Okay. Church Town silent. Um, is the tree upstairs? Um, live. I don't know if there are things on it on the tree. >> Um I think there's one ornament on the tree right now. We had more but people
took them. >> Oh, okay. >> I think Devon said there was like 15 or so families. >> Okay. >> So that's good for a first year. >> I thought they got swooped up so quickly. >> Yeah. >> So there's a there's one ornament to be taken.
>> Yes. Up there. Okay. >> Hey. Hey Tom. Hey Tom. Hey. What is one moment? Hi G. >> Hi G. So what happens now? So somebody goes
people get the stuff and then they bring it back here and then there's like a rapping party. Um music have music. You should have to for sure. >> All right. Are we ready? >> Yeah.
>> Okay. So, we'll call the Shootsbury select board to order for December 9th, 2025. And tonight for our agenda, we have um our public comment period. Review and
approve our minutes from November 25th. Review and approve the appointments of an and Diane to the recreation committee for one-year terms. Review and approve the offer for employment of employment
for Dune as interim town. Um review and approve the uh request for adoption of the environmentally preferred purchasing policy. uh review and sign revised GCA proposal for the Lake Wyola homes and
t >> Thank you. roads uh surrounding the lake. Um review and acknowledge open meeting law complaint from 12 uh December two uh 3rd, 2025. review and vote for on
allowing town administrator to pursue the DLS financial practices audit. Uh Rita will update us um on mm library reuse and meet with Shootsbury Athletic Club for license renewal with Jen. >> And are we meeting with Clarks Auto
tonight too or? >> Uh they're on this list here. >> They're on your list. >> They're on this one. >> I don't I don't >> Oh, maybe it's Oh, okay. I I printed this out. It was an old one. Okay, good. No problem. >> We can make sure we do that next time.
>> Yeah. So, yeah. >> Thank you to um to make a note. >> We're meeting on the night again, right? >> All right. Anything uh that we need to uh that came up in the last 48 hours, which was our
>> emergency management meeting had us meeting to vote on >> going forward. So, we should add that. >> It's a 17th. Thank you. >> It very well. Maybe. Thank you, Eric. Um, okay. Um,
>> his hand. >> Um, for Clark's Auto, um, I do believe they are coming and it is on the My Town government agenda. >> Okay. Um, so maybe I don't know if I might have messed up and printed uh the
agenda earlier, but um it was added >> on that one. >> Okay. >> As long as it was on that one. We're good. Okay. That was >> I guess that was on I printed it out at home. >> Yeah, it's on mine, too. >> Oh, it is. Oh, okay. Yeah. Okay. >> Um All right. So, we'll add clerks and
then the EMT request for dam for the dam. Um so, let's open up for public. But that was a the um the damn thing that was unanticipated. >> Yeah, that was last night and it's an emergency issue. >> Okay.
>> For us. Um so let's open it up to public comment. Anyone in the room or online have it? Either place, please use your raised hand feature. Okay. All right. Not
seeing any. Let's move on to uh review and approve the minutes from November 25th. >> I'll make a motion to approve the minutes of November 25th, 2025. >> Second. Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Carol I. >> Starker I.
>> O'Neal I. >> Okay. Um, let's review and approve the appointments of an G >> Gaguardi >> and um Diane Adams to recreation committee for one year term.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um, so do I hear a motion to appoint Ann Gaglyardi to the recreation committee? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? Barl I >> Starker I >> Mike Pial I and do I hear a motion to
approve Ann Adams Diane Adams to the recreation committee? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Barl I. >> Starker I >> make peel I and to review and approve the offer for employment and dune for
intermitt. >> Can you just I know you've um yeah if you just a little bit of background. So, we had posted for an interim coordinator um since Lisa officially put in her notice for the 30th, but we've kept her
on through December. Um she's very kind to do that. Um so, Ann comes to us from with eight years of municipal clerk experience. She's worked in communities like Sudbury, Essex, and Ashefield. Um at one point, she also worked for the
clerk pog, so she understands the area. Um I said this I think to you. She interviewed me when I called her. So, I thought that was a very good sign. She knew all the facts she needed to know. Um, and she seems like a real pleasure to work with. So, I I have conditionally
given her the offer, told her that you would approve it tonight. And, um, that's where we're at. >> And I forgot to bring it with me. I printed it out. Um, can you Oh, here it is. Never mind. I got it. I just didn't have a heading on it. Okay. So the um
the hourly rate is what was set by the smell committee. So there's no variation. There's no variation. Um and then as I explained in the job ad and to Ann. So you we had the vote where we uh approved to switch to
elect uh appointed rather but that needs another vote at the annual town meeting and assuming that that passes and would be invited to apply for the position as well as any other interested parties. >> Okay. Great. And you I know you talked to her couple of times anyway, right?
Yeah. And you were satisfied. >> Okay. All right. I um I'll make a motion to appoint Anne Dunn as the interim. Um town clerk. >> Second.
