Okay, very good. Welcome everybody to the Plymouth County Commissioners meeting. Um, we'll start with the pledge of allegiance. Bob, why don't you uh start with us? May the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America to the stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Okay. Please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast live on YouTube. The file is
later shared in various public access channels throughout Plymouth County for further potential re uh rebroadcasting. Uh fellow commissioners, I would like to uh take um the federal community project funding uh out of order since we have
Mr. Vinnie Demacito, special assistant to the president of BSU. >> Coming to the podium. Yes, I'm >> Yeah, I I am I have it. Uh so, uh Commissioner uh commissioners, uh I wanted to give you a quick update. Uh in pursuant to our commit the
commissioner's vote of last meeting, our team's been working with Representative Keing's office to apply for a community project funding or call CPF grant. Uh the original request was made for funding of an emergency operations center. However, we found that an EOC
was not permitted use by the grant. The team pivoted uh to seeking support for the Plymouth County First Responders Training Center and Target Range. After discussions in Washington DC, Congress declared that the police and fire grants were not eligible for the round of CFP
funding. Uh the good news is we are now working with Senator Marky and Senator Warren's offices to get support for the first responder training center in target range. But out of our discussions with Representative Keading's office, a great new opportunity came uh to our
attention. Uh so uh under the same community project funding that you directed us to work on uh and that's a a project to work with Bridgewwater State University in the pursuit of the Plymouth County Healthcare Workforce Training Equipment Project. This
$860,000 grant request to be submitted under the labor and health and human services departments to fund training equipment for Bridgewater State University to aid in workforce training. The grant would be used for six anatomage tables which are virtual
offtopsy tables along with 12 virtual reality headsets. Um I wanted to take uh it's about a minute and 30 but it is so amazing that I wanted to share that with your approval chair uh with the group.
>> Great. Go ahead. what's possible and provide a broader scope of real human anatomy than anyone else. We have rigorously refined the content of our anatom table 12 times over the past 14 years. And with this
latest, we're reaching for the next interactive medical study. We have our understanding that the table each release. >> Well, the pictures will uh tell the story. Uh this is cutting edge uh stuff
uh science um and uh I had a friend who trained uh on hip replace uh developing hip replacement and spinal pieces and he had to go in with actual cadaavvers. So I do want to uh recognize uh Senator
Vincent Demacito. Uh he is, as uh the chair said, special assistant uh to uh Fred Clark at Bridgewater State University uh to talk a little bit more about this great opportunity. >> Great. >> Thank you so much for that introduction
and uh apologize. I'm here on behalf of President Fred Clark who could not be here uh so you're stuck with me. It's an opport It's a great opportunity for me not only to present what what we're trying to accomplish here, but to take this opportunity to thank you for
your previous support um with the county with the cyber program that we were able to do with municipalities. The impact has been significant. You know, so many of our um mun regional municipalities were trained through the resources that they were able to get in upskilling
their cyber security uh you know awareness and also now security operations services and that was uh all set up by the support that we got through the county. So, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you for that because it did make a difference.
And then so when I found out that we were going to have a chance to collaborate again on something that we we realized is incredibly important, I was really excited. So I I thank you for your consideration of partnering with Bridgewater State on this project because you as a county are in a
position to be able to go after this funding where the the way we're hearing it, we're not considered a state agency. I think we are, but they're saying we're not. So, um, so the fact that the county is willing to partner with us, this will
enable us to get these anatomage tables. Um, and I'll be honest with you, I didn't know much about this before either. Um, but I was really impressed when I started to see what the technology that was accessible for the university. And to give you a sense of the challenge that's we're facing
because we have a uh our dean of education and health sciences and that's a one of our largest uh programs in in the university. Um and what's happening is there's a huge demand for health care professionals. There just not enough of
them. >> And of course there also aren't enough cadaavvers. And so this technology has, you know, as they as you heard, it's 14 years old and the demand is more and more for them, but they're they're incredibly expensive, $115,000 a piece. But the beauty is they can learn so much
more because even in a cadaavver, you get one shot at it. >> We believe that we can utilize this not only for our students, but also for the current workforce that's there today, collaborating with our hospitals, even you know, ambulance services to help they can come in and actually do
training. And even better than that, we can take the K through 12 students who come through Bridgewwater. We have 20,000 students who come through Bridgewwater every year to learn about STEM education. And so they do our cyber security uh program. They do uh biology,
they, you know, all kinds of things in STEM education where they learn about possible careers. This is a great opportunity for that next generation to learn about geez what I want to get into health care. >> As we all know there's a huge crisis in health care.
>> Go to go to an emergency room right now or try to get a doctor. The every 40% of the people say they are having a hard time getting a doctor. How many people who have to go to the emergency room? It's all backed up because of that. They're using the most expensive means necessary to get into an e, you know, is
to get healthcare is through an emergency room. And it's it's so it's so backed up that we're trying to build a pipeline of more trained people so that we you know we can try to address the health care shortage and we've been doing a lot with
hospitals collaborating with them to try to help build that pipeline and workforce. This is an area where if we have this equipment, it's really going to assist in us in training because for Bridgewater to get access to these cadaavvers for our physiology and
anatomy classes and the like, it's very limited. This is unlimited opportunity especially when we have six of them and of course the VR headsets which also do some of that training. So that's kind of the backdrop of it and we couldn't do this if it weren't for the collaboration
with county and the commissioners. So, I'm asking you if you would consider this. We would greatly appreciate it. Love the opportunity again to collaborate with you. Um, you know, the the work that you the the commission have done, the collaboration with the the county treasurer. You know, it has
just been, you know, I'm so grateful for you as as a group and the I love that a government closest to the people, in my opinion, is the most effective. and you showed that with the work that you did back in the day when you got those resources um at the federal level, that
big grant and the monies that were able to come back to our communities um was impactful and and our communities know that and so I thank you for being in that space. We appreciate it. If there's anything I can do or any questions you have in regards to these anatomage
tables, I'm be more than happy to uh >> uh well, thank you, Madam Chair. Just quick two quick points of personal privilege. Um, I enjoy I had a brief out of body experience cuz as some may recall I worked in the state senate and you I would stand behind the rail when you address the senate. So for a few
minutes there it felt a little weird having you addressing me. It was kind of like a weird weird role reversal and of course I am a proud uh graduate of Bridgewwater State University. So we enjoyed the um the ability to collaborate. I mean you mentioned that cyber range in the investment that the
county made partnering with um I think there was a private sector partner there as well as building that with Bridgewwater State. It was a fascinating thing to watch in real time. Uh I was be I was able to go there and tour it. So uh I think anytime Plymouth County can invest and collaborate with Bridgewwater
State uh for the betterment of of your students uh of the students there um hopefully my future fellow alumni um is always a wonderful opportunity. Uh, and this is obviously something that I think we've talked about uh for years, which is is the county being that vehicle uh
and being the um being the vehicle to execute these things uh when the Fed may not deem it uh so, right? I think it's a little strange they don't consider Bridgewater State University a public uh it's in the name, but I digress on that. But that that gets into the quirks and
the nuances of dealing with the federal government, right? Um but the fact that we're here and demonstrated through CARES in ARPA uh $200 million of federal grant money managed uh at barely 1% administrative cost was a excellent benefit to to our communities to the hospitals in the county through CARES as
well as utilizing those dollars for test kits. Um this is just a continuation of that uh of that ability. So uh really grateful for this opportunity and and always grateful for the chance to collaborate uh with yourself with your with the administration. and I know you
work for at Bridgewater State and um and certainly um to uh to Frank uh Chris Teresa. Uh this came about pretty quickly, I think. So, uh many thanks uh to the efforts that you folks put in to making sure that we're able to be at this point. And again, I think this is
the type of stuff we talk about uh the county doing and doing well. It's it's finding these opportunities and helping to facilitate them or having these opportunities brought to us and also being able to facilitate them. Uh either way, it's a great thing and and I very excited for this uh for this continued
collaboration with Bridgewwater State. >> Oh, well done. Thank you. And I say this wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for your willingness to collaborate with us and certainly an opportunity to say kudos to the congressperson because congressman Keading was the one who brought this to our attention that we
could collaborate and do this together. Um and so I'm incredibly grateful to the the congressman uh he has been incredibly supportive of the university. We were able to a few years back get a um an aviation uh w hanger so that our
as you know and I don't know if you know but Bridgewater State has uh a aviation school 13 airplanes challenge is is when you're in the northeast training is a challenge because when the cold weather >> if it's you know 3540 degrees you have to de ice the wings have such a huge
process so that those planes don't get up in the air especially in the early mornings and the like because they're outside with the hanger. Now they're actually inside. So literally that 8 to 10 block gets filled at 10 to 12 block and they go and because of that we were
able to get a uh an airmark in the last couple year budget ago um to help get more people in the air training doing flight training. And so another example, Congressman King has been incredibly supportive of the university. Um, and now for him to actually come to the idea
and actually was their idea to bring the two of us together to make this uh come to fruition. I'm uh really appreciative of that. So, >> and again, my partnership with my former colleague uh back in the legislature, you know, we worked on so many things together. It's fun for me to come back
here because Plymouth County, you know, we used to fight for Plymouth County back in the day when nobody else was for county as my good friend uh can tell the registar here. Um that's, you know, we understood the value of what Plymouth County was back when we were in the
legislature. >> To see it again now 25 years later, um continuing to make a difference is fun for me. >> Right. Mr. H. I just want to echo the sentiments of this happy moment because the collaboration piece you've been
there prior to being with Bridgewater State specifically I can speak to the skindava that Quincy College had and you came and fought for. So this is something I know has been you know near and dear to your heart in in terms of education. The Skindava would came from
the US Navy and we were lucky enough and when they wanted to close that campus you came down and fought for it. So, I know firsthand the value of that particular uh six uh unit thing is going to exponentially put people way ahead of the curve when it comes to that type of
education. So, thank you for that. And I also want to thank you for your collaboration on the transatlantic climate alliance. So, we've had this history now for the last since you've been there. I think you've been the bridge uh to fill the gap between us and putting this partnership together. So,
thank you for that. Uh specifically when it comes to this, is there anything that we need to do other than apply for it? Is there anything else? Uh I know Frank and his team have been working on it. Maybe through you Frank. Uh so uh we'll be working uh the team
will be working with uh Rep. Keading's office. Uh this is a grant that the county will receive and then uh will donate to the to the university. So uh we'll be bringing it up. We'll have to sign some documentation around a donation to the university. But, um,
again, this allows a county or tribal government. Uh, they're the ones that are able to get this grant. Uh, and then we'll, uh, uh, donate right over to the BSU. >> And, um, if I may, Madam Chair, what is the grant amount? >> $860,000.
