WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=KkmAQOb3gUQ NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: KkmAQOb3gUQ): - 00:00:08: Meeting Start, Pledge, Recording Notice, Announcements Introduction - 00:03:14: Public Comment: John Bowen Jr. - Memorial Day Flags - 00:06:34: Public Comment: Jen Higgins - Civics Group Comment - 00:07:33: Public Comment: Board Members - Override Vote, Town Meeting - 00:08:54: Civics Project Presentation: Community Art Show Request - 00:16:38: Lease of APR Land Discussion: Lanny Orchards Request - 00:20:55: Appointment: Laura Lzick - 300th Anniversary Committee - 00:22:56: Ratification: Jonathan Francis - Outreach Coordinator - 00:24:32: Town Manager's Report: 925 Mass, Annual Report, Recruitments - 00:31:06: New Business: Right of First Refusal - 35 Leominster Road - 00:32:43: Town Meeting Recap Discussion: Food Pantry, Audio Issues - 00:37:15: Old Business: Vote to Sell - 250 and 356 Hollis Road - 00:38:40: Review of Employee Survey Questions: Approval Process - 00:41:34: Warrants, Action Items, Public Comment, Adjournment Part: 1 1 00:00:08.480 --> 00:00:24.000 All right. Good evening everyone and welcome to tonight's meeting of the Lunberg Select Board. Today is Tuesday, May 5th. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the 2 00:00:24.000 --> 00:00:42.960 republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. In accordance with the requirements of the open meeting law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast live over the Lunberg public 3 00:00:42.960 --> 00:00:59.199 access channel on Facebook live on the public access fa Facebook page and will be uploaded to the Lunberg access YouTube channel after the meeting. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these 4 00:00:59.199 --> 00:01:15.280 discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by the open meeting law. We're going to begin with announcements. And first of all, I would just like to thank everyone who attended and participated in uh the 5 00:01:15.280 --> 00:01:32.400 uh town meeting over the weekend. Uh especially staff and department heads who were there all day. Uh I also would like to acknowledge the tri board process. Since last summer, volunteers on the select board, the school committee, and the finance committee, as well as staff across all departments, 6 00:01:32.400 --> 00:01:47.840 met and collaborated to put together the budget this year. While the process did have its challenges, I believe the town and the community benefited immensely from that collaboration. So to the volunteers of the select board, the finance committee, the school committee, 7 00:01:47.840 --> 00:02:03.920 and all of the staff who participated in that process, thank you for your participation and collaboration. As a reminder, the annual town election is Saturday, May 16th. You can vote in person that day at TC Pacios and absentee voting is open now. So if you 8 00:02:03.920 --> 00:02:19.360 go to the town clerk's office in town hall during business hours, you can cast your ballot early. The Lunberg Adult Activity Center is going to be hosting the dedication of the Lincoln Pavilion next Tuesday, May 12th, at 11:00 a.m. So, if you are 9 00:02:19.360 --> 00:02:34.319 available next Tuesday morning, come on down and celebrate all of the contributions that Pete and Debbie Lincoln have made to the town and this community. There's going to be live entertainment as well as refreshments provided as well. And that's next Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Lunberg 10 00:02:34.319 --> 00:02:51.120 Adult Activity Center. And lastly, the annual Lunberg Spring Fair that's hosted by the Lunberg Business Association is May 30th. Uh it's going to be held at the TC Pacios Greenspace from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It was a great time last year and should be a lot of fun this 11 00:02:51.120 --> 00:03:14.480 year as well. Hopefully it doesn't rain this year. Any public comment from the public? >> Nothing from me. Hello. >> Yeah, I don't think um >> is the microphone on? No. >> Can you just >> No. And I think Mr. Martin thought you were recognizing him, too. 12 00:03:14.480 --> 00:03:30.000 >> Okay. U to Zoom. We'll we'll get to you in a moment. Uh right now, Mr. Bowen is Go. Go ahead. Try speaking. I don't know if the microphone's working. >> Good evening. >> No, >> no, it's not. >> I can project. >> No, hold on. Cuz it's not going to go feed. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, the booth they're they're yelling. 13 00:03:30.000 --> 00:03:45.519 So, I think they're figuring it out right now. >> Just give it a moment. >> Check. Did you guys >> check? >> You should be good. >> Say check. >> Check. Check. >> It's going. All righty. >> Good evening. My name is John Bowen Jr. 162 Highland Street. I'm here tonight to 14 00:03:45.519 --> 00:04:02.159 talk about the annual Memorial Day flag staking. This is when we get together to put flags on our veterans graves to make sure they're properly honored for the holiday. I'll be honest, in the past we haven't really had anyone show up to help. Last year, it was just myself, the cemetery superintendent, Todd Hullman, 15 00:04:02.159 --> 00:04:18.880 and one DPW employee. It's a lot of work for three people, and our veterans deserve more of a community showing than that. So, this year, I'm really trying to open it up to the entire town. I'm inviting everyone who is able, families, seniors, or any neighbor who wants to help to come out and join us. It's a 16 00:04:18.880 --> 00:04:36.000 great way to give back. I also want to mention for any students listening that this counts as National Honor Society Service Hours. It's