Okay. Okay. So, we're going to put the speaker on right now and I'm going to let people in there must stay justified by participant one, two, and three.
>> Uh, and I don't see anyone in the I don't see anyone in the room. As a matter of fact, I don't even see uh >> RCTV anymore. >> Correct. gonna say. >> So, >> I think we're started.
>> You guys ready? >> Okay. >> Hey, Joe. Uh, can you let me know you can hear us? It looks like you can. I see. Thanks. I'll >> wait for Walter. I'm just going to start.
>> Hello everyone. This is Chuck Terrone, Williams, conservation administrator. This meeting is being conducted in person in a remote format consistent with the chapter 2 of the acts of 2023 which further extend the co 19 measures regarding remote participation of public
meeting until June 30th 2027. Please note that not all items uh listed may be in fact discussed and other items not listed may be brought up for discussion permitted by law. The agenda um the agenda includes those matters that uh
can be reasonably anticipated be discussed at this meeting. Please note that this meeting is being recorded. All material for this meeting is available at the conservation division page under project by years. Brian Bo is
uh conservation chair facilitate this meeting. Please note there will be a public comment period at the end of each hearing. Each vote taken during tonight's meeting will be conducted by roll call roll call. Uh we'll begin with a roll call
attendance. Brian, can you start the agenda and take the roll call attendance? >> Yep. I'll start with the roll call and this is the order that we will vote in. Uh Joe non- voting but go ahead. and
Joseph Flurry, associate member present. >> Member present. >> Michelle, member present. >> Member present. >> Sticker member present. >> Martha Moore, vice chair present. >> Ryan, chair present. Now I'm going to do
a quick I'd like to move the agenda. Um, first is the continuation of the public hearing for notice intent for zero small lane that will be continued at the applicant's request. be followed by uh continuation of public
hearing or after the fact request for termination applicability for greenhouse acres condominium. That's it for our hearings tonight. Then we have a number of discussion items or things to vote on some old new business
and that is it for this evening. Having said that, we'll start at 7:04 and the first thing as I said is zero small lane at the applicant's request. This be continued until February 11th and I have
a motion to that effect. >> We already voted last time so we don't even need to vote. >> Right. >> Okay. Moving right along then to greenhousekeepers. Somebody want to speak for you folks? >> You wanna
>> you want to set it up? >> Um, yeah. And I'll read the blurb while awaiting Bob continuation of public hearing on or after the fact request for determination applicability filed by greenhouse acres condominium
pursuant to Massachusetts general law chapter 131 section 40 the wetlands protection act and northern reading wetland protection bylaw section 7.1 the applicant proposes tree removal removing 56 trees encroaching on 32 condo units
All work is within the 100 foot buffer zone to a bordering vegetated wetland. The application of plans can be viewed during regular business hours at the town hall conservation office 16 lower street reading mass and uh andor on the
conservation division page under the project by year 1-30 Carnation Circle Assessor's map 23 lot 70.1-790.1 introduce yourself >> is Robert Moses I'm an average here in Massachusetts I am representing
greenhouse acres on a project that we came in front of a couple of the members and walked the property some time back. Um, we
at my request had asked to get into the properties before something like this took place with a blizzard where we would not be able to get in. and I believe I was given the okay
um and that the board would vote on the approval of it after the job was done due to the circumstances with the time. Um I recognize there were some issues with paperwork to be filled out for
permitting uh by greenhouse acres. uh no harm or malice intent. I think was just somewhat of some confusion. Um we did some initial counts when we walked the property with Mr. Brian and Mr. Charles. Um we went over the
project. Um it had fluctuated a little bit from the time we looked at it until the time we did it. Uh we did take counts of trees removed, trees under six inches removed, and snags left.
It is my understanding that at the last meeting we came to terms on the number of trees that would be considered snags, the number of trees that would be considered trees removed over 6 in and
what greenhouse acres would be online to pay for the removal of the trees. I understand that originally Greenhouse Acres had sent a $3,500 checkout based on
conversations they had with me with me and Mr. Tyrone and there was some discrepancies on the number of trees removed after we did the job and we came up with a number of trees that had to be paid for which
a $3,500 initial payment did not cover. At the last meeting, it was my understanding and agreed that there was a additional $1,500 that would have to be paid into the tree fund or wherever it goes, which Greenhouse Acres has sent the check in.
So, I believe they're whole on paying the $5,000. Um, outside of that, I realized that this was done, per se, the cart before the
horse, and we appreciate that because now we all know why they wanted to do it this way. Um, with all that being said, um, there will be some initial work that will have to be done there. And I think Mr. Bo and Mr. Tyrone walked the
property and we did see some other issues. there are a lot of uh buildings there and there are a lot of trees that are encroaching the property. Um, we agreed on the number of snags, we agreed on the number of takedowns, and I think moving forward, um, should they
decide to move forward with iron tree service and myself and the committee if they want to do more tree removals, um, I think it's going to be important that clarity takes place prior to the beginning of the job with the amount of
trees and the amount of snags. the amount of saplings that were damaging the wall. Um, for me, I'm going to say this was a learning experience because as I think some of the people on the board know, I
never cut and ask for forgiveness. I always come first to you guys. Uh, and and that's what I did. And, uh, in good faith to these folks and in good faith to the committee, I was trying to work both sides of the fence to do things properly. And um I don't want to say it
backfired. I just think it got a little convoluted. So with that, I can answer any questions you may have. >> Anything from >> Hey, Brian. It's Joseph. Um can you just elaborate a little bit on this
convolution that happened? So was there just a miss in the original count uh proposed versus what you saw in the walkthrough? Was there something that was uncovered while the work was being done? I guess I'm trying to understand where this this miss was. >> I think
when we walked the property and I I want to be careful saying this, but I was under the understanding that anything under 6 in um I'm going to say did not count as a removal. Now, that may be incorrect, but I thought that's how it
was. six inches and above were trees that were going to be removed that could be left as a snag as well as trees bigger than that. So, we left a number of snags, more than we thought that we were going to in the beginning. And it wasn't really a
financial decision. It was just the way it worked out. We left snags bes behind some of the buildings that wouldn't look uneasy on the eye from the street and from the driveways. So we try to leave some of the snags behind the buildings.
