WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=gySBY1TvJVc NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: gySBY1TvJVc): - 00:01:35: Meeting Called to Order and Agenda Overview - 00:04:52: Public Comment: Questions Regarding Police Department Budget - 00:06:00: Approval of April 28th Meeting Minutes, No Edits - 00:06:35: Approval: Police Chief Search Committee Executive Session Minutes - 00:08:43: Approval: Extending Interim Town Clerk Appointment to May 15th - 00:11:07: Shootsbury Police Department: Appointments of Ernst & Gilberto - 00:16:46: Gilberto Discusses Transition to Rural Environment; Thanks - 00:19:49: Review of Old Town Policies for Revision Needed - 00:20:59: Rescinding Wi-Fi Public Use Policy Approved January 2015 - 00:22:07: Rescinding the 2011 Fuel Efficient Vehicle Policy - 00:22:58: Discussing the 2004 Animals in Municipal Buildings Policy - 00:26:43: Rescinding 2002 Kennel Policy due to Dog Officer Absence - 00:27:16: Postponing Plowing of Roads Policy Discussion - 00:28:06: Discussion Fragrance Free Guideline & Policy Development - 00:31:39: Removing Fragrance Free Policy from Guidelines; Policy Development - 00:33:15: Rescinding the 2001 Designer Selection Policy - 00:36:01: Rescinding the Select Board Policy on Seat Belts - 00:36:40: Rescinding Policy on Appointment of Non-Registered Voters - 00:37:51: Rescinding June 2000 Town Harassment Policy; Handbook Update - 00:41:30: Signing Scanland & Associates Audit Engagement Letter - 00:44:01: Discussion on the Shootsbury Post Office Closure Notice - 00:57:06: Authorizing Letter to US Postal Service; Post Office Closures - 00:58:26: Transition of Rita; MN Spear Building Committee Delegate - 01:07:13: Approval: Rita Delegate on MN Spear; Committee Responsibilities - 01:08:01: Response to Open Meeting Law Complaint Letter - 01:09:26: Updates: Controlled Dam Refill, Oil Tank at School - 01:11:17: Review and Approval of the Town Clerk Job Description - 01:14:56: Discussion of the Hiring Process for Town Clerk Position - 01:19:54: Motion to Adjourn the Meeting; Meeting Ends Part: 1 1 00:01:35.680 --> 00:01:50.640 Yeah. Well, >> a lot of dust in here. I thought a place looks so clean. >> Well, it's settling mostly on this screen, which >> you know what it is? It's got some It's um Who's a Matugi? It's pollen. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Michael is saying today, "Oh my 2 00:01:50.640 --> 00:02:09.599 god, that there's so much puddling >> and yet it's not >> sneezing." Bushes out their butt >> or at least on ladies. >> This is pine cone year too. There's a was a pine cone flush as they call it. >> Yeah. 3 00:02:09.599 --> 00:02:26.160 Which means there'll be more mice, more 12,000 pine. God, we have so many Tik Toks. >> That the Google that flew over when I was on the phone with you early. I was on the phone with her and I'm What the hell is that? There's a big pterodactyl shadow on the ground. 4 00:02:26.160 --> 00:02:45.599 >> Oh, >> I I went out and figured it out. >> Heck was that? >> So, I was going to say what? >> Um >> parent. >> Yeah. Yes, there. Yes. Yeah. >> Yeah. Know this was a I went out and 5 00:02:45.599 --> 00:03:06.879 looked. It was a turkey vulture. >> Is it 5:00 by your clock? There >> it's 5 o'clock exactly. >> Okay. So, let's call um the May 12th. It's like 4th Jud meeting to order. Um so, to review the agenda, we have our 6 00:03:06.879 --> 00:03:22.879 public comment first followed by general business. Um, approve the meeting minutes for April 28th. Approve um the police chief search committee minutes for multiple dates um from executive sessions that were held for that 7 00:03:22.879 --> 00:03:41.440 purpose. A vote to extend Matteo Kangala's appointment as interimm clerk. uh vote on two appointments for the Shootsbury Police Department Ernst Yarm Lee and the position uh for part-time position and uh Gil Escobar Ruez for a 8 00:03:41.440 --> 00:03:58.720 position of full-time police officer a web committee review of Oldtown policies for appropriateness and/or need of revision. uh sign the skate uh scan and associates audit engagement letter and uh discussion on the Shisbury post 9 00:03:58.720 --> 00:04:14.959 office a notice of closure for June 6 and then TA report >> and then do you have anything? >> Yeah, the only thing I wanted to add is the um end of my time >> transition >> transition. Yeah, the transition 10 00:04:14.959 --> 00:04:31.040 >> and kind of what we learned. And then my um I just spoke with um our newly elected select board. >> So Jim Wald so he because he was 11 00:04:31.040 --> 00:04:51.720 >> Yeah. Unexpected administrator update kind of. >> Yes, that's what I was thinking. Right. Right there. Yeah. And I thought you would Okay. You knew our complaints. Uh yeah, dated today. >> Thank you. 12 00:04:52.320 --> 00:05:10.639 >> That email today. Was that the one that was secret? >> It was emailed today. Yeah. >> All right. Um All right. So, let's start off with public comment. If anyone has public comment on Zoom coming in 13 00:05:10.639 --> 00:05:28.240 electronically, please raise your hand feature. Same thing in the room, please use your raised hand feature. Uh, Amanda, >> thank you. >> Hi. Um, I have a question about one of your um agenda items if you don't mind 14 00:05:28.240 --> 00:05:42.880 answering. It's about the police departments. I'm just wondering if these two appointments, which I assume are going to happen tonight, did the budget that we just passed at ATM 15 00:05:42.880 --> 00:06:00.880 include those two items in the salaries line for the police department or not? >> I can answer that. Yes, it did. >> It did. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Um so any other public 16 00:06:00.880 --> 00:06:20.160 comment? No. Okay. Um let's move on to our general business to approve the minute meeting minutes of April uh 28, 2026. Do I hear a motion? >> I move that we approve the minutes of April 28th, 2026. 17 00:06:20.160 --> 00:06:35.039 >> Do I hear a second? >> Second. Okay. Um any edits or comments on those? I was good. Okay, >> good. >> Um, all those in favor? Carol, I 18 00:06:35.039 --> 00:06:51.919 >> mean, I um and then the next one is to approve police chief search committee minutes for um and I'll read all the dates, September 22nd, 2025. Um and then the executive session piece 19 00:06:51.919 --> 00:07:08.319 of September 22nd, 2025. um October 7th, 2025, the executive session part of October 7th, 2025. the October 27th, 2025 and that um and 20 00:07:08.319 --> 00:07:25.599 the following executive session for the same date, the minutes for November 17, 2025 and the executive session for the same date. Um December 11th, 2025, and then the the um exe session for the same 21 00:07:25.599 --> 00:07:40.560 date. And thank you, Haley, for um for getting those done. >> Much appreciated. It looked good to me. Did anyone have any clarifications in what they had read in the minutes? >> They all look good to me. 22 00:07:40.560 --> 00:07:56.720 >> Yeah. So, we approved these. >> Then there was an open meeting complaint that there hadn't opening law complaint that there hadn't been a significant detail. >> Oh, right. Okay. I see. Um, right. Okay. 23 00:07:56.720 --> 00:08:13.120 going back to go back where she could or able um if if if so needed and so that these are right right second round. >> Yep. Yep. Okay. Good. Just clarification. >> So, can we do these all at once or do we 24 00:08:13.120 --> 00:08:28.400 have to do >> I would suggest we just do just do a motion to approve all of them at once >> rather than individually because they're really a package deal at this point. >> Yeah, do that. So, do I hear? >> So moved. 25 00:08:28.400 --> 00:08:43.919 >> I'll second. >> Okay. Um, all those in favor? Carol, I >> stalker. I >> make peace O'Neal I. >> Um, our next point of business is to vote to extend Matteo Pangalo's appointment as our interimm town clerk 26 00:08:43.919 --> 00:09:01.680 slash election administrator through uh to end on May 15th through instead of the 11th. was um that finish up the election. >> Yeah, he has um he needed a couple more days just to get all that work completed. So, >> okay. I'll make a motion to extend 27 00:09:01.680 --> 00:09:17.120 Matteo Pangalo's appointment as interim town clerk to May 15th. >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Frell I >> make I thank him for us. Yes. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, they did a great great 28 00:09:17.120 --> 00:09:34.560 job actually. I think it would be really um uh good to thank you not to both Netti, Tensson, Matteo. I thought um town meeting ran really smoothly this year. I mean the everything from the setup to um you know to the meeting 29 00:09:34.560 --> 00:09:49.920 itself. >> I wasn't there for the breakdown. So I was having a breakdown. No, >> I know. I kind of sat there myself. >> Um, but no, I I thought it went really well and I didn't hear anything about 30 00:09:49.920 --> 00:10:05.120 the child care, but I was kind of curious. There were no screaming children in the middle of the meeting. >> No screaming parents. So, um, I thought it all um it all went incredibly well and and 31 00:10:05.120 --> 00:10:20.720 >> you know, it was so well so well organized. >> Yes. was nice that everything set ahead of time. Yeah. >> Not rushing into >> and there was no no drama. >> Yeah. >> Oh, >> yeah. It was good. >> And a big thank you to Brennan, too. 32 00:10:20.720 --> 00:10:36.800 Yes. >> Everything. Thank you, Brennan. Yes. It was um >> And police department actually funded the >> Yes. The child care. Yes. Yeah. So, >> team effort. >> Yeah. It was a big team effort. and and 33 00:10:36.800 --> 00:10:51.600 Haley to you too because I know you had to you had to over oversee all of it >> but I got to delegate so that was nice. >> Yes. >> Yeah. But I think Yeah. I think it went really well. So and I did you know I 34 00:10:51.600 --> 00:11:07.200 like Nett's um the three microphones. I thought that worked out well. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> So and and next year we'll have clippers. >> It' be very cool. >> Be exciting. I'm excited. >> Yeah. Okay, great. 35 00:11:07.200 --> 00:11:23.920 Okay. Yes, it was great. Um, so moving on to two point, excuse me, for the Shootsbury Police Department. Uh, Chief Pelleter, I will turn this over to you. >> Good evening, everyone. Um, I know we 36 00:11:23.920 --> 00:11:41.360 had talked uh during my interview process about my goals for the department. Um, and one of my biggest goals was to restaff the department. And I was very fortunate to find two great candidates. Um, 37 00:11:41.360 --> 00:11:58.320 pretty much right off the bat, I got really lucky. Uh, one of them's here with us tonight. Unfortunately, um, Ernst isn't able to make it in person. He had a scheduling conflict um that there was just confusion around the time of the meeting. Um, Gilberto is here 38 00:11:58.320 --> 00:12:16.480 with us tonight. He is uh has over six years of law enforcement experience. One of them with he's uh with Okay, he changed his name. All right. He has uh six years, one one with uh Springfield Police Department and then um several 39 00:12:16.480 --> 00:12:30.000 years with Western New England University. He was also a paraprofessional um at in Springfield public schools. He comes to us with a lot of experience, a lot of good experience, community based 40 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:48.040 um community based mindset. Um so I wanted to just kind of go over his, you know, resume first and I don't know if you had any questions for him, but then I can also speak to Ernst's resume, which you guys should all have. 41 00:12:50.639 --> 00:13:05.440 >> Yep. Go ahead. >> Go ahead. Um, so with with Ernst, Erns is coming to us with a lot of years of experience. Um, over 10 years. He currently works in uh for the H he works for the Hampton 42 00:13:05.440 --> 00:13:20.800 County Sheriff's Department, but he's part of Holio uh police's community task force and he's um looking towards uh retirement. um you know and he I 43 00:13:20.800 --> 00:13:36.399 forgot to mention too uh Gilberto speaks both English and Spanish which will be a tremendous help to not only our department but a lot of the surrounding departments as we all rely on each other uh for help translating and then with 44 00:13:36.399 --> 00:13:52.079 Erns Erns speaks three languages he speaks uh English, French and Haitian Creole. Um, so they would just be excellent additions to the team. Uh, we did have I had uh initial interviews with them and then we did do panel 45 00:13:52.079 --> 00:14:09.360 interviews with um highway superintendent uh Dave Grineer, uh the fire chief, uh Lenny Zurwanka, town treasure, uh Ryan, Melissa, and Haley were all present during the board and the panel interviews, and I thought 46 00:14:09.360 --> 00:14:26.480 they went really well. So >> they did they did go really well. Yes, they did. And I can offer a couple of comments from um when I had set in with with both of the gentlemen. Um Gil was very thoughtful and very much a team 47 00:14:26.480 --> 00:14:43.040 player in the scenarios that we had talked to him about and and had a conversation with. did great triage, great prioritizing, uh good set of um focusing on community orientation and uh using discretion at 48 00:14:43.040 --> 00:15:01.639 the most most of the time rather than enforcement start there, move on. Um he definitely has some work experience that would be great with the highway and the fire as well. So there was multiple um things there and then sorry 49 00:15:06.240 --> 00:15:22.480 on her meeting for a moment. Um and then Ernst had um a great experience of community policing in Hoyok um which is a community that that is not as easil as is much larger and a very diverse community and so he was able to do that 50 00:15:22.480 --> 00:15:39.279 very well. Um he has experience with mental health, very knowledgeable in that realm as well as along with speaking both both of them speaking multiple languages and >> very much a guardian type um feel to both of the candidates. 51 00:15:39.279 --> 00:15:55.600 >> Great. It was great. Yeah, I would um I would just say that they bring really like diverse skill sets that we don't currently have. Um, I think I was especially Al Gberto, you're on the call, so I can say I was really like touched by some of the stories when you were talking about being a 52 00:15:55.600 --> 00:16:10.800 paraprofessional in the school and what kind of sensitivity you have to bring with that. So, I also having lived in a big city, I really like that both of the candidates have that kind of experience, but both are ready to kind of bring a small town approach, you know, kind of 53 00:16:10.800 --> 00:16:26.240 blend the two um >> beers together and I think that's something that this town could benefit from. Great. And two, this will give our current officers a little bit of flexibility and able to have breaks which they haven't been able to do same 54 00:16:26.240 --> 00:16:46.160 way that we would have hoped. >> Yeah, you talk in the background. Um, so I guess if I have I just I had a question for you, Gil, um, about whether or not you foresee any um, challenges in in making the transition from a more 55 00:16:46.160 --> 00:17:02.959 urban environment into a um, a very rural community. >> Um, no. Um, I like actually um, I was born in a countryside in Puerto Rico. Um, I'm an outdoor person. my wife and 56 00:17:02.959 --> 00:17:19.760 I, we like to go hiking. We we we we do camping with the girls and with the church that um that I attend to. Um and then I like to work with people. It's just it's sometimes is I think is a better environment and is in a better 57 00:17:19.760 --> 00:17:37.440 personal um interaction than than in the city when everything is like so fast pace and and sometimes it's it's it's hard to sit down and and and get to listen to somebody when you have another call that you have to go and you have to run around and and in situations like 58 00:17:37.440 --> 00:17:55.919 that, you know. Um I think it's it's is I'm looking forward and I think it's it's going to be a a good experience. >> Great. Thank you. >> Oh, I I think we have a very astute committee that's done review of everything. Yeah. 59 00:17:55.919 --> 00:18:10.799 >> And these these are both great candidates and it's really great to see the police department come back up to staff levels that aren't quite so stretched. Uh they're both both I think um Chief 60 00:18:10.799 --> 00:18:28.720 Peller and um Sergeant um Curtis Yeah. are um have have been putting in a lot of extra hours. So um yeah, good to see you. Good to see you out there. >> Good to see you while we train. 61 00:18:28.720 --> 00:18:44.160 >> Good to see you out there on Lever Road with all those people flying through town. I was like, "All right, daily battle. >> This should be a good weekend to hit all those UMass people. >> Yeah, it's moving out weekend. >> Yeah, it's like it's I mean they're just 62 00:18:44.160 --> 00:19:01.360 like flying through the center of town. It's awful. >> Yeah. So, keep it up. >> Okay. So, with that, do I hear a motion? >> Yes. Do you want to take these one at a time? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, um let me make sure. I just 63 00:19:01.360 --> 00:19:17.840 want to have the names correct. Um, so I'll make a motion to appoint um Ernst, I think it's is it John Louie to John Louie >> to the position of part-time police officer for the Shootsbury Police Department. >> Do I hear 64 00:19:17.840 --> 00:19:33.919 >> second? >> All those in favor? >> Carol I. Stalker I >> I and and then I'll make a motion to appoint Gilberto Escobar Ruiz to the position of full-time officer for the Sherry Police Department. 65 00:19:33.919 --> 00:19:49.480 >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Frell. I >> ster I thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. And I'll take a second to sign the letters before we get to 66 00:19:49.520 --> 00:20:05.919 and our next item is my agenda. Um the web committee with the old town policies uh for the appropriateness and the need for revision. I think you were the one that hold 67 00:20:05.919 --> 00:20:25.840 up to the uh >> did read through that's a couple that jumped off of it. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. I read it too. So um the total of 26 policies uh the and I said the last 16 seem 68 00:20:25.840 --> 00:20:41.120 fairly up to date and and there seem no question particularly several recent ones no question to doubt those but from 15 backward there's some real questions in mind. >> Yeah. >> So I would suggest starting with the 69 00:20:41.120 --> 00:20:59.000 town hall Wi-Fi use and going backwards. But do we have do we have all of them? >> Yeah. >> Here. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Probably in reverse order of what? >> Okay. >> Cuz I had something in >> Let's see. 70 00:21:00.480 --> 00:21:18.960 >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> So, does policy 1501 town hall Wi-Fi public use policy still pertain um as written? I mean, personally, when I read it, I 71 00:21:18.960 --> 00:21:36.080 didn't really feel like we needed it. And I also feel like now we have a a new library. >> Yeah. >> Um >> Yeah. >> Easy enough to just delete it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I don't It's Yeah. Yeah. It seems 72 00:21:36.080 --> 00:21:50.960 redundant >> unnecessary at this point. >> Yeah. >> What What year was that? 2015. So 11 years ago. >> Yeah. I'm different. Yeah. >> So, we'll So, do we have to delete it? We probably >> Yeah, we probably did. I hear a motion. 73 00:21:50.960 --> 00:22:07.280 >> So, moved um to delete the to resend resend the uh Wi-Fi public use policy of uh that was approved January 6, 2015. >> Do second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Darl, I 74 00:22:07.280 --> 00:22:22.080 general I >> second is the Shbury 2011 policy to purchase only. fuel efficient vehicles. The purpose of purchase only is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions model. 75 00:22:22.080 --> 00:22:38.000 How does this fit into our more recent adoption? >> Exactly. >> Right. So again, so our most recent one overrides this one, >> right? So yeah, >> it's electric on the other one and fuel efficient included this in the 76 00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:54.159 >> and and the more recent one also has the proviso that going with >> the vehicles that have specific requirements right >> which cannot be mentioned here in 2011. Right. >> 15 years ago. Right. >> So, this makes sense to resend as well. 77 00:22:54.159 --> 00:23:09.679 Do you want to hear? >> So, I move that we rescend the 2011 policy to purchase only fuel efficient vehicles uh which was adopted April 12th, 2011. >> Do I have a second? Okay. All those in favor? Carol. I 78 00:23:09.679 --> 00:23:26.400 >> cocker. >> I make O'Neal. >> I see 040921 animals and municipal buildings. >> Is there one that I come across too often? >> Wow. 79 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:43.440 >> Well, 2004 there wasn't the same laws about the the service dogs and service. >> Well, I mean even like I don't I don't think we do and like usually it's the library, right? Like I know they had um >> they have a sign. Let me find a dog. >> They do. Well, they have a dog visiting 80 00:23:43.440 --> 00:24:01.039 now on the second >> days or something. >> No, they had the birds of >> And they had the birds of prey. They had the animals, right? So, >> we want to take a look at this one and update it or do we just want to resend it and if we >> Yeah, because we the special events, we 81 00:24:01.039 --> 00:24:16.799 don't want the permission of the governing body. >> That would be us >> or that or we have to come to you to ask you for permission. That seems kind of silly. >> Are animals mentioned in the policy for special events? >> Off the top of my head, I don't know. 82 00:24:16.799 --> 00:24:32.559 But either way, I mean, I would still think like ultimately there's um what was like service animals that's not like that's mandated, you >> think to me it's it would be more 83 00:24:32.559 --> 00:24:49.360 >> I guess prudent to do like when how do you differentiate or what can you say if it's like an emotional support animal versus a legitimate service? Well, I don't want to know if I wouldn't say legitimate, but >> it's a different type of synthesiz, >> right? 84 00:24:49.360 --> 00:25:04.080 >> But and but in that being said, I mean, how much does that really >> do you really want to make >> dayto day? Yeah. Like if I don't know that anyone in the time I've been here, it's only been a year, but I don't see anyone with an animal. >> Our former police chief had one. >> That's true. Um 85 00:25:04.080 --> 00:25:22.640 >> that's true. We had we had Charlie. >> Oh, and there was no difference here in the screen. Thank you, Brendon. >> Yeah, that was I don't know. Do you ever vote on that? >> Go back to the last one. >> Things considered officers. So, that was different. >> Keep going. Keep going. 86 00:25:22.640 --> 00:25:38.720 >> That um police dogs are considered officers. >> Keep going. Keep going. >> Keep going. >> Kennel policy. There we go. Thank you. >> Yeah. Um yeah, an a police dog is considered a an officer. So that that 87 00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:55.440 elevated that to officers >> rather than just >> dog. Yeah. Yeah. >> Um >> um so >> I think I brought my dog in once. I did too. >> I've read this one. Um 88 00:25:55.440 --> 00:26:11.520 so I mean we could we could look at it or we could just resend it. Could we resend it and then and then revisit it and maybe look at policies and other >> um >> We'll resend it and then if we feel we need a new one. >> Yeah, maybe Brennon >> maybe Brennan could just search when he 89 00:26:11.520 --> 00:26:27.200 has time. That makes sense. >> So why don't we res Yeah, it's not a baker's food moment. Um right. So do I hear a motion? >> So I move that we resend the 2004 animals and municipal buildings policy. 90 00:26:27.200 --> 00:26:43.760 >> Okay. All okay. All those in favor? >> Frell. >> Dr. I. >> Next up is the 2002 policy on kennel policy. >> So since we don't have a dog officer and we are using the phone hog um animal I 91 00:26:43.760 --> 00:27:00.000 think we can just >> Okay. I um move that we resend the kennel policy. Um I don't there's no I don't see any date on this but um >> 2002 >> 2002 oh >> or July 92 00:27:00.000 --> 00:27:16.400 >> June. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um >> second. >> All those in I >> Dr. I um the plowing of the roads. >> Oh boy. Here we go. >> This one did we not? 93 00:27:16.400 --> 00:27:32.320 >> I'm not dead. That was something we had thought to tackle after. >> Yeah. um how quick it is, but I don't know if you might want to wait till you have your newborn. >> Yeah, we'll leave this one until I have a place. >> Yes. >> No. Yeah. >> Unless you want to make an outgoing 94 00:27:32.320 --> 00:27:48.559 stand. >> Yes. Since I live on No, I'll come to that meeting. >> Okay, good. >> As a resident of a private road. >> The next one is >> is simply the meeting minutes. 95 00:27:48.559 --> 00:28:04.840 It is. And it was not an official policy and it was labeled guideline. It's the only guideline. >> This one? >> Yes. Of the uh >> Oh, I see. G1. >> Yeah. The um fragrance free. 96 00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:22.320 my my so this has actually come up a couple times and I'm not saying one way or the other but it is practically very difficult to implement because you don't know who's walking into town hall you know hypothetically 97 00:28:22.320 --> 00:28:38.799 >> yeah so hypothetically someone might come in and maybe they've put one too many sprays on but they may not have ever heard of this policy and then I guess that puts the town staff in a position well do you like you ask that person to leave. Do you try to you know 98 00:28:38.799 --> 00:28:55.120 >> the person um >> well it doesn't even have to be chemical. It could it could be you know essential oils in some it doesn't have to be a chemical >> and we do have some staff who have sensitivities and certainly there are some members of the public. So I know it's important but just pragmatically it's one of those things that's really 99 00:28:55.120 --> 00:29:12.159 hard to how do you enforce? >> Well do we have a way of an accommodation? So let's say we have somebody who's well who either works here as chemical sensitivity somebody coming to the town hall who says I have a chemical 100 00:29:12.159 --> 00:29:27.600 sensitivity like I can't come in because there's new carpet in the town hall or whatever. I mean the accommodation could be we'll meet you outside. Yeah. >> Or we can meet you in a place where >> um say down here rather than Yeah. Like 101 00:29:27.600 --> 00:29:46.640 where you might have it. Yeah. >> So, um, >> should we let it live until we can figure out a more reason to find >> I mean, we >> This is a little weird. >> Yeah. To have this to have the minutes 102 00:29:46.640 --> 00:30:02.640 as a maybe. Yeah, I think we could guideline because it was never put forth as a policy voted upon. >> Yeah. Shouldn't we like develop a policy and and isn't it isn't it um about 103 00:30:02.640 --> 00:30:18.240 persons with disabilities? I mean, doesn't it fall under that? >> Well, I was going to say for >> what you could do is you could put for town staff like that could be a handbook policy and I I don't know if you need a 104 00:30:18.240 --> 00:30:33.679 formal policy, but we could just maintain the signage that we have that like or you know because there are signs posted that say, you know, >> right? And there were a town meeting. So there were rows where it said fragrance free. >> But I don't application. I mean I know I 105 00:30:33.679 --> 00:30:49.360 know you can't really you can't next to but >> and like you said we could always you know make an accommodation right >> using down here is a good example because it's not you people aren't here all the time. >> Well and also there's good air exchange 106 00:30:49.360 --> 00:31:05.600 down here. So, and I know I mean we know somebody who can't go into the new library because >> of the off gas and that's going to be longlasting. >> Yes. And Yeah. And then something that happens in a week >> printed books, books have off gas, >> right? 