to disband. Let me start that over. I can >> sure. Yeah, >> I we'll call ourselves to order and we'll review the agenda. So, our public comment is first followed by approving minutes for May 26th, 2026. um Spear
Memorial, sorry, MN Spear Library Reuse um present present their final committee report. Uh vote to disband the MM Spear Library Reuse Committee. Uh request to increase the Lake Wyola
Advisory Committee membership from 11 members to 12 members. Appointment of Mary David to the Lake Wyola advisory committee. uh vote to resend public records access guidelines for May 23rd,
2023. Uh discuss Diane Jacob's request for property boundary uh survey discussion about the plowing of Birch Drive. Uh review slashvote on uh the revised personnel handbook.
I'll discuss PAS project Tyen Bond's agreement amendment to renew services and then uh read a fereral public thank you and then our town administrator reports. >> We're going to make a follow short meetings
>> right at >> one last meeting. >> Uh so why don't we start with um public comment. If you are online and zooming in to us, please use your raised hand feature. If you are also in the room, uh, please use your raise is hand
feature. >> Um, I'd like to thank Rita, um, for civic commitment. Um, for six years, you've carried concerns of the town's dayto-day responsibility and also for its future. Um, obviously you didn't do
it for the money. Altruism, >> I did it for the brain hair. Altruism and civic caring is at the core of what your volunteer was. Now you get to return to your life, to the people you love, the to-do list that has been put on hold and growing longer, and the
attention that you can direct now to your own agenda. And because the town will continue, believe that the town will continue as it has done for 250 years. Count yourself among those who carried it along and enjoy your free time. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Thanks. Thank you, Susan. >> Anybody else have a public comment that they'd like to No. Okay. We will move on to approving the minutes for May 26, 2026. >> I make a motion that we approve the
minutes of May 26, 2026. >> Okay. >> Second. >> All right. Were there any edits to these in any way that I didn't see any? >> I didn't see any either. >> No, >> Brennan. Uh, thank you. Left the room. Oh, he's online. Thank you, Brennan
>> for wonderful minutes. >> All right. All those in favor? Carol. I >> stalker. I >> make peace. So neatly. Okay. And so the next topic is the MMP sphere library reuse committee final
committee report. Do you see enough to have the meeting? Is there a quorum of guys? >> We don't have a quorum yet. We need one more person. >> Mary Joe's in. >> Oh, Mary Joe is in. Oh, okay. Thank you. Mary Joe. >> Great. Okay. So, I'm going to go ahead
and call the um call to order the meeting of the MNSPER library use committee. And um the agenda for today is there are two things on our agenda. Um so, joint meeting with the select board obviously. Um the two things on
the agenda are first to approve minutes from May 22nd. Um and uh the second item is to go through our uh final report and Stephen Dalmus is here to okay um
>> to talk about recommendations our final recommendations. So um the first item is so I hear a motion to approve the minutes of May 22nd. >> There a second. >> Second.
>> Okay. any um changes, edits, anything from anybody in the >> I made I made one change which was >> okay >> added. >> Okay, great. >> Um all right. Um if everybody is in
agreement, then we'll go ahead and vote on those minutes. Um all those in favor signify by saying I. Disma I >> rece I >> get aside
>> there you are. >> You guys are making me spin around tonight. Okay, thank you all for coming. So Stephen, do you want to um do you want me to do a little introduction or do you want to just launch right into the recommendations?
Um, well, yes, because I'm look I'm looking for them on my phone. Haven't found them yet. >> Okay. All right. So, why don't I why don't I get um started just real quickly and provide an overview um of what the
committee was uh charged with doing and then um where we got to with our recommendations. So, um this committee was formed back in September of 2025. We um were very ambitious at the outset thinking that maybe it would only take
us three or four months to um to come to some conclusions about what should be done with the Sphere Library um building. And um the impetus for um doing this is you know we have now
another town building that's um vacant and it's it's very prominent. It sits on our town common. It's a historic property and I think there was a lot of interest both in in town and certainly from the select board in thinking
through well you know what do we what do we do? It's an issue because um our our insurance company wants continuous use of properties. So that in order to um keep up with our property insurance,
uh we need to be using that building in some way. Now obviously with the old town hall, you know, we use it for storage and there are people who are routinely, you know, kind of in and out of there. Right now the the spear building is is empty and so um so this
committee um which was made up of uh is it myself, Steven Dalmus, Susie Moer, Henry Gettys, Paul Lions and Mary Joe Johnson um met I think Henry might have come like after the first couple of
meetings but you know he joined us a little bit later. Um but we met the committee met 16 times over the course of the l last eight months. So, it probably took us twice as long as we thought it was going to. Um, but these were not um these were very
um full full meetings, really great discussions that we had and um kind of you know uncovered a lot of um uncovered a lot of questions and and we researched to the best of our ability um
kind of what the what the options are. Um in the course of doing um our work uh we did a survey of all town departments and boards and committees. Actually two different survey forms to get some
feedback about what um what you know town employees and boards and committees what kind of space and meeting needs did do they have and storage needs. So that um it it gave us
a lot of really good information um that we felt, you know, we could bring back to the select board to um to make some final maybe final decisions or or take a few more um steps. Um we had one
meeting, one joint meeting with the select board back a couple of months ago where the public was invited and we had comments at that time um which we took into account as we um put together this final report. Um also in the process of
doing our um research we um we were very fortunate in getting some good professional advice per um you know Stephen and um Paul Lions kind of took the lead in speaking with with outside
um consultants and Susie Moer also in just engaging with um folks who could help provide some information for us as we were trying to um come up with our recommendations. So very quickly our the
the work we undertook was we did a municipal needs assessment. We actually did a conceptual plan because in the course of our research um and thinking through what the best uses were for the Spear Library building, we also felt it
was appropriate to take a look at this building and um this I think you know there there was a space committee back a number of years ago. Um, you know, we felt that that it was incumbent upon us to when we started thinking through the
the complications of of that building and water and sewer and and all of that um that you know we do have this property. So, we kind of added that. We expanded our scope a little bit and did um with uh Steven's help and um I think
it was Russ Russ Wilson um helped you know do some very preliminary um conceptual site or you know plans if we were to to make some changes here. Um we got obviously the input of Shootsberry
boards and committees. Um, and we did some a very preliminary and I say I make the emphasis on preliminary because we don't have any solid numbers but we have very rough numbers about what it would um take and then um as I
said engaged and got got some advice did not engage but but got some uh professional advice um from the outside. So that's kind of the background. Um what this report includes are the um the
survey forms we used. Um the summary of the uh results, the questionnaire results. Um it has a sketch on here of uh you know potential if we were to reconfigure this downstairs space which
would which would really you know would mean some reconfiguration upstairs too as as space was maybe freed up upstairs. Um and then there are um naturally uh some very um interesting questions about
um the the town common and legal um implications for doing anything on the town common. So the last um piece last agendum is um an email that we got from from Donna McNichol who was guiding us
because just within the last I don't know two or three years um there was some legislation passed which made doing things on public land kind of made it a little bit more complex and again the
the spear building sits on the town common as does the church sit on the town common and so that needs to be taken into account and the town common is um
you know falls assembly article 97 I believe so Stephen um I hope I didn't steal any of your thunder here but um if you want to go through the the recommendations that would be great very detailed Rita thank you >> um I will do that but As Rita just said,
the article 97, which was something that we became familiar with towards the end, made us realize that um it's a pretty complicated process to make any kind of changes to the town common. And having
read through the document article 97 fairly closely um it seems that if we had attempted to consider or if we attempt to consider a non-municipal use uh that would be very difficult if at
all possible to achieve. So uh that's another reason why we didn't consider any non-municipal uses. Um, so I'll just go to the conclusion. Rita really laid the groundwork. Um, so we didn't reach
any true final conclusions about what what we what should be done with the spear because we felt the decision is up to the select board and the town's people. However, we collected significant amounts of information that should be helpful. Um, any important
consideration, an important consideration in deciding on the future use of the spear building is whether or not the town has the resources and the will to make a significant investment in the building. Even without such an investment, the spear could still be
used as a basic meeting and/or record storage space, thus satisfying the continuous use requirements for insurance purposes. Some improvements would still be needed to make the building suitable for such uses, but
this option would be the least expensive of those considered. A more substantial investment, that is by adding a functional bathroom, would greatly expand the possible uses of the building, for instance, as office spaces
or a police station. This would require hooking up the building to water and waste disposal systems, adding bathrooms, and various interior renovations. It would also likely trigger a need to comply with state building code
requirements that the meeting storage space option would be lost. So, the library, the MN Spear building is considered a meeting space as long as it continues to be a meeting space. there's no code requirements for any changes.
