >> yes for a restorative bond. >> That would be anticipating you guys coming in to bring it back. >> No, no, this would be >> you hiring a private contractor. >> So, does it I guess my concern looking
at the numbers is um whether or not not that is prevailing wage. >> Again, that 50k we're shooting high prevailing wage. So, I said let's just double it. Play it safe. We can go all the way up to 220, but there's no need to buy a 220. It's not going to cost
$220,000 to pull out a sidewalk and replace it with dirt. >> I mean, the concept of the restorative bond versus the original is something I would give consideration to, but I'd want feedback
from Chris Ruth on what the value of it should be. I know you I know you did your due diligence. >> Don't track my numbers. Yeah, >> but um but I mean if he's the person we have to rely on, >> we really understand. >> So
>> um my concerns and I think I've mentioned to you in the past and I'm going to use the Turfield as an example. >> Turfield was a private project going in by a very well-intentioned group. >> They got I don't remember what
percentage of the way done. They had no money. Mhm. >> They there was no bond for restorative or otherwise. >> It went in front of town meeting. >> Mhm. >> And the town funded the rest of it.
>> I am greatly concerned if we I I my this this is my gut. You you finished 85% of it 90% of it. How do we as members of the this community and
residents look at it and say, "Well, we're just going to take it all down now. They ran out of money. We're we're this percentage." But how do we as a committee and residents go to a town meeting knowing everything that's gone on in the past and say, "We need your
help to finish." >> Let me let me put this just let me kill that. Okay. So, the actual park construction, the people that are going to come in and put blood, sweat, and tears into building this is going to
cost us 20 like 8,000 or 10 $210,000. We have that money. Like, it's no problem. Okay. So, you at least have a park. We have people that are doing all the excavation at no cost. We have people doing the site restoration at, you know, not the restoration, but the actual
>> beautifification around to make it blend in. No cost, right? Worst case scenario, I'll I'll grab a shovel and and the T-ball hits it and we'll go. Oh gosh. Right. >> Really? And if I was in any way in shape
concerned about that not being able to finish this folks weren't concerned about it either, though. That's my And this isn't me trying to be >> You have the money there. The money. >> Well, they thought they had the money. >> They have the money in the bank. What is your thought on on this?
>> I'm in the likelihood of what Anita is talking about just in terms of like I I get a restorative bond from a cost standpoint. I think it makes sense. I think the the effort in this project has been
there for longer than I think anyone anticipated. >> By a few years. Um but the work has been consistent. There's been no wavering on it. Um you know and that's despite kids
off to college and beyond and and whatnot. And I think that um I think there's a drive to see this through and I yeah um a level of trust in the people that are driving the project. We know the people that are driving the project.
level of trust in those people um that it will be seen through um and yes there's risk there with that but I if there's a bond of some semblance in place um and it
I I get what you're saying I think so worst case scenario yes we get to 85% or 90% or whatever and then we need to go to town meeting to to ask for 10% and I again I don't have any indication or or any reason to believe that that would be
the case but then the town sad right like like there's a there is money in place to return it to its original status and and that's if that's the solution then that's the solution >> if this is going to fail more 85% >> and that's what we do >> I hope so have you ever met my luck
>> because it's not good >> I want you to have nothing this project >> so I have a question for you >> so Right now, originally you had meant the number you threw by me was 50. Now you're thinking >> 50 for what? >> For a restorative bond. You're thinking
100. >> Oh, $50,000 in the amount it would cost to restore the site. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, there was the completion bond that would have cost 50,000. That's what I thought you referring to. No, >> but you're saying the restorative bond >> of
>> the numbers I got range from 20 to $50,000. Yeah. swags size blah blah blah describe right what do you think it would cost >> to bring this back to just basically flat right and grass seed
50k in demolition disposal and trucking carting top soil etc >> but so would you be are you going to be asking your bonding people however it works for a bond for 50,000 or a bond for 100,000
I'm deferring to you to come up with a number. You said you were going to talk to Chris. Come up with a number that you think is reasonable. I don't care whether it's 25, 50, 75, or 100. The difference to us is is is nominal
to be something you guys are >> indicative. So based on what Chris would give us for feedback and what his estimations would be if he comes back and says I would do the hunter to be safe. That's where they're >> What if he says more more than that?