And uh I do also have uh two letters of support uh from uh a doctor from Mass General Harvard uh Mass General Hospital in Harvard University and the South Coast. Uh so we'll be doing that. We'll be putting in um uh with your consensus
a letter of support uh given the comments today uh for the program two repetings just as a cover letter along with the application. So, uh, we'll get that all taken together, get the application in, uh, by by, uh, midweek.
Uh, we're working with, um, Rep. Keading's office to make sure everything's all taken care of. And then we'll just hope that, uh, Congress comes back and and funds funds the, uh, request. >> Very good. >> Please let uh, President Clark know our best wishes, and we're all hoping,
fingers crossed, for this opportunity. >> We apologize he wasn't here. uh he wanted to be here to be able to come before you. But uh you know it's uh for me this was fun because I got to come back and see my uh friends and colleagues here at Plymouth County and anything else that uh we can do this is
a great op you know if this comes to fruition it will have an impact. The reason we're here is you care about Plymouth County this region and Bridgewwater State cares about county in the region and we are a regional resource. you know that's uh you know we're not just about Bridgewwater we're
in the entire region just like you're about all of Plymouth County and our missions are very much align in the same and so this really works out well and I I you know I'm hopeful as we go through with the fight that Congressman Keading and I've been told that he is really
going to push for this um you know it will make a big difference for his constituents. >> Great. you've always been a great partner and you know we're always excited and willing to help you in any way that we possibly can. Don't apologize. It's very nice having you here too. So, uh, thank you so much for
coming in. >> Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Thank you. Have a great Thank you. >> I left my paperwork, my cheat sheet here. >> We might need it. Thank you. Um, okay. Do I uh hear a
motion to accept minute um minutes accepted for March uh 12th, 2020? >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> do. I entertain a uh motion to vote and accept CPS forms. >> Uh motion to accept CPS form Joan Bovian anniversary accept increase and Brian
Tevis new hire parttime ISA specialist registry of deeds funded through the mass tech fund. >> Madam Chair, I have to abstain from this vote. So you'll have to second the motion. Okay, I'll second that. All in favor? >> I >> Okay, >> excuse me. >> I got that. >> Thank you. >> Motion to accept vendor vouchers.
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Motion to accept uh and approve payroll vouchers. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Okay. Um the next one is uh the for the ALS
uh Lou Garri's disease awareness month. Um we need a vote on the proclamation. Madam chair, whereas the my goodness, I'm just going to call it ALS. Is that all right? >> Yes.
>> Thank you very much. Uh also also commonly known as L Derek's disease is a progressive fatal neurodeenerative disease in which a person's brain loses connection with their muscles slowly reducing a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. And
whereas thousands of ALS cases are reported every year and estimates show that n every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS and someone passes away from ALS. And whereas on average patients diagnosed with ALS survive only
two to five years from the time of diagnosis. And whereas the exact causes of ALS are unknown and there is no known cure for ALS. And whereas people who have served in the military are more likely to develop ALS and die from the
disease than those with no history or military service. And whereas securing access to a new therapy, durable medical equipment, and communication technologies is of vital importance to the people living with ALS. And whereas
clinical trials play a pivotal role in evaluating new treatments, enhancing quality of life in fostering assisted assistive technologies for those living with ALS. And whereas the ALS association is the largest philanthropic
funer of ALS research globally and has committed more than $154 million to support more than 550 projects across the United States and 18 other countries. And whereas the ALS association is committed to making ALS
livable and cured for everyone everywhere. And whereas ALS awareness month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the dire circumstances of people living with ALS acknowledge the terrible impact this dis
disease has on those individuals and their families and support research to eradicate this disease. Now therefore, we, the Plymouth County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as ALS awareness month, and we call upon
all Americans to join in supporting ALS research, advocating for increased funding, and standing in solidarity with those affected by the relentless disease. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Very good. Thank you. Very important.
Okay. Next to uh sign intergovernment agreement with Northern Essex Community College for parking data uh ticket data management and collection service. I believe that's Mr. Wells. >> Good evening, Commissioner. Good evening. I have uh three copies here >> of the intergovernmental agreement with
Northern Community College. Uh they're going to join our partner program. Uh so that would be the 48th uh governmental entity. Well, I guess are they really governmental entities according to uh the Senate or perhaps they're not. Uh but they join uh they join 42 cities and
towns as well as Bridgewater State University, Mass Community College, Mass Maritime, and uh Northern Essex uh Northshore Community College. I'll be headed up there on Monday to deliver the equipment uh to get them all started up uh issuing tickets. And I do have uh one
bit of good news or very exciting news I learned this afternoon which is that uh the city of Quinsey their uh procurement department gave the blessing and sign off for us to enter into negotiations myself. >> Uh so they should be hopefully that
won't take won't be a drawn out process but there'll be a large uh client. It'll be along the lines of town of Plymouth or if not Wells as far as ticket volume. >> Excellent. Is there a red motion on this one? I forgot. There just motion to um
sign the payment into the green motion to execute. So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I very good. Thank you so much. Great job. >> Okay. Next we have the uh burn grant. That would be Mr. Basler.
>> Uh yes, chair. Uh thank you very much. So, the federal government has released the FY25 uh grant for the uh Department of Justice Edwin Burn grant. In your packet, you actually have the breakdown. Uh it totals $17,62
uh to be awarded uh with the breakdown of the city of Brockton at $66,662, the town of Middbor $9,550 and the town of Plymouth $20,144. uh the town of Weham uh who has been a
grant recipient in the past was not eligible uh for the grant this uh this year. Uh if you recall the grant is decided by the government. We do not decide who gets the money. The federal government decides uh and uses uh
analytics and violent crime statistics as to who uh gets uh portions of the funds uh throughout the country. uh since uh beginning uh of the management of the burn grant, we have now uh distributed about $1.25 million
uh to local uh participating awardees. Uh what I would like, if you would, is a motion uh to accept the $107,62 from the Department of Justice uh grant and then a motion to appoint myself as
duly authorized representative to sign documents and enter into enter legal contracts with the federal government and associated grant communities as concerning the Edward Burn Memorial Justice Assistant Grant Program on behalf of of the Plymouth County Commissioners and for the county of
Plymouth. Motion to accept $17,62. >> Second. >> And on the motion, I it should be noted it's probably a good thing. Sometimes when towns do fall off of this, it means that their crime statistics have improved. So that is true. So for folks in Weham who might feel like they've been left out, it's a good thing that
you're uh and that's not to say that crime's increased in these other communities, but it it certainly is good that this is um continued to um to continue to help those communities um that need it. So that's my
>> motion. Is that a second? >> Yes, ma'am. >> All in favor? >> I. Very good. Make a motion to appoint Frank Basler as the duly authorized representative to sign documents and enter into legal contracts with the federal government and associated grant communities as concerning the Nward Burn Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program on behalf of the Plymouth County
Commissioners and for the county of Plymouth. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I very good. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh we're going to move on to 32 Belmont Street. Update on leasing options discussion and uh vote for broker relationships. I believe this
is going to be um Chris afternoon. Thank you. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> So, administrator Basler, assistant administrator Bernardo and myself have been um um quickly gathering information about how to potentially lease out the
9,800 uh square feet that remains vacant at 32 Belmont Street. Uh we've been making significant progress towards this and in order to uh move forward with potential leasing uh what we're going to need this evening is is a disposition of the property in the form of a paper vote
followed by five different roll call votes. One, a letter to DAM. Two, a letter to the city of Brockton. Three, a scheduled public hearing. Four, an appraisal. And five, a real estate broker contract vote. Um that are both detail um summarized and detailed in um
a document that was put into your folders earlier this evening. Um 32 Belmont Street uh represents a uh significant uh potential uh potential funding source for the um internal internal funding source for the county moving forward. Um, as you can see, um,
in the document that was given to you earlier this evening, um, the area that is shaded in green, as well as the area that is shaded in white, including this area that is, um, yellow, which includes a, um, collective restroom area, is um,
the area that we're trying to lease out. Um we've spoken to various um real estate bro real estate brokers that see this as um potentially a great area um and an important um area within the city of Brockton for potential commercial and um business opportunities in that area.