But once the there's a change of use, then the code falls into play and we probably need an architect to uh create plans and determine some of the code requirements and then it would go for go
before code review. The cost of such improvements depends on a number of variables but could exceed $100,000. We have provided additional information on the needs and implications of these and an additional town hall renovation
ops op option in matrix adende. The matrix highlights a range of options for the spear building from leaving it essentially asis with some minor upgrades to a more substantial rehabilitations if it were to become a police station. The last option of the
matrix address addresses a reorganization of the town hall to accommodate a police station on the lower level of the building. That option could save the town some money if it was considered unfeasible at the present time to install a well and septic system
on the town common due to the procedural complexity and the higher initial cost. In summary, the committee's opinion is that the addition of a functioning bathroom at the former Spear building greatly enhances the potential uses the
potential options for its future uses. However, some professional consulting services would be needed to assess the feasibility and the cost of adding a bathroom. The committee recommends that the select board proceed with securing
those services. Thank you. >> Thanks, Stephen. Thank you, Stephen. Okay, that was all question. >> Very great. Um, yeah, I don't have any questions.
I see where we're going with a bathroom. >> I think that's a pretty solid recommendation. >> And and I think we went through Stephen um had referenced the um >> the chart, although I'm not sure. Is it in here? >> I don't think I saw my
>> I'm sorry, Susie. The addendum E. Um, >> and and that really does lay out um and I think it makes it easier for the select for to kind of, you know, see what what the options are. There are
lots of um footnotes. Um Susie um organized this with help from Paul Winnipeg. Yeah. or Susie did mostly did it and it it's really and the committee you know went through kind of all of these different um sections and so yeah
I think the I mean what we finally arrived at after much discussion about options was saying it really is worth making an investment in um in looking you looking to somebody to
sanitary engineer to really begin to pin down. Um could we put a septic system, a tight tank, um probably would mean a new well on the the site and there has to be some site investigation in order to kind
of come up with those cost estimates. my opinion and I I think I speak for the committee was that it was a a good investment um so that you know we're we're not kind of languishing here for years um trying to think about what
we're doing with the building and um having a bathroom in there just makes it a much more useful space for for meetings or if we going to put some some offices over there. It doesn't mean we're we're obviously gonna do it. There
might be issues with, >> you know, even trying to put a a tight tank over there um given space >> space and the distance, you know, you have to have between a well and a septic system. But it seems like it's a a good
investment to do that investigation. Um and as I said, we um we had, you know, talked to a a couple of people. So there are definitely folks out there who um you know could could give us an estimate on what that um exploration would take.
I think the um committee felt like we um that we had wound up our work and that um we certainly would be happy to any one of us for Henry especially come back to
you know come back to other you know another meeting if there were questions about um you know about the report but that as a committee we had completed our charge and um and some I think you guys did really well. Yeah.
>> Yeah. And I just I um didn't do this at the outset, but I just want to say this was a really wonderful group of people to work with. Um everybody showed up, everybody contributed, everybody, you know, took assignments home after
meetings and kind of came back to the group at the next meeting to report back. So, it was a real pleasure to work with um all of the folks on on the committee and um and Brennan deserves some recognition here because he kept me
on track of making sure um things got, you know, the meeting announcements got out. He took all the minutes. Um he was incredibly we every meeting we walked into, we had our material there in front of us. It was such a pleasure. And thank
you, Brennan, for um for being so um attentive and doing such a you know, phenomenal job uh doing minutes for us. >> That's great to hear. Thank you, Brennan. >> Thank you, Rita. >> So, what's your sense of how we'd make that step? I mean, the select board is
not going to be out there picking people. >> Well, I think the next building committee or >> Yeah, I mean, it could I think the select board needs to discuss that. You know, who would do an engagement >> the next charge, right? Um, and it could be done through the town administrator's office. Quite frankly, I don't know, you
know, or to discuss it with the buildings committee, but it's really putting together a scope of services for um, a sanitary engineer. And I think we had some, you know, we we have within our minutes and our our notes kind of
what that would be. Um so getting getting some cost estimates um together and then finding um you know finding the the funds to do it. I don't think it was a huge amount of money if I um remember
correctly Ed but you know without without spending some some money now we're just going to be left with kind of these questions and I you know any building even without water and sewer any building just sitting empty it is
not a good thing. So it was really you know makes sense for us to figure some stuff out. We need we need somebody to go in there on a on a regular basis just to make sure uh chipmunks haven't moved in or you
know whatever um >> no that the roof is >> still no bathroom >> still no bathroom that the roof isn't leaking um and I I will say um you know uh I think Paul and Stephen went and did
some minor repairs on that um that building. There was a window that was broken downstairs. You know, we have a nonfunctioning um >> composting toilet over there. Um and you know, we talked we talked a lot about
septic. It's >> one of our thought you might >> one of our favorite topics, but um I you know um it would be good to keep this moving. I look to one of our neighboring communities which shall name be not
named tonight but they've spent years you know years literally trying to decide what to do with their old library building and the building just still sits there. This is a very visible property. Beautiful property and um I think it just makes sense to kind of
keep keep moving and um you know the committee needs to come back together at some point or >> we know where you are. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> In a word. >> No, I think that's I think that's a that's a great idea. I think um um we should probably have this
maybe as an ongoing topic on our know let let us and and Jim kind of come in and think bring his thoughts into it and uh what our next steps are. But you're right to not let it not let it sit for too long. Um
>> for that insurance reason, but also an attended building is Yes. >> Quickly u >> not a good idea. >> Yeah. >> Um so our recommend our next recommendation was to vote to that you vote to disband us that the select board
um because you formed the committee. That would be done. >> Yes. Um, so >> I'll make the motion. >> How do we How do we feel about disbanding? >> Make the motion. I'll I'll promise. >> Okay. I'll make a motion that we disband
the M Steer Library Reuse Committee. >> Okay. Uh, any questions or last moment thoughts? >> No. Okay. All those in favor? >> Darl, I stuck I p. make me so annoyed. >> Okay, Brandon, can you do our normal
thing we do for for committee members? >> Yes, certainly. >> Thank you. Um, okay. So, the next one is to request an increase on the Lake WA advisory committee membership from 11 members to 12 members.
>> Do you want to fill us in, Taylor? >> Yeah. So, that uh came up at the last like meeting. Um, so after that, you know, I I did spend some time looking through because I think the main question that I walked away with was had there ever been a formal vote to increase to 12 and what
do you do with a 35year-old ad hoc committee? That that's that's what I walked away thinking. Um so what I have proposed um to you all is that you would
actually disband the LWAC as it stands now and that you would instead create a permanent standing committee and that way you can move away from this ad hoc designation. We can formalize you know what we want the committee to do uh and
look at the membership structure which is really important. So I'll just walk you through. So the purpose that I have here and we can obviously change things or add them. I can also take whatever we decide here and come back to the next meeting with
revisions. Um but basically it's serving kind of um as a steward for the Lake Wyola area, for the environment, um for recreation, for you know as a fiscal resource for the town that we could perhaps be utilizing in a different way.