>> I'd be really really surprised calls bluff. >> That's how we came up with it. So I my question is is if >> it's like three days >> if we >> does it include returning the playground.
>> We could return the playground. >> Yeah. >> I hope he doesn't return the playground. >> The playground there. That's a liability. >> Did you pass the playground? >> No. >> I did. Um, >> but could that I'm wondering if the the way Anita may know more because she has
more experience with this stuff than I do, but if it was if if if the group decided to move forward with a restorative bond in 100k, >> but you ran out of money and you needed 100k. Can we somehow write that
contract? So instead of restoring it, they would use that money or we would use that money to finish the project versus restoring. The bond is going to be very specific to be resto. >> Yeah. If you look at the bond products, they're very intentionally I would even say one there's a bunch of
different kinds, but I know there's restorative and there's completion >> and the intent is to put it back >> and it gets written as to put it back >> because when they when they actually write the contract, they write it like for example, we were doing a completion bond, we'd have to provide to them the
contract with the builder and then contract with all the other people, right? Right. And they would take all that and run that through their lenders or the insurers and weigh that. >> Yeah. I wasn't sure how it bonds or something to me. >> So, um, >> and then hang on one quick sec. So just
because I was not that I was surprised how this worked, but when let's say that were to happen and let's say you know we executed that restorative bond or called it and then they were to give you the 100k and we were to finish it, they would then go after whoever that bond
was written against to collect that 100k plus fees. >> Well, if you finished it. >> No, no, no, no. So, let's say the builder because the builder is going to have to get that that um restorative bond. buy it cuz he's the one that has to get financially vetted, right? To make sure
that it's uh which it makes no sense. It's really like if I don't finish my job that I'm signing up to do, then you'll give them this money, but it's less than the value of the contract anyway. So, they would then go after him for that hundred
something,000 because he had they had to execute that to go rip out the park that he just didn't finish building. or if I were to say or our our team were to say we'll guarantee that restorative bond, we'd be signing up for it. If that gets executed, then they're coming after
us. So, no, we don't. >> So, how do you do either of you have any recommendations on how you want to proceed with this? Do you >> I mean I know you're you you're under a a tight turnaround or you'd like to get
it turned around quickly, but um I think the the only way we could do anything tonight is to make it conditional to you're having a conversation with Chris Ruth and him agreeing that the $100,000 is adequate. And if he has any concerns
about that, that means that that conditional approval did not go through and we'd have to schedule another meeting. I feel I don't know how comfortable I am. I don't mind doing that if that's >> We don't even have to decide. >> You can go off and talk to Chris and we can convene.
>> Can I um Okay. So, I don't mind doing that. I'm think let me go back to Chris tomorrow then and see. I'll use 100K number. Um, if he comes back with something higher,
I think for time's sake, maybe we can arrange for a sit down with you, Chris. Chris or Anita and myself. >> We'll bring Gregor right to >> That's fine. Um, whoever on your side and see if we can discuss it beforehand.
I don't know what his response is going to be. >> We'll find out. So, >> that's more than reasonable. >> Okay, we can do that. >> Is there um I mean I know you're looking to get
sort of boots on the ground kind of deal. So, what's the time? What is there a drop dead time that you need that answer by? We need to adjust the the agreement by and so forth. Like when do you when does that need to be done by?