a perfect chance to get those hours in while doing something that really matters for Lunberg. I've already emailed a flyer uh with the dates and times to the board. I'm 17 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:51.040 requesting that the town post that flyer on the website uh the town's website so we can actually get the word out this year. We really need the help to make sure every veteran is honored. I'd love to see a big turnout this year. Additionally, I just want you to know 18 00:04:51.040 --> 00:05:07.440 that I ran for president of the class of 2027 as I did last year. I want to thank all the juniors of Lun Brook High School for participating in the election and a special thanks of gratitude for all those who voted for me. However, if elected, I will be working for everyone, 19 00:05:07.440 --> 00:05:23.520 including making school government more inclusive so that all students can participate, not just the selected few, which is what it is today. I am looking forward, if elected as your president, to planning a school dance with help from the Lunberg Business Association and getting class of 2027 merchandise we 20 00:05:23.520 --> 00:05:38.560 as a class can wear with pride. I want to thank my father and the select board and other members of other boards like Mr. Beardmore and Mr. Skolenbriny for showing me the importance of government and civic engagement. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. And we can definitely help 21 00:05:38.560 --> 00:05:54.639 advertise. Um so we have the flyer so we can post it on the town. So thank you for organizing this again. >> Perfect. >> And John John, people are watching tonight if you want to mention the dates and times right now too. >> Oh yeah. >> Yeah. So, the date is May 16th at 12:00 p.m. It's going to be uh that Saturday 22 00:05:54.639 --> 00:06:11.520 at the North Cemetery. >> Yep. And uh at 12:00 p.m., so it will be from uh we'll start at the North Cemetery and then we'll go to the south. >> Great. All right. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Any other public comment in the room? >> No, not seeing any. Any public comment 23 00:06:11.520 --> 00:06:34.960 on Zoom? If you'd like to make a public comment and you're on Zoom, just raise your hand and then I can recognize you. >> Melissa, do you have your hand up? >> I think you have your hand up. >> I see I see a hand on the screen and I don't know. >> I think it's just the mouse. 24 00:06:34.960 --> 00:07:01.120 >> No, that's the mouse. >> Oh, that's okay. >> All right. I'm not I'm not seeing anyone with their hand up. So, uh, we're going to move on. >> I Okay. I thought Mr. >> Oh, there we go. Miss Higgins. >> Hello, my name is Jen Higgins, 442 Howard Street, and I'm presenting 25 00:07:01.120 --> 00:07:17.520 >> Hold on one second, Jen. So, to the booth, we can't um hear her. Uh so, if you could just turn the volume up. Um and Jen, I also know that you're you're from the civics group, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, we do have you on the agenda. We'll get to it um actually almost next. 26 00:07:17.520 --> 00:07:33.360 Uh so, I don't know if you wanted to make a separate public comment or if you were just going to mention the project. Um but you are actually on the agenda, so we can do that after public comment. >> Okay. >> All right. Cool. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> All right. Any public comment from the 27 00:07:33.360 --> 00:07:48.400 board? >> Yeah, I'd just like to make a reiterate my position on the override. My position on the override remains the same. I will be voting no on the ballot questions for the override. The proposed overrides are not only unaffordable, they are 28 00:07:48.400 --> 00:08:04.000 unsustainable. Our budget crisis is not simply caused by inflation or the protections provided the taxpayer by Proposition 2 and a half. The state's lack of investment in our community through the through local aid is in 29 00:08:04.000 --> 00:08:21.120 large part behind the financial problems we are confronting. This is a scenario where no one wins. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other public comment from the board? >> Uh I would just add uh that I think it's important for anyone who did not attend uh town meeting to watch it on YouTube. 30 00:08:21.120 --> 00:08:39.120 It is on the Lunberg public access YouTube channel. You can watch the comments from the public and I think it's uh really important to hear all the different perspectives. >> Yep. And I just want to reiterate um thanks to all the the staff and volunteers and and um residents who came 31 00:08:39.120 --> 00:08:54.800 and spent all day um at town meeting. I I think there were a lot of people who was probably their first town meeting. Um so I just want to thank you for for coming and participating. >> All right. Thank you. All right. So, we're going to move on to meetings. And 32 00:08:54.800 --> 00:09:10.880 up first, we have uh a discussion and presentation by Jen Higgins and Angie Richards on uh the project that they are trying to do for their civic and community engagement class. Uh so, Jen, I can pass it over to you if the two of you would like to um introduce yourself 33 00:09:10.880 --> 00:09:29.360 and speak to the project and what you're trying to do. Um do you guys have a presentation or are you just going to speak to it? We're just going to speak on it. >> Okay. >> Have something written down. >> All right. Go for it. 34 00:09:29.360 --> 00:09:46.160 >> My name is Jen Higgins, 442 Howard Street, and I'm presenting this alongside my classmate, Angie Richards, 48 West Acres Drive. We are students in Mr. Stevenson's civic and community engagement class. >> All right. Sorry, Jen. I'm going to cut you off for a second. Just to ask the booth to turn the volume up in the room 35 00:09:46.160 --> 00:10:03.200 one more time. We can't really hear you, Jen. >> It's all the way up. >> It's all the way up. >> Maybe if she could get closer to >> one. I don't know, Jen. I guess you're just gonna have to speak up a little bit. I'm sorry. >> It's okay. My name is Jen Higgins, 442 36 00:10:03.200 --> 00:10:19.839 Street, and I'm presenting this alongside my classmate Angie Richards, 48 West Acres Drive. We are students in Mr. Stevenson's civic and community engagement class and we are currently working on a civics's project focused on bringing members of our community together. 