Uh it also serves as a you know community hub. So basically there's there's two main scopes areas of scope three really um you know infrastructure and safety. So the the dam the culverts the watershed structure and um you know
environmental and water quality monitoring. So making sure that we are working with the conservation commission and the board of health. Um and then also public education and that can encompass a great deal of things but uh you know talking to folks about water runoff and storm erosion and you know
boating safety and all those sorts of things um could be within the scope of a formal standing committee. And I actually have to take it should say that there are nine voting members. So in in my proposal, we have the staff be
exeicio members, which is true of all other committees. So in that case, it would be the damkeeper um and the emergency management director and what I've kind of called a resident technical expert, you know, somebody who has familiarity with the dam or some other
feature. So those would be non- voting members. And then your voting member seats would comprise of uh select board represent representative, planning board, conservation commission, board of health and then also we want to look at the committee uh community sorry. Um so
I had conceived of this idea where there would be three residents or property owners within the watershed area to kind of represent those specific interests and then one at large community member. of somebody who maybe didn't live at the lake, but maybe they love the lake and they wanted to get involved in the
committee. And so I think the other the other thing that has kind of come up and I I had talked to some other town administrators and just making sure that we're really cognizant of conflict of interest and you know is it you know if you have members who have a joint seat
on um you know a private nonprofit board and a municipal committee you know it used to be the case from what I've learned and talking to colleagues is that you know years ago the thought was well they're in the nonprofit sector so it's okay like there's not going to any conflict but that thinking has really
changed a lot um within the last 25 years. So just putting in some stipulations that you know a private entity could not designate its own members that that would be the sole purview of the select board that you would be the ones to choose and appoint >> like we have for other committees
>> like you have for other committees and that we would follow our new standard procedure which is that we ask people to fill out an application and we do some interviews and then we make some recommendations when we decide. So that in a nutshell is what I am proposing instead of looking at the membership
increase is just let's kind of wipe the slate and start the the foundation of something more permanent which I think would ultimately be in the best interest of the town. >> It's a it seems to me it's a potentially good idea but what what about in the meantime? In other words, we can't let's
say we're not going to kill a committee tonight and just ELWAC never meets again until we figure this out in a permanent way. >> I think you you could do that, you know, or you could say you maybe they can meet again while we take applications. Um but I don't think that you want to let it
languish any >> for much longer as as this like ad hoc thing >> which is still looking at the charge too, right? Like the charge was outdated. We had you and I had talked about that. that was um updated, >> you know. And I think too like just just
because even if a committee is ad hoc, it still has to follow all applicable mass general law. So ad hoc is still like a designation, but it doesn't it doesn't mean that they wouldn't have to go through all those steps anyway, just to make sure I say that.
>> So can you just run through? So the there nine you said nine voting voting numbers. >> Okay. And those are those boards for and two town operational. >> No, it would be three and then three res
four residents and then I'd actually like to make another addition to the town which would be have someone from the recreation committee. So you would have town board representatives be five seats and community members be four seats and then your your tech >> you said rec committee.
>> Yeah, I think that makes a lot of sense. I'm not sure that the numbers don't seem to be adding up for >> so if the town board reps to five at that point and then four seats from the community residents that would be for
the operation technical would be exeicio so that would be the the emergency management director four okay and five okay got it got it thank you >> and this certainly doesn't preclude once we start this process for anyone who's
sitting on the committee now to apply. >> No, it's absolutely welcome to continue to do that. >> So, is there a is there a meeting this month? Was that my recollection? >> Yeah, there's another >> I mean, it's it seems like we could make this effective, you know, after we could
vote, we could make the effective date July 1st or something to kind of make it clean in terms of um you know, how appointments will get done. Obviously, we don't have a lot of time between now and July 1st to um to make appointments, but could be done pretty quickly.
>> Yeah, we could do it pretty I think we could >> I think you could there would be a lot of interest pretty quick. >> Yeah. Okay. Um Yeah, I I think that's great. I mean, ad hoc just it just doesn't make any sense. >> Well, it did when it first started 35.
>> Yeah. Right. Right now. Yeah. Yeah. And I and I think having an updated purpose and and mission and and scope um is really important. >> I agree.
So, do I hear a motion? Yeah, I'll make a motion that we adopt the Lake Viola Advisory Committee um recommendations as presented uh this evening with the um with the changes
that we talked about making it nine nine voting members and to make this um committee effective or in place by July 1st, 2026. Okay, I hear a second.
>> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Darl, >> I make big piece. So Neil, >> uh, before I get to Tracy, I have one question. In the budget, was there any money labeled for AWA? Although we're not
changing this, do we have to water testing? >> Do we have to do anything related since we've just sort of changed this? And we don't believe. >> Okay. Just just check with anyone who we may have to Uh Tracy, >> hi. Thank you. Thank you for recognizing
me, Melissa. Um I just wanted to throw out there, and I did I did just forward it to Haley, but it's a little late because I didn't realize this was going to come up tonight, but um there are there's an outline of uh municipal obligations to a great pond. And I
thought that might be a good guideline for um creating the mission statement. U and and already some most of most of that is in what Haley just presented. Anyway, um and I'm gl I was really glad to hear that the wreck piece was added to because that's that is part of it.
So, I thought that would, you know, just might be a solid guide and then it would be easy to create objectives from there. >> Thank you. >> I can I can forward it actually to the select board too. I just for >> um Haley can do now Haley can do that. That way you don't have to worry about
um open meeting law and all that stuff for us. >> All right. Okay. All right. She's um Okay. >> Thank you. You're welcome. All right. So, the next um thing is to appoint Mary David to the L committee advisory
committee. >> I think just >> we're going to pass over >> pass on that. Yeah. >> Okay. Um, so the next one is to revote vote to resend the public records access
guidelines from May 23rd, 2023. I think it's really important to say we we are not doing away with public records requests. We're just handling an outsider policy. Um, you know, guidance changes all the time. And I think too, um, and Gail, you can always correct me
if I'm wrong, but we, you know, we had looked at the town clerk web page and how could we make it easier to follow along with and make things clearer for the public so that they know how to do things. Um, and then you can see in these guidelines that like we still have former staff listed for key positions,
the hours are not correct. So, this would just get rid of the old and then we can update and put in fresh. more consistent with current law. >> Thank you, Gail, for your equal eye on these. Um, okay. So, we just need to vote to
resend. >> Um, so are there any questions or discussions first before we read? No. Okay. Um, do I hear a motion to resend the public records access guidelines voted by the select board on
May 23rd, 2023 for reasons Haley just presented? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All right. All those in favor? >> Darl, I may be so like it. >> Okay. Uh, the next item is to discuss Diane
Jacob's request for property boundary survey. Yes. um you want to start and I'll fill in but I know definitely um Diane can help us too. Um so and definitely feel free to correct me. Um so this came to us Diane was missing
some property markers and her property above school. So um the request was could we know kind of split the difference and get a property survey to identify what the boundaries are? >> Well no it's just the microphone.
Um, and so that's what's before you today is would the is the town interested in pursuing this? And yeah, I think it's it's just pretty straightforward. >> Yeah. Um, perfect. Uh, Diane, do you want to you can come forward if you'd
like. You don't have to speak. >> Okay. >> You can come up too. was never there when I bought the place in 1999. This pin, I can't find it. It may or may
not be there. The rest of the pins, we we've all managed to find them, including with a couple of my good neighbors up here. Can I walk around your backyard and find a pin? Why? Of course. So, there's two pins that
are gone. I'm thinking So you're saying hire >> a surveyor to do to find those >> a licensed surveyor must set this pin, >> right? >> Every lawyer in Massachusetts has taught me that, >> right?
>> And I don't know the status of this pin. >> It may be missing. It may still be there. >> The topography of that piece has changed. the the upper gym yard or whatever they call it,
playground area, everything is kind of flowed. We have no idea where those pins are even from the beginning. >> And you were going to reschedu a meeting with conservation commission, right?
I think >> I have been responding to their emails, but apparently my response has been going to Diane. >> I I believe he meant to do a reply all, but instead
he did a reply and it landed back in my email box. Hang on. >> And then I'm wondering >> I think all of us said yes to who they know. >> Yes, we have. >> I had a dollar for every top. >> Um okay. So um
so you the request the request is is uh to the help to find the um the boundary marker. Please set this boundary marker and to help locate this one and if indeed it is missing that one also needs
to be set. >> Um, >> do we have a sense of what that would any sense of what that would cost? I have no idea. >> I have not contacted a land surveyor in about 15 years. >> I think the last time I remember it and I and I don't remember how long this
was. It was 600ish, but I don't remember. I don't know that it included setting pins or I don't know if that's an additional fee. Um, but that was several years ago. Not 15 though. >> And kind of kind of this this trapezoid
or the tail is the school. >> Say that again. >> This is the school. >> This is the school property. >> Well, I shouldn't say the school property. It is the town of Shootsbury, >> right? Which allows the school to be there. And where is yours? >> Ours is here. Goes all the way back.