There were some trees that we had discussed that were damaged. I think there were three alantis trees or it was a cluster of three which we counted as two and Mr. Tyrone gave us uh I don't want to say a credit but he said he
didn't we were not allowed to have to deal with that as part of the of the number. I believe originally the number was 47 and it went down to 45. Um during the process um we did a count at the end with the
number of snags we left and the number of trees and that's where we came up with a final. Originally when we walked the property it appeared with we hadn't done a count. We hadn't flagged any trees but it appeared there
were going to be more than 47. And as it turned out there were not. um after everything was cut and prior to everything being cut, we did flag everything. Now whether or not the board went out prior to us cutting, I don't
know. But me and a representative from Greenhouse Acres did go out and flag all the trees. With that being said, I'd like to ask you, gentlemen, did you go out after I flagged the trees and before we cut them down? >> We went out twice with you. I was out
there what, two times, Brian? But did I flag the trees while you guys were there? >> They were flagged. >> I think the flag were Yeah, the flags were for the commission that was going to go out on this Monday. So, this is the first meeting that the full commission could have gone and seen the
trees and typically that's the Monday before, but because of the weather, they didn't go out. So some of the count on the trees like there was clusters of two and three inch saplings uh we didn't include them in the count because it was my understanding they
were not part of. So I think that's where it got a little convoluted in what trees counted, what trees would have to be paid for, what were left as snags. It was my recommendation to the people at
Greenhouse Acres that they left a number of snags, but not to be overzealous, leaving too many as to not have to pay for the trees. I told them they were going to be in this for the long run, that there were other trees
that were going to have to be removed, other work that was going to have to be done. And rather than rub the board the wrong way and giving them the impression that they didn't want to pay, we went on that thought and we paid for
I'm not sure of the number. What was the number we paid for? I totally It's in the paper we gave you the last time. >> So, I think that was some of the confusion. The size of the trees, what was to be counted, what was to be left. Again, it was all uh it was there was,
you know, we we were totally upfront. We weren't hiding or trying to duck away from our responsibility to pay for any of the trees. >> Follow up, Joe? >> No. I mean, I think Brian, this would kind of go back for us to discuss as as
a commission, but I mean, this is typically why we don't approve things beforehand, correct? like we want to make sure that there's clarity in what we're measuring, the size of the trees, the policy itself so that we can kind of get a better and accurate measurement uh
before any work is conducted. And I understand there was circumstances here that we discussed, you know, with the winter weather and everything else to get some of this work done beforehand, but I'm looking at this property and if they're going to be coming back, I would just want to make sure that we have clarity of like the process moving forward, how we're measuring things, how
we're doing the count so we don't have the discrepancy moving forward. Shan, I agree. >> I think we need some clarity on the number of trees too because I think the the blurb said 56 trees and I see 45 trees in the application and 14 snags.
So it would I'm I'm not I'm actually puzzled what is the actual number. Yeah, the blurb is what goes in originally when the applic >> right but like I don't like since there's a correction now like that there are some other additional trees that my
recollection was there were originally after our site visits 47 trees we were given consideration on a cluster of sumacs that had failed and broke and I believe we got it down to 45 trees and
from there we left a number of snags And then we paid for the other trees, the $5,000, whatever that calculates on the tree. >> Do you have the number of snags on that paper? So, we have it in the record. >> We we gave it to you guys. Everybody got a copy of it. I would assume you would
have it at my desk if you want me to go and get it. >> Um, mean the ones online? Oh, >> is it there online? >> 45 and 14, right? >> 14 snags. Yeah. >> 14 snacks, 45 trees. Yep. sure that we
>> um we've had this picture up with the yellow ovals on it. How do those yellow ovals correspond to where the trees are that you cut? Well, I'm not sure um exactly the number of buildings by looking at that the number of the actual number of
buildings, but I believe those were the work areas that were proposed that we did do the cutting on. >> So I do all 45 plus 14 trees were in those four regions. >> No, no, 45 total.
>> Yeah, 45 total of which 14 snags. Okay. So, it's 31 trees plus 14 snags, >> correct? >> Ah, okay. >> And again, that did not count all these little tiny, we call them whips in our
industry, but they were six inches and under. And we were told at the walkthrough that they didn't cut. >> And so, you did cut some of those. >> Yeah. Little tiny like weed stuff. You know, some of them might have had seven or eight pieces coming out of what could have been an old stump because they do
sucker out and sprout out. But the substantial side trees 6 in and over. Uh there were 14 snags left and the remainder of the 31 were paid for. >> Okay. >> No questions. No more questions.