>> Okay. All those in favor? Frell. I >> stalker. I >> make peace. I >> her starting date is so the the only thing um not that it's a huge drawback, but she won't be available until some like middle of January. Um, but during
that period, I would expect it to be fairly low volume anyway. And it's not to say that I or Brennan can't monitor the clerk email just to make sure that we're keeping on top of what's coming up, but she does know that there's been an interim, so there'll be a little work
in the beginning. I I recall when um when Lisa started that there was some issue with getting signed on to whatever the secretary of state's >> second time and that's >> she have to start before she can
>> No, that's for election purposes. >> Oh, okay. >> So, we have time for her to get enrolled in that. And I it did take longer than I think it ought to have, but it was still less than a month. So, >> okay. So, and it's just about around an election. >> Okay. >> And her having worked in those
communities probably have experienced some of that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I just didn't know if it was anything she could do in advance or whatever. But >> Okay, great. That's very >> Can I ask a technical question? Is she the interimm town clerk or is she going to be the >> interim? She's interim because all we
got we got at the um town meeting, >> but there has to be an election, right? Remember that's all right. That's why that's why we're calling. Okay, that makes sense. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I'm trying to raise my hand, but I can't
find it. >> Might just um say that and re Rita's sense I think is good because technically the census is supposed to go out January 1st and uh
she will be a couple weeks behind. So, if she could get started ahead of time with that registration, it's the voter registration information system. Ann will know, but she'll be a little behind on the census that goes out January 1st.
So, I think Rita's right and if it needs select board authorization, which it shouldn't. Thank you. Sorry, I couldn't find Leslie. Okay. Um, I'm moving on to review and
approve the request for adoption of an environmentally preferred purchasing polic. I didn't bring my computer today. >> I have you want to see one. I got >> um actually I could ask if I didn't are
you able to share screen or request to permissions. >> We heard you. >> Um let me check. Let me pull it up first before I share it. >> So can you give us just a background on this?
>> Yes. Um, so this was put forth by our recycling coordinator, Mel. And so this basically just ratchets up an existing policy that we have on I don't Gail, I'm sure, would know the name of that policy. I I forget it. Um, but so this
is just taking it that step further and being more clear in the language about when when to prioritize. So, so we think it'll have a little bit more impact than the faulty that we have currently.
>> And is this something that would then be circulated to all department heads? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> My only sense would be that um I would think the town should make it more of a priority to be buying local stuff. That should definitely be written down saying
we don't just dial up Amazon every time we can or whoever, but we buy from a local hardware store or whatever it is when we can when it makes some I mean I'm not quite sure how you would word that in terms of uh >> sure that's how you worded it. Yeah,
>> I guess I but you know it's you know there's the argument does it cost more and you know on and on and on. So those you could argue that but >> well I think Michael had done >> right when I first started he had suggested a similar policy for the EV vehicles
>> and it was when it's like when it makes fisc there's going to be times when we might want to do that but there's not money >> right I understand no I understand that but I mean I can't say I've never bought from Amazon I will I probably will again who hasn't for God's sake but uh
>> but you know it seems to me on one hand like you've got people out, you know, they're upset with like the situation in the world and at the same time they're handing money to Jeff Bezos. >> So, it's like what hello, I don't quite understand this, but uh that I just think that that should be the town's
policy whenever possible. Well, we're not going however we want to word it. So that >> I guess you just what you say just say say >> like a sha globo policy >> or yeah >> that makes fiscal but yeah but if it's >> it makes sense >> if it's possible within reason or
something >> fiscal reason >> you can yeah it can be fairly yeah do you want me to try and uh share my screen? >> Yeah, please >> see if I can figure it out. Um, let's see. >> Something like doing it live. >> I know.
>> I thought you were the guru. What are we talking? What do you can't figure? >> I know. I thought I handed this off to Specky Speckled. >> Oh, you're halfway there. >> He's turned himself into Haley Bolton. He must be the guru. >> He's just good like
>> Can you see this? >> Yeah. Perfect. >> Oh, thank God. >> I know. You can't see what we're seeing. >> That's what makes it difficult. >> Yeah. Put in something about mental. >> So, could we say something like um
shop uh with local vendors whenever financially feasible? Whenever financially and administratively feasible. Because it could be, you know, if you wanted to shop with somebody, but it was going to take them a month to get
something, they couldn't wait. Is that >> Does that make sense? >> Yeah, that's like that makes sense. And I think it has to be sort of a vague policy because it's you know how do you decide what's you know exactly
>> and you want that flexibility in case you have to >> and you want that as a separate policy or do you want to try to >> No just part of this policy like just our purchasing policy. >> So we could put under to meet the above goals shoot spray just do another bullet there.