>> This that goes all the way back. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> And this is the house that Bruno Matar, the former Bruno Matarat, I believe. >> And then this area over here is Dennis Clark. And believe it or not, between Billy and
Dennis and their helpers, we were able to find all of these pins. Wow. A whole bunch of us didn't know where any of them were. Right. >> And and the reason for doing the survey now and getting the pins placed is there's some
help. There's another problem that's coming up that are probably going to be impacted by where one of those pins are is they're coming the town is coming to look at the erosion
and a lot of that erosion depending on where the pin is might be on the town's own property but a lot of it is so where that erosion that me as
>> so you're saying that there's erosion from this property that you think is impacting >> there's that the school has this wonderful expression for a brook that kind of flows behind the school
and you know the the oil spill impacted the brook >> and um some of that brook is on our property But it's a little hard to figure out without this pin whether you know there's more of the brook here, whether
the it's it it's impossible to know exactly where anything is >> because of all the changes with the school over the years. this little brook that that had a like a
8 inch at the most pipe coming off and is now a raging stream whenever there's a storm big storm and that because of all the paving and the changes in the upper road everything
everything is impacted and Clark has ended up with a whole bunch of our beautiful soil down there he hasn't said anything. I don't know why. >> Yeah, it it changed a lot when the upper field was um improved
that >> some of our stuff. >> A whole bunch of stuff that there's a lot more water that comes down when it comes down. Yeah. >> When it's calm like it used to be, it's still only it's little before when it's not.
Yes. Um, okay. So, um, we didn't check with Donna what we could legally do >> and we don't know how much it is. So, I think there is
we have to ask we have to ask Donna first. >> Um, what are >> if there's anything that prevents us from that >> and then if what how much it is, >> right? >> So, maybe contact a couple of >> Yeah. So, gets Yeah. Um, yeah, thank you
for hurrying up. If I do, I'll send them to you. Um, >> if I have the deed from the legitimate blog, >> does that guy have Harold Heaton or there? >> No, that's the one I was. >> I think Harold Eaton is on one of the
>> Isold Eaton still in business? Oh, yeah. Still in business. >> Oh, yeah. Screwed this way. The successors of Harold directors. >> Well, anybody who knows I don't know what. >> So, why don't we check on those two things? Yeah. And then we'll figure >> call you up.
>> So town take the lead for now and get the estimates. >> Get some estimates and and just know what we can what Donna if there's any restrictions that we don't know off the top of our head do. So there's a lot of >> we've discovered there's many um >> cost sharing can be not as straightforward as
>> not as straightforward but also there's a lot of restrictions for things. So, >> okay. >> Yeah, >> sounds reasonable. >> Good. >> And um >> and um >> we'll make sure when we email we'll email you both. >> Yeah. Okay. >> And and Haley has all of this like
assessor's office. >> Yeah. We have access and it's online. >> I know. Is that nice? Public documents. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Perfect. >> That makes sense. That's good. >> That that feel. >> Yeah.
You're going to return by email. >> Yes. >> Please put both of us. >> Yes. >> And Pony Express to teach you how to reply. >> I had no idea that that's what was going. They didn't respond again. I know >> and I hope
>> those people everybody I shouldn't move I should >> right >> well it apologies it happened it happens thanks a lot >> uh so the next one we are going to move
on to uh the discussion about plowing birds dry um this was brought to Haley you've been certainly in the mix So this um for us and do you want to run down a a brief
history or I can take a stab at it and then you know I think it's it's a long and it's a complicated situation and it has required a lot of digging into policy decisions and what may or may not have happened in years past. um included in
this packet. You'll find that there's policy as it stands right now. question really was whether or not the town well it you know the person that's making that request lives beyond
designated cutoff point for plowing on that road and you know but they still are requesting that service and obviously you know this winter showed us that it's you know winter has gone away
and it can be very difficult and um you know and also gets into I think a little bit more complicating le layers when you consider that Lake Biola Association is the owner of the road so it's not resident of the roads there's um you
know there there's a lot there has been and um and um I think we pulled the select board but Yumi Dave Mary Joe might have been someone else there as well went down to look at it
although it was snowy and icy that day. So, we couldn't see exactly where the um you know the dirt we could see where the ice and the and it had been um driven over and such. Um and did some ice that day too. So, it's been assessed in a
winter um situation. Um so I think the request uh to us is do we go forward and um plow from
the telephone poll after that first telephone pole or the first null? It's it's referred to both as first telephone poll or the telephone pole and the first null. Um one in the same I think. And
do we do that? um that that is the request in front of us. Um do you or Rita Eric have any questions? I don't know how much you know or have followed or >> Well, one question I have is that
there's um there's been a lot of talk about that. Um this has been we it has been plowed for year after year after year and so forth. And then I was looking at some I I've done a lot of thinking about this and was looking at
um a letter that Steve Sullivan the former superintendent had worked employee of the town for a long time before that as department he said he never plowed that road was never plowed never s never treated so use trees
that's just inconsistent with the sense that it's always been happening so I'm just a little unclear what's that's the question I as much as that much as anything else. >> Well, and the other thing too that I thought of too, this this kind of brought to my Sorry, Reed, I didn't want to butt in.
>> No, no, no, no. Go ahead. I brought to my um my mind is that um and I don't know Steve or or Tim's um practice with this bylaw on the private roads, but we've
been just talking about this one location and and and the home and the resident has, you know, brought this to us, but these roads had not been dismissed that I know of. um in a way of are they
in bad disrepair? Do they need these repairs? What what condition are they at from the highway um and contractor point of view? Um >> I could be wrong, but I think they I think they have assessed >> Well, they may have, but I'm not sure in
in have they have has Dave in his current position done it um in a way that follows this? We don't know. Right. And so >> the last couple of years because I happen to live on a private road um >> we have not been
>> so what would it typically happen is in September October there would be a letter coming out from the highway superintendent saying you know if we are to continue plowing and sanding your road here are the improvements that need to be made and there'd be a list of the
roads and um some detailing of of what needed to be done. Um so that no I don't believe that there's really been an assessment. I I think given the amount of construction um and the number
of now yearround residents particularly at the at the lake that um that you know a whole kind of review of the private roads and you know what sort of
standards um are we going to continue to plow and and sand them? If so, um what kind of standards so that there's a you know that there's a another look and and what kind of you know schedule making sure that that that
review does happen um because I you know I know for the equipment that we have um we have enough dirt roads in town um that you know it's very it's very hard on on the equipment and then now if we have private roads um particularly ones
that are that, you know, might need equipment other than what our highway department has. So, so what we've done, you know, I don't know when it started. I we were we've been subcontracting out the three years.
>> Yeah. Lake lake roads. Um but yeah, I think it's it makes a lot of sense to to just revisit the you know, revisit the policy and um and then come
up with, you know, standards that um that everybody can that we can all that the select board can agree to and the highway superintendent that, you know, it takes, you know, maybe some some more discussion with the Lake Wyola folks.