>> I guess I'm just a little confused about this whole thing. I don't know the history of the property and how this all started. Um, so trees were cut uh I guess with verbal permission or >> in front of people who believe
>> they came to the uh December 10th conservation commission meeting because they didn't have enough time to put in permit because as Bob explained they thought the snow was imminent and they needed to get permission to remove
the trees for safety reasons prior to snow. So they came to the December 10th. There wasn't enough time to put it in the paper or you know notify Butters. So came to the conservation commission. Bob talked to the conservation commission on that day and it was the conservation
commission's decision to move forward with this action. >> I see. And then upon further review there's there's last discrepancy. >> Well there yeah I'm not sure what the discrepancy is. So >> that's where I'm getting confused. >> Yeah. I think that there was uh I think
what Bob is saying the discrepancy is is the fact that they came in with a certain amount of trees and that's gone up or gone down >> and now we have a final count after the fact after the work was done. So that's the final total. So that might have been the discrepancy
or the discrepancy which I'm not sure about was just our process and trying to understand it when we really didn't issue a permit. So they didn't understand like Bob keeps on saying he went out and he cut down a lot of two
and three inch snags or little saplings and he said he understood that those didn't count but all the commission members understand that they just don't count on the tree policy but they do count as alteration and the wetlands protection act that seems to be
something that >> How close is it from that wetland? Looks like on the GIS like a whole property surrounding the building should have never been built. >> It's a tough property. Everything is very very close on the side over here with the thin yellow uh stripes on it.
>> Pine trees >> is a retaining wall >> and it's kind of flat in that area, but it's is a retaining wall. On the other side, there's a little bit of space. I don't know 15 to five to 15 feet. >> Yeah. >> And then it's and then it's wetland.
>> But what you have to understand about this particular property is that you know you look at this type of property if you have any experience with trees you can see that they have done nothing to maintain these trees. They basically said it's a conservation. I don't know
what they said but maybe they said it's a conservation area. We can't touch these. So everything kind of grew in. So when we were walking back of the houses or the condos of there was patios, small patios, a fence, and a lot of the trees
were just like right in that area and shaded out the whole area, shaded out the roof. They had just kind of reached in for the sun. And so this is what we what we were confronted with this um trees that had grown up into a sizable
uh area and reached in and uh so Bob brought us out there and we walked around with somebody in the first place. I'm not sure it was I don't think it was you. >> It was it was a board member and uh one of my maintenance staff >> and we walked around the whole site and we gave him the information and we tried
to tell them these are your three options. you plant, you leave snags, so you have to pay into the tree funds. And so that way of I don't know, just like distributing the information seems to have been kind of an issue.
>> Uh I'm not sure where things went wrong, but I I do think after the fact >> we have a correct count and um they have chosen not to plant. they wanted to pay in and so that seems right. So I don't
think we have to talk about whether whether the the amount is right or wrong because Bob went out and I think the groundskeeper went out and counted all the trees when after the fact so that doesn't >> area within the hunt. >> Absolutely. Absolutely.
>> It was all around >> surrounded surrounded. >> Yeah. So, greenhouse acres, didn't it used to be a um used to be like a farm and so >> Sure. Excuse me. Can you come up here? Introduce yourself.
>> Uh Scott Chantile 54 Aelia Circle. Now, that is that was my family's land before all this. It was green houses. Yes, that's exactly what it was prior to this project being done in the 90s. Was there any agriculture on the ground or
was just all inside the >> It was all inside. If you look at basically all the green houses were in this area over here and the Adamses were over here and it was just all under glass. >> There was some fields out here, but no,
all this forestry has been there forever. >> Yeah. >> So that goes way back. And the thing I'd like to reiterate here is, I mean, considering the the thickness of the number of trees and plants in
there, like Chuck said, when we walked it, if you can reach out and touch them, we'll let you cut them down. And there were a bunch of them that were cut down. Um, it was really a minute number of removals
considering the thickness of the forest here. >> So, Bob, wait a minute. Let me just explain to you that doesn't So, when you're standing on the patio and you're reaching over the the fence and the trees are so close you can just you just
like touch them that so the house is only another five 10 feet away, you know. So I said based on my experience with the commission clo trees that close we usually get a yes on the commission
usually says these trees are too close >> and you're going to be able to take them down. That's that's what I said >> again wording I mean >> yeah no no I just want to make sure they understand some of these they haven't seen the poverty >> and it was always going to be up to you
so I didn't say you know it's this is how it's going to happen I said these are it's likely you know or these are the ones I usually say yes to commission always has the approval >> okay so so I I can cut in now so I think
we've established the free snacks. We've established that you have paid the check and we've established that the paperwork has gone through and been processed. So, as far as the work that's been done, that's
current, correct? >> Yeah. >> Yes, sir. So, couple of times tonight you've mentioned that they may come back for additional work, but that's not on the document for tonight. >> Correct. I'm just putting it out. That's a possible future thing. >> Yep.
>> So then the question before us is do we issue an after the fact after the fact um order conditions to cover what ended up happening in the end which was slightly different than what we had
approved back in beginning of December. >> I can't answer that. That's up to you. >> I'm just wanted to state it. We can cut out some of the boarding. >> I can't see putting replacement trees in there. >> I agree. I can't I agree. In fact, we
looked hard at what's on the left screen left because that's where it was more open. It still wasn't sensible. >> So So that that's that's fine. That leaves them with three options which they're aware of. One is you replace
them. We agree that doesn't make sense in this case. Two is you leave snags. They did some of that. And then three is you pay into the fund and they've done some of that. >> Which is why I say at this point it's current. So it's a matter of us blessing
it basically within after the fact. >> Didn't we already approve the RDA though? So do we need to vote? Is there another vote on the table or I guess I'm a little confused. I think we already approved the RDA, right? >> The RDA. Now he's looking for the
>> Yeah. So this is an after the fact. >> Okay. Okay. Got it. >> Out of knowing the final results. >> I think it's 250 per tree. >> Yeah. >> So then that doesn't add up to 5,000. >> It's 20 trees.
>> Well, his we the sheet that um you saw online, >> which we don't have in front of us, so we can't show that. That's what we took our amounts off of. >> Whatever was on the sheet. Yeah, that would be 7750 if you're going 31 trees times 50,000.