>> Yeah. And um >> yeah, just prioritize purchasing make the last one to be prioritize purchasing products from local vendors whenever whenever. >> Did you hear that? Should we I thought he was going to type. Do you want to
type um Brennan while we're talking? >> Well, that's a PDF. He can't >> Oh, he can't. Oh, >> yeah. I can't type that, unfortunately. >> Never mind. >> Oh, G has her hand up. messy. >> Oh, we can hear you. >> Okay, go ahead. >> Um, I'm going to suggest that instead of
uh trying to make changes to this single policy line by line, adding new things that you go back and compare this and maybe join it with the recycling policy. >> The issues are the same. It seems to me the objectives of this policy include
making pretty decision that minimize waste and prioritize reuse etc. and you know so I I guess I'm trying to uh proliferate policies. >> So so it would be merged are you saying
Gail with the with the other policy making one policy? Yeah, that would be my suggestion to at least examine that if it would be um so it doesn't just duplicate and add to
what's already in a policy. Okay. But that that one what is the other one the one that we the existing one that we have applies to everybody >> townwide. This is just for this is just
for purchasing within town departments. um and committees. I think Lane one is more townwide, right? >> I haven't read it. >> Oh, I don't know. Okay. >> It it has is committed the the select
board is committed to purchasing products which are in environmentally preferable etc. It's about select board. >> Okay. >> All right. So, we can look at that and then just if if it makes sense merge the two into one policy.
That that's my suggestion. >> And then add this prioritize the purchase of >> as a piece. Yes. >> From from local vendors whenever financially and administratively feasible.
>> That's fine. Yeah, that's a good idea. One policy makes sense to me. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> We'll do that next week. >> Yeah. Yes. Excellent. Um, and now to review the sign and revised
GCA proposal for Lake Oola Health and Tertiary Roads surrounding the lake town conservation and state funk area. This is not affiliated with the dam and seaw wall grant. This is a separate This
is the rural one-stop grant and I'm going to pass that down to you. It just has at least for one name. Um, so there were a couple things that we had to tweak like with the timeline of the project and some other minor details, but it was enough that they wanted to give us a revised scope of
work. Okay. I hear a motion to execute the BZA contract with the revised timeline. Other small changes >> that's that's for the rural development fund. Yes. >> Um so moved.
>> Okay. >> Had to had to like a lot of Yeah. >> Yeah. Exactly. Is there a second? >> Yes. Second, please. >> All those in favor? Barl. I >> stalker. I >> pal. I
sign it. Yes, it took so long. They asked for it to be printed. All right. Thank you. You're welcome. Okay. And then next is to uh review and acknowledge the open meeting law
complaint from 3205. And um we have received open meeting law complaint regarding executives minutes um from Alex that had requested um
meeting minutes from May 13, 2025 and May 15, 2025. And we just met earlier. to approve the minutes that we can
respond to to Amanda's request. >> Probably just run them by Donna just to be sure. We don't want any identifying information or something that we shouldn't disclose disclosed. Um but yeah, that's in essence the the letter from you all just states that they
weren't available to be released and that's why they weren't released. Okay. Do I hear a motion to sign letter? So moved to permit Haley to >> second. Stalker. >> All those in favor? Carol I >> stucker I
>> make peace. O'Neal I um vote review and vote allowing non- administrator to pursue the DLS department of labor certifial practices audit. I think I brought this
up at the last meeting, but um I spoke with the the individual who runs the program at DLS and it'll take about two days. They interview a select board, um finance committee chair and other related personnel. They'll go through job descriptions and all kinds of
paperwork and financial records. Um this likely won't happen until the spring or summer because they're pretty backed up. This is when they review all like the tax code and stuff. Um but yeah, he needs a formal vote of the select board
before we can get that um underway. >> And did you um check in with the finance committee? Are they aware that I'm going to talk to AJ? I have to debrief with him about the for meeting. Anyway, >> I just Yeah, I I want to make sure that
um before we do the final engagement, I guess I was I guess maybe I would make the vote subject to acknowledgement and acceptance by the finance committee.
>> Is that a motion? >> Yes. Do I hear >> second? I'm sorry. >> All those in favor? >> Sarah I >> make pe I >> So is that okay? Do we need to vote on my motion? I mean my amendment
separately or >> Okay. And now we have to vote on the doing it. Okay. >> So um >> So you want me to make a motion now? Yeah. Okay. I just wanted to make sure we were doing that in two parts. All right. Um, so I make a motion that we um
pursue the DLS financial practices audit subject to the >> financial >> um >> to the uh >> fin acknowledgement and acceptance. Yes. >> Second.
>> Okay. All those in favor >> I and your uh >> Yeah. So, I don't have um my my update is that I want to schedule um a a more in-depth update on um the
Yemen Spear Library Reuse Committee, but I can give you just very briefly. Um the committee has met three or four times now and um it's a it's a great group. Um, so the the uh objective here is to
look at options for the reuse of the um our current library or library, whatever you want to call it, the MN Spear building. And um you know in the process of uh thinking through what we might do
with that building, we also um decided that it was prudent to take a look at this building um just because before we're making a you know a commitment over there. Um it seemed um to to the
committee members that it made sense from a financial perspective as well as you know for other reasons to say would a configurate reconfiguration of particularly this existing space
downstairs. Um probably the greatest stressor because we did a survey of all town departments. greatest stressor is uh for the police department in terms of inadequate space and um but our concern
has been and and uh Steven Delmus from the building committee has been doing a lot of research um is that sort of jumping to saying which I I know you know have been talk about putting the police department across the street um
we need to to investigate the code issues um particularly around um wastewater, water, uh septic um and also there's the potential that a change in use would
mean that that building has to be brought up to current building code and that could be um complicated and very expensive. So we felt that again it was fiscally prudent to say let's kind of work on two tracks.