because my understanding is that um not everybody pays their dues down at the lake and the dues are what goes into, you know, helps to come up with the money to to fix up the road. So, it's inconsistent. Um and
yes, some people are doing it on their own. some homeowners down there doing it on their own. But I think, you know, everybody needs to understand that if we're going to continue to to do that, the roads need to be in some in a in a condition and we need to be clear about, you know, what roads are getting plowed
and sanded or just so we're not doing it anymore, which I'd be very sad about, but um you know, I know that I know that came up with our insurance company. Um, so but it it it should be revisited and and
now's the time to do it before the onset of winter >> and when you can see things, right? Like when when we could only see so much because there was snowbakes and there was, you know, it was already down there and um I I do like that proposal uh Rita and I think I think I think that's
important. Not just one assess, but the whole thing, right? like it's not this isn't just one place that that's doing it and you know >> there is the there is the the chance that the contractor was doing it and was
doing it beyond what the they were told >> um for years and so um so I think why don't we if you if you think so Eric if you're amendable to that what Rita had said why don't we um look at it as a larger have
the roads assessed as a larger um the lake association owns the roads um and give that information to to the owners and >> yeah and I I think the town needs to be clear about what its expectations are >> for um
>> for what the association does to the roads in order to continue the the plowing. >> It is a sign and and one thing that you know it is a significant piece of our plowing um budget that that does do this. We want to make sure >> and it's hard that's and it's yes those
are tough >> they're narrow they're narrow spaces. >> Um what I'm hearing is we we definitely want to start the process earlier. >> Yeah. >> Um I think that you know we we would I think the thing with the insurance is that they have recommended that we do
not plow any private roads because the liability has increased so drastically in the number of claims that they see. But maybe there's a way to build in some stronger language uh that would help the town with the liability piece because there are a number of people who rely on
this service. Um you know >> some sort of waiver, right? A waiver um >> that that a homeowner sign, right? >> Donovan for that >> question. Sorry, >> bring Donna in here. Donna >> is going to know what's possible. But
what is Birch? >> And then it sounds like, you know, like I said, the policy has a breakoff point on the road that we're, you know, Birch Drive. We could certainly look at what it might take for LWA to make that a
completely plowable road. But, you know, again, if we're going to look at the policy, we could we could look at all those sorts of things. But I think you're right. It needs assessed. It hasn't been should have been has got to happen. that's doing. >> So, I think that that maybe that's the
place to start and then um and then that's the first step and then see what comes out of the assessment. See what comes out of if the insurance company's willing to give you like a list of what those um
uh payouts or claims were for them. >> That might be helpful in >> in Yeah. >> Yeah. like if this these things are um and >> uh we should probably let um the leak
association know that we're going on with this step. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It's good to just have everyone be on the same page. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Make a full assessment of of of that. Did you have any other Eric? What do you think? Well, I guess I'm I'm just
trying to figure out, you know, did can we realistically solve this problem before next winter? >> I think so. We got six months. >> Well, >> great. No problem. I don't know the I mean, and we could start the assessment process around the lake shortly. Yeah.
Now would be a good road would be difficult, >> right? I guess we could talk to Dave too about what he's he is actually expected, right? I mean, we have I have a map here of all the places he's
theoretically are supposed to be inspected and I if >> Well, they're listed in the policy, all the roads. >> Yes, that's right. >> What does that mean when you say they were inspected, but >> they're >> those are the ones he's supposed to look at? Those are the ones that he's
supposed to look at to say fix like you're saying fix this, fix that, you know, don't >> this tree, you know. >> Um, >> where did this document come from? >> This is from well from Tim Hunting. That's Tim Hunting, right? >> Must be the one down the highway.
>> Yeah, I think it's the same one. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Oh, that says sand. The red or the sand one. But it doesn't talk about condition, >> does it? It's just showing where sanding is happening. But it doesn't talk about road condition which is what
>> No, but but in order to do the sanding the road have just has to be at a certain level theoretically. >> I think that's just based off of the grade they identified. >> I don't I don't know that that really >> well that that's that's one of the issues of all this. Yeah. >> And are they wide enough? Right. Because
that's the other thing. Yes. Like the plow truck >> even the one the contractor uses is not a small pickup, right? It's not like a a it's a it's a larger vehicle with a sand deck on the back. So is >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, in any case, in
terms of what's theoretically inspected, >> it it does not include the p the piece of birch birch drive that we're talking about, >> right? In everything we have, it says um to the first or to telephone pole. >> So Oh, so that wasn't on >> Yeah, there's that line right there that
>> Oh, I see. Okay. Yep. Okay. Well, everything that that we had documented says that. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, why don't we start there? >> Mhm. >> And then and then we can go from there.
>> Now, I did suggest that they just let you guys know that it's like remember ride around with him just to kind of see what he's doing, kind of what they're looking at. So, there's a and I offered to do that and and that um around
you know, just to get a picture of what he's looking at from his point of view, >> right? I mean, I think if we look if we set the standard the same as like town roads, not probably nothing will pass. That's
down there. That's my guess. That's whatever. That's what it is. >> Oh, you mean like the town dirt roads? >> Yeah. >> Oh, yeah. Well, there's the >> Yeah. Not many private roads would put that, >> right? So which is probably why there is this
or well not properly I shouldn't say that this is why that this was come up with right there is a different um and any input Donna could give she may not be able to give but we've gone through that assessment and and um done
our yeah list of repairs and such. So, but whenever we have to bring frame, I don't think do we don't have to vote on that. That's just kind of our guidance, right? We don't need to vote on anything. >> I think so. >> All right. All right. So, the next thing and long
awaited personnel book and I have to give Haley a huge thank you because this was a project I was trying to get done and all the other stuff that we were trying to do on Blackwood. And so, thank you for producing this document. You're awesome.
>> Raise their hand though. >> Um Oh, >> first >> I'm gonna take Roger. Uh Roger, where are you? I moved on without seeing your hand. Go ahead. >> Mic is on. >> Yeah. Does it show unmuted?
>> Um no. I mean Mike is on. It doesn't have the icon that it's not. >> Roger, can you hear us? >> Check one, two, can you hear me now? >> We can hear you now. That does delay. >> I was wondering if we could respond on that last topic. >> Uh, yeah. Yeah, we can take some public
comment. >> Okay. Yes. Um, so I'm I've been Ron's neighbor for about 10 years now because he's, you know, he's he had an issue with his driveway specifically. And he's uh it it wasn't plowed at all last year. And and you know, one of the
big issues is it's he's you know, he's getting older. I think we all know this. And his driveway is fairly steep and he was um snowblowing it. He snowblow it quite a few times. And it's it's pretty dangerous because if you were to walk down it without it being sanded, um you know, it would you you probably wouldn't
make it. So, I just wanted to speak up and say, you know, it's not just a thing of, you know, we need to make sure all the roads are, you know, viewed the same. There's, you know, he's getting older and it's it's going to be harder for him to to snowblow the driveway. Um,
so and I'm not even sure if that if that part is his driveway or you know somebody's saying it was his driveway. Um, but sure he can chime in on that. But that's all I have to say about that. >> Thank you, Roger.
>> Can I say something? >> Sure. >> Sure. I'm I'm I'm glad and we're referring to as a row because that's the foundational point of the of the talent determination for multiple sources of the head is a road. So that's a step in the right
direction. I'll make the point that you said you have no documents about um the end of the first drive. I have I'll give this I have 11 days September 2nd 2009 by Jack Torus and three
three separate um letters that used to be letters were sent to all residents of Lakewood roads had to be dealt with at some point it changed over to one letter being sent to LWA as I understand on these three on
these three copies that I have. Um, Birch Drive listed period. No Birch Drive, no nothing about a telephone b. This one birch drives rudded could have used some grading. This one birch drive. Okay.
This one birch drive. Okay. So my question is the assessment that was done that led to the determination was done two months after the plumbing was stopped without notification or warning or explanation with them. My calls to
DPW were not returned and which is why I ended up um talking to the town administrator. But the thing that's been and I said from the very beginning this has been characterized as an issue between me and the town. It's it's it's between the town and Lake Biola
association. They own the road, not me. I just happen to live on the road. But my point would be why does the plowing stop before the assessment was ever done? So they said then became a retroactive justification
for stopping pl. So I like what you're saying about all the roads down there. That's that's good approach. it's appropriate and I can guarantee you and anyone who lives down there will tell you there are bush trucks in Birkshire that are being blocked. So is it going
to assess all the roads? Um why are you not stopping plowing them too the lower end at Bur Drive? So I petitioning to renew what's been going on for 36 years like 300 times it's been
plowed. with no damage to any drugs or any problems that I ever heard of. And in fact, Birch Drive in many ways is one of the best food pl because the end of it is 50 ft wide by 100 ft long and and
all from all birch drive was deposited right down to the end of that road. So it's actually a much worse situation for the all birch drive aside from the part that's not being plowed because there is no place to put the snow.