37 00:10:19.839 --> 00:10:34.959 We would like to ask permission to use the field located behind the library next to the playground as the site for our project. Our idea is to host a community art show where students from the school and local residents can set up tables and display and potentially 38 00:10:34.959 --> 00:10:50.240 sell their artwork. In addition, we are hoping to include live performances by by student musicians to help create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. We would like the date to be Saturday, May 30th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 39 00:10:50.240 --> 00:11:07.040 Our goal is to create an inclusive event that encourages creativity, supports local artists, and strengthens community connections. We would ensure that the event is organized respectfully and in accordance with any guidelines or requirements set by the town. Thank you. 40 00:11:07.040 --> 00:11:23.600 >> Okay. Thank you very much. Um I do have a couple question. Um do you have tables to set up or do you need some provided for you for this event? I'm trying to get a good idea of like what like logistically do you have everything you need? Do you just need to bring it or uh 41 00:11:23.600 --> 00:11:41.760 are you looking for uh some support from the town? >> Um well I think we do. Oh, >> you know, >> I we both I think we do have some tables, but um >> but I mean I think it would be helpful 42 00:11:41.760 --> 00:11:57.440 that some people would bring our um >> bring some tables too. >> Okay. Um one more question before we get to the the challenge here, which is the date you guys just proposed. Do you have everything you need for the music like 43 00:11:57.440 --> 00:12:13.920 speakers, cabling, all that sort of stuff? or is it just going to be acoustic >> or Okay. Yeah, that's a good question, too. >> Most likely just acoustic stuff. >> All right, that's fine. Um, so the date that you're proposing uh is the date of 44 00:12:13.920 --> 00:12:30.160 our um spring fair and it's located in the same area. Um, so unless there's some way that we can incorporate that in that larger event, uh, we might have to do another date. Uh, and I apologize in advance because I didn't see the date 45 00:12:30.160 --> 00:12:47.519 that you guys were um trying to do, so I couldn't try to figure this out before talk to you about it. Um, so maybe what we could do is we could talk to Josie to see if there's a way to incorporate it. Um, but if not, then we're going to have to do a different date. Um, what do you 46 00:12:47.519 --> 00:13:01.920 think? Are you >> if through you I I think if I could ask the students a question, >> how important is it for your classwork that you do a standalone event or is it just that you I don't know enough about 47 00:13:01.920 --> 00:13:19.040 your project with your teacher. Um because there is a fairly large event that's being coordinated already for May 30th. So, if there is a way to combine them, >> I think you're going to have a lot of people attending your art event that might not otherwise be able to attend, 48 00:13:19.040 --> 00:13:34.880 but I don't want you to get a demerit on your grade because you didn't do soup to nuts planning of the whole thing. So, I don't know enough about your grading to kind of >> I think we could definitely ask >> we could definitely ask about it, but 49 00:13:34.880 --> 00:13:50.480 I'm I feel that it probably would be fine because our project just has to be like us doing things to engage obviously with our community. So, I feel like that would honestly help it if anything. >> Yeah, I think that's okay. And I mean you guys are are appearing before the 50 00:13:50.480 --> 00:14:06.399 board right now. you're asking for um approval of the event. You guys are planning it. So, I think for the purposes of the class um you guys are doing everything that you should be doing. Um if you guys can get integrated into the spring fair, I think it would actually work out very well for you 51 00:14:06.399 --> 00:14:23.199 guys. Um so, that actually might uh work uh in your favor here. But I can reach out to um Josie. She's the president of the Ludenberg Business Association. She's really spearheading all the organizing for the event. Um, I would be 52 00:14:23.199 --> 00:14:38.560 surprised if it can't be figured out. Um, but I I have to obviously ask her. Um, okay. So, it sounds like you guys are okay with that. Um, hopefully we can get you guys integrated with the larger event that's going on there. Um, yep. 53 00:14:38.560 --> 00:14:55.279 >> Mr. Chairman, if if there's for some reason they're not able to join events, >> did they want to propose a backup date tonight so that we could have the approvals regardless? Yeah. Um I don't know if you guys have thought about this. I didn't really want to put you on the spot um during the meeting, but do 54 00:14:55.279 --> 00:15:13.360 you know if there's another date that you guys could propose if it doesn't work out? >> It's okay if the answer. >> I'm not exactly sure just because it's probably the last weekend we have like before our graduation and all of those 55 00:15:13.360 --> 00:15:29.199 things. But we could definitely try and find sometime if things don't work out. Right. Okay. Well, I will bring it up and I will try my best to uh make it work somehow for you guys. Um Okay. Any um other questions from board members? 