>> Ideally, we have this agreement in place by the end of August. There's no so we don't meet again by the end of the month. >> You have to have a meeting to get to some place. >> We would have to vote. >> We'd have to vote on it. That's where >> that's my that's why I'm asking the question. So, and I'm like if if it's a
10-minute meeting or a fiveminute meeting to vote like if we if we get the answer from Chris and we like I mean I think >> I'm fine with this. >> I'm thinking we're kind of on the same page. I think if we if we're comfortable with what Chris says, it's not a lengthy meeting. It's a we
can do a Zoom. We're allowed to do Zoom. We could have a quick kind of 10-minute conversation. >> And I think I could come with >> the contract that you're going to want and the contract that you're not going to want so that we could sign off on something. Even if it's a contract that you don't want, at least it's
>> what's the contract that I don't want? >> Well, if if say the other two members are here and don't agree with that, we're >> you know what I mean? So, but at least they'll be at least something will be ready to go. I can ask um Julie Bellow
for that. Is there there is nothing else there? >> The date and the bond. That's it. >> The dates and the bond. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> The expiration date. >> Okay. >> The entry. Yeah. The entry date is >> I think last time we had the um we gave it what a six-month window.
>> Um this was ex we gave my year window. >> Year. >> Yeah. Yeah. because it was executed in July of 2024 and I I think it expired in June >> July 25. >> July 25. Yeah, something in there. Yeah, 12 months.
>> Um, >> so what would we want for it to like for you guys? What would you want for it? Is it a year? >> I I'd say I do it one year from like now. So like October of next year. >> So whenever we sign it through whenever >> which will cover us.
>> Well, yeah. I just want to give you contingency. I know you're saying July. >> It was July. You guys walk in. Oh my god. >> I know you're saying July. I know you're saying July one, but get that cushion on >> that. I almost say August 1st >> because that section of the um that section on that um a restorative bond is
going to need to be rewritten. And that's so far outside my >> my ability. Serious completion do a surgical replace. I could I do but that's where that section is going to be where that section would change.
>> I know it's it's you know it's got to go through it's got to go through town council then too. So it's going to be a matter >> two days. It's going to be a matter of um just making sure that all the dots get connected. Right. >> So all right I'll go back to I'll go
back to Chris see what he says. Um once he tells me once he gives me an answer then I will um I will go back to you and then if he agrees with this based on what Anita and
>> he says it's less that's fine too >> right based on what Anita and Chris are say the what I'm getting from Anita and Chris's feelings right now I'll go ahead and set up a a meeting a quick meeting to you know just via Zoom so we can get
this execute it and I'll ask Julie to um >> do we do anything with the board? >> So I don't think so. So, I didn't write >> call. There's ramifications here. Like, I know
we all want to I I want to be 100% confident that this is going to go through. I'm 99% confident that 1% leaves me with enough that I, you know, felt like finance committee understanding what we're doing >> was worthy of having them in on the discussion. So, they could never say you
didn't tell us that what that's what we're doing. I did invite um the chair of um the select board. He he must not have been available. But the way it works is that we will ex when this is completed. So
the contractors is what is with us and us only. When it's completed, we ex we vote to accept the gift and then it's got to go to the select board to final to do the final sign off on it. So I don't think that there's anything you need to go to the select board right now
because the contract itself doesn't actually involve the select board. >> I totally agree with you. >> Um >> but I don't know. I know, >> but I I don't want to be I also don't want to >> I don't want anybody to ever think we're operating in a bubble either on this.
>> I just Let's see if we can get this figured out and if we can get this figured out and um I can even hit up a select board meeting in public in um board comment um and be like this is what we're about to do. Does anybody
have any concerns before we we do it type thing. Um, >> I think I told Jerry talk to Caesar about this. Yeah. So, and he was gone. >> So, okay. >> Very happy. >> What would I mean on that? No, like what
if they finish it, we vote to accept it, we go to the select board and they say no. >> I I don't I don't know >> what I mean just I mean like just just thinking in a weird sort of >> it's a weird >> I think the whole the select board has had a a you know they've been aware of this for a long time. I think now you
guys have been the kids have been in front of the select board. >> The only similar thing I've ever run into before is where a roadway and so when you build a roadway the um construction bond has to be in place and you know roadway gets finished and then
the owner of the project comes to the board of select and says I want the town meeting to accept this roadway so that it becomes a public public street rather than a private street. And the only time I've ever seen it be refused is if it's just really poorly built.