>> Was it sanded too during that time? >> At times it was sanded and then I gave up on that one. But you know I've been out there sometimes >> I have injured myself two times this year. Reinjured myself out there on my own trying to deal with the situation. in addition to they've been plowing in
the drainage um causing in the spring before the snow melts to wash the road. So I I'm asking why you're taking the appropriate step to re-evaluate the whole thing where evidence if you change the policy that's
a whole different story but you know the town policy states these roads would be plowed and it's backed up by mass law that the town is liable if it's follow once once agreed to then they have to do it and leola has to step
up to do their end. So to me it's an issue between the town and Lake Biola association the session that I'm caught in the middle of and it feels very fair that I'm being singled out on it. I think that's why the select board wants to bring it back to that that
larger group of the the whole the whole road um the whole road the whole right saying that if there if you are surmising that there are other issues there why is this the only place where you're not plowing why not say we'll
continue plowing until this assessment done is done and now burst becomes one of many in the assessment instead of staying allowed for so I don't I don't know the reason it just happened. >> We're just we're revisiting the whole
policy >> brought to light. >> Why would we say now that we're going to continue to plow if if if the hole needs to be assessed? Well, all of those roads need to be assessed down there >> because you're only singling out the end of Birch Drive. >> But because you're the only one that
raised it, but other people might not it. No, I meant for Birch Drive. But there might be issues drive. >> Yeah. No, I didn't mean for Birch Drive, but I mean for other other private roads or other roads down there. I think, you know, we we can't we shouldn't take we
can't take it in isolation. We're in June. We have time before the winter starts to kind of get a clear policy. And I think that's what this board is. I think I and I think that's the right approach to taking. Yeah. Um >> you know and uh to make sure everybody
it's done in the appropriate way that that fits what we have. Do we need to change it to change it? What level of standards do we have? >> Yeah. And every they all need to be looked at. I I don't think we should be looking at one without looking at the whole because the the roads down there are a challenge.
>> And this select board has a has a um track record for doing that. when when an issue comes up, if it's effective in a larger area, we always look at the larger area. >> Yeah. >> Or the larger rate each time. So, >> um I think it's good to continue that practice.
>> Um >> Mary, Mary Joe had a question. >> Oh, Mary Joe, I'm sorry, I can't see you, Eric. plan to raise perked up the ears of the council engaging when this issue came up and and for us a real concern and sticking point
was the fact that although we're talking about it's nice to talk about the group as a whole and the council on aging really supports that um we were kind of worried about the way that Ron's um situation was for him as an individual
and as elder in the town. Um, and we really haven't heard anyone at any point address the question that he had asked, which was why was he singled out to be not plowed after he
had been out for so long? Um, and I don't think that that question has really ever been adequately answered. And for me, the thought that for whatever reason, the town could stop such an important service in the middle
of the winter when there's very little way to have recourse. Um, it just sets up to me it sets up concern in the way it sets up trust issue because I'm thinking, well, this could have happened to anyone. This could have happened to
another person that was not as capable as bronze. um he knew how to come and he knew how to fix this issue and he was very articulate but if at some point in the middle of season someone just decides oh you know this is too bad for my truck I'm not
going to do it anymore and that person has been contracted with the town has been doing it consistently for years and then that is just left to drop it just doesn't build confidence for me as someone who's dependent on following
Um, to me that's that's a worry and I have I don't I'm not telling you how to address it, but I'm just saying that having not spoken to it at all at this point, it makes me feel a little bit uneasy like we could just gloss over that. And like
I said, >> I don't think that was a big issue. >> I don't think we're glossing over. I know Haley Haley had brought it to us individually and she wrote letters and and and all of that, so it was still addressed. um kind of ongoing but everything that we
had the document said that first telephone pole and that first null and the contractor may or may not have gone beyond what his assignment was you know so we don't to to plow the area um so you know there's probably there's
multiple facets that are at at play here so we have to back up and we have to start at a beginning step and so this is this is where where we have to where it is the best place to start to make sure that in the end the services are given
in an appropriate way that aligns with with state law, aligns with um the the owners of the roads which is the el the lake association um and that those partners are coming and helping address the situation too because there there's
multiple elders that live down in that area as well. So, you know, it's a it's a much broader um a broader way to look at it. Um so, I think I think that's what the best step we could we could go to. Um you
know, one thing we could look at is, you know, the town has to have in the policy we have now, the town reserves the right to cease plowing. >> It does. Yeah. There are no stipulations really to that. That is something we could look at in making revisions. Um
but it is important that we retain that right because the liability to the town if we weren't able to do that is great. Um you know we it's tricky. I know a lot of TAs have their not saying we should do this. I know a lot of TAs have in their communities have moved away from
plowing of private roads in its entirety. Um but I don't think we want to do that and I don't think that's the right way. But I think that there are ways that we can strengthen things that make it clearer for the town and for residents what is expected and what are the parameters because as this is
written right now it doesn't really have anything like that. There's nothing you know the only we can only move forward. We can't go back and we can't change 36 years. We can't change six months ago, a year ago. you can just make policy changes that make sense and that clearly
outline what is expected for all parties and do the assessment. >> Wait, one one last point, >> one last and then we do have to move on. >> So the person that didn't want to plow the road was hired by Lake Olson
association in November to prepare the road for plowing. So let's look at that irony and we still don't have an answer to why it stopped. And I and I was told in correspondence from the town minister that it was an assessment about all
damage to the drug. I asked for a copy of the assessment. There was none. I asked for the details of the assessment. There wasn't. the assessment that happened two months after the plowing stopped and we still do not have an answer for why that happened and why I
wasn't even informed about it happening to wake up on New Year's Day in the middle of a snowstorm and suddenly stopped and I'll say anyway that that's okay. Sorry. And then something maybe we just look into that what what occurred
there you know that's but >> we still think we the overall assessment is the best option. >> Yes I think that is the best option. I think that there was a report that there was some issue with the plow the plow driver's vehicle. That's what
necessitated it. But again if you go back to policy it states that it ends effectively at that point. So whether or not the service continued is I mean it's two separate issues. It's was there a service and if you talk to Tim Hunting
and if you talk to, you know, um Steve Sullivan, they never plowed it. But if you talk to other people, they did plow it. I don't know what's right. I I was born 35 years ago. So I have no idea what the history is. But I do know that
what we have now is not workable and that can be fixed. And I do know that an assessment needs to happen. Um, you know, how how they fixed a road if there wasn't an assessment to tell them what to fix. I don't know. You know, I don't know those answers. But I do know that
we can start the slate clean and move forward and hopefully prevent all of this from going forward. >> Well, that's why the only thing I would add, you know, I think point is well taken that if there, you know, is a substantive change in in service that
people should be notified. Yeah. You know, so that >> you don't >> No, nobody's taken by surprise or having to make or having to make arrangements >> in the middle of winter for getting plowed. I mean, I have somebody who
comes and plows our driveway. >> So, but that's a standing, you know, >> and I I did ladies slipper and we ours decided it was done. >> Okay. So, >> um let's uh let's move on. Um Haley,
you've got the action points for that for that particular thing. So, let's keep that going on our um maybe in the up if you have updates. >> Yeah, some of that stuff will keep it on our >> radar. Um >> just make sure it won't get boring. >> No, we don't want it to. We want to keep
it going. Some excitement. Um and then the next item is to Oh, the >> hand was >> We've all been through this. Thank Yes. Again, yeah, thank you um Haley for all your hard work and and the updates from
town meeting. um those are in the incorporated. A couple other things that I think need to be included, but I just wanted to get the bulk of it approved because it really um you know, we have an an updated social media use policy for town employees, which I think is
really important to have. Um and so this will lay out all the things that are important. >> I do appreciate I all of it, but I really appreciate this background here. So when you do hand them a
>> different file, right? >> Yeah, that's and um and I think I think um a paper copy T. >> Yeah, I think we're going to have to print that. And you know, and just to kind of go quickly over so it has four policies of the town, conflict of
interest, ethics, um disability accommodations, um the employee life cycle, right? So the hiring, the onboarding as an employee and then separation hopefully always positive but not always the case. Uh compensation benefits and leave and
then we talk a lot about unpaid versus paid leave and all the different there are new legal classifications for leave that have been included in here. We go a lot of detail over workplace policies and conducts. um probably boring for anyone who's not
really nerdy about HR, but it is really interesting. Um you know, putting in a complaint process for town staff so that if they have an issue, they know how to address it. Um you know, putting in a policy on how to do amendments to this policy and who can do those amendments.
And then at the back there's some of the court forms that people might have to fill out the acknowledgement. And then um KP Law had had um given us a draft of their social media use policy. So that's pretty robust. I think not something
that we previously had. >> That's in here. I missed that. >> Yeah. It's a st they did I did it as a standalone policy. >> So it's down on >> I feel like that one would change a lot based on the everchanging social media.