56 00:15:29.199 --> 00:15:45.120 >> I like the idea of connecting the the students with uh Miss Gilchrist. I think that's a great idea >> and having them work out with Miss Gilchrist's u a plan. >> Okay. So, I'll make the introduction. So, I have you guys uh in your email addresses. So, I'll send an email after 57 00:15:45.120 --> 00:16:04.560 this meeting to Josie with you guys and um uh we can see what happens there. Any other questions? Okay. So, I will look for a motion to approve the request for the civics project event by Jen Higgins and Angie 58 00:16:04.560 --> 00:16:21.360 Richards um contingent upon uh the successful integration of this event with the uh Lunenburgg Spring Fair. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All right. Any additional discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, no. The motion passes 59 00:16:21.360 --> 00:16:38.160 unanimously. Uh >> oh, sorry. I thought you were getting something. Uh, Jen and Angie, thank you very much for um attending this meeting. You guys did a great job. Uh, and hopefully we can um get this settled and you guys can move forward on that date. 60 00:16:38.160 --> 00:16:52.959 >> Thank you so much. >> Yeah, no problem. Have a good night. >> You too. You too. >> Bye. >> Okay. Up next, we have a uh discussion of the lease of a small area of APR land 61 00:16:52.959 --> 00:17:09.600 for Lanny Orchards uh at the Lanny Orchards APR Land at 300th Chase Road. And I believe we do have Jerry here on Zoom as well. Um so the request is coming in. Uh this was new to me. I've never heard it before, but APR stands 62 00:17:09.600 --> 00:17:27.280 for um agricultural preservation restriction. Uh so they have a piece of land that is restricted and this is uh mostly a state thing as well. Um they want to utilize some of that land and it requires uh the select board to um not 63 00:17:27.280 --> 00:17:42.320 necessarily approve it because it then still needs to go to the state to get a permit. I'm I'm aware. Um so this is our part so that they can move forward with that permit application. Um Jerry, are you there? Do you want to maybe speak to the request what you want to do with the 64 00:17:42.320 --> 00:17:59.120 land? what you're trying to do. >> Certainly. Can you hear me? >> Yep. >> Okay. It is a very small piece of land right uh right on Route 13. Uh it's a small triangular piece of grass area um 65 00:17:59.120 --> 00:18:15.120 that we've never used to raise anything. It's never been farmed. We've used it as uh overflow parking. Um, and we were approached by a company in Lemonster who want was looking for a 66 00:18:15.120 --> 00:18:30.799 small it's probably like somewhere I didn't measure it precisely, but it's between maybe a quarter of an acre to half an acre. It's not a big piece of the property. Uh, and it's right on Route 13. Uh, he was just looking for a visible space to display some of his sheds. 67 00:18:30.799 --> 00:18:48.080 Um, and the piece is kind of half on the APR property and half not on the APR property. So, I had contacted the state u, the APR office to inquire about it and they haven't approved it yet, but just 68 00:18:48.080 --> 00:19:04.400 talking to the woman I spoke to said it didn't seem like it was going to be a big deal. We just had to go through the process and the paperwork and we had to go through Lunenburgg. Um, the land is not going to be disturbed at all. It's just a carrying in of of some sheds and putting them in place. Um, I understand 69 00:19:04.400 --> 00:19:19.039 that we're not allowed to put any signage on APR property by state regulation, >> but if he happened to want to put a sign up, he could do it on the side that isn't APR property um that adjoins to 70 00:19:19.039 --> 00:19:35.360 the APR. Um, so just looking for Lunenburgg's approval to move forward with the application to the state, >> right? Okay. So, you're not actually using the land for anything. It's not like it's being used for any agricultural purpose that you're trying 71 00:19:35.360 --> 00:19:51.520 to stop for this. So, I don't have any issues with this at all. Um, any questions from the board? No. >> Um, you mentioned this was used for overflow parking. Do you have any concerns about losing that overflow parking? Uh, no I don't cuz we have space behind 72 00:19:51.520 --> 00:20:06.160 the building. Okay. >> Um, that we can also use for overflow parking which is not on APR property as well. >> Okay. I I have seen this I don't know I think it's conquered at that point on 117 Colonial Gardens has Reed's Ferry 73 00:20:06.160 --> 00:20:23.280 many many sheds displayed. >> Um, >> so this sounds very familiar >> and and I I think uh both parties both businesses benefit from that >> that arrangement. I agree. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Okay. Any other questions? 74 00:20:23.280 --> 00:20:39.520 >> Cool. All right. Is there a motion to um approve the use of the APR land for the purposes described? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any additional discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, no. 75 00:20:39.520 --> 00:20:55.280 Motion passes unanimously. All right. Thanks for coming in, Jerry. Have a good night. >> Before you Thank you very much, >> Jerry. >> Yes. You can swing by the office anytime to get this so that you can submit it with your application to the state. Okay. >> Thank you very much. I appreciate it. 76 00:20:55.280 --> 00:21:17.120 >> Yeah. >> All right. Just sign this real quick. >> That was it. Okay. >> Okay. Up next, we have the select board's appointment of Laura Lzick to the Lunberg 300th anniversary committee. Uh so Mora, I will uh invite you up to 77 00:21:17.120 --> 00:21:32.000 the podium uh and ask you to introduce yourself, talk a little bit about your background, and I know you're not actually a member, but you go to all our meetings and you're, you know, participate in all of them, but just speak to why you're interested in helping out with our 300th 78 00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:49.440 >> moraliz 747 Page Street. Um I've been attending the um meetings since I think January now, and I've a lifelong resident. I am very invested. Um when I started my family, we chose to move back 79 00:21:49.440 --> 00:22:06.159 to Lunenburgg uh for the two years we were gone. But I just am very interested in trying to help and support the uh committee and you know, I've already feel like I've made some uh 80 00:22:06.159 --> 00:22:23.280 uh valuable input and whatnot to >> what we're trying to accomplish. So, >> I've been at the meetings, too, and I can um agree and concur with you. And uh you say that you've been making contributions already despite not being a member. So, 81 00:22:23.280 --> 00:22:39.840 >> all right. Any questions from the board? >> No. No. Just thank you for volunteering. >> All right. Is there a motion to appoint Mora Lizzik to the Lunberg 300th Anniversary Committee? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any additional discussion? All those in favor say I. 82 00:22:39.840 --> 00:22:56.000 >> I. Those opposed? No. The motion passes unanimously. >> Make sure you go get sworn in. >> Where do I >> town clerk's office? >> Do that. Okay. Yep. >> All right. Thank you. >> Yep. Have a good night. Mo, >> Mora. >> Okay. Up next is the ratification of the town manager's appointment of Jonathan 83 00:22:56.000 --> 00:23:10.720 Francis as the outreach coordinator. >> Yes. So, Mr. Chairman, I am happy to announce that we have found an outreach coordinator to uh step into the very big shoes left behind by Pauline Roy. Uh Mr. Francis has a little under a decade of 84 00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:26.960 um social services work. Uh he's worked uh with a variety of populations, not specifically the elders. Um but he's worked with those that are developmentally disay developmentally delayed through work inc and advocates 85 00:23:26.960 --> 00:23:43.200 incort. Um he has also worked for a number of years as a caseworker processing um SNAP benefits through the department of transitional assistance um and more recently worked um with uh an agency 86 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:59.840 that partners with DCF. So, he has a pretty uh broad uh social services background and hopefully uh he will be able to add um a lot to our elder services um with those experiences that 87 00:23:59.840 --> 00:24:16.240 he brings from elsewhere. So, >> thank you. Any questions? >> When's his start date? >> Oh, I actually don't know his start date. Um >> Okay. >> I would imagine it's either next Monday or the Monday after. Okay. >> Okay. Is there a motion to ratify the town 88 00:24:16.240 --> 00:24:32.159 manager's appointment of Jonathan Francis as the outreach coordinator? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any additional discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed, no. Motion passes unanimously. And on to the town manager report. >> Okay. 89 00:24:32.159 --> 00:24:48.960 For relatively short report this evening having come off of um the town meeting preparation cycle, but uh nonetheless. So 925 Mass a um as the board is aware we held a community forum on April 21st 90 00:24:48.960 --> 00:25:04.640 to solicit feedback on the types of uses that residents would like to see at the site. Um there were about 20 people that attended the forum and the greatest interest uh was to use the site for a cafe which garnered about nine votes. Um 91 00:25:04.640 --> 00:25:22.400 the use of the site for pack, a brewery, food pantry or green space were all equal with five votes. Um and so the working group convened following that and we are incorporating the desire for a cafe into as a highly advantageous response um to the RFP. Uh more 92 00:25:22.400 --> 00:25:37.600 importantly we received yesterday the appraisal report um to consider the highest best the highest and best use of the site based on the current environmental conditions. Um that report will be uploaded to the website, but it is important to note that the report 93 00:25:37.600 --> 00:25:53.279 concludes that the property has a value of negative $78,000. The executive summary states, quote, because the projected costs to achieve a permanent solution are higher than the estimated costs as if clean, I do not believe the property is marketable in 94 00:25:53.279 --> 00:26:10.000 its current state without some kind of grant, credit, or other funding to offset the difference between the estimated market value once remediated and the cost of remediation. So, that information is going to be publicly available to those who are considering um submitting a proposal. We'll see what 95 00:26:10.000 --> 00:26:25.840 happens whether we do in fact receive proposals back and we might need to pivot um based on that but I was a little surprised to see that value. Um but nonetheless that is the appraised value. Um I met with David Blat today from the municipal building design 96 00:26:25.840 --> 