>> Okay. >> And you know, it wasn't properly um you know, overseen during the construction process. >> So, and I know that um we didn't put in requirements to have our own like clerk of the works oversee this work, but
Chris said he would keep an eye on it. and um we did put in language in that original agreement about you know testing of concrete etc like things like that. So I don't think that we're going to find ourselves in that kind of situation but that's the only time I've ever seen >> yeah just thinking like in my in the
back of my mind like >> you're in your 1% like that's that's that 1% I guess kind of deal where you're like >> and I don't know what would happen >> now you have a park and it just sits there. >> I don't know what would happen. It's >> who owns it or who does. I I actually if I read if if my brain's working properly, I think that um
>> I recalled Jen Warren being surprised when I said to her that Select Board has to approve it. And we were at a meeting with Adam Costa and I had made that comment. She I don't believe she thought that I was correct in that. And I'm like, "Oh, no. I'm positive I'm correct in that." And she pulled it up and she
was like, "Oh, yeah." So, I don't know how common that is like in municipalities. I think it's just probably one of those things that because how can you it's not property that comes under the care and control of the select board. They have absolutely no say of it. So the fact that they have to ultimately accept the gift
>> seems a little um seems a little crazy. >> But yeah, they've I mean they've been aware of the project for a long time as well and they've always seemed to be supportive. So I don't think it's a you know >> Yeah. Okay. It's not a concern of mine really, but just when you hear you say it out loud, you're like, "Oh, h what
does that >> Can we not find out?" >> No, I don't want to find out. >> Okay, >> good. I want to see this dang thing. >> And if you're going to find out, can we find out after June 1st of next year, >> right? Is our our election is in May. >> What? >> Our election
I said we're going to find out. Find out after I'm gone. >> Okay. Does anyone else have anything on the skate park? >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. There's more. >> You have more? >> Oh, yeah. >> Okay. So, we're just getting started. So, >> you going?
>> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Flipping my paper over. >> There we go. Right. Small. So, when we started this whole process, right? Um, we obviously we were going to build this over between TCP and Kids Kingdom. And we went, we did, we saw, we had a
design, general design. We didn't actually pay for a ton there. We dug test holes. We invested a lot in that site. And then we were told >> no >> move it. >> Yeah. >> So we moved it and we went over to to Marshall. Thank you for that by the way. I'm much happier where it's gone. Um
we've invested way more money in that. And the design that we built was according to your master Marshall plan. This is what's going to happen. This is the timeline. This is when you can be slotted in. Which is why we did the timeline on this right of entry because we literally had a very small window to
get in, do our bit, get out. That clearly is not coming to fruition, I believe, anytime soon. And if I'm wrong, please tell me I'm wrong. >> Nobody knows >> exactly. But it's not happening in the foreseeable future. The design of our park and the actual geographic
positioning of it was according to the new master plan, not according to what's there. What's there when we go in to build is going to be seriously impacted. And I have
enormous concerns as whatever I am to this the president of this thing but the way it's going to look when it's done you talk about you know how are you guys going to be seen by the community if you have to rip it out I'm looking at this how am I going to be seen how are my kids going to be
seen right as the people that built this garish thing that is now a third into the te-ball field took out the access room >> can you pause on that for a second >> absolutely >> can you when was the last update of the um of your plan because I have an email
dated from Greg in 2022 that does it's up to the lines of that. >> No, it's it's it's the last we did on this was back in 2025 early 2025 late or 2024. >> Okay. So, >> and it's going we have to take out the
T-ball field fence. We're going to go into it not just even to have a finished structure, but the construction I you guys have been involved with construction projects before. You don't just build inside that envelope. It spills over. So there's a lot going to
be a lot of site restoration. So I do we need to restore the T-ball field. do a little bit. So