So we're very excited about what what can be done going forward and we'd like to take the next step. I I welcome any of your questions. >> I just want to I may madam chair thank uh everyone for their effort on this. I actually was in the area I don't know a week or so ago and just popped in and
got a quick look at it and uh I was I realized it was truly that much space. So um >> yeah, it's deceivingly uh big. >> Yes, it is deceivingly small. It is big. It's it was a lot of space. So um so that's uh so that'll be good to try and
leverage that especially with the the development that's happening downtown. there there are some challenges. I um considering the fact that there is a common area with a common bathroom um area as well. Um we're we working to overcome those um those challenges. We believe there could be multiple vendors
within this property as well. That's what we've been talking about, but um we are ready to move forward in a in a serious manner to uh to lease this space and create revenue for the county. Uh when we believe it could be a significant source of revenue for this county. >> I had a question in the back here. This
is once where we used to have the uh medical uh testing back there. And this green part is it towards the front of the building. >> The green part is towards the front of that was where the uh DA the DA most recently had his offices uh met now quite a few years ago.
>> Right. Right. Okay. Very good. I know there's so much space there that we really could utilize it and um you know bring in some revenue. I think it's a you know it's got good bones. We've done a lot of work on it and I think it's a you know because Mr. Buckley has his office up there too, which is um you
know a great place. So very good. Thank you. Uh is that a we have a written um vote for that? >> So there's going to be for the disposition they will have to be at paper. >> Yep. Madame Chair, at a statutory meeting of the county commission holding at
Plymouth on the 26th day of March, 2026, voted in accordance with Mass General Laws, chapter 30B, section 16 to declare approximately 9000 9,800 square feet of the building known as 32 Belmont Street, Rockton, Massachusetts, uh available for
disposition by lease with no further restrictions. >> Second. >> All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. Very good. Now, uh, we have the other five votes that we need to, uh, Yep. Uh, either one of the commissioners want to read yet. >> I don't have it in front of me.
>> Oh, is it is it is this? It's not like that. Okay. These are all >> I'll make a motion to authorize sending a letter to the city of Broton to declare that approximately 9,800 square ft of the building known as 32 Belmont Street Brock to Massachusetts is available for disposition by lease with no further restrictions in accordance process outlined by Massachusetts
General Law, Chapter 34, Section 14. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Make a motion that Plymouth County Commissioners vote to create a public hearing for the leasing of approximately 9,800 ft of the building known as 32 Belmont Street, Brockton, Massachusetts. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> I'll make a motion. The Plymouth County Commissioners vote to authorize the county administrator to contract with appraisal company in New England as previously approved by the advisory board executive committee to complete a lease appraisal for the available space at 32 Belmont Street, Brockton. >> All in favor? I county commissioners
vote to author I'll make a motion to authorize a county administrator to finalize and sign a contract with real a real estate broker under the terms presented subject to approval by county council in accordance with the process outlined by Mass General Law chapter 34 section 14. >> Second. >> All in favor? I
>> Okay. Very good. >> The internship I believe is the next internship. Yes, that's next on the agenda. Go ahead. >> So, we have before you this evening, commissioners, uh the proposal that recommends the creation hiring of a
communications intern for the office of the Plymouth County uh commissioners for the summer 2026 term for a term running from July 1st, 2026 ending August 28th, 2026. The purpose of the internship is to develop the execution of a robust and coordinated and proactive communication
strategy that promotes the programs and services and regional leadership of Plymouth County. What um what we envision is having someone who is an upper classman uh in a college course whether it be communications, political science, uh public administration, working with us to develop a social
media strategy, a public affairs strategy. Uh making sure that we have a presence in both printed media and online media and uh making sure that our footprint uh is very prominent within both both those fields. In terms of um payment or uh we're try we are trying to
work with local universities to make sure that college credit can be granted in uh l of payment. Um if payment is uh is needed that is that is something we will have to discuss down the line. Um but we are we are very excited about this opportunity and the opportunity to collaborate um with someone who's just
coming just preparing to come out of a collegial envir a college environment rather um that is ready to bring those skills and applications to Plymouth County and create um a communications platform for us that reach reaches well beyond the the walls of this building.
>> Very good. Has this already been advertised or Yep. Um if I might uh chair madam chair uh it has not been advertised. So uh as you may recall we had an internship program last year. Uh we learned a great deal from it and uh this is the next step of the evolution
of the internship program. I would love to thank um both uh you know Teresa and Chris for their work on this. Uh uh Chris did all the write up of everything uh taking best practices uh and multiple learnings from different groups. Uh the
idea is to do a robust search uh for a candidate this this year. So uh including essay writing uh and inperson interviews. Um hiring the right candidate is key to delivering good
success, >> right? >> Um and uh it it would be a a minimum wage. Uh internships need to be paid for uh by the fair labor standards, federal fair labor standards act. Uh but we prefer to give credit which that covers
fair labor standards. Um but we just have to do some re renumeration either credit or cash um for to cover federal laws. But this is a a big step forward for our team uh to to have additional boots on the ground that can craft
messages for us. What is the time that you're going to be starting the full off? >> Well, >> when I if this were to be I know that a vote is not scheduled for this evening. If it were to be voted on, we would within the next few weeks, we would promote it and um hopefully have some
interviews within the next month to six to six weeks. Uh I do I know that this is the prime time for hiring summer interns. So, there would be a lot of competition for us. Uh but we'd like to start the interview process and the advertising process as soon as possible and as as as soon as um the the
commissioners feel comfortable in acting upon this u we will act upon it. >> Very good through May. I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Either one. Go ahead. >> I just a question. You mentioned summer intern. It's not going beyond the borders of the summer. >> If if this um if this proposal is successful um perhaps in the fall we'll
come forward with with a fall intern. But as as of this this is a a trial run of the summer internship program. >> We should balance all >> Yeah, we did um we did do the summer one a few years ago that was through Bridgewwater State. Should have grabbed Vinnie before he left. Um just a
question. So I I think the last one was college credit. Um what is the um what is the compensation? Is it is it minimum wage or it's minimum wage? Okay. >> Yeah. And so for hours you were thinking 10 to
15 >> 15 to 18, right? Keep it as part-time. >> Yeah. No. >> Um and uh that would uh alleviate any kind of concern of of benefits or uh and it would be noted as part-time. Um
again, their big takeaway is the ability to list this on their resume. So, um, we're only paying because we have to as a federal law and it can be, you know, minimal minimum wage. It's called out in the in the law.
>> Yeah. >> Um, and if we can find if we bid state is our first call and if we could find a dean or the professor that will work with us for credit, that's number one. And we'll get that going as of, you know, uh, get someone on board in May.
>> Okay. Did we hire an intern a couple years ago or No, I Oh, we did. I don't remember that. >> College credit. >> Through college credit. And I think you can still do that any >> Oh, yeah. No, that's not that is that is advice. That is possible >> to have a I mean obviously um I don't
want to get too far in the weeds on this, but Bridgewwater is obviously a great place. Uh Mass Soy as well. There is a boatload of colleges in Boston. Um will there be consideration given where it seems like a lot of this is going to be computer-based
um that a portion of this could be considered remote um if the candidate was qualified? >> I I I that would be up to the pre preference of the commissioners if they would if they if if the membership feels that that is something we'd like to explore. Um, and if someone wanted to do
a virtual internship, I I I think that the world has shifted a lot in the last few years and that's become a preference of a lot of people. >> I mean, just just reading like some of the things uh and this is great by the way. Thank you for this. Um, >> you know, some of it is is
I guess my envision would be a hybrid, right? Or start physically here. I'm only considering or trying to consider, you know, you you have the greatest higher education institutions in the world in Boston and a lot of students that that live in in and around the
city. Um would there is there a consideration for that if it would work and if it didn't work um you know given a lot of it's going to be writing, a lot of it's going to be um social I think I saw did I see social media on here? I mean you can make you know I've posted from social
media in Europe but um >> if I might madam chair. >> Yes. >> Um my thoughts suggestion uh although I do value work at home and um uh different models for internship especially in communication especially
in social media which is such an immediate need. Um, I've expressed that the intern's going to report directly to Chris and Teresa >> and um because of the risk of the wrong message going out on social media, uh, we will
vet every word that goes out prior to so the communication between uh the assistant county administrator and the administrator in training uh to you know uh is critical. Uh, so I I would say that in my opinion, unless you vote
otherwise, that this would best be used in in in house. Yes. >> Uh, to be able to start and see. Um, cuz I would not want them to be at home and maybe not be able to get a hold of someone and said, "Oh, I just thought I'd send out this and like this is not
good." >> Yeah. I mean, I I would definitely not on the uh jump suggest allowing for um remote at all. Um and there are ways that you can ensure
that messaging and things go out correctly. Um I'm just trying to make sure we are the most appealing we can be to the largest possible pool available. And that might be something to consider to make us um
you know not that we're not appealing of course I think we're very appealing but it's just an idea to consider um given it you know in 2026 that's that's the way the world is going and you know candidly in in the young professional networking groups that I'm a part of
that's a major uh consideration uh just knowing how a lot of uh folks in that age range people in my age range uh work can operate now. It's just a lot different. And I'm not saying we do that at the jump. Of course, I I want them I think there's a value to being here and
learning from the people that are here. Um, but given you the most flexibility to to deduce if the individual in the position uh appears that they are capable of taking direction. Um, and there's guardrails, right? It's your
phone is on, you're answering between certain hours, and if you don't, that becomes a problem, and you pull it back. I mean, you know, nothing is ever permanent. There's a weird idea around remote work that it's like, oh, when you do it, it's permanent. You can't undo it and management can't fix it. I mean, it's an intern, right? If you tell the
intern, we expect you to be on call between 10 and 1 and you can't get a hold of them between 10 and 1. That becomes a problem, right? And that becomes uh But again, I'm not saying we do it on the jump. It's just something to consider um to make us more appealing and to be able
to potentially grab um just cast a wider net, right? Um but you know, it's not something we need to do immediately. I but this to me looks perfect the way it is and I I'm very lz fair in the way you folks manage the dayto-day here. So, um
I think it would be Do you want to vote on this specifically? >> If I may, I did have an opportunity to comment. So, um, to your point, Jared, I think you, you know, this is kind of an interview for us as well. I mean, if we determine that the need of this internship could blossom into a
full-time position, because it sounds as if that's where we're going with the workload you've already distributed, that this is kind of a laboratory for us. The brickandmortar experience for an internship is what internships are all about. it's getting into the workplace,
getting that experience and you know this then turns into a permanent position then I would 100% agree with the hybrid thing but uh I think you answered your own question through talking it out so I would support it and wish you well with it and uh I think
it's a benefit to all of us to have this kind of growth especially in a space my concern I think was echoed as well on the the money part of it if we can do this with full credit that's the way to go on an internship ship. So, those are just my two cents.