Let's let's figure out what what it would mean. You know, even if that building, the Spear Library was just going to be used for for any off generic offices or as meeting space. What, you know, what what can we learn um about
the building code? So, we're just you know, we're in the process. I thought maybe we'd be a little bit further along, but um we're meeting again next week and um and then I think the January or January because we're meeting next
week, too. We don't meet till Thursday, I'm pretty sure. Um so I think the January meeting we could have some better or the first meeting in January. We'll have some better information um for the for the select board. And you
know, the committee understands that their charge is just to make some recommendations, do the research, kind of come up with the pros and cons of going different ways. Um, it's a select board and ultimately it's going to be town meeting because there's going to be
whatever decisions are made is going to involve money. Um so we're you know we're trying to say okay you know how how can we best serve everybody's needs and do it in such a way as you know
during these times when um budgets are so tight um you know do it do it prudently. So so that's where we are but as I said it's been a good group. the meetings are um we do them hybrid so if anybody's
interested in coming um so that's that's my report. >> Okay. Well, we'll look forward to more in depth or more information. So it's it's not a small undertaking. >> It is it's it's a you know it sort of grew. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. Well, it you >> goes yes it is. Yeah. >> Not a simple path. >> Um okay. So, moving on to meeting with the a Shoesbury Athletic Club for license renewal. Jen and Mike Mark, I
can see that you're here. Um, so, uh, >> come up here. I can have you come closer. Come closer. >> I'll take folder. Oh. Okay. All right. So, we have all of your Oh, you have your licenses already made,
too. So, that's good. Um, >> thank you, Brendan. Um, so we're at that point again in the year where we renew your license to continue with liquor and entertainment and pool table and all of
the wonderful things that AC Clutch does. Um, and so there's many votes we have to take and I looked them up from last year, so we can follow we can follow those. >> Okay, good. Thanks. >> Yep. >> You're the you're the expert. >> Yeah. So, uh, did you have any
information you wanted us to know ahead of time? How's business been going? How are things doing? >> Give us a little update. Yeah, >> we are who we are. >> Yeah, it's definitely since school definitely slowed down for everybody. I mean, I've talked to other um
restaurants, pubs, and everything, and it's definitely slowed down, but uh you know, we always seem to come up with the the money to pay the bills, you know, and uh but uh business is it's good. We definitely do a lot more of rentals, the back room,
>> okay? >> A lot more functions, parties, things like that. Um a lot more family functions. Yeah. >> Um more meals during the week. And um so it's definitely turned around in the last 15 years from a bar to a um
community family establishment. So in that it's good, but definitely >> it's definitely >> it's a way change from when I was first unemployed, >> but it it's definitely um try to find ways to just bring in more
people, donations, things like that. So this year we had a lot of our um utilities go out, you know, to walk in pressor windows. It's just >> it was just snowballed us. So >> but hopefully it'll last for another 30
years, >> right? Until they're new. >> Okay. Well, um does the select board have any questions before we go into our normal votes? >> No. Okay. Good question. >> Um, so the first one is, uh, do I hear a
motion to renew the liquor license for the shoot spray AC club? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Barl. I, >> stalker, I >> make peace. O'Neal I. Um, do I hear a
motion to approve uh the next year's Vic Trollers's license for the Shbury Athletic Club? >> So moved. >> Second. That's the one that gives them permission to serve food. Yes. Um, okay. All those in favor?
>> Arrol I. >> Starker I. >> Okay. MC O'Neal. I. Um, do I hear a motion to approve the operation of the pool table for MGL chapter 140 section 202. >> So moved. Okay.
>> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Barl I. >> Stucker. I >> make peace. O'Neal I. And do I hear a motion to approve the live entertainment license per mass general law chapter 140
section 183A? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Harl I. Starker. I >> make peace. I we'll get these signed into you. Okay. Um because we'll want to have copies of them. So someone will either drop them off or we'll mand them. >> Good. >> Okay.
>> And thanks for getting everything done. Yes. >> Brilliant. I'm gonna try to be earlier next year. >> Marissa doesn't spend Christmas Eve. >> No, this year was actually all on Brennan. Just let me know what popped in. >> Thanksgiving. We're hushhushering around. But
>> yeah. Yeah. And we only need your stuff um by the end. Our our process happens like the vote happens during December and then we send our little uh sheet to them in January. So, thank you, Brandon, for getting it all organized and for you guys getting
everything in. Thought >> it was smoother this year. >> Yes. Yes. Perfect. Thank you very much. You >> Thanks a lot. Have a good day. You too. >> We'll sign them we end off.