>> Yeah. Right. >> Starts on page 58. >> Yeah. pretty long from there. And then uh KP Law also has that I have to augment um draft use policies for artificial intelligence use and for tuition reimbursement. So some towns
have put in stipulations like if they pay for your police academy that within X number of years of employment you give it back either at full or depreciating percentage of some sort. Yeah, like that. You know, it can not always be easy to get that money but at least you have it on the books. Um
>> and I think and I think that's um from what I've had in multiple places that's you know you had to stay so many years and yeah I think it's standard you know >> and this will be a working document I mean once I start yeah using it then >> oh
yeah it is and it should be >> it needs to be tweaked or whatever >> probably after a year or so it's been in like it should know >> um >> has Donna gone over No. >> Uh, no. KP Law did. There are focus this
to them. >> Okay, good. Well, not just somebody that's a jurisd um, you know, I have the ability to make nons substantive changes just like they made a spelling mistake or something. Um, but then like I said, there is a policy. So, if we had to have something,
there's a step for that. >> Well, thank you for know the personnel committees. Yes, we were trying to work on that and it felt that one person >> and one person had the >> a full time >> like Rita when she had said something about it, one person had the the the
passion just not the time. >> Yeah. I think it's funny to note that the the initial one that I was given is like 30 pages and this is 77. >> Yeah. So it's >> the initial one you were gi >> like the little packet. >> Oh no, you mean those not even half
pages. That wasn't even It was like not even 10 pages long, >> right? >> Beefed it up. >> And from 1990, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Updated in 2012. >> It's served. >> First one. >> Yeah.
>> Yes. >> My criticism beated though. >> Is it dated somewhere? >> Well, we'll put we'll have an effective date once we vote. >> Yeah. >> Good. Good. like maybe vote in it or whatever our thing is.
>> So, I'm going to make a motion that we approve the new town of Shootsbury personnel handbook. >> Second. >> Um before I just want to tell Haley uh thank you very much from personnel board and from select board.
>> Yes. >> And all of our employees for helping with this. There we go. >> All those in favor? >> Barl I >> stalker I >> make peace so ne I have pas project. >> Yes. So um I was in contact with bond um
because we're almost at the end of our service contract and what they had offered us as a three-year extension was 106,000 give or take a year for the next three years. A lot of money. Yeah. um to there's some changes in regards to like
sampling and testing that is in there but it's not a substantial difference from what we're currently doing. So I had said to them, you know, that's you're going to need to procure that. That's not something that we can just sign off on um particularly this late in the game. Um so we'll have to start that
process, but in the meantime, there are services that we need to continue. So, they are drafting for us a um a 4month extension with a two-month renewal option. So, that at least buys us up to six months of services just to maintain
what we're doing. Um and then we can in that time be going through the procurement process and hopefully get some more competitive bids. And I had um thought to also check in with other TAs in the area to see if maybe we could do some like group bidding. Oh, that's
>> because I know this impacts other goodies as well. So, that might be an option we could pursue. Um, >> but that I just wanted to let you know that that that was the price tag. Um, I would expect that we'll see some, you know, a reduction with a shorter uh
extension, but that that's it's going to be a substantial cost. >> It has been from the start. >> So, is that does that include all the testing and everything? >> Yeah. Yeah. So, it's a package deal. package >> and that $100,000 is for what period of time?
>> That would just be for one fiscal year and then it would be about the same amount of money for the next two. >> That's what I'm talking >> that's not the next three years. >> Yeah. >> No, no. Um Okay. So yeah, >> I said months ago this is a just this PAS thing is going to it's I swear to
God it is going to be the thing that whatever the bane of this town for a long time >> and some and some um larger communities that have water treatment plants are putting in PAS filtration systems >> on there and and that's expensive.
>> Was the federal government changing the um the guidelines? I've heard that there was some. >> Not that I know of. I know. >> Oh. Yeah. surprised I just said it's good for you or something character three. I did I did talk to a
water treatment person um >> very briefly about it and he said there's far more harmful things in municipal this water this not our situation but it's it's their situation in their water um that is a much bigger
>> issues um so >> what that means I don't know I I didn't want to ask >> don't ask don't tell Um, and then we have our Rita Pharaoh Public. Thank you. >> Yes. Thank you.
>> You're very I'm gonna go get something. >> Okay. I have something I want to read. >> I'm going to read this card. This says, "Thank you, Reed. I love the whole town." >> Well, I need to read something into the record as soon as I'll make it fast.
I'll read fast. Listen though, she's >> she need a drink. >> She said you're going to reach. >> This is from beer made of >> a That's so beautiful. >> Thank you.
>> You didn't make that, did you? >> I wish I was, >> but um Okay, so I want to read this. Um during my six years on the select board, there have been challenging times and even points at which I contemplated resigning. But alas, I made it through
and want to focus on what has made me feel grateful over the last six years. First and foremost, it has been serving with two extremely capable and committed fellow board members. Melissa, you always managed to help find a path even through difficult times and with a smile
and enthusiasm that is so appreciated. And Eric, you always managed to ask the right questions, keep us on course, and add some humor to boot. You two have made my time on this board a real pleasure, and I am honored to have both of you as friends.
Board and committee members, there are many unsung heroes in this community community, most notably those volunteers who week in and week out serve on town boards and committees. I know from personal experience that they can at times be thankless jobs. No pay, no
dinnertime, grief from a select few, but you are so important to the workings of this community and help make Shootsberry the wonderful community that it is. Town's people, during the most tumultuous times during my time on the select board, I was boyed by the support
and kindness of people in town who took the time to express their appreciation for my commitment and work. You don't know how much that meant to me and it helped to sustain me through the rough patches. Town staff, we have an amazing team in
town hall. Ellen, Janette, Gail, Devon and Curtis, Leslie, and offsite um Dave and and Lenny and our firefighters, highway staff, too. I'm so grateful for their commitment and always for striving to do their best for Shootsberry. Public
employees don't enjoy many of the perks or recognition that you get in the private sector, but they deserve our thanks for always serving in the town's best interest. Singling out two staff members who I work with most closely. First, Brennan, you've been such a huge asset to the
town hall team. Your organizational skills and your ability to bring order to chaos has been such a gift and always with a smile on your face. Your work on staffing the MN spear committee was such a huge help to me. Haley, I feel like we
won the lottery when we hired you. Your tenacity, eagerness to learn, and attention to detail are just a few of the things that have made you a wonderful town administrator. So many good things have happened under your watch, and for that I am so grateful.
You make this select board's job so much easier with your excellent organizational skills, sense of humor, and brains. And finally, to show my appreciation to the board. Oh, can you run in the other room and grab that bag for me?
>> So, I don't have to leave. I have a few things. >> No, no, no. In there. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Actually, let me ship those things up. >> Yeah. Yeah. Well, absolutely.
>> Yeah. >> Sure. >> I just want to know I'm really bad at reading lips, so never try that with me. >> Yeah. Oh, I'm horrible at reading, too. >> I look at if you're like, I have no idea. >> How do you like language?
>> I do. >> You know what it is. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Um, so um so I have some things that I um wanted to leave with the board to um show my appreciation. Um and I'll unload them because I have something to say
about each one of them. Um >> Oh, okay. First of all, um I have some nuts. When you think you're going to go nuts with personnel issues, too much water over the dam or too much pest, have a few
nuts. >> I like it. >> Next, I have some Hold on. I should have had these layered properly. I have some lifesavers. And things seem to be going down the tubes. Please help yourself to some lifesavers.
At least they'll make your mouth feel fresh. >> All right, >> I have some kind bars. When you are feeling really aggravated and maybe a little feisty, get ready getting ready to say something you shouldn't. Have
yourself a Kind bar. If nothing else, it will kick up the protein in your system. And then I have some Hershey's nuggets. Sometimes you know the answer is out there and you're just looking for those little nuggets of information in the
vast sea of information. These tasty little treats will help nourish you as you search. >> Oh, I forgot when things get really zoomy animal crackers
in little packets. Lots of them. And last but not least, during these tough fiscal times, keep these hundred grand apartments in your back pocket to help fill those budget gaps that seem to pop up.
>> And that was a theme today. >> 100 grand. >> 100 grand. >> That's how we pay for feedback. >> There's many of them like like at least million bucks. So there you go. I Oh, I brought food. And now you have some food. You got to
put it in a safe place so the mice doesn't get better. >> Yes. Be the keeper. So she can parcel it out. >> There we go. >> That's nice. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. So I I think it's appropriate for us to say thank you to to Rita. >> Yes, it is.