>> Chuck, do you think $3,500 is reasonable? >> Well, they already paid five. >> You pay five. Do you think the five is reasonable? >> I think they paid 250 for each tree that they took down. And I think that's a reasonable number because 250 a tree is
you can't even buy a tree. We bought those trees for a bare meadow and the 3-in caliper 15 10 to 15 foot tree uh had tags on them that said500 $600, you know, for each one of those trees. And
so I think that's a a good number to uh put on the commission to try to use that. We actually have to get three trees cut down to pay for one and then have volunteers put it in. So that's that's kind of where we're at. So I think the
250 is a good number for people to understand that it's it's uh it's very uh it's a it's a good number to pay. I don't >> cost it intended to cover the cost otherwise you have to keep on adjusting
it with inflation and everything >> because now it's in the conservation's responsibility to do this. So we weren't trying to instantly find a spot for a tree. But that's good. And did I do I think the numbers correct? Me, Brian,
and some people from um Essex and Bob had a meeting and we talked about the numbers and we added them up and the two checks that we received added up to the amount of trees that were taken down and everyone agreed on that day. So I don't know the numbers right now and Bob
saying uh but we were comfortable that the checks we received covered the trees that were taken down. I think >> no I think but the question though from like Tim is that it was it's 45 trees approximately that's in the RDA 14 snags
are removed you you you remove the 45 14 snags so you have 45 minus 14 times 250 that's 7750 so 31 trees 250 >> some of them were under six inches in diameter >> so >> that doesn't sound like that's the real
number I think you know when a when a application comes in uh it's always adjusted and it's only final once we approve it. So, you know, the final numbers uh should be known tonight, but um and if that's it, you know, you probably wouldn't want that to be it
because I don't think we got 77 whatever for the trees, but uh again, like I said, we uh we had that meeting and we went over the trees. Bob had a piece of paper. Did you look online? Did you find out if that's the one? >> You have a
I thought you had several co coffees and I I can just >> you hand it out to everybody uniform going forward. >> So we should check out I feel like we we have the amount >> sheet. >> Yeah, it's the 129 sheet that's online
1219 2025. So if there was an adjustment made since then which is some over a month, Chuck, you probably have the final number. We would just have to take your word for it. back and get it. It's going to take less time. >> Yeah. It doesn't say how many are under
six inches. >> Yeah. >> Let me pass this around. Seems to me that um everyone understands that for a future project you would come to us earlier than December so that we
can do it in the right order. And all we need to do today is um >> issue an after the fact permit. >> I completely agree. >> This was a really new process for us as
well. >> These are the snacks. >> Oh, can you get up and say who you are? >> These are the add you want me to explain if you don't mind management group. I'm the property manager for greenhouse acres and I'm also one of the partners as mentioned.
>> All right. So I got um from greenhouse these are the calculation we went over and the date on this is uh fall 1225 project. I don't have a date on this or a meeting but I was it two weeks ago three weeks ago.
>> It was just um I'm not sure. >> So here are the numbers. Here are the numbers. um trees taken down. We have a column that adds up to 24. And then there's another column says
against the wall, but those are also trees that are taken down and they say 14. So we have 38 trees with the trees taken down and against the wall. So 38 trees
>> minus 14 snakes. And then there's also 18 snags at least on this list. And um >> yeah, so that gets you your 5,000 number. Well, yeah, different than the RDA. That's why we were confused on the
the discrepancy. >> 250 per tree equals 5,000. So, and then they just show the math that they gave it $3,500 check and then another one for 1500. So, it's right here. Uh, like I said, I had this at my desk, but this is
what we talked about at the meeting. Bob, uh, who's worked with the commission a lot. Some of the new members might not know Bob, but he's been in here and there over the course of, I don't know, since I was in here. >> Don't say how old that, please. >> So, he's always uh, you know, he always
says the same thing. He tries to get the permit or he gets the permit before he does the work. Um, >> again, that was the unusual thing because of suspected imminent weather was >> approval ahead of time. >> Well, I'm comfortable with that because
>> it wasn't my decision. >> We brought it to the commission because sometimes that backfires and you have to get I don't know what just you have to get the commission. There you go. Uh, to kind of situations like this. so
many trees asking for kind of different um take than other people would get has to come in front of the commission. >> So I'm okay with the $5,000 and the number of salons. I think their intention was good and I could see the
concern as well. That's my >> I'm looking for is a motion to issue a negative determination. >> I'll make a motion to make a negative determination. Seconds that motion. >> Michelle in favor.
Sorry. Walter Talbert in favor. >> Michelle in favor. >> Oh, sorry. Rio in favor. >> Martha more in favor. >> Ryan in favor. Okay. Thank you. >> I could just
negative. >> Good point. >> So actually negative sounds bad. is actually good. It means that you're blessed and free. Um before we before we hang out with >> you have to vote again. You're gonna have to take
>> Yeah. I do want to at least ask is there anybody in the public who has any comment or questions? >> Okay. Say no because we have to. >> I don't I don't see anyone here online raising their hands online.
>> So Tom, the gist of A negative determination is we determined that it will not impact the wetland significantly and we don't have to go to a notice of intent. >> All right. >> All right. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thanks everybody. >> Good seeing you again. Nice meeting you. Nice meeting you. There's no money. It still be in my pocket. Thank you guys. Nice to meet you. Oh yeah.