>> Yeah, my opinion is um where it's such a short term. It's only eight weeks. Um I frown upon the um hybrid. I think that you know being in amongst all those that you're working with and going to be, you know, taking daily from, you know, what their needs are and what they want. Uh I
would think it would be better for them to be here. Uh it's a little hard to obtain what you're really looking for from, you know, from home or being away. So I think that you know only eight weeks um I would like to see somebody here amongst uh the group.
>> Yes, >> if I might madam chair uh we did uh post it for possible vote. So if you are all uh we did didn't want to pressure you because uh we just distributed it in your work files during the week. But if you feel that uh that we've done our
homework and you want to give us a couple week head start, which I think is a very important uh and would be great uh this time of year, uh you know, and you feel that you'd like to vote, uh we would we would welcome that as a lawmaker, >> you ready forward with it? >> Move forward with the stipulation that
we exhaust all opportunity to provide credit only. >> Yes. Uh, and if it does require you to hire someone to go with a monetary that it come back to the commission for that >> discussion. Put that in the form of a
motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> just one more thing on that, Frank, is uh, you know, if and when we hire or have an intern come in, I'd really like them to come in and introduce themselves, you know, so that we see a
face and we know who they are. Absolutely. Well, part of the uh group part of uh our vision was that uh the interview process would include uh Chris, Teresa, and a and a commissioner. >> So, uh if that fits uh you know, we'll we'll distribute that when once we get
find out what kind of feedback uh and interest we have. Uh if not, I'll send it into the group. But we we'd love that welcome and absolutely uh the intern would be coming to visit and uh interacting because uh um interaction
with the commissioners and your stories out are an important thing that we've been missing over the years. Right. >> And I think that is an important piece that we can highlight. I can I make a motion to appoint commission chairman Wright the uh commissioner that work
with the internship team to interview the interns and I and I think um I want to say post taste but as you pointed out as Mr. Javan pointed out it's almost April so there's um you know school breaks in a few college breaks in about
a month so we're definitely um behind the eightball but I I'll make that motivation. >> I have one one question on that. Um I know that you've had a lot of involvement with uh uh interns and stuff. I don't know if you want that position or not. If you
>> um I mean I I'm happy to seed it to you, Madam Chair. I think you you >> um >> I think you can comport yourself well with them and it'd be good for them to have that perspective. Um I appreciate your your faith in me to do it. Um you know >> require a vote though.
>> I don't I mean I'm not sure but >> yeah I don't think it's about >> leave it as I would leave it as Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you Mr. Valenzole. Okay. Uh let's move on. Thank you Chris. >> Madam Chair. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the American Rescue Plan Act, the Plymouth County Commissioners
grant dispersement of funds held and administered through the Plymouth County Opera Program as follows. Payment to Clifton Lawson Allen LLP in the amount of 12,79325 for administrative support. Second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> I. Madam Chair, if I might just briefly uh to give an update. Uh we received word recently from one of our members that they will be turning back a significant amount of resources. Uh the good news is we're prepared to pivot with that news and uh reallocate those
monies. That's going to take place over the next 60 days. Our team is making sure we've dotted all our eyes and crossed all our fees. Um also to let you know that reporting uh is going to be a little more robust in April. It goes through the end of March. So, we'll be
uh getting all those reports done, not just here in the county, but for all of our members. Um, what we've noticed is a significantly more aggressive approach by the US Treasury monitoring these different applications. We think that's a good thing um because it shines a
light on how well we're doing and evidences that in some other parts of the country uh and maybe the region they're having a little more difficulty. So, uh we remain on course. uh we'll continue to do all that reporting. Uh I didn't want you to think though that because we're not having uh different
allocations that we're not still having to do with all the uh auditing and uh analysis that comes with the run out of this program. >> We have a a dollar amount of how much was or is that not >> We don't yet. Um we've been told it's
likely in the hundreds of thousands. >> Okay. >> The town is figuring out exactly how much they need to use. Uh I think it's a result of some overexpectation of a scope of a project and then some costs coming in less than they had expected.
Um so uh again something we had anticipated. I do worry about other folks not necessarily part of the county programs here in Massachusetts because four of us had this rubric set up where we could handle this but I don't know if in the other parts of the state how they handle a situation like this because
they >> they return it to the treasury. That's what they do. That's probably what ends up happening. So, uh, just again the value ad that we bring to the table is having thought of this so that we can handle it on the behalf of the >> safety net. It really is. >> It is. >> So, I have a question. So, that money
wouldn't come back to the county. It would go to the treasury. >> Okay. Yeah. I thought I folks will be taking more votes to reach I thought to those communities that had submitted their overallocation, >> right? So remember of our 27 communities 10 y
>> submitted an overallocation amount and we still have space there to reallocate. >> Oh, good. >> Yeah. >> And what is the deadline on what would be the deadline on that? >> The deadline on all of this is December 31st, right? >> 2026 with a new reporting deadline now through March of 2027. So they've
extended the reporting deadline out months. >> Looks like they might do it again through June. I don't know. But right now it's through March 31st. However, for us, this means we have to quantify that amount, get it in, make sure we report appropriately to the agencies
that we need to report to, then get it reviewed through the three steps in front of you for a vote so we get it to the towns so they can spend it all before December 31st. >> Wow. >> So, we're we're on top of it, but I don't think this is the last one. We still have some other communities that are have not spent all of their
resources yet. It's a challenge with a with a program that is preunded. you know, they're doing their best to estimate what the cost is going to be. But when these are million-dollar programs, it's not surprised that, you know, if there's 50,000 one way or the other, that hey, we've had a few that
have gone over and asked for more money. Um, but until we know there's more money to to give, we can't do anything in that front. >> Correct. >> Through you, Madam Chair, on that point, Tom. So, of the 10 communities that submitted supplemental requests uh consideration,
>> the valuation of that is x amount of dollars. So when we have a return of something that you categorize as being a high return, um do we are we going to have enough space in that area where would we ever run out of opportunity to
redistribute or do we have a a marker for the county as well? >> So you would be disappointed in your treasurer if you didn't have a plan C. Uh we haven't got there yet, but we do have a plan C. So it's unlikely that we would need to go there. I do believe you'll have enough space, but as you're
asking, there may be some more money that comes in that may use up that space. We're fortunate enough because there are two communities that have huge projects that were already obligated. So, those would be eligible and we have that relief valve where we could send
more money in their direction because the mandate we had from the commissioners was not to return a penny to the US Treasury. So that is our third relief valve and that is to the tune of anywhere between 10 and $20 million. >> So on that point then it kind of makes sense that if the community returning
the money had um went out into the real world and got value add because of the economic conditions because right now contractors are looking for work and they're giving discounts. So, by the same token, if you have a pre-qualified
program from a community that had a cost overrun, would that then be money that could be signific? Because if we're allowing for a return of money because of the market and then those who had not foreseen or had a condition in their
project that was unforeseen, is that the the offramp in terms of that? >> The short answer is possibly. uh without getting into the weeds, it has to meet all the qualifications of the original rule. So, we've found some towns being
creative and saying, well, this project went over our original anticipation because of X, Y, and Z. And it's clear that Y and Z would not have qualified under the the original term. So, therefore, we could maybe only do X. We could not do Y and Z. So, the short
answer is possibly. It depends on what the overage is particularly. I'm very mindful and I'm very proud of our um performance with respect to always saying we're the only people who haven't returned it to the treasury and I think
that's a high standard and it gives us a lot of credibility. So hopefully we can repurpose money where needed. >> Well, we we definitely can. The question is just where. >> Yeah. >> Uh we have we have it covered um through the AB and C plans that uh we developed
the last >> 24 months. Um because we really try to consider every every eventuality. >> Right. Thank you. >> Any questions, Mr. Bell? >> No. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
Extensions uh director. I don't see Molly. I think this is the first time she's not been here and meeting tonight. So, >> well, we miss her. Thank you. Uh the register. Good evening, Mr. Buckley. >> Evening Commissioner and all
commissioners. So when we go into the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, um the story of real estate has been pretty much the same for the whole year. Relatively low sales,
um low inventory, um a disappointing um track record of the Federal Reserve relative to cutting interest rates. I think at the beginning of the year there
was an expectation they would cut rates four times and with the prices going up across the board for oil and all that I don't see that going forward um the good news for us the bad news for the
consumers prices are high so these excise numbers are good we continue to trend about half a million dollars ahead of estimates And um I know the treasurer and I will begin to look at numbers the
next fiscal year. So and um um hopefully there's a shining horizon out there, but for now we're pretty much the same. >> Any questions? >> Can we get you to do to make it do better?