107 00:31:05.600 --> 00:31:22.000 >> Um so the accommodation would be you know Maryann could bring books outside or whatever but you know there's certain library activities that just can't she can't. Yeah. Yeah. >> Um but yeah, I I would say as if if it could be addressed 108 00:31:22.000 --> 00:31:39.519 >> in some other format other than this because this is really awkward. >> Yeah, it could be our practice, not necessarily like a formal policy. >> Yeah, but it's as long as it's it's >> documented somewhere like in the signage. >> Yeah. signage or or that it's mentioned 109 00:31:39.519 --> 00:31:55.360 in >> I think it's good to have a policy that not just the signage because inevitably somebody's going to say where does it say that >> whatever. >> Yeah. So it it there's got to be some some way I don't know that it's just the employee 110 00:31:55.360 --> 00:32:10.559 but do you want us to make because this isn't even I don't even know can we resend this if it's not a policy we could just develop one. >> Yes let's Yeah, I would say develop a policy. Let's see if we can find one that makes sense. >> Used to be something on the maybe on the 111 00:32:10.559 --> 00:32:25.600 back of the agenda when we used to print them. Becky used to There was somebody. >> Yes. >> Maybe that was a guidance for meetings, not >> he referred to it always. >> I know. Sher and >> Yeah. >> As if it were and really something, but I think it was more of 112 00:32:25.600 --> 00:32:43.519 >> So yeah. So I I think right this is just not even this isn't a policy, right? No, >> this is >> and it doesn't have the status. That's the >> Right. Right. So, >> okay. >> So, what do we do? We just >> Well, it's it's it's minutes. We can't 113 00:32:43.519 --> 00:33:00.320 resend minutes, right? Or we can take away >> But you can take it off the guidelines. >> Take it off the guidelines. Yes. Do I hear a motion to remove from the guidelines the minutes of August 28th, 2001? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? Frell. I 114 00:33:00.320 --> 00:33:15.840 >> make the sub. >> I'll remove it as a guideline. >> Yeah. >> And probably at the next meeting we'll have a false. >> Yeah. >> And then we're going to keep this on. And then the next one is >> 2001 115 00:33:15.840 --> 00:33:33.600 designer selection request for proposal policies. My problem with this is what is a designer service and what wording what what does this say? So this so there's a state law and and anytime that the town 116 00:33:33.600 --> 00:33:50.320 is required to comply with um state law regarding procurement of goods and services and for designer selection. Um, so I I'm not even sure why the town would have its own right designer 117 00:33:50.320 --> 00:34:05.919 selection request for proposal policy. Um, because already there's very welldefined guidelines as to what um, >> so this is redundant, not necessary. 118 00:34:05.919 --> 00:34:21.280 >> Yeah. So the the town administrator is the chief procurement officer. So that I don't know if that gets where that's like stated >> job description 119 00:34:21.280 --> 00:34:38.000 >> in the job description. Okay. Um so yeah I um and I think it also quotes the mass general law even more so than this does. >> Yeah. The job description doesn't Because if if any of their I don't know 120 00:34:38.000 --> 00:34:54.399 that this is reflective of what the law is now. So >> yeah, exactly. I wouldn't Right. And the law has and it has the the the procurement stuff has been updated a number of times. So we you know always we just need to be in compliance with 121 00:34:54.399 --> 00:35:12.079 the inspector general's guidelines for procurement and um and they're they have great um great charts. So, yeah. >> And is that mentioned in the job description? >> Um, >> adheres to the 122 00:35:12.079 --> 00:35:29.680 >> Yeah, it does. >> Yeah. And it's sort of given that you Yeah, that you would >> But you have to follow it. >> It does say that. I'm trying to see if I can pull it up. It does mention the chief procurement officer, which I think is sufficient. Yeah, it is because Yeah, 123 00:35:29.680 --> 00:35:45.440 because we have we have office. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. So this is really I'm not sure I when was this? So this was one. >> Okay. No, that's it's way that's when this law maybe first came out to be defined 124 00:35:45.440 --> 00:36:01.839 >> and I don't know the loosely in accordance with MGO. No, it's >> I know. No, I know. Yeah. No, I'm not sure why they even put this into um >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. >> So then I feel like this it feels like a rescending. 125 00:36:01.839 --> 00:36:23.440 >> Yes. So I'll move that we resend the designer selection request for proposal policy >> second. >> All those in >> favor that needs to move. 126 00:36:23.440 --> 00:36:40.160 >> Do I think this is the >> Atlantic? >> Do you want to make the motion on this one? >> No. >> All right. Okay. I'm not at all. Not necessarily. Um, so I'll make a motion to resend the select board policy on seat belts. >> That's pretty funny. 127 00:36:40.160 --> 00:36:55.280 >> But I mean, do we do we have it is okay. >> Good. I just wanted to double check. Okay. Um, >> yes. Okay. Okay. Everybody has to wear the seat belts. Um, want to second that. >> Did I 128 00:36:55.280 --> 00:37:15.280 make me I was at stalker another 2,000. election. >> Wow. >> Nice to have confirmation, Aaron. Right. >> We had things this old. >> Appointment of nonregistered voters. >> 13. >> Oh my god. >> I don't like section two where it says 129 00:37:15.280 --> 00:37:35.119 anyone under the age of 14 as a special assistant. >> That's really funny. Okay. I um make a motion to rescend the select board policy about appointment of non-registered voters. Somebody must have had a kid they wanted to 130 00:37:35.119 --> 00:37:51.040 >> Yeah. >> Hey voting member. >> I'll second that. >> Okay. All those in favor I >> Dr. I >> last and certainly not the 131 00:37:51.040 --> 00:38:07.599 2000. >> Oh boy. Wow, I really I this this has been probably refurbished in the world of work and policy is probably for the last 26 years multiple times, >> but I think we >> so we still had this on the books 132 00:38:07.599 --> 00:38:24.160 harassment policy 2000. Okay. And we have most recent one >> in the state is >> it's 28 years old >> 2024 but it's really 2017 text and it's 2017 text that's posted at Ammerst. We have a new one in our employee handbook. 133 00:38:24.160 --> 00:38:43.680 Yep. We have the most up to date. >> Uh I one thing that occurred to me is to include it rapid in conduct. >> Could do that. >> So the code of conduct um >> general rules of conduct courtesy response fair and treatment. 134 00:38:43.680 --> 00:39:00.640 >> Yep. >> No personal benefit confidentiality specific guidelines for board and commission reporting violations. I mean, >> so here >> make a special >> reference to sexual harass >> harassment and then signed signed by 135 00:39:00.640 --> 00:39:18.480 >> and this is signed by the employee >> and and and they're signing receipt too that they received the sexual harassment policy. Okay. All right. So I vote I mean I move that we resend the June 2000 136 00:39:18.480 --> 00:39:35.440 policy relating to sexual harassment for the town of Shootsbury. >> Second and second. >> All those in favor? >> Carol I >> Sher I that was a very open agenda. >> Yes. Really funny. And so I sent the 137 00:39:35.440 --> 00:39:52.160 >> and thank you very much personel. Yes. Handbook copy to our labor attorney. >> Okay. And so I'm just waiting for that back and then that can also go on the website that'll have all the upto-date like FMLA all those new leave acts. Um 138 00:39:52.160 --> 00:40:06.720 >> so this will be what >> that will be the handbook. So how would that be cate? It's not a bylaw. >> I would policies >> policies. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Handbook employment polic or yeah town employee uh policies. So does the 139 00:40:06.720 --> 00:40:22.960 handbook goes under our policy because it's technically yeah encompasses all the town employment policies >> that's been constructed the same way that policies are. So the >> their bylaws regulations and policies and each of 140 00:40:22.960 --> 00:40:39.040 those comes from a different body and or is arrived at different proposes and votes and stuff. So if AMBO follows the same way the policies do in terms of implementation then >> it's It's a natural >> and I think too for employees like if 141 00:40:39.040 --> 00:40:56.240 you >> I mean I don't know how many people keep their paper copy but like I would did you in Ammeris I would always just go to the website and I would always grab it and I think if you put under policies that's >> where they would look. Yeah. Okay. >> And you'll copy that when it's 142 00:40:56.240 --> 00:41:15.839 >> out. Great. Thank you for doing that Gail. And I mean it's great to get that all up to date >> and have it in place. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Fun pulling it together. I mean they were all in different places started how many years ago but 143 00:41:15.839 --> 00:41:30.800 >> I know it's looking. >> Yeah. It's really wonderful. >> Okay. >> Kind of got our fingertips now. >> I know. >> Never get people to look. >> Yes. >> Keep pointing them to their website. >> Thank you. 144 00:41:30.800 --> 00:41:50.240 >> You're welcome. Thank you. Thanks, D. >> Um, next is um the sign the scall scan scan um and associates audit engagement letter. I know they were here actually yesterday. >> Yes, they've been um they've been here. They're working. It's part of our 145 00:41:50.240 --> 00:42:05.119 financial obligations to do a yearly audit. So, I just need you to um sign the letter and then I'll get that stuffed. But, they've already been engaged with the work. Oh, there's like so the audit letter. Do 146 00:42:05.119 --> 00:42:21.520 I do we have any questions? This seemed this is our regular >> are they doing remember there was a discussion not the review it's different. >> Oh okay. >> So this is literally like they they're looking through like our books you know they're getting different financial 147 00:42:21.520 --> 00:42:39.040 documents um like ARPA reports pieces old contracts. >> Yeah. So this is more this is like a more state regulated thing. The audit review will be focused on like practice. >> Oh, okay. I see. Okay. And and there was 148 00:42:39.040 --> 00:42:54.880 I remember when it came I can't remember if you were this was during your time, but you know that the library had to do a separate >> Yes. Audit on >> that's ongoing too >> for the for the project now that it's completed. 149 00:42:54.880 --> 00:43:11.680 >> Oh, okay. Because that's state fun. >> Yes. Yeah. >> All right. Um, so I >> start that audit part of the way through before the end of the project or not. >> Marian was saying like was pulling stuff together for that. >> Yeah. I only just got the notification 150 00:43:11.680 --> 00:43:27.119 from her a couple weeks ago. So >> yeah, >> sometimes they started earlier on just because it's so much, but it's a smaller project. >> All right. >> All right. So I make a motion that we execute the Scanland Associates audit engagement letter. Second. 151 00:43:27.119 --> 00:43:43.359 >> Okay. All those in favor? Barl I >> Starker I >> O'Neal. >> They've been around a long time. It was his father who used to do that. >> I know. Yes. >> Yes. I know. Tom Scanland. God, I remember when I was a share town 152 00:43:43.359 --> 00:44:01.680 administrator in 1981 82. Tom Scanland. That's how long ago it was. Yeah. >> Family business. >> Yeah. Good family biz. Yeah. all them our frowns yesterday with them and oh let me give that to you let me give 153 00:44:01.680 --> 00:44:17.920 you these two right um and discussion about the post office closure >> yes where can I begin so I don't have a whole lot of updates other than to say that um today I spoke with Kobe that's 154 00:44:17.920 --> 00:44:35.440 the regional manager for Jim McGovern and tomorrow there'll be a meeting um with representative from the postal workers union and then I'll also be following up with um yes with Eric and I'll be following up with a rep from Senator Mary's office. 155 00:44:35.440 --> 00:44:51.760 So um and I know that people have really been heeding our call and they've been the offices have been getting lots of phone calls which is good um to kind of emphasize how important this is. The Gazette was here today. They did a piece that would be forthcoming um in the 156 00:44:51.760 --> 00:45:08.400 paper about the post office closing. Um and people have been sending in a lot of statements which is really helpful and if you haven't already, people should certainly feel free to do that. We really want to hear from folks. Um you know, advocacy efforts are always better when you have a direct quote from 157 00:45:08.400 --> 00:45:25.200 someone. You know, I could talk to our senators about how important this is, but unless I can say, "Well, this is a 15-mi round trip and I have a resident here who gets VA medications in the mail and now he's going to have to make a 45minute round trip to go pick up his medications maybe in the dead of 158 00:45:25.200 --> 00:45:41.680 winter." Um, you know, that has a lot more of an impact. So that's why it's really important for people to submit these and then I've been accumulate accumulating them and we'll share them um with all the folks who need to get them. So um you know one of the things 159 00:45:41.680 --> 00:45:56.880 that I'm hoping to do in the short term is just to get a postponement for that initial closure date. You know feel like that's really not enough time. Um so I think a good, you know, win would be to get that phone. Yeah. 160 00:45:56.880 --> 00:46:11.119 um and then continue to advocate for the full um operation of the post office. And uh can I ask you a question? So do we know what 161 00:46:11.119 --> 00:46:29.040 how much is um postal service versus the you know that's a that's a $60 million question. Um, I don't actually know, but the only thing I can know is obviously there there must have been something that happened there, but that it what's 162 00:46:29.040 --> 00:46:44.960 been reported to me is that as a leverage tactic, you know, capitalizing on any perceived issues is a is a good way to um, you know, cut costs by closing small and rural post offices. So, so that is also a part of it. Um, 163 00:46:44.960 --> 00:47:01.359 I'm sure that the truth is somewhere in the Yeah. Yeah, the guy from Marky's office, I forget his name Tom something said um he said it's happening all around the state. That's what he said. All right. >> They've had many calls from small localities around the state, 164 00:47:01.359 --> 00:47:15.760 >> right? >> So it's not just us apparently. >> No. So I I mean their communication said that the landlords didn't want to renew the lease. So they were they were 165 00:47:15.760 --> 00:47:33.359 placing the responsibility on the owner of the building where many of us suspect that postal service was using that as an excuse >> and that they're right that they do >> that they couldn't negotiate 166 00:47:33.359 --> 00:47:53.920 whatever anyway. That's >> I'm sure that was a a good tactic for them to kind of >> get out of that. But um >> yeah, I mean minimally, you know, more more time is is like this just but 167 00:47:53.920 --> 00:48:09.760 keeping keeping it it it open. I mean it's that ultimately >> the gentleman from Marky's office also mentioned that that time frame >> Yeah. is too fast by at least in his opinion by postal regulations, their own regulations. Really? I don't know if 168 00:48:09.760 --> 00:48:25.520 that's true or not, but he seemed a little vague about it, but that's they can't close one fast, >> right? In a month like how temporary closure. >> Yeah. Right. >> Right. Well, even for for um so that whole section from here, 169 00:48:25.520 --> 00:48:42.079 >> you know, what is that? Are you going north where you guys don't even have the option? You don't even >> Yeah. Eli told me I asked him today. He said he said there's about 35 or 40 town people that don't have any >> you couldn't even put up a box if you wanted to. >> They do not do rural fruit and free 170 00:48:42.079 --> 00:48:57.680 delivery down there. >> Right. Right. Past town hall like going going back. >> We never really made a big beef about it. But so >> yeah, we had a post office. >> Right. Right. Because you were always coming this. >> Yeah. I mean I think I mean that was 171 00:48:57.680 --> 00:49:13.119 logic all the time. >> But >> yeah, I don't know. Don't ask me. any logic as to why there was no delivery past the post office? >> I know. No, I know. It's crazy. >> I don't know. >> Well, they must have just decided three houses down there or whatever it was. >> Well, maybe at the time. >> At the time. >> Yeah. Yeah. 172 00:49:13.119 --> 00:49:28.720 >> Yeah. But um and I think it's And like I said to the recorder, like they didn't even notify the town independently. Like we only found out when we went to the post office and got the letter in the mail. Um so we there's I feel definitely some issues with that process. And 173 00:49:28.720 --> 00:49:45.200 >> um you know, we do have strong reps um in Congress who can help us. And like I said, I mean, the letters that I've been getting, >> they're really impactful. Um >> and um in terms of our our local um delegation, um was there something? 