>> Yeah. Thanks everyone. >> Okay. >> So that's it for hearing for the evening. Brings us to discussion vote items. The first one is the DCR trail grant. Um
been a lot of work in the past few weeks. Thank you. Hi Can I do you want to >> Okay. Um so at this point um we've been producing
two documents. The first is the an the actual grant document itself. uh you get a form from the state different uh questions some short yes or no some essay these bigger few sentences
uh we've been working that um for quite some time and there's still some work to be done but it's in pretty good shape. The second document is called a budget and timeline spreadsheet. Um the budget is of course uh what you
think the cost will be for different items on the project and the money is split into two columns. One is uh what we're asking for in the grant and one is uh the money that we will pay as a
match. Um the state requires that applicants like us um cover at least 20% of the total in our match. U
and there's some uh uh guidance spreadsheet that Chuck found that helps in case we can't do the math and that comes out the same we did with pure math. Let's see. So, just to give you a sense of the numbers,
um, it is approximately 90,000 total value because we're looking for $75,000 actual user well grant money and the difference
is the is the match which is 18,000 change. So, those are the three salient points. Um, we have to get this submitted by February 2nd, I believe. >> Might as well say Monday at 12:59.
>> Monday at 12:59. >> Wait a minute. That would be wrong. 11:59. >> Yes. Right. >> And I think you're off by a little bit on the how much they would give us. They'd only give us 72 because we're putting in 18 to total up to 90.
>> No. Um >> Oh, can we not go over the math? This is like so inside baseball. >> Okay. >> Anyway, >> it's it's we found a we I found a calculator
from them. >> Okay, >> we're just going with it. >> So, use your numbers. We can point to that. So that's basically the point >> and you can put in different numbers but again doesn't matter how it happens we're using that calculator. >> Okay.
>> So we are working towards completion. One point I will say is that we are intending to use the spur work um as our match the work that's being done for the spurs that reach to the boardwalk that's
going to the elevated boardwalk that's going to be built. that work is what we're looking to consider as our match >> or we could say more accurately we're trying to see if we can use the spur work as our match. So I have reached out
to uh DCR and uh Amanda Lewis. So uh see if I get an answer. We have a few days. We have plan B too. So we're still good. We'll we'll put the permit uh the application in on uh either on Friday or
on early Monday morning. Uh we'll have it completed by then. >> I apologize for the math. I like math. >> Is there any any support you guys need to get over that uh deadline for Monday or Tuesday the second?
>> Not at this point. I just want to make a plug. If we had in the past passed CPA, CPA money could be used for our 20% and then the state grant gives us the rest
and town budget doesn't have to pay any. Right now, we're using town budget for our 20%. building the spurs with town budget money that was voted for the um seen the >> recal recal. Okay.
>> Okay. >> So, so that's one of the things we were looking at with CPA is it can um provide the match money that the town has to put in if we're going to apply for state
grants for various projects. I do want to wrap it up by pointing out the obvious been a lot of work. Walter started all Mar don't don't miss Chuck. >> He'll mention himself. So
>> So anyway, we'll be getting there. It's it's been a learning experience for everyone. Well, at least for for us and theoretically get you. >> Okay. Without being an alarmist, may I make a recommendation? >> Sure.
>> We converted Word into Google Docs. It has to I believe it has to be converted back into Word. >> And that process of entering it has begun. >> Okay. And then make sure it's all proofed because Word misinterprets
>> and and actually you don't put into Word and submit the doc. You actually enter it online fields. Um, >> but I agree with Walter. After we paste, there needs to be a >> Yeah. Yeah. Although common sense
>> because you're putting Google Docs into Word. >> Yeah. >> Or into an online form. >> When everything's in there, uh, except for the uploads, we could send out the link. Me and Brian were talking about that this morning, and it seems like
I don't know, maybe. So, I wanted to put everything it first and then send the link out and you guys can look it over the weekend. >> Yeah. If you've done any any online state forms, you get to a section when you finish a section, you can save and
leave um and you have a link to that place where you left it. So, as long as >> and all the changes you made, >> as long as Chuck has that, >> you just leave. You don't get >> you don't get that. And if you use the old link, it seems like it comes up to where it was before.
So that's why everyone has to like resend the new link. Anyways, uh that's still uh well that's what we talked about, so I haven't checked it, but maybe that's how it works. >> Um so Joe, thanks for asking, but I feel
like we're we're pretty good if we uh uh I mean where we're lacking something is I think we could probably upgrade all of our aerials and our sketches and maps. We have uh Activitas who did the permitting on recal they're not
available uh to make those plans and uh our IT person has uh is uh is out on leave. So u kind of got uh we started doing this ourselves and >> okay so that's the end of the trails
grant the second grant we're working on. >> Gez was I finished talking? I don't know. >> I think we were that thing is I guess I'll take your queue. >> You're done. >> Yeah. All right. Here, Chad. >> The second grant working on is one for
utility vehicle to help us with the work on the properties we have. Uh Chuck has found uh a good piece of equipment, looked a number of places. Tim was looking a number of places to try and find something as well. So, where we've
ended up is uh Kubata. Cubata. Am I saying that right? >> Absolutely. >> That's how it goes. >> That too. >> It's okay. >> UTX. Um the price is about u $28,000.
We are doing a 30% match. Uh looking for 70% of it in grant money. And I won't guarantee more money things because it's apparently not fun. Uh so that one is also nearing completion. It
was a much simpler uh form. >> You going through MB tractor for that. Do you know? >> So what we have to do is we we had to get at least three bids. They recommend getting them prior to submitting the grant and uploading them, but MB was one of them. And and just some others. I
just looked up Kabota places that really just the closest >> moment and there's a guy from running that works for them that might be able to >> yate was one of them >> we got the uh well we have to go with the lowest bid is there's reasons why we
wouldn't have to go with the lowest bid but um that's the advice >> they could be the lowest bid and since they're five miles away for service and everything else sometimes always going with the lowest bid if they're not good for service or not, it ends up costing
you more in the long run. >> Yeah. >> So, if you can find something, >> the bids were very competitive >> local much. You could actually throw a dollar bill on different of three of them. So what's going to happen is if
you want and once if we're awarded we can bring the decision back to the conservation commission but um the town in my opinion based on our other uh grants and our other bids that we had will have a final say on you know if
let's say you don't pick the lowest bid right >> procurement's got to weigh in on that. All right. So, it's usually just the lowest bid. >> I think given the opportunity, they probably would be, you know, but it's up to >> it's up to them.