>> Your turn. help me with all the paperwork. >> Brandon is there. >> Thank you. >> Where did he go? >> Oh, he's hiding. Sky to Haley both of them. >> Okay. >> There's so many of me. >> So different.
>> Thank you for always having your paperwork in order. >> Well, appreciate it. >> I reached out. I had it in my inbox same day. It all works. Brennan's very efficient and we really appreciate it. >> We do do very much. Um, do you want to
give us an update on how Clark's auto wrecking is going? >> It's cold. It is. >> It's cold down there, too. Well, >> we we did crush a little bit. Um, I always hope it's more, but he has a plan. And I don't know if he got the last load out
for the snow. You can't get truckers to come out here like this. But um a little bit's gone. Slowly slowing down. >> Thank you for letting the fire department use your lord. Your place to >> you just keep the beagle in.
>> Sure. As he went >> nuts. Um >> he was so funny though. >> It was funny. We we could see the lights from our our windows. Um, I I've never seen so many hoops. The poor guys hate to ch, but it is what it is. Um, and
that's what we do. So, this, you know, we won't be there forever, but uh I I should stop talking. Um, because this is recorded. >> It is. >> Okay. >> We're probably on the back side of of things. He has a plan.
>> Okay. >> I think it's a three to five year plan. >> Okay. >> See? >> All right. Well, thank you. Um, so does the board have any questions for Sarah? >> No. >> No. >> Sorry, Tommy. Um, all right. So, do I
hear a motion to approve the uh class 3 auto dealer license for Clark's autorecking per Mass journal law chapter 40 section 59. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Barl I. >> Stalker I.
>> Make peace O'Neal I. >> Perfect. >> Okay. hit this sign. >> Thanks Sarah. Appreciate the very much. We're I always say it every year doors open. You have questions you want to come see. >> I would say call first but you know it always depends on the weather.
>> Y he's it's new thing for him. He's home for lunch and and closing the gate and going home and be like are you all right? You all right? I'm like yeah he's just he's >> taking his time. He's he's not as uh as he as he's been in the past. So, and
it makes me happy because he's not a young guy, but you know, taking its total and I every every issue does not need to become your issue. It's kind of heating that. So, okay. Thanks so much for coming in.
>> Thank you, Sarah. >> Sarah, >> stay warm if possible. All right. Well, tomorrow I thought was going to be warm and now we're getting >> Well, it's still gonna It'll be above 20. >> Um,
and the last thing was the request from the emergency management team to vote on closing the dam access to the dam entirely until we get the issue with our uh leaking under
control and fixed. and the lake lowered the extra 3 ft. Um, so I know you all were here. >> Um, for anyone who was here that may may not have attended last night, we have a
issue with the dam that is leaking um around where it should be flowing. And uh GZA has told us we need to lower the lake an additional 3 ft from its two
um fall winter level. Um, so it's in the process of having that done and in the meantime it does create a potential dangerous situation and the emergency management director has asked the select
board to remove revoke public access to the dam until uh further notice when repairs can be made. So we and posting signs >> and Haley was drafting has drafted a
brand made some fabulous signs and yes I am drafting a town announce um I was going to do a little you know talk about it in my TA update but basically it's everything you just said so we're engaged with an engineer the state is aware everyone's moving as quickly as
they can we just have to wait for a scope of work and to find a contractor and then we can begin. So, >> and the um just uh to repeat the the sink holes that are there are putting the dam itself in jeopardy. Is that
>> correct? >> They're they're not drawing water. So, it's not as bad as it could be, but you don't want sink holes. Um cuz what had happened was the trash rack became clogged and so because of that, we think because of that there are sink holes. >> Um so, the trash has been removed. We're
monitoring the, you know, the trash rack itself. Um, you know, making sure that we put eyes on the dam daily. And yeah, I think that's about it. >> And at GCA, we had to revise our our
contract with GCA in order to allow for Yes, that's true. Um, so we had been awarded a dam and seaw wall grant and thankfully we've gotten some tentative approval to repurpose that grant into making the emergency repairs to the dam. So we're trying to get the condition of
the dam to four, which is bad, but it helps open the gateway for grant funding and prioritizes the town uh, you know, on the list of dams that need, you know, funding for repair. So in that >> What is our rating now? What's our rating now? I >> unsafe.
>> Unsafe, right? though. Um eventually we'll be able to get back to fair where we were. Um but that's going to take a little bit of time, but the primary concern is just to get to poor. >> Um I wish there was a different naming system, but um that is what it is. It's
out of my hands. Um but once we stabilize things, GZA is also going to look at long term. You know, what are some infrastructure improvements we can make to the dam? They're helping us identify more grants we can pursue to lessen the impact that um the town will
have to pay. >> And the dam is eligible for CPA funds. So it is and that was one of the things way early on with the community preservation act. So um because it's a historic structure. Gotcha.