174 00:49:45.200 --> 00:50:01.040 >> Yeah, actually I did um >> Yes. And to Aaron Saunders. I saw him at the meeting and so we got to check in about that. So they they've all been in touch all those offices. Okay. Um, and like I said, I mean, I plan to reach out to them once I've touched base with all 175 00:50:01.040 --> 00:50:17.520 the folks to um, tomorrow and Thursday. And then that way I think we'll have a little bit stronger game plan going forward. There's just a lot of unknowns right now. >> Yeah. I mean, it's not today's what? >> I know. >> But the one thing that I have stressed 176 00:50:17.520 --> 00:50:32.800 to them again is, you know, obviously the long-term goal is to keep it operational, but we really want more time. Um, >> yes. You know, like one person wrote, "I've lived here for 30 years and now I have to go through and systematically change everything 177 00:50:32.800 --> 00:50:48.400 for 50 years and never had a mailbox at the end of the driveway." >> Yeah. And we changed our mailbox probably 20 years ago. We've been here 45 years. We always had a mailbox at the top until it got destroyed one too many 178 00:50:48.400 --> 00:51:04.400 times by the snow plows. >> Then it does the >> Yeah. And so we finally got a post office box and >> Yeah. >> And the town has one too, you know. So, >> right. Um, you know, if we had to go to drive down there every single day, 179 00:51:04.400 --> 00:51:20.559 >> you know, and you talk about how do you maximize your staffing resources if if I had to send somebody to get the mail for 45 minutes, that's not a good use of time. >> Yeah. >> And they're not open in the morning when you come through either, so you can't even sufficiently drive by. >> Right. Right. 180 00:51:20.559 --> 00:51:37.200 >> So, they all Yeah. So I think the the update really is that thank you to people who have submitted. Please keep sending them. Please keep calling cuz the everyone that I have spoken to said that you've got the pressure has to keep up and that's how you affect change. You know obviously you have as 181 00:51:37.200 --> 00:51:53.280 >> one calls to the congressional office everything. Okay. Um because as the town >> as a town we're we're spearheading but I mean every it's simple multiplication factor. what is one small group of people versus 182 00:51:53.280 --> 00:52:09.920 a whole bunch of people. >> So, are you going to put that incorporate that into your um Friday five? Yeah, for sure. Yeah. >> Is it is it worth even considering what if what if it wasn't the post office that was 183 00:52:09.920 --> 00:52:25.440 um dragging their feet, if you will, to sign the lease? I mean, do we have any power to do we don't have any power to do anything. >> We have no power over that. And you know it was suggest some somebody had suggested I don't know where come up you 184 00:52:25.440 --> 00:52:42.319 know could we use the spear building as a library but just you know trying to do a conversion in any kind of short period of time you know after all the research that we've done on the on the spear building um it would take it would just 185 00:52:42.319 --> 00:52:57.920 it would >> and you would change the building use >> it would change a building yeah right it would take us months, literally months, and and we don't have a loading dock. I mean, there's just a whole variety of >> Yes. >> Well, there's and I don't know that this 186 00:52:57.920 --> 00:53:14.079 fits with tomorrow. Ask if that they if there was another location in town that they would >> Okay. >> Would they would they >> Who who asked it? >> There's ask them tomorrow. Would >> Oh, ask tomorrow. Oh, >> because there's other solutions the post 187 00:53:14.079 --> 00:53:31.200 office could do like there's modular offices that can come in >> and they are very and they are you could have it loading dock height and you know they >> we could put something back here >> for that. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, and just to reiterate so tomorrow's 188 00:53:31.200 --> 00:53:47.839 meeting is with the postal work. >> Yeah. I know. I know. >> Um no, I'm just saying that to say that I think that'll give more insight into like what Yeah. What that kind of >> an appropriate question to ask tomorrow. ask. It may not hurt, >> but you know like honestly like you see them all over at job sites. They are say 189 00:53:47.839 --> 00:54:05.119 they very they bathrooms in them like you know they've seen them. These are not you know like >> just like a tractor trailer either, >> right? >> Um >> anyway, >> one thing too that Eli mentioned post current postmaster said that um >> he has no he has no knowledge. She 190 00:54:05.119 --> 00:54:21.119 doesn't we don't eat this. >> He sees this decision was made somewhere down in postal something. It's not the local. It's not the people in lever. It's not clear, you know, somebody in God knows where. >> So he said that's that's a 191 00:54:21.119 --> 00:54:35.599 >> but we also know he likes working in our community. >> Yes, he does. Now he'd like to stay. >> Right. Exactly. So it's not not just the post office. It's you know helping him stay where he's at. So potentially. >> Okay. Okay, Haley. More to come on that, 192 00:54:35.599 --> 00:54:52.880 I think. Um, all right. >> Should we write a letter? I guess that's my >> board. Yeah. >> Yeah, that would be great. >> Maybe the council on aging because of the post because of the male male medication. 193 00:54:52.880 --> 00:55:08.960 >> Um, maybe I'll add to Brennan's to-do list tomorrow to send a communication to the committee chairs >> and the veteran, you know. Yes. and say, you know, it would be really nice to have town officials also taking part in that. >> Yeah. And I'm sure we can make >> signed by more more than just us, by by 194 00:55:08.960 --> 00:55:25.520 the council, everybody. >> So, yeah. So if you could just draft a letter on our behalf expressing our >> distress, consternation, fury can kind of build up um you know at at 195 00:55:25.520 --> 00:55:43.440 both the you know the the short notice and um you know the the inadequacy of their solution that this does not work for our community. Well, I think part of it boils down to like the the general idea is like is the post office supposed 196 00:55:43.440 --> 00:56:00.400 to be a money-making operation and if it is probably we aren't. >> Well, it is a privately owned institution run by the government. So, right in >> I don't have a I can't remember the post office uh a postal >> that's neither here nor there. There are 197 00:56:00.400 --> 00:56:16.720 a lot of post offices that are still operating that I'm sure >> the general the one at the general store in New Zealand. Yeah. It's not a huge one. >> No. And I would say it's a it's a third place, right? Like and we don't have a lot of those in Shootsberry. You have like the library and you post office, 198 00:56:16.720 --> 00:56:33.520 but there's not a lot of like >> meeting spaces and that's it. >> We post there, right? Yeah. Send them a picture >> of the Dilman store, which >> good idea. >> This has been the town center since 199 00:56:33.520 --> 00:56:49.440 >> Yeah. I forget the year all that happened, but >> yeah, 1920 or something or whatever. >> Oh, Gail, you had your hands up. >> I was just going to say that beyond this being a building, >> the post office is like the center of the heart of the community and without 200 00:56:49.440 --> 00:57:06.319 it the community is >> Yeah. Yeah. >> That's quite a part from any building. They're structured, >> right? >> Yeah. Right. Because that conversation in the lobby with your neighbors. >> Yeah. So, um, can we just authorize, uh, to do 201 00:57:06.319 --> 00:57:21.760 that letter and then we could come and sign it? >> Yeah, I think we can do that. >> But I would also I would write that letter so that other people could sign it. In other words, should we >> Well, I think the letter should come from us and let everybody else do their own letters. I mean, I think 202 00:57:21.760 --> 00:57:36.720 >> an aging would be able to have a few points >> and we can send them a template like for like a grant application. Like you can jazz it up if you want, but >> here's a >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay, >> that's a good idea. >> Awesome. >> Do we need a phone for that? 203 00:57:36.720 --> 00:57:53.920 >> Um why don't we take one? We we because this isn't really town stuff. >> Yep. Yeah. So, I make a motion that we authorize um town administrator to um draft a letter to the US Postal Service with uh copies to our legislators um 204 00:57:53.920 --> 00:58:09.920 expressing our um >> disgust. That's a good word. Disgust. >> Displeasure. um with distress dismay >> all the dis and that >> feel 205 00:58:09.920 --> 00:58:26.079 with the planned closure of the shoots post office >> and the lack of adequate notice >> I hear a second >> second >> okay all those in favor >> Carol I stalker I >> make peace and I 206 00:58:26.079 --> 00:58:41.200 perfect before we discuss the transition of Rita to Jim um I noticed that my name spell drawing on this letter. >> Oh, no. It's an old template. >> That's okay. You can fix it and I can sign. >> Okay. Actually, all of them. 207 00:58:41.200 --> 00:58:57.359 >> Yeah. I'll refresh that. >> Okay. >> Um, so the transition plan, Rita, what is transition plan? >> So, well, last night it was different. >> Oh, it's Jane. Okay. Well, no. I you 208 00:58:57.359 --> 00:59:14.640 know, so I got that that email from Matteo. Um and >> you know, I just had to like go what >> you know this is um Did you all read it? And I and part of it was that the last 209 00:59:14.640 --> 00:59:31.280 time always insisted it was the fiscal year. >> I know every years was the >> I know I know. So um it kind of, you know, it threw me for a loop just a little bit because I, you know, one of the things