>> Yeah. I mean, the bids are in, >> right? >> It's like we I mean, we're going to submit the permits to either Friday or Monday. So, it is what it is at this point. Uh, they were very good. I was surprised. I was surprised at how many came in exactly like that same number.
So they all know what's going on. >> Chuck, what's the process for that 30% that we're going to be putting up? Is that something that's already approved or how does that work? >> So it's actually not the conservation commission that's going going to be
putting up 30%. Well, thanks. They're going to be putting up some of it. So, um the with a conversation with the chair, I asked if the request for next year's budget could include uh a stipen
for this because it has to be purchased July 1st. So, the money will be available. >> So, I said um there's uh the trails committee is putting in a certain amount >> uh money and then the conservation commission is going to put in about
three grand. Okay. >> And that's how we came up with the 30%. You know, um there's more to it about how it's worked out in that that way, but um long and short of it is the
trails committee will probably be using it the majority of the time. >> Trails and then conservation wanted to have uh part of it. It's going to be it's going to be kept at the cabin. Uh you know, all that. So, it's a it's a it's a shared use vehicle and I think
that works well with the grant also. >> Does that include the trailer, too? >> There is no trailer. This is just a a vehicle. That's all we have. Uh that if we needed a trailer, it would be something that would be, >> you know, purchased in future years or
another grant for that trailer and then we could drive it around. Um but you did ask how did we come up on that number? So, you only have to put in 20%. And why did we raise it? Because I when I looked at the past uh awards from uh DCR and
they were uh under 20,000 and so including last year. And so I felt that's why I called Brian in the first place. I said, "Look, I I don't know if we can come up with some more money, but it might be worth it if we could to uh make our uh make our request
a little bit more palatable." And uh so we Brian said that you know he'll present the budget and uh hopefully the commission will say yes. >> We'll get to that when you have your budget conversation next.
>> Okay. I think that wraps up the uh vehicle grant which then brings us to a budget update. Uh Rick, do you want to update us? Sure. >> He doesn't know about your email. Sorry. >> He doesn't know. So no major update at the moment. I did do some discovery find
out that there was in fact a $2500 budget line expense line in the 2026 budget. But I don't know if if that was a one-time budget line item or if it's recurring. I don't know those answers yet. Chuck's gonna coordinate a meeting
on Tuesday between me, Sherock, and Joe with Andrew >> McNickel. >> McNichol, thank you. um to go over those unanswered questions that I have and uh the the best steps move his recommendation on how we want to move
forward and I think you're going to have more time opening up to kind of work with with us a little bit. >> Yeah, this these grants have taken a little bit of our time. Uh so on, you know, on Tuesday it'll be fine. I did talk to Andrew today. I and when we got
the times of the of the meeting, I only was able to send him an email. So, I'll answer that tomorrow. I'll get back to you. Um, as far as the best way to go forward, I'm not sure if that's going to be, you know, he might recommend it, but we've always said like the town forest
committee, they went to town meeting and then there was this. I uh I guess I mis uh answered the question at the last meeting and I said we don't have a budget that I was I was thinking about something else. That budget, I believe
the year before was $2,000 and I believe it's 2500. I think it was around for two years. I may be mistaken. It may just be one year. So, what we were going We've had conversations about how to use that money and what to do with that money.
But, um uh none of them include you know maintenance or equipment. But, uh >> we are using the money, right? >> Well, absolutely. you don't use it, it's a problem. Yeah. So, there's several options. So, I'm not sure if I can just take them one more minute. Uh we were we
thought we had some interns last year and at the last minute after they agreed, they reached out and said, "Can you pay us?" And so, we didn't get some interns because we couldn't pay them. One of the options is to use this money to pay them um and uh move forward.
>> And I have reached out to the schools where we want to get the interns to say We now have paying internships, don't have candidates yet. >> Yeah. So, it's a big difference because they can come in and we've had them in
the past and they've come in and they've done a lot of work and um helped us out and uh basically taken over some projects. So, we've had some things that we've kind of held up on, hoping we could find someone and that will
springboard us into next year with what we do at the pavilion and programming at the pavilion and some sort of our media presence. >> You pay them 15 bucks an hour. >> So, it seemed to me that it was like a stipen for the entire summer. So, the
next step volunteers, that's generally in the area of what they get also. And so, they're all college kids. you know, that are just hired to be part of this group. And so I was talking to them and that's in the general area and I can know from my kids, same thing.
>> Yeah. >> Uh I'm sure there's people that offer more, but at least we have something now. >> And what I've seen in the schools, they typically expect that you will have
a 100 hours in the course of the summer and pay a lump sum. and the individual can work fewer part days or more full days in conjunction with what our needs are. So, it's flexible to say the least.
And are you setting their agenda? >> I have a big part in it, but um the way this works, it's uh run by the conservation commission specifically by Brian Bo. uh because the town doesn't have a policy on its
>> Okay. Um anything else you want to cover? >> Okay. In that case, uh next is all new business. Chuck, anything you want to say about the coordination meeting with DPW?