>> So that was that was addressed um I don't know if it specific to the >> Yeah. I just occurred to me to mention it, but um I would imagine, you know, we'll we'll be talking about this in the future, but um for sure. So, yeah. Um
and just to thank again Lenny and Walter and Howie for catching that. Um it happened the Friday after Thanksgiving at like 5:00 in the afternoon. Um but they caught it really quickly. They got in touch with GZA really quickly and with the Office of Dam
Safety. So all that was in our benefit and again so GZA is on it. There's a certain amount of time in which they have to produce the scope of work and get the contractor and um and then yeah >> and they're dealing with this the state
um is it D office of safety >> fish wildlife wild >> and um and yeah office of dam speaking to you. So >> and it's all being also coordinated with the conservation commission. Yeah, Beth is in the loop. Um, she's been advised.
Can't think. Yeah, I think everyone who needed to know, at least in that first week, because this only happened not that long ago. >> Um, yeah, everyone's been in the loop. So, >> yeah, >> for the public who may not know what the trash rack is, it is a a a um way to filter out large debris from getting
stuck in the in the um in the workings of the dam. So, um, so just to, um, in case anyone didn't know what track track was, um, it's really, uh, debris like, uh, limbs and
wood and leaves and that sort of thing. Um, okay. Okay. So, um, do I hear >> motion to, um, so we're revising the contract with GZA? >> That was different. No.
>> Okay. >> No, where was earlier? Okay, >> we're voting to revoke uh public >> Oh, revoke public access. I'm sorry. >> Okay. Okay. So, I make a motion that we revoke public access to Lake Biola Dam
and that signage to just to town officials. >> Town or our consultants. >> Yeah. Yep. >> Authorized town officials. >> Authorized town officials and consultants >> um and consultants to access it. Otherwise, it is offbounds and it will be posted
>> y >> um and right away >> and then and monitored by the police department and our >> fire >> fire and the damke keeper. >> Dam keeper. >> We're going to do a code red announcement. >> Yeah, code red. Um I'm going to probably
finish my town announce tomorrow. And there was the >> and a letter the um so the other issue which you know we've talked about before is that the um the homeowner a budding where we've always gotten access to the
land you know uh to the dam. I mean, it's it's closed off and so we have to um Kayle's going to reach out to to that family to say there's going to be activity here and we need to get access.
It's critical that we get access to the to the dam because I think the their desire was to shut it off completely which leaves us >> you can't get to the dam on the other side. >> I mean, but not with equipment. So,
we're going to need to get in there. So, >> is there a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Cheryl, I >> start. >> Make peace yell. And now, town, the court. >> Yes. And Brennan, can you host
PDF? >> Uh, yes. >> Okay. So this started as a request from the fincom. They wanted just like a like a snapshot of where we are in the budget. So I made that.
It tells you this is through the end of November. Um it'll show our total budget year to date what we've expended and the percent of the budget that is what's left and then our four um five biggest funding categories. So right at the top
funding wise about tw 202% is going to the schools. My glass >> now I can see now I look so much better. Um employee benefits about 8% and then >> that's thank you. And then everything
falls down pretty much from there. So you know you can see almost 3% on our other funding categories. So our biggest expense are benefits in the school which isn't really a surprise. We've done that all along. Um, couple trends that I wanted to point out is the highway
department um almost 80% of their budget for machinery maintenance is expended and we haven't even hit winter. >> So, I think that just shows we have heavy repair needs and we have aging equipment and we're kind of seeing the
cost of that um certainly in this fiscal year. I know that Dave is working on some capital requests for things like the greater and the greater is usually what has gone out of service. Um but in in better news, um even though we're about
halfway through the fiscal year, we've only expended about 38% of our budget. So that's a little bit slower than you might expect, you know, if we were going like a monthto-month um budget. So that is good. Um, and yeah, it's not supposed
to be an in-depth thing. You can always find that up on the town website under uh I think governance and budgets, >> but this is just a good at a glance, you know, so we can make sure we're staying on track. >> And are you monitoring individual
um departments other than, you know, I see the the highway department, but if there's anything that shows up that's sort of off. >> Yeah. So, I usually like run it through a couple different like ways so I can kind of see what I might want to parse
out. Um, there's just less I don't trying to think of the right word, but because everything else is so small >> that it's it's not always accurate because like for example, we've expended 100% of some line items, but that's
because they get paid early on in the fiscal year. So, I don't know that dues and stuff like that. >> Yeah. I remember when I was on the finance committee and we used to look some of those things we would just skip over 100% when we knew but if wages for example were over you know if we were
50% through the fiscal year and 70% of wages I'm just making an something up 70% of wages then it would be a red flag to say okay you know you're you're way off so I just I know that you've been
meeting with department heads And um for some of the key expenditures, it would be really good to >> um if you Yeah. Any more details? >> We can do that. And I know that's actually a good thing that you brought up because the schools will often pay in