I really wanted 210 00:59:31.280 --> 00:59:46.640 to um complete and and kind of complete in my um in my position as you know member of the select board was the MN spear work. So, what I was going to propose, and I 211 00:59:46.640 --> 01:00:07.599 actually called um Jim because he had gotten it from um what I was going to propose um is that much as I love you guys, um is that >> is that um is that I do one meeting 212 01:00:07.599 --> 01:00:23.040 after this and complete the work of the MN spear building committee so that this would I it just like seemed too abrupt to have like this be my last meeting and have Jim and and and Jim and Jim agreed. He sort of said, "Look, I you know, he 213 01:00:23.040 --> 01:00:39.200 was not he he did not want to get sworn in. He had other things that he it was his understanding that he wasn't going to be starting and so he said, "I have things." And and so my understanding is you don't come into the 214 01:00:39.200 --> 01:00:56.079 position until you're sworn in, right? and if he chooses not to get sworn in tomorrow then it's so he said he felt it was better for him that like a June kind of June one start date um 215 01:00:56.079 --> 01:01:11.760 >> I'm sorry >> June 30th >> June 30th well >> yeah you know I I was going to be gone kind of at the mid anyway so it it makes it easier for me Um 216 01:01:11.760 --> 01:01:27.839 uh >> so I think Rita what you're asking us is to vote to make you the delegate for the mm spear committee until that work is finished. >> Um yes that would be and that I would that I would um Yes. And I I'm hoping 217 01:01:27.839 --> 01:01:42.400 that that work is going to be finished. So we have a meeting on Thursday. We'll be really close. You know we might have one more meeting after that and I don't know exactly when that be. That might be in June. >> Okay. Um it might be because Brennan's 218 01:01:42.400 --> 01:01:59.520 away kind of at the end of May. So if if we need him there then we'll wait until he's back. Um but that Jim would be then starting at the first meeting in June as a board as a select board member. Yeah. So if everybody's comfortable with that, 219 01:01:59.520 --> 01:02:15.839 he was he was comfortable with that. I was uncomfortable with that as as I said. I just felt like I needed to kind of wrap my head around >> and he does >> the emiras too. >> Um, and you know, I I wanted to like 220 01:02:15.839 --> 01:02:30.559 pull all my stuff together and I just felt like I >> I could do that more easily while I was still a select board member. >> Um, that makes sense. And then and um I had asked I talked to Haley today. I said to her what the practice had been 221 01:02:30.559 --> 01:02:47.520 all of those years and wondered if we could find out if the town ever voted to make it because I don't know maybe we voted you know 20 30 years ago to do it on a fiscal year basis and we don't know that. >> Well that was what >> considered it had been a practice. 222 01:02:47.520 --> 01:03:03.760 >> Well it would have to be I'm reading I'm looking at his email right now and I I think it would have to be a town meeting past bylaw. So you could and you could do that, you know, going forward. >> No, I didn't know if we had >> but we had what we don't have. We would I think we don't have a by law. 223 01:03:03.760 --> 01:03:20.240 >> Okay. No, that's fine. >> Because he he checked with both council and the commonwealth's election division. So I would they would have a copy of everything that was voted. >> Yeah. I just think it it feels a little weird because the governor doesn't start. She's elected and or he's >> No, I know. And even the president I 224 01:03:20.240 --> 01:03:35.280 know I know the vice president had him in town, >> right? So, you know, and the president, you you just you wondered why was the inauguration I was thinking about that the elections the beginning of November and then it's in January, right? But this, you know, the one awkward thing 225 01:03:35.280 --> 01:03:51.119 about this, it's much cleaner if everybody starts sort of the beginning of the fiscal year. >> Um, >> but it seems like we haven't been doing >> this. We haven't been doing it correctly. We should do it, but I think 226 01:03:51.119 --> 01:04:06.720 should just give some thought to maybe a uniform start date and try to get everybody so that 10 within 10 day everybody starts like 10 days after town meeting. So there's a 10day window get yourself 227 01:04:06.720 --> 01:04:23.680 sworn in to after. So, so all of the everybody's starting on the same schedule and we do that for next year because this year Well, Tom, were you getting sworn in? Did you get sworn in? >> You were sworn in. So, you're on the planning board now? 228 01:04:23.680 --> 01:04:37.920 >> Yeah, we did it at the planning board meeting because the clerk happened to be there because >> it was Yeah, >> true. Yeah. So, so you know it's just awkward because then your your term is 229 01:04:37.920 --> 01:04:53.520 it's it's like a funny middle of May, right? I mean doesn't make any sense. You have a sorry bylaw that you just passed on the date of town meeting. >> It is known that election is done on the same day as as the town meeting. Seems 230 01:04:53.520 --> 01:05:09.680 to me a parallel would be >> those who are elected at town meeting would begin their term at July 1st and end June 30th to put it in and then it's in the same everybody would say the same date. It's in the line with the appointed officers 231 01:05:09.680 --> 01:05:24.240 >> and what we've been doing as a practice >> and what we >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. We and make it as a stated for >> Yeah. I mean we could we and we could do it that way. Um you could do it at next town meeting for this year I think. Or if we have too many. 232 01:05:24.240 --> 01:05:48.079 >> Yeah, we can do it. >> Feel comfortable with that. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. So, >> have the history left. >> Leslie, >> just going to say that my recollection is it was a select board vote, not a 233 01:05:48.079 --> 01:06:05.200 town meeting vote. And you know, people learn things all the time about how things should have been done. Possibly we could find vote in the minutes, but I don't think it's necessary because I do not believe it was a town meeting vote. Although just looking right now because 234 01:06:05.200 --> 01:06:22.960 I do recollect there was a a different reason for um doing the charts the way they are done now which is all terms and well for appointed it's all terms and by June 30 in term length up to it benefits 235 01:06:22.960 --> 01:06:38.480 I believe and um I'm just looking at the 2002 town report I'm guessing that that this the the decision was made around 2002 to have 236 01:06:38.480 --> 01:06:54.000 the elected officials um all start on June July 1. Um I'm looking for that chart. But that's all I had to say. I do not do not do not and confirm everything Matteo 237 01:06:54.000 --> 01:07:13.039 was saying that it was not ever done at town meeting. >> Yeah. >> Appreciate it, Leslie. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Oh, someone that I've been partying. >> Um, so do I hear a motion to delegate uh 238 01:07:13.039 --> 01:07:29.039 Rita as our select board representative on the MN spear reuse committee. >> So move >> until until the committee is >> so moved. >> Um I'll second that. Um all those in favor I >> make zon I Okay. 239 01:07:29.039 --> 01:07:43.760 >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you for thinking that step ahead. I appreciate that. Um, all right. So, was there any other transition business that you had thought about that? >> I I don't Yeah, I mean that was the 240 01:07:43.760 --> 01:08:01.920 biggest thing for me getting that. >> Um, so we will turn it over to you. >> Well, did you do we want to tackle that? >> Yes. But I didn't receive. So can you have >> I can um today we had um an open meeting 241 01:08:01.920 --> 01:08:21.520 law complaint come in. >> Yes. >> Let me refresh my memory now. >> Um this Yeah. So the the basis of the complaint was that when you had all met on April 14th >> Oh yeah. to review um executive session 242 01:08:21.520 --> 01:08:39.759 minutes for September 15th. Um the complaintant said that the board failed to announce the results of that um prior day review of the minutes. though I I did speak with council today and u had drafted this letter um which basically 243 01:08:39.759 --> 01:08:55.199 is saying that you you deny there was a violation because there there's no requirement in the law to announce the result of a review of minutes and the minutes have been released both to the complaintant and posted on the town website so they are available for public 244 01:08:55.199 --> 01:09:10.799 viewing and that's what I have for that >> um good >> I hear motions to sign the letter with the response to the open meeting law complaint. >> So move >> second in 245 01:09:10.799 --> 01:09:26.880 >> favor I >> Carol I >> I'll fix >> I'll have it ready for you to sign when you come and sign the letter for the post office. >> Perfect. >> And so I don't have very much I can say 246 01:09:26.880 --> 01:09:43.359 that we're still doing the controlled refill on the dam. Um I do not believe that we have reached our winter draw down level which