>> You already did. >> Well, yeah, but but I don't think we'd be able to thank you enough for all that you've done for Shoesbury. Certainly. But I know I have grown working with you and the things that we accomplished were
quite some big things and and so all of that was I I really liked our team and Rita, you were definitely a great team member, fantastic to work with and I'm going to miss you >> very much. >> Um
>> I didn't I didn't know Rita much prior to to this. I mean, our paths have crossed a little bit, but not, you know, but but this definitely and and like you said, I think friends, you know, um and and while we don't always agree, we're able to the three of us always were able
to find a spot where we could easily >> I think we voted unanimously in every maybe maybe one or two things we >> there's only a couple, you know, but we always got to discuss >> that's good or bad, but >> we respected each other, you know, and
and I appreciate all of that and certainly Rita, your service and Michael's um sharing of you >> there is an in family impact. People don't understand what that is, but um but there is and and I appreciate him
for allowing you to serve as long as you did. >> Yeah. My my heartfelt thank you to him. >> Just I ditto ditto ditto. >> Is it ditto? By the way, I want a copy of that thing so a year from now I can
read the gym for a different kind of food. >> I'll I'll I'll do that part. That's physical jokes. I'll do that part. >> But um no, I feel very honored to have worked with Rita both on the finance committee for years and then so I can honestly say that we've been doing this
for a couple of decades. Yeah, >> good fact. But u that's you know and same thing I've just learned an incredible amount and I I'm always impressed like how does Rita know that but somehow you know she'll say oh well you can't do
that so and so whatever how does she know that I I don't understand that I'm like I was hiding in the back like you know don't I don't want to whatever >> I agree she's gonna be very Jim he's still listening Jim poor Jim Poor Jim
has to listen to me every But uh yeah, no, it's it's going to be it's going to be harder in some ways, right? Initially, to work with someone other than you, >> that's all. >> We got your number. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, we got your number. This Jim, he's
he's not afraid to he's live in person. >> Yeah. Make sure I get her number, too, >> right? >> True. >> Yeah. After all this, you guys, uh, Melissa and and Eric, you know, it's downhill from here >> after hearing all this. >> This is it. You're looking
>> You got your You got your work cut out for you. >> Bring me bringing me up to speed. >> Yeah. >> Don't worry about it. >> I think we'll have fun, Jim. >> Oh, I look No, seriously. Seriously, looking forward to it. Looking forward to working with you, Melissa. Looking
forward to work with you, Eric. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, I agree. You, too. Back at you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. looking forward to it. Definitely. Um, would anybody else want to say anything in the Would you like to Yeah. Okay. G would like to Oh, see. Okay.
>> I'd love to give a hearty shout out to the speaker. These three people have shown real teamwork for the past six years, balanced in dealing with matters both large and small, and showing openness and respect to the persons coming before the board. I would like especially to
acknowledging even awful fractions at times. Our child's administration is and has been a path of competent conscientious community members and I am grateful for it. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. That's nice. >> Tom, did you want to say anything about
this moment? >> I'm very grateful for Rita's service. Um, I learned a lot from Rita whenever they said that. I would be really grateful. I don't know what your goals are now free of this. Um, >> I don't know if you can write a stick
side, but if you ever offer like a memo, >> any form for um it would be very interesting and I'm sure it would be valuable. >> Thanks. Um, so >> that's an idea. Thank you. And I'll just open up to the anyone else on the screen
who want to say thank you or give um a thought or two. Raise your hand. >> Okay. No need to say thank you. I don't know what strings you pulled to make it such an exciting first year. >> Thank you for all all the learning
opportunities I've had. >> Yes, >> I still have your phone number. will be reaching out. You were the Haley. >> Little did you know with your answering, >> but thank you. You're welcome.
>> So, let's move on to the administrator report. >> Yeah. To follow. >> All right. Quick updates. Save the dates for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Board meeting on July 10th because it will be taking place in the
Quabin area, perhaps Belure Town. We're not sure. But this will be an opportunity um for people we would like to have a good healthy presence to talk about quaban equity. Um Joe Commer will be there. Other legislators will be there and if the select board and you
know obviously we'll we'll have more details as the plans get finalized. >> Do they know yet? >> Okay. >> Not yet. Um >> yeah their goal the committee's goal is to as far as I could tell is get as many people there from as many committees as we can. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So, did you say July?
>> Um July 10th. Yeah. So, it'll be, you know, that is the decision-m body that regulates a lot of um the pricing and you know, all the fairness issues. That'll be an opportunity. Speaking of water, Lake Wyola, it's almost at its
full summer level. >> Get bigger and bigger every day. Um we have to send photos to GZA, so it's really nice to to get, you know, a snapshot of where we are. um this full oil tank. So, I signed um the disposal package and there's an extra step where
there has to be some um you have to log into like a mass site and also sign off on it. But once that gets accepted by the facility, hopefully we'll be that much closer to getting it off site and out of our lives uh for at least for now. Um, and then finally, my update is
obvious hopefully most people know that our post office is still in service and we're very happy about that and a big thank you to everyone who advocated and >> you had a lot to do. It was very fun. >> And can we get a letter to our legislators from the select work? >> I will have a letter for you to sign.
Um, I just didn't get a chance to finish it today, but we will have that because I want to do one for the legislators and then then also Life Path had been a big big advocate for us. Yeah. >> So, you did a very good segment. Haley, >> there is a thank you
when the news >> the news went around that >> Oh, I love that >> that uh that the post office was potentially closing. Um I think that I think there was a little bit of
>> what a little people were a little paralyzed at that moment last Friday, right? or something when we were last noon or whatever time it to close. Um and so you took that on and said not in Shootsbury
>> and you started organizing top to bottom and you got everybody out on the common and letters and phone calls and all the way up the chain to to all the way up to the top. And so I just we want to thank you for
>> I told I wanted to sign this but they couldn't come tonight. Oh, I'll keep it in my office. >> And I appreciate it. I was Everyone helped. But I know you I know, but I know >> cheerleader cheerleader. It >> and I was very proud to tell Scott we
are 2 and 0 for post office closures in the town of Shootsberry. They've not tried it before. >> Um but it's for you. So >> thank you and thank you very much. >> There is something in it. Well, um >> there was something that piece I got
this week was >> and it was an issue in town that was not a that was not a dividing. It was actually one that brought the together. >> It was really nice. A lot of >> it had guys. >> One second. Jim, we haven't had an issue that was more encompassing. It was great
>> and that was it was >> I was so impressed by all the letters and all the phone calls and even our legislators made comments about how organized we were and on top of it and it was really great and I'm proud to have been a part of keeping that service open because
>> yeah I was you know they're not taking our post office there. >> Oh there you are Jim Go ahead. Oh, I just wondered is are are cake and gifts always a big part of these meetings, these select board meetings? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. I'm I'm
I'm all I'm all in. >> Yeah. >> There's usually some snap on the table. >> Yeah. The new the new guy has to bring it for the first year. >> We have some for a few meetings. Anyway, we >> I love those gifts where they each thing
has a has a that's >> So, is there anything else that we need to cover? Oh, there is one thing that Haley brought to me before as part of her update is um we have the um the community preservation act grant agreement um for Elliot Park Committee.
And so this is the grant the the grant um agreement that does pay for um I'm looking for exactly the purpose >> um >> the grant award they got a grant award for restoration and repair of the
structures. So we just need to sign that I'm sorry part of your thing I didn't. >> So do I have a motion to sign the community preservation act grant agreement for Elliot Park committee? So, and this is what was voted by town meeting and and we do the agreement in
order to make sure that whoever's receiving the grant knows they have three years to >> guidelines. It's a st standard agreement form that we've used before. >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor I >> stalker I
>> make peace on new life. >> I'm going to have to learn how to say something other than >> I know you are. >> Absolutely. I appreciate the long line. >> I know. I was signing all of warrants today. I didn't realize there's no room here left for you to sign. >> That's okay. I find it.
>> I got a name like that's that signature. Okay. >> Okay. So, do I hear a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Last time. All those in favor? Farrell.
I make peace. O'Neal made you make a motion. All right.