The last the last coordination meeting was just me and Mike Cman. This upcoming one, which is next week, um, you know, nothing's really come up. They're waiting for my list of issues
uh, and repairs that I want done this year. I haven't paid too much attention to that. I may be able to get it out by that meeting, but um and the reason why is because the last several weeks we've been working on these grants and other things. Uh so
that'll all free up some time and I'll be able to do that and if it doesn't come up this meeting, it'll come up the next one. But um these meetings are typically for the DPW to let us know where they'll be working so we can check out the areas and give them advice on how the conservation commission uh would
proceed and uh if they need a permit or not. And so we also use these meetings for conservation to ask questions about things they've seen around town like I don't know like a tree being cut up in the middle of an open field. Hey, who's
doing that? Did you spot that? didn't get on CLI fix. You know, I made that up, but you know, the those are things like there's six members with and Joe, we have seven. So, anyone who sees something should report it uh should go into uh Cclick Fix, but if it's not
appropriate for Cclick Fix, it should go into uh my inbox and we'll bring it up at the meeting. Okay. >> Um, I have no no updates on violation notices. Last I told you
homeowner progress. Um, hard to see how well this going to turn out, but I will continue to watch it. So, next is administrative report. Chuck Mater.
>> Yeah. So, um, we're still waiting for some direction. The last communication we had with the new building commissioner is that he wants to go with
um the old commissioner, Steve, can't think of his last name. uh our old building commissioner who's left uh his uh his recommendations that's that's what I heard. Um I think that came mostly through a conversation with Glenn
Redmond or another. So we were told that there's a list of things that we need to do. Unfortunately, that list is uh pretty stringent. I'm not sure the volunteers can do much or any of that work. I
haven't we haven't got together staff-wise, staff meeting with uh Jane Wellman or Matt Trenellis to go over that list. Um the commissioner's recommendation now that he's kind of got
in here and been here a few weeks, so it might be a little bit more time and who is going to take care of this. Um, so our liaison, and I'm blanking on her last name, Melissa >> Murphy. >> Murphy, thank you. Reached out to me and
said, "FA, is there anything I can do to help move along the cabin? How's it going?" Didn't get a chance to answer, but it's it's out of our hands. really need the town managers to talk to the building commissioner, get a final list,
and then find out how that work is going to happen. >> So, I think that yeah, I mean, if I were to ask, I mean, conservation should be curious. It's been a while. Maybe conservation should reach out.
Uh, Melissa, we could reach out to Melissa and ask her to reach out. I'm not sure at that point. And it feels like I don't want everyone to call at once because I know things are moving just really slow. >> I I will point out
on the record that it's been shut down for quite some time. So there's rentals we're not getting which is income that we're not getting to offset other needs in a time when the uh town has some financial challenges now coming up soon.
So it's unfortunate for a number of reasons. When you say quite some time, we're going back to the summer. >> Quite some time. >> Yeah, exactly. It's It's getting to be a very long time. >> In my opinion, you know, if I had a piece of property I couldn't rent for
six months, that would be a whole draining money out of my pocket. >> I mean, it wasn't bringing in 50,000 a year or anything, but again, it's money that we're not getting that has to come somewhere else or something doesn't get done.
Sorry, >> I was going to say we've gone through a couple building commissioners, too. So, it's hard to get, you know, some traction on this project. >> I think we can do it now. Uh, again, we're going to we're going to put it off until next week at least and then, uh,
but like I said, Melissa had reached out and, uh, that's, you know, we can think about how that can happen. I know that Karen uh Karen Herrick mentioned it at a select board meeting saying, "Hey, what's happening?" But uh I was just
told recently by Jane Wellman that um she knows that people are, you know, wondering what's going on. So I I when she told me that I figured like bunch of people were asking and keeping track and understand that
it's still closed. So I'm not saying that nothing's happened. I'm just saying that we've had challenges. Um, and I fully expect to get it open and I'll do my best and I know that the people that usually volunteer with me would help also,
but we're not going to be able to do it. We're not going to be able to do a lot of the work that they're asking. >> So, we need to find someone else to do that. is that >> so that's the process that that that that Matt Krenellis town manager assistant town manager would would and
the select board and and others like you know we didn't have a budget for this for this situation and author will say right away and we don't have CPA so there's no avenue for the conservation commission to get the money to get this fixed so that's why it needs to be kind
of like a big group discussion And you know, maybe a little bit comes from conservation, maybe a little bit comes from public services. I don't know how it's going to happen, but I know that people want it back open. Like I said, Jane had just recently talked to me about it.
>> There's a budget for that. There's no budget at this moment for it, but um uh I mean specifically for intera cabin, there's probably a budget for repairs and things like that on town buildings.
>> No, I mean like to get it up and running like from the We don't have >> there. Is there an estimate for the work that needs to be completed though? I think we talked about this a couple months ago >> point where we have a final list of what the building commissioner has said he wants done
>> which um I think it was Steve Frederick's he had put a list together that was different from the engineers list >> um that he uh said that this is my what I would like to see happen and our new uh building commissioner uh talked over
talked it over with Glenn and uh they came to the conclusion that uh that list needs to be done. >> That was an email to everyone. There's been no response to that email. There hasn't been a a staff meeting. So, that
may change that list. >> You can imagine the kinds of question. One is what's the final list? What's the pace at which the town wants these things to be done? In other words, when do they want it to be reopened? Uh is
there uh levels of completeness that they that that make sense in order to get some number of occupation? There are those kind of questions, not to mention where the money is going to come from the first place. >> I can answer the last one. So they are
only trying we can only achieve the lowest number of occupancies which is a total of 20 people. >> Okay. Uh the next step would require an additional bathroom. >> Yeah.