>> What What can we do? to go slave house or >> or a question for a licensed realtor like myself the head of the vet. Wish it was >> maybe we can get another survey out there, you know, asking who's going to sell the house. >> I think the there's a there's a real problem.
>> It is with rates being high. >> No one wants to move and take on higher rates. >> They really can't. >> And they get they want to assume the cost, >> right? Right. And there's Shane puts frozen the marketplace, >> right? >> Yeah. If I may,
>> sales going on. >> Yeah. >> Realtors are still doing their work, but the the sheer amount of activity >> is is stable on the low side. >> Yeah. If I may, Madam Chair, just to
echo the register sentiments, I mean, I work in real estate professionally and I have several clients that want to move. uh they want to change towns and they can't. They just financially they cannot afford to do it. The interest rate they're locked into is a two and a half and um they can't keep
the same type of home if they were to even attempt to to move. So it's so that compounded with pricing has priced out a significant uh segment of the population at this point. Um you and then of course the inventory issue. I mean, there's I think Rockland had three houses on the
market last month, which is just insanity. Um, that said, you know, luckily enough, the one thing that I think salvages us uh budgetarily is the price of the homes that are being sold is through the roof, which helps that deeds size number, as the register
pointed out. So, the house a hundred years ago that sold for $2,000 now sells for half a million or 700,000. And and that's that's luckily um going to help us now. I think in the future, but um there's a significant housing issue in
this state and in in the not just the county in the state and um I think uh our collective uh we're going to be at this it's going to be a while before it breaks. Um you know that's just talking to to my colleagues. It's not um the it does not appear there's going to be too
much of a break. Even you know interest rates coming down >> would help a little certainly. Um but right now they're at the historical average. are not even really high. I mean, they seem high when you had 2 and a half% at one point, but you know, right now, I think the rate I saw today was 5 and 3/4 was, you know, on the
lower end, but that's a historical average. My parents bought their house in the 80s. They had a 17% of the interest rate. So, >> yeah, >> just disappointment. And the people I feel worse for are young people, >> potential first-time home buyers.
There's nowhere for them. >> No reason. Nobody's building starter homes, you know, etc. >> Right. They're absolutely correct. And >> but you know, the real thing goes line. Every day we get recordings coming in and people getting ready to record and
title examiners running titles for new sales and it's just going to go at a similar pace. >> Thank you. >> Well, I have a question if I may. May have a >> I do always do. I'm going to keep you honest there, Mr. register. I just had a
question because it seems to be something from my um professional experience that I'm getting a lot of calls on and that's the accessory dwelling units. Does that at all help uh with recorded uh land with a new
structure on an existing property or does that conceal an accessory dwelling? Does it generate any kind of revenue at the registry? >> Not not for the registry for other people down the line. >> Well, Well, not to but to sort of it
would you know when you sell the house the house is worth more. So that obviously will then generate revenue. If I added on an ADU from my parents and that adds 75,000 to 100,000 in value when I go to sell that house >> you know that because it's obviously it's just a dollar per thousand uh basis
at the region. >> Correct. Not up front. It's only when the person sells >> the same lot. >> Yeah. >> And there's no sale involved. >> Right. >> Mr. Buckley, is there any comparison from uh with other states uh in how Massachusetts I I know that there's a
you know big number of uh people fleeing Massachusetts. So obviously there are homes that are being sold. Um >> I I think you know the people that are moving out because of the high prices are going to places like Florida. >> Yeah.
>> Where the prices of houses are so much lower. Um um I have not heard the vacating of any properties in Massachusetts has caused a crisis anywhere.
>> The ones that seem to be fleeing on the high value millionaire tax escape east and um really hasn't had an impact to that seat. >> Hasn't really opened up a lot of sales. >> Right. Thank you. Yeah.
>> I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, are we back to the the treasurer? >> Madam Chair, >> I'm going to put the thing I'm going to leave with. I I want uh everyone to
hear. So I'll leave with it some good news that you're used to hearing and that's the continued art performance of the P County OpEd Trust. We have our report through the end of February. Uh and not surprisingly again we lead the pack. Our one-year investment return was
18.9%. In last three years 15.85. Uh it's interesting because we did a survey. February, as you'll recall, was a bit of a rocky month uh in the market, and so most folks have that one-year
return in the 9 to 12 range. So, >> we're doing significantly better. >> And just to let you know, the company of Plymouth now has uh $4,640, 27526
in our Plymouth County Open Trust. Now that number obviously will adjust downward a little bit because March has been tough. Today was another tricky day in the market, but that's the high water mark as of February fund >> as of February 28th. >> That's correct. >> Okay.
>> Again, that number is 4,640,2752. >> Thank you. >> By way of comparison, you folks can look at other communities to see how much they have. You are well ahead of the curve and and uh a lot of that is performance related. Uh most of our members have benefited significantly,
none more than Quinsey College. Uh they had lifetime earnings of $2.6 million. >> They were an early adopter and uh really have done quite well by being member of county trust. >> Um any questions about the OP trust?
>> Any other uh communities coming into OPEM? >> Um we have a couple meetings coming up. Uh we continue to to let uh folks know uh that we're here. Word of mouth is our only mechanism. Although maybe with that communications uh intern, we can begin
to get that message out directly because there's really no reason not to be a member other than inertia and complacency. Uh so we continue to bump up against that. People, you know, tend to leave the money where it's where it's been. >> Um but yeah, we have a few on the horizon. >> Oh, good. Good.
>> Through you, man. Uh is the Quincsey College uh investment committee person still on that? >> He is original member. Yes, Mr. James Downey is on our investment subcommittee. Uh he continues to a be a valued member, but we'll remark at how
many uh ups and downs of the marketplace he's seen as a member of this committee and the professional advice that we're given and act upon compared to what he's seen elsewhere. So, um it's a it's a good commentary and I think helpful to Quinsey to know they have that representative right on the board. My
understanding is their return of investment has been so steep that they haven't had to continuously fund it because they're living off the return of investment into that value >> because they they were early adopters and put in a good amount early. That is correct. They're their returns are
significant. I mean just for us for the month of February of Plymouth County, we returned $86,340.39 in one month. >> Wow. >> Wow. So again, one of the biggest untold success
stories of Plymouth County. >> We'll tell it whenever we can. And again, if anybody's listening and you want to be part of the Plymouth County Open Trust and you're not, please give us a call. >> There's really no reason not to be. Um I was thrilled that the deputy treasurer
got to announce another uh community joining parking and you folks have been correct to uh give him all the compliments for his hard work over the years particularly in the last 24 months in getting this program up and running. But we oftentimes lose sight of the
people on the front >> uh who have to field all those phone calls and deal with the additional work. Uh and you folks know that uh Gene Wallen and Lisa Wade uh to folks out front. >> We get a number of compliments about
them on a regular basis. Uh and just really wanted you to know how hard they're working and that's not an easy job. Uh people that are calling about parking tickets are generally not in a good mood. >> They're not there to say, "Hey, thank you. Thanks for processing that." >> Um they tend to have an issue. they feel
uh uh perhaps that they weren't treated well by getting a ticket, but if it would be okay, I'd really like to read a a email that came in about Lisa Wade. Would that be okay? >> So, this comes from a lieutenant of the Wellsley Police Department. Lisa, I
wanted to take a moment to thank you for your assistance in helping Liz, I won't mention the name, with her recent parking related concern. She received a scam text message indicating she had an urgent hearing scheduled in Boston for unpaid parking tickets. After several unsuccessful attempts to reach the Welssley parking cliff's office, she
contacted Plymouth County where you were able to promptly confirm that her ticket had been paid and identified the hearing notice as part of a scam. Your quick response and clear guidance not only resolved her concern but also prevented her from potentially becoming a victim of a parking related scam. It also
helped ease what was understandably a stressful situation for her. I truly appreciate the professionalism and customer service you provided throughout. your assistance made a meaningful difference to her. Thank you again for your support. >> Very good. >> Um I just think in in today's day where there are lots of scams out there,
>> so many scams, >> you know, the effort that we put forward to post it on our website, get that information out there is helpful, but nothing like having somebody at the front line answering the phones. >> So just couldn't be happier of the team, proud of the team. >> Well, it's very important. Yeah. Thank
you. The last thing I I just wanted to to cover quickly and then I know you have so much else on your agenda and commission if you don't mind taking one of these and passing down. >> Thank you. Yeah,
>> this will of course look familiar to uh Richard Aldo, Commissioner Wright um but this is the performance of the Punth County Retirement Association >> through January 31st net of fees and what's interesting about this chart and I want to thank Frank for making color
charts for us um is the uh relationship and the performance as it stands against Prit. So you folks know this is the state fund uh 600 billion dollars in resources at the disposal and we're constantly measuring ourselves up against them. You'll see for the
one-year number uh that our return net of fees was 13.69% uh which was outperforming the state uh by 90 basis points or almost one full percent. And then I point your attention to the 5-year number uh where even over that period of time we outperformed the
state. I do have to say at the 10-year number, the state is ahead of us uh but only nominally by 18 basis points. Uh and we continue to close that gap. So over the last 20 years, we've added a level of performance and professionalism
that has allowed us not only to compete with the state, but in many instances outperform them. Uh it's a it's a record that not a lot of people get to hear about. So I wanted to use this pulpit to to spread the good news. uh and to
mention just last year 13.69 in one year uh is is a pretty significant rate of return for a pension of this scope and size. >> Very good. Thank you. No,
>> no, this is um this is just great news and having spent a year on the retirement board which I very thoroughly enjoyed um and really getting to know and understand how these funds work and um the professionalism that that board has and you know with your leadership as
the chairman of that treasurer, but the the group overall um should be commended for what they do at the end at the end of the day. you know, folks take these public service jobs and and we not only as the county, but the municipalities that employ them and the government
entities that employ them make a commitment to them. Um and to have this uh management as well as it is for the size that it is and the fact that it it much like everything else we do here um and I know they're separate but uh whether it be Mayflower Municipal Health
Group you mentioned uh Peacot at the top uh Plymouth County just continues to outperform uh any any other competition large or small. So I want to thank you and and um and I appreciate this update. Thank you. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Okay. So, now we're going to go on to the um maintenance and probably under Mr. Basler, your administrative report. >> Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh I gave such a long maintenance update last time
that uh I'm going to uh no report this time so I can spend a little more time on the administrator's report. uh we uh as a team, the leadership team here uh and I want to thank uh both the treasurer and deputy treasurer uh
working with us along with um with the uh uh Teresa and Chris and myself uh got together to talk about some ideas uh that uh we viewed as opportunities in sustainable municipal programs and
services. So what can we do as a team where we have experience, we have expertise and we add value to the municipalities. Uh we came up with eight immediate uh opportunities and an additional 11 uh to continue working on.