larger chunks at some times of the year than others obviously like before vacation. Um so that is true for that. >> Well, we used to get sort of a the monthly Gail's monthly report. >> Yeah. So I mean want that. Yeah, that's still up on the town website. She post
that on her website. >> Yeah. Well, >> and then this I I'll just plan to do like once a month. >> Okay, that's good. >> Yeah, that's great. >> That's good. >> So, good test run for when I give it to the FinCon next week. It's a perfect test. Um,
okay. That we did that one. We talked about Lake Wyola. We did that. So I asked Michael to come because he has keenly identified some clean energy funding opportunities and some of which infect impact our school. So I thought
is it Nate that sent around this chart? >> That was me. >> That was you. Okay. Someday I'll get a lot. But um so this kind of shows what is available. I know that a couple folks went to the school. They had a webinar today about
that grant. Um, so that was there now, but it occurred to me and Michael, I think you too, that there's not really ever been like a coordinated effort of like multiple committees kind of going after
grants and you know, like this school one is a perfect example that meets ECAC goals and school committee goals. Um, yeah, I don't know if were we in any plan to go further than that. I think at this point it was more just like floating the idea
My idea was like, I told you we saw the email I sent last week when I thought of stuff. But it seemed like if the select board was supportive having a multi-committee meeting before the end of the year to say where are we at? What are we trying to do? Because if you look
at the deadlines, they all come up quick. It's January, February, March is the latest. Um it's a lot of money. Um so it could be beneficial. Um they're all a little bit different. We're gonna at seven ecats meeting we're gonna sort of try to figure out if we had a
recommendation. Um but I think it ties into the spear reuse stuff. Um you know from the road map that you all saw last time the biggest bang for the buck is to do something for the school. Um, you know, I was emailing with Nate and he was thinking about, you know, could we
do um a ground source heat pump, which would be really cool, but it's really expensive. >> So, I don't know if we can even afford to do it, but like that would be the thing to do if we can figure out how to do it. >> Um, and then to a lesser degree, you know, if it's going to be staring us in
the face, what do we do about the spear? Um, and wrap it in. So there's I know Anna Hearn went to the green works school works today. Um if you're a low income district you get
priority. I looked us up. We're 29% um low income. So we're not >> high. It's not um obviously >> a rich community. >> So not not competitive for that. >> I don't you know it gets to your point from last time. You know how many people
are out here applying. I think there's probably more competition in the school one. I think the other context is so last time we met we talked about the climate leader community and um just interestingly after I got access I went
and I put all the stuff in I discovered there's no submit button so ready to submit but there was none. So, we're in the hammer. Um, I was told by Chris Mason, who is our retiring communities representative, he's leaving at the end of this year. Um,
>> we'll find out in January. So, that first one is uh if that's where the smaller competition is, >> right? >> Where there's many many less communities who are in that hopper. So, I think I don't see why we wouldn't get it. So, we should explain this if we're going to.
Um, so that's cool. And then with the the battery thing, you know, that's a little bit more mixed. You know, it's the whole statewide pushing it out. I would personally really like to avoid with the lion if we can and do something a little bit more innovative and not get
everyone riled up. But um it's another thing we can think about in tandem if like if we did a solar thing more or something. So, but it it needs collective thought. um you know and some of them there's either no match or no
match identified one of them has 10% you know so that would be how do we figure out match which I think would be a fincom Haley discussion probably >> so it all speaks to like if we can get ourselves all grouped together and ready to go
>> could maybe do something cool >> so do you think we'd have enough time let's say we met there was a meeting next week so some of these the deadlines I That's >> 13th, right? Do you know do you have any idea how detailed the applications are?
>> I started looking. Um I mean it's the the place where I think we might not be ready is if we need to have a relationship with a vendor or contractor because we don't have um one of those I'm forgetting which one it is. It's there's a path one and a path two.
>> Advance advancing. >> Yeah. >> And that one the path two is um feasibility. Um, and they give you a certain amount of time and then you have to apply for path one. So, you know, that makes sense. >> Yeah. >> Um, >> and that deadline's later, I think. >> Yeah.
>> So, I mean, it's, you know, it' be great if we had six months to do this, but it's just, it seemed like >> it's big money. We have a need. Um, if we can pull it off like, you know, wait until next year by drag and >> if we miss it, I'm sure, you know, readers are going to be saying the reuse
committee came up with all these need for it. Um, okay. Well, and we So, who do you need? Who do you need at the meeting? >> Well, I was I was you guys. I was thinking um AJ or someone else from
Fincom. Um I would come for ECAD. I think maybe Capital Planning. Um, and who else did I I and then school committee and probably the principal I thought was the >> that makes sense.