00:26:43.440 committee. They have drafted an updated uh space needs survey that will be distributed to departments. um we're going to assist in getting that out and the committee intends to provide uh the findings of that updated space needs study back to this body um sometime this 97 00:26:43.440 --> 00:26:59.440 summer. Uh the annual town report for 2025 is available both online and there are physical copies available in the select board office uh for any folks that are interested. And the IFBs for uh Flatill Road Bridge and the adult 98 00:26:59.440 --> 00:27:16.640 activity center and teen center have been advertised. Um the adult activity center and teen center flooring, those are due tomorrow. Those bids are due tomorrow. would have been getting um some in and Flat Hill Road Bridge is not due until May 14th. Um there's a fair 99 00:27:16.640 --> 00:27:31.440 amount of interest in that in that project. Um for our current recruitments, uh we're we're getting down there again, which is great. Um so for our police executive assistant position, there has been an offer accepted. I expect that 100 00:27:31.440 --> 00:27:48.240 candidate to be on your agenda next week for appointment. Uh we're still looking for an additional two to three folks for beach staff and one for seasonal cemetery laborer and the staff librarian and uh dietary aid position are still on hold pending the outcome of the annual 101 00:27:48.240 --> 00:28:05.120 town election. Uh I know we've had a lot of interest in the community and participation recently and I don't always read this whole list but I'm going to go tonight and read this whole list of vacancies. Uh before I do, we are getting uh folks that are 102 00:28:05.120 --> 00:28:20.960 interested um their applications coming in. Uh those are new folks that we've been seeing some interest uh in different boards and committees. What we have not seen is those folks whose terms are expiring who are interested in reappoint. So if your term is expiring 103 00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:37.279 and you have not responded that you are interested in being reappointed, please do so. But we're going to start reaching out andounding you a little bit more. Okay. So for vacancies, current vacancies on appointed boards, we have the agricultural commission, architectural preservation district 104 00:28:37.279 --> 00:28:53.200 commission, cable advisory committee. So I'm going to stop here for a second and plug this committee for a few times. Um there is important work for this committee to do to um go through what's called the ascertainment process to issue a new license to our cable 105 00:28:53.200 --> 00:29:10.320 provider. Um it's a necessary part of governance. Um and the cable advisory the um pack committee is really hoping that some folks who aren't on pack might join this. Um conservation commission has a vacancy. Cultural council has two 106 00:29:10.320 --> 00:29:26.720 vacancies. Green communities has two associate vacancies. The historical commission has a vacancy. The parks commission has a vacancy. The personnel board has five vacancies. PAC has one vacancy. The ZBA has two vacancies, one full member and one associate member. 107 00:29:26.720 --> 00:29:43.200 and Lunenburgg's representative to the first Middle Sex small towns collaborative has a vacancy for elected positions. There's a vacancy on the planning boards, sewer commission, trust fund commission, and school committee. Obviously, some of those might get cleared at the annual town election, but should they persist post um I'll be 108 00:29:43.200 --> 00:29:58.559 reporting on them as well. >> And that is the conclusion of my manager's report. >> Thank you. Any questions? >> So, with 925 mass, I assume there are grants available for that type of remediation work. No. >> So, 109 00:29:58.559 --> 00:30:15.520 part of the issue is that there's if the town retains ownership and the town is applying for the cleanup work, we're more likely to probably receive them than a private buyer. I think that's the issue that the a private 110 00:30:15.520 --> 00:30:31.440 >> developer is unlikely, >> okay, >> to get those same the level of grant funding that a municipality would get. >> It's one of the solutions. um is time that the site will cure over time, but that's that's um >> not ideal. 111 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:48.880 >> That's and it's favored poorly in the responsiveness to the RFP because >> that's one of how quickly can you get this turn. So, we'll see. I think >> we haven't talked since I sent that email out, but my suggestion was that we stay on course. We >> put out the RFP. Um there can be all 112 00:30:48.880 --> 00:31:06.080 sorts of reasons that folks are interested in a site that are beyond dollars and cents. Um, so let's see what the market tells us and then we may have to take another approach. >> Yep. >> Okay. Any other questions? 