Uh some of which we've discussed already tonight. So the first bullet and the most uh highest priority is leasing 32 Belmont Street. Uh so you uh you heard about that. We're moving forward on that. Uh no further need to delve into
that any further. Uh second is a lease on the wood lot. So Boston South development lease ends June 30th of 2026. Um our team uh which is the Woodlot
negotiation team which is uh Commissioner Valenzola, Treasure O'Brien, myself and Shannon Resnik. Um, we actually got a a a quick phone call this week that Boston South would like to meet with us to discuss further opportunities um moving ahead and uh
their ideas uh uh for for next year. Um we will be working uh sitting with them and then bringing uh feedback back to you as to uh their ideas and uh what uh they're proposing. Uh the next is federal funds management
program. Uh we talked about that that uh is exactly what uh we did with BSU. Uh so uh working with Niko uh which is the uh North America um uh counties association. Oh no, the the national
association of counties. >> Thank you. >> Um and the federal delegation uh to uh find out how we can uh interact with grants and distributing funds. Uh so we're already working on that uh both
being uh better in tune with Niko along with the federal funds partnership in Massachusetts uh Quinton Paulfreey's group uh and along with working with um uh the uh leg the federal uh uh group
legislative group and also chambers of commerce. Uh so uh we recently uh this week actually uh became uh members of the Plymouth area chamber and the South Metro South Chamber. So um Teresa's uh
and Chris are leading that up. Uh we signed up the two of them along with the three of of the commissioners so that you we could do better networking with businesses. Uh and we'll make sure we communicate opportunities and uh networking opportunities uh as we come
across them. crank on that if I may. Just three seconds. Can we also be a part of Southshore chamber? >> We could. We looked at that. Um so because we've never belonged to a ch we did a couple about five years ago and the costs have gone up. Southshore
Chamber is exceptionally expensive and what we wanted to do is this year uh because we're doing it in year uh we thought we could go with the two less expensive smaller chambers but uh we can absolutely talk about that in the budget
uh to add next year. Um and uh >> of the three though that is the largest chamber of commerce. >> That is the largest. They are >> service area. >> They they do I I was a member of the chamber for years and actually won many awards when we we owned our company uh
back eons ago. Um but they do do a focus on um kind of Hangingham North you know Quinzy Way Brainree up that way. Um because Plymouth is down here, they don't like stepping on more toes down
here. But for our Hangingham and Hull and Rockland and and um areas, Norwell, uh definitely uh I think that's an opportunity. >> I think those not to interrupt, I think those individual towns have chambers as well. So even if we weren't to join the
bigger org so that we're not, you know, it might be worthwhile just engage the individual towns that aren't in the in the catch uh catch all of Plymouth area and um metro south. >> Yeah. I think the message out of this whole bullet point is with added feet on
the ground, we want to get everywhere all at once and that's what it looks like. >> Yes. >> So uh next is development of new Plymouth County procurement programs. We want to create new programs using uh the Plymouth County vehicle procurement uh program as a model. First, we're going
to focus uh the first focus will be vehicle maintenance uh programs which we've uh had uh some interest in. Uh we also have uh heard about organic fertilizer programs for fields and then uh disposable bedding for ambulance
programs and first responders. So, we're going to be working on uh programs like that and listening to associations on what we can do with that. on the uh procurement. Madam chair, if I may, through you to Frank. Um one of the things that um I kind of started kicking
around um I made a few calls. Um um one of our last uh leadership council meetings, a big thing that has come out of school transportation >> and um that's a huge nut obviously. >> But one of the things that I think and this is why I'm bringing this up under
the development of procurement is I think um through you Frank and and Nancy of course and I know uh Teresa and Chris will uh are going to be uh phenomenal at this. I think we've absolutely proved our weight in gold in the ability to
procure with the the um with the vehicle bid and and everything else. So, one of the things to to throw out there, an idea that I thought I I have been formulating uh would be um to
ask these school districts um when their bus leases are up. Um, one of the issues that we learned uh through those conversations with the the town managers especially was these bus companies are
using the towns almost against each other, right? So, uh, if if Carver's out to bid, well, Carver goes out to bid for school bus services, but then simultaneously Plymouth and Middlebar and Halifax and Bridgewwater might also be out to bid. So Carver has a price in
mind that they want to pay. Another town is going to pay more. The bus company then goes back to I'm just using Carver as an example of course. Then we'll go back to Carver and say, "Hey, this is actually the price and it is ballooning the cost exponentially." So what I think
a value that the county could have is instead of these towns individually going out to bid for these services, what if we were to able to get these towns to say, you know what, Plymouth County will be the ones that procure the cost. I would hazard a guess that
Plymouth County is now coming to these bus companies and saying, you know what, you're not pitting several towns against each other anymore. the county is now going to pit the bus companies against each other to get the better price. Um, is that a way because I think that's a major space and that's a huge uh cost to
to the communities right now. Um, and that I think could be I don't want to say a small way. Obviously, we're not going to buy a fleet of buses and create the Blumouth County School Bus program. Maybe that's something this could evolve into years down the road, but at least starting in the ground floor, we've already proven our ability in
procurement. Could we get a sense of when these towns bus contracts are up and then get them to agree hopefully to allow us to procure uh the contract for school transportation and you know if it
ultimately proves to not save that much then you know nothing venture nothing gain and you don't really go forward. I would hazard a guess um much like in the way with with parking where vendors dropped smaller communities. Uh this is something that I think communities would
benefit from. We would obviously stand to benefit and even if there was a small uh administrative fee like there is with the with the vehicle procurement if we're saving them uh bundles of money they will happily pay us um to continue to procure that. So I think that that could be something to add to um
development procurement and that really costs nothing more than a little bit of time right in procurement. So I think that's um just something I'd like to throw out there and add to this. >> Thank you. I will add it. I took notes and uh >> if I may just to to add supplemental
information and you're spot on when it comes to that the city of Brockton has an enormous fleet of buses that if we were to partner with them through this procurement program and it actually follows next not to step on the fire engine thing but to your point about
reclaiming buses that might be used. I think the next bullet item that Frank's going to talk about is something that we definitely can be helpful with. Yeah, >> thank you commissioner for uh >> I think that's a great idea. Um and I think that if we did partner like you said um you know with a bus company we
could then involve our different towns to maybe come in on it and um break a deal with them. So >> well reverse we partner with the towns and then we procure the bus. >> Why couldn't we go in with uh the bus companies to say okay we've got 10 towns now that will
>> No, no, we would. But my my point is there's a couple of companies out there and right now what they're doing is they're pitting the towns against each other to jack the price. What we would be doing is putting the towns more or less under our shield, >> right? >> And then we would go to the bus companies and say you give us the best price and then yeah, of course then
we're part Yes. I then we are partnered with the bus company, right? >> Um but I wouldn't I wouldn't want us to find a bus company first. I would want to get a sense each year. I mean I assume these probably run three four year contract. I don't know. I mean who knows? Most things in government seem to always be three years. Um, obviously not
every town is going to be up at the same time, but >> for some reason I think that it's yearly with the bus coming. >> It very well may and you may be right. Um, some communities may be. Um, but again, that's just something we then procure it. So instead of each town saying we have this many students, we need this many buses in your fleet, it's
the county of Plymouth saying we're bringing you this many communities. What is your pricing going to be for that? And it also I I think would help to get this data point to Commissioner Hanley's point. As this thing hopefully maybe evolves down the road, um special uh
education transportation is through the roof big time. And I think there's a lot of communities >> um that are unaware. You know, one town may send one student to one school in the Northshore, >> right? Unbeknownst to them, there are several other communities not too far
from them that are sending one student to one community to the same school, but that company is is charging an arm. I mean, I think Rockland had one student, it costs almost six figures and and and that's because you have to do it and that and and and that's that's how that
works. So I I think starting it small just as a simple procurement idea where we just at least represent the communities uh the towns to potential company and then as that hopefully gains ahead of steam follow up I think to commissioner Hanley's point the
evolution or where this could go uh could be eventually a fleet of school buses right Plymouth County uh is now the one handling >> not to mention too that uh a lot of these school buses have to transport the kids to agricultural schools. >> Yes. Yeah.