>> If anyone else should tag um >> and um >> buildings committee. >> Oh yeah, >> thank you Gail. >> Yeah, Frank's in the mood already. um he likes the idea of of trying to
collaborate somehow. >> So is it your sense that that beyond just going through what these are that um somebody would be ready to sort of step up to say I think we should apply for one of these. I'm I'm just worried
about a meeting that >> Yeah. Well, I'm hoping tonight could have a conversation and we could sort of figure out like, you know, based on the the decarbonization what we as we as a committee might suggest. Um, but I think there's multiple priorities. Um, I mean
it would be if we could do the school that would be huge. Um, >> I mean the school is the biggest energy user, right? Massive. And like that's sort of the I think the finish board discussion, right? We had a chance at
that, but we couldn't fill the whole cost. No, I don't know if you if we can take out a bond for it, you know, the fiscal situation if it's worth it. Oh, the other thing I'll just say, I think it's I can't remember because it's been
a long day. It's either the the climate one or the one that goes to $5 million. Is that is that the school one or the government one? >> Um, >> no. No. The max one on here is 2.5 million. >> No, it's 15 million.
>> 2 million in climate leader. There's 19 million in the max grant. The maximum million has I'll this is why we should be because one of there's a maximum of three million. one of those two. But
what this is just good information to know is that you can apply for 5 a million if you get the terminology basically for heat pumps and batteries. The federal tax credit is still in place.
Trump likes those. So, we could go for a $5 million >> grant to do say a heat pump project, get money back from the feds, and we would then give it back to the state afterwards. So, you get five million and then return it. >> Yeah.
>> And they the other thing that was nice is they said if the feds change their mind in between, >> then we get to keep it. >> Yeah. Which is shocking. >> Yeah, it is pretty shocking. Okay. I think if we're really like diligent in the meetings, we can get this done. >> Get it done. Yeah. Okay. Good.
>> I'm a task master. >> Yeah. No, that's great. Um, so we are meeting next >> Wednesday. >> Wednesday. >> Um, can we just >> for the three of us just availability for next week? I
>> think I'm pretty open with you. I have a personnel board on the 18th. Okay. And otherwise I'm I'm pretty open. Yeah. >> And I imagine you know Ann if she was coming she she could come in the evening if she was doing it remotely.
>> Do we want to make it part of our meeting or after our meeting >> on Wednesday? >> Yeah. Because we won't have a lot on a >> good thing we said it was only be a week. >> Yeah. >> Right. So >> we could do that. >> I just Yeah. already in Wednesday.
>> Anything else on the schedule for Wednesday next week? >> So, you think Wednesday for you guys? >> No, Wednesday. Well, we're meeting on Wednesday, but we meet at 5 and then we could do it after that. >> It's the one day I'm doing something fun. >> Okay.
>> You don't get to have fun. >> Yeah. >> Patty Smith. >> Oh, good for you. >> Um, okay. So, not Wednesday and we were not meeting on Tuesday. I don't remember why. There's a Fincom meeting >> and we didn't want to meet the next week
because it was too close to the holiday. >> Y >> So, Thursday, is there anything on Thursday? >> No, but I can't do Thursday. >> Oh, you can't do Thursday. >> Personel board. >> 5:30 I think being Hold on. Let me just double check.
>> Can you do Tuesday or is it Tuesday? >> We definitely could. I could just try to maximize my time with the Fincom or they meet at 6:30. So, I could always go a little bit later, but if we want like AJ or meet at 5,
>> would we meet at 5? >> Yeah, >> Tuesday. >> Five on Tuesday. >> And we just have to check on the others. and great. This is great, Michael. I mean, it's really >> good,
>> wonderful to have and Haley working together to it's very helpful see what's out there. I think in the email I sent you the links to the original documents if anyone gets >> I don't believe
>> yeah I pointed out that I sent it but two got >> okay great so we'll shoot for Tuesday and five o'clock and then I just have two more things um first
following comfort's visit today just asked that I clarify there was a little misprint in the recorder um >> oh yeah >> so she pledged to pursue a bond earmark. So, I just want to make sure people know >> that that's what that is. And then, um,
we were awarded the ADA improvement grant that we applied for. So, that's great. >> $9,975 and I would like for you to authorize me to sign it. Um, sign the grant contract, excuse me. Um, we're going to do an
assessment of town hall and see what needs to happen. And I really want them to look at the elevator. Yep. That's high on the list. >> Yes. >> That for so many years and works because >> Yes. >> an elevator. >> It's very temperamental and we think
there's something wrong with the internal circuitry. >> So, okay. So, I'll make a motion that we authorize you to execute the ADA uh grant agreement. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Carol. I. >> Starker.
>> I. And we do um when you're uh as as part of that just it would be great to if they're looking at both of these entrances too. I assume they're looking at everything. Okay. >> Yeah, that would be helpful too.
>> Well, really it's an emergency exit, right? So, >> yeah. >> But if we were ever going to use it as a >> Yeah. individual room. Yep. >> Okay. Second think so make a motion to adjurnn.
>> Okay. >> Second. >> All right. All those in favor I >> make pizza. Can I see the AC? >> Oh yeah. >> We all send this guy. >> Thanks Michael. Michael >> and
he's