113 00:31:06.080 --> 00:31:23.039 >> Okay. Moving on to new business. Uh, the first is a discussion on the right of first refusal for 35 Lemonster Road. Uh, it was removed from chapter 61 on July 1st, 2025. Um, I don't believe we have all of the recommendations from the boards and committees. it was the open 114 00:31:23.039 --> 00:31:38.799 space that we were missing and they're meeting next week. >> That's correct. >> Um and we have until July to make a decision on this. Um so we're just sort of starting the process now. >> Um >> yeah, so council has reported back that everything is in good order and we've heard from everybody except open space 115 00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:55.679 to not exercise >> um the right of first refusal. do want to note if if folks did not agricultural commission's request that the town start um setting aside funds for when properties like this come up that there's some >> flexibility to react um outside of a 116 00:31:55.679 --> 00:32:11.600 town meeting. But >> yeah, and I agree with that and I do think it's something that we should probably look at with the new year after the election. uh because every time this comes up, even if there is a property that we're interested in, you know, I always feel like kind of blindsided and like it happened before we were able to have the discussion about that and 117 00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:25.840 actually, you know, getting to a point where we can be proactive. Um so if we ever do want to, you know, hold on to a property or execute, um you know, use our our right of first refusal, it'd be nice to actually have that option, which right now, you know, we kind of never 118 00:32:25.840 --> 00:32:43.600 actually do. So I agree with it. Okay. Any discussion on this tonight or are we going to hold off until we have all of our recommendations? >> That's fine by me. >> Okay. Fine to wait. >> And town meeting recap. Uh so this is just an opportunity to discuss uh 119 00:32:43.600 --> 00:32:58.720 anything related to town meeting really as much as we would like and any action items that came out of it. Um I do have one. Um so I did speak to Nancy Beach from the food pantry um just to see what was going on on their side. Um, and she did say that they're pretty close to 120 00:32:58.720 --> 00:33:15.360 entering into a rental agreement uh somewhere in town. Um, so hopefully that that um, you know, can be uh, finalized. Um, and I am going to propose that we bring an article uh, in the fall to help support them uh, with those costs as 121 00:33:15.360 --> 00:33:32.840 well. Um, that's my intention. Um, so hopefully that works out. Uh, but that was really the only thing after the discussions on the the food pantry that I wanted to follow up on and that's where that's at. Um, 122 00:33:32.960 --> 00:33:49.200 >> so I have a kind of logistical >> okay >> comment about town meeting for future town meetings. >> I don't know if you noticed there's two recordings on the YouTube channel >> audited edited audio >> audio. Yeah. So I think what that seems to have done is you know so the 123 00:33:49.200 --> 00:34:04.880 moderator had a mic pinned to him right and he went back at one point was talking to Mel about motions and I think he some he'll often cover the mic >> oh >> that doesn't mute and it kind of dominate it was during your budget presentation so there's portions of your 124 00:34:04.880 --> 00:34:21.760 budget presentation that are wiped out there's no audio which is unfortunate so >> I mean if he turned it off it would be fine. But maybe to just forget about the mobile like pin mic and just podium mic. >> What about in the edited audio version? 125 00:34:21.760 --> 00:34:37.359 Does >> the edited audio just cut out the discussion? >> Oh, I see >> it. It cut out the Tim's mic. >> Okay. >> But it also I think all the audio is cut. It seems like I don't know. It's something maybe to talk to Joe about, but >> yeah. >> Um it's happened before where his mic 126 00:34:37.359 --> 00:34:53.599 has picked up kind of seems to override the the podium mic. >> Interesting. Okay. because um I think that presentation for those who have questions or you know weren't whether or not they were present during the presentation just want to go back and 127 00:34:53.599 --> 00:35:09.680 watch it. It was very good. I got a lot of positive >> feedback. >> I didn't know I talked so long. So >> it was long but it's a lot. >> I told her that I was like trying to make eye contact with her during her 128 00:35:09.680 --> 00:35:25.520 presentation. Just be like come on like let's go a little faster. But she never looked over at me. So >> it I thought I went for 20 minutes. >> No. >> No. But I I mean I >> it was good info though. It's I mean I think you did a really good job of giving all the information so that questions for clarification were already 129 00:35:25.520 --> 00:35:40.640 answered. Uh and it seems like that's what happened. So >> I I can give a personal testament from my dad who said that um he quote called it awesome and said that at the end he understood everything and had no questions. and I can't tell you how many 130 00:35:40.640 --> 00:35:55.599 questions I've been trying to answer for him um over the past couple weeks. So, the fact that you were able to get through to him, >> you had buttered up. >> Kudos. Yeah. >> Yeah. I didn't actually didn't I didn't have a problem with the length uh of the town manager. I thought it was important 131 00:35:55.599 --> 00:36:11.839 information that the the citizens needed to hear and that way they could ask appropriate questions and it didn't overwhelm the the speakers and lines of just asking questions for information that people didn't know. >> Right. >> So, I thought it was good. 132 00:36:11.839 --> 00:36:27.760 >> Yeah. Nothing to add. >> Mhm. Yeah. And I'll say I I was um really surprised by the turnout, too. Um I think a lot of us were expecting a huge turnout two years ago when we first did the override. Uh, and it turned out to not be as many people close. It 133 00:36:27.760 --> 00:36:44.160 wasn't close at all to as many people as we were expecting to come out. Um, and this year more people definitely did show up. Um, and I >> I think that's a sign that we are actually doing a really good job of getting information out there and people are certainly reading it and forming their own opinions. Obviously, you know, 134 00:36:44.160 --> 00:36:59.680 we've we heard a lot of opinions uh on Saturday. Um, so I do think it's indicative of the communication and the the education uh that we have been doing and that it's successful. So, okay. Anything else on town meeting? 