>> You can get a waiver. So I guess there's I mean like what do I know? I'm the conservation guy that read the information myself, but the building commissioners know all about this stuff and they know about the waiverss and whatnot. So I know that there you could get a waiver and but you could also put
in a bathroom. So, >> okay. >> Anything more for you? >> Yeah, just just to say it's it's going slow. I know that, but I but I know that everybody is still uh
trying to do their best to get the cabin open here at town hall. >> Is that something that can be a budget request for the budget that starts July 1? If we don't have a budget now, can we at least budget it for next year? So, it's that the
building is a uh town asset and I don't think it's our responsibility to maintain it to upgrade it. I'm not sure. I I need this. >> No, I don't mean us. >> Oh, it sounded like you meant us >> us the town. Can some town budget line
include the mater? So, we haven't got to a point we even know what the work is or someone said this is the final list that needs to be done and gotten estimates on the list. So, we don't even know what that money is and maybe there was some budget money
around that could handle it. I'm not sure. So, all those questions haven't been answered yet. I think we're at a point where um it needs to go back to a staff meeting or or some decisions have to be made. I
think that we've reviewed it through an engineer twice. We've got the old commissioner's uh email on what he wants done and we've got the new commissioner's email on what he thinks needs to be done. So we have
that ready for our next step >> which is getting an estimate. >> No, I think that's a staff meeting to decide to talk to those guys and you know there's always two sides. So let's see what happens in that staff meeting and then we'll have a final list and
then we would probably need an estimate. That's not going to be up to us to get an estimate. I I don't think I again you're making me guess. I don't want to get in trouble here with anybody in town hall. So, I prefer not to guess. Final statement is they're they're doing
their best to to move forward, but we've had some challenges with, you know, people moving around and whatnot. >> We don't know how much money is in the Matera fund to keep we have no idea how much money is in that Matera fund to keep it running. >> No money going into it. So it's it's not
so from my understanding when it was under my control there was a line item that was unfunded. So now it's taken care of by facility. So they probably have a chart telling them when to replace the roof and
whatever. But the unexpected things like a couple years ago three branch fell on the roof and had to be repaired. And so that was all taken care of through our insurance and facilities. So, they are taking care of the cabin. I don't know what that means. Is that just
the outside and the roof and things like that or is the That's not in my department. >> Okay. I'll rescue you and say close. >> Uh, so what's next is minutes for approval. >> We don't have any new minutes as far as
I know. >> As well read the new minutes that we don't have yet. Okay. Well, then that is it. Any last topics before we consider adjournment? >> Yeah, I wanted to ask Joe Flurry. Uh so
Mlette and Morgan, how's that how's the entrance over there by what is it? 61 uh Hey, uh >> Willow >> Willow Street. >> Yeah, I was going to send you a text today. It's it's a bit of a mess. I know DPW is doing a great job cleaning up the roads and the parking lots. Um this one
hasn't really been touched yet. It looks like I don't know, someone might have done like a little three-foot path all the way down the the main entrance. Um, but I I took my son and another neighbor uh out on the sled and it's about 2 feet deep out there. So, I felt like Rocky 4,
the training montage sequence there when he's going through the Siberia or whatever. Um, but yeah, that parking lot is um it hasn't been plowed yet. So, uh, probably two walkers a day at most down in Mud Stones the last couple of days.
>> Well, I do do want you to know that we got another call from someone else about lot five and um, so I was only talking about did someone go down there with a snowblower and make a make a kind of a walking path. That's >> Yeah. Yeah, someone did
>> on a DPW priority list. So when they finish school, the parking lots around the I don't know the hydrants and there's a breathing space they get to conservation. It's always been that way. They've always let me know that.
>> Um so you know sometime I think like mater that somehow that might be done. Someone told me that but I know others haven't been done. But it's it's not a sit this is a big storm. They're still digging out. They're digging out tonight. And uh at some
point they'll get to the conservation property. And >> like I said, I mean, it's two feet deep. I mean, I was thinking I had snowshoes on. I was still sinking in about a foot. So, you're not you're not going to be using that trail like most of the dog walkers. You can barely see your dog in
there. So, you know, in terms of priority, I totally understand. Um >> I think that's worked out well with the with the DPW in the past. I don't think in the past we've got snow like this before all at once. So, um
>> even if they play the trail, so >> cross country skiers could >> Yeah, I was going to say snowshoeing and cross country ski works perfectly. Um but Chuck, I know we ran into this last year, too. If you do talk to the DPW next week, um, just make sure that they're not blocking the ADA path, but
as I said, it's nearly impossible just to walk on those trails to begin with. So, uh, snow storage down there. We just can't really block the two trail heads, that's all. It's a little tight. >> You'd be surprised how quickly dog
walkers and their dogs make a path. There's always some bigger dogs who trail break and very quickly you'll see two side by side paths. You know, either two people walking or a dog in a person. That won't take more than a few days.
>> Yeah. So this deep. >> So Joe, there's no way they're going to know where those trails are. And so if you think of that area, it's, you know, the Aona River. So they know automatically not to push it that way. >> Yep. There's the uh detention or the
pre-treatment area. >> Yep. >> That seems like a good spot to put snow. Maybe they know that, but that's next to one of the paths you're talking about. Actually, that's in the center of both paths you're talking about. >> Something where, you know, I I was going to say put
something. You can't even put anything up there. But if people started walking on it before they get to flower, maybe it's more noticeable. But we can always go back and say, "Hey, can you move some snow in these two areas?" They'll they'll probably go right back out. So again, I don't feel like I need to tell
them what to do at this moment because >> know how to define those areas and that might be what they told me. >> Show us where they are and we'll avoid them. >> Yeah, I think that's Yeah, I think that's fine. I mean, worst case, even taking away a parking spot or something like that, but this is the first time we've gotten two feet of snow uh since
2022, and we didn't have the lot then, so not not a real issue right now. So, >> the positive side is that the uh cars from Austin Prep can't park there either. So, >> to be fair, they stopped after that first week, which was which was good.
So, >> boy, so that's it. Can I have a motion to adjourn at 8:12? >> I move to adjourn at 8:12. Second. Everybody else is in favor. All >> in favor.
Hey, >> thank you. >> Night everyone. That quick