>> That's another, you know, going out of the town and it is big dollars there. So, it's definitely something to uh look forward to or look into. Thank you so much for that. >> The beauty of it, not to interrupt, is the fact that the template is already there. If you look at the bid exactly
about how they were pitting against each other. So, regionalization, I think we've proven. And I want to thank you and the team for bring putting this together, Frank, because this is I think what we need to report back to our member communities that the county can be more than opa because it's ending. So
we have to become relevant, right? So thank you. So the next bullet uh about uh several years ago uh Serpedge did a complete study on fire engine repair and uh as you know the big engines have specialized diesel uh coming engines and
and uh different uh types of engines and have a highly specialized staff that necessary for repair. and uh a local a Plymouth County department that hired a uh hired an engineer uh repairman tech
uh could uh offer great uh economies of scale and added efficiency for the local communities. Uh next is a lease back po lease the back portion of 44 robbery street. Uh so I I'm not sure if you're aware but uh the hospital has expanded
significantly uh recently and if you try to go there during any hours parking is unbelievable. >> Um we have on the back side of this retention pond about room for 150 spaces. >> Uh that is just right there. It's kind
of like we can power it and offer it to them. Uh and uh so uh the treasurer and uh and myself and Chris are uh working uh there's a new president there. We're going to work with them to get uh uh them to see if they're interested in
working with us. >> Uh water resource management program. Teresa is going to take V to that. Uh the treasurer and his team help uh a great deal sewing the seeds. Um, we're going to bring it to the next level. Uh,
and have dedicated uh have dedicated Teresa's time to developing that program. Uh, meeting with conservation agents, meeting with uh, uh, different town members to find out exactly what's necessary and needed to get that program
off on that. >> I'm sorry. >> Okay. on that one if I may, Madam Chair. Um, another idea >> while towns are going to be called on when the bus contracts are up with this one, um, it might be helpful. I don't know if we already have this, and if we
do, I I apologize for not knowing it. Um, getting a for a firm town meeting schedule. Um I I think one of the things that we run into like with the palm man and I was speaking with the treasurer about this the other day is when we I don't want to say come around and ask
for these things a lot of times they're so far ahead of their so far along in their budgeting process they don't want to think about where they can pull the money even if it's going to save the money we can prove it's going to save the money right >> um so it might be beneficial um just
thinking while we have you know the talent that we have in place now to just get an idea of town meeting schedules. Uh at least in the 25 communities, obviously Bridgewwater and Brockton don't have town meetings. Um and then maybe just setting some time five, six months earlier. You know, if there's a
town meeting in May, set a reminder for November to start reaching out to the town manager, to the select board, and saying, "Look, you know, we have this program. You're just starting to think about your budget. $5,000 could save you $75,000. Why don't you just come up with
the 5,000 us for this?" Um, and I think that could also be something that would be helpful um, for the water resource management. I think that's something that I don't want to say it makes me chuckle that there are communities that even that they're that far along uh, there these are budgets that are in the 80 million to, you know, $200 million
range and they b at $5,000. But I know that a lot of municipal budgets are strained right now. I don't want to say we're not coming in late. We're just we're coming in when we come in. But having a better idea of, you know, when the budget process starts for these communities and then having us getting
in front of them at that time um may be helpful and I think that tied directly into water resources, but because I think that's a incredible just a little too late, you know, we have I think we have to stop planning ahead and finding out, you know, when
these budgets are when, you know, or their town meeting is that we can implement it uh during the time that they would probably notice it or want to be a part of it or take part in it. >> I mean, Muslims start four to six months in advance. So, knowing when they have it um and then just
>> pushing back four to six months and then you then you know, so all right, I'm going to call these several towns and say, "Hey, you're signing your budget process. Um here's what the county has to offer." >> Great. The uh I inadvertently skipped over courthouse rent equation update. So, as uh you all know, we have a 1970s
lease. Uh we have been working diligently to try to get that renegotiated to no avail over several years decade. Um but we've come up with a smaller ask uh and working with our fellow counties uh to uh adjust the
administrative fee. It could mean a significant amount of money for us uh almost 90,000 if we were able to go from $1 per square foot to $2. Um, so that's something that uh uh Teresa and uh Tom and I will be working on. Uh the the 11
items in the back I'll leave for you to look at. Um they're bigger projects that might take a little longer. Uh as we showed you how much we've gotten done in two weeks on the first eight. Uh but we'll continue working on these 11. Um and bringing you ideas as we're able to
flush them out and uh make economic sense. Um the next uh on the administrator's report is uh update on wood lot. I I actually uh shared that with you um already. Uh digital
accessibility update. Uh so uh Teresa uh Nancy Chris and I have been working on getting the proper widgets in place for our website. We actually took the opportunity to step back and see what is
the best idea long term for our web um web uh uh program overall. And we're now talking with Molly and her team and we're going to incorporate uh their 4 extension team website which has been
standalone on their own into ours. That will save us significant dollars, thousands of dollars because we won't have to buy two sets of these widgets. uh and also offer a more streamlined uh uh uh messaging uh platform going
forward. Um we did uh talk uh to others um and uh the good news is um uh some of the other platforms we have have a little more runway of time because they're uh associated like MMHG uh retirement will take care of their own.
parking has a highly uh unique um interactive website. So, uh Deputy Treasurer Welch is working with their uh provider to make sure we get online. But the bottom line is um we will meet all the the deadlines of the April 26th uh
federal law. Um and it it uh uh including the uh transition plan and uh other uh web access points. And finally, um, dredge update. Uh, we do, um, have
the dredge has been working the last week in Howitch down in Allen Harbor. Uh, beautiful out uh, right across from Nantucket. Uh, uh, Howitch Harbor Master. Uh, John Hawker is ecstatic with the program. He's a new Hovermaster. uh
and uh Chris has done a great job pulling together a new uh uh press release so that we can go out and do some additional marketing. So uh our team has identified uh environmental uh agents and harbor masters in the county
that we want to work with. We have a great presence in uh down in the Cape. Uh we had uh the machine the dredge down in Felmouth for almost four weeks working. So, uh, the Cape understands the benefits of it. We need to do a better job getting out and we will, uh,
in the upcoming year. Uh, and then I did miss one more, uh, the Plymouth County audit update. Uh, as I mentioned, uh, last meeting. Uh, we are finalizing the last few pieces. Uh, because of, um, acquisition of of the, uh, audit uh,
firms. Uh, we've had a number of audit firms acquired. CBiz is our is the the company that we've been working with um that have applied these other uh comp auditors. Uh they are actually in the middle of a partner change and that's
what's delayed the FY23 uh uh audit. We already have started on the FY24 audit and of course the FY25 audit um is just barely closing. So we're we're still working uh still
working on the books of that. So we are well within uh municipal guidelines for audits and far ahead of others uh and but we will get this done because we like to stay as tight uh on the years as we can. >> Very good question. I I do if if it's
okay um could I hear from the treasurer on uh the audits and specifically the question that I have is with CLA having been our auditing team for OPA and CARES wouldn't it make sense that their work
product that was with OPA would be something that would be relevant to putting timeliness into these audits. Not sure I understand the question because they're completely separate enterprise. >> Right. I understand. But with I'm guessing part of our audit is including
opera and care compliance. So there is a a line item within our audits that are compliant. >> We actually have to do a separate audit now. It's called the single audit. I understand that because of the scope of that and CLA can't do it >> because there are audit firm in the program. >> Okay. So they have a conflict. They do
that parenting >> and that and I will and then just to follow up if I might and Frank explained it very well >> the FY23 audit started with a phone call into ETH. >> Uh yeah >> as they were the audit they were bought out by Markham.