135 00:36:59.680 --> 00:37:15.680 >> I just would add that Mr. Murphy did a good job making sure everybody had the opportunity to speak as well. >> Yes. Yes. Absolutely. >> A tough job. >> It is. I wouldn't want to do that. It's like no matter uh what decision you make, there's going to be someone that's mad at you. So, but 136 00:37:15.680 --> 00:37:30.560 all right, old business vote to seller hold 250 and 356 Hollis Road. Um, so when we discussed this last, we wanted to um send it to uh the same boards and committees that review uh for first 137 00:37:30.560 --> 00:37:48.400 right of refusal. Um I have to admit I haven't been watching those meetings, so I'm not sure it's been happening. Um, but I do know that the planning board um discussed it, maybe want to continue discussing it. Um, I am interested in listening to that. Um, so I still have 138 00:37:48.400 --> 00:38:05.040 to do that. Um, we do have one more week to make a decision on this. I think last week's probably our last week. >> Um, I we made the request. It's out there. You know, I want to at least watch it. Uh, so >> can you share the link? >> Sure. >> Time. Yeah. Yeah. >> The link for 139 00:38:05.040 --> 00:38:21.040 >> I sent the actual time. >> Oh, perfect. That's helpful. >> It's Adam Bernie has um cuz he knows all the history. He had he had a lot of uh of good comments about about the two properties. >> Yes. >> 250 >> the difference between 250 and 356 and >> Yeah. >> Yeah. 140 00:38:21.040 --> 00:38:40.800 >> Okay. Yep. So, I'll check that out. >> Anything else tonight or are we just going to hold off until next week? I'm okay with waiting. >> Okay. >> And lastly, review of employee survey questions. Um, anyone have any questions 141 00:38:40.800 --> 00:38:57.280 uh suggestions related to this or are we ready to approve? >> I have two two questions or one question, one comment. Um, are the questions mandatory? So, meaning can they leave it blank? Yes. Good. Okay, >> they can leave them blank. 142 00:38:57.280 --> 00:39:13.520 >> Um, and then can is there an option for an answer of not applicable? I guess blank could be not applicable but >> oh just to add in the strongly agree agree just ending >> yeah I was thinking to not make them mandatory because if you put their 143 00:39:13.520 --> 00:39:28.800 position and years in service you could piece together who it is and if you want to be anonymous >> that's what we so I at the and I don't know if it okay so the very beginning um we're saying please note that some of the open-ended questions are optional >> the responses may indicate your 144 00:39:28.800 --> 00:39:44.480 department Right. >> Especially describing your duties. So you're not required to answer anything that you're not comfortable with. >> That's good. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So add NA to Okay. 145 00:39:44.480 --> 00:40:01.119 It might not be relevant for all of them. >> That's okay. Where it is. >> I also didn't see a key. It was just kind of initials for strongly agree. Agree. >> Um >> go ahead. You can answer that. So, we built this out just on Word. >> When we put it in Microsoft Forms, it'll 146 00:40:01.119 --> 00:40:19.920 say strong. It'll say the full. Yeah. >> Nice. >> Yeah. >> So, when is this due back? What's the goal >> for return? >> So, I was thinking of giving folks two weeks to respond. So, um, if we can get 147 00:40:19.920 --> 00:40:39.119 it out this week, um, which I don't necessarily see an issue with, um, you could be reviewing it by the end of the month. >> Okay. All right. Any other questions? All right. Sounds like we're um, good 148 00:40:39.119 --> 00:40:56.240 with these. Um, do we need a vote on this? I >> I don't think so. >> Yeah, I don't think so either. Okay. Minutes. I don't think we have any. Do we have minutes? >> No minutes. >> No minutes. Okay. >> No. And now that t now that we're through town meeting, there's going to be a concerted effort to get us back 149 00:40:56.240 --> 00:41:12.240 going. Uh there are still a number of minutes that have been drafted for review if anybody wants to pick those up >> um in those folders. >> Oh, and I do have the notes of I forgot all about this. I have the notes for the pre-TOW meeting that we did, but I will 150 00:41:12.240 --> 00:41:34.240 just write them because it was like two seconds, so it's okay. Yeah. Um, so I'll go ahead and do that this week. Uh, all right. Warrants. Uh, we do have one accounts payable warrant in the amount of 1,67,626.28. And while I pass this down, are there 151 00:41:34.240 --> 00:41:56.000 any action items, committee reports? >> I have none. Uh, between vacation and town meeting, I got to catch up on a couple. >> I don't have >> Yeah, I don't have a committee report either. So, 152 00:41:56.000 --> 00:42:15.839 >> all right. Upcoming meetings. We're meeting next Tuesday. Public comment. Any public comment from the public? Anyone on Zoom? No one's in the room anymore. Raise your hand on Zoom if you'd like to make a public comment. And I'm not seeing anyone on Zoom. Any public comment from the town manager? 153 00:42:15.839 --> 00:42:30.720 >> Nope. >> Any public comment from the board? >> Nope. >> Okay. Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> I'll make a motion to adjurnn at 7:45 p.m. >> Second. >> Any additional discussion? All those in favor say I. 154 00:42:30.720 --> 00:42:39.240 >> I. Those opposed, no. >> The motion passes unanimously and the select board is adjourned. Everyone have a good night.