is the goal. Um >> didn't look like it's gonna rain an inch I think >> but it did look it does look nicer rain 247 01:09:43.359 --> 01:09:57.600 like tomorrow or Thursday. So that's good. So we'll have some rain. Um yeah and then so once we reach that winter draw down level then we'll hold we'll assess um we have to submit weekly 248 01:09:57.600 --> 01:10:13.840 um check-ins with our engineer state and then if all holds well then we can refill to the summer pool level >> you have to let it sit at the winter level to see if it this depends >> okay >> I didn't know if they had like a timeline like if good to the two week 249 01:10:13.840 --> 01:10:28.800 mark we can go ahead or if >> I don't know if we're quantifying in that I would say that what what week are we right now? I would say hopefully within a month we'll be at the summer level there about. >> Yeah. Yeah. I didn't know if they had to have a certain amount of pressure on 250 01:10:28.800 --> 01:10:46.719 that that new construction to >> say that hey it's going to work. >> Um only the Yeah, only the pressure of the winter level. I don't I think I mean I would think at least a week. Yeah. >> Um for that. So So it is in progress but we're very near we're near every week. 251 01:10:46.719 --> 01:11:01.520 Um, and then a brief update on the oil tank at the school. So, I think I had mentioned that they found a little bit of crack, a little bit of oil in the crack of the curb. Um, so Tai and Bond will be back this week on Friday to do some drilling, subsurface drilling at 252 01:11:01.520 --> 01:11:17.120 the school to do additional testing and we'll see what comes from them. And then I included in your packet uh a proposed job description for town clerk so that you can hopefully approve it tonight. So 253 01:11:17.120 --> 01:11:32.480 then I can post it. Um and then after we check in about that, I have questions on what you envision for a hiring process because I think there there are two avenues we can go down. But um so basically I just modeled this 254 01:11:32.480 --> 01:11:51.920 after other towns. It's a it's kind of I feel lengthy for a job description, but it covers all the and there are a lot um you know responsibilities. >> Wow. No. >> No. So, this is created from scratch. It's using the salary range from the 255 01:11:51.920 --> 01:12:11.520 budget. >> 20 hours a week. Is it 25 hours? This seems higher than what? Oh, that's with the COA and they had done partial part of a um 256 01:12:11.520 --> 01:12:33.280 salary alignment. >> Is this an up to figure? >> Can you write up to? >> Yes. Is it seven hours or no that's But so it covers elections, it 257 01:12:33.280 --> 01:12:52.000 covers records management, covers supervision, giving and receiving. Um you know, has dog licenses. Does it have the supervisory one for? >> Yes. 258 01:12:52.000 --> 01:13:11.440 >> Yep, that's in there. Um we have for for background. So, you know, high school diploma required, bachelor preferred, you know, what's made experience being even more desirable. Uh, has the notes about being bonded and 259 01:13:11.440 --> 01:13:28.480 u notary public or the ability to obtain that status. Same with certification by the Mass Town Clerks Association. Then we have, you know, your your equal opportunity employer statement and a notice that obvious that you would have 260 01:13:28.480 --> 01:13:48.560 other duties as assigned and this is not a contract. >> I feel okay with it. >> It's good. >> Funny when you do a job description, you start writing down all the stuff you do. You're like, "Wow, like >> no wonder I'm tired at the end of the 261 01:13:48.560 --> 01:14:13.280 day." No, but it like if written sometimes it feels overwhelming, but they're like, "Wait, that just is part of the day." So, as are we ready to be able to make a motion or >> Yeah, I move that we accept the town 262 01:14:13.280 --> 01:14:31.120 clerk job description as presented. Well, as amended, who we just asked her to do as amended and amended. You're right. Good point. >> As amended. So, the it's an an up to figure and then minimum yeah hours. 263 01:14:31.120 --> 01:14:56.880 Um um and I'll second that as amended. >> Barl I Next set. So next um I said >> can we just ask one town clerk? So what h what is the procedure right now? So Matteo's the town clerk until Friday. 264 01:14:56.880 --> 01:15:11.280 >> Then what happens? >> Um so then we would lean on our assistant town clerk and certainly just delegating work between like checking the email like Brennan or I >> right >> all those sorts of things. But didn't we 265 01:15:11.280 --> 01:15:27.520 have somebody elected as an as Templar? You had elected Matteo as interim clerk. >> No, but I meant elected during the election. >> Oh, yes. I Yes. >> And I I have reason to suspect that Leslie will not be taking the interim 266 01:15:27.520 --> 01:15:42.880 role. U we did speak about that a little bit and I um you know, I totally understand that you also are working another job in town. Um, but I think one of the benefits to getting the process started is that anyone who's maybe 267 01:15:42.880 --> 01:16:00.080 interested in the the position itself on a non-inter basis uh would be ready to apply and we there there are people um who have expressed interest. So the faster we can promote the faster we can take in applications. >> Okay. 268 01:16:00.080 --> 01:16:15.840 >> And we have we have current year budget >> money that Yes. >> Okay. Yeah, there there are yeah um do that and then so there's a couple ways you can go. We could do like we did with the police chief. We could do a full 269 01:16:15.840 --> 01:16:32.400 committee. Um I tend to think that for more administrative roles like this, you could also just have me spearhead that process. Obviously, we would do panel interviews. It wouldn't just be myself, but just being the one who coordinates the process and then schedules interviews for, you know, one select 270 01:16:32.400 --> 01:16:50.880 board member and some other town employees and boards and committees. Um, I think that would probably be the most efficient way to go, but we can definitely do the the full uh committee process. >> Yes, I won't be here. 271 01:16:50.880 --> 01:17:06.239 >> You won't be here. >> So, um, not the right answer. I I had Kaylee had mentioned that to me earlier and I think this position has been un un 272 01:17:06.239 --> 01:17:23.360 the PE wonderful people have come out to help us and we're very thankful that but it hasn't been completely manned for um a a long time. >> Yeah. And so, um, I do appreciate the full search process. Um, but I think 273 01:17:23.360 --> 01:17:40.320 doing it with a panel with Haley is spearheading it. Um, if there's already people that are interested may be efficient for us. >> Yeah. So, when you say panel, um, so we would do panel interviews. So basically what I'm describing is instead of having 274 01:17:40.320 --> 01:17:56.239 the committee meet to formulate the questions to formulate all those components I would just bring that forward to a panel >> right some of those things would already be >> and I what I would suggest if you do the the panel but feel free to yeah reject 275 01:17:56.239 --> 01:18:12.480 this um choice >> um is having somebody other you know having somebody who um it is is used to the public >> facing >> facing. Yeah. >> Mhm. 276 01:18:12.480 --> 01:18:30.000 >> Yeah. So, and I can definitely come back once we know who we might want to interview. I can definitely come back and take recommendations or you know or propose a a panel. >> Yeah. And and um maybe maybe the letter town clerk might sit in on those. >> Yeah. Yeah. She would actually be 277 01:18:30.000 --> 01:18:44.080 >> Yeah, or or another town. But yeah, >> she interacted with our public. >> Yeah. >> Or at least some >> or we have number x town clerks in town. >> That's true. >> Yeah. 278 01:18:44.080 --> 01:19:00.880 >> Um Yeah, that's you know. Yeah. No, I I you like that idea. >> That does do we should we make a vote on a panel or just more of advisory? >> Just advisory. >> Okay. >> I know. I It worked really well with, 279 01:19:00.880 --> 01:19:17.520 like I said, the last two police um things. I think you sat on a couple panel ones with the police. >> I think so. >> Set on panel one. >> It wasn't this. >> It's good. You know, you get different people. You you want different people to see the candidate. I just think for like 280 01:19:17.520 --> 01:19:35.199 the leg work part can simplify. And then certainly like we could do a panel and if the board wanted to bring that person in for another for like an on camera interview, you'd still have that option too, >> right? And maybe that's what maybe that's about panel finalists on the select board. Yeah. 281 01:19:35.199 --> 01:19:54.400 >> Okay. >> That's all I had. Okay. >> All right. Anything else where we still have one more meeting you? >> Yeah. >> Watch out. >> That's why I had to do one more meeting 282 01:19:54.400 --> 01:20:13.520 because I wasn't there. Yeah, >> you guys just didn't give me enough time. >> I have to get the food ready and the pine farts and you know it's like all your snacks. 283 01:20:13.520 --> 01:20:26.679 >> So I guess with that do I hear a motion to adjourn? >> So move. >> Second. >> All right. All those in favor I keep I thank you for coming in.