>> Uh as they were wrapping up the audit they changed partners at Markham. >> Uh then another few months later they were bought out by CBiz. CBZ assigned a partner and associate. And so this is frustrating from our point of view because we keep sending these materials in as they keep asking for them and
there are new people that have to review the same materials. Uh CBI switched its associate and now they just switched their partner. So we're working for it doesn't make sense to change because they have all our data and they they've done the preliminary work. Um and if you go out to municipalities you hear the
common frustration about the consolidation in this industry and their inability to catch up. So, we're certainly dealing with the same thing everybody else is doing. >> So, when the chair brought it in, you know, um I I wasn't aware of it. So, uh once you had done that and in the background, you've got the auditor
banging on the door for auditing the legislature. So, audit is a buzzword and my ears peaked up after you brought it to our attention. I just assumed that we were on schedule like we always had been in the past. But the fact that you just explained that the CLA piece is a
conflict and then you have to procure services of consolidated you know industry so to speak with you know it's limited right in terms of who can you know Sullivan and powers is also gone as well right >> county auditors are specialized because we do have we have our own laws that we
apply that we live under. >> Yeah. Are we limited to just Massachusetts licensed auditors or does can Nico help us? Uh if there's a national brand. >> So again, we've got our auditor team for now, but we go back out for audits for
25 and 26. We'll do an RFP and we'll get people that will respond. Um it's it's very frustrating to see what's happening. One of the things I was very proud about is that every association I was affiliated with had a different audit firm. Uh, and I like that because people couldn't say we'd established a
relationship with a particular audit firm. Now they're all consolidated and so we only have one audit firm we can do or two. So that's terribly frustrating. Rest assured, we're going to get the best audit team we can uh doing the work that we need to get done. I want it done because our audits are pretty
impressive. I mean, it's good news and it's frustrating not to get good news out. Um, we've been very responsible the last couple of years. Uh, and this consolidation in the industry has been very frustrating. talk to some of your towns, they're like they're already behind five or six years. >> Well, I will say that, you know, the
fiscal health of the county and the programs that we've developed uh add to our ability to potentially get a bond rating to borrow if you're going to build a parking lot next door and we need to borrow funds. I mean, there's just a lot of upside to it. So, I'm glad
that this has got the light of day shined on it because after that meeting, I got a bunch of phone calls and I'm like, you know, it was news to me, but now that has been vetted and explained, I just wanted to make sure that it was transparent for everyone to know.
There's nothing nefarious here. This is something that was just, you know, the market conditions of consolidation. You know, we're seeing a lot of it. And so, just so everyone knows, we are still up here when it comes to that process. Thank you. I just want to give you an opportunity.
>> Yeah. No, of course. I mean, what's fascinating to me, too, is that we're very good about getting our data up on our websites. Um, so we certainly encourage people to to look at all that data. Um, I get frustrated when I'm trying to find out where other regional entities are because they don't even post their audience. So,
>> I was about to say that. >> What? >> No, I was I was about to say what you said, Treasure, through you to the chair. I mean I you go a lot of websites across the state that I've tried to utilize to get information and they don't have I mean they don't post
their budgets. They don't post anything. So um you know and I think you know folks that you know are watching or listening should also well understand we are the law requires us to have an audit yearly. We have an audit yearly. It it passes with no issue. And anybody who
thinks that the I mean I think the the ARPA packet that you give us on occasion with every project detail it's several hundred pages what was it a dime every time we said plcountyarpa.com www.plthcountcountya.com.
If you have any questions on >> where a single uh penny of ARPA money went that is on plcountyarpa.com uh the information is always readily available. So um if there's anybody has any questions on that and of course you know we spend most of our time in front of select board meetings presenting
those funds. So I think people uh are very well aware of the the transparency that we have and have utilized and >> and I think that's what had brought up to me you know when uh the woman had approached me and asked about the audits and and come to find out they weren't up to you know they were only up to 2023 so
it was a concern um where she had looked online. So that's why I had brought it up, but um I'm glad you clarified that both you and uh the administrator. >> Well, your team is on top of it as you know, they're >> they're your audits and so right >> that Frank does a good job of making
sure we get what we need and that we're on top of getting it out and doing it and >> the consolidation the industry has been very >> Okay, very good. >> I will say we're very fortunate. And I had this CLA, we can't use them as an auditor for the firm because they audit our ARPA
program, but they are fantastic. And I just can't say enough about their skill set, their ability. Uh, and ARPA is, you know, think of it this way. Our budget is $1 million, but we administered $und00 million ARPA funds. So, which audit do you think is more robust,
significant, and required by the feds of the state? And so, I feel very comfortable that CLA is doing that audit. I I had them up in Drake in the uh by father bus. >> Thank you. >> Okay.
Anything more um Frank? >> Uh no, madam chair, I am all set. >> Okay, we're all set. So then we're on the uh municipal program and opportunity discussion uh for Plymouth County. Um anything on the anorobic digestion? >> Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. Um I did
make contact with Quinton Falfrey's office. uh girl named Mallalerie Dream. Uh they are SK going to be scheduling a sitdown with uh the director uh as well as uh made contact with Senator Pacho
who was our host of the transatlantic climate alliance conference. So uh I if it wasn't the Democratic uh state committee dinner tonight, he would have been here this evening to discuss this. Um but uh we have um I've shared uh our
leadership team's information with uh Palfy's office. I named Teresa, Chris, and Frank um to that is our points of contact. So I'm excited about it. Uh there's looks to be more money than I expected on the federal level on this,
believe it or not. Um which >> never enough. Well, there isn't, but you know, in today's climate and especially >> right >> with the earmarks that um we're we're seeing now for the congressman and the and the uh senators, I think this is an
opportunity for us to really put it together. So the minute I have you know as my understanding we're going to be having working group meetings that we would that would be more like because I could prepare to have those meetings with those people present as a working
meeting if that's your idea but what you wanted to do with every other meeting was to be a working meeting >> right looking at uh I know I had discussed it with uh Mr. Basa. Um, so I know we have the regular meetings through probably through April, but that
could change. Um, but that's what I'm looking at. And I think there was a couple of things that I had mission ad um talked to the administrator about was, you know, Southshore uh vocational is waiting, you know, bitten at biting at the bit for us to come out and visit
their school. So maybe that's something that we can put on the agenda. Um, I know Frank had something down the Cape with the Drudge, uh, that I had mentioned to him that maybe we could, you know, go down and see what, uh, what they're doing down there. There's so many things that we could be going out
and doing. And I really want to, uh, say to Mr. Valenzola, you are perfectly correct in what you said about we are representing 27 towns, not necessarily nine. So, uh, I thought the way that we could focus on that is, you know, go back on a road trip and, uh,
start visiting these towns together as commissioners and, um, telling them, especially with the survey out there now, um, you know, we could discuss the survey and see where we're going, come up, we could all come up with, uh, maybe programs, um, that they're trying to
maybe uh, put together or or uh, eliminate uh, from their budget. So I mean there's so much out there that we should be talking to our communities about and I think that you know I had said that we're always like you know behind maybe this is a time uh that we
could you know start for even if it's next year. So I would like the working group to uh go out and do a road trip uh preferably uh in the daytime early morning go visit a town um depending on your schedule but uh I think that we
should accommodate uh the towns and go out and visit them. So yes, that's what I'm looking for. >> Just before we leave the anorobic uh digestion conversation, my next stop is going to be with the DP. >> Okay. >> Uh so regulatory wise, you know, trying to work with them uh as to what their
plan may be. You know, this whole conversation came up when I was negotiating a draft contract and they couldn't give me a contract beyond five years. >> I'm sorry, three years. um because within I was shooting for a five-year contract, but they said that D was
considering making a change to the food waste um requirements of communities and I don't want to miss that opportunity to receive their guidance or what they're thinking um in a regulatory way. So that would be just as an update specifically
to anorobic digestion. But to your point, I think the 27 community uh concept, I think uh Commissioner Valenzola made a point that we represent all. I understand what you were trying to do in terms of having a concentrated effort, many hands making for light
work, but I think united we've got a um survey out there that is going to be working for us. And also to Jared's point about town meetings, I I would love an opportunity to have all three commissioners at a town meeting to maybe
even present an update because I think everything we're trying to do now is about exposure. It's about regionalization and it's about how does the county survive after, you know, if we're not going to be successful with deeds excise, let's go on the offensive rather than, you know, rely on others.
Let's do our own thing with our own sweat, with our own people. Look at the ability and the talent we have, you know, around this footprint. So, >> exactly. Anything for you, Mr. >> No, I mean, I think I covered my municipal thoughts under uh Frank's
report. So, with school transportation, it's >> I think this is a great report. I'm very impressed with it. I think it's a great update uh bringing us all up to date where we're at. I know we talked about a lot of these things and then they kind of get put aside for a little bit. So,
it's nice to, you know, bring it forward again and um revisit everything that we are doing because there is a lot that we're doing and um I appreciate that report. Uh thank you to all you people who have uh participated in it. Uh I do want to say, you know, thank you so
much, Mr. uh Buckley for coming in tonight. Treasurer O'Brien, uh Deputy Welch, um I appreciate your coming in and giving us always, as you do, an update and it's always good news. Well, maybe not the treasurer so much, but no,
you do. Um, but uh and you know, anybody visiting, you know, thank you so much for coming in. Um, Mr. uh, Commissioner Valenzole and Commissioner Hanley, I appreciate you being uh, here also. Uh, I know it does take up your time and our time, but this is what our position is
and what we have to do. So, we all participate. We're all a team. We're all leaders and we all work together. So, um, I think that's the end of our agenda. man motion. That's a privileged motion, our personal privilege. Uh in light of
this being uh proclaimed ALS um month, um I have two friends uh that had passed and I would like to adjourn the memory and uh Captain Michael Chanet's memory as well as Kevin Gausnell and the Gausnell family and their struggle with
ALS. Second.